ssat sample test middle level

SSAT Middle Level Practice Test

Prepare for your test with realistic questions.

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is used by private schools to assess the knowledge and skills of prospective students. The Middle Level SSAT is specifically designed for students in grades 5-7.

Click “Start Test” above to take a free Middle Level SSAT practice test, and check out our premium-quality Middle Level SSAT test prep resources by clicking the links below!

SSAT Middle Level Test Outline

The Middle Level SSAT contains 166 questions and one essay, and you will be given 3 hours and 10 minutes (including breaks). There are 16 experimental questions dispersed throughout the exam, which do not count toward your final score.

The test covers four main subjects and is split into seven parts.

1. Writing Sample

In this part, you will be given 25 minutes to write a short essay. Your essay will be based on either a personal question or a creative story starter.

This essay will not be scored, but the schools that receive your SSAT scores will receive your essay to help evaluate your writing abilities.

2. Break (10 minutes)

3. quantitative (math).

In this part, you will be given 30 minutes to answer 25 math-related questions, and you will not be able to use a calculator at any time.

The questions in this part assess your knowledge of geometry, arithmetic, elementary algebra, and data analysis.

4. Reading Comprehension

In this part, which is timed at 40 minutes, you will be given multiple reading passages that are 250-350 words each. You will then be asked to answer questions about each passage. These questions assess your ability to make inferences, locate details, make predictions, determine the author’s purpose and point of view, and recognize the main idea.

5. Break (10 minutes) 6. Verbal

In this part, you will have 30 minutes to identify synonyms and interpret analogies. There are 30 synonyms to identify and 30 analogies to interpret.

These questions assess your ability to logically relate ideas to each other and your vocabulary strength.

7. Quantitative (Math)

This part is a continuation of part 3. You will have 30 minutes to answer 25 more questions related to math, and you will not have access to a calculator.

Check out Mometrix's Middle Level SSAT Study Guide

Get practice questions, video tutorials, and detailed study lessons

SSAT Middle Level Test Registration

To register for the test, you will need to make an account online via the SSAT website. From there, you can select which testing method works best for you and pay the applicable testing fee.

There are three main testing methods to choose from:

Paper-and-pencil

This traditional version of the test is available to take in two different ways: standard and flex.

A computer-based version of the test is available to take at Prometric testing centers across the US and Canada. Prometric testing requirements will apply, including what you are allowed to bring to the testing center.

An online version of the test is available if testing at home is best for you. It is important to note that there are many strict guidelines that apply to at-home testing, so you should ensure you can meet those guidelines before committing to this version of the test.

How the SSAT Middle Level Test is Scored

On the Middle Level SSAT, you earn one point for every question you answer correctly, and only one-quarter of a point is deducted for each question you answer incorrectly. There is no penalty for skipping questions.

The total scaled score range is 1320 to 2310. On your score report, you will see your final overall score, your percentile, and your individual scores for each subject on the test.

Retaking the SSAT Middle Level Test

You are welcome to take the test as many times as you wish. You will need to pay the testing fee for each retake.

Check out Mometrix's Middle Level SSAT Flashcards

Get complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts

How many questions are on the SSAT Middle Level test?

There are 166 questions and one unscored essay on the test.

How long is the SSAT Middle Level test?

The time limit for the test is 3 hours and 10 minutes.

What is a good score for the SSAT Middle Level test?

Any score higher than 1740 is considered to be a good score.

How much does the SSAT Middle Level test cost?

The testing fee varies depending on your testing method of choice.

By Peter Rench

Peter Rench joined Mometrix in 2009 and serves as Vice President of Product Development, responsible for overseeing all new product development and quality improvements. Mr. Rench, a National Merit Scholar, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in mathematics from Texas A&M University.

SSAT Test – Home

by Mometrix Test Preparation | This Page Last Updated: December 28, 2023

On this page:

• School Entrance Exams
• SSAT Practice Test
• SSAT Middle Level

SSAT Middle Level Practice Test

Do you have a child in the 5th–7th grade preparing for the SSAT Middle Level? Continue reading to learn more about the SSAT Middle Level, and how TestPrep-Online's preparation materials can help your child succeed.

Currently, we provide practice packs only for the SSAT Upper Level. The SSAT Upper Level has the same format and question types as the SSAT Middle Level, so practicing with the Upper Level can help you prepare for your Middle Level test. However, please note that the questions on the Upper Level are harder than the questions on the Middle Level.

Try our FREE SSAT practice.

• What to Expect on the SSAT Middle Level
• SSAT Middle Level Test Format & Content

SSAT Middle Level Test Prep

Practicing for the ssat, what to expect on the middle level ssat.

Students in grades 5–7 who are seeking admission to an independent school for grades 6–8 generally take the Middle Level SSAT. The test has the same format as the Upper Level SSAT : Both are multiple choice and include more sections than the SSAT Lower Level . The SSAT Test is used to assess a student’s mathematical, verbal, and reading skills–skills that are necessary for a student to succeed in an independent school. A SSAT score report provides independent schools with a detailed image of a student’s academic potential. Avoid surprises the day of the test by practicing as much as possible and spending a responsible amount of time preparing for the test. Roughly two to three weeks should suffice for you to remember and read over old topics and rules learned in school, review some questions, while resting in between study sessions to keep your focus.

Back to top

Middle Level SSAT Format & Content

The Middle Level SSAT Test consists of 167 questions, including a writing sample. Students are given 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete the test. This time frame includes a 5-minute break and a 10-minute one.

Note that you have nothing special to do towards the experimental section as this section is not scored. This section is designed to test the quality and reliability of new potential questions. Try your best on this section but remember you are not the one being tested but the questions themselves.

For many private schools seeking admission, the SSAT score is what gives the yes or no for a student’s acceptance into a program. It is, therefore, highly recommended to study as much as possible before the day of the test. To help make sure your child is ready for the test, TestPrep-Online will soon have the SSAT Middle Level Practice Pack. Our level-specific and user-friendly practice packs are designed to give your child the knowledge and confidence to get the score he or she deserves. The SSAT Middle Level Practice Pack will include realistic practice tests and helpful study guides, allowing your child to become as familiar as possible with the testing material.

If you are looking for the upper level SSAT prep, click here .

Some sections require more or less practice based on personal preference and extracurricular activities. Students that enjoy reading books can invest less time practicing their reading comprehension as they already have experience in it. If you find yourself with extra time, it never hurts to practice your reading speed. Some people benefit more from skimming and then searching for specific information to answer questions. Others can read the text more slowly but retain the information better, saving themselves time going back and forth between questions and texts. Students that are more adept at calculations can have a break from math but instead need to focus on essay composition, reading comprehension, or vocabulary. The quantitative section of the test contains word problems and calculations only account for certain percentage of success. It is also important to know precisely what information is important in word problems and how to extract it, and use it, in order to find the solution. All of this requires no less practice than knowing how to calculate or remembering formulas.

We recommend you to go over the tests and questions in our pack more tha n once to accustom yourself with the types of questions you are going to encounter on the real test. This way would allow you to be in a very high level of preparedness when you will reach the real test .

Finally, have a good sleep on the night before the test and eat a healthy snack in the morning to make sure you are focused and energetic.

The SSAT practice tests and other trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are affiliated with TestPrep-Online or this website.

Related Links

The OFFICIAL SSAT Practice Materials

Online practice tests and printed guide books.

Prepare for the SSAT with the only practice materials created by the same team that develops the test.

Study With the Best SSAT Test Prep

As the creator of the SSAT, we know it best! Start with our free online Mini-Practice Test to identify where your student should focus studying, then dig into our comprehensive Online Practice and SSAT Guide Books packed with four full-length Middle and Upper Level practice tests.

"We fully utilized the online [practice] and textbook resources. It was awesome—we scored in the 97th percentile!"

Richard (Parent) Naples (FL)

Best Value: Bundle & Save!

