SSAT Test
Preparation

What's on the SSAT and why are there different levels?

The SSAT is a multiple-choice test with 3 different levels.  It stands for Secondary School Admissions Test and is used by schools to determine whether a student can be admitted.

Lower Level

This level is for 3rd and 4th grade students.  It has 3 sections: 1 Math, 1 Reading, and 1 Verbal Reasoning. There is also an essay, which is not scored, but is sent to the schools to which you apply. The test is 1 hour and 50 minutes long.

Middle Level and Upper Level

These 2 tests have the same structure, but the content is different.  Middle level is for 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students, while Upper Level is for 8th, 9th, 10, and 11th, graders.  This test consists of an unscored Essay, 2 Math sections, 1 Reading section, and 1 Verbal Reasoning section.  The test is 3 hours and 5 minutes long.

When is the test given, and how do I register?  Should I take the ISEE or SSAT?

The SSAT is given once each month from October to April and again in June. To find out the specific test dates and register for the test, go to https://ssat.org/registration

The ISEE is a competitor to the SSAT.  ISEE stands for Independent School Entrance Exam.  The iSEE uses Synonyms and Sentence Completions to test vocabulary, while the SSAT uses Synonyms and Analogies. Reading passages on the ISEE tend to be longer than those on the SSAT, and while the SSAT includes a broader variety of genres, including poetry the ISEE places a heavier emphasis on mathematical reasoning. If the schools to which you apply accept both tests, take the test that better suits your abilities.

How Is the SSAT Scored?

Individual Section Scores are scored from 440 - 710 (Lower and Middle Level Test) or 500 - 800 (Upper Level Test).  These individual section scores are averaged to give you a Composite Score using the same range.

Essay

Not scored, but a copy is sent to the schools to which you apply.  All scores are converted to a grade-appropriate percentile.

 SSAT is a registered trademark of the Secondary School Admission Test Board, Inc

 

 

 

Elementary Level

Section

Questions

Length

Topics Covered

Math

30 questions

30 minutes

arithmetic,geometry,word problems

Verbal

30 questions

20 minutes

vocabulary: synonyms and analogies

15-minute break

Reading

28 questions

30 minutes

short passages: fiction, non-fiction, poetry

Writing

one prompt

15 minutes

creative writing assignment (not scored)

Total testing time: 1 hour, 50 minutes

 

Middle and Upper Levels

Section

Questions

Length

Topics Covered

Writing

one prompt

25 minutes

creative writing assignment
(not scored)

5-minute break

Math I

25 questions

30 minutes

arithmetic, algebra, geometry, word problems

Reading

40 questions

40 minutes

short passages: fiction, non-fiction, poetry

10-minute break

Verbal

60 questions

30 minutes

vocabulary: synonyms and analogies

Math II

25 questions

30 minutes

arithmetic, algebra, geometry, word problems

Experimental section

16 questions

15 minutes

varies: this section is testing out questions for upcoming years and is not scored

Total testing time: 3 hours, 5 minutes



 SSAT is a registered trademark of the Secondary School Admission Test Board, Inc

 

 

SSAT Test Preparation

Our Princeton Review certified instructors are the best in the business.  We’ll help you and your child prepare for the Secondary School Admissions Test with comprehensive, private 1-on-1 lessons.

 SSAT is a registered trademark of the Secondary School Admission Test Board, Inc

 

Enquiry Now

Type the characters you see in the picture below