How to Pass the OLSAT Level D Test in 2024

What Is the OLSAT Level D Test?

The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) is an aptitude test published by Pearson Education.

It is often used to identify gifted and/or talented students for entry into advancedor talented programs.

The test has reasoning questions that test reasoning skills.

The test is given to students from pre-K to 12, consisting of 21 questions for seven different levels:

• Level A – Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten
• Level B – 1st Grade
• Level C – 2nd Grade
• Level D – 3rd Grade
• Level E – 4th and 5th grades
• Level F – 6th, 7th and 8th grades
• Level G – 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades

The OLSAT 8 Level D is given to those in the 3rd grade and focuses more on verbal skills, including comprehension and vocabulary.

Younger grades are given the test on a one-to-one basis, while older groups take the test in a group setting.

What to Expect on the OLSAT Level D Test in 2024

The OLSAT grade 3 test is 50 minutes long and consists of two sections with 64 questions in total. There are 32 verbal and 32 non-verbal questions.

In the Verbal Comprehension section, you'll encounter questions about vocabulary, understanding what you read and finding similarities between things.

• Verbal Reasoning involves solving puzzles and problems using words and logic.
• Pictorial Reasoning tests your ability to solve visual puzzles and find patterns in pictures.
• Figural Reasoning assesses your spatial skills, like figuring out how shapes fit together.
• Quantitative Reasoning involves solving math problems and finding number patterns.

Students can make use of an OLSAT practice test online and test prep materials to help them become familiar with the format and content of the exam, ultimately improving their performance.

Please note, students are not allowed to bring any personal items or resources to the OLSAT test 3rd grade.

It's important to check with the administering organization or school for specific guidelines regarding what is permitted.

Generally, students are provided with all necessary materials, such as pencils or answer sheets, during the test.

It's advisable to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep, eats a nutritious breakfast and arrives at the test location on time, prepared and focused for the assessment.

How Is the OLSAT Test 3rd Grade Scored?

When the OLSAT 8 level D test is first graded, a student is given a raw score, which is the number of questions with correct answers out of the total number of questions.

There will be a raw score for each of the two sections, as well as a total raw score out of 60. The raw score is converted into a School Ability Index (SAI) score.

The SAI score compares the raw scores with others in the same age group. It is a normalized score with an average of 100, a standard deviation of 16 and a maximum score of 150. The SAI score determines which percentile students fall into.

The SAI score is used to calculate a percentile rank. Your child’s score is compared to other students in the same age group. If your child scored in the 75th percentile, they scored as well or higher than 75% of children in the same age group.

Gifted children typically achieve an SAI score of 132; however, the qualifying score can vary from one program to the next.

Parents can expect a score report approximately two months after the OLSAT Grade 3 test is taken.

OLSAT Level D Sample Questions

The OLSAT Level D test looks at four different areas, including Verbal Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Figural Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.

Each area has some subsections to consider.

Here is an OLSAT practice test (3rd grade), divided into relevant sections.

OLSAT Level D Verbal Comprehension

This group of questions looks to assess a child’s understanding and identification of antonyms (words with opposite meaning.) It also assesses vocabulary.

OLSAT Level D Sentence Completion

As part of the OLSAT test (3rd grade), children will need to complete sentences showing that they understand the relationships between words and ultimately making the sentence make sense.

OLSAT Level D Sentence Arrangement

Children are assessed on their ability to arrange a series of words in sentences. There needs to be an understanding of relationships between words.

OLSAT Level D Verbal Reasoning

• Arithmetic Reasoning – The OLSAT 8 level D test includes questions involving numerical reasoning and logic that will assess a child’s problem-solving abilities. The questions also look at a child’s ability to predict outcomes, infer number relationships and deduce computational rules.

• Logical Selection – Children need to be able to complete sentences using simple logic.

• Word and Letter Matrix – With a chart of words or letters, children must be able to choose the missing piece.

• Verbal Analogies – These questions assess the child’s understanding of the relationship between two words, as well as finding a second pair of words that similarly relate.

OLSAT Level D Verbal Classification

Students taking the OLSAT Grade 3 test must be able to look at a group of words and choose the one that does not belong.

OLSAT Level D Figural Reasoning

• Figural Classification – Children must determine which image does not fit with the theme or pattern in the group of images.

• Figural Analogies – Figural analogies look at a child’s ability to identify similarities between figures. Your child must identify which figure is like the original figure in the question.

• Pattern Matrix – Children taking the OLSAT level D test need to fill in the missing item in a 3 x 3 matrix grid that will contain sequences and patterns.

• Figural Series – These questions look at a child’s ability to determine the next step in a pattern of geometric shapes. There will be four consecutive shapes ordered in a pattern or theme, and the fifth shape needs to be determined.

OLSAT Level D Quantitative Reasoning

• Number Series – Children must fill in the missing item in a series by understanding the pattern in a sequence of numbers or letters.

• Numeric Inference – These questions look at one’s ability to understand the relationship between groups of numbers.

• Number Matrix – Children must fill in the missing number in a matrix of numbers. The matrix runs 3 x 3 and contains patterns and sequences. The missing number must complete the pattern or sequenc

Taking a test can be difficult for a child, especially if they are anxious or unprepared. The following tips should put your child in a good position to do their best.

Other Ways to Prepare for the OLSAT Level D

• Discuss answers – Discussing the answers your child has selected and how they decided on them will help you gain some insight into their thinking and possible areas of improvement and guidance.

• Use a study plan – Encourage your child to study a bit more independently by creating a study plan of what needs to be studied, when and for how long. This will give your child a sense of control over their test performance.

• Offer study tips – Pass on any study tips you have to your children. Remind them to use the process of elimination when deciding on an answer and underline the main points when studying.

• Look after their wellbeing – All the studying in the world will not help if your child does not have good sleep habits and a nutritious diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The OLSAT Level D can be a difficult test. Because it is offered at so many different levels, there is no rush to have your child take it at a young age.

Taking it a bit later gives more time for preparation and study.

The use of practice tests, good study habits and a good understanding of the test makeup and questions can help your child do well.