Purchase an ssat guide book with online practice and save $20., 278,003+ students helped in the last 10 years alone.

Only with our official practice materials do you get four full-length practice tests— 600 questions in total —mirroring the actual SSAT experience. Choose Online Practice for over 1,000 more questions ! Compared to our top competitor, it's no competition—you get more and pay less with the official Online Practice and SSAT Guide Books .

*Middle and Upper Level Guide Books and Online Practice subscriptions are sold separately. Online practice subscriptions last for a year from the date of purchase.

**The full-length practice tests are the same in the Guide Books and Online Practice.

Start Practicing Now With the Free SSAT Mini-Test

HIGH SCHOOL

• ACT Tutoring
• SAT Tutoring
• PSAT Tutoring
• ASPIRE Tutoring
• SHSAT Tutoring
• STAAR Tutoring

GRADUATE SCHOOL

• MCAT Tutoring
• GRE Tutoring
• LSAT Tutoring
• GMAT Tutoring
• AIMS Tutoring
• HSPT Tutoring
• ISAT Tutoring
• SSAT Tutoring

Search 50+ Tests

Loading Page

math tutoring

• Elementary Math
• Pre-Calculus
• Trigonometry

science tutoring

Foreign languages.

• Mandarin Chinese

elementary tutoring

• Computer Science

Search 350+ Subjects

• Video Overview
• Tutor Selection Process
• Online Tutoring
• Mobile Tutoring
• Instant Tutoring
• How We Operate
• Our Guarantee
• Impact of Tutoring
• Reviews & Testimonials
• Media Coverage
• About Varsity Tutors

FREE SSAT Practice Tests

Test your knowledge, improve your scores and leverage our free testing system., free ssat diagnostic tests, free ssat practice tests.

What is the SSAT? The SSAT, or Secondary School Admissions Test, is a multiple-choice, standardized test used by many independent schools as part of their admissions process. The SSAT is administered to students in grades 3 through 11, and is designed to measure a student's quantitative, verbal, and reading skills. There are three levels of the SSAT: Elementary (for students in grades 3 and 4), Middle (for students in grades 5 through 7), and Upper (for students in grades 8 through 11). All levels of the SSAT are skills-based tests, as opposed to achievement or knowledge-based tests, and are used as guides by admissions professionals to assess the potential academic success of prospective students.  Whether you need top SUBJECT tutors in EASTERN CITY, SUBJECT tutors in MIDWESTERN CITY, or top SUBJECT tutors in WESTERN CITY, working with a pro may take your studies to the next level.  Whether you need top SSAT tutors in Boston , SSAT tutors in Detroit , or top SSAT tutors in Dallas Fort Worth , working with a pro may take your studies to the next level. What are the different sections of the SSAT? All levels of the SSAT contain one quantitative section, one verbal section, one reading comprehension section, and one unscored writing sample. The Middle and Upper Level tests include an additional, second quantitative section, as well as an unscored experimental questions section, which aids test makers in developing future tests. Varsity Tutors offers resources like a free  SSAT diagnostic tests to help with your self-paced study, or you may want to consider an  SSAT tutor . What are the differences between the three SSAT test levels? The Elementary Level SSAT is administered to students in grades 3 and 4, applying for admission to grades 4 and 5. It is the shortest of the three levels of SSAT and consists of three tests sections, followed by one unscored writing sample. The Middle Level SSAT is administered to students in grades 5 through 7, applying for admission to grades 6 through 8. The Upper Level SSAT is administered to students in grades 8 through 11, applying for admission to grades 9 through 12. Both the Middle and Upper Level SSAT consist of an unscored writing sample, followed by four scored test sections and an unscored experimental question section. How long is the SSAT? The Elementary Level test takes 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete, which includes one 15 minute break between sections. The Middle and Upper Level tests take 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete, and includes one 5 minute break and one 10 minute break. When and where can I take the SSAT? The SSAT Standard test is administered eight Saturdays a year at various test centers worldwide. Sunday testing is available on a limited basis for students who cannot attend Saturday sessions due to religious observances. Requests for Sunday testing must be made at least three days prior to the test date. Requests for other special accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to the test date. For a list of Standard test dates and test centers, visit the official SSAT website at http://www.ssat.org. Students can take Standard tests as many times as desired. Some educational consultants or member schools may host Flex tests on dates other than the Standard test dates. A list of educational consultants and member schools can also be found on the SSAT website. Students may only take one Flex test per testing year (August 1 – July 31). How much does it cost to take the SSAT? The registration fee for the Elementary Level SSAT is $80. Registration for the Middle or Upper Level SSAT is $120. Registration for a test closes three weeks before the test date. Late registration is available for an additional fee. Refunds are not given if a student cannot test on his or her registered date, though he or she may reschedule to a later date for a $35 change fee. A student may be eligible for a test fee waiver if he/she cannot pay the test fee due to financial hardship. Fee waivers must be attained directly from the admissions office of the school to which the student is applying. What is the scoring scale for the SSAT? Test takers will receive an individual score for each area of the SSAT (referred to as Verbal, Math, and Reading on the score report), as well as a total score, which is the sum of the three individual scores. The area scores for each level of the SSAT vary, with Elementary Level using a 300 to 600 scale, Middle Level using a 440 to 710 scale, and Upper Level using a 500 to 800 scale. From the scaled score, a percentile score is calculated, which gives a student's score as a percentage above others who took the same test. A detailed breakdown of a student's performance is also given, showing the number of right, wrong, and omitted answers in each area. Are the writing sample and experimental section of the SSAT scored? The writing sample of the SSAT is not scored, though a copy of it is sent on to schools. The experimental section contains a mixture of quantitative, verbal, and reading comprehension questions and is not scored. Student responses to these questions help test makers determine whether potential questions are suitable for future SSAT sections. Can I use a calculator for the SSAT Quantitative section? The use of a calculator or other electronic devices (including cell phones) is not allowed during the SSAT. Test takers are only asked to perform basic calculations, as the test is designed to test skills, not proficiency. Should I guess on the SSAT if I don't know an answer? Answering correctly on the Middle and Upper Level SSAT gives a student 1 raw point, while answering incorrectly deducts ¼ raw point as a penalty. There is no penalty for not answering a question; therefore, it is generally advisable to guess only if the student can eliminate one or more of the incorrect answer choices before guessing. There is no incorrect answer penalty on the Elementary Level SSAT, so Elementary Level test takers are encouraged to answer every question. How can I prepare for the SSAT? As with all standardized tests, familiarity with the test format and question types tends to help test takers improve their scores. As with all standardized tests, familiarity with the test format and question types tends to help test takers improve their scores. To help you study and practice each type of question found on the SSAT, Varsity Tutors offers free SSAT Practice Tests. Our free SSAT Practice Tests are written by teachers, professors, content specialists, and tutors. Explanations are given for each question, so if you miss a question, you can find out where you went wrong. In addition to the SSAT practice tests and  SSAT tutoring , you may also want to consider taking some of our  SSAT flashcards . The resources available from Varsity Tutors’ Learning Tools also include free Full-Length SSAT Practice Tests for each section. The tests make it simple for you to determine where you should focus your review, as the results can aid you in creating an individualized study plan. Each of the results pages for the complete tests include thorough explanations of the correct answers and important information on critical concepts. The full-length Practice Tests provide bonus help by guiding you as you customize your SSAT study plan, as they show you which concepts you have already mastered, and which concepts you’ll want to continue reviewing. After you’ve spent adequate time going over the concepts using the other free Learning Tools, you can evaluate your efforts by taking another of the Full-Length SSAT Practice Tests. Additionally, you can utilize these tests to work on your timing, and get some valuable insight into what the actual exam is like.

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, where to find free ssat practice tests: complete collection.

