The World's Most Complete SSAT Prep Books.
Browse our Free Stuff or Buy Our Books

More SSAT FAQ

SSAT Verbal

  1. How many questions are there in this section?
    • Elementary Level: 30 questions in 20 minutes
    • Lower and Upper Level: 60 questions in 30 minutes
  2. What question type does this section consist of?
    • All of the questions on the SSAT Verbal section are multiple-choice questions. Each question has five answer choices, and only one is correct.
    • Synonym questions: Students are asked to choose a word/phrase that best matches the given word/phrase.
    • Analogy questions: Students must choose the answer that best bridges the given phrase so that its relationship best reflects the example given in the question.
  3. What does the Verbal section test for?
    • This section measures a student's vocabulary and logical ability to connect different ideas.
  4. Should I guess on the SSAT Verbal section?
    • Each incorrectly chosen answer has a deduction of 0.25 points, where a blank answer is given a 0.  Since each question has five multiple choice options, it is only advisable to guess when one or more answer can be eliminated.
  5. How should I study for the SSAT Verbal section?
    • For synonym questions, we find it helpful when students not only review vocabulary, but to also try and implement new words  in everyday conversation and writing. This improves familiarity with the different components (prefix, suffix, root) in the word so that even if a student does encounter a completely new word, the meaning can at least be partially inferred through the components.
    • Analogy questions can be prepared for by practicing sample analogy questions.
 

SSAT Reading

  1. How many questions are there in this section?
    • Elementary Level: 28 questions in 30 minutes
    • Lower and Upper Level: 40 questions in 40 minutes
  2. What question types does this section consist of?
    • This section may ask the student questions relating to the following points regarding the passage
      • Identify the Main Idea
      • Identify Details
      • Make Inferences
      • Determine meaning of a word
      • Identify attitude, tone, purpose
      • Evaluate claims
  3. How is each question structured?
    • The question begins with a passage, written in a narrative or argument, and is followed by questions that may pertain to its style, intent, or the point of view given by the author. 
  4. Should I guess on the SSAT Reading Comprehension section?
    • Each incorrectly chosen answer has a deduction of 0.25 points, where a blank answer is given a 0.  Since each question has five multiple choice options, it is only advisable to guess when one or more answer can be eliminated.
  5. How should I study for the SSAT Reading  section?
    • Write Practice Tests
    • Practice reading and think critically about the content
    • Review english courses done in the past
 

SSAT Math

  1. How many questions are there in this section?
    • Elementary Level: 30 questions in 30 minutes
    • Lower and Upper Level: 25 questions in 30 minutes
  2. How is each question structured?
    • Each qualitative question can be presented in either mathematical form, where the student must perform a given operation to determine the answer, or word problems, where the student must scan through the question and determine which operations are necessary.
  3. Should I guess on the SSAT Quantitative section?
    • Each incorrectly chosen answer has a deduction of 0.25 points, where a blank answer is given a 0.  Since each question has five multiple choice options, it is only advisable to guess when one or more answer can be eliminated.
  4. What kind of questions should I expect on the Math section? (Some questions may combine more than one type of question)
    • Arithmetic
    • Algebra
    • Geometry
    • Word Problems