SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test)
What is the SSAT and how can students prepare for it?
The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is a standardized exam used by private and independent schools to assess students applying to grades 4 through 12. It tests verbal, math, and reading skills across three levels: Elementary, Middle, and Upper. To prepare effectively, students should start with diagnostic tests, use full-length practice exams, and review core subjects like vocabulary, algebra, and reading comprehension. Consistent practice and a targeted study plan can help improve performance and boost admission chances.
SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) Overview
The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is a standardized test used by many private and independent schools in the United States and Canada to assess a student’s academic abilities. The test is designed for students in grades 3 through 11 who are seeking admission to middle or high schools.
The SSAT measures skills in verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, and quantitative (math) reasoning, along with a writing sample. It’s administered at three levels:
Elementary Level (Grades 3–4)
Middle Level (Grades 5–7)
Upper Level (Grades 8–11)
SSAT Test Format by Level
| Section | Elementary Level | Middle Level | Upper Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative (Math) | 30 questions | 50 questions | 50 questions |
| Verbal Reasoning | 30 questions | 60 questions | 60 questions |
| Reading Comprehension | 28 questions | 40 questions | 40 questions |
| Writing Sample | 1 prompt | 1 prompt | 1 prompt |
| Experimental Section | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Time Duration | ~2 hours | ~3 hours, 5 min | ~3 hours, 5 min |
SSAT Scoring
Elementary Level: 900–1800 (each section scored 300–600)
Middle/Upper Levels: 1320–2130 total score (scaled scores for math, verbal, and reading)
The writing sample is not scored but sent to schools as part of the application.
Tips to Succeed on the SSAT
Start preparing early with free SSAT practice tests online.
Focus on vocabulary and mental math strategies.
Encourage reading to improve comprehension.
Simulate testing conditions to build time management skills.
SSAT Sample Questions
SSAT Sample Questions by Section
1. Verbal Reasoning (Synonyms & Analogies)
Upper/Middle Level – Synonyms
Question 1: What is the synonym of vivid?
A. Dull
B. Bright
C. Faint
D. Weak
Answer: B. Bright
Upper Level – Analogies
Question 2: BRICK : WALL ::
A. Fiber : Thread
B. Leaf : Tree
C. Word : Sentence
D. Nail : Screw
Answer: C. Word : Sentence
2. Quantitative (Math)
Middle Level
Question 3: What is the value of 4x – 6 when x = 3?
A. 6
B. 12
C. 15
D. 18
Answer: A. 6
Upper Level
Question 4: A triangle has angles of 35° and 65°. What is the measure of the third angle?
A. 70°
B. 80°
C. 90°
D. 100°
Answer: B. 80°
3. Reading Comprehension
Passage Excerpt:
“The prairie dog is a small rodent that lives in large colonies. These colonies, often called ‘towns,’ can span many acres. Prairie dogs use a series of high-pitched calls to communicate and alert one another to danger.”
Question 5: What is the main idea of this passage?
A. Prairie dogs are predators
B. Prairie dogs bark loudly
C. Prairie dogs live alone
D. Prairie dogs live in large social groups
Answer: D. Prairie dogs live in large social groups
4. Writing Sample (Unscored)
Prompt Example (Middle/Upper Level):
“Describe a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.”
Prompt Example (Elementary Level):
“My favorite day of the week is…”
Students are expected to write a clear, well-organized response. Although not scored, writing samples are sent to schools for review.
SSAT Diagnostic Tests by Level and Subject
The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is a key component in private school admissions for students in grades 3 through 11. To help students identify strengths and target improvement areas, our platform offers SSAT diagnostic tests across all levels: Elementary, Middle, and Upper. These diagnostic tests are divided into Verbal, Math, and Reading sections to provide targeted insights into each student’s current skill level.
SSAT Elementary Level Diagnostic Tests
Designed for students in grades 3–4, the Elementary Level SSAT introduces foundational skills in vocabulary, reading, and math. Our diagnostic tests help young learners build confidence and identify which areas need the most support.
SSAT Elementary Level Verbal Diagnostic Tests
These tests assess vocabulary and verbal reasoning through synonyms and analogies. Students learn to understand word relationships and strengthen early language development.
SSAT Elementary Level Math Diagnostic Tests
Covers basic arithmetic, number sense, and simple problem-solving. These tests help students assess their grasp of grade-appropriate math skills and logic.
SSAT Elementary Level Reading Diagnostic Tests
Focuses on reading comprehension through short passages followed by multiple-choice questions. These diagnostic tests build reading stamina and improve understanding of main ideas and details.
SSAT Middle Level Diagnostic Tests
Geared toward students in grades 5–7, the Middle Level SSAT includes more advanced verbal, reading, and math skills. Diagnostic tests at this level are great for identifying readiness and guiding study plans.
SSAT Middle Level Verbal Diagnostic Tests
Tests vocabulary strength through synonyms and analogies, challenging students to recognize nuanced word relationships and improve their language reasoning.
SSAT Middle Level Math Diagnostic Tests
Covers number operations, algebraic thinking, geometry, and data interpretation. These tests evaluate core math knowledge and problem-solving accuracy.
SSAT Middle Level Reading Diagnostic Tests
Presents passages of varying lengths and complexity, followed by comprehension questions. Students work on identifying tone, purpose, main ideas, and inferences.
SSAT Upper Level Diagnostic Tests
Tailored for students in grades 8–11, the Upper Level SSAT is designed for competitive high school admissions. Our diagnostic tests help students assess how prepared they are for this rigorous exam.
SSAT Upper Level Verbal Diagnostic Tests
Focuses on high-level vocabulary, analogies, and logical verbal reasoning. These tests help students evaluate their understanding of complex language patterns.
SSAT Upper Level Math Diagnostic Tests
Covers algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and word problems. Diagnostic assessments identify weak points and support mastery of high school-level math skills.
SSAT Upper Level Reading Diagnostic Tests
Includes challenging passages from a variety of genres. Questions test interpretation, critical thinking, and the ability to draw inferences from complex texts.
Why Use SSAT Diagnostic Tests?
Identify strengths and weaknesses early
Customize your study plan by subject and level
Track progress over time
Improve time management and test-taking strategy
SSAT FAQ – Secondary School Admission Test
The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is a standardized test used by private and independent schools to evaluate the academic abilities of applicants in grades 3–11. It measures verbal, math, and reading skills.
Students in grades 3 through 11 who are applying to private middle schools or high schools take the SSAT. The test is available at three levels:
Elementary Level – Grades 3–4
Middle Level – Grades 5–7
Upper Level – Grades 8–11
The SSAT includes the following sections:
Verbal (synonyms and analogies)
Quantitative (Math)
Reading Comprehension
Writing Sample (unscored, but sent to schools)
Elementary Level is scored on a scale from 300–600 per section
Middle and Upper Levels are scored 500–800 per section
The total score combines the Verbal, Reading, and Math scores
The writing sample is not scored but is reviewed by schools
Yes, for Middle and Upper Levels, ¼ point is deducted for each incorrect answer. There is no penalty at the Elementary Level.
Students can take the SSAT multiple times per year. It is offered in various formats:
Paper-based (Standard)
SSAT at Home (online, proctored)
Prometric SSAT (computer-based at testing centers)
Preparation should include:
Diagnostic tests to identify strengths and weaknesses
Practice exams to build familiarity and timing
Review of vocabulary, reading, and math concepts
Writing sample practice
