The SSAT, or Secondary Schools Admission Test, is a test of reasoning, language, math and writing skills which is used to help determine admission to private elementary, middle and high schools. It is designed for

students in 3rd-11th grade, and administered at different levels: Elementary Level, for students in 3rd and 4th grade; Middle Level, for students in 5th- 7th grade; and Upper Level, for students in 8th-11th grade.

The SSAT, also known as the Secondary School Admission Test, is a standardized exam required by many independent schools. Typically, students applying for grades 3 through 11 are the ones who take this test.

The SSAT is divided into three sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Reading Comprehension. Each section consists of multiple-choice questions. Additionally, there's an unscored Writing Sample.

Quantitative

● 500-800 (Upper Level)

● 440-704 (Middle Level)

● 300-600 (Elementary Level)

Reading Comprehension

● 500-800 (Upper Level)

● 440-710 (Middle Level)

● 300-600 (Elementary Level)

Verbal Reasoning

● 500-800 (Upper Level)

● 410-710 (Middle Level)

● 300-600 (Elementary Level)

Essay

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

You will receive three types of scores on your score report: a raw score, a scaled score, and a percentile ranking.

Raw scores are determined by counting the number of incorrect answers and correct answers. Correct answers are worth one point each, and one quarter point is deducted for each incorrect answer. No points are deducted for failing to answer a question, and all questions have the same point value.

Scaled scores are derived from the raw scores. Different scales are used for the different levels of the test: students taking the SSAT Elementary Level test will receive a score on a scale of 900 to 1800 (300 to 600 per section), students taking the SSAT Middle Level test will receive a score on a scale of 1320 to 2130 (440 to 710 per section), and students taking the upper level test will receive a score on a scale of 1500 and 2400 (500 to 800 per section).

The percentile ranking represents how well you did compared to other students of the same grade and gender who have taken the SSAT in the past three years. Your rank will be between 1% and 99%, and indicates the percentage of students with a lower or equal score to your own. For example: if you receive a percentile score of 75%, that would mean that you did as well as or better than 75% of students of your grade and gender who took the test in the past three years.

To prepare for the SSAT, it's a good idea to get familiar with the test format, practice with sample questions, and use study materials like prep books or online resources.

There are eight standard test dates for each academic year. You can view the standard test dates on the SSAT board’s Test Dates and Deadlines Calendar.

Note that while standard test dates are on Saturdays, Sunday testing is available for students who observe a Saturday Sabbath. To find testing locations for standard test dates, the SSATB provides search tools. You can also view testing locations in a list format.

For Sunday test dates, you may view a list of testing centers list format. If you are unable to take the SSAT on a standard test date, regional flex testing may be available on an alternate date in your area. For more

information, please check the SSAT’s page on flex dates. You may also choose to take the SSAT with an educational consultant or organization on an alternate date.

Note that while you may register for any or all of the standard test dates,

you may only register for one flex date per academic year.

In general, yes. You may take the SSAT on any or all of the standard test dates. However, you may only take the SSAT on one FLEX test date per year. In addition, some participating schools or consortiums may have a

policy of considering only one score, and may regard additional tests as invalid.

No, you have the option to choose which schools receive your SSAT scores when you register for the test. If you want to send additional score reports, there may be a fee involved.

Children with documented disabilities may apply for special accommodations to help them take the test. Accommodations may include extra time, large print test materials, or the use of a calculator, laptop, or

other devices.

In order to be eligible for accommodations the student must have a documented disability and be able to demonstrate that they regularly receive accommodations in school. For more details, see the SSAT’s

Special Accommodations section.

The cost of the SSAT depends on which level of the test you are taking, when you register, and whether you wish to purchase additional score reporting services. You can view a price chart here.

If you’re experiencing financial hardships, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver. Note, however, that a fee waiver covers only the standard USA or Canada test fee: it does not cover late registration fees, rescheduling

fees, international test fees, or the fees for any additional score delivery options.

Organizations which are administering the SSAT may also charge an administration fee for their services.

Typically, SSAT scores are valid for one to two years, depending on the admissions policies of the individual schools.

Absolutely! There are plenty of study guides, practice tests, and online resources available to help students prepare for the SSAT.

The content and difficulty level of the SSAT vary based on the grade level of the student. The elementary level is for students in grades 3-4, the middle level is for grades 5-7, and the upper level is for students in grades 3-4, the middle level is for grades 5-7, and the upper level is for grades 8-11.