Early Achievers (7th/8th Grade)

If you (or your child) are applying to a private or independent elementary, middle, or high school, you may have heard of the SSAT. Often used as an entrance exam, the SSAT is a series of standardized tests that can be administered to students in grades 3-11.

The SSAT , or Secondary School Admissions Test, is a standardized exam often given to students hoping to enter a private or independent elementary, middle, or high school. If you want to boost your chances of getting into one of these schools, working on SSAT practice tests is a great way to do it. Here, I’ll discuss where you can find these practice tests (both official and unofficial), and how you should use them. I’ll wrap up with important SSAT test-taking tips.

What’s on the SSAT?

There are three different levels of SSAT tests. The number and type of questions on the test will depend on students’ grade level:

• Elementary Level - For students applying to grades 4-5
• Middle Level - For students applying to grades 6-8
• High School Level - For students applying to grades 9-12

Although the content will vary based on level, you’ll find these sections on each of the tests:

• An unscored writing sample
• A quantitative/mathematics section
• A reading comprehension section
• A verbal section

Official SSAT Practice Tests

When it comes to preparing for any standardized test, official practice tests or sample questions are the gold standard for study material. Using real SSAT questions will help you better understand exactly what you should expect on test day.

Unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of official practice materials out there - not as many students prep for the SSAT as for other standardized tests (like the SAT or ACT). Here’s where you can find these official materials:

Sample Questions

The SSAT publishes official sample questions for each level of the exam. These are free, but the amount of material available is extremely limited:

• Elementary-level sample questions
• Middle-level sample questions
• Upper-level sample questions

The SSAT Official Guides

The makers of the SSAT publish official test prep guides that include sample questions and full-length practice tests. These are the best available sources for practice materials, as the other official resources don’t give students many problems to work with.  

To get your hands on the most recent Middle and Upper-Level Official Guides (2015-2016), you’ll have to purchase them through the SSAT website . These guides include two full-length practice tests, scoring instructions and explanations, descriptions of question types, and information about registering for the SSAT. Both the Upper and Middle-Level guides cost $37 through the site.

The most recent Elementary-Level Guides (2015-2016) are free to download through the SSAT site, although they include less information and less practice material than the guides available for purchase. They each include one half-length practice test, info on test format and question types, sample testing schedule, test day info, and preparation advice. There are separate guides available for students in Grade 3 and Grade 4.

How to Use Official SSAT Practice Tests and Questions

Because official practice problems are hard to come by, you’ll want to be careful with how you use them . Like I mentioned, using official SSAT tests is really important when it comes to getting a feel for different question types and overall test format.

I encourage you to save any full-length tests for mimicking real testing conditions. This means following through with all test policies and timing instructions in a controlled setting - it’s best if you can sit through an entire practice test all at once. This will give you the best idea of what your performance will be like on the actual exam.

As for the sampling of official SSAT questions provided on the website? These are great for question analysis. As part of your study plan, spend some time looking closely at these questions and thinking about what they’re asking and how they’re written (spend extra time on questions you get wrong). Official SSAT questions have their own style and logic (unofficial sources usually aren’t great at imitating these sorts of questions). If you notice you’re having difficulty with a certain question type, these sample questions will serve as great practice and review.

You don’t need to replicate exact testing conditions, but you’ll get the best practice experience if you treat full-length tests like the real thing.

Unofficial SSAT Practice Tests

Since there isn’t that much practice material for the SSAT, you may end up turning to unofficial sources for practice tests.

Ivy Global has free questions organized by level and section. They may be helpful for reviewing test content, but they shouldn’t be used to get a feel for actual SSAT questions and format - the style in which the questions are presented are pretty different from the actual test.  

The materials available for download are best used if you print them out and work on them by hand since the actual SSAT is done on paper, not on the computer.

Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors offers free Upper-level and Middle-level practice, with questions organized by skill type. These might serve well as supplemental material, but don’t expect them to look like official SSAT practice problems.

The questions on 4test.com aren’t particularly similar to what you’d see on the SSAT. You can only see one question at a time, and you can only work on them online.

Key SSAT Test Taking Tips

Now that you have access to all of this prep material, you may be wondering what to do with it. Follow these tips and strategies to get the most out of your SSAT prep .

Start With a Real Baseline

Start with a full SSAT test to get a baseline score. It’s important to use an official test for this, as unofficial diagnostic tests won’t give you a good sense of what the SSAT is like or what your strengths and weaknesses are.

You can’t get a valid baseline score without using one of those official SSAT practice tests.

Practice Skills and Review Content With Unofficial Materials Supplements

Once you have your baseline, analyze your mistakes and errors (link out) and focus on your weaknesses. Most serious weaknesses will be in content comprehension - use study materials like textbooks and notes to raise your scores.

Use Official SSATs as Full Practice Tests

After you’ve spent some time improving on your weaknesses, use official practice tests to test your knowledge and gain familiarity with test formatting. Take these exams under real testing conditions - time them properly and work in a quiet room with no distractions.

What’s Next?

The SSATs aren’t the only standardized tests out there for younger students. Read more about ACT Aspire and get your hands on official practice tests .  

Thinking about the future? Read about whether you should start prepping for the SAT/ACT in 7th or 8th grade.

Francesca graduated magna cum laude from Harvard and scored in the 99th percentile on the SATs. She's worked with many students on SAT prep and college counseling, and loves helping students capitalize on their strengths.

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

• + ACCUPLACER Mathematics
• + ACT Mathematics
• + AFOQT Mathematics
• + ALEKS Tests
• + ASVAB Mathematics
• + ATI TEAS Math Tests
• + Common Core Math
• + DAT Math Tests
• + FSA Tests
• + FTCE Math
• + GED Mathematics
• + Georgia Milestones Assessment
• + GRE Quantitative Reasoning
• + HiSET Math Exam
• + HSPT Math
• + ISEE Mathematics
• + PARCC Tests
• + Praxis Math
• + PSAT Math Tests
• + PSSA Tests
• + SAT Math Tests
• + SBAC Tests
• + SIFT Math
• + SSAT Math Tests
• + STAAR Tests
• + TABE Tests
• + TASC Math
• + TSI Mathematics
• + ACT Math Worksheets
• + Accuplacer Math Worksheets
• + AFOQT Math Worksheets
• + ALEKS Math Worksheets
• + ASVAB Math Worksheets
• + ATI TEAS 6 Math Worksheets
• + FTCE General Math Worksheets
• + GED Math Worksheets
• + 3rd Grade Mathematics Worksheets
• + 4th Grade Mathematics Worksheets
• + 5th Grade Mathematics Worksheets
• + 6th Grade Math Worksheets
• + 7th Grade Mathematics Worksheets
• + 8th Grade Mathematics Worksheets
• + 9th Grade Math Worksheets
• + HiSET Math Worksheets
• + HSPT Math Worksheets
• + ISEE Middle-Level Math Worksheets
• + PERT Math Worksheets
• + Praxis Math Worksheets
• + PSAT Math Worksheets
• + SAT Math Worksheets
• + SIFT Math Worksheets
• + SSAT Middle Level Math Worksheets
• + 7th Grade STAAR Math Worksheets
• + 8th Grade STAAR Math Worksheets
• + THEA Math Worksheets
• + TABE Math Worksheets
• + TASC Math Worksheets
• + TSI Math Worksheets
• + AFOQT Math Course
• + ALEKS Math Course
• + ASVAB Math Course
• + ATI TEAS 6 Math Course
• + CHSPE Math Course
• + FTCE General Knowledge Course
• + GED Math Course
• + HiSET Math Course
• + HSPT Math Course
• + ISEE Upper Level Math Course
• + SHSAT Math Course
• + SSAT Upper-Level Math Course
• + PERT Math Course
• + Praxis Core Math Course
• + SIFT Math Course
• + 8th Grade STAAR Math Course
• + TABE Math Course
• + TASC Math Course
• + TSI Math Course
• + Number Properties Puzzles
• + Algebra Puzzles
• + Geometry Puzzles
• + Intelligent Math Puzzles
• + Ratio, Proportion & Percentages Puzzles
• + Other Math Puzzles

Full-Length SSAT Middle Level Math Practice Test

Taking a Full-length SSAT Middle-Level Math practice test is the best way to help you get familiar with the test format and feel more confident. Not only will this help you measure your exam readiness and solidify the concepts you’ve learned, but it is the best way to simulate test day. To help you get the best out of this complete and realistic SSAT Middle-Level Math practice test and prepare your mind and body for the actual test, we recommend that you treat this practice test as a real test. Prepare scratch papers, a pencil, a timer, and a calculator and take the test in one sitting and follow the time limits to the minute. Take the following full-length SSAT Middle-Level Math practice test to simulate the test day experience. After you’ve finished, score your tests using the answer keys. Good luck!

