What is it?
- The SSAT is the Secondary School Admission Test
- A standardized test used by admission officers to assess the abilities of students seeking to enroll in US boarding schools
- Standard SSAT is given on 8 designated Saturdays during the academic year at worldwide test sites (1 August to 31 July)
- Once every month from Oct each year through Jun, except May
- Registration for tests (of all dates) begins on 1 Aug each year and closes 3 days before the actual date of test
Three levels – Elementary Level, Middle Level, Upper Level
- Elementary Level SSAT: Students currently in Grades 3-4 (i.e. P3 – P4 in HK)
- Middle Level SSAT: Students currently in Grades 5-7 (i.e. P5 – F1 in HK)
- Upper Level SSAT: Students currently in Grades 8-11 (i.e. F2- F5 in HK)
Format
- Multiple Choice questions
- 5 choices
- 1 mark for each correct answer
- no marks deducted for unanswered questions
- ¼ marks deducted for each incorrect answer
- Pencil and paper test
- Five sections: (1) Writing Sample, (2) Quantitative (Math), (3) Reading Comprehension, (4) Verbal, and (5) Experimental Section
- Duration: 3 hours and 5 minutes
1. Writing Sample
(i) NOT scored, but is included in the score reports sent to schools
Elementary: Only 1 picture prompt
Middle level: Choice between 2 creative essay questions, in 25 minutes
Upper level: Choice between 2 questions: creative or traditional essay, in 25 minutes
2. Quantitative (Math)
(i) Calculator not allowed
(ii) Include algebra, geometry, and other quantitative concepts
Elementary: 30 questions in 30 minutes (basic math concepts)
Middle level: 50 questions in two 30-minute sections
Upper level: 50 questions in two 30-minute sections
3. Reading Comprehension
Elementary: 28 questions in 30 minutes (7 short passages, each with 4 questions)
Middle level: 40 questions in 40 minutes Reading passages range from 250 to 350 words
Upper level: 40 questions in 40 minutes Reading passages range from 250 to 350 words
4. Verbal
(i) Asks students to identify synonyms and interpret analogies
Elementary: 30 questions in 20 minutes
Middle level: 60 questions: 30 synonyms and 30 analogies in 30 minutes
Upper level: 60 questions: 30 synonyms and 30 analogies in 30 minutes
5. Experimental
(i) NOT scored
Elementary: 15-17 questions in 15 minutes
Middle level: 16 questions in 15 minutes (contains 6 verbal, 5 reading and 5 quantitative questions)
Upper level: 16 questions in 15 minutes (contains 6 verbal, 5 reading and 5 quantitative questions)
Test Results
- Results are released to students online approximately 2 weeks after a standard test administration date.
- Results can be released to schools designated at registration by you as a score recipient. You may also select recipient schools after you have received the scores.
Ampla’s Preparation Courses
Following our initial assessment, students will receive a customised plan based on the following curriculum which is designed to imitate US school assessments.
Verbal Skills
- Develop vocabulary base
- Enhance knowledge about word roots (e.g. suffixes and prefixes) in order to figure out relationships between different words (e.g. synonyms and analogies)
English Skills
- Learn various strategies, and identify the most suitable techniques to use
- Efficiently extract information and grasp the main idea of passages about history, literature and sciences
- Practice planning and writing a range of essay topics
Maths Skills
- Practice mental arithmetic
- Master fundamental concepts from algebra to geometry
- Strengthen ability to answer complicated questions tactically
- Become familiar with a range of different types of questions
Ampla’s SSAT Course Highlights
- 24/7 on-demand tutoring with our experienced team of US boarding school specialists
- Flexible scheduling: online/ face-to-face lessons available
- Tailor-made lesson plan complemented by weekly timed quizzes and progress reports
Strategic Plan
A week-by-week study plan specifically designed for you.
Targeted Approach
Review each topic with a focus on weaker areas, with condensed notes and study materials provided.
Practical Skills
Cover test-taking strategies including time management, making informed guesses and how to handle stress.
Exam Drill
Familiarize with different exam styles/ techniques/ mark schemes through practice papers.
Complimentary Consultation
Contact us now to schedule a mock test and arrange a complimentary meeting with our dedicated US boarding school specialists.
