What is the SSAT?
The SSAT© (Secondary School Admissions Test) is a standardized test administered to students between 3rd – 11th grades. The test measures quantitative (math), reading, verbal and writing skills to ensure children possess the necessary skills to be successful in a college preparatory program. There is also an experimental section, which contains mixed content from math, reading and verbal, but is not counted toward the reported score. The test is administered in a multiple-choice format, with the exception of the writing sample.
There are three levels for the test.
- Elementary – Grades 3 – 4 (for students testing for grades 4 – 5)
- Middle – Grades 5 – 7 (for students testing for grades 6 – 8)
- Upper – Grades 8 – 11 (for students testing for grades 9 – 12
What are the SSAT Testing Options?
In the United States and Canada, there are three options for testing. The testing year runs August 1 – July 31
- Paper-based testing on standard or flexible dates
- Middle and Upper Level students can take up to 6 standard tests and 2 flex tests each year
- Elementary Level students can take up to 2 standard tests or 1 standard test and 1 flex test
- Computer-based testing at a Prometric Test Center (only available for middle and upper level)
- Computer-based test at home (only available for middle and upper level)
- Students can take up to 3 combined SSAT at home and Prometric tests per testing year
What is the Format & Timing for the SSAT?
Elementary Level (students currently in grades 3-4):
| Section | Number of Questions | Minutes per Section | Content |
| Quantitative/Math | 30 | 30 | Arithmetic, basic algebra, basic geometry |
| Verbal | 30 | 20 | Synonyms and analogies |
| BREAK | – | 15 | – |
| Reading | 28 | 30 | Passage-based critical reading |
| Writing Sample | 1 (unscored) | 15 | Picture prompt |
| Experimental | 15 – 17 | 15 | Math, Verbal, Reading |
Middle Level (students currently in grades 5-7):
| Section | Number of Questions | Minutes per Section | Content |
| Writing Sample | 1 (unscored) | 25 | Choice of two prompts |
| Break | – | 10 | – |
| Quantitative | 25 | 30 | Arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, other concepts |
| Reading | 40 | 40 | Writing devices, vocabulary, literature, and figurative language |
| Break | – | 10 | – |
| Verbal | 60 | 30 | Synonyms and analogies |
| Quantitative | 25 | 30 | Arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, other concepts |
| Experimental | 16 | 15 | Quantitative, Reading, Verbal |
Upper Level (students currently in grades 8-11):
| Section | Number of Questions | Minutes per Section | Content |
| Writing Sample | 1 (unscored) | 25 | Choice of two prompts |
| Break | – | 10 | – |
| Quantitative | 25 | 30 | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics |
| Reading | 40 | 40 | Writing devices, vocabulary, literature, and figurative language |
| Break | – | 10 | – |
| Verbal | 60 | 30 | Synonyms and analogies |
| Quantitative | 25 | 30 | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics |
| Experimental | 16 | 15 | Quantitative, Reading, Verbal |
TestingMom Resources
At Testingmom.com, your child will have plenty of opportunity to practice and get ready for the SSAT. Here are just some of the resources available to you when you join:
- Over 3,000 practice questions for SSAT
- A robust writing section on the website with guidance on writing essays that will stand out on the SSAT
- 1-hour webinars on topics relating to questions on the SSAT such as verbal analogies, test-taking skills, overcoming test anxiety, and essay writing classes
- Free access to premium websites with additional lessons and practice questions such as Big Universe, Dreambox, MobyMax, Reflex Math, Spelling Ninja, Story Smarts (reading comprehension), Study Island, Woot Math and more!
- Small group classes on skills covered on the SSAT
- One-to-One tutoring by experienced SSAT tutors who will help your child maximize their score
Test Taking Tips
In an article entitled “Strengthening the Student Toolbox: Study Strategies to Boost Learning,” by John Dunlosky, American Educator, Volume 37, No. 3, the #1 most effective learning strategy is to do practice questions and practice tests that tap into the same content that is expected to be on the actual test. Here are some other tips that will help your child prepare for the SSAT:
- Do as many practice questions as you can – the more comfortable you are with the material, the more confident you will feel!
- Study in 25 – 30-minute chunks, then take a break. Your practicing is 100% effective at first, 20% effective after 30 minutes. By breaking, you’ll go back to 100% effective when you start again.
- To improve your odds of guessing right, eliminate answer choices that you feel are wrong before you guess.
- Watch out for “distractors” – answers that seem obvious but are incorrect.
- Read the instructions and the full question before answering. If there are charts or pictures that go with a question, look it over – it’s there for a reason.
- Don’t lose focus or get distracted by those around you.
- Manage your time – don’t rush, but don’t get stuck on one question either.
- If you suffer from test anxiety, use breathing techniques and positive self-talk to calm yourself.
Other TestingMom Resources for the SSAT
One of the benefits of being a member of TestingMom.com is access to additional premium educational websites in our Skill Building Academy. Access to all of the websites in the Skill Building Academy is included at no additional cost.
For additional SSAT Practice, please use these websites:
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