The Absolute Best Book to Ace the SSAT Middle-Level Math Test

Ssat middle level math tutor everything you need to help achieve an excellent score.

Time to refine your Math skill with a practice test

Take a REAL ISEE Middle-Level Mathematics test to simulate the test day experience. After you’ve finished, score your test using the answer key.

Before You Start

• You’ll need a pencil, a calculator, and a timer to take the test.
• It’s okay to guess. You won’t lose any points if you’re wrong. So be sure to answer every question.
• After you’ve finished the test, review the answer key to see where you went wrong.
• Calculators are permitted for HiSET Math Test.
• Use the answer sheet provided to record your answers.
• The HiSET Mathematics test contains a formula sheet, which displays formulas relating to geometric measurement and certain algebra concepts. Formulas are provided to test-takers so that they may focus on application, rather than the memorization, of formulas.
• For each multiple-choice question, there are five possible answers. Choose which one is best.

Best SSAT Middle-Level Math Prep Resource for 2022

Ssat middle level math comprehensive prep bundle everything you need to ace the ssat middle level math test, ssat middle-level math practice test, ssat middle-level practice test quantitative reasoning.

1- If \(\frac{5x}{3}=15\), then\( \frac{3x}{2}=\)?

2- Which of the following is NOT equal to \(0.3×5\)?

A. \(0.3×5\)

B. \(3×0.5\)

C. \(3×\frac{1}{2}\)

D. \(\frac{75}{100}×2\)

E. \(0.15×1\)

3- Sara has N books. Mary has 7 more books than Sara. If Mary gives Sara 3 books, how many books will Mary have, in terms of N?

D. N\(+10\)

4- If 25 percent of a number is 45, then 15 percent of the same number is …

5- What is the value of \(x\) in the following figure?

6- what is the area of a square whose diagonal is 8?

7- An angle is equal to one-fifth of its supplement. What is the measure of that angle?

8- A $50 shirt now selling for $30 is discounted by what percent?

A. \(15\%\)

B. \(20\%\)

C. \(30\%\)

D. \(40\%\)

E. \(60\%\)

9- Which of the following is closest to \(\frac{1}{3}\) of 27?

A. \(0.2×9\)

B. \(0.5×4\)

C. \(0.8×7\)

D. \(0.5×17\)

E. \(0.5×24\)

10- Solve for \(x: 3(x −1) = 2(x + 3) + 15\)

11- The score of Emma was half as that of Ava and the score of Mia was twice that of Ava. If the score of Mia was 80, what is the score, Emma?

12- Two fifth of 20 is equal to \(\frac{1}{3}\) of what number?

13- If two times a number added to 4 equals 24, what is the number?

14- The perimeter of the trapezoid below is 38. What is its area?

A. 36 cm\(^2\)

B. 63 cm\(^2\)

C. 80 cm\(^2\)

D. 84 cm\(^2\)

E. 108 cm\(^2\)

15- When a number is subtracted from 15 and the difference is divided by that number, the result is 4. What is the value of the number?

16- Three-kilogram apple and five-kilogram orange cost $34.6. If a one-kilogram apple costs $3.2 how much does one-kilogram orange cost?

17- The average weight of 27 girls in a class is 50 kg and the average weight of 23 boys in the same class is 65 kg. What is the average weight of all the 50 students in that class?

18- What is the value of \(x\) in this equation? \(5(x-3)=45\)

19- Four years ago, Amy was five times as old as Mike was. If Mike is 12 years old now, how old is Amy?

20- A red box is \(30\%\) greater than the blue box. If 26 books exist in the red box, how many books are in the blue box?

21- In a group of 5 books, the average number of pages is 55. Mary adds a book with 31 pages to the group. What is the new average number of pages per book?

22- A football team won exactly \(60\%\) of the games it played during the last session. Which of the following could be the total number of games the team played last season?

23- If a gas tank can hold 36 gallons, how many gallons does it contain when it is \(\frac{1}{3}\) full?

24- Which of the following is the correct statement?

A. \(\frac{1}{2}>0.8\)

B. \(20\%=\frac{2}{5}\)

C. \(2<\frac{3}{2}\)

D. \(\frac{5}{2}>1.8\)

E. \(2.5\%=0.25\)

25- 8 liters of water are poured into an aquarium that’s 20 cm long, 8 cm wide, and 80 cm high. How many cm will the water level in the aquarium rise due to this added water? (1 liter of water = 1,000 cm3)

26- Four people can paint 5 houses in 8 days. How many people are needed to paint 10 houses in 4 days?

27- Which of the following is less than \(\frac{1}{3}\)?

A. \(\frac{1}{4}\)

C. \(\frac{1}{2}\)

28- Amy and John work in the same company. Last month, both of them received a raise of 15 percent. If Amy earns $40.25 per hour now and John earns $34.5, Amy earned how much more per hour than John before their raises?

29- A taxi driver earns $12 per 1-hour work. If he works 9 hours a day and in 1 hour he uses 2-liters petrol with the price of $1.5 for 1-liter. How much money does he earn in one day?

30- The width of a rectangle is \(3x\). the length is \(5x\), and the perimeter of the rectangle is 64. What is the value of \(x\)?

31- The length of a rectangle is 4 times its width. If the length is 16, what is the perimeter of the rectangle?

32- In the figure below, what is the value of \(x\)?

33- If \(x∎y=2x-y+3\), what is the value of \(3∎8\)?

34- If N\(×(7-4)=15\) then N=?

35- If 30 is the product of 5 and \(x\) without leaving a remainder, then 30 can also be divided by which of the following?

A. \(4x-4\)

B. \(3x+8\)

C. \(6x+4\)

E. \(x-10\)

36- If 0.70 equals 35M, what is the value of M?

37- If \(z=2x-4\), what does \(3z+7\) equal?

B. \(6x+3\)

C. \(6x-3\)

D. \(6x-5\)

E. \(6x+5\)

38- How many tiles of 400 cm\(^2\) are needed to cover a floor of dimension 60 cm by 80 cm?

39- 0.0ABC 0.0D The letters represent the two decimals listed above. One of the decimals is equivalent to \(\frac{1}{16}\) and the other is equivalent to \(\frac{1}{25}\). What is the product of C and D?

40- If \(3,000-\)A\(+300=2,100\), then A \(=\)

41- A company pays its employee $8,000 plus \(1.5\%\) of all sales profit. If \(?\) is the number of all sales profit, which of the following represents the employer’s revenue?

A. \(0.15x\)

B. \(0.985x-8,000\)

C. \(0.015x+8,000\)

D. \(0.985x+8,000\)

E. \(0.15x+8,000\)

42- In a certain bookshelf of a library, there are 40 biology books, 55 history books, and 65 language books. What is the ratio of the number of biology books to the total number of books on this bookshelf?

B. \(\frac{1}{3}\)

D. \(\frac{2}{3}\)

E. \(\frac{3}{4}\)

43- \(\frac{x}{x+7}=\frac{3}{4} , x-16=\)?