Absolutely! You have the option to cancel your SSAT scores on the day of the test before you leave the testing center. Just keep in mind that canceled scores won't be reported to schools.

Scores may be released at different times of the day and in some rare circumstances release may take up to three weeks from the test administration. Expedited scoring is unavailable.

Families receive scores for free through their online accounts, where a .pdf score report is available to download. Add-on score services are also available to receive alerts, access the writing sample, or have scores sent via mail or FedEx.

Scores from the 2023-24 testing year are available to send to schools and educational consultants until 7/31/25.

● Scores from the 2022-23 testing year are available to send to schools and educational consultants until 7/31/24.

● Scores before 8/1/22 can no longer be sent to schools or educational consultants

Most scores are released about two weeks after the test date. Your scores will be received via the online student account, or you may pay an additional fee to receive scores by mail. You will not be able to receive

scores by telephone; however, you may pay an additional fee for a score report alert by text or email, to receive notice as soon as your scores are available online. You may also pay an additional fee to have a copy of your writing sample included in your report.

Nope, there's no penalty for guessing on the SSAT. It's actually a smart move to answer every question, even if you're not sure of the correct answer.

Sorry, but calculators are a no-go for the quantitative section of the SSAT. All calculations must be done without the help of a calculator.

However, if you have a documented learning disability, you may apply for special accommodations which may include the use of a calculator, laptop, reader, scribe, or other device.

The easiest and fastest way to register is to complete the online application. Please register for the exam here.

You can also register by mail or fax. Download and print the SSAT Registration Form, then mail the completed form to:

SSAT Registration

CN 5339

Princeton, NJ 08543

USA

Or fax to: 800.442.SSAT (7728)

If you observe the Sabbath, and wish to schedule a Sunday test date, you must request for special accommodations. More details is available at the special accommodations page. Be sure to keep your admission ticket. This ticket serves as a confirmation for your test registration, and includes important details of your pending test, including the date and time, location of scheduled test, specific instructions regarding taking the SSAT, and a list of schools/consultants chosen to receive your SSAT scores.

On the big day, make sure to bring a printed copy of your admission ticket, a valid photo ID, No. 2 pencils, and a snack or drink for those well-deserved breaks.

Absolutely! If you need extra time for breaks due to medical reasons or other accommodations, you can definitely request it. Just make sure to get the request approved in advance.

If you show up fashionably late to the SSAT test center, you might not be allowed in, and unfortunately, your registration fee won't be refunded. So it's best to arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to check-in and get settled.

Sapneil Tutoring Institute provides top-notch SSAT preparation courses led by experienced tutors. They offer personalized study plans, practice materials, and one-on-one tutoring sessions to help students boost their test-taking skills.

Sapneil Tutoring Institute has a proven teaching methodology that focuses on individualized instruction, targeted practice, and continuous feedback. Their dedicated tutors are committed to helping students reach their full potential and achieve their desired SSAT scores.

Sapneil Tutoring Institute sets itself apart by providing a supportive learning environment, experienced tutors, and a wide range of resources tailored to each student's needs. Their holistic approach to test preparation ensures that students feel confident and well-prepared on test day.

Absolutely! Students can count on Sapneil Tutoring Institute for comprehensive SSAT preparation, including test-taking strategies, content review, and practice exams. Their ultimate goal is to empower students to excel academically and gain admission to their dream schools.

The Upper Level is designed for applicants in 8th grade and above. The Middle Level is for applicants in 5th, 6th and 7th grade, and the Elementary Level is for applicants in 3rd and 4th grade. No matter which level of the test you'll be taking, the SSAT will always test the same three sections—Quantitative (the Upper and Middle Levels have two sections of this, as opposed to one for Elementary), Reading Comprehension and Verbal Reasoning. The test also contains an unscored essay that is sent to the schools you're applying to.

The Upper and Middle Levels of the SSAT contain one unscored experimental section of the test

that contains Verbal, Reading and Quantitative questions. This section won't affect your score; it

is used to make sure that future versions of the exam have reliable, acceptable questions.

The SSAT is given once a month from October to April, with an additional date in June. Flex dates, which are additional testing dates offered outside of the standard administrations, are also available. You will have to check the school website to see when it is offered.

