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SSAT Middle Level Prep Masterclass · Topic 1

Start Here & Test Overview

What the Middle Level exam is, who takes it, what is on it, and how to work your way through this course.

Grades 5, 6 and 7
About 3 hours
Lesson 1

Lesson summary

Welcome to your SSAT Middle Level prep course! In this very first lesson, we are going to outline exactly what the SSAT Middle Level test is, why it is important for your academic future, and who takes it. We will explore the different sections of the exam, learn how this online course is organized, and share some top-tier study tips to help you succeed. By the end of this lesson, you will know exactly how to navigate this platform and feel totally prepared to dive into your studying!

Direct instruction

Welcome to the course!

Hello, and welcome! If you are reading this, you are taking a major step toward your future by preparing for the SSAT Middle Level exam. It is completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed when starting to study for a big test, but that is exactly why this course exists. We have broken everything down into bite-sized, easy-to-understand pieces. You bring the hard work, and we will provide the roadmap!

What is the SSAT Middle Level exam?

SSAT stands for the Secondary School Admission Test. Private and independent schools use this exam as a tool to evaluate your skills in reading, vocabulary, and math. It helps admission officers understand your academic strengths and how well you solve problems.

Who takes the Middle Level exam?

Currently in Grades 5, 6, or 7

The Middle Level exam is designed for students who are currently in Grades 5, 6, and 7 and are applying for admission to Grades 6, 7, and 8.

You are not expected to know advanced high school calculus. The test is built around exactly what students your age are currently learning, or are about to learn.

What is on the test?

The SSAT Middle Level is a multi-part exam that takes about 3 hours to complete. Here is a quick overview of the sections you will conquer on test day:

Section What you will do
Writing Sample You get two prompts, one creative story starter and one personal essay question, and you choose one to write about. This isn’t graded, but schools read it to see your writing style.
Quantitative (Math) 1 and 2 Two separate math sections. You will solve problems involving fractions, decimals, geometry, and basic algebra.
Reading You read several passages, such as short stories, poems, or articles, and answer questions about the main idea, specific details, and vocabulary.
Verbal (Words) Tests your vocabulary through synonym questions and analogy questions.
Experimental A short section at the end with a mix of questions. These do not count toward your final score; the test makers use them to try out new questions for future tests.

How this course is organized

This course is built right here in Tutor LMS, which makes navigating a breeze. The content is divided into Sections (like the units in a textbook), and each section contains several Lessons (like the chapters).

  1. Learn

    First, you read a lesson or watch a video explaining a concept.

  2. Review

    Next, you see worked examples showing you exactly how to apply what you learned.

  3. Practice

    Finally, you take quizzes to test your knowledge.

How to move through the course

Whenever you finish reading a lesson, scroll to the very bottom of the page and look for the Mark Complete button. You must click this button to save your progress and unlock the next lesson.

Study tips for success

  • Consistency is key

    Studying for 30 minutes every day is much better than trying to cram for 4 hours on a Sunday.

  • Create a study zone

    Find a quiet place away from your phone, the TV, and noisy siblings. When you sit in this spot, your brain will know it is time to focus.

  • Take notes

    Keep a notebook next to your computer. Writing down math formulas or new vocabulary words by hand helps lock them into your memory!

You are capable, you are prepared, and you are going to do great. Let’s get started!

Worked examples

1
Worked example

Marcus checks his test level

Scenario

Marcus is in the 6th grade. He is applying to move to a new private school for the 7th grade. He looks at his test registration and sees he is signed up for the Middle Level SSAT, but he is worried he should be taking the Upper Level test since he is moving to an upper grade.

Step by step

  1. Marcus reviews the rules for the SSAT test levels.
  2. He remembers that the test level is based on his current grade, not the grade he is going into.
  3. Students currently in 5th, 6th, or 7th grade take the Middle Level test.
  4. Since Marcus is currently a 6th grader, he is in the correct group.
Takeaway

Marcus is registered for the correct exam. He needs to take the Middle Level SSAT.

Why this is correct

The SSAT is always based on the grade you are in right now, ensuring the questions are fair and match what you have learned in school so far!

2
Worked example

Chloe finds a padlock icon

Scenario

Chloe just finished reading the very first lesson of her new SSAT prep course. She scrolls to the bottom of the text, but the next lesson on the side menu has a little padlock icon on it, and she can’t click it.

Step by step

  1. Chloe remembers the course navigation instructions from the “How this course is organized” section.
  2. She looks at the bottom of her current lesson page.
  3. She searches for the button that says Mark Complete.
  4. She clicks the button to tell the computer she has finished reading.
Takeaway

Chloe must click Mark Complete to unlock the next lesson.

Why this is correct

The Tutor LMS platform uses the Mark Complete button to track your progress. It acts as a digital checkpoint, ensuring you don’t accidentally skip any important lessons before moving forward.

3
Worked example

David plans to cram

Scenario

David wants to get a perfect score on his SSAT. He decides his strategy will be to completely ignore his study course all week, and then stay up very late on Saturday trying to read 20 lessons at once.

Step by step

  1. David reviews the study tips for success.
  2. He realizes that cramming, which means studying a massive amount in one night, makes the brain tired and makes it hard to remember information.
  3. He decides to change his strategy. He schedules 30 minutes of studying on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons instead.
Takeaway

Pacing your studying throughout the week is much more effective than cramming in one night.

Why this is correct

Your brain is like a muscle; it needs time to rest and absorb new information. Consistent, daily practice builds stronger test-taking skills than marathon study sessions!

Short review

Key points covered

  • The SSAT Middle Level is an admission test for current 5th, 6th, and 7th graders.
  • The test features a Writing Sample, two math sections, a Reading section, and a Verbal section.
  • Our course uses a simple Learn, Review, Practice structure to help you master every topic.

Important reminders

  • Always remember to click Mark Complete at the bottom of every lesson to save your hard work and unlock the next page.
  • Set up a quiet, distraction-free study zone in your home where you can focus entirely on your course.

Study tips

  • Grab a dedicated SSAT notebook today. Use it for your math scratch paper and to write down any new vocabulary words you discover during the lessons!

You have officially taken your first step!

Take a deep breath, click that Mark Complete button below, and let’s jump right into the test structure!

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