44- The circle graph below shows all Mr. Green’s expenses for last month. If he spent $768 on his car, how much did he spend on his rent?

45- A container holds 1.5 gallons of water when it is \(\frac{3}{7}\) full. How many gallons of water does the container hold when it’s full?

46- Which of the following is equal to \(\frac{34.3}{100}\)?

47- In the following figure, point Q lies on line n, what is the value of y if \(x = 25\)?

48- If \(3×M-4=-2\) , M equals to ….

A. \(\frac{1}{3}\)

B. \(\frac{1}{2}\)

C. \(\frac{2}{3}\)

E. \(\frac{4}{3}\)

49- At a Zoo, the ratio of lions to tigers is 7 to 4. Which of the following could NOT be the total number of lions and tigers in the zoo?

50- If \(x\) is greater than 12, then \(\frac{1}{3}\) of \(x\) must be…

A. Greater than 3

B. Greater than 4

C. Equal to 3

D. Equal to 6

E. Less than 4

The Best Books to Ace the SSAT Middle-Level  Math Test

Answers and explanations.

by: Effortless Math Team about 4 years ago (category: Articles )

Effortless Math Team

Related to this article, more math articles.

• How Is the OAR Test Scored?
• How to Solve Word Problems on Dividing Whole Numbers by Unit Fractions
• Battle of the Decimals: Using Grids for Easy Comparisons
• GED Math Practice Test & Sample [Updated for 2024]
• How to Graph the Cosine Function?
• How is the ASVAB Test Scored?
• Types Of Angles In Geometry
• The Rules of Integral: Complex Subject Made Easy
• Top 10 5th Grade MAP Math Practice Questions
• HL Congruence: The Special Case of Right Triangles

What people say about "Full-Length SSAT Middle Level Math Practice Test - Effortless Math: We Help Students Learn to LOVE Mathematics"?

No one replied yet.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Comprehensive SSAT Middle Level Math Practice Book 2020 – 2021 Complete Coverage of all SSAT Middle Level Math Concepts + 2 Full-Length SSAT Middle Level Math Tests

Ssat middle level math comprehensive prep bundle more than 1,200 pages, ssat middle level math prep 2020 a comprehensive review and step-by-step guide to preparing for the ssat middle level math test, 5 full-length ssat middle level math practice tests the practice you need to ace the ssat middle level math test, ace the ssat middle level math in 30 days the ultimate crash course to beat the ssat middle level math test, ssat middle level math exercise book student workbook and two realistic ssat middle level math tests, ssat middle level mathematics prep 2019 a comprehensive review and ultimate guide to the ssat middle level math test, ssat middle level mathematics workbook 2018 – 2019 a comprehensive review and step-by-step guide to preparing for the ssat middle level math.

• ATI TEAS 6 Math
• ISEE Upper Level Math
• SSAT Upper-Level Math
• Praxis Core Math
• 8th Grade STAAR Math

Limited time only!

Save Over 23 %

It was $21.99 now it is $16.99

Login and use all of our services.

Effortless Math services are waiting for you. login faster!

Register Fast!

Password will be generated automatically and sent to your email.

After registration you can change your password if you want.

• Math Worksheets
• Math Courses
• Math Topics
• Math Puzzles
• Math eBooks
• GED Math Books
• HiSET Math Books
• ACT Math Books
• ISEE Math Books
• ACCUPLACER Books
• Premium Membership
• Youtube Videos
• Google Play
• Apple Store

Effortless Math provides unofficial test prep products for a variety of tests and exams. All trademarks are property of their respective trademark owners.

• Bulk Orders
• Refund Policy

SSAT Middle Level Practice Test

Ssat middle level test prep & practice tests: sample question & worksheets.

How can your child get top scores in the Middle Level SSAT and be welcomed with open arms in your dream school? Simple: Register for FREE with eTutorWorld’s Prep Help for SSAT Middle Level!

The best way to prepare for the SSAT Middle Level is through practice and getting familiar with its content, format, and timing.

SSAT Middle Level: Sample Questions

The Middle Level SSAT is an admission test for students in grades 5-7 seeking admission in grades 6-8. The test consists of verbal, quantitative (math), and reading comprehension sections.

• SSAT Middle Level Math/Quantitative Sample Questions   (Section 1)
• SSAT Middle Level Reading Sample Questions
• SSAT Middle Level Verbal Sample Questions
• SSAT Middle Level Math/Quantitative Sample Questions   (Section 4)

Use the above links to get familiar with some concepts that feature on the  MIDDLE LEVEL SSAT TEST  for 5-7 graders. All these and many other concepts required to master the tests are covered while you are tutored with an  Middle Level   SSAT expert  tutor in our online sessions.

More on Middle Level SSAT worksheets.

Buy Middle Level SSAT Practice Tests and worksheets.

eTutorWorld’s Middle Level SSAT tutors are experts in their respective subjects and guide you to excel individually in the verbal, quantitative (math), reading and writing sections. Tutoring plans are closely matched to every student’s tutoring skills, schedules and needs. Success in Middle Level SSAT is the key to open the doors of excellent academic learning in one of the 900 private and independent schools in the United States, Canada and worldwide.

SSAT INTEGRATED TEST PREP PLAN

♦ 500 Questions (2 FLT + 20 Worksheets) ♦ 5 Personalized tutoring sessions at just $16 each ♦ 1 Year Online Access

All this for just  $279

(10% additional discount, use coupon code TEST10 )

Every SSAT practice pack has a full length SSAT practice test

10% discount on all ssat worksheets.

Use coupon TEST10

SSAT Full Length Test

• One SSAT Practice Test (With separate timed sections)
• ~ 88 Questions - Elementary Level (Grade 3 or 4)
• --------- OR -----------
• ~ 150 Questions - Middle or Upper Level 

SSAT Basic Pack

•   A. 1 SSAT Practice Test (With separate timed sections)
•   ~  Level Specific One  Full Length Test (simulations of the actual test)
•   B. SSAT Practice Worksheets (for every section)
•   ~ 200+ Questions - For each Level  

SSAT Comprehensive Pack

• A. 2 SSAT Practice Tests  (With separate timed sections)
• ~  Level Specific Two  Full Length Tests (simulations of the actual test)
• B. SSAT Practice Worksheets (for every section
• ~ 400+ Questions - For each Level

Get immediate online access for 1 Year for all purchased SSAT Practice Content.

Here’s the Format of SSAT Middle Level

For a comprehensive & structured preparation, to master the SSAT, schedule a FREE TRIAL session with eTutorWorld.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is the ssat middle level test.

The SSAT Middle Middle Level Test is the admission test for private school students currently in grades 5–7.

2. What’s on the SSAT Middle level?

SSAT Middle level has 5 sections: Quantitative (Math), Verbal, Reading, Writing, and Experimental. Although Writing Sample is not scored, schools use it to assess students’ writing skills. The experimental section consists of mixed content from verbal, reading, and math sections.

3. How long is the SSAT Test Middle Level?

SSAT Middle level is 3 Hours & 10 Minutes long (190 minutes). Students are allotted two 10-minute breaks during SSAT Test.

4. Is calculator allowed on SSAT Middle Level?

No, Students aren’t permitted to use calculators in the SSAT Middle Level.

5. What is the testing options for the SSAT Middle Level?

SSAT Test is available for 3 testing options: Paper, Prometric, and at Home.

6. What is a good SSAT Score for Middle Level?

For SSAT Middle Level, the lowest score is 440, while the highest score is 710. So, total scores fall in the range of 1320 to 2130. The average SSAT Middle Level score is between 1700-1800. So, the SSAT Middle Level Good score is more than 1900 out of 2130.

7. What is the best way to prepare for the SSAT Middle Level?

The best way to prepare for the SSAT Test is to take the complete SSAT Test Prep Plan. Students find it challenging to study without expert tutor guidance. eTutorWorld offers a complete SSAT Middle Level Test Prep plan. This plan consists of Tutoring sessions, Full-length Practice Tests, and Worksheets. Students can easily get a top-notch score in SSAT Middle Level with this plan. Students can find the SSAT Middle Practice Tests for the Verbal, Math, and Reading Sections.

