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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!

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The SSAT Essay: What to Expect

Introduction to the ssat essay.

• You’ll need to organize your thoughts quickly (you’ll have 25 minutes to write a complete essay).
• Your essay is limited to two pages.
• Essay topics will be easy to grasp.
• What you say is more important than using perfect grammar.
• Your essay will not be graded.

The Golden Rule of essay writing is to stick to the topic . All you need to do is stay on course and write clearly, giving examples to support your points. Whether a question is academic or creative, there should always be a beginning or introduction, a middle (body paragraphs), and a conclusion.

The Kaplan 4-Step Method for Writing

Step 1: brainstorm.

When you start to brainstorm for ideas, first think about the topic. With the sample topic, your thinking might go like this: I believe that people are rewarded for good deeds, not punished. Okay, what examples can I use to support this point of view? It’s important that you’re clear in your head about what your stance is before you start to organize your essay. Once you start to put your examples together, you don’t want to have to go back and figure out what you’re trying to show.

Step 2: Make an outline

Once you’ve decided on your topic or opinion, the next step is to write an outline. Come up with three examples to support your points or opinion. Next, decide the best order in which to present your examples. Is there a logical order to lay out your ideas? How do you want to start your essay? How do you want to end it? Make some notes on your scratch paper so when you start to write, you can glance at them to keep you on track and writing quickly. Even if you’re feeling rushed, don’t skip the Outlining step. Planning your essay will make the entire writing process easier and faster, and it will ensure that your writing is well organized. Remember, wear a watch on Test Day so you can keep a handle on your pacing.

Step 3: Write your essay

Now you have to write the essay. Follow your outline carefully, but be flexible. Maybe you’ll think of another great idea midway through your writing. Should you ignore it, or should you substitute it for the third example you had planned to include? If you think it’s better than what you originally came up with, go ahead and write about it instead. Just make sure that any deviation you make from your outline is in fact an improvement over the original idea.

Step 4: Proofread

Wrap up your writing five minutes before the end of your allotted time. Give your essay a good read-through, making sure you haven’t made any spelling mistakes, written any run-on sentences, or forgotten to capitalize a proper name. You won’t be able to make any huge changes at this point—after all, you only have a few minutes left—but you do want to make sure that you haven’t made any egregious errors.

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SSAT Essay Writing Sample 1

Home > SSAT Test > SSAT Writing > SSAT Essay Samples

Directions: Choose the essay topic appropriate to your exam and write an essay. Sample responses begin on the next page.

Topic: Some educators suggest that all elementary, middle school, and high school students should be required to wear school uniforms. What do you think?

Essay Sample:

Many people have suggested that all students be required to wear uniforms to school. Some students object to this idea because it takes away their individuality, but I think there are a number of reasons why school uniforms might be a good idea.

Over the past few years, there have been no dress guidelines and no dress codes in our schools. Some students just naturally dress neatly and appropriately, but others are truly sloppy. When people dress in sloppy clothing, they tend to be too relaxed. This leads to sloppy thinking. Pretty soon they lose respect for school and teachers and the whole learning process. School uniforms would remind these students that they are in school for a purpose. I think that if everyone were dressed in the same uniform there would be more school spirit too. Students would all feel as if they were part of something important.

Some students, especially girls, worry too much about their clothes and how they look. They bother their parents to spend too much on clothes, often more than their families can afford, and are always trying to compete. I have heard about boys fighting over "status" clothes. There have been cases of stealing fancy jackets and sneakers and even some knifings. School uniforms might cost more, but each student needs only two or three of them. This would take the pressure off poorer families. If everyone dressed alike, there would be no competition. A special benefit that educators probably haven't thought of is that of extra sleep. With no choice of what to wear, it will be much quicker to dress and get out in the morning.

I think we should try out school uniforms. I expect that discipline, paying attention, and school spirit will go up while squabbles about appearance and fights over clothing will go down. And I think that many students will be happier without the competition, and parents will be happier too.

