I can only answer the first question as I have taken it in Jan.SSAT (Upper) is not hard,but it is not easy either.If you are an international students,the VERBAL must be difficult.MATHS is easy,but you have to READ the questions carefully.READING is not so difficult,just read and label,find things you need.I suggest that you should prepare it soon ( I received the books just one day before the test

).Make flashcards for verbal,review the Maths formular and buy books of Princeton,Kaplan to take the Diagnostic Tests.And one more,relax before taking the test.Never be afraid or sth like that.Good Luck