How Long is the SSAT? What is the SSAT? How is the SSAT Scored? How to Prepare for the SSAT What is the SSAT Used For? SSAT Test Dates and Deadlines SSAT Test Fees SSAT Score Reporting SSAT Score Interpretation How to Improve Your SSAT Score Common Mistakes to Avoid on the SSAT Conclusion
7 mins read

How Long is the SSAT? What is the SSAT? How is the SSAT Scored? How to Prepare for the SSAT What is the SSAT Used For? SSAT Test Dates and Deadlines SSAT Test Fees SSAT Score Reporting SSAT Score Interpretation How to Improve Your SSAT Score Common Mistakes to Avoid on the SSAT Conclusion

The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is a standardized test that is used to assess the academic skills of students applying to independent schools. The test is divided into three sections: Reading, Math, and Writing. The length of each section is as follows:

UC Merced Graduation 2024: A Transformative Journey for the Class of 2024
Section Time
Reading 60 minutes
Math 60 minutes
Writing 30 minutes

Total | 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes)

The total time for the SSAT is 150 minutes, or 2 hours and 30 minutes. This includes 30 minutes for the Writing section, which is divided into two parts:

  • Essay: 25 minutes
  • Multiple Choice: 5 minutes

The SSAT is a challenging test, but it is important to remember that it is just one part of the admissions process. Independent schools will also consider your academic record, extracurricular activities, and recommendations when making their admissions decisions.

how long is the ssat

The SSAT is a standardized entrance exam that is used to assess the academic skills of students applying to independent schools. The test is designed to measure a student’s critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing abilities. The SSAT is offered in two levels:

  • SSAT Middle Level: For students entering grades 6-8
  • SSAT Upper Level: For students entering grades 9-12

The SSAT is administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), a non-profit organization that provides testing and assessment services to schools and students. The test is offered at test centers around the world on several dates throughout the year.

The SSAT is scored on a scale of 400-800. The average score for the Middle Level is 540, and the average score for the Upper Level is 580.

How Long is the SSAT?

The SSAT scores are broken down into three sections:

  • Verbal: Reading and Writing
  • Quantitative: Math
  • Overall: A combination of Verbal and Quantitative scores

The Verbal score is based on the student’s performance on the Reading and Writing sections. The Quantitative score is based on the student’s performance on the Math section. The Overall score is a combination of the Verbal and Quantitative scores.

Section

The best way to prepare for the SSAT is to practice. There are a number of resources available to help students prepare for the test, including:

  • Official SSAT practice tests: These tests are available from the ERB website.
  • SSAT prep books: These books provide practice questions and tips for each section of the test.
  • SSAT prep courses: These courses are offered by a variety of organizations and can help students improve their scores by providing them with personalized instruction and practice.

In addition to practicing, students should also focus on improving their overall academic skills. This includes developing strong reading comprehension, problem-solving, and writing skills. Students should also make sure to get a good night’s sleep before the test and eat a healthy breakfast on the day of the test.

The SSAT is used by independent schools to assess the academic skills of students applying for admission. The test is used to help schools identify students who are likely to be successful in their academic programs.

The SSAT is not the only factor that schools consider when making admissions decisions. Schools will also consider a student’s academic record, extracurricular activities, and recommendations. However, the SSAT is an important part of the admissions process and can help students improve their chances of being admitted to their preferred schools.

The SSAT is offered on several dates throughout the year. The test dates for the 2023-2024 school year are as follows:

Date Registration Deadline
October 1, 2023 September 1, 2023
November 5, 2023 October 6, 2023
December 3, 2023 November 4, 2023
January 14, 2024 December 16, 2023
February 11, 2024 January 13, 2024
March 11, 2024 February 13, 2024
April 8, 2024 March 10, 2024
May 6, 2024 April 7, 2024

Late Registration Deadline: Students can register for the SSAT after the registration deadline, but they will be charged a late fee.

Test Day: Students should arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before their scheduled test time.

The SSAT test fee is $130. The late registration fee is $50.

SSAT scores are typically released within 2-3 weeks of the test date. Students can access their scores online or by mail.

SSAT scores are reported on a scale of 400-800. The average score for the Middle Level is 540, and the average score for the Upper Level is 580.

The SSAT score report includes the following information:

  • Overall Score: A combination of the Verbal and Quantitative scores
  • Verbal Score: Based on the Reading and Writing sections
  • Quantitative Score: Based on the Math section
  • Percentile Rank: The percentage of students who scored lower than the student on the test
  • Subscore: A breakdown of the student’s performance on each section of the test

There are a number of things that students can do to improve their SSAT score. These include:

  • Practice: The best way to prepare for the SSAT is to practice. Students should take practice tests and review their results to identify areas where they need to improve.
  • Focus on your strengths: Students should focus on improving their strengths rather than trying to improve their weaknesses. This will help them maximize their score.
  • Get enough sleep: Students should get a good night’s sleep before the test. This will help them stay focused and perform their best.
  • Eat a healthy breakfast: Students should eat a healthy breakfast on the day of the test. This will help them stay energized and focused.

There are a number of common mistakes that students make on the SSAT. These include:

  • Not practicing: The most common mistake that students make is not practicing for the test. Students who do not practice are not likely to perform well on the test.
  • Guessing on questions: Students should only guess on questions that they are not sure about. Guessing on questions that they do not know the answer to will only lower their score.
  • Not managing their time: Students should carefully manage their time on the SSAT. They should make sure to spend enough time on each section of the test.
  • Not checking their work: Students should check their work carefully before submitting their answer sheets. This will help them avoid making careless mistakes.

The SSAT is an important test for students who are applying to independent schools. The test is used to assess the academic skills of students and help schools identify students who are likely to be successful in their academic programs.

Students who want to improve their SSAT score should focus on practicing, improving their strengths, and getting enough sleep and nutrition. Students should also avoid common mistakes such as not practicing, guessing on questions, not managing their time, and not checking their work.