If you or your student are interested in attending a private or independent school, it may be beneficial for you to sign up for a Boston SSAT class that Varsity Tutors can set you up with. The SSAT is a standardized test that is used by many independent and private schools as a way to test the abilities of students who are interested in attending their schools. The SSAT measures reading, math, and verbal skills, all of which are considered important when it comes to predicting success in an independent or private school.
The SSAT is divided into three different levels based on age group. These include an Elementary Level, Middle Level, and Upper Level. The Elementary Level is designed for students in elementary school and is taken by students in 3rd and 4th grades. The Middle Level test is designed for students in middle school and is taken by students in 5th, 6th, and 7th grades. Finally, the Upper Level test is given to high school students and is taken by students in 8th through 11th grades.
There are a few similarities between all of the levels. One similarity is that all three levels include a Writing Sample, Quantitative Section, Reading Section, and Verbal Section. Additionally, students are not allowed to use a calculator on the Quantitative Section for any of the three levels. Finally, the Writing section is never graded, but it is sent to any school that your student applies to.
One major difference between the different levels concerns how the levels are scored. This makes a difference because it influences how students should approach the exam. When taking the Elementary Level test, students should guess if they aren't completely sure about a question because they won't be penalized for guessing incorrectly. However, in the Middle and Upper Level tests, this isn't a sound strategy because your student will lose points if they guess incorrectly. For each question answered incorrectly, students lose one-quarter of a point. As such, it makes more sense for your student to not answer the questions if they're unsure because they won't lose points for leaving it blank.
What can a Boston SSAT class help my student review?
There are many different subject areas that a Boston SSAT class could help your student review. Each of the three SSAT levels contain the same sections. However, there are differences in the content on the test and the number of total questions. The Elementary Level test contains 89 questions while the Middle and Upper Levels contain 167 questions.
The Middle and Upper Levels of the SSAT both contain a Writing Sample section, which involves writing an essay where they have to make a choice between two different prompts. Your student will have 25 minutes to complete this section on either level. One difference between the Writing Sample on the Upper and Middle Levels is that the Middle Level allows you to pick between two creative prompts while the Upper Level allows you to choose between creative and traditional essay prompts.
In terms of the Quantitative Section, both the Middle and Upper Levels cover math-related topics. They specifically look at geometry, algebra, and arithmetic and both levels contain 50 total questions.
The Reading Sections are focused on topics related to English. Both levels are geared towards reading comprehension and your student will have 40 minutes to finish this section.
Finally, the Verbal Section on the Upper and Middle Levels contain 60 questions and your student will have 30 minutes to complete it. Both levels focus on analogies and synonyms, with 30 questions being focused on analogies and the other 30 covering synonyms.
The Elementary Level also contains a Quantitative Section, but it is only 30 questions and your student will have 30 minutes to finish it. This section looks at probability, measurement, and spatial sense.
The Verbal Section of the Elementary Level also contains 30 questions and your student will have 30 minutes to finish this section. This section covers English, and it involves vocabulary, analogies, and synonyms. The Reading Section contains 28 questions and your student will have 30 minutes to finish it. This section is focused on reading comprehension.
Finally, the Writing Sample section asks Elementary Level students to write a story based on a picture.
How can a Boston SSAT course help my student prepare?
There are a wide range of ways in which a Boston SSAT course can help your student prepare for the exam. The SSAT includes a lot of information across a variety of different subject areas. As such, it can be helpful for your student's instructor to narrow down some of the material that may show up on the exam so it doesn't feel so overwhelming.
An online SSAT class is designed to mimic a regular class. Thus, your student will have an instructor who leads the class and will attend with fellow SSAT students. It is useful to have an instructor who can help your student review topics such as math, reading, and social studies. It is possible that your student may be skilled in some areas and not as skilled in others. As such, it can be helpful to work through a class where they can get a refresher on the topics they're more familiar with along with a thorough review of the topics they might be less familiar with.
