The SSAT is used by many private schools as a way of comparing applicants from different lower and middle-schools. The test is given by the Secondary School Admission Test Board. The SSATB can be reached at (609) 683-4440 or on the web at www.ssat.org/ontario. There are two levels of the SSAT. The Lower Level is used for students in grades 5 through 7, and the Upper Level is used for students in grades 8 through 11. Find out more about PREPSKILLS preparation courses for the SSAT.

What is tested on the SSAT?

The SSAT has a 25-minute writing sample section, a 40-minute reading comprehension multiple choice section, two 30-minute multiple choice sections in mathematics and one 30-minute multiple choice section testing verbal ability. The writing section asks the student to respond to a topic statement, but is not graded. Instead, the student's essay is sent to schools along with his or her scores. The test sections break down as follows:

How is the SSAT scored?

Lower Level test scores are reported for each subject on a scale of 440 to 710. Upper Level scores are reported for each subject on a scale of 500 to 800. Before calculating your scaled score, the SSATB first calculates a raw score. The raw score is computed by adding up all of your correct answers and then subtracting 1/4 point for each wrong answer (blank answers have no effect on your score). The SSATB converts raw scores to scaled scores in order to adjust for small variations in difficulty among different test dates. The table below gives the 50th percentile score (the score at which an equal number of students scored higher and lower) for each subject and for each grade level.

Ontario SSAT Test Dates

Independent test centres

If you are unable to take the SSAT on a regularly scheduled date, or if you prefer to test individually, you can take the test at one of SSAT’s Independent Test Centers (ITC’s). Individual testing is not guaranteed. Call the ITC office closest to you to schedule and for complete registration instructions.

Ontario - Independent Test Centre Representatives:

ITC Test Fees:
ITC Registration: $140 CDN
Special Accommodations ITC Registration: $170 CDN

Note: ITC test fee is paid directly to the ITC representatives. This fee is in addition to the regular SSAT Registration fee.

How do I register for the SSAT?

Choose the most convenient date and test centre from the test schedule in Ontario. A student may write the test at any one of these locations, regardless of where s/he applies for admission. Because each test centre serves all of the participating schools, a student may write only one entrance test.

Register for the test online at www.ssat.org/ontario. Click "online registration" and complete the form. Read the "How to Register" instructions for further information.

One Test Policy
Please be aware that you may register for only one Ontario Consortium SSAT per academic year. The results of any subsequent Ontario Consortium SSAT administrations will be considered invalid and will not be reported.

How do I know which admission test a school requires?
The only sure way to determine which admission test a school requires or prefers is to call them directly. You can also contact the SSATB to see if the school is registered as a score recipient. For your convenience, PREPSKILLS INC. has put together a list of some private schools in Ontario, Canada. Click the links below to find out more information and testing requirements for individual schools.

Albert College
Appleby College
Bayview Glen
The Bethany Hills School
The Bishop Strachan School
Branksome Hall
The Country Day School
Crescent School
Crestwood Preparatory College
De La Salle College
Grenville Christian College
Havergal College
Hawthorn School for Girls
Holy Trinity School
Lakefield College School
MacLachlan College
Pickering College
Ridley College
Royal St. George's College
St. Andrew's College
St. Clement's School
St. Michael's College School
Toronto Montessori School
Trinity College School
University of Toronto Schools
Upper Canada College
Upper Canada College Preparatory School
Villanova College

Need more information? Send us your request!