DC’s k-8 gave access to TestInnovators to all 8th graders (actually, starting spring of 7th) for the SSAT and HSPT. DC liked the platform well enough that I bought SAT prep through them this year, now that DC is a junior.

I've had three kids take the SSAT -- two were tutored individually and the third did work through a prep book and practice. Honestly, our third kid had the best outcome. I think it's kid specific but if you can get away with having your kid work on vocab at home and practice sections online or in a book, that will go a long way. I did find that scheduling a tutor was the only way I was going to get my first two to focus on it so no judgment there.

John Jones through Prep Matters. He is excellent.

Susan Feldman worked with both of my kids -- she's awesome!

We worked with Kathy McIntosh through the Capital Learners group and had a fantastic experience. She truly knows the ins and outs of both the SSAT and HSPT and helped us navigate the process.

Anonymous wrote:What about test innovators? Any good?

Our DC used Test Innovators to become familiar with the SSAT for MS, and it was a great deal. They offered (pre-pandemic, at least) for extra a live video session on SSAT-specific test taking strategies, which probably was more valuable than the rest of the program. We (kid and parents) did not have the time or energy to do more than have our DC get familiar with the exam and take a few practice tests. If your kid already knows enough of the substantive material and just needs to get into the right mindset and approach, it's perfect.

Test Innovators, of course, is web based, and a kid/family with sufficient discipline could get just as much out of good test prep book at a fraction of the cost. As someone else noted, you can get official practice tests, too. But the online program took out a lot of the drudgery (scoring, highlighting wrong answers that needed review, etc.), and that was worth the cost.

Good luck.

What about test innovators? Any good?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of the most reputable test prep won't prep the SSAT.

I have never heard this. I think you are talking about the PSAT, which is taken junior year for NMF, not the SSAT, which is taken for admission into middle school or high school.

Are schools using the SSAT this year? I got the sense most were doing in house testing again. May want to check the specific schools in which your kid is interested.

Most schools are going back to SSAT and a lot of places do prep for SSAT. I just registered my DC last week for one on one tutoring. Try Huntington Learning or Prep Matters or Compass Education, etc.

Anonymous wrote:A lot of the most reputable test prep won't prep the SSAT.

I have never heard this. I think you are talking about the PSAT, which is taken junior year for NMF, not the SSAT, which is taken for admission into middle school or high school.

Are schools using the SSAT this year? I got the sense most were doing in house testing again. May want to check the specific schools in which your kid is interested.

Pay the extra for the online practice tests when you register plus Princeton Review prep & techniques book is really good.

Our kids had a good experience with SAT prep through Chevy Chase Tutoring: http://chevychaseprep.com/services/standardized-tests/ They also do SSAT prep.

I also was curious about SSAT prep and also what each school's individual test is like? Is there a way for kids to practice? What kind of essays do the kids write? Any tips for getting a kid ready?

curious why test centers wouldnt prep for a test?

A lot of the most reputable test prep won't prep the SSAT.

Hello
Looking for recommendations to orient my child for the SSATs. Any personal recommendations are welcomed. Thank you so much!