* Grade level: The average score will differ between students taking the Lower Level (grades 5-7), Middle Level (grades 7-8), and Upper Level (grades 8-11). Younger students naturally score lower on average.
* Test form: The specific questions on each test administration vary slightly, leading to minor fluctuations in the average.
* Student population: The average will vary depending on the specific schools and students taking the test. Students applying to highly selective schools will, on average, score higher than the general population of test-takers.
While the SSAT doesn't publicly release a single "national average," you can expect that scores typically range from around the 50th percentile (meaning half the students score higher, half score lower) to the 90th or even 99th percentile for those applying to the most competitive schools. However, precise averages are not provided. Instead, the SSAT provides percentile rankings, allowing you to compare your score to other students who took the test.