E3n (formerly The Enrollment Management Association)
SSAT 2026-27
The admission test for private and independent schools, for students in grades 3 through 11. Students currently in grades 3 through 11 who are applying to private and independent schools. Unlike the ISEE, the level follows the grade the student is in now.
SSAT levels
- Elementary Levelcurrent grades 3-4
- Middle Levelcurrent grades 5-7
- Upper Levelcurrent grades 8-11
Middle Level (grades 5-7): sections
| Section | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Sample (unscored) | 1 | 25 |
| Quantitative (Math), two sections | 50 | 60 |
| Reading Comprehension | 40 | 40 |
| Verbal | 60 | 30 |
| Experimental (unscored) | 16 | 15 |
| Total | 167 | 190 |
Upper Level (grades 8-11): sections
| Section | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Sample (unscored) | 1 | 25 |
| Quantitative (Math), two sections | 50 | 60 |
| Reading Comprehension | 40 | 40 |
| Verbal | 60 | 30 |
| Experimental (unscored) | 16 | 15 |
| Total | 167 | 190 |
Elementary Level (grades 3-4): sections
| Section | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 125 |
Scoring
On the Middle and Upper Level tests a correct answer earns 1 point, a wrong answer loses a quarter point, and a skipped question earns nothing. The Elementary Level has no penalty for wrong answers. Reports give a scaled score and a percentile for Verbal, Quantitative, and Reading, plus a total, compared with first-time test takers in the same grade over the last three years. The writing sample and the experimental section are not scored.
SSAT dates, 2026-27
- Standard paper SSAT (Upper, Middle)Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Standard paper SSAT (Upper, Middle, Elementary)Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Standard paper SSAT (Upper, Middle, Elementary)Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Standard paper SSAT (Upper, Middle)Saturday, January 9, 2027
- Standard paper SSAT (Upper, Middle)Saturday, January 30, 2027
- Standard paper SSAT (Upper, Middle)Saturday, March 13, 2027
- Standard paper registration opens / Flex testing closesOpens August 3; Flex open until July 20
- SSAT at Home dates published so farOctober 13-17, 2026 and November 3-7, 2026 (Tuesday-Saturday)
- SSAT at Home scheduling deadline72 hours before the test start timeStanding policy, no year given
- SSAT testing yearAugust 1 through July 31Standing policy, no year given
Fees
- Middle/Upper Level, Standard or school Flex (US and Canada)$177
- Middle/Upper Level, Prometric SSAT (US and Canada)$250
- Middle/Upper Level, SSAT at Home$263
- Middle/Upper Level, Flex with an educational consultant$272
- Elementary Level, Standard or school Flex$112
- International testing, Middle/Upper Level$339
- Late / rush registration (paper Standard only)$59 late; $100 rush
- Test change fee (paper)$49
Retakes
In a testing year (August 1 to July 31), Middle and Upper Level students may take up to six Standard paper tests, one Flex test, and one SSAT at Home. Elementary Level students may take up to three tests.
Keep this for planning
Frequently asked questions
Who takes the SSAT?
Students currently in grades 3 through 11 who are applying to private and independent schools. Unlike the ISEE, the level follows the grade the student is in now.
How long is the SSAT?
190 minutes for 167 questions at the Middle Level (grades 5-7) level.
How is the SSAT scored?
On the Middle and Upper Level tests a correct answer earns 1 point, a wrong answer loses a quarter point, and a skipped question earns nothing. The Elementary Level has no penalty for wrong answers. Reports give a scaled score and a percentile for Verbal, Quantitative, and Reading, plus a total, compared with first-time test takers in the same grade over the last three years. The writing sample and the experimental section are not scored.
How many times can you take the SSAT?
In a testing year (August 1 to July 31), Middle and Upper Level students may take up to six Standard paper tests, one Flex test, and one SSAT at Home. Elementary Level students may take up to three tests.
Sources, read October 6, 2026: admission.org, admission.org, admission.org, admission.org, admission.org, admission.org. The SSAT is run by E3n (formerly The Enrollment Management Association), which is not affiliated with Dewey Smart.
