SSAT Preparation Guide – How to Study and Succeed in the Secondary School Admission Test
Oct 29, 2025The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is used by independent and private middle schools and high schools all over the world.
In this article, you can learn about the format of the SSAT, find out what type of questions to expect, and gain an understanding of how the test is scored.
What Is the SSAT Test?
SSAT is an acronym for Secondary School Admission Test. Similar to an entrance exam, the SSAT is a type of school admissions test for students in Grades 3 to 11 who are applying to study at a private or independent middle or high school.
The test is designed to assess how a student thinks, not what they know.
The SSAT offers a standardized method for comparing students. It is administered by the Enrollment Management Association and is used by schools and education settings all over the world.
Students can sit the standard paper-based test format in schools on dedicated test dates. Otherwise, they can sit the computer-based version of the test at home or at a Prometric Test Center.
Which SSAT Exam Are You Taking?
SSAT is split into three levels. The test a student takes is determined by their grade level.
These are Elementary Level, Middle Level and Upper Level.
Whichever test you are taking, you can expect to be tested in the following areas:
- Verbal (language)
- Reading (comprehension)
- Writing (creative writing/essay sample)
- Quantitative (math)
SSAT Elementary Level
The Elementary Level test is for students currently in Grades 3 to 4, moving into Grades 4 to 5.
This test comprises 89 questions, and students have 110 minutes (including breaks) to complete it.
The Elementary Level test is split into the following sections:
SSAT Quantitative
Includes 30 questions, which must be answered within 30 minutes.
SSAT Verbal
Includes 30 questions, which must be answered within 20 minutes.
Includes two sub-sections:
- Synonyms
- Analogies
SSAT Reading
Includes 28 questions, which must be answered within 30 minutes.
SSAT Writing Sample
Students must demonstrate their writing capabilities by writing something based on a picture they are presented with.
SSAT Experimental
This part of the test is not scored. It contains 15-17 questions, which must be answered within 15 minutes. These questions are test questions for future versions of the Elementary SSAT.
Middle and Upper-Level SSAT
The Middle Level test is for students currently in Grades 5 to 7, moving into Grades 6 to 8.
In addition, the Upper Level test is for students currently in Grades 8 to 11, moving into Grades 9 to 12.
The layout of the Middle and Upper Level tests is the same. Both tests comprise 167 questions (including a writing sample question). The test is timed and must be completed within three hours and five minutes (including breaks).
However, the Middle and Upper Level tests are split into the following sections:
SSAT Writing Sample/Essay
In this section, students must demonstrate their creative writing abilities. Students are given two prompts and are allowed 25 minutes to write their answers.
Furthermore, in the Middle Level test, students will be given a sentence starter or idea on which to base their writing on.
Students can choose between an essay or a creative prompt in the Upper Level test. If choosing the essay prompt, students must answer a question about a particular piece of writing, which must be backed up using relevant examples from the text.
SSAT Quantitative
There are two quantitative sections on the test. Each section is made up of math-based word problems.
It might include:
- Decimals
- Fractions
- Formulae
- Shapes
- Other basic mathematical functions
Each of the SSAT Quantitative sections comprises 25 questions, which must be answered within 30 minutes.
SSAT Reading
This part of the test contains eight reading passages. Students must answer questions relating to each passage.
SSAT Verbal
This section includes 30 synonym questions and 30 analogy questions.
For the synonym questions, students must choose the most similar word to the example word given.
For the analogy questions, students must choose the answer that completes the example question logically.
SSAT Experimental
This section of the test is not scored. It is made up of 16 questions, which must be answered within 15 minutes.
Additionally, this section aims to test new questions for future versions of the SSAT.
SSAT Practice Test Examples
Here are some examples of the type of questions you might be faced with on the SSAT Test.
SSAT Test Example Questions – Elementary Level Test
Elementary Level Quantitative Question
What is 3,278 – 437?
a) 1,900
b) 2,841
c) 902
d) 878
e) 2,586
The correct answer is: b) 2,841.
3,200 – 400 = 2,800
78 – 37 = 41
Add both answers together to get 2,841.
