SSAT Middle Level Practice Test Questions (Prep for the SSAT Test)

If you need help studying for the SSAT Middle Level test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.

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What’s on the SSAT Middle Level Test?
How to Register
Test Scores
Retaking the Test
FAQs

What’s on the SSAT Middle Level Test?

Questions: 166 questions | 1 essay
Time limit: 3 hours and 10 minutes

The SSAT Middle Level test contains 166 questions and one essay. The good news is that the essay will not count toward your score! It’s just used to get an idea of your general writing abilities.

Let’s take a closer look at the two sections of the SSAT Middle Level test.

1. ESSAY (Unscored)
1 prompt | 25 minutes

For the essay, you’ll get to choose either a general question or a personal question to write about. You’re limited to two pages, but you don’t necessarily have to write a full two pages.

As mentioned earlier, the essay is unscored.

2. BREAK
10 minutes

3. QUANTITATIVE
25 questions | 30 minutes

The questions in this section are all math-related. Specifically, you’ll be tested on your knowledge of basic arithmetic, algebra, probability, and statistics, as well as our ability to interpret data from charts and graphs.

Unfortunately, you will NOT be allowed to use your calculator during this section.

4. READING COMPREHENSION
40 questions | 40 minutes

For this section, you’ll be given a set of passages to read and answer questions about. Each passage is between 250 and 350 words and will either be a narrative (excerpt from a novel, poem, etc.) or an argument (presents a specific point of view on a topic).

You’ll be tested on your ability to make inferences, determine tone and purpose, make predictions, recognize the main idea, and determine the meaning of words and phrases using context.

5. BREAK
10 minutes

6. VERBAL
60 questions | 30 minutes

The questions in this section are grouped into two types: synonym questions and analogy questions.

The synonym questions are very simple; all you have to do is identify synonyms of given words. For the analogy questions, you’ll be tested on your ability to make accurate comparisons between two things that are alike.

7. QUANTITATIVE
16 questions | 30 minutes

This section is exactly like the first quantitative section. The questions cover basic arithmetic, algebra, probability, statistics, and interpreting data from charts and graphs.

Just like the first quantitative section, you will NOT be allowed to use your calculator.

8. EXPERIMENTAL (Unscored)
16 questions | 15 minutes

The questions in this section are purely experimental, so they won’t count toward your score! They’re being tested to see if they’re good enough to use as normal scored questions on future versions of the test.

Here’s the breakdown of the topics covered in this section:

Verbal: 6 questions
Reading: 5 questions
Quantitative: 5 questions

How to Register

To get started with the registration process, you’ll need to visit the SSAT website and make an account. Through your account, you can select which method of testing is best for you.

The testing fee will differ depending on which testing method you choose during registration:

SSAT Middle Level Study Guide and Flashcards

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Test Scores

SSAT Middle Level scores range from 1500 to 2400, and the average score hovers around 2000. If you score above that, you’re doing better than average!

Usually, you’ll be able to see your SSAT scores two weeks after you’ve taken the test.

Retaking the Test

If you didn’t get the score you wanted on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test during the next available testing period.

Keep in mind that you will have to pay the full testing fee every time you retake the test.

FAQs

How long is the SSAT Middle Level test?

The time limit for the test is 3 hours and 10 minutes (including the two breaks).

What is a good Middle Level SSAT score?

The average SSAT Middle Level score is about 2000.

How many questions are on the SSAT Middle Level test?

The test contains 166 questions and one essay.

How much does the SSAT Middle Level test cost?

The cost of the test depends on which testing method you choose.