Both the ISEE and the SSAT are used for admission to private middle and high schools and test Vocabulary, Math and Reading Comprehension. Many schools will accept either test for admission, which gives you the option of choosing the test that better suits you and your abilities. The major difference between the tests is how they are designed to test your ability on the exam. The ISEE uses synonyms and sentence completion to test vocabulary, while the SSAT uses synonyms and analogies for example under the verbal section of the exam. The reading passages on the ISEE tend to be longer than those on the SSAT, but the SSAT includes a broader range of genres, including poetry and other verbal categories. The ISEE also places higher emphasis on the math section of the exam.

When is the Frequency — Once a month from October to April, and once in June

What about the Duration — 3 hours and 5 minutes (Upper and Middle Levels); 1 hour and 50 minutes (Elementary Level)

How many Sections — Quantitative (two sections for Upper and Middle Levels, one section for Elementary Level); Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, unscored essay, and Experimental (Upper and Middle Levels only)

Upper Level, Middle Level, and Lower Level.

Both the Middle Level and Upper Level exam contain sections that test the following: Math, Reading Comprehension, Synonyms and Analogies and Essay Writing.

The Middle Level exam provides two creative writing prompts for the student to choose between while the Upper Level provides one creative prompt and one essay prompt.

The Upper Level SSAT Math sections include more word problems and more algebra than the Middle Level. The Upper Level also involves more two-step problems, or questions involving multiple skills.

The Upper Level SSAT Reading Comprehension passages tend to be longer and more complicated than the Middle Level, but follow the same format.

The Upper Level SSAT Synonyms and Analogies test more difficult vocabulary.

On the Middle and Upper Level SSAT, a point is awarded for each correct answer, a quarter of a point is subtracted for each incorrect answer, and no points are awarded or deducted for omitted questions.

On the Elementary Level SSAT, a point is awarded for each correct answer

and there is no penalty for incorrect answers.

The Testing Experience Statement ensures fairness by enabling families to report any irregularities or issues that interfered with their student's SSAT. Talk with your student about their experience, and then complete the statement as soon as possible.

In addition, if there was an irregularity, email a detailed description to info@ssat.org immediately. In these rare circumstances, EMA will work with you and the test center to determine whether the test was fair and valid.

Paper scores are typically released within two weeks of the test date. Scores are released to families and schools on the same day.

SSAT at Home scores are typically released on the Wednesday following your SSAT at Home test date. Scores are released to schools and families on the same day. (For the limited number of Tuesday test dates, scores release the Wednesday eight days after testing.)

For Prometric tests taken from Monday through Sunday, scores are released on the Wednesday following the Sunday ending the scoring period. Scores are released to schools and families on the same day. Exception: Prometric testing scores from 12/18/23-12/20/23 will release on 12/21/23. Prometric testing scores from 12/21/23- 12/31/23 will release on 1/3/24.

You can wait to add schools or educational consultants as score recipients until you see your child's scores first. Recipients added after scores are released will have immediate access.

EMA securely releases scores to schools and educational consultants through an online account or automatic data connection—scores are never mailed or emailed. Score reports always include the scores and a copy of the writing sample.

To confirm that a school or educational consultant received scores, follow the instructions under Accessing Scores below. A release date is shown for each recipient that received your student's scores.

The duration of the SSAT depends on which level of the test you are taking.

If you are taking the Elementary Level test, the test will take 110 minutes, or about two hours:

Quantitative (Math) section: 30 questions, 30 minutes.

Verbal section: 30 questions, 20 minutes.

15 minute break: During this time you may have a snack, or leave the classroom to stretch your legs or take a bathroom break.

Reading section: 7 short passages, 28 questions, 30 minutes.

Writing sample: 1 picture prompt will be provided. You will have 15 minutes to write a short passage.

If you are taking the Middle or Upper Level tests, the test will take 170 minutes, or about three hours:

Writing sample: 2 prompts will be provided. You will have 25 minutes to select one prompt, and write a passage.

5 minute break.

First Quantitative (math) section: 25 questions, 30 minutes.

Reading section: 40 questions, 40 minutes.

10 minute break.

Verbal section: 60 questions, 30 minutes.

Second Quantitative (Math) section: 25 questions, 30 minutes.

Students with diagnosed learning disabilities may apply for additional time, or other accommodations.

SSATs are developed by the combined efforts of high school and college teachers, and test specialists who write SSAT test questions. There is an extensive process for developing new editions of the SSAT, involving deep review and analysis of the questions themselves, as well as analysis of results from actual students taking the test. In the 2012-13 SSAT, this will include an unscored experimental section on the test to broadly evaluate new questions. The questions that pass this rigorous analysis become accepted into a pool of questions from which new editions of SSAT tests are constructed. Careful measures are taken to also eliminate any material that reflect stereotype, bias or other inappropriate nuances that may negatively affect test-takers.

