SSAT Upper Level Test Format & Content

The Upper Level SSAT Test (secondary school admission test) is comprised of 167 questions, including a writing (essay) sample. Students have 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete the test. This time allotment includes both a 5 minutes and a 10 minutes break.

SSAT Section Question Type(s) Total Amount of Questions and Time
Middle + Upper Level
SSAT Essay Essay Prompt 1 prompt 25 Minutes
Break 5 minutes
SSAT Quantitative Word Problems 25 questions 30 minutes
SSAT Reading Comprehension Passages + Relevant Questions 40 questions 40 minutes
Break 10 minutes
SSAT Verbal Synonyms + Analogies 60 questions 30 minutes
SSAT Quantitative Word Problems 25 questions 30 minutes
Experimental   16 questions 15 minutes
Total 167 questions 3 hours + 5 minutes

Click on each SSAT section to learn more about the different parts of the test. In each of the above links you will find important information including examples which would help you understand the structure of the SSAT better. Click here, for the SSAT test scores information.

Note that the Experimental section is a section on the real test which is designed to test new questions for future versions of the SSAT. This section of the SSAT is not scored and therefore is not included in our pack. The questions on this section will be reading, quantitative and verbal questions.

What to Expect on the SSAT Upper Level 

The SSAT Upper Level or the secondary school admission test is administered to students in grades 8-11, who are seeking admission to an independent school for grades 9-12. The Upper Level SSAT has the same format as the Middle Level SSAT. Both are multiple choice and include more sections than the SSAT Lower Level.

The SSAT Upper Level is used for admission purposes to independent schools all over the world. The SSAT Test assesses basic quantitative, verbal, and reading skills that students develop over time. These skills are necessary for a student to be successful at an independent school. The SSAT Upper Level provides useful information regarding the potential academic success of the students in question. Problem-solving skills and critical thinking are both emphasized on the SSAT Upper Level.

SSAT Upper Level Practice Test PDF

Click here for a free printable SSAT Practice test PDF to get an idea of what the SSAT looks like! This is a free SSAT practice test PDF with answers and detailed explanations, which you would be able to either view online or print. This SSAT sample test will help you understand the various question types and topics that are found on the real test. This would be an excellent starting point for further learning towards the SSAT upper level exam. 

Get Your Free SSAT Sample Test Here

 

SSAT Math Sample Questions

SSAT Upper Level Test Practice question-Quantitative Reasoning #1 

In a high school there are 𝑥 students. Every week five students leave and seven students join. Which of the following expressions describes the number of students in the high school after 𝑦 weeks?






 
Answer & Explanation|

 

SSAT Upper Level Test Practice Question-Quantitative Reasoning #2 

The perimeter of an equilateral triangle equals half of the perimeter of a square. If the length of a side of the square is 9 cm, what is the length of a side of the triangle?






 
Answer & Explanation|

 

SSAT Verbal Practice Questions

SSAT Upper Level Test Practice Question-Verbal Reasoning #1 

select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to that of the word in capital letters.

INDUCE






 
Answer & Explanation|

 

SSAT Upper Level Test Practice Question-Verbal Reasoning #2 

Fantastic is to good as






 
Answer & Explanation|

 

SSAT Study Tips 

  • For improving your performance in the verbal section, we recommend test takers read a lot: books, newspapers, etc. it will enhance your verbal abilities and expand your vocabulary.
  • For the quantitative parts, it is important to make sure you master the basics like multiplication and division rules, fractions, percentages, and so on, as most of the questions are based on these basics.
  • Allocate enough time for a proper learning every day. However, do not immerse yourself in a too intensive learning and remember to refresh your body and mind from time to time. Go outside for a running, watch a funny movie, or do whatever feels right for you.
  • A tool that helps many people to study effectively is making a timetable with specific times for studying, sleeping, hobbies, etc. Create yourself a timetable that would suit you and try to work according to it.
  • Give each question the required time for solving it. If you cannot get the correct answer, move on to the next question and return to the previous one later.
  • Do not forget to sleep. A good sleep is an important element in your success.
  • Do not forget to eat! When sitting and learning for a long time it is easy to forget about eating, but food is like a fuel for a car – without it your brain would not be able to function.
  • We recommend that you find some time for exercise, as physical activity is good for your health and is likely to enhance your learning.

SSAT Upper Level Test Prep

The Upper Level SSAT (secondary school admission test) is an important part of being accepted to an independent school. Make sure your child is ready for the test by preparing with TestPrep-Online’s SSAT Upper Level Practice Test. TestPrep-Online’s level-specific and child-friendly SSAT Practice Test packs will help your child prepare for test day. The SSAT Upper Level practice test packs include realistic practice tests and helpful study guides. Also, make sure to look at our FREE SSAT upper level practice test PDF with answers. All of these together will allow your child to become familiar with the test structure and provide him/her with the confidence to succeed.  

TestPrep-Online's practice tests simulate the actual SSAT test, as you are examined with the real test time limitations. After completing the practice test and submitting it, you will be provided with a score report that allows you to review your performance on the test, check which questions you have answered correctly and read detailed explanations and solving tips regarding all questions.

Our recommendation is to begin by solving the full practice test and answer all questions (even the ones you do not know the answer to) and then go over the entire test's explanations and read them carefully. It is important to also read the explanations of questions you have succeeded in since there are always new things you can learn from it – new ways of thinking, various strategies, and general solving tips that could help you in similar questions in the future. It is also highly recommended to try to solve the practice tests once again after reading the explanations, to discover which topics require extra practice, and to keep track of your progress throughout the learning process.

The SSAT ,secondary school admissions test, SSAT Practice test and other trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are affiliated with TestPrep-Online or this website.

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