What is SSAT used for
Andrew Rivera
Updated on April 14, 2026
SSAT stands for the Secondary School Admissions Test, and it’s used for admission to private middle schools and high schools. If you’re looking to attend an elite private middle or high school, this is a test you’ll need to do well on.
When should you take the SSAT?
When Should You Take the SSAT? The most important factor for deciding when to take the SSAT is the admission deadline of the school(s) you’re applying to. Scores are sent about two weeks after the SSAT exam, so you’ll need to select a test date that’s at least two weeks before the admission deadline.
Who should take SSAT?
The SSAT is designed for students in grades 3 through 11 who are seeking admission to private schools. It’s available in three levels: elementary for students in grades 3 and 4, middle for students in grades 5 through 7, and upper for students in grades 8 through 11.
Is the SSAT important?
The SSAT is one part of the application process and is not more important than any other piece. As educators, we know what a standardized test can and cannot tell us about an applicant, therefore we consider all aspects of the application through our review process.”What schools require the SSAT?
- Milton Academy, Milton, Massachusetts. …
- The Taft School, Watertown, Connecticut. …
- The Urban School of San Francisco, San Francisco, California. …
- Brooks School, North Andover, Massachusetts.
How do I send my SSAT scores to schools?
- Log in to the parent/guardian account.
- Click the red “SSAT Scores” button.
- Click the “+” sign next to your student’s test.
- Type the name of the school or educational consultant (or their four-digit code) into “Search and Add Score Recipients.”
How do I learn SSAT?
- Practice, practice, practice – early! …
- Read – a lot! …
- If you know you are weak in a particular subject, get help before you take the test. …
- Be prepared. …
- Get a good night’s rest. …
- Be on-time for your test. …
- Relax! …
- Set a pace.
What SSAT score do you need to get into Lawrenceville?
Here’s what the Lawrenceville School says about SSAT scores on its website: “The average SSAT score for accepted students has historically been around the 85th percentile.Is SSAT optional?
Please note that admission testing (ISEE or SSAT exam) is optional for applicants to grades 6-12 for the 2022-2023 year.
Is the ISEE hard?The ISEE is an extremely difficult test, and each level—Lower, Middle, and Upper—is designed to challenge multiple grade levels. Because of this, there is material on the test that you are not expected to know. Remember you will only be compared to other students at your grade level.
Article first time published onIs SSAT hard?
While the test is designed to be of “middle difficulty,” this is a very competitive group of students against which you’re being scored—these are the select students applying to the finest independent schools.
How often can you take the SSAT?
The SSAT at Home is offered every Saturday, as well as a few Sundays, and can be taken up to five times per year. The SSAT at Home is the same test as the traditional SSAT— the only difference is that the test is administered on the computer rather than on paper.
What is the difference between the SSAT and the PSAT?
How does the SSAT compare to the PSAT and SAT? Like the PSAT and SAT, the SSAT tests students’ verbal, reading, and math skills. … For example, the verbal section of the SSAT consists entirely of vocabulary and analogy questions, which do not appear on the PSAT and SAT.
Is the SSAT on paper or computer?
There are three ways to take the Middle or Upper Level SSAT inside the U.S. and Canada: Paper-Based testing on Standard or Flex dates. Computer-Based testing at a Prometric Test Center. Computer-Based SSAT at Home (U.S. and Canada Only)
What type of math is on the SSAT?
The SSAT tests a student’s skills in three mathematical areas: computations, geometry/algebra, and mathematical concepts.
Do SSAT scores matter?
Schools will say that there are no ‘cutoff’ scores in their admissions processes, but the truth is that most students need to get their scores above a certain level in order to be seriously considered.
Do I need to study for SSAT?
Consider buying The Official Guide to the SSAT. While this is not necessary, having a test preparation book specifically for the SSAT can help to familiarize you with what types of questions are asked, how they are worded, and what exam scorers are looking for in answers.
What is SSAT exam?
Program Description. Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) Preparation program is designed for students who are seeking entrance to independent schools. The purpose of the SSAT is to measure the basic verbal, quantitative, and reading kills students develop over time.
What is an excellent SSAT score?
Q: What is considered a high SSAT score? A: The median total score for the Upper Level SSAT has been reported at approximately 1980 (out of 2400). A score of 2100 is in the top quartile of all test-takers, while scores of 2180 and 2240 are in the top 10% and top 5%, respectively.
How long is SSAT valid?
Short answer: Your SSAT scores will only remain valid through the current testing year. That means that you can’t use this year’s test scores for next year’s applications.
What is SSAT Superscore?
A very common question from parents and students regards Super Scoring the SSAT test. “Super Scoring”, or superscoring, is the combining of section scores from multiple tests into one score that involves the best from all tests taken.
What is the average SSAT score for Choate?
boarding schools, Choate required an 85th percentile SSAT score, and admitted 19% of applicants. into Ivies, MIT and Stanford at 27%, Lawrenceville admitted 21% of its applicants, with an SSAT score in the 84th percentile.
Does Hotchkiss require SSAT?
9th and 10th grade applicants: Hotchkiss will be test optional for the coming admission cycle. … Therefore, our application process will be test optional for the coming admission cycle. Students are welcome to submit SSAT or ISEE, but they will not be required.
Whats a good SSAT score for an 8th grader?
Median Scores (SSAT 50th Percentile)Middle Level7614Upper Level8647966810686
Does Lawrenceville accept Sao?
While Lawrenceville accepts both the Standard Application Online (SAO) and the Gateway to Prep School Application, we recommend using the Gateway application.
What is a good SSAT score for Phillips Andover?
“Although the Andover admissions committee has no minimum grade or score requirements for acceptance, the average Andover student maintained an “A” average at his or her previous school and scored in the 93rd percentile on the SSATs.”
What is the difference between the ISEE and SSAT?
Reading section: The ISEE and SSAT reading passages cover a variety of subjects, with the primary difference being that SSAT includes poetry and older-style literature while the ISEE generally focuses on more contemporary passages. Math sections: The ISEE and SSAT both have two math sections.
What is a good ISEE score for 8th grade?
In general, a good ISEE score is a Stanine Score of 7, 8, or 9. Stanine Scores of 4, 5, and 6 are considered average, and scores of 1, 2, and 3 are below average. However, the comprehensive answer to this question depends on several factors, including the schools to which you are applying.
Do schools see all ISEE scores?
ISEE: Selective independent schools generally expect to see 5’s across all four sections of the ISEE. At a school like Sage Hill in Newport Beach CA, most admits are scoring 5’s and 6’s. … SSAT: Selective independent schools generally expect to see scores above the 50th percentile.
How quickly do SSAT results come back?
If you take the SSAT at home on the computer, it will take only four days to get your scores. If you added school recipients during the registration process, schools will receive your scores in just three days. As soon as your score report is ready, you can view your scores by logging in to your SSAT account here.
Can you take the SSAT twice?
Can I take the SSAT more than once? In general, yes. You may take the SSAT on any or all of the standard test dates. However, you may only take the SSAT on one FLEX test date per year.