Admission Process
As of September 2007, UTS requires that all students take the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) for both the Foundation I (Grade 7) and Upper level (Grades 9 & 10) applicants. We will continue to have a Stage II which includes an interview and additional testing (including mathematics). The written portion of the SSAT will be used to assess students who have proceeded to stage II.
Many families ask about the "cutoff mark" for the SSAT results. Because our pool of applicants changes each year, an exact score is difficult to predict. However, for the 2009-10 school year the lowest overall scaled score for Grade 7 was 1941; for Upper level it was 2200. For the 2010-11 school year the lowest overall scaled score for Grade 7 was 1920; for Upper level it was 2172.
*Scaled scores are calculated by using a formula that translates the number of right and wrong answers into a score for each test edition therefore compensating for differences in difficulty. Total scaled scores include each of the test areas: verbal + quantitative + reading comprehension. Refer to this SSAT link for more information about reading test scores: http://www.ssat.org/ssat/info/How+to+Read+Scores
The following information may help you better understand the SSAT.
What is the SSAT?
The Secondary School Admission Test consists of five parts: a written sample and four multiple choice sections: two quantitative, one verbal and one reading. The test is normed to the student's grade and gender.
Why the SSAT?
The test measures student academic ability as well as evaluating the ability to think logically and solve problems systematically. It provides a common measure for evaluating the abilities of all students seeking admission to the school, regardless of background or experience. The SSAT Board is committed to the use of data in the admission process and provides schools with a variety of reports.
When?
The SSAT is offered in many locations at different times, beginning in October. Students may take the SSAT at a variety of schools throughout Ontario (and around the world). It is highly recommended that you apply early as spaces do fill up fast. NOTE: UTS will recognize only one test result; in other words, students will be disadvantaged by taking the test more than once. Please familiarize yourself with the SSAT website: www.ssat.org which will provide you with more detailed information.
How?
Online registration at www.ssat.org/ontario is the most convenient way to apply however, it is still possible to mail or fax an application to SSAT.
Preparation
The difference that coaching can make in test scores is relative to the student's sophistication in test taking, which can improve in a relatively short period of time with appropriate practice. It is to the candidate's advantage to review the sample questions on the SSAT website. As well, you may want to purchase the Preparing & Applying Guide that walks students step-by-step through the testing process. The guide provides "a useful way to become familiar with test format" and "may also help alleviate test-related anxiety".
Don't spend all of your money on preparation courses. UTS does not endorse taking any courses although we know many families choose this method of preparation. There is no documented evidence that extended test preparation will increase test scores by more than 10%.
Fee Waivers
If economic hardship makes it difficult to pay the $110 test fee, you may be eligible to receive a SSAT Fee Waiver. A limited number of waivers are available from the Admission Office. Please note that this fee waiver covers only the national test (ssat.org) and not those offered by the Ontario Consortium (ssat.org/Ontario). For more information refer to http://www.ssat.org/flex
If you have further questions about the SSAT, refer to the website at www.ssat.org.
