The SSAT has five sections: a Writing Sample, two Quantitative (Math) sections, a Reading Comprehension section, a Verbal section, and an Experimental section. Three of those sections are scored, one is sent to schools unscored, and one does not count at all. Here is exactly what to expect in each one.
Every SSAT begins with a 25-minute writing sample. Many families are surprised to learn that the test starts with writing rather than multiple choice.
Upper Level students choose between a personal essay prompt and a general topic. Middle Level students receive a creative or personal prompt. Elementary Level students get an age-appropriate creative writing prompt.
The Enrollment Management Association (EMA) does not score the writing sample. However, a copy is sent to every school that receives the student's score report. Admissions teams may read it to get a sense of the student's writing abilityand voice. Putting genuine effort into the essay is worth the time.
The Middle and Upper Level SSATs each include two separate math sections with 25 questions each. The Elementary Level has one math section with 30 questions.
Math questions test a range of concepts depending on the test level:
Each question is multiple choice, and all questions carry equal weight. On the Middle and Upper Levels, a wrong answer costs a quarter of a point while a blank answer costs nothing. Students who can eliminate at least one answer choice may benefit from making an educated guess. Building solid math skills and learning when to skip is part of effective preparation.
The reading section presents passages followed by questions about content, main ideas, tone, and author intent.
Passages come from a variety of categories, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, history, and science. The SSAT specifically includes two types of writing: narrative (stories, poems, essays) and argument (passages with a clear point of view). Upper and Middle Level students face 40 questions in 40 minutes.
Questions test whether a student can identify the main idea, understand vocabulary in context, recognize the author's purpose, and draw conclusions. Strong readers who enjoy a variety of books and reading material tend to feel more comfortable with this section.
The verbal section is all about vocabulary and the ability to see relationships between ideas. Many students find this section the most challenging because it requires a strong vocabulary foundation.
The verbal section includes two question types:
Consistent reading over time is the single most effective way to build the vocabulary the SSAT tests. Working with a test preparation specialist can also help students learn strategies for tackling unfamiliar words.
The final section of the Middle and Upper Level SSATs is the Experimental section. Not every family knows about this one, and it often causes confusion.
The experimental section allows EMA to test new questions for future exams. Questions in this section are a mix of verbal, reading, and math items. None of them count toward the student's score.
Students do not know which questions are experimental, so the best approach is to answer everything as if it counts. Staying focused through the final section is part of building strong test-taking habits and endurance.
Each SSAT section tests a different skill, and most students have areas where they feel more confident than others. At LifeWorks, we have supported families since 2004 with personalized test preparation that targets each student's specific needs. Get in touch to talk about how we can help your student prepare.
How many sections does the SSAT have?
The Middle and Upper Level SSATs have five sections: Writing Sample, two Quantitative sections, Reading Comprehension, Verbal, and Experimental. The Elementary Level has four sections.
Which SSAT sections are scored?
Only the Quantitative, Reading Comprehension, and Verbal sections are scored. The Writing Sample and Experimental section are not scored.
How long is the verbal section of the SSAT?
The Verbal section on the Middle and Upper Levels is 30 minutes and contains 60 questions (30 synonyms and 30 analogies).
Should students guess on the SSAT?
On the Middle and Upper Levels, a wrong answer costs a quarter of a point. If a student can eliminate one or more answer choices, guessing may be worthwhile. Random guessing is generally not helpful.
What types of reading passages appear on the SSAT?
Passages cover fiction, nonfiction, poetry, history, and science. Questions ask about main ideas, vocabulary in context, author purpose, and conclusions.
Does the Experimental section affect my score?
No. The Experimental section tests new questions for future exams and does not count toward the student's score.