Elementary Level Verbal Question
Choose the correct synonym for 'happy' from the following list:
a) Angry
b) Hapless
c) Content
d) Unlucky
e) Downcast
The correct answer is: c) Content.
Usually, if you feel content, you are feeling happy and satisfied. In addition, a), b), d) and e) are all negative feelings, which is the opposite of feeling happy.
SSAT Middle Level Practice Test – Example Questions
Middle Level Writing Sample Question
'She opened her eyes. She couldn’t believe it!'
Continue writing the story using the prompt above.
In responding to the SSAT Middle Level Practice Test's writing prompt, begin by setting the scene and quickly addressing the subject of her disbelief.
Describe her emotional reaction and introduce an element of conflict or mystery to engage the reader.
Use vivid language to paint a clear picture and, if other characters are involved, briefly flesh them out. Ensure your story flows logically from the prompt, building suspense or curiosity.
Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and remember to be concise, as this is a short writing sample. By balancing these elements, your response will be both relevant and engaging.
Middle Level Verbal Question (Analogy)
'Famine' is to 'hunger' as:
a) Pain is to the body
b) Epidemic is to disease
c) Creative is to creation
d) Playing is to a play
The correct answer is: b) Epidemic is to disease.
Analogies are used to compare two things, so the correct answer is b).
SSAT Upper Level Practice Test – Example Questions
Upper Level Quantitative Questions
What is 0.8 ÷ 0.025?
a) ¼
b) ⅔
c) 32
d) 320
e) 3,200
The correct answer is: c) 32.
Multiply both numbers by the same factor to eliminate the decimal points. In this case, you can multiply both by 1,000 to make them whole numbers.
So,
0.8 x 1,000 = 800 and 0.025 x 1,000 = 25
Divide the Whole Numbers: Now divide 800 by 25.
Let's break it down:
25 goes into 80 three times (since 25 × 3 = 75), leaving a remainder of 5.
Bring down the next digit (0) to make it 50.
25 goes into 50 exactly two times.
So,
800 ÷ 25 = 32
Sarah is 44 years old. Michael is 4 years old. In how many years will Sarah’s age be 5 times Michael’s age?
a) 3
b) 6
c) 9
d) 10
e) 12
The correct answer is: b) 6.
Let 𝑥 represent the number of years it will take for Sarah’s age to be 5 times Michael’s age.
Given:
Sarah’s current age = 44 years
Michael’s current age = 4 years
In 𝑥 years:
Sarah’s age = 44 + 𝑥
Michael’s age = 4 + 𝑥
We need to find 𝑥 such that Sarah’s age is five times Michael’s age:
44 + 𝑥 = 5 × (4 + 𝑥)
Expand the brackets:
44 + 𝑥 = 20 + 5𝑥
Rearrange to bring like terms together:
44 − 20 = 5𝑥 − 𝑥
Simplify:
24 = 4𝑥
Divide both sides by 4:
𝑥 = 24 ÷ 4
𝑥 = 6
Upper Level Verbal Question
Which of the following words is closest in meaning to 'cupidity'?
a) Greed
b) Envy
c) Love
d) Sadness
e) Admiration
The correct answer is: a) greed.
This is because 'cupidity' is defined as 'greed for money or possessions'.
SSAT Test Preparation Tips
Here are some ideas on how you can prepare for the SSAT.
Create a Study Schedule
Before embarking on any exam preparation, you must think about how much time you can dedicate to revision and study. Consider your existing weekly commitments and what time of the day you tend to work best.
Keep your study schedule varied by planning time for online tests, educational games and quizzes, and reading and writing practice.
Remember to build in dedicated time for rest breaks.
Take Online Tests
Online tests are one of the most effective ways to prepare for any exam, including the SSAT. Taking online practice SSAT tests helps you familiarize yourself with the test format and recognize the different types of questions you will be faced with on exam day.
Knowing what to expect should help minimize nerves on your test day. Answering mock questions is also good for improving your time management skills and identifying your areas of academic strength and weakness.
Read Different Materials
For the reading comprehension section, you will need to be able to understand and interpret various types of text and written information. The best way to practice for this part of the test is by reading and interpreting many different reading materials.
