SSAT Writing Sample: Is it Important?
The SSAT, or Secondary School Admission Test, is a comprehensive test used for evaluating students who wish to apply to private school. It is made up of 5 sections that assess students’ quantitative, verbal, comprehension, and communication skills. While the structure of the test is relatively straightforward and cohesive, there is one section that is a bit different from the others: the Writing Sample. Not only is this the only open-ended portion, but it is also not counted in the final SSAT score.
If you are raising your eyebrows right now because you thought that the test you’re taking doesn’t have a writing portion, you may have gotten the SAT and SSAT mixed up. Check out our post about their differences here. If you’re in the right place, let the team from Aegis share with you what we know about the Writing section and why you should definitely not overlook it despite its differences from the rest of the exam.
What is the Writing Sample?
The writing sample is one of five sections on the SSAT. It is the first part of the exam that students will sit through and has a time constraint of 25 minutes. Students must write an essay in response to a prompt. Upper Level testers must choose between a personal and general essay prompt, whereas Middle Level testers choose between a personal and creative essay prompt. Below is a pair of sample prompts students may encounter on the Upper Level SSAT:
Please choose one of the ideas and write a story using the idea in your first sentence:
- What did a parent tell you to do that you now wish you had done?
- It was a pleasant surprise.
Regardless of the prompt chosen, students must be prepared to utilise everything in their writing toolkit, including but not limited to legibility, conciseness, adherence to the prompt, and style.
The Value of the Writing Sample
Though the writing portion of the SSAT is not graded, don’t be too quick to assume that no one will see it. It is just as important as the other graded sections! Though it doesn’t count to your numerical score, schools will receive a copy of your writing along with the rest of your test papers and evaluate it thoroughly. The internal evaluation process of the writing sample varies by school, but in general they will be looking to see if the student meets the expectations for their grade level.
Believe it or not, some admissions members place more value on the writing sample than the supplementary application essay. This is because the writing sample is conducted in a timed environment, where intensive editorial revision is not available. Students must be creative and thorough on the spot, which leads to very authentic writing. Thus, admissions evaluators can gain valuable insight into the student’s abilities through their writing sample.
How to Write a Stellar Essay
- Review sample prompts beforehand
There are many example prompts available online. Becoming familiar with the style of questions asked will give you a better idea of what to expect on the SSAT.
- Choose a suitable prompt
While there is no one way to pick the “right” prompt, we suggest that students pick the prompt that is the most relevant to their personal experience. Having a personal connection to the story allows for the most natural brainstorming which in turn produces the most authentic writing.
- Manage your time
You will only have 25 minutes to plan, write, and proofread. Make sure you keep this in mind when you start the test, as you do not want to get carried away planning, and leave no time to proofread for careless grammatical mistakes. As the time limit is quite short, you will likely not have time to create a full draft.
- Follow a clear essay structure
As with all academic writing, your writing sample will have to follow a logical framework. The evaluator must be able to identify clearly the beginning, middle, and end of your essay. Try to incorporate an interesting hook in the beginning, substantial evidence in the middle portion, and a resounding conclusion.
- Stick to the prompt
It’s crucial to stay on topic, especially while writing a short piece. Constantly remind yourself what the prompt is asking, and make sure that you relate all of your evidence back to the question at hand. The concluding sentence should restate the prompt in some way.
Conclusion
In order to leave a lasting impression on the admissions officers of your desired school, you must not overlook the writing sample. To write a strong essay, you must manage your time wisely, strengthen your writing skills, and do a thorough review before submitting your work. Don’t forget that the evaluators value your authenticity. Contact Aegis Advisors today for help preparing for the SSAT writing sample and other sections!