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1 . Question

Which of the following is the same as (√3 + √2) 2  ?

2 . Question

There is a 12% sales tax. The pre-tax cost of a mobile phone is $280. What is the tax payable on this mobile phone?

3 . Question

Which of these is true?

• a. √(-3) is negative
• b. √(-3) is positive
• c. √(-3) is undefined
• d. √(-3) is an integer

4 . Question

What is the value of (x 2  + x + 3) / (x + 2) when x = -1?

5 . Question

Which of the following is the same as 10x 2  – 11x + 3?

• a. (5x + 3)(2x – 1)
• b. (5x – 3)(2x – 1)
• c. (5x + 1)(2x – 3)
• d. (5x – 3)(2x + 1)

6 . Question

Given the formula a = s 2  + 3b – c , find the value of a when s = 7, b = 13 and c = -24.

7 . Question

Chong thinks of a number, adds 10 then multiplies the number so obtained by 3 and gets 42.

If the number is n then write an equation for this.

• a. 3(n + 10) = 42
• b. 3n + 10 = 42
• c. 42n + 10 = 3
• d. 10n + 3 = 42

All SSAT Practice Tests

Take a SSAT practice test below. We have grouped the exams by subject to help you focus your studies. Make sure to use the answer explanations at the end of each exam to review key concepts.

Quantitative Math (Upper Level)

• SSAT Quantitative Math Practice Test 1
• SSAT Quantitative Math Practice Test 2

SSAT Verbal (Upper Level)

• SSAT Verbal Practice Test 1
• SSAT Verbal Practice Test 2

SSAT Reading Comprehension (Upper Level)

• SSAT Reading Comprehension Practice Test 1
• SSAT Reading Comprehension Practice Test 2

SSAT Exam Overview

SSAT stands for Secondary School Admissions Test. The exam is used by private middle and high schools as part of their admissions process.

Fast Facts:

• 3 Levels: Elementary (Grades 3-4), Middle (Grades 5-7), and Upper (Grades 8-11)
• 4 Subjects Tested: Quantitative (Math), Verbal, Reading, and Writing Sample
• Time Limit: Ranges from 2 Hours and 5 Minutes to 3 Hours and 10 Minutes

The SSAT consists of three levels of testing: the Elementary Level, the Middle Level, and the Upper Level. These are based on the level of schooling the student has completed before applying to a private or independent school.

Elementary Level SSAT (Grades 3-4)

The Elementary Level SSAT consists of the following:

• Quantitative (Math): 30 Questions, 30 Minutes
• Verbal: 30 Questions, 20 Minutes
• Reading: 28 Questions, 30 Minutes
• Writing Sample (Unscored): 1 Prompt, 15 Minutes

Middle Level SSAT (Grades 5-7)

The Middle Level SSAT consists of the following:

• Quantitative (Math): 2 Sections. 25 Questions Each with 30 Minutes Each.
• Verbal: 60 Questions, 30 Minutes
• Reading: 40 Questions, 40 Minutes
• Writing Sample (Unscored): 1 Prompt, 25 Minutes

Upper Level SSAT (Grades 8-11)

The Upper Level SSAT consists of the following:

Make sure you are using the appropriate practice test when preparing. We offer SSAT Upper Level practice exams above. You can learn more about the exam here .

Scoring of the SSAT

The SSAT is scored on a scale from 1500 to 2400. There is no “passing” score on the SSAT; scores are forwarded to the school for which the student is applying, and their administrators will use their own criteria to evaluate the results.

Here is how the exam is scored:

• Students are given 1 point for each correct answer
• Students lose one quarter of a point for each incorrect answer.
• Students are given zero points for unanswered questions (no penalty)

Scores are usually released to schools within two weeks of submission. Designated schools will usually receive the score report before the student does.

Score reports can be viewed online at the SSAT official website free of charge, and can be mailed out for an additional fee.

