What is on the Upper Level SSAT?
The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is a test that many independent schools use as part of their admissions process. The Upper Level SSAT is taken by students applying to grades 9-12.
The Upper Level SSAT is administered both on the computer and on paper. It consists of six sections: Writing, Quantitative 1, Reading, Verbal, Quantitative 2, and Experimental.
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Sample | 2 prompts | 25 minutes |
| Break | — | 5 minutes (paper) 10 minutes (computer) |
| Quantitative #1 | 25 questions | 30 minutes |
| Reading | 40 questions | 40 minutes |
| Break | — | 10 minutes |
| Verbal | 60 questions | 30 minutes |
| Quantitative #2 | 25 questions | 30 minutes |
| Experimental | 16 questions | 15 minutes |
With the exception of the Writing Sample, all of the questions are multiple choice with five answer choices. The Experimental Section is used to test new questions for future SSAT forms and is not scored.
Keep reading for more information about each section, including sample questions from the Test Innovators SSAT practice platform.
Writing Sample
The Writing Sample gives you two prompts to choose from: a personal prompt and a general prompt. The Writing Sample is an opportunity for you to show schools how well you can express yourself, organize your thoughts, and address a prompt in a logical manner.
Note: The Writing Sample is not scored. Rather, a copy of your writing is sent to schools along with your score report.
Example:
Quantitative #1 and #2
The two Quantitative sections focus primarily on problem solving and critical thinking. The topics covered are algebra, data analysis and probability, geometry, measurement, and numbers & operations. The two sections are combined into one score.
It’s important to note that calculators are not allowed.
Example:
Reading
The Reading section consists of 8 reading passages with an average of 5 questions for each passage. The passages cover a variety of topics including fiction, humanities, science, and social studies. Questions will generally fall into these categories: main idea; supporting ideas; inference; vocabulary in context; tone, style & figurative language; and organization & logic.
Example:
Verbal
The Verbal section consists of 30 synonym questions and 30 analogy questions.
Synonym questions give you a word and ask you to choose the most similar word from five options.
Example:
Analogy questions ask you to find the answer choice that completes the sentence logically, such that the relationship between the first pair of words is the same as the relationship between the second pair of words.
Example:
The best way to familiarize yourself with the SSAT is to take full-length practice tests. Get started with your prep today!
Preparing for a different level? Check out a breakdown of the Elementary Levels and Upper Level.