Each time you read a newspaper article, book chapter or short story, think about why the author or writer has chosen to use a particular word, who is telling the story and the overall plot. You could also set up a color chart and practice highlighting the nouns, verbs and adjectives within the text.
Play Word, Math and Logic Games
For the quantitative section, you must demonstrate math skills and knowledge of the basic math functions such as operations, fractions, decimals and integers.
As well as practicing the basics, keep your learning schedule fun by playing educational games and quizzes.
Practice Journaling and Creative Writing
Writing in a journal or thinking up stories is a great way to practice your creative writing abilities. Even if you only write a short paragraph or chapter each day, this is the best way to improve your overall writing skills.
If you’re not sure where to start, search for creative writing prompts or practice answering mock SSAT writing prompts as part of your study schedule.
Get Plenty of Rest
Studying is important, but you also need to look after yourself in the days and weeks prior to the test. Make sure that you allow yourself adequate time to rest between study sessions.
You should also consider building in time for regular exercise and time outdoors. Think about your overall diet, try to incorporate some healthy eating habits and remember to stay hydrated.
Develop a Good SSAT Exam Strategy
Answering the questions with the scoring system in mind can help to boost your SSAT score.
Remember, there is no score for the SSAT Writing Sample part of the test. However, your answer will still be shared with school admissions departments.
The SSAT scoring system works as follows:
- One mark is awarded for each correct answer given
- One-quarter of a mark is deducted for each incorrect answer given
- Questions left blank receive no mark, but no marks are deducted
With this in mind, it is best to leave a question blank if you are unsure of the answer.
The following calculation is used to calculate the raw score:
SSAT Raw Score = # of correct answers – # of incorrect answers / 4
Once the raw score has been calculated, this is graded against a norm score. This is the average mark awarded to other students in the same grade and gender taking the test for the first time in the last three years. Scaled scores are provided for the Verbal, Quantitative and Reading elements of the test, along with a total scaled score.
- In the Elementary test, the total scaled score falls between 900 and 1800
- In the Middle Level test, the total scaled score falls between 1,320 and 2,130
- In the Upper Level test, the total scaled score falls between 1,500 and 2,400
The percentile score is graded against the norm score and calculated as a percentage between 1 and 99. The percentile score indicates how well a student has performed against other students in their grade and gender group. A percentile score of 80 indicates that the student performed better than 80% of other students in their grade and gender group.
Can I Retake the SSAT
You can retake the test if you are unhappy with your SSAT results.
The testing season for SSAT runs from October to June. Students can sit the test on any of the eight testing dates, which fall on a Saturday.
In some cases, you can take the flex test on a different day than the dedicated testing dates. You will need to discuss this with your preferred school or education consultant.
Students can sit the test on any or all of the testing dates. If you are unhappy with your result, you can resit the test as long as the application deadline for your preferred school has not already passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the SSAT test for?
The Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) tests for suitability for admission into independent and private middle schools. The SSAT includes the following key areas: Verbal, Reading, Writing and Quantitative. If you want to enter an elite private or independent middle or high school, you must score well on the SSAT.
How hard is the SSAT exam?
The SSAT exam is designed to challenge students. Most students find it more difficult than other school entry exams, with many citing the Verbal section as one of the hardest parts of the test.
What is a good SSAT score?
What is considered a good SSAT score varies between schools. As a rule of thumb, most private schools will be looking for a percentile score of 50 or over.
What is the difference between the SAT and the SSAT?
The College Board administers the SAT, and this test assesses a student’s reading, writing and math skills. It is a standardized test that is used widely for university admissions in the US. The Enrollment Management Association administers the SSAT, which is available in three levels - elementary, middle and upper. The SSAT is a standardized test that is mainly used as part of the private middle and upper school admissions process. The SAT is much more difficult than the SSAT as it is aimed at high school students applying for college or university.
Final Thoughts
As with other academic tests, the SSAT aims to offer a standardized indication of academic abilities regardless of a student’s background.
The SSAT test is available in the US, Canada, and other global locations as part of the application process for independent and private schools.
The thought of sitting for the SSAT may seem daunting at first. However, effective preparation for the test is the best way to minimize exam-day nerves and boost your chances of performing to the best of your abilities.
