The Secondary School Admission Test
(SSAT)

SSAT – Secondary School Admission Test

The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is a key component of private and independent school admissions, providing admissions committees with a standardized measure of academic readiness across applicants. The SSAT is offered at three levels: Elementary, Middle, and Upper. Each are designed to evaluate students against grade-appropriate academic expectations for competitive private school placement.

The Elementary Level SSAT is intended for students in grades 3–4 applying to private elementary and middle schools. It helps admissions teams assess foundational skills in reading comprehension, mathematics, and writing readiness, offering insight into a student’s early academic development.

The Middle Level SSAT, taken by students in grades 5–7, is commonly used for admissions to competitive private middle schools and select upper school entry points. This level measures developing proficiency in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and reading comprehension, reflecting increasing academic rigor.

The Upper Level SSAT, for students in grades 8–11, is required by most private high schools and evaluates advanced academic readiness for demanding upper school coursework. Taking the appropriate SSAT level allows schools to compare applicants fairly within the same grade group and assess readiness for the next stage of education.

SSAT scores are reviewed alongside academic transcripts, teacher recommendations, interviews, and personal statements to form a comprehensive admissions profile. Strategic SSAT preparation helps students perform with confidence, present a competitive academic record, and maximize success in the private school and private high school admissions process.

What Makes Kent Prep Different

For families navigating private school and private high school admissions, strong SSAT preparation is not only about taking the test. It is about maximizing scores while making informed school choices. At Kent Prep, students receive structured SSAT test prep designed to help them reach their highest score potential, while families benefit from experienced guidance on admissions timelines, school expectations, and placement strategy. We help parents understand how SSAT scores impact competitiveness at different schools and how testing fits into the broader admissions plan. This balanced, forward-looking approach supports both top-tier SSAT performance and thoughtful decision-making about the right academic path and next steps for each child.

Get Started

To get started, contact info@kentprep.nyc to schedule an appointment at our Helmsley Building office. Please include “SSAT Prep” in the subject line. If you would like a phone consultation, simply include your phone number and a Kent Prep counselor will follow up with you.

SSAT Summer Residential Program

For families interested in a more comprehensive and immersive approach to SSAT preparation, learn more about our SSAT Residential Program here.

High School Consultation

New York City offers one of the most competitive public high school systems in the country, and finding the right fit often benefits from planning that begins as early as 6th or 7th grade.

For families seeking highly personalized, long-term guidance, Kent Prep offers a High School Admissions Consultation Package focused on individualized planning and close partnership throughout the admissions journey. Learn more here on how this can help you.