The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is a standardized test required by many private schools throughout the world to assess the abilities of students applying for admission. The SSAT Middle Level exam is for students in grades 5–7 seeking admission to grades 6-8.
How do I register to take the exam?
The first step in registering for the exam is to create an online account at the SSAT website. Once an account is created, the student can register by paying the test registration fee and choosing a test date and center.
Where do I take the exam?
Test centers are located in many locations throughout the world.
What is the cost of the exam?
The registration fee is $139 to take the exam in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, USVI, American Samoa, and Saipan. The registration fee is $269 to take the exam at a test location in any other area.
When is the exam offered?
The SSAT is administered in two ways. There are 8 Saturdays from October through June that are designated as Standard SSAT test dates. A Flex SSAT is when the exam is given on any date other than those 8 standard test dates. Flex tests are offered by member schools or educational consultants. A request can be made for testing accommodations for students that need to test on a Sunday instead of Saturday.
What is the time allowance to complete the exam?
The total testing time allowed is 3 hours and 5 minutes. A 5-minute break and a 10-minute break is included in this time allowance.
What is the format of the exam?
The SSAT is not a computerized exam. You will receive a paper test book and answer booklet to complete the exam. The SSAT begins with a writing portion that is not scored but is sent to the specified schools along with the test results. The SSAT includes 166 multiple choice questions of which 150 of these questions are scored. The remaining 16 questions are experimental questions that are not scored but are being considered as future test questions.
What is the content of the exam?
The exam begins with the student receiving two creative prompts to write a story in 25 minutes. In addition to the writing section, the exam includes verbal, quantitative (math), and reading comprehension sections. The quantitative section consists of two 30 minute sections with 25 questions each. The reading comprehension section includes 40 questions with a time allotment of 40 minutes. The verbal section includes 60 questions (30 synonyms and 30 analogies) to be completed in 30 minutes. The experimental section includes 16 questions with a time allotment of 15 minutes.
What can I bring with me the day of the exam?
Students should bring their printed student admission ticket, #2 pencils (no mechanical pencils), and a snack or drink in a clear zip-top bag with their name on it. No calculators or reference materials are allowed.
How is the SSAT scored?
One point is received for each correct answer. An incorrect answer results in the loss of ¼ point. If a question is not answered, no points are added or subtracted. If a question is skipped, the student should be sure to skip that space in the answer booklet.
When are test results received?
An online score report can be assessed approximately two weeks after receipt of test materials. A $15 fee is required to be notified by text or email that score reports are ready. A $25 fee is required if you prefer to have your score report mailed to your home.
Is there a limit to how many times a student can take the SSAT?
There is no limit to the number of times a standard SSAT can be taken during a testing year (August 1 – July 31); however, only one flex SSAT can be taken during the testing year.
What is the best way to prepare for the exam?
Adequate preparation is necessary to achieve the best score and receive admission to the school of your choice. The test experts at Mometrix have developed the SSAT Middle Level Secrets Study Guide and the SSAT Middle Level Flashcards to help you do your best on this exam. Both products include all the test content you need to know to score well on the exam. They also include practice test questions, the SSAT Quick Reference Guide, test-taking techniques, tips for overcoming test anxiety, a 1-year money-back guarantee, and so much more! The study guide even includes step-by-step video tutorials which can show you how to apply what you’ve read in the study guide. Achieving your best score on the SSAT Middle Level Exam begins with Mometrix!
