United States Test Preparation

SSAT

 
 

The Enrollment Management Association develops and administers the Elementary Level SSAT, Middle Level SSAT and Upper Level SSAT. As a non-profit organization founded in the United States in 1957, the Enrollment Management Association designs SSAT tests for students applying to American middle schools and high schools. SSAT tests require a wide vocabulary that includes all forms of definitions, synonyms, antonyms and analogies. The Writing Sample is not scored but is highly encouraged by schools.

Three levels of SSAT:

Upper Level SSAT

 
 

The Upper Level (UL) Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is geared towards 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th graders applying for higher levels in high school. The UL SSAT reveals where students stand with English literacy. If students struggle on the UL SSAT English sections, students must immediately address these issues before studying for the ACT, SAT, or Advanced Placement (AP) tests.

Tips for Students

  • Quantitative sections cover number concepts and operations, algebra, geometry and measurement, and data analysis and probability

  • Reading Comprehension section covers topics from literary fiction, humanities, natural science and social studies

  • Writing Sample is a creative response or traditional essay that is not scored

  • Experimental Section is for SSAT reliability and is not scored

  • 1 Point awarded for correct answers

  • 1/4 Point deduction for incorrect answers

  • 0 Points awarded or deducted for unanswered questions

  • UL SSAT for students applying for 9-12 grades

Format

The Upper Level (UL) SSAT contains five (5) multiple-choice question (MCQ) sections; the Writing Sample is not scored:

 

Middle Level SSAT

 
 

While the Middle Level (ML) Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is geared towards 5th and 6th graders applying for 7th grade, this test is also geared towards 7th graders applying for 8th grade. The ML SSAT vocabulary pushes middle school students to prepare for high school. Reading passages require students to draw ideas and themes together. The Writing Sample continues to boost creativity.

Tips for Students

  • Quantitative sections cover number concepts and operations, algebra, geometry and measurement, and data analysis and probability

  • Reading Comprehension section covers topics from literary fiction, humanities, natural science and social studies

  • Writing Sample is a creative response or traditional essay that is not scored

  • Experimental Section is for SSAT reliability and is not scored

  • 1 Point awarded for correct answers

  • 1/4 Point deduction for incorrect answers

  • 0 Points awarded or deducted for unanswered questions

  • ML SSAT for students applying for 6-8 grades

Format

The Middle Level (ML) SSAT contains five (5) multiple-choice question (MCQ) sections; the Writing Sample is not scored:

 

Elementary Level SSAT

 

The Elementary Level (EL) Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) introduces students to vocabulary, reading passages and writing. This is a prime opportunity for students to start building a foundation with English literacy, especially vocabulary. While the EL SSAT is geared towards 3rd graders applying for 4th grade, this test is also geared towards 4th graders applying for 5th grade.

Format

The Elementary Level (EL) SSAT contains four (4) multiple-choice question (MCQ) sections; the Writing Sample is not scored:

  • Quantitative/Math (30 Minutes; 25 Questions)

  • Verbal (20 Minutes; 30 Questions)

  • Reading (30 Minutes; 28 Questions)

  • Writing Sample (25 Minutes)

  • Experimental Section (15 Minutes; 15-17 Questions; not scored)

  • EL SSAT Score Range 900-1800

Tips for Students

  • Quantitative/Math covers basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, number ordering and interpretation of graphs

  • Verbal section contains a combination of synonyms and analogy questions

  • Reading section contains seven (7) passages on prose, poetry, fiction and non-fiction from diverse cultures

  • Writing Sample provides one (1) picture to interpret and develop a story

  • Experimental Section is for SSAT reliability and is not scored

  • No penalty for guessing

  • EL SSAT for students applying for 4-5 grades