SSAT Test Prep for U.S. Private School Admissions

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) plays a critical role in private school applications across the United States. Designed to assess a student’s readiness for rigorous academic environments, the SSAT evaluates verbal, math, and reading skills. Our personalized prep programs help students build the vocabulary, logic, and confidence needed to succeed—whether they’re applying to competitive middle or high schools.

Key Insights on the Upper Level SSAT (March 2021 Onward)

What Families Should Know About the Current SSAT Format

The Upper Level SSAT was last updated in 2021 by the Enrollment Management Association (EMA), with refinements to question types and section consistency. While the core structure remains unchanged, the test continues to challenge students with high-level reading, vocabulary, and math. The SSAT is a critical admissions requirement for top private and independent high schools in the United States.

Understanding the test format, scoring, and content expectations gives students a major advantage. The Writing Sample remains unscored but is sent directly to schools and often reviewed during admissions, so clear writing still matters.

Upper Level SSAT Test Format

Designed for Students Applying to Grades 9–12

The Upper Level SSAT includes four scored sections plus one unscored writing sample. Students should prepare for rigorous vocabulary, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. The structure and pacing of the exam demand time management and focused preparation:

Verbal Section

• 60 multiple-choice questions

• 30 minutes

• Includes synonyms and analogies

Reading Comprehension

• 40 multiple-choice questions

• 40 minutes

• Covers literary, narrative, and argument-based texts

Quantitative (Math)

• Two sections: 25 questions each

• 30 minutes per section

• Includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis

Writing Sample

• 1 essay prompt (choose between a creative and a traditional topic)

• 25 minutes

• Unscored, but reviewed by admissions teams

Additional Notes

• Total Score Range: 1500–2400

• Total Test Time: Approximately 3 hours (includes one 15-minute break)

• Scored Sections: Quantitative (two sections), Verbal, and Reading

• Unscored Section: Experimental section used for future test development

• Writing Sample: Required but not scored — submitted to schools for review

• No penalty for incorrect answers — students are encouraged to attempt all questions

• No calculator allowed on the Quantitative sections

• Notes: Each of the three scored sections (Quantitative, Verbal, and Reading) is scored from 500 to 800. The Writing Sample is not scored but is sent to schools.

Tips for Students

How to Succeed on the Upper Level SSAT

Success on the Upper Level SSAT requires more than subject knowledge — it demands time management, advanced vocabulary, critical thinking, and writing clarity. As students prepare for admission to competitive high schools, early practice and strategic prep are essential. Understanding the test structure, completing timed drills, and reviewing common question types can dramatically improve both confidence and performance.

How to Excel on the Upper Level SSAT

The Upper Level SSAT is a challenging exam for students applying to competitive U.S. private high schools. Strategic preparation can make a big difference in confidence and performance:

• Focus on vocabulary building through reading and using word lists, especially for synonyms and analogies.

• Practice timed reading and math drills to improve pacing and reduce stress during longer test sections.

• Use process of elimination to narrow down multiple-choice options and avoid careless errors.

• Write regularly to strengthen analytical writing skills for the unscored Writing Sample, which is still reviewed by admissions officers.

• Take our free Diagnostic Test to identify strengths and weaknesses early in the prep process.

Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

UPPer SSAT Test Availability and Scheduling

Stay up to date with the latest Upper Level SSAT test dates and registration guidelines from the official SSAT website:

• View U.S. Upper Level SSAT Test Dates →
  For students testing in the United States.

• View International Upper Level SSAT Test Dates →
  For students testing outside the United States.

Note: Families should check early for available formats (paper, computer-based, or Prometric) and locations, as test dates can fill quickly — especially during peak admission seasons.

For Students Applying to Grades 7 and 8

The Middle Level SSAT is designed for students in grades 5–7 who are seeking admission to 7th or 8th grade at competitive private schools. This exam introduces more advanced vocabulary, critical reading, and multi-step math questions. It also includes a creative or expository writing prompt to showcase a student’s ability to organize thoughts clearly and effectively—skills that serve as a foundation for future academic success.

