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SSAT Elementary Prep Masterclass · Topic 1

Start Here & Test Overview

What the exam looks like, how much time you get for each part, and the golden rule of how the test is scored.

Grades 3 and 4
5 sections
Just over 2 hours
Paper and pencil

Lesson summary

Welcome to the very first step of your test prep journey! In this lesson, you will learn exactly what the SSAT Elementary Level exam looks like. We will explore the different sections of the test, find out how much time you have for each part, and discover the “golden rule” of how the test is scored. You will also learn how to navigate this online course so you can start learning right away!

Direct instruction

Welcome to the course!

Hello there! We are so excited to have you here. If you are preparing for the SSAT Elementary Level exam, you are in the right place. This course is built specifically for 3rd and 4th graders just like you. It is completely normal to feel a little nervous before a big test, but our goal is to make sure you walk in on test day feeling confident and ready!

What is the SSAT Elementary Level exam?

SSAT stands for the Secondary School Admission Test. Private schools use this test to see what you have learned in school and how you solve problems. The test is designed specially for kids your age, so you will only see questions that make sense for 3rd and 4th graders. You will take this test on paper using a pencil.

The test breakdown: sections and timing

The SSAT is like a giant puzzle divided into five different pieces, plus a break to rest your brain. The whole test takes a little over 2 hours. Here is exactly what you will do on test day, in order:

Section Number of questions Time allowed
1. Quantitative (Math) 30 questions 30 minutes
2. Verbal (Words) 30 questions 20 minutes
Break Time to stretch and have a snack! 15 minutes
3. Reading 28 questions 30 minutes
4. Writing Sample 1 picture prompt 15 minutes
5. Experimental 15 to 17 questions 15 minutes

Note: The Writing Sample and Experimental sections do not count toward your final math and reading score, but schools still look at your writing to see your imagination!

The golden rule of SSAT scoring

Are you ready for a major test-taking secret? Here is how your score works:

+1
Correct answer

You gain a point every time you get a question right.

0
Wrong answer

You do not lose anything for getting it wrong.

0
Blank answer

A blank question can never earn you a point.

Because you don’t lose any points if you get a question wrong, you should never leave a question blank! Even if you are totally stuck, pick your favorite letter and guess. You might just get it right!

How to use this course

This course is set up to be super easy to use in Tutor LMS. It is broken into Sections (like the chapters of a book) and Lessons (like the pages).

When you finish reading a lesson or watching a video, always scroll to the very bottom of the page and click the Mark Complete button. This tells the computer you are done and unlocks the next fun lesson for you!

Study tips for success

  • Pace yourself

    Do a little bit of studying each day. Don’t try to finish the whole course in one afternoon!

  • Take brain breaks

    After 20 to 30 minutes of studying, get up and stretch, draw, or play.

  • Ask for help

    If something doesn’t make sense, ask a parent or teacher to read it with you.

Worked examples

1
Worked example

Sarah runs out of time

Scenario

During the test, Sarah is working on the Verbal section. The teacher calls out, “Time is almost up!” Sarah still has three questions left that she hasn’t answered, and she doesn’t know the answers to any of them. What should she do?

Step by step

  1. Sarah remembers the golden rule of SSAT Elementary scoring.
  2. She remembers that she does not lose any points for guessing incorrectly.
  3. Instead of leaving the last three questions blank, she quickly fills in a bubble for each one before time runs out.
Takeaway

Sarah should guess and fill in the bubbles for the remaining questions.

Why this is correct

Leaving a question blank guarantees 0 points. By guessing, Sarah gives herself a chance to earn an extra point on each question without any risk of losing points!

2
Worked example

Leo looks for a break

Scenario

Leo loves math but gets very tired when he has to focus for a long time. He is worried about taking a 2-hour test without being able to rest his brain. Will Leo have a chance to take a break?

Step by step

  1. Leo checks the SSAT test breakdown table.
  2. He sees that the Math and Verbal sections happen first.
  3. Right after the Verbal section, there is a scheduled 15-minute break before the Reading section begins.
Takeaway

Yes, Leo will have a 15-minute break right in the middle of the test.

Why this is correct

The SSAT always provides a 15-minute break right before the Reading section. Leo can use this time to eat a healthy snack, drink water, and rest his brain so he is fully energized for the second half of the exam!

3
Worked example

Emma moves to the next lesson

Scenario

Emma just finished reading this very lesson! She is excited to learn more about the Math section, but she doesn’t know how to move forward in the course to see the next page.

Step by step

  1. Emma scrolls to the bottom of the page on her computer or tablet.
  2. She looks for a button that says Mark Complete.
  3. She clicks the button to save her progress.
Takeaway

Emma needs to click the Mark Complete button at the bottom of the lesson.

Why this is correct

Clicking the completion button tells the course software that you have learned the material, allowing it to magically unlock the next lesson for you.

Short review

Key points covered

  • The SSAT Elementary Level exam is a paper test for 3rd and 4th graders.
  • The test has five main sections: Math, Verbal, Reading, a Writing Sample, and an Experimental section.
  • The golden rule: you do not lose points for wrong answers, so you should answer every single question!

Important reminders

  • Always remember to click Mark Complete when you finish a lesson so you can move forward in the course.
  • Don’t be afraid to make a guess on the test if you are stuck.

Study tips

  • Take short brain breaks while you study to keep your mind fresh.
  • Be proud of yourself for taking the first step. You are going to do amazing!

You have taken the first step!

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

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