OLSAT Scores Explained, Understanding Your Child's Scores
Learn about how the OLSAT is scored and how to interpret your results. TestPrep-Online can help your child improve his/her OLSAT score with online practice tests, hundreds of sample questions, and helpful study guides.
General OLSAT Info
Dear parent,
If your child needs to retake the OLSAT to improve his or her score, you may find our Family Membership helpful. With our Family Membership, your child will be able to practice all the OLSAT Levels, from Level A up to Level G. Our OLSAT practice materials contain full-length accurate OLSAT simulations with detailed solutions, practice quizzes, and video tutorials.
What is a good OLSAT Score?
There is no such thing as a "good" score on the OLSAT - it all depends on the context. When it comes to gifted programs, the qualifying score may vary from one to the next. Typically, a gifted child falls two standard deviations above the mean. Given that the mean is 100, and the standard deviation is 16, this equates to an SAI score of 132.
Gifted schools and programs vary in their admission requirements. As stated above, a score of 132 could be considered a typical cutoff score for gifted programs. This means that gifted programs generally require a student to score in the top 1-3%, or above the 97th percentile. Find out more about gifted testing and programs in your local school district.
How Are Scores Calculated?
The OLSAT is scored in three basic steps:
- Raw Score: The raw score is calculated by adding up the total number of questions answered correctly. For example, if your child answers 45/60 correctly, their raw score is 45. The score report will include a raw score for the verbal and nonverbal sections (each out of 30) as well as the overall raw score (out of 60).
- School Ability Index (SAI): The raw score is converted using the School Ability Index (SAI). The SAI score is determined by comparing scores of children within the same age group. The maximum SAI score is 150. The average SAI score is 100, and the standard deviation is 16.
- Percentile Rank: The SAI score is used to determine an overall percentile rank. This score compares your child to other students in the same age group. For example, if your child ranked in the 85th percentile, it means they scored as well as or higher than 85% of children within the same age group.
When Will I Receive My Child's Scores?
You can expect to receive your child’s OLSAT scores in the mail about two months after the test is taken. OLSAT score reports are detailed and will give you an idea of whether or not your child qualifies for a gifted program.
OLSAT Score Distribution
The graph below details OLSAT score distribution.
*The above information was taken from "Essentials of Psychological Testing" by Susana Urbina.
| SAI Range | % of Population |
|---|---|
| 132+ | 2.27% |
| 116-132 | 13.59% |
| 84-116 | 68.26% |
| 68-84 | 13.59% |
| Below 68 | 2.27% |
Is the OLSAT an IQ Test?
No, the OLSAT and IQ tests measure different aspects of a person's abilities. IQ tests are designed to give a general idea of all the cognitive abilities and general intelligence possessed by a student. While OLSAT tests are designed to measure specific cognitive abilities that are more related to academic potential.
Preparing for the OLSAT
The OLSAT is a difficult test, and with competition for gifted programs at an all-time high, it is important that your child be prepared for test day. Our age-specific, comprehensive study packs include practice tests, sample questions and study tips to ensure that your child is ready for the test. Learn more about how to prepare for a G&T test.