If you are looking to enroll your student in an independent or private school, they may be required to take the SSAT. An Austin SSAT prep course provided by Varsity Tutors can help get them on the right track. The SSAT, or Secondary School Admission Test, is a standardized test used by private schools to evaluate applicants starting at a 3rd-grade level and continues to be used as an evaluation tool all the way through 11th grade. The test is split into three levels, depending on the age of student taking it: there is an Elementary Level test that is used at the 3rd and 4th grade level, a Middle Level test for students finishing up 5th, 6th, or 7th grade, and an Upper Level test that is taken by students from 8th grade to 11th grade. No matter where your student is in their academic career, and what section of the SSAT they're preparing for, an Austin SSAT course can be a great way to give your student support and can help them understand how to take the test in an effective way.
What will an Austin SSAT class cover?
As noted above, the exact form of the SSAT varies depending on what level your student will take. There are certain similarities, though. All three levels will assess quantitative, mathematical thinking as well as reading and writing skills. All levels require a writing sample, and all such samples are provided to schools as a sample of your student's work. Let's take a moment to look more closely at the sections of the test, and what your student can expect to encounter regardless of their grade level. The order of these sections will vary depending on the version of the test your student takes, and this is not necessarily representative of the structure of any one test.
First let's examine the Quantitative section. For Middle and Upper Level students, this section will cover arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Both levels will test students on data analysis, probability, mathematical operations, and algebra, but the Upper level will be somewhat more advanced. For example, an Upper Level student will be required to answer questions about the areas and perimeters of circles and polygons, while a Middle Level student might be asked similar questions about simpler geometric shapes. At the Elementary Level, this section will cover basic properties of numbers and operations of math, and any questions dealing with geometry might be limited to knowledge of basic shapes and an understanding of measurement.
The second section we'll look at is the Reading section. Middle and Upper Level students will be asked to read and understand passages, and to be able to draw further information from them. Upper Level students will read passages from works of literature, as well as from the sciences and social sciences. They will have to be able to determine the contextual meaning of words and phrases, understand authorial intent and tone, and to evaluate the arguments presented in these passages. Middle Level students will be given simpler passages, and will have to extract somewhat less nuanced information from them. However, they will still be required to understand how context affects texts, and to be able to understand the main points and arguments made by an author. For Elementary Level students, the Reading section will be much shorter and will ask students to understand the central idea of a passage, to understand the context, and to differentiate between literal and figurative meaning.
The third section will be the Verbal section. For Upper Level students, this section will ask them to understand synonyms, antonyms, analogies, the meanings of suffixes and prefixes, and how context affects the meaning of words. Middle Level students will also need to understand synonyms and analogies to do well here and will have to be able to relate ideas and words, as well as having an understanding of word roots. For the Elementary Level, students will be asked to demonstrate an age-appropriate vocabulary, to understand analogy, and to understand the nuances in the meanings of different words.
The last section we'll discuss is Writing. The Upper Level version of the test will provide students with two prompts, one for a creative piece and one for an essay, and students will be able to choose a prompt to respond to. Upper Level students will have to show an ability to structure their work and show knowledge of the mechanical elements of written English. They will also have to be able to support their statements with further examples. At the Middle Level, students will choose between two creative prompts, and should show their ability to structure a written work, and to use correct spelling and grammar. At the Elementary Level, students will be given a picture prompt, and be asked to write a basic story with a beginning, middle, and end. Here schools will be reading for basic structural skill and proficiency in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
What can an Austin SSAT course do for my student?
An Austin SSAT course is taught entirely online by a qualified, vetted instructor. Your student will participate in group discussions with their peers, under the instruction of their teacher. This online classroom functions just like an in-person class, and your student will see, hear, and speak with their classmates in a live class session. While an online classroom is functionally similar to a traditional course, it offers some real advantages. For starters, you and your student may have very busy schedules, and an online course can cut down on commute times and scheduling difficulties, with a classroom that's instantly accessible. There are also a variety of course times available, and new course sections begin on a weekly basis, so getting signed up is hassle-free. You can also choose between a 2-week and a 4-week section.
In an Austin SSAT class, your student will learn test-taking skills that may continue to be valuable throughout their academic career. While content knowledge is certainly important and will be covered in an Austin SSAT class, knowing the structure of the test and how to take it can be crucial to your student's pursuit of success in a private school. Even something as simple as understanding how the SSAT's scoring system works, how incorrect answers are penalized, and so on can be a key advantage to your student.
How can I get signed up for an Austin SSAT course?
Although the SSAT is a specific test that has a specific purpose - evaluating your student's academic skills for the purpose of admission to a private school - your student will likely encounter many standardized tests as they continue through the school system. No matter where they're at in their test prep and no matter their grade level, a high degree of confidence and proficiency with standardized tests can give them a definite advantage and can set them up for success not just for this single test, but also for success in life. Reach out to Varsity Tutors today, and we'll be happy to provide you with more information about an Austin SSAT course and get your student enrolled in a course that suits their specific needs.

Sandra: Austin SSAT course instructor
...greatest challenges facing young students is that information is presented to them in a stale, inaccessible way. Specifically in the context of standardized testing, they are asked to memorize and regurgitate information without truly grasping its content; such a style makes it impossible for students to approach unfamiliar problems and think critically, and often contributes to their discouragement and their writing off of entire subjects like math and science. I attempt to give students the...
Education & Certification
- Vassar College - Bachelors, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +54 subjects

Paul: Austin SSAT course instructor
...I served in the military out of high school, and then spent 15 years in IT, moving up the ladder from technical support to systems administrator to network engineer. I attended college whenever I could throughout my time in IT, however, and last year I left the IT world to attend the University of Texas full time; I'm currently a junior, pursuing a B.A. in English, and will move on to an M.F.A in creative...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Current Undergrad, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- GED
- ISEE
- +142 subjects

Thomas: Austin SSAT course instructor
...Arts in American Literature with a focus on post-modern literature. Since graduation, I have been teaching in underprivileged areas in New Orleans. I have taught second, third, and fourth grade and while I have taught all subjects, I mainly focused on math. I am currently the Math Specialist/Interventionist at a charter school here in Austin. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about elementary and middle school math. I also...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelor in Arts, American Literature
- Alternative Teaching Certificate Program - Unknown, Teaching Certificate Level 1
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- +36 subjects

Annette: Austin SSAT course instructor
...also hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Edwards University. I have been a teacher for over 13 years in the Austin area, for both private and public schools. I have taught pre-kinder through 8th grade, in various subject matters such as Spanish, English as a Second Language and I am currently a dual language elementary teacher for all subjects. My other role is as a STARR Test Prep tutor for my school....
Education & Certification
- St. Edwards University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- Concordia University-Texas - Master of Arts, Differentiated Instruction
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GATE/ TAG
- ISEE
- STAAR
- +21 subjects

Pranay: Austin SSAT course instructor
Having tutored since high school, I love getting to know individual students and putting our heads together to figure out what strategies will be most effective to learn subject material. In particular, I focus on math and languages, since my strengths lie in cumulative, memorization-based topics.
Education & Certification
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Global Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TACHS
- SAT Subject Tests
- SHSAT
- +57 subjects

Kate: Austin SSAT course instructor
...a nonprofit organization called City Year where I worked as a tutor, mentor, and role model. Our mission was to work with students and create individualized curriculum to fill skill gaps and make sure students had the opportunity to be successful. I believe in putting in the extra time to make sure that I teach toward each student’s learning style. I understand that all students learn at different paces in different ways and make sure...
Education & Certification
- Ithaca College - Bachelors, Music Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE- Middle Level
- Algebra
- +26 subjects
Education & Certification
- Lycee Paul Langevin Paris - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- EPITA Paris - Engineering, Computer Software Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Software Engineering
- Productivity
- +51 subjects

Cheryl: Austin SSAT course instructor
...and my Masters of Arts in Human Service/Public Administration. Following graduation, I joined Austin Community College as an adult education instructor for GED and ESL students. In addition to adult students, I also provide tutoring to children and teens needing the necessary fundamentals for academic progress, or those seeking to proactively increase their understanding of a particular subject. Although I teach the four core subjects in the classroom, I primarily tutor in the areas of...
Education & Certification
- Saint Edward's University - Bachelor in Arts, Communications
- Saint Edward's University - Master of Arts, Human Services Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ASVAB
- GED
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +50 subjects

Cristiana: Austin SSAT course instructor
...to have had the opportunity to teach a variety of courses and be successful in the classroom. The years of teaching I spent teaching at the university level have been very formative for me. I taught as a course instructor and teaching assistant for eight years at York University in Toronto, Canada. York is one of the most culturally diverse universities in North America, where faculty and students of different faiths and backgrounds meet and...
Education & Certification
- University of Rome Tor Vergata - Bachelor in Arts, Classics
- York University Toronto Canada - Master of Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- A Level
- ISEE
- +21 subjects

Kelly: Austin SSAT course instructor
...Columbia University School of Social Work. I graduated from Texas A&M in 2016 with a bachelors degree in Special Education. After college, I was accepted into Teach for America, where I taught 4th grade reading and writing in inner city Houston. Between my Special Education degree and Teach for America, I have worked with kids from a wide range of ages and disabilities. I am certified to teach General Education (EC-6), Special Education (EC-12), and...
Education & Certification
- Texas A & M University-College Station - Bachelor of Science, Education
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Master of Social Work, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR
- Elementary School
- +14 subjects

Claudia: Austin SSAT course instructor
...and so far I have continued this trend in college. Over my four years in high school, I tutored about 10 different students in areas such as English, Spanish (I am a native speaker), math, history, test prep, and even music performance. Now in college, I have 5 students, and I tutor them in math, reading, writing, grammar, proofreading, and in the development of useful skills such as time management, organization, staying focused and on...
Education & Certification
- Boston College - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +65 subjects

Laura: Austin SSAT course instructor
...self-confidence through learning and become more effective learners in preparation for college and beyond. I have teaching and tutoring experience at the middle-school level in English, social studies, and math (pre-algebra and geometry). I have also tutored elementary-school students (reading, writing, math), high-school students (AP English, AP World History, college essay-writing), and adults (business writing and English for non-native speakers). I believe that knowing how to write well is one the most beneficial, lifelong skills...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Journalism
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- SSAT- Middle Level
- +26 subjects

Lillian: Austin SSAT course instructor
...of Arts in Psychology and Plan II Honors along with a minor in Biology. During my years as an undergrad, I served as a peer adviser to help incoming freshmen prepare for college-level classes; an editor for both my university's literary journal and research journal; and a Mandarin Chinese teacher for beginning learners. After graduation, I began tutoring ESL students from China and eventually succeeded in raising their English scores by a full letter grade...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Psychology and Plan II Honors
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- +50 subjects

Lucianna: Austin SSAT course instructor
...a major in Spanish and a double minor in Italian and Linguistics with a focus on Neuroscience. I am excited to experience the world. I am a hard worker and I set multiple goals for myself to accomplish daily; both short term and long term. Languages and the human brain are my passions. I love studying and learning new languages; I speak Italian and Spanish, some Portuguese and some Korean. A goal of mine is...
Education & Certification
- Drew University - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- +45 subjects

Toni: Austin SSAT course instructor
...ages. My BA in Psychology is from University of California Irvine, and I earned my teacher certification through the American Montessori Society (AMS). I am comfortable with a variety of learning styles and enjoy using different approaches to help a student understand material. One of the most enjoyable things to me about teaching is the ability to give a student confidence in themselves by building upon their knowledge, providing them with problem solving skills, and...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Irvine - Bachelors, Psychology and Social Behavior
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary Math
- Summer
- +17 subjects

Virginia: Austin SSAT course instructor
...have taught reading and math at the elementary level and middle school math. In addition, I have tutored in reading and coached speaking events. Most of my experience in education has been working with struggling learners. My favorite story to tell is about a student I met in middle school who was in a special education math class. She was very unsure of herself but after working with her for two years, she was able...
Education & Certification
- Texas State University-San Marcos - Bachelors, Appliied Arts & Sciences
- Texas State University-San Marcos - Masters, Educational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- Special Education
- +17 subjects

Beini: Austin SSAT course instructor
I've spent the last 15 years tutoring kids in various subjects. Some of my favorite subjects to teach are math, writing, reading, psychology and sociology. I believe that learning should be fun and presented in a way that's not only relevant to the student, but also in a way that makes them think for themselves. I look forward to making learning fun for all students who come my way!... My teaching philosophy is to build confidence in the student and have them learn to think critically. I deem a student well-versed in a subject when they're able to teach it to me, and withstand all of my questions!
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelors, Psychology and Public Health
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- SAT
- ISEE
- +42 subjects

Ana: Austin SSAT course instructor
...I am currently pursuing my M.A. in English at Texas State University. I have tutored students of all ages in reading and writing for over ten years. In addition to tutoring privately, I have worked for the Bard College Learning Commons, Diegueo Middle School, the Children's Literacy Center, and Revolution Prep. I have also taught creative writing courses with the Austin Library Foundation and college writing and literature courses at Texas State University. I have...
Education & Certification
- Colorado College - Bachelors, Comparative Literature: Concentration in Theatre
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- SAT
- CogAT
- +158 subjects

Laura: Austin SSAT course instructor
...for 3 years. I have taught 4th grade and 6th grade, and I have volunteered in 1st, 2nd, and 5th grade classes as well. I love helping students learn. My favorite part about teaching is helping students understand a concept that they've been struggling with by explaining it in a new way. I love teaching math, especially algebra. I also love to read in my spare time, and I strive to pass on that love...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Middle School Reading
- TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- +24 subjects

Mia : Austin SSAT course instructor
...last 16 years as a classroom teacher, and 4 years abroad in China and Thailand. My teacher certifications are in General Education, Special education, and English as a Second Language. I also have a Masters Degree in Education Administration and Leadership. I received my Bachelor's from Texas State University, Teaching Certificates through Huston-Tillotson University, and Master's Degree from Capella University. I have taught 3rd grade for 16 years, and one-year as a 4th grade Science...
Education & Certification
- Huston Tillotson - Bachelor of Science, Education
- Capella University - Masters, Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- STAAR
- ISEE
- +42 subjects