Middle SSAT Test Sections (March 2021 Onward)

What to Expect on Test Day

The Middle Level SSAT is intended for students currently in grades 5 through 7 who are applying to grades 7 or 8. This level of the test evaluates a student's ability to handle more complex reading passages, advanced vocabulary, and multi-step math problems. The test is administered either on paper or digitally and includes both scored sections and an unscored Writing Sample. Time management and familiarity with the structure are key to student success.

Middle Level SSAT Test Format

Designed for Students Applying to Grades 7 and 8

The Middle Level SSAT is structured for students in upper elementary and early middle school preparing to enter grades 7 or 8 at private or independent schools. The exam features age-appropriate reading, verbal, and quantitative sections that assess a student’s readiness for rigorous academic environments. Understanding the test format ahead of time helps students build confidence and approach each section with a clear strategy.

Middle Level SSAT Test Sections & Timing

The Middle Level SSAT is a timed, multiple-choice exam designed to assess a student’s verbal, reading, and quantitative reasoning skills — along with written expression. It consists of six sections, each targeting specific academic competencies expected of students entering grades 7 or 8:

Quantitative (Math) – Section 1 & Section 2

• 50 total multiple-choice questions (25 per section)

• 30 minutes per section (60 minutes total)

• Covers arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, and problem-solving

Verbal Section

• 60 multiple-choice questions

• 30 minutes

• Includes synonyms and analogies to assess vocabulary and reasoning

Reading Comprehension

• 40 multiple-choice questions

• 40 minutes

• Students analyze passages from science, literature, and humanities topics

Writing Sample

• 1 prompt (choice between creative or essay-based)

• 25 minutes

• Not scored, but sent to schools as part of the application

Experimental Section

• Mixed question types

• 15 minutes

• Not scored (used for internal test development and research)

Additional Notes

• Total Score Range: 1320–2130

• Total Test Time: Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes (includes two breaks)

• No calculator allowed

• No penalty for incorrect answers — students are encouraged to make their best guess

• Writing Sample is reviewed by admissions teams to assess organization, clarity, and creativity in writing

• Notes: Each scored section (Quantitative, Verbal, and Reading) ranges from 440 to 710. The Writing Sample is not scored but is reviewed by admissions teams.

Tips for Students

How to Succeed on the Middle Level SSAT

Success on the Middle Level SSAT depends on strong vocabulary, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning — but equally important are strategy, pacing, and familiarity with the test format. Since this exam often plays a key role in admissions decisions, preparing early and practicing effectively can make a significant difference.

How to Excel on the Middle Level SSAT

Success on the Middle Level SSAT requires more than memorization — it takes focus, practice, and familiarity with the test’s structure. Students should develop strong vocabulary, sharpen their reading comprehension, and review key math concepts to feel confident on test day. Consistent practice under timed conditions helps students improve accuracy and pacing:

• Build a strong vocabulary by reading widely and studying word roots, synonyms, and analogies.

• Practice reading comprehension by summarizing main ideas and identifying author tone and purpose.

• Review math fundamentals, including algebra, fractions, geometry, and word problems — without a calculator.

• Write timed essays to improve clarity and structure for the Writing Sample.

• Take full-length practice exams to improve time management and reduce test-day anxiety.

• Answer every question — there’s no penalty for wrong answers.

• Students who take our free SSAT Diagnostic Test receive personalized prep strategies that accelerate progress.

Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

Middle SSAT Test Availability and Scheduling

Stay up to date with the latest Middle Level SSAT test dates and registration guidelines from the official SSAT website:

• View U.S. Middle Level SSAT Test Dates →
  For students testing in the United States.

• View International Middle Level SSAT Test Dates →
  For students testing outside the United States.

Note: Families should check early for available formats (paper, computer-based, or Prometric) and locations, as test dates can fill quickly — especially during peak admission seasons.