What Is on the Elementary Level SSAT?
The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is an entrance exam that many independent schools use as part of their admissions process. The Elementary Level SSAT has two levels: Elementary Grade 3 for current 3rd graders applying to 4th grade, and Elementary Grade 4 for current 4th graders applying to 5th grade.
Both levels consist of the same sections: Quantitative (math), Reading, Verbal, Writing Sample, and Experimental. The Experimental Section, which is used to test new questions for future SSAT forms, is not scored. The Elementary SSAT is currently only administered on paper.
Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative | 30 questions | 30 minutes |
| Verbal | 30 questions | 20 minutes |
| Break | — | 15 minutes |
| Reading | 28 questions | 30 minutes |
| Writing Sample | 1 prompt | 15minutes |
| Experimental | 15-17 questions | 15 minutes |
With the exception of the Writing Sample, all of the questions are multiple choice with five answer choices.
Keep reading for more information about each section, including sample questions from the Test Innovators SSAT practice platform.
Quantitative
The Quantitative section focuses primarily on problem solving and critical thinking. The topics covered are algebra, data analysis & probability, geometry, measurement, and numbers & operations.
It’s important to note that calculators are not allowed.
Example (Elementary Grade 3):
Example (Elementary Grade 4):
Verbal
The Verbal section consists of 15 synonym questions and 15 analogy questions.
Synonym questions give you a word and ask you to choose the most similar word from five options.
Example (Elementary Grade 3):
Example (Elementary Grade 4):
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 (Elementary Grade 3):
Example (Elementary Grade 4):
Reading
The Reading section consists of 7 reading passages followed by 4 questions for each passage. The passages cover a variety of subjects including fiction, humanities, science, and social studies.
After reading the passage, you will be given questions that fall into these categories: main idea; supporting ideas; inference; vocabulary in context; tone, style & figurative language; and organization & logic.
Example (Elementary Grade 3):
Example (Elementary Grade 4):
Writing Sample
The Writing Sample gives you a picture prompt and asks you to write a fictional story. 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.
Example (Elementary Grade 3):
Example (Elementary Grade 4):
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 Middle Level and Upper Level.
