SSAT Preparation
Secondary School Admission Test
The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is a standardised test widely used for admissions to leading private schools and boarding schools in the United States and across Asia. ELT provides one-to-one tutoring covering all sections — Verbal, Quantitative, and Reading — efficiently targeting your child's weaker areas and working towards a successful admissions outcome.
SSAT Quick Facts
| Full Name | Secondary School Admission Test |
| Developed By | The Enrollment Management Association (USA) |
| Grade Levels | Grade 3–11 (Elementary / Middle / Upper Level) |
| Test Duration | Approximately 3 hours 5 minutes (5 sections) |
| Format | Paper or computer-based (multiple choice + writing) |
| Score Range | Middle Level: 440–710 / Upper Level: 500–800 (per section) |
| Test Frequency | Up to 8 times per year (Standard Test Dates) |
ABOUT
What Is the SSAT?
The SSAT is a standardised test used by leading US private schools for admissions decisions. It is offered at three levels — Elementary (Grade 3–4), Middle (Grade 5–7), and Upper (Grade 8–11) — with the appropriate level determined by the student's target entry grade.
Verbal
The Verbal section consists of two question types: Synonyms and Analogies. It requires advanced English vocabulary and the ability to identify logical relationships between words. This section typically requires the most time to improve.
Quantitative (Mathematics)
Split across two sections, Quantitative tests a broad range of mathematical skills including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. It demands both computational ability and the English reading comprehension needed to interpret word problems accurately.
Reading Comprehension
This section presents passages from a variety of genres — literature, essays, and scientific texts — and assesses content understanding, inference, and contextual vocabulary. The ability to read long passages quickly and accurately is essential.
Writing Sample
Students write an essay on a given topic. Although the Writing Sample is not scored, it is sent directly to target schools, making logical structure and expressive quality important. Middle Level candidates receive a Creative Prompt, while Upper Level candidates receive an Essay Prompt.
Experimental
This section contains trial questions for future test development. Although it does not affect the score, candidates are not told which questions are experimental, so every question should be attempted with full effort.
OUR APPROACH
ELT's SSAT Preparation
Systematic Vocabulary Building for the Verbal Section
The SSAT Verbal section demands an exceptionally strong vocabulary. In addition to structured study based on high-frequency word lists, we also develop vocabulary inference skills using roots, prefixes, and suffixes for efficient score improvement.
Leveraging Strengths in the Quantitative Section
Students from East Asian education systems typically have strong mathematical foundations. We build on this advantage while strengthening the ability to comprehend English-language word problems, aiming for consistently high scores.
Combined Extensive and Intensive Reading for the Reading Section
SSAT reading passages span literature, science, and history. We increase reading speed through extensive reading while also teaching question-type-specific techniques to boost accuracy.
Writing Sample Coaching to Impress Target Schools
Although the Writing Sample does not contribute to the score, it can influence admissions decisions. We teach logical structure, persuasive expression, and accurate grammar and vocabulary, training your child to write an essay that effectively conveys their qualities to the target school.
Pricing
PRICING
International/Boarding School
Learning support for international and boarding school students
International School Prep
50min × 12+ lessons
Entrance exam prep, post-admission prep, study support, and test prep
Enrollment Fee: 33,000JPY(tax included)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend starting 6–12 months before the test. The Verbal section in particular requires sustained vocabulary work, so an early start is especially beneficial. Since the SSAT can be taken up to 8 times per year, sitting an early test to establish a baseline and then preparing strategically is also an effective approach.
The Middle Level (Grade 5–7) and Upper Level (Grade 8–11) differ in content range, difficulty, and score ranges. Middle Level scores range from 440–710 per section, while Upper Level scores range from 500–800. The appropriate level is determined by the entry grade at the target school, so we confirm requirements before beginning preparation.
Yes, the SSAT uses a scoring method where 1 point is awarded for each correct answer and 0.25 points are deducted for each incorrect answer (no penalty for unanswered questions). A strategic approach using the process of elimination to narrow down options is therefore more effective than random guessing. ELT teaches test-taking strategies that account for this scoring system.
Yes, the SSAT can be taken at test centres worldwide, and Japan has testing locations including Prometric test centres. Flex Test (individually arranged) sittings are also available. ELT can advise on selecting a venue and completing registration.
Enquire About SSAT Preparation
We will recommend the most effective study plan based on your child's target school and SSAT test date. Start with a free consultation.