8. Are eTutorWorld's Practice Tests for the SSAT Middle Level effective?

Yes, eTutorWorld’s Practice Tests for the SSAT Middle Level are effective. eTutorWorld’s Practice Tests have sample questions that are most likely to come in the SSAT tests. Practice tests help students in their learning, concepts, and time management. eTutorWorld’s SSAT Middle Level Practice Tests are designed by the top class SSAT Tutors and aligned with the latest SSAT curriculum. These Practice tests are helpful to get better scores on the SSAT Middle Level Test.

Test names and other trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of them are affiliated with eTutorWorld Corporation.

IN THE NEWS

Our mission is to provide high quality online tutoring services, using state of the art Internet technology, to school students worldwide.

Home Tutoring Test Prep Worksheets Pricing About Us Blog Free Class Login Terms of service Privacy Policy Money Back Guarantee Technical requirements FAQs Job Opportunities Sitemap

Connect with us (628)-272-0788

Online test prep and practice SCAT CogAT SSAT ISEE PSAT SAT ACT AP Exam

Science Tutoring Physics Tutoring Chemistry Tutoring Biology Tutoring

Math Tutoring Pre-Algebra Tutoring Algebra Tutoring Pre Calculus Tutoring Calculus Tutoring Geometry Tutoring Trigonometry Tutoring Statistics Tutoring

English Tutoring Reading Writing Grammar

Quick links Free Worksheets Fact sheet Sales Partner Opportunities Parents Passive Fundraising Virtual Fundraising Our Expert Tutors Safe and Secure Tutoring Interactive Online Tutoring After School Tutoring Elementary School Tutoring Middle School Tutoring High School Tutoring Home Work Help Math Tutors New York City Press

©2022 eTutorWorld           Terms of use             Privacy Policy             Site by Little Red Bird          

©2022 eTutorWorld Terms of use Privacy Policy Site by Little Red Bird

• SAT BootCamp
• SAT MasterClass
• SAT Private Tutoring
• SAT Proctored Practice Test
• ACT Private Tutoring
• Academic Subjects
• College Essay Workshop
• Academic Writing Workshop
• AP English FRQ BootCamp
• 1:1 College Essay Help
• Online Instruction
• Free Resources

The SSAT Writing Sample: What You Need to Know

The ssat writing sample  .

Bonus Material:  30 Free SSAT Writing Sample Prompts

The first section of the SSAT is the writing sample. While this 25-minute section is unscored, admissions officers do review student responses!

In this post, we discuss how to approach the SSAT writing sample and offer 16 easy tips for producing a high-quality response .

You’ll also get access to 30 free SSAT writing sample prompts , which you can grab below right now.

Download 30 SSAT Writing Sample Prompts

Here’s what we cover:

The SSAT Writing Sample in a Nutshell

• 16 Tips for Writing an Impressive Response
• Bonus : 30 SSAT Writing Sample Prompts  

There are a few essential things to keep in mind with the SSAT writing sample:

• The writing sample is unscored but is sent to admissions departments with your SSAT scores
• The writing sample is a 25-minute free response
• Students have two pages to write their answer

SSAT writing sample prompts vary depending on whether you’re taking the Upper-Level SSAT or Middle-Level SSAT:

• Upper Level: you have the choice to write a persuasive essay or a creative story. 
• Middle Level: both prompt choices are creative essays.

The test will begin the SSAT Writing Sample section by offering you a choice:

Please choose the idea you find most interesting and write a story using the idea as your first sentence. Please fill in the circle next to the one you choose.

Students do not need any outside content knowledge to respond to an SSAT writing prompt. In fact, the prompts are intentionally broad to enable a wide variety of responses.

The SSAT actually states that the writing sample gives admissions departments a chance to learn more about applicants:

Schools would like to get to know you better through a story you tell using one of the ideas below. 

Keep this in mind as you generate your response!

16 Tips for Writing an Impressive SSAT Writing Sample Response

Which prompt should i choose.

Students taking the Upper-Level SSAT will have to choose between a persuasive and a creative writing prompt. Middle-Level SSAT test-takers must choose between 2 different creative essay prompts.

Some students agonize over which prompt to choose on the Upper-Level or Middle-Level SSAT. Will one look “better” to admissions officers over another, for example?

It’s important to note that admissions officers will not give preference to students who choose one prompt over another ! 

Officers only review your writing sample response for its individual merits and writing proficiency. They might also review samples through the lens of what we like to call “institutional priorities”–standards that are specific to that private school itself.

Tips For Prompt Selection

We do encourage students to select the prompt that adheres to one or more of the following qualities. 

We suggest students choose the Writing Sample prompt that

• is most relevant given a student’s life experiences and perspectives
• inspires the most ideas during the brainstorming process
• excites, intrigues, or compels them
• and/or showcases a student’s specific abilities.

For example, let’s say that MacKenzie excels in debate; she loves crafting an argument and supporting her points with specific, concrete evidence. As a debater, MacKenzie might be uniquely suited to respond to the persuasive Writing Sample prompt on the Upper-Level SSAT, especially if she is talented in developing a complex, high-level argument.

On the other hand, Akshay may find that as he’s considering the two prompts on the Middle-Level SSAT, the second creative prompt reminds him about his relationship with his grandmother and the time they’ve spent playing pickleball together. In the brainstorming process, he feels that he has more to say about this personal experience, and feels excited by the prospect.

Some students like to plan the prompt they’ll choose on Test Day: i.e., they know they’ll always stick with the creative prompt over the persuasive one.

However, many of our SSAT students find that the prompts can be very distinct, and one will often “stick out” over the other one.

That’s why we recommend practicing with sample SSAT writing prompts, so that you can be prepared to craft a stellar response for whichever prompt you select. You can do this right now by downloading 30 free sample prompts below.

5 General Tips for the SSAT Writing Sample

Whether you choose a creative or persuasive essay prompt, it’s important to follow these general tips.

Doing so won’t result in a high SSAT score (because this section is unscored!). But it will guarantee a response likely to impress admissions departments.

• Write legibly : If admissions departments can’t read your response, they’ll never know how amazing your essay is!
• Budget your time: This includes a few minutes for planning/outlining at the beginning, and another few minutes for a proof-read for grammar, spelling, and punctuation at the end.
• Fill your booklet: We’re not advocating quantity over quality. But, in general, aim for more rather than less . If you only write one paragraph, it won’t give admissions committees much to assess.
• Keep tense and point of view consistent : Don’t switch from past to present verb tense or “I” to “he/she/it” halfway through your essay.
• Stick to a clear structure : This refers quite simply to a framework of beginning, middle, and end . This can mean slightly different things for persuasive and creative essays.

3 Tips for Responding to Persuasive SSAT Writing Sample Prompts (Upper-Level)

For the Upper-Level SSAT persuasive writing sample, students should focus on logically and convincingly building an argument . A logical, persuasive argument generally includes a cohesive structure, clear line of reasoning, and solid evidence. 

There are a couple of tools we can use to accomplish this goal.

1. Include an introduction, thesis, and conclusion. 

Essay reviewers will like to see several distinct argument building blocks in your essay, especially an introduction, a thesis statement, and a conclusion. Most SSAT test-takers will have worked on these components of the 5-paragraph essay in class.

Given the Writing Sample’s time limit (25 minutes), the introduction and conclusion of your response can be fairly brief; feel free to write just a sentence or two for both.

The thesis statement typically comes at the end of the introduction, and concisely states the core argument that you are about to prove. 

Here’s an example thesis statement:

While there are many qualities that make a good leader, the three most important ones are integrity, commitment to a cause, and ability to inspire others.

