How to Read an SSAT Score Report
So you’ve taken the SSAT and received your score report, but what does everything mean? The SSAT score report has two primary measures of performance: scaled scores and percentile scores.
Scaled Scores
On the Elementary level, students receive 1 point for questions answered correctly and 0 points for questions answered incorrectly or left unanswered. On the Middle and Upper levels, students receive 1 point for questions answered correctly, lose ¼ of a point for questions answered incorrectly, and receive 0 points for questions left unanswered. (Tip: This ¼ of a point wrong answer penalty can seem intimidating, but it’s actually always better to put an answer down for every question, even if you have to guess.)
The raw score, which is the number of correct answer points minus incorrect answer points, is converted into what is called a scaled score. This conversion from a raw score to a scaled score adjusts for the variation in difficulty between different tests. Scaled scores are important because one version of the test may be slightly easier or more difficult than another. Converting students’ raw scores to scaled scores ensures that getting a 500 on one test is equal to getting a 500 on another test.
Students receive a scaled score for each of the three scored sections: Verbal, Reading, and Quantitative.
The total scaled score is the sum of these section scores.
Scaled scores differ across levels. The scaled score range indicates the range of scores you might be able to achieve depending on the day and test.
Percentile Scores
Although scaled scores receive a great deal of attention, the percentile is a much better measure of how a student performed on the SSAT. Percentile scores range from 1 to 99 and are calculated by looking at how well a student did compared to other students in the same grade who have taken the SSAT in the last 3 years. For example, if a student scores in the 70th percentile, then that means they scored as well as or better than 70% of students in their grade level but worse than 29%.
It’s important to highlight that the percentile score is only based on other students applying to the same grade. For example, if a student is applying to 9th grade and took the Upper Level SSAT (for students applying to grades 9-12) their scores are only compared to other students applying to 9th grade, not the students applying as 10th, 11th, or 12th graders.
Individual percentile scores will be calculated for each section. A total percentile score for the entire exam will also be calculated.
Although scaled scores receive a great deal of attention, the percentile is a much better measure of how a student performed on the SSAT. Percentile scores range from 1 to 99 and are calculated by looking at how well a student did compared to other students in the same grade who have taken the SSAT in the last 3 years. For example, if a student scores in the 70th percentile, then that means they scored as well as or better than 70% of students in their grade level but worse than 29%.
It’s important to highlight that the percentile score is only based on other students applying to the same grade. For example, if a student is applying to 9th grade and took the Upper Level SSAT (for students applying to grades 9-12) their scores are only compared to other students applying to 9th grade, not the students applying as 10th, 11th, or 12th graders.
Individual percentile scores will be calculated for each section. A total percentile score for the entire exam will also be calculated.
What is a good percentile?
The answer really depends on the school. The scores schools typically accept vary from school to school, so the best way to analyze scores is in the context of your target schools. It’s important to keep in mind that test scores are just one part of the application.
Students who take the SSAT also tend to be an academically high-performing group overall. This means that you may notice your percentile rank is lower than what you’re used to seeing on other school assessments or statewide exams.
The Analysis
Below the scaled and percentile scores, students will see a section that breaks down the questions within each section. Students can see how many questions they got correct and incorrect, as well as how many were left unanswered. This section also shows students how well they did within certain subtypes for each subject.
The Writing Sample
The writing sample is unscored, so you won’t see it with your SSAT score report. Instead, a copy of your writing sample will be sent to the schools that you choose to send your scores to along with your report.
Retaking the SSAT
It can be difficult to receive scores that are lower than what you were hoping for. Luckily, the SSAT can be taken multiple times throughout the year. You can also consider creating a test prep study plan before your next test date to help keep yourself on target with your goals.
Preparing for the SSAT
We are an official SSAT practice partner of EMA. As part of our partnership, we host official SSAT practice materials on our platform. Start preparing for your next SSAT by taking a free sample test.
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Originally posted on October 8, 2017. Updated on January 22, 2025.
