According to Enrollment Management Association (EMA), over 70,000 families and students take the SSAT annually. In order to help families who are impacted by COVID19, EMA has developed an At Home SSAT. This test is the exact same assessment that would be given in a National Testing Site, but can now be taken in your family's home.
The below information is taken directly from EMA's Website.
What is the SSAT at Home? The SSAT at Home is the same standardized test as the SSAT but is delivered digitally via a secure web application to test takers from the convenience of their homes using remote proctors, artificial intelligence, and data forensics.
Why is EMA offering the SSAT at Home?
At EMA, we are committed to supporting our members and families by offering innovative products and services, as well as supporting them with flexible, convenient, and safe, digital test options. The SSAT at Home allows families a solution to test during the COVID-19 pandemic or any other world health situation that would prevent them from testing in a test center.
How is the SSAT at Home different from the paper-based SSAT? The SSAT at Home is the same as the SSAT paper-based test but is delivered digitally via a secure web application to test takers from the convenience of their homes using remote proctors, artificial intelligence, and data forensics.
How will the SSAT at Home scores be reported and how soon after testing? The SSAT at Home scores will be sent to both families and schools and posted in the same manner as the paper-based SSAT. Scores will be released approximately two weeks after testing.
Is this a permanent test option or will it have a limited timeframe? The SSAT at Home will have limited test administrations available in spring and summer 2020 in order to help families still looking to apply to independent schools. It will become a permanent test option starting in fall 2020.
Is there any difference in scoring between the SSAT at Home and the paper-based SSAT? No. This is still The SSAT. The scoring process, equating procedure, and score scale will be exactly the same.
What policies or safeguards will there be to ensure test integrity and security? The SSAT will be conducted with live, remote proctors; artificial intelligence (AI); and data forensics, such as facial recognition technology and video recording. Proctors will check the student's identity and monitor activity for any suspicious behavior. The AI will flag any possibilities for cheating, including but not limited to opening additional browser windows and running other software.
What accommodations will there be for students with disabilities, including students who require support services? EMA will support students requiring testing accommodations just as with the paper-based SSAT.
Is the SSAT at Home test offered on demand or is there set a schedule? The SSAT at Home will be offered on specific test administration dates and times, which will be posted through the registration process.
Is the SSAT at Home only offered in English or is it also offered in another language? Currently, the SSAT at Home is only offered in English.
What type of devices can be used for home testing? Can it be taken on a smartphone? Can it be taken on a Mac computer? PCs or Macs (laptops or desktops) with broadband internet and webcam capabilities can be used for home testing. Cell phones and tablets are not supported. Options will be made available to students who do not have access to computers.
What makes the SSAT at Home test better than or different from other tests? The SSAT at Home increases test availability and options to families.
What if students have technical issues during the testing? Remote proctors will be available to assist students throughout testing. If any connection issues arise, the proctor will work with the student to get back online and continue the test. EMA will work with students if they experience a technology issue that prevents the completion of testing.
How do students sign up for the SSAT at Home? Options to sign up for the SSAT at Home will be available through the registration process. When a parent or guardian signs into their account, they will be able to register for any available test seats.
How will EMA deliver the SSAT at Home test? The SSAT at Home is the same standardized test as the SSAT but is delivered digitally via a secure web application to test takers from the convenience of their homes using remote proctors, artificial intelligence, and data forensics.
Is the test fee for the SSAT at Home different from the paper-based SSAT? For students registered or registering for a test by July 31, 2020, the test fees will be the same as the paper-based SSAT and fee waivers can be used for the SSAT at Home. EMA remains committed to ensuring that our test fees are also accessible for the 2020-21 test season.