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 applying to grades 4 and 5. This test is offered two ways: 1) paper-based testing on standard of flex dates, and 2) flex testing with an approved educational consultant.
- Middle Level for students applying to grades 6-8. This test is offered three ways: 1) computer-based SSAT at home, 2) computer-based testing at a Prometric Test Center, and 3) paper-based testing on standard of flex dates.
- Upper Level for students applying to grades 9-12. This test is offered three ways: 1) computer-based SSAT at home, 2) computer-based testing at a Prometric Test Center, and 3) paper-based testing on standard of flex dates.
Elementary Level SSAT Format and Content
| Section | Subject | Question Type | # of Questions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Length | |||
| 1 | 30 minutes | Quantitative/Math1 | Multiple-choice: numbers, concepts, operations, algebra, geometry | 30 MC3 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 Sample2 | 1 prompt – written response telling a story of what happened in the picture presented on the test | |
1 Math content is based upon the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards. It is NOT specifically designated how many questions will test each math topic, but the content tested is always the same, including numbers, concepts, operations, algebra and geometry. Calculators are NOT permitted.
2 The writing sample is not graded, but is sent to schools as part of the admissions materials.
3 Multiple choice
TOTAL LENGTH WITH STANDARD TIME
1 hour and 50 minutes plus one 15-minute break between sections 2 and 3
TOTAL LENGTH WITH EXTENDED TIME
2 hour and 45 minutes plus one 15-minute break between sections 2 and 3
Middle and Upper Level SSAT Format and Content
| Section | Subject | Question Type | # of Questions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Length | |||
| Writing Sample | 25 minutes | Essay2 | 1 essay question (based on a given prompt) | |
| 1 | 30 minutes | Quantitative/Math1 | Number concepts, operations, algebra, geometry and other math | 25 MC3 questions |
| 2 | 40 minutes | Reading Comprehension | 40 MC Questions | |
| 3 | 30 minutes | Verbal | Synonyms | 30 MC Questions |
| Analogies | 30 MC Questions | |||
| 4 | 30 minutes | Quantitative (Math)1 | Number concepts, operations, algebra, geometry and other math | 25 MC Questions |
| 5 | 15 minutes | Experimental (not scored) | 16 MC Questions | |
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. Between sections 1 and 4, approximately 28 questions are based on number concepts and operations; approximately 22 questions are based on algebra, geometry, and other math. 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 WITH STANDARD TIME
2 hours and 50 minutes plus one 5-minute break between the writing sample and section 1 as well as one 10-minute break between sections 2 and 3.
TOTAL LENGTH WITH EXTENDED TIME
4 hours and 15 minutes plus one 5-minute break between the writing sample and section 1 as well as one 10-minute break between sections 2 and 3.
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 SSAT does not release. Scaled scoring is different for the elementary, middle, and upper level exams. A total score is then also reported, which is the sum of each section’s scaled score. For the Upper Level SSAT, the scaled score for each section can range from 500 to 800. For the Middle Level SSAT, the scaled score for each section can range from 440 to 710. For the Elementary Level SSAT, the scaled score for each section can range from 300-600.
*NOTE: There is only a wrong answer penalty for the middle level and upper level tests.
Testing Schedule
2024-2025 Paper-Based Test Dates
- October 12, 2024
- November 9, 2024
- December 7, 2024
- January 4, 2025
- February 1, 2025
- March 1, 2025
Costs
Prices vary depending on the mode and test level. There is also different pricing for domestic and international testing. Details can be found on the publisher’s website by clicking here.
Registration Site/Additional Information
Visit the official SSAT website to register and learn more.
View a comparison of the ISEE and SSAT tests.
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