For general knowledge about SSAT, including the test format, how to register, the fee, where to take, how to interpret SSAT scores, and so on, please check it here.
Before the test
How many times can I take the SSAT?
No - there is no indication on the score report as to how many tests were taken. You'd choose which/how many score reports to send to chosen schools.
How long the score will be kept?
Scores are kept on file and can be reported for two testing seasons (August 1st to July 31st).
What's a "Standard test" and "Flex test"?
There are two SSAT test forms; the Standard Test and the Regional/Flex Test. Any test not given on a Standard date is considered a Flex test, including tests administered to individuals or small groups by member schools and consultants.
What if I can’t test on a Standard date?
If none of the Standard test dates work for you, you can contact the school (s) to which you are applying and ask to take a Flex test. Visit ssat.org/flex for more information on Flex testing. There are also individual educational consultant providing Flex test which might charge additional fees.
How many schools I can send score reports to?
Score reports can be sent to 0 school or up to as many schools as needed, either before or after viewing your score. Score reports ordered online are free and unlimited. All score recipients, including your current school, must be selected as score recipients.
How can I update my student's information?
All of your profile information (except their name) can be updated through their account. For security reasons, if you need to update your student's name, you must e-mail [email protected].
Can I choose which individual section scores are reported to schools?
This is referred to as "super scoring" and students cannot do this on the SSAT. Ex: You cannot select a verbal score from one test and then a quantitative section from another test. You can send as many full score reports for each test to as many or as few schools as you wish. However, some schools will do this themselves. Contact the admission office at the school(s) to which you are applying to see if they will use the highest scoring sections from multiple tests.
- Middle & Upper Level: Within the SSAT testing year, August 1-July 31, there's no limitation on how many times to take Standard Test . You may take the Flex test only once per testing year, in addition to the Standard test administrations.
- Elementary Level: you'd take Standard test, which begins in December, twice during the testing year (August 1- July 31).
No - there is no indication on the score report as to how many tests were taken. You'd choose which/how many score reports to send to chosen schools.
How long the score will be kept?
Scores are kept on file and can be reported for two testing seasons (August 1st to July 31st).
What's a "Standard test" and "Flex test"?
There are two SSAT test forms; the Standard Test and the Regional/Flex Test. Any test not given on a Standard date is considered a Flex test, including tests administered to individuals or small groups by member schools and consultants.
What if I can’t test on a Standard date?
If none of the Standard test dates work for you, you can contact the school (s) to which you are applying and ask to take a Flex test. Visit ssat.org/flex for more information on Flex testing. There are also individual educational consultant providing Flex test which might charge additional fees.
How many schools I can send score reports to?
Score reports can be sent to 0 school or up to as many schools as needed, either before or after viewing your score. Score reports ordered online are free and unlimited. All score recipients, including your current school, must be selected as score recipients.
How can I update my student's information?
All of your profile information (except their name) can be updated through their account. For security reasons, if you need to update your student's name, you must e-mail [email protected].
Can I choose which individual section scores are reported to schools?
This is referred to as "super scoring" and students cannot do this on the SSAT. Ex: You cannot select a verbal score from one test and then a quantitative section from another test. You can send as many full score reports for each test to as many or as few schools as you wish. However, some schools will do this themselves. Contact the admission office at the school(s) to which you are applying to see if they will use the highest scoring sections from multiple tests.
How do I prepare for SSAT?
- Get familiar with the format of the SSAT : understanding the type and quantity of questions on the SSAT, the setup of the sections, and getting experience taking a standardized test. SSAT is just like other standardized tests: if you practice, you will feel more confident that you'll do well. Sign up for SSAT Practice Online at least a couple of months before you plan to take the test
- Official Guide
- Elementary Level: A free partial practice test is available for both the 3rd grade and 4th grades
- Middle and Upper Level: Three full-length practice tests in your online account.
- Tips from the SSAT organizer for the students as well as for the parents
Study methods
- Study on your own
- Study with a tutor
- Go to test prep institutes like Trinity Scholar, where you can work with an instructor who is not only an expert on the test him/herself, but also has gone through training from a test prep company (in our case, Kaplan).
During the test
Is the test online or on paper?
The SSAT is a pencil and paper test. For each question, you will use a pencil to fill in a circle for the answer chosen. For Elementary Level tests, students fill in the answer directly in the test book. For Middle and Upper Level tests, students fill in the answer on a separate answer sheet. Students from all levels will also complete a writing sample in pencil.
Can I bring a snack or drink to the test?
Yes. Snacks and drinks are allowed but may only be accessed or consumed during scheduled breaks. You will be asked to place all snacks and drinks in a designated "Snacks" area prior to testing. For easy identification, it is recommended that each student's snacks and drinks be brought in a large zip top bag with their name on the bag.
Can I use the restroom during the test?
There are break provided during the test for trips to restroom. You may raise his/her hand to use the restroom at any time during the test, but you may not make up the missed testing time.
