General Information
The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is an admissions test for private middle and high schools. It is typically required by boarding schools.
There are three versions of the test:
- Elementary Level for students currently in grades 3-4
- Middle Level for students currently in grades 5-7
- Upper Level for students currently in grades 8-11
Format and Content
MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL SSAT
| Section | Subject | Question Type | # of Questions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Length | |||
| 1 | 25 minutes | Writing Sample | Essay2 | 1 essay question (based on a given prompt) |
| 2 | 40 minutes | Reading Comprehension | ~40 MC questions (7 passages) |
|
| 3 | 30 minutes | Quantitative (Math)1 | Arithmetic, basic algebra, basic geometry | 50 MC questions in total between sections 3 and 5 |
| 4 | 30 minutes | Verbal | Synonyms | 30 MC3 questions |
| Analogies | 30 MC questions | |||
| 5 | 30 minutes | Quantitative (Math)1 | Arithmetic, basic algebra, basic geometry | 50 MC questions in total between sections 3 and 5 |
1 It is NOT specifically designated how many questions will test each math topic, but the content tested is always the same. The primary topics tested are arithmetic, basic algebra, basic geometry, and data analysis. Calculators are NOT permitted
2 The essay is not graded, but is sent to schools as part of the admissions materials.
3 Multiple choice
TOTAL LENGTH
2 hours and 35 minutes
ELEMENTARY LEVEL SSAT
| Section | Subject | Question Type | # of Questions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Length | |||
| 1 | 30 minutes | Quantitative Math | Multiple-choice: numbers, concepts, operations, algebra, geometry | 30 MC questions |
| 2 | 20 minutes | Verbal | Synonyms | 15 MC questions |
| Analogies | 15 MC questions | |||
| 3 | 30 minutes | Reading | 7 short passages, each with 4 questions | 28 MC questions |
| 4 | 15 minutes | Writing Sample | 1 prompt – written response telling a story of what happened in the picture presented on the test | |
TOTAL LENGTH
1 hour and 50 minutes
Scoring
Raw scores are calculated by adding one point for every correct answer and subtracting one quarter of a point for every incorrect answer. The writing sample is sent to schools to review but is not scored in any way.
Raw scores are converted into scaled scores based on a formula that the SSATB does not release. Scaled scoring is different for the lower level and upper level exams:
Lower Level: Students receive a scaled score between 440 and 710 in each subject (Verbal, Quantitative, and Reading Comprehension). These result in a cumulative score between 1320 and 2130.
Upper Level: Students receive a scaled score between 500 and 800 in each subject (Verbal, Quantitative, and Reading Comprehension). These result in a cumulative score between 1500 and 2400.
Percentile rankings are provided along with scaled scores. Percentile rankings compare a students’ performance with other students of the same gender and grade who have taken the SSAT in the last three years.
Testing Schedule
2012-2013 Test Dates
- October 13, 2012
- November 10, 2012
- December 8, 2012
- January 5, 2013
- February 2, 2013
- March 2, 2013
- April 20, 2013
- June 8, 2013
Cost
Elementary Level: $80
Middle and Upper School Levels: $116
Late Registration: $40
Change of Test Date: $35
Change of Test Center: $35
Registration Site/Additional Information
Visit the official SSAT website to register and learn more