2. Choose and maintain a clear thesis statement. 

It’s easier to pick one side of an argument and commit to it than to try to argue both sides of the fence. In fact, your thesis statement should be as clear as possible in its perspective.

That doesn’t mean your essay can’t include an evaluation of a counterargument , in which you bring up an opposing argument and show why your own is stronger. In fact, the counterargument can be a powerful device in persuasive essays! 

Here’s an example of a counterargument:

It is true that success can help show you what you are doing right, but you will always be limited by what you believe you can achieve; whereas if you are not afraid to fail, you may realize you are capable of more than you had imagined.

Be sure to maintain your thesis statement throughout your essay, referencing it in every topic sentence of individual paragraphs.

Note: It is all right to use the first-person point of view in these responses, even though most English teachers discourage this in the classroom.

3. Use specific examples to support your argument. 

Strong, specific examples demonstrate that you can point to relevant evidence correlating your argument. History, current events, and experiences from your own life are some great sources from which to draw.

Here’s an example of a statement supported by specific evidence:

Abraham Lincoln was only president for four years, but his commitment to his cause of American union makes him consistently one of the most popular presidents in history. Similarly, in my personal life, my favorite teachers and coaches have always been the ones who were passionate about their subjects or the act of teaching itself.

3 Tips for Responding to Creative SSAT Writing Sample Prompts

Students taking the Middle-Level SSAT will have to choose between 2 creative essay prompts. Upper-Level SSAT test-takers must choose between a creative prompt and a persuasive one.

If you select the creative SSAT writing sample prompt on either test, your primary goal is to show that you can tell an engaging, well-structured story . 

It may be a true story from your own life or one completely based on imagination. All that matters is that you tell it in a compelling fashion and demonstrate proficiency in basic creative writing techniques, such as dialogue, setting, plot development, description, and narrative arc.

Below are some tips to help with this.

1. In the opening of your essay, establish the setting. 

Setting or place is a foundational element of basic creative writing. Establishing your response’s setting at the start will demonstrate your attention to this.

A great tool here is vivid descriptive detail that utilizes the senses. Think about what the characters are seeing, touching, hearing, tasting, or smelling as they move around their specific environment.

The same goes for imagery. Fill your prose with rich images to set the scene for the reader and guide them through the narrative. Here’s an example of compelling imagery in action that establishes setting:

Pebbles crunched all around her as she pushed herself faster downhill, and her eyes watered from the red dust that was turning her throat dry.

2. Establish the main character(s) and conflict. 

What does the main character want, and what is stopping them from reaching this goal? Identify this before writing your essay, and be sure to establish it early on in your response.

The classic examples of conflict are character against nature, character against character, and character against self. Here is an example of narrative conflict:

She had to get to the bottom of the trail before the gulch flooded and took her horse downstream with it.

3. Follow the general principles of story structure.

You probably already know these general principles from all the books, movies, and TV shows you have watched in your life: most stories have a beginning, middle, and end. As the character deals with the conflict, the action rises to a climax. As the character overcomes the conflict, action falls toward a conclusion.

We strongly recommend outlining and brainstorming the story structure of your creative response before plunging in, as in the following example:

In the beginning, the main character is racing down the rocky trail to save her horse from an approaching flood. Conflict arises when a boulder is blocking the trail, which she overcomes by taking a shortcut. In the end, she reaches the bottom of the trail and saves her horse just in time. 

4 Additional Tips

Now that you have more of a sense of what the SSAT writing sample entails, here’s what you can do to prepare: 

• Take a practice timed SSAT writing sample . Make sure to budget a couple of minutes at the beginning for planning and a couple of minutes at the end for proofreading!
• Show your practice essay to trusted readers . Ask them to note any errors and provide feedback. Do they feel convinced by your argument or engaged by your story?
• Reflect on the comments on your writing sample. What worked in your initial attempt, and what didn’t? Should you organize your time differently?
• Repeat! Notice how the comments evolve as you keep practicing. Are there words you are consistently misspelling? Elements you keep forgetting to include?

Over time, you will feel yourself becoming more comfortable with the SSAT writing sample. Practice can also help you understand how the writing response can be a space for showcasing your unique ideas and personality!

Download 30 SSAT Writing Sample Prompts for Practice

You can put these 16 tips to practice right now by downloading PrepMaven’s 30 free SSAT writing sample prompts!

With this worksheet, you’ll get:

• 15 Creative SSAT Writing Sample prompts
• 15 Persuasive SSAT Writing Sample prompts
• A valuable long-term resource for your continued SSAT prep

Jess is a Princeton graduate who majored in English and minored in Visual Arts (Film). She has worked as an SAT/ACT/AP/SSAT/ISEE/HSPT tutor as well as a college counselor and loves getting to know students through her work. When not tutoring, she enjoys reading, writing, running, adding to her classic rock music collection, and exploring the West!

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED POSTS

12 Free Official SAT Practice Tests (Including Digital SATs)

August 2, 2022

Find everything you need to self-administer a full-length SAT test - 8 Official SAT Practice Tests, blank answer sheets, and proctoring instructions.

How to Proctor Your Own SAT Practice Test

July 2, 2022

Taking official practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the SAT. Here you will find detailed instructions for how to take your own practice SAT test.

Scoring on the SSAT: Your 2024 Guide

January 20, 2021

Understanding your SSAT score report can be challenging. With this detailed breakdown of SSAT scores, you'll have a firm grasp on what to expect in no time!

What’s on the SSAT?

October 30, 2020

What's on the SSAT? Begin your SSAT test prep journey by understanding what exactly is on this private school admissions test!

How to Proctor Your Own ACT Practice Test

May 21, 2018

Taking official practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the ACT. Here you will find detailed instructions for how to take your own practice ACT test.

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

• Try it Free
• How It Works
• Testimonials
• Elementary Level
• Middle Level
• Upper Level
• Pricing for Schools
• Admissions Assist
• 1-on-1 Tutoring
• Admissions Coaching
• Free Webinars

Middle Level Strategies

Techniques and tricks for mastering the ssat, #1 fend off discouragement.

The SSAT is not similar to a test you take in school. On an in-class exam, you are expected to know most or all of the information on the test because it has been taught. The SSAT is different. It is not a test of taught information in the same way. The Middle Level SSAT is made for students in grades 5 – 7 applying to private schools. So, if you are a 5th or 6th grader taking this test, please understand it is made to also challenge students older than you. So please adjust your expectations. Do not think of the SSAT as similar to a test in school where you can work to get an ‘A.’ On the SSAT, you can get many questions wrong and still do well; you are compared to other students at your grade level. So tip #2 is: do not get discouraged because the SSAT is “too hard.” It is “too hard” for all students! Learn the strategies, apply them as well as you can, practice, practice, practice, and relax on test day knowing you have done what you can to succeed.

#2 THINK of the answer before READING answer choices.

On the verbal sections of the SSAT, when possible, it is important that you do not read answer choices before coming up with your own answer to each question. There are certainly exceptions; for example, there are questions in Reading Comprehension that say, “Which of the following…,” which require you to read answer choices first. But whenever possible, predict the answer before reading choices A, B, C, D, or E. There is more advice under each section type for how best to do this for synonyms, analogies, etc. Note: many wrong answer choices on the SSAT represent common mistakes and misconceptions, so many wrong answer choices may look tempting. Even if you misunderstand a question, you may find the answer choice you are thinking of among the answer choices. This is an important reason to avoid reading answer choices until absolutely necessary; they can mislead you!

#3 Learn test-taking strategies!

Whether it is with a tutor, with a family member, or with fellow students, learn test-taking strategies. Whether from this website or a test prep book, learn the tips for how best to do each section of this test.

#4 Learn when to guess.

