How to Prepare for the SSAT - Math Section

How to Prepare for the SSAT - Math Section

October 21, 2024

The SSAT Math section generally covers a wide range of topics, but the difficulty level isn’t very high, making it one of the sections where students can aim for a high score. It doesn’t require mastery of complex calculations or advanced problem-solving techniques. Instead, the focus is on a solid understanding of basic concepts and the ability to analyze real-world problems. The section emphasizes two key areas: math-specific vocabulary and comprehensive coverage of various mathematical topics.

For students of different age groups, the topics vary slightly:

Elementary Level: Fewer topics, simpler content.

Middle and Upper Levels: More topics with some overlap and areas of greater complexity.

SSAT Math Question Types:

The SSAT Math section consists mainly of two types of questions: quantitative reasoning and applied word problems. Both types of questions are multiple-choice with five answer options. The scope of the test is broad but not deep, covering topics such as:

    • Classification of real numbers and basic arithmetic operations (Numbers & Operations)
    • Positive and negative numbers (Positive Numbers & Negative Numbers)
    • Odd and even numbers (Odd Numbers & Even Numbers)
    • Prime and composite numbers (Prime Numbers & Composite Numbers)
    • Factors and multiples (Factors & Multiples)
    • Converting between percentages, fractions, and decimals (Percent, Fraction & Decimal Conversions)
    • Scientific notation (Scientific Notation)
    • Exponents and radicals (Exponents & Radicals)
    • Polynomial and rational operations, as well as factoring (Polynomials & Factoring)
    • Sequences (Sequences)
    • Basic plane geometry and some solid geometry (Geometry)
    • Perimeter, area, surface area, and volume of geometric shapes
    • Similar shapes
    • The Pythagorean theorem
    • Cartesian coordinate system (Coordinate Systems)
    • Elementary algebra (Algebra)
    • Basic functions (Functions)
    • Introductory data analysis (Data Analysis)
    • Basic probability (Probability)
    • Defining new operations (Defining New Operations)

The word problems cover a wide range of topics (items 1–13 in the list above) and test students’ ability to understand and solve real-life problems, such as profit and discount problems, time and efficiency calculations, and speed and distance problems.

Math Preparation Tips:

For most students, the SSAT Math section covers fairly basic concepts, and preparation does not require extensive time if students already have a solid foundation. However, consistent practice is key. Students should complete regular practice exercises to become familiar with the question types and maintain accuracy under time pressure.

Preparation strategies will vary depending on the educational background:

Considerations for North American Test-Takers:

North American students, or those from English-speaking backgrounds, are typically more comfortable with the language of math problems. Their primary focus should be on reviewing any gaps in mathematical knowledge and improving calculation accuracy.

Considerations for Non-Native English Speakers:

For students from some non-English-speaking countries, maybe a solid foundation in basic arithmetic is often present. However, since learning progress might be slower in some areas, certain concepts (such as negative numbers for Middle Level students) may not have been introduced in school yet. These students need to allocate extra time to learn new topics. Additionally, non-native speakers should focus on learning math-specific vocabulary and general English vocabulary to reduce barriers to understanding word problems.

Another challenge for students is that word problems make up a significant portion of the SSAT Math section. These problems often contain unnecessary details that can confuse students. It’s essential to develop the ability to quickly identify key terms and extract relevant information.