Should you guess on the SSAT? The quarter-point rule
Updated November 3, 2026
On the middle level SSAT, a right answer earns 1 point, a wrong answer takes away a quarter point, and a skipped question counts 0. So guess when your child can rule out at least one choice, and skip when they can't.
Why the rule works
With five choices and no idea, a guess is right 1 time in 5. Over five guesses that's 1 point gained and 1 point lost (4 wrong times a quarter), so it evens out. Rule out one choice and a guess is right 1 time in 4, which gains points on average. Rule out two and it's 1 in 3, even better.
| Choices ruled out | Chance a guess is right | Worth guessing? |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 in 5 | No, it evens out |
| 1 | 1 in 4 | Yes |
| 2 | 1 in 3 | Yes |
| 3 | 1 in 2 | Yes |
How to practice it
- 1Cross out every choice you know is wrong, on every question.
- 2If at least one is crossed out, pick from the rest and move on.
- 3If none is crossed out, skip the question and mark it to come back.
- 4Check that the answer sheet still lines up after a skip.
Rookling lets kids cross out choices on every question, so the habit is built in from the first day of practice.
Questions parents ask
- Does the elementary level SSAT have the same rule?
- No. The elementary level doesn't take away points for wrong answers. The quarter-point rule is for the middle and upper levels.
- Is skipping a lot of questions bad?
- Not by itself. Skipping questions your child can't narrow down protects the score. Most students skip some.