about the ssat
The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)
is used by approximately 500 private schools throughout the U.S. and abroad as an admission test.
The test is administered on two levels:
• Lower (for students currently in grades 5-7)
• Upper (for students currently in grades 8-11)
The SSAT consists of two parts: a brief essay, and four multiple-choice sections.
Essay
Includes one topic statement which you will be asked to support or argue, using specific examples from personal experience, current events, history or literature. This portion is not scored by SSAT and a copy of the writing sample is not included with the report sent to students.
Multiple-Choice
• Quantitative (Math)
Consists of two sections of 25 questions each. You will be required to do math computation similar to what you do in school or what is useful in everyday life.
• Verbal
Consists of 30 synonym and 30 analogy questions.
• Reading Comprehension
Includes 40 questions based on about 7 reading passages. These questions measure your ability to read quickly and comprehend what you read.
All questions on the SSAT are equal in value, and scores are based on the number of questions you answer correctly minus one-quarter point for each question you answer incorrectly. You may only give one response to each question. Although no points are awarded or deducted for questions left unanswered, you will be penalized for questions answered incorrectly or with more than one response.
is used by approximately 500 private schools throughout the U.S. and abroad as an admission test.
The test is administered on two levels:
• Lower (for students currently in grades 5-7)
• Upper (for students currently in grades 8-11)
The SSAT consists of two parts: a brief essay, and four multiple-choice sections.
Essay
Includes one topic statement which you will be asked to support or argue, using specific examples from personal experience, current events, history or literature. This portion is not scored by SSAT and a copy of the writing sample is not included with the report sent to students.
Multiple-Choice
• Quantitative (Math)
Consists of two sections of 25 questions each. You will be required to do math computation similar to what you do in school or what is useful in everyday life.
• Verbal
Consists of 30 synonym and 30 analogy questions.
• Reading Comprehension
Includes 40 questions based on about 7 reading passages. These questions measure your ability to read quickly and comprehend what you read.
All questions on the SSAT are equal in value, and scores are based on the number of questions you answer correctly minus one-quarter point for each question you answer incorrectly. You may only give one response to each question. Although no points are awarded or deducted for questions left unanswered, you will be penalized for questions answered incorrectly or with more than one response.