When parents start looking into gifted and talented programs for their kids, the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) often pops up as a key player. This test is widely used to assess a child’s reasoning and problem-solving skills—the kind of stuff that goes beyond what they’re learning in the classroom. Whether you’re a parent curious about your child’s cognitive abilities or prepping for school admissions, knowing what the OLSAT is and how it works can make a big difference.
So, What Exactly Is the OLSAT?
The OLSAT is a multiple-choice test designed to measure cognitive abilities. Think of it as a way to see how kids reason and make connections rather than just testing what they already know. Schools often use this test as part of the selection process for gifted and talented programs, and it’s given to kids from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade.
The test is split into two major sections:
✅ Verbal Reasoning – This covers skills like understanding relationships between words, following directions, and logical thinking based on language.
✅ Nonverbal Reasoning – This focuses more on abstract thinking, like spotting patterns in shapes, solving puzzles, and figuring out sequences.
But that’s not all—there are 21 different subtests within these categories, each assessing specific skills like sentence arrangement, figural analogies, pattern matrices, and numeric inferences. Basically, the OLSAT is a deep dive into how kids think, not just what they’ve memorized.
How Is the OLSAT Used in Schools?
The OLSAT is used across the U.S., but New York City has its own unique way of handling it. In NYC, the test has historically played a big role in identifying gifted students, but in 2012, some major changes were made.
Adjustments in NYC’s Gifted and Talented Program
Originally, the OLSAT made up two-thirds of a student’s score for gifted program admissions. But in an effort to reduce the advantage of test prep, the NYC Department of Education (NYC DOE) decreased its weight to one-third and introduced the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) as the more dominant factor.
Why? Because the OLSAT is easier to prep for, giving kids with access to tutoring an unfair advantage. The NNAT, which focuses more on abstract reasoning, was seen as a fairer way to assess raw cognitive ability. While this change was meant to level the playing field, some parents were not happy about the reduced importance of the OLSAT.
Despite these shifts, the OLSAT still plays a role in NYC schools, just not as much as before.
Why Does the OLSAT Matter?
The OLSAT isn’t just about getting into a special program. It gives parents and teachers insight into how a child’s mind works. A strong score can open doors to advanced coursework, smaller class sizes, and more challenging projects that help kids reach their full potential.
That said, the test isn’t everything. It’s a snapshot of a child’s cognitive skills at a certain moment in time. Other factors—like motivation, emotional readiness, and even sleep—can all affect performance.
And some people criticize the OLSAT, saying it’s not as precise as traditional IQ tests like the Stanford-Binet or Wechsler scales. While it’s a solid measure of reasoning skills, it might not fully capture a child’s exceptional intelligence, especially at the higher end of the scoring range.
Still, high-IQ societies like Mensa and Intertel accept OLSAT scores, so it’s definitely a valid way to assess giftedness.
How Is the OLSAT Administered and Scored?
The test is usually given in a group setting (except for preschoolers, who take it one-on-one). It includes multiple-choice questions that measure different types of reasoning.
After the test, scores are used to calculate the School Ability Index (SAI)—a standardized score with an average of 100 and a standard deviation of 16. This helps schools compare students fairly.
Here’s how the different OLSAT levels are structured:
| OLSAT Level | Grade Level | Number of Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level A | Pre-K | 40 (16 verbal, 24 nonverbal) | 77 min |
| Level B | Kindergarten | 60 (30 verbal, 30 nonverbal) | 77 min |
| Level C | 1st Grade | 60 (30 verbal, 30 nonverbal) | 72 min |
| Level D | 2nd Grade | 64 (32 verbal, 32 nonverbal) | 50 min |
| Level E | 3rd Grade | 72 (36 verbal, 36 nonverbal) | 40 min |
| Levels F & G | 4th Grade – High School | 72 (36 verbal, 36 nonverbal) | 60 min |
What Parents Should Know About OLSAT Prep
You can’t cram for the OLSAT like a history test, but getting familiar with the format and question types can definitely help. Here’s what works:
📚 Practice Tests – These help kids get comfortable with the types of questions they’ll see. You can find sample tests online.
🧠 Critical Thinking Activities – Games like chess, Sudoku, and logic puzzles help build reasoning skills.
😊 A Positive Mindset – Keep things low-pressure! If kids see it as a fun challenge rather than a high-stakes test, they’ll perform better.
In NYC, OLSAT test prep is a big business. Since the city used the OLSAT for kindergarten gifted admissions, preschools started integrating prep into their programs, and companies popped up offering specialized coaching. Even though the test’s weight has been reduced, the test prep industry is still thriving.
Concerns About the OLSAT
Not everyone loves the OLSAT. Some common concerns include:
❌ Multiple-Choice Format – This setup might encourage guessing instead of deep thinking—especially for preschoolers.
❌ Test Anxiety – Young kids know they’re being tested, which can add pressure.
❌ Limited Insight – The test doesn’t measure creativity or explain how kids arrive at their answers, which makes it less precise.
That said, the OLSAT remains one of the most widely used cognitive ability tests, thanks to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
OLSAT Editions: How the Test Has Evolved
The test has gone through several updates since its introduction:
📅 1st Edition (1979) – The first version of the OLSAT.
📅 2nd Edition (1982) – Minor refinements.
📅 6th Edition (1988) – Significant updates to the test format.
📅 7th Edition (1995) – More enhancements to question types.
📅 8th Edition (Latest) – The most current version, still widely used today.
Each update has improved the test to better measure cognitive abilities while keeping it relevant for modern education.
The Bigger Picture
At the end of the day, the OLSAT is just one piece of the puzzle. Whether your child scores high, low, or somewhere in between, what really matters is nurturing their unique potential.
Cognitive ability tests measure reasoning skills, but it’s up to parents and teachers to foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence—all of which are just as valuable for success.
If you’re prepping your child for the OLSAT, don’t stress. You’ve got this, and so do they!
