SSAT Math: The Content You Need to Know
High school math curriculums can be fairly variable.
Depending on the school, math programs can differ widely in their content and sequence. Some schools may offer more (or fewer) accelerated math classes than others.
This doesn’t necessarily put SSAT test-takers at a disadvantage.
But it is important to prepare appropriately for SSAT Math. Knowing what to expect in this section, especially in terms of content, can mean the difference between a low and a high SSAT score!
In this post, we break down the most common math topics you can expect to see on the SSAT.
Here’s what we discuss:
- SSAT Math: The Basics
- Upper-Level SSAT Math Topic Sub-Lists
- Middle-Level SSAT Math Topic Sub-Lists
- Additional SSAT Math Question Types
- What’s Next?
SSAT Math: The Basics
Before we plunge into SSAT Math content, let’s start with some basics.
- There are two Math sections: a Quantitative 1 section at the beginning of the test after the writing sample, and a Quantitative 2 section at the end of the test after the Verbal section.
- Scores from these two sections are added together to give you your overall SSAT Math score.
- Both sections are comprised of 25 multiple-choice questions. Students have 30 minutes to answer these questions.
- You are NOT allowed to bring a calculator, and the test is designed to solve problems without one!
The SSAT.org online portal provides a list of math topics that appear in both quantitative sections:
Upper-Level SSAT Math | Middle-Level SSAT Math |
---|---|
Algebra | Pre-Algebra & Algebra |
Computation | Data Analysis |
Geometry | Geometry |
Number Sense | Measurement |
Pre-Algebra | Number Concepts & Conversion |
Statistics and Probability | Statistics and Probability |
You can see that Upper and Middle-Level Math content is fairly similar!
The difference is that the Upper-Level SSAT deals with more advanced questions within the given topics.
(Note: Students must create a paid account with SSAT.org to access the portal.)
Upper-Level SSAT Math Topic Sub-Lists
Now let’s actually delve into the more detailed sub-lists the SSAT.org online portal provides. This can serve as a topic checklist for reviewing and identifying where you might need some additional practice and preparation.
Algebra
Algebra Topic | Concepts |
---|---|
General Problem Solving | Problems using rate = (distance)(time) formula
Interpreting variables Inequalities Ratios & Proportions |
Quadratic Equations & Functions | Finding the roots/solutions of quadratic equations
Functions |
Equations Based on Illustrations | Solving for an unknown length of a line segment |
Equations Based on Word Problems | Questions provide a formula with variables and ask the student to solve for a value |
Exponential Expressions | Exponent product rule, negative exponents |
Polynomial Expressions | FOIL
Factoring |
Radical Expressions | Rationalizing the denominator, nested radical expressions |
Rational Expressions | Multiplying rational expressions |
Linear Equations |
Use of the y = mx + b equation Finding slope using coordinate points Perpendicular/parallel slopes Slope |
Here’s a sample Upper-Level SSAT Math algebra question:
Correct Answer: B
Computation
A typical SSAT computation problem will likely test any (or all) of the following:
- Estimation
- Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
Here is a sample computation problem:
Correct Answer: E
Geometry
Geometry Topic | Concepts |
---|---|
Coordinate Geometry |
Finding the midpoint of a line Dilating a shape |
Perimeter, Area, & Volume |
Area and circumference of a circle Area of triangles, rectangles, squares The volume of a cylinder |
Problems Using Shapes & Angles |
Sum of interior angles in an n-sided polygon Parallel line transversals Pythagorean Theorem |
Transformations
|
Rotating points, lines, angles, and vertices of shapes about the origin |
Here is a sample SSAT Geometry problem:
Correct Answer: E
Number Sense
A typical SSAT number sense problem will likely test any (or all) of the following:
-
- Basic Number Theory
- Prime and composite numbers
- Rational numbers
- Greatest Common Factor, Least Common Multiple
- Computation/Order of Operations
Here is a sample SSAT number sense problem:
Correct Answer: E
Pre-Algebra
A typical SSAT pre-algebra problem may involve any of the following concepts and content areas:
Place Value Concepts |
Time/Money Concepts | Computation with Whole Numbers |
Computational Clue Problems | Sequences, Patterns & Logic | Unit Analysis |
Systems of equations | Reading Charts/Line Plots | Rules of Divisibility |
Interpret & Solve with Division | Reading Charts/Histograms | Reading Charts/Line Graphs |
Multiples in Word Problems | Operations with Negatives | Reading Charts/Bar Graphs |
Operations with Decimals & Fractions | Word Problems with Computation |
Radius and Circumference |
Here is a sample SSAT Pre-Algebra question:
Correct Answer: C
Statistics and Probability
Statistics and Probability Topic | Concepts |
---|---|
Counting | Arrangement problems |
Mean, Median & Mode |
Weighted averages Calculating the average of a set of numbers |
Probability | Calculating the probability of independent and dependent events |
Set Theory | Union and intersection questions/terminology |
Here’s a sample SSAT Statistics and Probability problem:
Correct Answer: E
Middle-Level SSAT Math Sub-Topic Lists
Algebra Topic | Concepts |
---|---|
Fundamental Algebra |
|
Data Analysis |
|
Geometry |
|
Measurement |
|
Number Concepts |
|
Number Conversion |
|
Pre-Algebra |
|
Statistics & Probability |
|
Additional SSAT Math Question Types
There are some additional math question types that appear in many SSAT practice materials. These may or may not appear on the official exam.
