Help your student prepare for the SSAT by enrolling in an Albany SSAT course provided by Varsity Tutors. Designed to maximize engagement and collaboration, this course goes beyond the worksheets and textbooks that students study at home by offering an environment that encourages a full understanding of the coursework. As a result, many students who've prepared for the test in this type of learning environment have learned how to apply their knowledge outside of the classroom, making them better equipped to answer questions and solve problems presented on the test.
The SSAT is a standardized test administered to students between the 3rd and 11th grade. It's used by many private and independent schools to help with making admissions-based decisions. For this reason, it's important that your student is prepared for the test and able to score well on it, so they can increase their chances of getting into a first-choice school. Because this is the first standardized test that many pupils encounter, especially those in elementary school, preparing for the SSAT can be challenging. Students must study a number of different topics in math, English, writing, and reading, as well as sharpen their study habits and test-taking skills to improve their likelihood of success.
Varsity Tutors understands the pressure associated with preparing for the test, which is why we're offering a comprehensive Albany SSAT class that helps students prepare more efficiently. These classes, hosted completely online, give students the opportunity to interact with a professional instructor and share information, solve problems, and exchange tips with peers preparing for the same assessment.
What could an Albany SSAT course help my student review?
There are three versions of the SSAT: Elementary, Middle, and Upper Level test. The test your student takes depends on their current grade level. If they're in the 4th and 5th grade then they'll take the Elementary Level test; if they're between 5th and 7th grade, they take the Middle Level, and students between 8th and 11th grade are given the Upper Level version of the test. The Albany SSAT course helps students review all of the material on these tests by breaking down large and complex information into manageable chunks, helping most pupils study without feeling overwhelmed by the extensive material.
While each test level covers different topics, they all look at the same general subjects. These subjects are broken up into four sections of the test: Quantitative, Reading, Verbal, and Writing. There's also an Experimental portion at the end of the test, but that's ungraded and used by the test creators to help them when making new tests.
Let's look at the sections further, starting with the Quantitative portion. Here, students are evaluated on their math skills. For Elementary test takers, that means being able to answer questions based on simple arithmetic, as well as a few problems involving basic geographic and graphing. Things get more difficult for Middle Level students, who have to solve various problems covering algebra and geometry. Finally, there's the Upper Level test. Here, test takers are given a number of complex questions covering algebra, geometry, statistics, and graphing.
The next portion of the test is the Reading portion. Students here are evaluated on their ability to read and understand information, as well as identify important data in reading passages and use it to answer questions. All students will need to understand context and implied meaning when completing this section of the test, but Upper Level students will also need to evaluate the context and tone of sentences and use that to make inferences about the characters' and the authors' intentions.
The Verbal section looks at your student's English language proficiency. Elementary and Middle Level tests use various synonym and analogy-related questions to look at the test taker's understanding of words and their definitions, and whether the student knows the subtle nuances between synonyms. Things get a bit more complicated on the Upper Level version of the SSAT, which dives deeper into the etymology of words. Students taking the Upper Level test will need to have a strong understanding of root words, as they'll be required to look at Anglo-Saxon, Greek, and Latin prefixes and suffixes and use that information to define keywords.
Finally, there's the writing component. The test at most of the same skills, regardless of the SSAT level. To pass this part of the test, students need to demonstrate their command over written English, as well as their ability to spell words correctly, structure stories, and follow grammar rules. While the content assesses is generally the same, the structure of this assessment varies depending on the level. Elementary and Middle Level students choose between two creative writing prompts, both prompts requiring them to write a story following the instructions provided. Upper Level students, however, have the choice between writing a story or a traditional essay and are also evaluated on their persuasive writing techniques and their ability to support statements using examples.
How does an Albany SSAT class help my student prepare?
Our SSAT class offers a number of benefits. Students learn in an environment that covers the topics on the SSAT in depth. Along with reviewing important information from a professional instructor, they get to work alongside other pupils preparing for the same SSAT. As such, they're encouraged to work together to solve problems, share ideas, and explore different learning styles-all with the intention of performing well on the test.
What's more, our Albany SSAT class is designed to maximize convenience. Studying through virtual lessons means that your student doesn't have to worry about commuting across town or cramming study sessions into their busy schedules. They can participate in SSAT lessons at a time that works best for them, which means you and your student don't have to stress about scheduling conflicts.
How can I find an Albany SSAT prep course for my student?
Are you ready to give your student a comprehensive, interactive learning experience? Get started by contacting Varsity Tutors today and asking for more information about our Albany SSAT course. Our friendly consultants are happy to set your student up with a course that helps them prepare for this challenging exam.

