The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is used by private schools to assess the knowledge and skills of prospective students. The Elementary SSAT is specifically designed for students in grades 3-4.
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SSAT Elementary Test Outline
The Elementary SSAT contains approximately 104 questions and one essay, and you will be given a time limit of 2 hours and 5 minutes (including breaks). There are 15-17 experimental questions dispersed throughout the exam, which do not count toward your final score.
The test covers four main subjects and is split into five parts.
1. Quantitative (Math)
In this part, you will be given 30 minutes to answer 30 math-related questions, and you will not be able to use a calculator at any time.
The questions in this part assess your knowledge of number sense, properties and operations, algebra and functions, geometry and spatial sense, measurement, and probability.
2. Verbal
In this part, you will have 20 minutes to identify synonyms and interpret analogies. There are 15 synonyms to identify and 15 analogies to interpret.
These questions assess your ability to logically relate ideas to each other and your vocabulary strength.
3. Break (15 minutes)
4. Reading
In this part, which is timed at 30 minutes, you will be given multiple short reading passages. You will then be asked to answer questions about each passage. These questions assess your ability to locate information by skimming and to demonstrate literal, inferential, and evaluative comprehension of the passages.
5. Writing Sample
In this part, you will be given 15 minutes to write a short essay. Your essay will be based on a provided image.
This essay will not be scored, but the schools that receive your SSAT scores will receive your essay to help evaluate your writing abilities.
SSAT Elementary Exam Registration
To register for the test, you will need to make an account online via the SSAT website. From there, you can select which testing method works best for you and pay the applicable testing fee.
| Type of Testing | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard or school Flex | $105 |
| Flex with educational consultant | $145 |
Test Day
There are three main testing methods to choose from:
Paper-and-pencil
This traditional version of the test is available to take in two different ways: standard and flex.
The standard paper-and-pencil test is available on six predetermined dates and is usually taken at schools.
Flex SSAT
The flex paper-and-pencil test is available on special testing dates.
Prometric
A computer-based version of the test is available to take at Prometric testing centers across the US and Canada. Prometric testing requirements will apply, including what you are allowed to bring to the testing center.
At-home
An online version of the test is available if testing at home is best for you. It is important to note that there are many strict guidelines that apply to at-home testing, so you should ensure you can meet those guidelines before committing to this version of the test.
How the SSAT Elementary Test is Scored
On the Elementary SSAT, you earn one point for every question you answer correctly, and zero points are deducted for each question you answer incorrectly. There is no penalty for skipping questions.
The total scaled score range is 900 to 1800. On your score report, you will see your final overall score, your percentile, and your individual scores for each subject on the test.
Retaking the SSAT Elementary Test
You are welcome to take the test as many times as you wish. You will need to pay the testing fee for each retake.
FAQs
Q
How many questions are on the SSAT Elementary test?
A
There are approximately 104 questions and one essay assignment on the test.
Q
How long is the SSAT Elementary test?
A
The time limit for the test is 2 hours and 5 minutes, which includes all scheduled breaks.
Q
What is the passing score for the SSAT Elementary test?
A
Any score higher than 1420 is considered to be a good score.
Q
How much does the SSAT Elementary test cost?
A
The testing fee varies depending on your testing method of choice.
