SSAT PREP
Non-boring teaching methods. Individualized instruction.
Introducing Principia Tutors and Consultants’ online SSAT course!
Have you been hunting for a budget-friendly way to prep for the SSAT that doesn’t skimp on the strategies your student needs?
Our self-paced reading, verbal, and writing SSAT course may be the perfect fit for you!
Explore the course curriculum and see if it’s the solution for your student’s SSAT preparation.
Ready for 1:1 instruction?
Prep with Principia
We customize our curriculum for every class and every student based on individual strengths and areas of growth, using a selection of the best preparatory materials available. Instruction is focused on verbal, writing, reading, and math review, test-taking strategies, and practice exams — the three proven ways to boost scores.
About the SSAT
The SSAT, or Secondary School Admission Test, is a standardized test required by a number of independent schools worldwide. It's offered at three stages:
Elementary, for students currently enrolled in Grades 3 or 4
Middle, for students currently enrolled in Grades 5 through 7
Upper, for students currently enrolled in Grades 8 through 11
The SSAT is a strategy-based test, which is often very different from what a student is used to in the classroom. For correct answers, students gain one point. For incorrect answers, students lose one-fourth of a point. For answers left blank, there is no positive or negative effect, simply a zero towards the raw score.
Structure
The Upper Level SSAT has six sections (3 hours 5 minutes total):
Writing – 25 minutes
(Break – 5 minutes)Quantitative Section I (Math) – 30 minutes
Reading – 40 minutes
(Break – 10 minutes)Verbal – 30 minutes
Quantitative Section II (Math) – 30 minutes
Experimental Section – 15 minutes
Apart from the essay, all questions on all levels of the SSAT are multiple choice.
SSAT Breakdown
Subject
Quantitative
Reading
Verbal
Time
60 min (split into two 30-min sections)
40 min
30 min
# of Qs
50
40
60
Topics
Algebra
Geometry
Data Analysis
Number Concepts/
Operations
Comprehension
Inference
Purpose
Language
Tone
Vocabulary
Synonyms
Analogies
SSAT Test Dates
Starting Fall 2020, the SSAT is offering the SSAT At Home test, which is an online version of their standard paper-based test. Check to see what testing options are available for your student according to their level and region here.
“One of the best courses I’ve ever taken. Oliver is funny and accessible and teaches in a way that makes you want to learn. ”
“These guys are the best. My son, Justin, couldn’t stop talking about how well the instructor explained concepts to him. He kept asking why his school couldn’t do the same.”
“I can’t speak highly enough of this course. It’s completely changed my outlook and approach on the SAT and tests in general.”
Preview Our SSAT Strategies
Curious what we cover in our SSAT sessions? Join us to practice strategies and break down sample questions in our blog posts or our SSAT Youtube videos!
Instructor Highlight
Anna | Reading/Writing Director
Anna is a certified English Language Arts and ESL teacher who taught middle school English full-time in Minnesota and Chicago before joining Principia. She delights in helping her students read critically and write with confidence. She also manages Principia’s propriety SSAT curriculum, designing our reading and verbal approach.
Interested in private tutoring? Get in touch for more information.