If your student is applying to independent or private schools for grades 9–12, there's a good chance the SSAT is part of the process. Here's everything you need to know about what the test looks like before your student sits down to take it.
What Is the SSAT?
The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is a standardized exam administered by the Enrollment Management Association (EMA) and used by many independent and private schools as part of their admissions process. The Upper Level SSAT is designed for students currently in grades 8–11. Students can take the SSAT multiple times per year, either in person or online depending on what's available in their area.
The test is made up of five main sections plus a short experimental section at the end. Here's a breakdown of each.
Section 1: Writing Sample
For the writing sample, students choose between two prompts and have 25 minutes to write their essay. The writing sample is not scored, but it is sent to schools along with the rest of the score report — so it's worth taking seriously.
Sections 2 and 5: Quantitative
There are two quantitative sections, each with 25 questions and a 30-minute time limit. Together they cover a range of topics including algebra, geometry, number sense, data analysis, and reasoning. Calculators are not permitted on either section.
Section 3: Reading Comprehension
The reading section consists of 40 questions and students have 40 minutes to complete it. The section typically includes eight passages, each followed by about five questions. Passages fall into two categories: narrative passages (excerpts from novels, short stories, poems, and essays) and argument passages (which present an opinion on a topic and ask students to analyze it).
Section 4: Verbal
The verbal section has 60 questions and a 30-minute time limit — which makes it one of the more fast-paced sections of the test. It's split evenly between two question types: synonym questions, which test vocabulary by asking students to identify words with similar meanings, and analogy questions, which test a student's ability to identify and apply logical relationships between words.
Experimental Section
The experimental section consists of 16 questions and students have 15 minutes to complete it. The questions are a mix of verbal, reading, and quantitative, and this section is not graded — its purpose is to pilot new questions for future versions of the test.
Getting Started with SSAT Prep
Now that you know what to expect on test day, the best next step is finding out where your student stands. A full-length diagnostic test is the most efficient way to identify strengths and weak spots before diving into content review — so you're spending prep time where it actually matters. If you're looking for a comprehensive resource that covers every section of the Upper Level SSAT, our workbook includes 2,500+ practice questions, three full-length practice tests, and detailed answer explanations for every question. And as always, if you have questions about where to start or how to structure your student's prep, feel free to reach out at info@elevateprep.com — I'm happy to help.