What is the SSAT Middle Level Exam?

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) Middle Level is a standardized assessment designed for students currently in grades 5 through 7 who are applying for admission into grades 6 through 8 at independent or private schools. The exam evaluates skills in mathematics, reading comprehension, and verbal reasoning, providing schools with a measure of a student's academic abilities.

SSAT Middle Level Exam Structure

The SSAT Middle Level is available in both paper-based and computer-based formats. The exam consists of the following sections:

1. Writing Sample: Assesses the student's ability to organize and express ideas.
2. Quantitative (Math) Sections: Evaluates mathematical problem-solving skills.
3. Reading Comprehension: Measures the ability to understand and interpret written passages.
4. Verbal: Tests vocabulary and understanding of word relationships.

The total testing time is approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes, including breaks. The breakdown of each section is as follows:

Writing Sample: Students are provided with a choice between two creative prompts and are asked to write a story. While this section is not scored, it is sent to admission officers for evaluation.

Quantitative Sections: There are two math sections, each containing 25 questions. These sections assess knowledge in areas such as arithmetic, elementary algebra, and geometry. Calculators are not permitted.

Reading Comprehension: This section includes 40 questions based on reading passages. It measures the ability to understand and interpret both narrative and argumentative texts.

Verbal Section: Comprises 30 synonym and 30 analogy questions, testing vocabulary strength and the ability to relate ideas.

Experimental Section: Contains 16 unscored questions used for test development purposes.

SSAT Middle Level Scoring

The SSAT Middle Level employs a scoring system that includes a penalty for incorrect answers:

• Correct Answer: +1 point
• Incorrect Answer: -0.25 points
• Unanswered: 0 points

The scaled scores for each section range from 440 to 710, leading to a total score range of 1320 to 2130. Additionally, a percentile rank is provided, comparing the student's performance to that of peers in the same grade.

SSAT Middle Level Registration

The SSAT Middle Level is offered on designated standard test dates throughout the academic year. To find a test date and register, visit the official SSAT Registration Page.

In addition to standard test dates, students have the option to take the SSAT at home or at a Prometric test center. The SSAT at Home is a computer-based test available in the United States and Canada, while Prometric test centers offer computer-based testing in various locations. For more information on these options, visit the SSAT Testing Options Page.

Preparing for the SSAT Middle Level Exam

Effective preparation is key to success on the SSAT Middle Level. Here are some strategies to help your child prepare:

• Familiarize with the Test Format: Understanding the structure and types of questions can reduce test anxiety and improve performance.
• Practice Regularly: Utilize official SSAT practice materials and free resources to build confidence and identify areas needing improvement.
• Develop Test-Taking Strategies: Teach time management skills and the importance of reading instructions carefully.

For additional study resources and practice questions, explore our SSAT Middle Level question bank.

Prepare for the SSAT Middle Level Exam with Practice Questions

Achieving a high score on the SSAT Middle Level exam requires effective preparation and familiarity with the exam format. Start practicing today with our comprehensive SSAT Middle Level question bank.