SSAT Administration, Registration, and Fees

When registering for the SSAT, you will have 3 different options to choose from:

• Paper-and Pencil: This option is available on pre-set dates throughout the year. You can also register for a flex date (special testing dates).
• Prometric: This is the computer-based version of the exam. You will take this version at a Prometric testing center.
• At-Home: This is also a computer-based version. You will take this from your home. You will have to follow some guidelines when it comes to taking the exam.

If you would like to register for the exam, you can head over to the official site and click the “Register / Log In” button.

Pricing for the SSAT varies depending on the method in which you will be taking the exam. You can expect the following:

• Elementary Level Standard Fee: $109
• Middle and Upper Level Standard Fee: $169
• Middle and Upper Level Prometric Fee: $239
• Middle and Upper Level At-Home Fee: $255

The SSAT is available for any student going into grades 4-12 and wishing to go to a private or independent school.

Benefits of Using a SSAT Practice Exam

Using a practice exam for the SSAT has many benefits. Some major benefits include:

• Familiarity with the Exam: Using practice exams will expose you to the types of questions and concepts you may see on the exam. This will help you do better on test day.
• Pinpoint Problem Areas: A practice exam will help you determine the areas you struggle with. This could be related to specific subjects or specific topics within a subject. Either way, you can use this information to help you study more efficiently.
• Answer Explanations: You can use the answer explanations to help you learn key concepts. In addition, our answer explanations may help you learn a new way to solve a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ssat.

SSAT stands for Secondary School Admissions Test. The SSAT is a standardized test used to measure basic math, reading, and verbal skills. The test is usually used by independent or private schools.

What is the point of the SSAT?

The SSAT is used primarily by private and independent schools. These schools use the SSAT as a factor in granting admissions to students.

Are there different SSAT tests offered?

Yes, there is an Elementary Level (Grades 3-4), Middle Level (Grades 5-7), and Upper Level (Grades 8-11).

What is tested on the SSAT?

You can expect the following subjects when taking the SSAT (regardless of level):

• Quantitative (Math)
• Writing Sample (Unscored)

• Authored By: Dave Evangelisti
• Last Updated: February 16, 2024

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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.

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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.

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• School Entrance Exams

SSAT Practice Test

• SSAT Writing

SSAT Writing Practice & Info

The SSAT Writing section is one of the four sections on the SSAT. Each student is required to write one essay, which is not scored. Continue reading to learn more about the SSAT Writing section.

View All SSAT Levels Here

About the SSAT Writing

Ssat writing prompts, elementary level, middle level, upper level, ssat writing tips.

The SSAT Writing section is not scored. On the SSAT Elementary Level, students are provided with one picture prompt and 15 minutes to complete the essay. The SSAT Middle* and Upper** Levels provides students with a choice of two written prompts and 25 minutes to write the essay.  *SSAT Middle Level is provided with a choice of two creative writing prompts **SSAT Upper Level is provided with a choice of one creative writing prompt and one essay prompt The SSAT Writing section provides students with the opportunity to express themselves. Though it is not graded, the SSAT essay is submitted to the admissions departments of the schools to which the students have applied. This allows admissions department to assess students’ writing skills. The essay is not included in the score report, unless it is purchased to be included in the student’s online score report (except for the Elementary SSAT essay, which cannot be purchased).

The SSAT essay prompts are written in a way that allows students to tell admissions departments more about themselves and their way of thinking. Students are provided with two pages to write their essays on.

Elementary SSAT Test takers are provided a prompt in the form of a picture. Students must write an essay based on the picture prompt and make sure that their writing sample is complete, with a beginning, middle, and end.

Both of the two Middle Level SSAT Writing prompts are creative. The response to the prompts must also be creative and make use of animated explanations. Students are expected to use grammar and vocabulary which conform to Standard English.

