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SSAT Testing Guide

Navigate the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) for admission to independent schools. Find registration details, test structure, prep resources, and key strategies.

What is the SSAT?

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is a standardized test used by many independent elementary, middle, and high schools for admission.

Levels:

  • Elementary: For students currently in grades 3-4.
  • Middle: For students currently in grades 5-7.
  • Upper: For students currently in grades 8-11.

Purpose:

Helps admission officers assess verbal, quantitative, and reading skills compared to other applicants.

Registration & Dates

Register for the SSAT through the Enrollment Management Association (EMA) website. Tests are offered multiple times a year.

Key Steps:

  • Create an account on the EMA website.
  • Select a test level, date, and testing center.
  • Pay the registration fee (fee waivers may be available).
  • Check deadlines carefully – they vary by test date.
Official SSAT Website

Test Structure

The Middle and Upper Level SSATs have similar structures, while the Elementary Level differs slightly.

Middle/Upper Level Sections:

  • Writing Sample: Unscored, sent to schools. (25 min)
  • Quantitative (Math): Two sections. (30 min each)
  • Reading Comprehension: Passages & questions. (40 min)
  • Verbal: Synonyms & analogies. (30 min)
  • Experimental: Unscored questions. (15 min)

Total testing time is approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes, including breaks.

Understanding Scores

SSAT scores are reported as scaled scores and percentiles, comparing performance against other test-takers of the same grade and gender.

Score Components:

  • Scaled scores for Verbal, Quantitative, and Reading sections.
  • A total scaled score (sum of the three sections).
  • Percentile ranks (1-99) for each section and total score.

There's no penalty for incorrect answers (guessing is okay!). The writing sample is unscored but sent to schools.

Preparation Resources

Utilize official and third-party resources to prepare effectively for the SSAT.

Key Resources:

  • Official SSAT Practice Materials: Available through the EMA website (online portal, practice tests, guides).
  • Prep Books: Kaplan, Princeton Review, Barron's offer SSAT-specific guides.
  • Tutoring Services: Platforms like Varsity Tutors, Chegg, Wyzant offer SSAT tutors.
  • Online Courses: Some providers offer structured online SSAT prep courses.
  • Vocabulary Building: Crucial for the Verbal section (use flashcards, apps).

Helpful Tips

Maximize your performance with these strategies.

Strategies:

  • Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute to prepare.
  • Practice Regularly: Consistent practice builds familiarity and stamina.
  • Focus on Weak Areas: Use practice tests to identify and target areas needing improvement.
  • Learn Pacing: Time management is crucial during the test.
  • Master Vocabulary: Especially important for Verbal analogies and synonyms.
  • Simulate Test Conditions: Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions.

Ready to Prepare for the SSAT?

Access official practice materials and register for the test through the Enrollment Management Association.

Visit SSAT.org Now

Explore our School Store for recommended prep books and resources.