There is a penalty for wrong answers on the Middle (and Upper) Level SSAT. You earn 1 point for every correct answer, you lose ¼ of a point for every wrong answer, and no points are gained or lost for questions you don’t answer. Despite this wrong answer penalty, there is no mathematical benefit to skipping questions — you should feel free to guess on any question that you get to. But, if you’re running out of time and haven’t gotten to questions at that end of the section, there is no reason to hurry up and bubble answers for those unreached questions. If you’d like to see the full logic behind this, check out our article about the SSAT’s wrong answer penalty.

#5 Practice!

In addition to learning test-taking strategies, the best thing you can do is PRACTICE by completing timed practice test sections that reflect the structure and content of the official exam you will take. This is why we created SSATpracticetest.com! In addition to the practice tests we provide, we recommend purchasing the guide, Preparing and Applying, sold by the SSAT board. This guide has 2 Middle Level and 2 Upper Level exams. These practice tests are your most accurate representations of the real SSAT.

#6 Don’t cram!

Make sure you sleep well; not only the night before the exam but the night before that as well (so if the SSAT is on Saturday, go to bed early both Thursday and Friday nights).

Eat a good breakfast that includes some protein.

Do not drink caffeine the day of the test (unless you usually practiced for the SSAT on caffeine). We do not recommend that young people drink caffeine at all; however, the point is that you don’t want to be in a different state of mind on test day than you were while you were preparing for the SSAT. So don’t over-stimulate yourself with caffeine, sugar, or anything else to be alert on test day.

Do not practice for the SSAT the day before the exam. The SSAT is a long test and requires a lot of stamina! Do not overwork your mind the day before the test so that you are as fresh and energetic as possible. Don’t do too much homework that day; consider doing a reasonable (but not exhausting) amount of exercise or just relaxing.

Synonym Section Strategy:

There will be words you know well, words you sort of know, and words you don’t know at all. Your strategy is to first answer questions with words you know. Then come back to the words you sort of know. Even if you find there are no words you know well, focus your time on making best guesses for words you sort of know. Make sure you spend the last few minutes of the section entering an answer on every question for which you can eliminate at least one answer choice. Note: you will also complete the Analogies within the Verbal section time.

Synonym Question Strategy:

Cover the answer choices and read the capitalized word. Can you think of a synonym (a word that means the same thing) for that word? If you can, then compare the word you came up with to the answer choices. Eliminate worst matches and pick the answer that best matches your synonym. If you are not able to come up with specific word or synonym for the capitalized word, can you come up with a feeling or phrase to describe it? Is it positive or negative? Are any of its roots familiar to you? Can you think of a context in which you have heard the word? You will use anything you can come up with to help you pick the best answer choice.

For most analogy questions with two words such as, “puppy is to dog as,” you will make a sentence describing the relationship between the two main words, such as, “a puppy is a baby dog.” You then want to find this same relationship between two words in the answer choices, such as, “kitten is to cat;” “a kitten is a baby cat.”

Note: Order is important here. If an answer choice for “puppy is to dog as” were “pig is to piglet,” you should cross it off because the word order is wrong. Apply your relationship sentence: “a pig is a baby piglet.” That is false. Be careful of word order!

Some analogy questions have three main words, for example, “Broccoli is to vegetable as banana is to.” Here you again make a sentence expressing the relationship between the first two words: Broccoli is a kind of vegetable. So, banana is a kind of what?  Find “fruit” in the answer choices!

The other type of analogy question to know about use relationships between sounds, spelling, or the rhyming of words (rather than the meaning of the words). Here are some examples written by Test Innovators (which are likely trickier than what you will see on the Elementary SSAT):

1. Sound is to round (A) circle is to square (B) hat is to sombrero (C) pound is to kilogram (D) noise is to poise (E) pen is to pencil

2. Board is to bored as (A) coarse is to course (B) ocean is to sea (C) melt is to malt (D) disk is to desk (E) wand is to wound

3. Snooze is to ooze as (A) bold is to mold (B) stork is to bird (C) own is to clone (D) dark is to arc (E) smirk is to irk

Look at the correct answers to these questions (in bold). In question 1, in both the question and correct answer, the words are spelled the same except for one letter difference (and both sets rhyme, though not with each other). In question 2, board and bored are spelled differently but pronounced the same, just as coarse and course are spelled differently but pronounced the same. In question 3, snooze is spelled like the word ooze but with 2 more letters on the front, just as smirk is spelled like irk but with 2 extra letters on the front. You can see and practice easier versions of this type of analogy on our Middle Level practice tests.

The Middle-Level Reading Comprehension section has seven passages with four questions each. This may be more than many students will have time to complete. While you do not want to spend too much time on any one passage or question, you also do not want to move too quickly. While a tutor or parent may be the best person to help you determine your best pace, keep in mind that you don’t want to hurry so quickly that you make lots of careless errors. While some students may need to quicken their pace, many students will actually perform better by spending more time on fewer questions.

Questions Strategy:

Read each question; whenever possible, predict what you think the answer will be BEFORE reading answer choices. Then compare your guess to the answer choices; eliminate worst answers.

When you are asked what a word means in the context of the passage, go back to that place in the passage, reread, cover the word if necessary, and decide what it means in context. Use direction words and context clues to guide you.

When a question asks you to “infer,” it is asking you to make a guess or conclusion about something that may not have been stated clearly. If questions include the capitalized word EXCEPT, solve by determining whether each answer choice is true or false. Four choices should be T; the one F is your correct answer.

Calculators are not allowed; students may (and should!) write in the test booklet or on scratch paper.

Know that there may be math on this exam that you have not yet learned in school (after all, the Middle Level SSAT is taken by 5th, 6th, and 7th graders). And remember, you’ll lose one quarter point for wrong answers. Don’t let that scare you; if you do not understand a question, skip it and move on. If you sort of understand a question, don’t get stuck—make a note and come back to it if you have time. If you can eliminate at least one answer, you should make an educated guess. If you can’t eliminate any answers, it’s better to leave the question blank.

Word Problems Strategy:

Read the question and paraphrase to yourself what it is you need to find: what is the question asking? Underline the information most relevant (and/or cross out irrelevant information). Ask yourself, “can I solve this problem with estimation?” Very often in this section, you will not need to actually calculate and can eliminate wrong answers with good estimations. Make your best estimation of the correct answer, see if it is one of the answer choices, and cross off unreasonable answer choices. 

The above strategy is for quantitative word problems that you can understand. There may be many questions you do not understand well. For these, remember, DO NOT get stuck and waste too much time on questions you do not understand.

Beware:  as in other sections of the SSAT, many wrong answer choices represent common mistakes. Be sure to read each question carefully, more than once. Even if you make a mistake in reading the question, know that you may find the (wrong) answer that you miscalculated among the answer choices.

Middle Level SSAT test-takers are given 25 minutes to respond to one of two prompts: a creative story starter or a personal essay prompt. Your official SSAT writing sample will not be graded but is sent to the admissions offices of the schools to which you apply. Read each prompt carefully and decide which you prefer and think will be easier to answer. You can then organize what you plan to say before you begin writing. Paper for outlining your writing sample will be provided at the official exam.

Remember to make sure your penmanship is readable. Stay within the margins of the answer sheets. If you wish to change something you have written, you may neatly strike through the words you want to “delete.” You are given two lined pages; however, you do not need to fill both pages.

If you have time, we recommend that you read over what you have written. Often when students write quickly, they make careless mistakes. Here are some helpful Test Innovators reminders:

• Check to make sure you have not left out any words.
• Look over your spelling. Are there any words that don’t look right to you?
• Have you capitalized words in odd places or forgot to capitalize proper nouns?
• Does your comma use look okay?
• Have you used complete sentences? Remember not to connect two full sentences with a comma.
• If you include dialogue, have you used quotation marks properly?
• Did you use the correct spelling of homophones such as there/their/they’re, your/you’re, and two/to/too?

Be your own editor, and good luck!

Looking for additional help on your essay? Receive guidance on your essay from an SSAT writing expert!