The Upper Level SSAT Writing section provides students a creative prompt and an essay prompt to choose from. If a student decides to respond to the creative prompt, the response must also be creative and make use of animated explanations. The creative prompt might be ambiguous and require the student for building the entire essay almost by himself or herself. If he or she responds to the essay prompt, the response must be supported by strong examples from the text. Back to top

Though the SSAT essay is not scored, it is still recommended that students write their essays as well as possible, as a copy of each students’ essay will be submitted to the schools selected during the SSAT registration process. Here are some helpful SSAT Writing tips to help your child produce the best work possible:

• Begin the essay with a sentence either similar or identical to the one provided in the prompt
• Write neatly in the space provided
• Use proper grammar and vocabulary, conforming to the rules of Standard English. Pay careful attention to the rules of capitalization and punctuation
• Stay on topic
• Be creative, when suitable
• Provide supportive information (statements, examples, etc.)
• Maintain a standard essay structure, with an introduction, a minimum of two paragraphs in the main body, and a clear conclusion. Make sure your conclusion is tied back to the prompt and that you did not deviate from it too much
• Stick to the expected word count of 350
• Some people find making a list or a draft with their ideas before writing the actual essay useful – try to see whether it facilitates your writing
• If you have enough time left, it is warmly recommended to go over your essay after you have finished writing and read it again to make sure the structure is logical and that you can easily understand the story
• Keep your mind clear and writing-focused. Simple steps that might help are organizing your work environment and eating a healthy snack before you start writing

Click here to find out more about the other sections of the SSAT Test!

Admission to gifted and talented programs as well as independent schools has become increasingly competitive. Even with a high score on the SSAT, acceptance is not guaranteed. The SSAT essay section can give your child an opportunity to stand out against other candidates who may have the same score, and in that sense, be equally qualified. Help your child succeed by making sure he or she is properly prepared for all sections of the test, including this one. TestPrep-Online currently offers a collection of Upper Level SSAT Practice Packs, and will soon release two following packs for the Middle and Lower Levels. All our packs are designed to provide your child with the opportunity to improve and progress. Our goal is the same as yours: To get your child the score s/he deserves.

The SSAT 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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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

How to Study for the SSAT Middle Level Exam

Think you aren’t a good test-taker? Maybe on a study-time crunch? Or just don’t know how to begin studying? Mometrix has designed a new Study Secrets course to help every student, no matter what study scenario you are in. Here’s what you’ll find in the Study Secrets Course:

• Techniques to Conquer Procrastination
• Steps to building a Study Plan custom to your learning style
• 7 Effective Note-Taking Methods
• Test-Taking Tips
• Memory Techniques and Mnemonics
• And much more!

Everyone learns differently, so we’ve tailored our Study Secrets Course to ensure every learner has what they need to prepare for their upcoming exam or semester. Click below to check it out!

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 | Last Updated: September 6, 2024

On this page:

Upper Level SSAT

The premier private high school admission test for students currently in grades 8–11 ( students may test up or down ), available in paper and Prometric testing worldwide and the SSAT at Home in the United States and Canada. Accommodations and fee waivers are also available.

SSAT Testing Options

The SSAT testing options vary depending on the student's grade and location. Selecting the right test method for your child often comes down to comfort level and convenience.

• Available in the United States, Canada, and many international locations
• Middle and Upper students can take up to 6 Standard tests and 1 Flex test
• Elementary students can take up to 3 tests including 2 Standards and 1 Flex
• Available in the United States (including U.S. territories) and Canada only
• Proctored computer-based testing at home
• Students can take 1 SSAT at Home per testing year
• Middle and Upper Level only
• Proctored computer-based testing at a test center
• Students can 2 Prometric tests per testing year
• Middle & Upper Level only

Please note: SSAT test availability is based upon the student's physical location on test day, not their current location or home address. For example, a student living in the United States that travels to Germany cannot take the SSAT at Home while in Germany. The testing year that defines the maximum number of SSAT tests students can take runs from August 1 through July 31. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.

What’s on the SSAT?

• Quantitative (Math) : Composed of math computation.
• Verbal : Vocabulary and analogy questions.
• Reading : Reading passages.
• Writing Sample : The writing sample is not scored, but schools use it to assess writing skills.
• Experimental: Mixed content questions (verbal, reading, and math). This section does not count toward reported scores.