These additional question types include:
- Identifying which figure can be drawn without lifting a pencil
- Figuring out how many small cubes will fit in a big cube
- Long division problems with a portion of the numbers represented by letters
- Absolute value
- “Weird symbol problems” where the SSAT includes a symbol such as * or # instead of x
Here is a sample “weird symbol problem” based on SSAT materials:
If [email protected] = 3a + b, what is [email protected]?
Solution: sub in 2 for a and 4 for b. 3(2) + 4 = 10.
What’s Next?
As you can see, these are BIG checklists. What are the key takeaways with SSAT Math?
1. Start your test prep early.
Many students have not covered these math topics in school yet, so leave time for learning some new skills.
This is especially the case with some of the more advanced algebra and geometry topics such as factoring, polynomial expressions, quadratic equations, radical expressions, rational expressions, and even the Pythagorean Theorem.
2. Try a range of practice materials.
The SSAT does not release its tests, so exploring a variety of sources will provide you with the most coverage.
The SSAT itself offers online practice by purchasing an Official SSAT Guidebook or Official SSAT Practice Online subscription. Other recommended resources include texts by Tutorverse.
3. Focus on what you can do.
You might not have time to learn absolutely all of these topics. That’s totally fine!
Just focus on the major skills and spend less time on the esoteric questions that might only show up once per test. You can still get a good score even if you don’t answer a few questions.
4. Work with a tutor.
A tutor can help teach you important study habits and problem-solving approaches that you can use even beyond the SSAT. SSAT tutors can also hold students accountable by establishing a regular, effective study schedule.
Curious about what else is on the SSAT? Check out our general guide to SSAT content now!
Jess Welsh
Jess is a Princeton graduate who majored in English and minored in Visual Arts (Film). She has worked as an SAT/ACT/AP/SSAT/ISEE/HSPT tutor as well as a college counselor and loves getting to know students through her work. When not tutoring, she enjoys reading, writing, running, adding to her classic rock music collection, and exploring the West!
CHECK OUT THESE RELATED POSTS
10 Free Official SAT Practice Tests
August 2, 2022
Find everything you need to self-administer a full-length SAT test - 8 Official SAT Practice Tests, blank answer sheets, and proctoring instructions.
How to Proctor Your Own SAT Practice Test
July 2, 2022
Taking official practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the SAT. Here you will find detailed instructions for how to take your own practice SAT test.
Scoring on the SSAT: Your 2023 Guide
January 20, 2021
Understanding your SSAT score report can be challenging. With this detailed breakdown of SSAT scores, you'll have a firm grasp on what to expect in no time!
The SSAT Writing Sample: What You Need to Know
December 1, 2020
The SSAT writing sample is the first, unscored section of the SSAT. What do you need to know to succeed on this section? We have the answers in this comprehensive post.
What’s on the SSAT?
October 30, 2020
What's on the SSAT? Begin your SSAT test prep journey by understanding what exactly is on this private school admissions test!
How to Proctor Your Own ACT Practice Test
May 21, 2018
Taking official practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the ACT. Here you will find detailed instructions for how to take your own practice ACT test.