Private schools can offer your child smaller class sizes, individualized support, and access to a wide range of courses. To ensure proper placement, many private schools require students to take an entrance exam, and the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is one of the most widely used.
This guide will help you understand what the SSAT is, how it works, and how to help your child prepare for success.
What is the SSAT?
Founded in 1957 by the Enrollment Management Association (EMA), the SSAT is designed to measure academic skills and predict how well students will perform in private school.
The exam tests core skills such as:
- Math
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary and verbal reasoning
- Writing (unscored but included in the student’s report)
The SSAT has three levels, aligned to student grade ranges:
- Elementary Level: Grades 3–4
- Middle Level: Grades 5–7
- Upper Level: Grades 8–11
Generally, students take the level that matches the grade they are applying to. For example, a third grader applying to fifth grade would take the Middle Level SSAT.
Can the SSAT Be Taken Online?
Yes, depending on the grade level.
- Elementary Level SSAT: Paper-based only
- Middle and Upper Levels: Available in three formats:
- Paper test (Standard or Flex) at authorized test centers
- SSAT at Home (online, proctored remotely)
- Prometric testing centers (digital format)
Test frequency limits:
- Elementary: Up to 2 Standard plus 1 Flex test per year
- Middle and Upper: Up to 4 Standard plus 1 Flex, plus up to 2 online or Prometric tests
What’s on the SSAT?
The SSAT contains three scored sections and two non-scored sections.
For the Lower Level, your student’s final score will not be negatively impacted by incorrect answers. If your student is testing in Middle or Upper Levels, only one quarter is deducted for each incorrect answer. Points are not awarded for blank answers, so it’s in your student’s best interest to answer as many questions as possible.
The math, reading comprehension, and verbal sections are scored. While the writing section isn’t scored, it’s a great chance for students to express themselves and showcase their writing abilities. The experimental section also isn’t scored, but is included to let SSAT developers check the quality of questions to ensure they are reliable, secure, and acceptable.
While these sections are available for all three levels, the timeframe and content vary slightly.
Lower Level SSAT
If your student is taking the Lower Level SSAT, they’ll have 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete their test. The test is broken into five parts with a 15-minute break in between. Your student will have:
- 30 minutes to answer 30 math problems
- 20 minutes to answer 30 questions regarding vocabulary and analogies
- 30 minutes to answer 28 reading questions
- 15 minutes to complete a writing prompt
- 15 minutes to complete a 15 to 17 prompts
Middle and Upper Level SSAT
If your student is taking the Middle or Upper Levels, they’ll have 3 hours and 10 minutes to complete their test. They can finish the test early if they choose to take the SSAT at Home testing mode. They’ll have two 10-minute breaks throughout their test.
In both levels, your student will have:
- 25 minutes to write an essay
- Two 30-minute sessions to answer a total of 50 math questions
- 40 minutes to answer 40 reading questions
- 30 minutes to answer 60 questions related to verbal reasoning, vocabulary, and logic
- 15 minutes to answer 16 questions covering reading, verbal, and math questions
To make sure the test is accessible to all students, accommodations are available for all testing modes. Fee waivers are also available for those who qualify.
Preparing for the SSAT
Doing well on the SSAT can be life changing. It’s your student’s opportunity to show independent school administrators what they’ve learned and their potential for growth. Taking the test once isn’t usually enough for most students, though, and the process can feel frustrating without some guidance.
Due to how the SSAT is graded, traditional test-taking strategies may not be the most effective. Give your student the best chance for success by working with a tutor four to six months before taking their exam.
Working with C2 Education’s SSAT tutors, your student can access an individually tailored learning program. We use regular assessments that replicate the testing environment to help ease testing anxiety and see progress. Students enrolled in our program receive academic support where they need it and learn testing strategies for the best outcome.
Prepare Your Student for Success with Tutoring
The SSAT is one of the main factors that some independent schools use to assess students who apply. It provides the perfect chance for students to show their skills and problem-solving abilities. Doing well on the exam can help launch your student into a new learning path, and C2 Education can help!
At C2 Education, we’ve developed a well-rounded SSAT prep program that provides your student with what they need to succeed. Once paired with one of our expert tutors, they’ll have access to our suite of assessment and study tools, along with an individualized learning plan.
Let C2 help your student achieve their academic goals. Get started with us today!
FAQ: SSAT Basics
How many times can my child take the SSAT?
Elementary students can take up to 3 tests per year, while Middle and Upper Level students may take up to 6 tests (mix of paper and online or Prometric).
Do private schools prefer the SSAT over the ISEE?
It depends on the school. Some accept both, while others specify one. Always check with the admissions office.
Is the SSAT harder than regular school tests?
The SSAT is designed to challenge students and assess readiness for private school. Many students find it more difficult than typical classroom tests, which is why preparation matters.
How is the SSAT scored?
Elementary Level has no penalty for wrong answers. Middle and Upper Levels deduct ¼ point for incorrect answers, encouraging thoughtful guessing.
Can SSAT scores be used for scholarships?
Some private schools consider SSAT scores as part of merit-based scholarship decisions. Strong scores can improve both admissions chances and financial aid opportunities.
