Tell a friend
Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)
The SSAT is used primarily as an entry examination by American boarding and day schools. The test is comprised of a mathematical and a verbal section. The verbal section includes a writing sample (essay) and multiple-choice questions. The essay is not scored; it is sent to the schools and serves as a mean to assessing the student's writing skills.
The SSAT test is administered on two different levels:
- Lower (for students currently in grades 5-7)
- Upper (for students currently in grades 8-11)
Structure
The test is timed and divided into five sections. You are given 25 minutes to complete the writing sample and 30-40 minutes to complete each of four multiple-choice sections.
- Part 1: Writing; includes one topic statement, which you will be asked to support or argue, using specific examples from personal experience, current events, history or literature.
- Part 2: Multiple-choice sections; two math sections, verbal and reading comprehension sections
Results
Results are given on a scale from one to 99 (maximum score). The required minimum score for admission varies from school to school. Reports are sent to schools within two weeks after the examination; copies of the report will be sent to students four to seven days after that.
Current information about examination dates, place and fees can be found on the following website: