If you're seeking Albany SSAT prep for your student, Varsity Tutors has your back. The Secondary School Admission Test, or SSAT, is offered to students who are interested in applying to a private or independent school. The exam strives to identify students who have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform successfully in a non-public institution. While the exams are focused on the concepts your student should have learned about during school, they may need a little extra support getting ready for this exam. We can help you find learning options that can help your student review for the test in a comprehensive manner. Read on to learn more about how you can maximize your student's test review sessions.
What can Albany SSAT prep review?
Administered to students between 3rd and 11th grade, the SSAT is an admissions exam that measures the basic math, reading, and verbal skills needed to keep up with courses offered at private and independent schools. There are three levels of the exam: the Elementary Level, the Middle Level, and the Upper Level. There are five sections on the Elementary Level SSAT: Quantitative, Reading, Verbal, Writing Sample, and Experimental. Your student will have one hour and 50 minutes to tackle the 89 questions on this exam. The Upper and Middle Levels cover the same sections, but include a second Quantitative section for a total of 167 questions that have to be completed in two hours and 50 minutes. Let's explore each section.
The Quantitative section for the Elementary Level exam spans 30 questions while the other two tests contain 25 questions in each of the two Quantitative sections. Younger students will face questions that focus on early math skills and concepts, such as measurement, multiplication, number order, spatial sense, and others. The Middle Level version of this exam assesses your student's knowledge of elementary algebra, geometry, and arithmetic concepts. Students taking the Upper Level SSAT will need to understand concepts like line equations, circle and polygon areas, graphing skills, and triangles.
The Reading section aims to assess a student's reading comprehension skills. Elementary Level students will be presented with seven passages with four related questions each. They have 30 minutes to complete tasks like identifying the main idea or defining new words based on context. Middle Level students have 40 minutes to solve 40 narrative and argumentative passage-based problems. They will need to demonstrate evaluation, inference, and other relevant skills. The Upper Level Reading section focuses on a student's ability to understand and gain insight from narrative and argumentative texts.
Elementary Level students will have 30 minutes to answer 30 questions on the Verbal section of the SSAT. These questions revolve around their basic understanding of language, such as relationships between words and vocabulary. Middle Level students are presented with 60 problems related to synonyms and analogies to complete in 30 minutes. Upper Level students have a similar, more advanced Verbal section that incorporates language origins.
The Elementary Level Writing Sample offers students a picture about which they must write a complete short story in 15 minutes. This section measures basic organization, spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills. The Middle Level version presents two creative story prompts for your student to choose from. The piece should be well-organized and properly written. They have 25 minutes to complete it. The Upper Level Writing Sample allows your student to choose between a creative story and a traditional essay prompt. They will need strong skills in organization, persuasive writing, and English mechanics.
The Experimental section for every level of the SSAT is unscored. It serves as a practice run for future questions.
What types of Albany SSAT prep are available and how do they differ?
There are two main types of Albany SSAT preparation: private instruction and a group class. Varsity Tutors can sign your student up for either option. Our educational consultants can guide you toward the ideal method for your student. Let's explore some of the benefits here.
Group learning can be an affordable option that can help your student deepen their understanding of the material and skills needed on the test. We can enroll your student in an Albany SSAT prep course that covers all of the sections on the test. Led by a thoroughly vetted expert instructor, your student can engage with their peers in discussions and activities that follow a test-centered curriculum. Their course mentor can walk students through the material covered by the exam, introducing them to testing strategies and techniques that can help them quickly recall information as they work. If your student has trouble getting the hang of a skill or topic, their instructor can set aside time to work with them personally to overcome the challenge.
Private tutoring can serve as a valuable resource to students who prefer to learn in a one-on-one setting. We can connect you with an Albany SSAT tutor who can introduce your student to the exam in a way that they can understand. Your student's mentor can take the time to get to know their unique needs. They can develop a customized study plan that takes your student's learning personality, strengths, areas of opportunity, and testing goals into account. This can make your student's test prep more efficient by skipping past the concepts they are well-versed in. Throughout each study session, the mentor can assess your student's progress to ensure they aren't spending too much or too little time exploring the material. They may even incorporate practice tests, sample problems, and writing prompts to help your student as they work to build these critical skills.
How can I get my student signed up for Albany SSAT prep?
There are a broad range of benefits when you enroll your student in an Albany SSAT prep class or connect them with a private instructor. Let Varsity Tutors help your student get set up for the kind of test review that can work for their individual needs. Whether your student needs a class during the weekend or a private mentor who understands their learning preferences, our educational consultants can help you figure out the best route for your student. Don't hesitate to reach out to learn more about these fantastic SSAT prep opportunities.

Rob: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...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 help them accomplish whatever goals they have in mind, be it an SAT score, a better writing style, or a new approach to studying history. I have helped hundreds of students with SAT preparation, and have worked both around the...
Education & Certification
- Fordham University - Bachelor in Arts, English / History / Philosophy
- Fordham University - Master of Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- PSAT
- TOEFL
- +94 subjects

Meghan: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...and American Studies. I spent a year as an Americorps member tutoring and leading an after school program in Washington, DC.I worked with my students to improve their literacy skills, over all academic abilities, and to develop a love of reading. I also taught at the National Building Museum as a museum teacher. Since graduating from my masters program I have worked in various DC museums doing public programming. My tutoring ranges from history, both...
Education & Certification
- George Washington University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- George Washington University - Master of Arts, Museum Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- PSAT
- +87 subjects

Anne: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...years. I also tutor GRE for those applying for graduate school. Study with me if you want to feel more confident and capable when taking standardized tests. You can do practice test questions with me. My specialty is working with high school students who need to learn basic grammar and punctuation, and improve their reading comprehension skills. I also tutor Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Regents ELA, vocabulary building, writing (literary analysis, essay, and academic...
Education & Certification
- State University of NY at Albany - Bachelor in Arts, English
- State University of NY at Albany - Master of Science, Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- WISC IV
- TEAS
- +103 subjects

Victoria: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...Education and Teaching at elementary level. My main subject is English, reading and writing but I will also tutor math. I believe in making learning 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...
Education & Certification
- South Bank University London UK - Bachelors, Primary School Teaching (Education) B.Ed (Hons)
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary School Math
- Other
- +17 subjects

Kimberly: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...day of my job and love the adventures and passion that my students bring to me daily. I teach both regular education and special education students. 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...
Education & Certification
- SUNY Oneonta - Bachelors, Childhood Education
- SUNY at Albany - Masters, Literacy and Students with Disabilities
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Math
- Special Education
- +16 subjects

Corina: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...I am able to project the importance of realizing that, when we open our ears and eyes to learning, we allow ourselves to respect others and listen to new ideas. This, in turn, brings respect and admiration to us. By becoming a lifelong learner with an ambition for learning, we cannot become stagnate in knowing that we are always striving for more knowledge. Being stagnate tends to lead to becoming less admirable. In short, be...
Education & Certification
- The College of Saint Rose - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
- Sage Graduate School - Master of Arts, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- GED
- +31 subjects

Allison: Albany SSAT test prep 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 special education. I have 7 years of tutoring experience.
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
- SHSAT
- ISEE
- Science
- +21 subjects

Christopher: Albany SSAT test prep 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
- ISEE
- Middle School Math
- ISEE-Lower Level Writing
- +39 subjects
Education & Certification
- Siena College - Bachelor in Arts, History Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- GED
- +49 subjects

Samantha: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...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.... I believe that students should be engaged and love learning. Lessons should be geared toward their interests and needs.
Education & Certification
- SUNY College at Old Westbury - Bachelors, Childhood education 1-6
- St. Johns University - Masters, TESOL and Literacy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- ISEE
- +72 subjects

Jennifer: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...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 their goals. I am available throughout...
Education & Certification
- University of Oklahoma Norman Campus - Bachelors, Social Sciences and Organizational Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- CLEP
- ACT
- +147 subjects

Paige: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...I enrolled in a college program for Early Education and Special Education,during this time in college I was hired at the local YMCA for the before and after school program. The director started to trust me with more responsibilities while I was there, such as running the before and after school programs, summer program, and teaching preschool. With a heavy heart I left my students and co-workers when I was offered a Special Education job...
Education & Certification
- Edinboro University - Bachelors, Early Childhood (Prek-4) and Special Education (PreK-8)
- University of Albany - Current Grad Student, Reading and Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary School Math
- English
- +17 subjects

Brent: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...for three years at Watervliet Elementary in a special education setting. In September, I hope to be getting my own classroom where I can finally have a group of my own students to prepare them for their next step in life. I've been passionate about pursuing a teaching career since high school because I had that one teacher that I looked up to and told myself that I wanted to be "that teacher" (a rememberable...
Education & Certification
- The College of Saint Rose - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- Univeristy at Albany - Masters, Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- ISEE
- Technology and Coding
- +25 subjects

Andrew: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...measure for how much they are learning. Most teachers don't like to be asked why students have to know math or grammar or history and so on; to me, there is no better or more important question. My tutoring sessions are conversations. We ask each other questions about the material, and I help guide the discussion so that it will help the student understand how the topic is mastered. I ask you to work hard--I seldom...
Education & Certification
- Swarthmore College - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +136 subjects

Tristina: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...I believe reaching out to the student in these three core areas will help to maximize student motivation, engagement and achievement. I have always enjoyed helping students academically. I have always loved helping students personally and socially. A school counselor is a career in which I am lucky enough to do all three. As a current school counselor for the past seven years, I have had the opportunity to put this philosophy into action and...
Education & Certification
- The College of Saint Rose - Bachelors, Public Communications and Spanish Minor
- The College of Saint Rose - Masters, School Counseling
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Conversational Spanish
- Spanish 2
- +32 subjects

Chris: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...from second grade thru fifth and sixth grade. I truly love teaching. I really enjoy watching students learn, take on new challenges and being successful. I know how to motivate students in doing their very best. To me learning is fun and exciting and that is how I teach. I am also a huge sports fan. This love of sports has given me the opportunity to be a coach in my local school district I...
Education & Certification
- SUNY College at Oneonta - Bachelor of Science, History
- The College of St Rose - Masters in Education, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Algebra
- English
- Elementary School English
- +31 subjects

Joseph: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
I am a friendly, articulate, professional, college educated (graduate level) tutor versed in a variety of disciplines. I am very patient and dedicated to finding innovative and creative ways to educate those I am teaching. Students from ages 7-99 welcome! I am also eager to work with Senior Citizens for I find they make the best students. I have experience and training in teaching individuals with both Learning Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities.
Education & Certification
- Ithaca College - Bachelor of Science, Photographic, Film, and Video Technology
- University of Houston - Master of Arts, General Literature
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- HSPT
- PSAT
- +131 subjects

Fallon: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...in Classics (Latin, Greek, and Classical Civilization) and Education. After graduation from Columbia, I hiked the Appalachian Trail, and then moved to Tampa, FL. In Tampa, I pursued my second bachelor's at the University of Tampa. I received my BS in Biology in May 2021. I am now applying to medical school. As a tutor, it is my goal to make sure that my clients feel comfortable and confident with the content that we cover...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Classics
- The University of Tampa - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- REGENTS
- ACCUPLACER
- +82 subjects

Kaley: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...experience both as a classroom teacher and a tutor and in these roles I look for ways to make learning fun and rewarding. I especially love teaching reading and writing and I have taught or tutored these subjects to students ranging from kindergarten through adults. I also have experience tutoring test prep subjects and focus both on the content material and test taking skills. My passion is psychology and I have been able to use...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Education and Public Policy
- Harvard Graduate School of Education - Masters, Human Development and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- SAT
- +35 subjects

Matt: Albany SSAT test prep instructor
...concentration in Immunology and Infectious Diseases. I then went on to complete a Masters program at Georgetown University in human physiology. Given the amount of schooling I have gone through myself, I have taken a wide range of subjects and more standardized tests than I would like to admit. I have taught students of almost every age in various fields such as elementary science, Hebrew, chemistry, MCAT prep, and many more.. My ultimate plan is...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- SAT
- +85 subjects