The SSAT is a pencil and paper test. For each question, you will use a pencil to fill in a circle for the answer chosen. For Elementary Level tests, students fill in the answer directly in the test book. For Middle and Upper Level tests, students fill in the answer on a separate answer sheet. Students from all levels will also complete a writing sample in pencil.
Can I bring a snack or drink to the test?
Yes. Snacks and drinks are allowed but may only be accessed or consumed during scheduled breaks. You will be asked to place all snacks and drinks in a designated "Snacks" area prior to testing. For easy identification, it is recommended that each student's snacks and drinks be brought in a large zip top bag with their name on the bag.
Can I use the restroom during the test?
There are break provided during the test for trips to restroom. You may raise his/her hand to use the restroom at any time during the test, but you may not make up the missed testing time.
Test Day Checklist
1. Print your Student's Admission Ticket: Log in and click “print ticket” if you didn’t print it during registration.
2. What to Bring:
5. Allow Enough Time: It’s best to arrive at least 30-45 minutes prior to the start of testing.
6. Know What to Expect
7. Check for Closures & Cancellations: Check your email and the SSAT news page for information about cancellations before you leave.
2. What to Bring:
- Admission Ticket
- #2 Pencils (no mechanical pencils)
- Snack or Drink (Bring snacks and drinks in a clear zip-top bag with your student’s name on it.)
- It's highly recommended to bring a photo ID, such as passport for international students, as well as 2 2-inch headshots with three months.
- All Electronics, Calculators, Cell Phones (MUST BE OFF), Fitness Tracker Wristbands, Media Players, All Watches (Clocks will be visible in testing rooms and proctors will provide timing cues), Personal Items, Backpacks, Bags, Large Jewelry, Purses, Clothing, Coats, Hats, Books, Erasers, Mechanical Pencils, Notes or Paper, Pens, Rulers
- SSAT Cell Phone Policy
- Ensure the phone is off
- Place the phone in the prohibited items area when prompted
- Do NOT attempt to access or use it at any time, even during breaks.
- If prohibited items are brought, they must be placed in the prohibited items area upon entering the test room when instructed.
5. Allow Enough Time: It’s best to arrive at least 30-45 minutes prior to the start of testing.
6. Know What to Expect
7. Check for Closures & Cancellations: Check your email and the SSAT news page for information about cancellations before you leave.
After the test
How will I know my scores are available?
Can I see my writing sample?
Writing samples are not released to students with test scores unless ordered separately. You can purchase your SSAT writing sample for $22. Once the writing sample purchased is available, it is provided in your account, not sent via mail or email. Please login to your account, click on "My Scores", and then click on the + sign next to the their test. Then click on "Writing Sample."
Can I see the actual questions my student got wrong?
No. The SSAT is a non-disclosed test and questions may be reused in the future. Thus, the specific test questions from the tests are not available.
- Scores are released to students online via the SSAT account within two weeks after receipt of test materials.
- Log into your SSAT account, click on the "My Scores" button. A list of test dates you are registered for, or already took, will be listed. Click on the "+" next to the test date. A "View Score Report" option will appear as the menu expands. Click on this to view your score report.
- For an additional fee, a paper score report can also be sent via U.S. Mail or FedEx. A text or email alert can be ordered through the SSAT account which will alert you when your score is ready.
Can I see my writing sample?
Writing samples are not released to students with test scores unless ordered separately. You can purchase your SSAT writing sample for $22. Once the writing sample purchased is available, it is provided in your account, not sent via mail or email. Please login to your account, click on "My Scores", and then click on the + sign next to the their test. Then click on "Writing Sample."
Can I see the actual questions my student got wrong?
No. The SSAT is a non-disclosed test and questions may be reused in the future. Thus, the specific test questions from the tests are not available.
How can I improve my Reading & Writing / English sections?
Make a habit of reading
- read magazines, news, short articles or books in English frequently, as this will improve your reading speed and overall text comprehension.
- Practice often. For non-native English speakers, the time limit often poses a problem. Time yourself to figure out your reading pace, and to familiarize yourself with the amount of time you will have during the actual test.
- Mark the questions you are unsure about, so that if you have time after finishing the entire section, you can reread those questions. After correcting your answers, review the ones you got wrong. Analyze the passage again, and figure out what the mistake was and why you made it.
How can I improve my math section?
- Practice.
- Find out what you don’t know and fill in the content gaps.
- Re-solve questions you get wrong before looking at answer explanations.
- Keep asking questions until you understand a topic fully.
How can I improve Essay/Writing test?
Read more
- read magazines, news, short articles or books in English frequently
- Analyze and see what gives an essay a high score. What do they have that you don’t?
- Imitate their style/techniques you like
- Since it would be difficult to grade your own essay, get an experienced teacher to read your essay and give you advice.
Source: SSAT.org