David: Albany SSAT course instructor
...The specific strategies we use to help you reach your goals will depend on what subject we're looking at, but I will always adapt my style to best suit your needs and make learning accessible. I offer tutoring in French, Chinese, History, English, and test prep, including the SAT, ACT, AP, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE and HSPT. For most students, the SAT and ACT are extremely important parts of your college application, which means there's a...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Hunter College - Bachelor of Science, Economics
- CUNY Hunter College - Bachelor in Arts, Chinese Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Graduate Test Prep
- Conversational French
- French 2
- +76 subjects

Jennifer: Albany SSAT course instructor
...students in paper writing and editing, I have much experience helping others further themselves in their education by building confidence, voice and academic empowerment. My primary focus is on student engagement and building a tutor-student relationship based on trust, honesty and open-mindedness. I see student success beyond just comprehension or memorization. I help students to truly synthesize the skills and concepts they need to feel confident in their internalization of the knowledge as they reach...
Education & Certification
- University of Oklahoma Norman Campus - Bachelors, Social Sciences and Organizational Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Special Education
- CLEP Introduction to Educational Psychology
- IB Social and Cultural Anthropology HL
- +147 subjects
Education & Certification
- Siena College - Bachelor in Arts, History Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +49 subjects

Meghan: Albany SSAT course instructor
...1 and 2. I love to learn and want to share that with my students. Beyond helping my students better understand subject matter, I want to help my students appreciate how they learn and the ways for them to negotiate challenges. I am an avid reader; I try to alternate between history, philosophy, and literature. I enjoy spending time outdoors either kayaking or hiking. I am also interested in cooking and baking.
Education & Certification
- George Washington University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- George Washington University - Master of Arts, Museum Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT English
- SSAT- Middle Level
- US History
- +87 subjects

Rob: Albany SSAT course instructor
...Rosemary Hall, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude from Fordham University with a triple major in English, Philosophy, and American studies. I have two masters' degrees, and am a certified teacher in the State of Massachusetts. As a tutor, I am both flexible and patient. No two students are the same, and therefore there is no "right approach" to tutoring. Rather, I try to meet students where they are, and find ways to...
Education & Certification
- Fordham University - Bachelor in Arts, English / History / Philosophy
- Fordham University - Master of Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Study Skills and Organization
- College Business
- SAT
- +94 subjects

Kimberly: Albany SSAT course instructor
...I obtained my dual Masters Degree from SUNY Albany with certification in both special education and literacy. Also, I am a certified elementary education teacher and received by Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Oneonta. I understand the rigor of standardized test and use the student's prior knowledge as a base to build on. I am extremely patient and my goal is to see my student's strive and become self-confident in their learning experience. I enjoy...
Education & Certification
- SUNY Oneonta - Bachelors, Childhood Education
- SUNY at Albany - Masters, Literacy and Students with Disabilities
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- High School English
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +16 subjects

Allison: Albany SSAT course instructor
I am a New York State certified teacher. I have my certifications in both Childhood Education and Special Education. I have taught Kindergarten, third, and fifth grade. Currently, I am teaching in a self contained special education classroom.
Education & Certification
- SUNY College at Oswego - Bachelor of Science, Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies
- The College of Saint Rose - Current Grad Student, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Science
- ISEE
- College Application Essays
- +18 subjects

Samantha: Albany SSAT course instructor
...an educator is it important to get to know each and every student. Creating fun and engaging lesson plans based on their interests, and needs will help students achieve their goals. I believe in modeling and guiding students through their weaknesses will allow students to become more comfortable when working independently. I am currently an elementary teacher, as well as a summer school teacher. I have tutored /taught students from incoming kindergarten to 6th grade.
Education & Certification
- SUNY College at Old Westbury - Bachelors, Childhood education 1-6
- St. Johns University - Masters, TESOL and Literacy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- 3rd Grade
- Elementary School Writing
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +72 subjects

Victoria: Albany SSAT course instructor
...fun and always plan activities and games that are of interest to the student and keeps their attention. I have a love of books that I always aim to pass on to the student through reading a variety of different texts. I am cheerful, enthusiastic and committed. I convey this into my teaching by creating positive relationships through communication, trust and respect with students and parents. I thoroughly enjoy teaching and remain totally committed as...
Education & Certification
- South Bank University London UK - Bachelors, Primary School Teaching (Education) B.Ed (Hons)
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- College English
- Study Skills
- Homework Support
- +17 subjects

Christopher: Albany SSAT course instructor
Michael J. Fox has famously taken the words of Ignacio Estrada and made them a personal slogan of sorts "If a child can't learn the way we teach. maybe we should teach the way they learn" This is my personal mission as an educator, to always find the best way to reach students and ensure that they become life long learners. ... My teaching philosophy centers on students doing as opposed to just listening. I utilize various different methods of presentation so that students can get a basic understanding of concepts, and then through actual practice and experience, offer them the teaching to master the concept.
Education & Certification
- Marist College - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of New England - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT Reading
- ISEE
- HSPT Verbal
- +39 subjects