What's on the SSAT and why are there different levels?
The SSAT is a multiple-choice test with 3 different levels. It stands for Secondary School Admissions Test and is used by schools to determine whether a student can be admitted.
Lower Level
This level is for 3rd and 4th grade students. It has 3 sections: 1 Math, 1 Reading, and 1 Verbal Reasoning. There is also an essay, which is not scored, but is sent to the schools to which you apply. The test is 1 hour and 50 minutes long.
Middle Level and Upper Level
These 2 tests have the same structure, but the content is different. Middle level is for 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students, while Upper Level is for 8th, 9th, 10, and 11th, graders. This test consists of an unscored Essay, 2 Math sections, 1 Reading section, and 1 Verbal Reasoning section. The test is 3 hours and 5 minutes long.
When is the test given, and how do I register? Should I take the ISEE or SSAT?
The SSAT is given once each month from October to April and again in June. To find out the specific test dates and register for the test, go to https://ssat.org/registration
The ISEE is a competitor to the SSAT. ISEE stands for Independent School Entrance Exam. The iSEE uses Synonyms and Sentence Completions to test vocabulary, while the SSAT uses Synonyms and Analogies. Reading passages on the ISEE tend to be longer than those on the SSAT, and while the SSAT includes a broader variety of genres, including poetry the ISEE places a heavier emphasis on mathematical reasoning. If the schools to which you apply accept both tests, take the test that better suits your abilities.
How Is the SSAT Scored?
Individual Section Scores are scored from 440 - 710 (Lower and Middle Level Test) or 500 - 800 (Upper Level Test). These individual section scores are averaged to give you a Composite Score using the same range.
Essay
Not scored, but a copy is sent to the schools to which you apply. All scores are converted to a grade-appropriate percentile.
SSAT is a registered trademark of the Secondary School Admission Test Board, Inc
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Elementary Level |
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Section |
Questions |
Length |
Topics Covered |
|
Math |
30 questions |
30 minutes |
arithmetic,geometry,word problems |
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Verbal |
30 questions |
20 minutes |
vocabulary: synonyms and analogies |
|
15-minute break |
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Reading |
28 questions |
30 minutes |
short passages: fiction, non-fiction, poetry |
|
Writing |
one prompt |
15 minutes |
creative writing assignment (not scored) |
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Total testing time: 1 hour, 50 minutes |
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Middle and Upper Levels |
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Section |
Questions |
Length |
Topics Covered |
|
Writing |
one prompt |
25 minutes |
creative writing assignment |
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5-minute break |
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Math I |
25 questions |
30 minutes |
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, word problems |
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Reading |
40 questions |
40 minutes |
short passages: fiction, non-fiction, poetry |
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10-minute break |
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Verbal |
60 questions |
30 minutes |
vocabulary: synonyms and analogies |
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Math II |
25 questions |
30 minutes |
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, word problems |
|
Experimental section |
16 questions |
15 minutes |
varies: this section is testing out questions for upcoming years and is not scored |
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Total testing time: 3 hours, 5 minutes |
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SSAT is a registered trademark of the Secondary School Admission Test Board, Inc
SSAT Test Preparation
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SSAT is a registered trademark of the Secondary School Admission Test Board, Inc