Once you receive your child's SSAT score report, you may be wondering how to interpret his or her SSAT results. The information below provides details about the different sections of the SSAT score report.

SSAT Scaled Scores
Each of the three main Elementary Level test sections is scored on a scale of 300 to 600, with a total scaled score range of 900 to 1800. Each of the three main Middle Level test sections is scored on a scale of 440 to 710, with a total scaled score range of 1320 to 2130. Each of the three main Upper Level test sections is scored on a scale of 500 to 800, with a total scaled score range of 1500 to 2400.

SSAT Percentiles
SSAT percentile rankings range between 1% and 99% and show how a student performed as compared to the other students in the same grade and of the same gender who have taken the SSAT during the past three years.

Estimated National Percentiles
Estimated national percentile rankings range between 1% and 99% and show how a student performed as compared to the national student population.

Test Question Breakdown

This section shows a breakdown of the test’s content and how many questions your student answered correctly, incorrectly, or left blank. Remember, points are deducted for wrong answers but not for skipped questions, so this portion of the score report helps you gain greater insight into your student’s test-taking strategy. If you can’t make an educated guess, you’re better off leaving the question blank.
 

What are "good" SSAT scores?

There’s no simple answer to this question. What are “good” SSAT scores for one student could be “great” or “fine” scores for another student. One thing to keep in mind is that schools typically pay more attention to a student’s SSAT percentiles than to a student’s SSAT scaled scores. What are considered “good” percentile rankings will vary from school to school. For some schools the average percentile rankings for accepted students will be in the 60th percentile. For other schools the average percentile rankings for accepted students will be in the 85th percentile or higher. To help your child set percentile ranking goals, check with individual schools to determine their average percentile rankings for accepted students.

Related Topics

• For an overview of the SSAT, visit the SSAT Overview page.
• To find out when SSAT scores will be released, visit the SSAT Score Dates page.

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