SSAT Sections

Total duration: 3 hours, 10 minutes*.

Click on the items below to learn more about the content in each section of the Upper Level SSAT. Please note that the allotted time for each section may vary for students with approved testing accommodations. *Students taking a paper SSAT in a room with other testers must sit for the entire time allotted to each section. Students in all other testing modes, or those taking a paper SSAT alone, may end a section before the time expires.

Part 1: Writing Sample

Students have 25 minutes to write an essay, choosing between a personal or general question prompt. Writing samples aren't scored, but they are provided to the schools that you opt to receive the SSAT score report, helping them assess the student's writing abilities. Parents may obtain a copy of the writing sample as a separate purchase.

Part 2 & 5: Break

Students are allotted two ten-minute breaks.

Part 3 & 7: Quantitative (Math)

• Number of questions:  50 in two 30-minute sections
• What it measures:  Ability to solve problems involving arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, and other concepts
• Scored section:  Yes
• Time allotted:  30 minutes for each section of 25 questions
• The quantitative (mathematics) section of the Upper Level SSAT measures your knowledge of algebra, geometry, and other quantitative concepts.

Students aren't permitted to use calculators in this section.

Part 4: Reading Comprehension

• Number of questions:  40
• What it measures:  Reading ability and comprehension
• Time allotted:  40 minutes
• Topics covered:  Reading passages ranging in length from 250 to 350 words 

After reading each passage, students are asked about its content or the author's style, intent, or point of view. The SSAT uses two types of writing:  narrative , which includes excerpts from novels, poems, short stories, or essays; and  argument , which presents a definite point of view about a subject.

Reading passages come from:

• Literary fiction
• Humanities (biography, art, poetry)
• Science (anthropology, astronomy, medicine)
• Social studies (history, sociology, economics)

Questions related to the passage ask students to:

• Recognize the main idea
• Locate details
• Make inferences
• Derive the meaning of a word or phrase from its context
• Determine the author's purpose
• Determine the author's attitude and tone
• Understand and evaluate opinions and arguments
• Make predictions based on information in the passage

Part 6: Verbal

• Number of questions:  60; 30 synonyms and 30 analogies
• What it measures:  Vocabulary, verbal reasoning, and ability to relate ideas logically
• Time allotted:  30 minutes
• Topics covered:  Word similarities and relationships through synonyms and analogies

The verbal section asks students to identify synonyms and interpret analogies. Synonym questions test a student's vocabulary strength, while analogy questions measure the ability to logically relate ideas to each other.

Synonyms  are words with the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. For example, fortunate is a synonym for lucky, tidy is a synonym for neat, and difficult is a synonym for hard. Synonym questions ask students to choose the answer word with a meaning similar to the prompt word.

Analogies  are comparisons between two things with similarities. These comparisons play an important role in improving problem-solving and decision-making skills, perception and memory, communication and reasoning skills, and reading and vocabulary. Analogies help students process information actively, make important decisions, and improve understanding and long-term memory. Considering these relationships stimulates critical and creative thinking.

Part 8: Experimental

The experimental section quality tests future SSAT questions to ensure they are reliable, secure, and acceptable.

• Number of questions:  16
• Scored section:  No
• Time allotted:  15 minutes
• Topics covered:  This section contains six verbal, five reading, and five quantitative questions

Practice for the SSAT.

The Official SSAT Practice Materials from the assessment team that creates the SSAT include Online Practice and Guide Books . Both have four full-length practice tests mirroring the SSAT experience. Get started with the free online Mini-Practice Test to identify where to focus studying.

SSAT Advice Articles

How to Get Your Best Score on the SSAT

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5 Stress-Reducing Tips for Feeling Good About the SSAT

Questions about ssat test options, scores, and more.

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Ssat essay: here’s everything you need to know.

