SSAT Scoring Guide
Understand how SSAT scores work, what they mean, and how to interpret your results for boarding school admissions success.
How SSAT Scoring Works
Understanding the SSAT scoring system is crucial for test preparation and score interpretation
Raw Score Calculation
Strategic Tip
Since wrong answers are penalized, it's better to omit questions you're completely unsure about rather than guess randomly.
Scaled Score Conversion
Raw scores are converted to scaled scores using a statistical process that accounts for test difficulty variations.
Sample Score Calculation
SSAT Score Ranges by Level
Each SSAT level has different score ranges and percentile distributions. Understanding these ranges helps you interpret your performance.
Elementary Level SSAT
Grades 3-4
Verbal
Reading
Math
Total
Middle Level SSAT
Grades 5-7
Verbal
Reading
Math
Total
Upper Level SSAT
Grades 8-11
Verbal
Reading
Math
Total
Understanding Your SSAT Score Report
Your SSAT score report provides comprehensive insights into your performance. Here's what you'll receive and how to interpret each component.
What's Included in Your Report
Scaled Scores
Individual section scores (Verbal, Reading, Math) on the 500-800 scale, plus your total score.
Percentile Ranks
How you performed compared to other students in your grade level over the past three years.
Score Delivery Timeline
Online Scores
Available within 2 weeks of test date
Mailed Reports
Sent to you and selected schools
School Reports
Detailed reports sent to schools
Tips for Using Your SSAT Scores
For School Applications
- Compare your scores to school averages
- Consider both scaled scores and percentiles
- Look at individual section performance
For Test Preparation
- Identify your strongest and weakest areas
- Focus preparation on lower-scoring sections
- Track improvement over multiple test dates