In order to apply for an SSAT fee waiver, you must contact an SSAT member school to which you are applying for details and requirements.

If you are in 3rd or 4th grade, then you qualify to take the Elementary level test; if you are in 5th-7th grade, you qualify to take the Middle Level test; if you are in 8th to 11th grade, you qualify to take the Upper Level test. There are no academic prerequisites for the SSAT. You qualify if you are at an appropriate grade level. If you have a disability, you may also qualify for accommodations.

The SSAT covers elementary concepts of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, including the following:

Basic arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and the order of operations

Units of measurement: weight, capacity, time, temperature and money

Rounding, place value, estimation and properties

Odd, even, prime, negative and positive numbers

Fractions, decimals, and percentages

Ratios, proportions and rates

Ordering and sequences

Averages and probabilities

Basic concepts of Angles

All of the questions in the Math sections on the official SSAT practice tests fall into the categories of:

Arithmetic (roughly 50% of questions asked)

Algebra (roughly 30% of questions asked)

Geometry (roughly 20% of questions asked)

Word Problems (roughly 30% of questions asked (ML); roughly 40%

of questions asked (UL))

Note that some SSAT test questions require you to use more than one skill!

The SSAT is not designed as a test of knowledge, but as a test of reasoning skills. In general, you do not need to possess any specialized knowledge to do well on the SSAT. You will, however, need to have a strong vocabulary to do well on the verbal section of the test.

Although vocabulary is one of the most important and difficult sections tested on the SSAT exams, the SSATB does not publish an official wordlist. Nonetheless, various resources exist for SSAT students wishing to develop their vocabularies. The Kaplan and Princeton Review study guides both contain wordlists and there are a number of resources online. Ivy Global tutors use our own wordlist in addition to those resources, which is based on an educated estimate of the statistical appearance of words on the official SSAT exams and also takes into account the fact that the SSAT uses a lot of the same vocabulary as the SAT.

No. Bring at least two standard #2 wood pencils.

No. Cell phones, tablet computers, alarm watches, calculators and other devices are not allowed in the testing room. You should avoid bring anything except the materials that you need to take the test, a snack, and a beverage.

No. The SSAT is used only for admission to elementary, middle and high schools and is administered by a separate body: the SSATB, not the College Board. It is not related to college admissions, is not a prerequisite

for taking the SAT, and your performance will not affect your SAT scores.

However, the SSAT is similar to the SAT in structure, and your performance on the SSAT may be predictive of your performance on the SAT.

Read the questions carefully. Are there words like ‘EXCEPT’ or ‘OPPOSITE’? Underline the key words in each question. Pace yourself. No question on the SSAT should take more than two or three minutes to answer, so don’t spend too long agonizing over one question unless you’ve already answered the easier ones.

Make educated guesses rather than random guesses. Use the process of elimination wherever you can to eliminate answer choices that are definitely not what you want. In the case of the Math questions, try 'guesstimating' what the answer is probably close to. If you have extra time, go back and check that you’ve bubbled in your answers correctly and noticed all the words like EXCEPT, and try taking a stab at questions you’ve left blank in that section.

Write a practice essay each day and have a parent or teacher read it. Go over the essay together and incorporate these comments into your next attempts.

Break the test down into the different sections you need to know. Study those different sections in depth. If you have trouble with percentages, read the percentage section of your study guide and do all the practice questions. Check to see if you’re getting the right answers.

Each day, do timed practice sections of the SSAT, mark yourself, and then go back to look at the questions you got wrong. What types of question were they? What skills did they require? Go back and study those sections.

As breaks from the rest of your studying, make flashcards of vocabulary - and use them!

Eat well, exercise, and sleep!

Study only lightly on the night before your exam. Make a list of your three biggest fears and work on them, but don’t try to learn anything new.

Pick out what you’re going to wear to the exam (wearing layers is recommended).

Know where the test center is and how long it will take to get there.

Remember: you should arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam begins!

Organize all of the things that you will need to bring with you, including:

Your SSAT admission ticket, and special accommodations document (if applicable)

At least two sharpened #2 pencils

Photo ID

A snack and drink for the break

Eat a good dinner, get a good night's sleep, and then eat a healthy breakfast. Congratulations! You’re ready!!