Posted on December 7th, 2022 by Allison . Posted in SAT Test Prep , SAT tutoring - 0 Comments

Although the  Upper Level SSAT essay is not scored, it is still important to do your very best, as it will be sent to the schools to which you are applying. Practicing ahead of time with some essay prompts is a good idea. The SSAT includes a 25-minute Writing Sample of one to two pages in length. Upper Level SSAT students will be asked to choose between writing a story and writing an essay in response to a question. The essay topics tend to be broad and varied. In some cases, you will be asked to take a side on an issue (in other words, you will be asked to write a persuasive essay). In some cases, you will be asked to offer a description or show cause and effect (in other words, you will be asked to write an informative essay).

Although the Writing Sample will not affect your SSAT score, admissions officers consider your Writing Sample an important component of your application. They will look for a strong writing style free from spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes. They will also try to get a sense of who you are as a person. With this in mind, choose subjects you would be comfortable talking about during an interview with a principal or admissions officer. Avoid overly dark, violent, or inappropriate subject matter.

The Upper Level SSAT Essay requires students to write either a short story or an essay in twenty-five minutes. The essay topics tend to be broad and varied. In some cases, you will be asked to take a side on an issue (in other words, you will be asked to write a persuasive essay). In some cases, you will be asked to offer a description or show cause and effect (in other words, you will be asked to write an expository essay). Two sentences will be provided, and students are asked to select the sentence they find most interesting and use it as the basis for an essay or a story.

SSAT Essay General Tips:

Make sure your writing appropriately responds to the topic. Does the essay topic require you to take a position on an issue (persuasive essay)? Does it ask you to show cause and effect (expository essay)? Does the topic ask you describe or characterize some subject or topic (expository essay)? Are you being asked to tell a story (creative writing)? If you are writing an essay, make sure you have a clear introductory paragraph, two or three body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. If you are writing a story, make sure your short story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Budget your time! Make sure to save time at the end to edit for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Persuasive Essay Tips:

Persuasive writing requires you to argue for or against an idea; to take a side on an issue; to urge the reader to behave a certain way; or to urge the reader to agree to a certain position on an issue. Take a side. Don’t sit on the fence. Use concrete examples from history, literature, current events, or personal experience to support your position. Right before you conclude your essay, consider writing a counterargument: – In a counterargument, you present an opposing view and then show why it is not as strong as the view you have been presenting. – Imagine an intelligent skeptic reading your essay.

Creative Writing Tips:

Decide what point of view you will use and stick to it! Sometimes the point of view is established by the sentence provided: – First person uses “I”: “I couldn’t believe my eyes.” – Third person uses “he”, “she”, “it”, “they”: “He couldn’t believe his eyes.” Decide what tense you will use for your story and stick to it! Sometimes the tense is established by the sentence provided: – Past tense: I saw, I went, I did. – Present tense (rarer and more difficult to maintain): I see, I go, I do. Establish the setting of your story using vivid description involving sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound. In your first paragraph, establish the conflict. – Conflict is the problem, difficulty, or challenge facing the main character. Every story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end (in other words, rising action, climax, falling action, and conclusion).

Expository Writing:

If you are asked to define something, provide your definition or explanation and then support your definition or explanation with details or examples from history, literature, current events, or personal experience. If you are asked to offer a description, think of two or three important qualities that you would like to discuss. – Make sure you choose a subject about which you are familiar. – Be as detailed as possible. When writing to establish cause and effect, establish the cause, define the effects, and offer solutions or explanations for why this is so.

Essay Prompts

You have twenty-five minutes to complete each writing sample. Here’s a list of essay prompts with which to practice:

Schools would like to get to know you better through an essay or story using one of the two topics below. Please select a topic you find most interesting and fill in the circle next to the topic you choose.

Short Essay Topics: Topic: He would have to try again. Topic: It was the biggest challenge she would have to face.

Expository Essay Topics Topic: What three qualities define a good student? Topic: What is the most important issue facing the world today and what would you do to contribute to solving this issue?

Persuasive Essay Topics: Topic: Is it more important to learn from mistakes or successes? Topic: Which are more important, arts and music or sports and athletics?

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