About the SSAT

The SSAT test is mandatory for students who enter private or independent schools. The Secondary School Admission Test applies to students in the 5th to 11th grades. Schools divide the exam in two sections: grades 5 to 7 and grades 8 to 11.

History of the SSAT

Independent schools needed a way to test the academics of their students as they enter private institutions or move up in grade levels. The Secondary School Admission Test Board formed during the 50s as a way to meet certain academic standards. The organization created the SSAT as a common test procedure for independent and private institutions in the United States. It is used in all private institutions today.

SSAT Basics

The SSAT consists of questions that examine the aptitude and knowledge of students. The Secondary School Admission Test examines students' abilities to solve problems in math, reading, vocabulary and many other subjects. It also requires students to write essays on a specific topic.

National SSAT Test

A national SSAT is the most commonly test used for independent school admissions. The test is open for students eight Saturdays out of the year. Parents should check with their children's future school for testing dates. Students can also take the test up to eight times a year. This is good for those who fail any portion of the test.

Admissions Requirements

Although other factors are important to completing the admissions requirements, many private institutions generally look at students' SSAT results first. Since the test shows the students' academic ability, it may be easier to place them into class based on SSAT results alone. The other factors are overall grade point averages, school attendance and extracurricular activities. Students who show initiative in previous schooling may do well in their new schools.