It can also be useful to work with other students because this allows for the possibility of participating in group activities and group discussions. This can be beneficial for some students because it breaks up the time spent listening to their instructor and keeps them engaged in the material.
Furthermore, one of the major benefits of signing up for an SSAT class through Varsity Tutors is that the class takes place online. This means that you don't have to worry about driving your student so their class because they can simply take the class at your house.
How can I find a Boston SSAT prep course?
Finding a Boston SSAT prep course can be as easy as contacting Varsity Tutors either online or over the phone. When you sign your student up for a Boston SSAT class, you can choose between either a two-week or a four-week session based on your preference. Call today and get your student the SSAT resources they deserve.
Kaley: Boston SSAT course instructor
...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 my...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Education and Public Policy
- Harvard Graduate School of Education - Masters, Human Development and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- +35 subjects
Kerry: Boston SSAT course instructor
...tutoring! My background means I am well suited to clients with test anxiety, and other psychological factors that interfere with academic potential. I have experience working with clients with ADD/ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. My favorite subjects to tutor are Psychology, French, writing, and SAT prep (especially SAT Verbal), though I have a wide range of other qualifications. For fun, I enjoy board games (a few favorites: Ghost Stories, Betrayal at House on the Hill,...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelors, Psychology
- William James College - Masters, Professional Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- WISC IV
- ACT
- PSAT
- +55 subjects
Daniel: Boston SSAT course instructor
At the core, I love learning and find it fun. In teaching, I try to convey that sense of fun to my students. I use a variety of techniques depending on my student's learning style, but I always focus on the fun of learning new things.... In a first session with a student, I would introduce the basic concepts and core questions of the subject, and determine my student's learning style in order to plan future lessons better.
Education & Certification
- Tufts University - Current Undergrad, Biomedical Engineering and Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- GED
- +96 subjects
Jing: Boston SSAT course instructor
I am deeply passionate about the field of education. I look forward to tutoring and helping individuals who are dedicated to their future. I am happy to offer advice about college applications and career counseling as well. I can't wait to meet you!
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Current Undergrad, Psychology & Political Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- ISEE
- +53 subjects
Henry: Boston SSAT course instructor
Hello! I'm eager to help you in your education. I'm a recent graduate of Harvard College looking to apply to law school. My senior thesis was written on John Dewey's ideas of education, which I deeply believe has incredible power to transform individuals and society.
Education & Certification
- Harvard College - Bachelor in Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +49 subjects
Alex: Boston SSAT course instructor
...school and now college student. Through my religious school, I taught students of all ages, ranging from Pre-K through 8th Grade. In high school, I helped prepare students for AP, SAT, ACT, and SAT subject tests as part of my role in the National Honor Society. I have considerable personal experience with a vast array of subjects and love sharing my knowledge and experience with others. From calculus to creative writing, I have a genuine...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Statistics & Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- HSPT
- SAT
- +81 subjects
Amanda: Boston SSAT course instructor
...ways of approaching material they may have found challenging. In college, I volunteered as a Literature and English tutor in the campus tutoring center for two years. My main responsibility was reading and critiquing other students' papers. I gave feedback about content, structure, and grammar. I loved helping people find their voice and discover what they were excited to write about - I found that often students were intimidated by writing, but when I asked...
Education & Certification
- Union University - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- SAT
- +50 subjects
Jane: Boston SSAT course instructor
I have taught the SAT, SSAT, AP Biology, AP Physics, and AP Chemistry for 2 years. I love teaching students HOW to learn, not just WHAT to learn. I always emphasize hard work - because you always get what you work for. I don't care about natural intelligence, because trying your best and being persistent is the key to learning and improvement. My favorite part of teaching is seeing the student understanding a concept for...
Education & Certification
- Boston University - Bachelor of Science, Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- +41 subjects
Christopher: Boston SSAT course instructor
...I've been a tutor for both Math and Spanish programs in high school and enjoyed the strides I made with students. I am willing to tutor any subject I have a background in, but am strong in mathematics, the sciences, Spanish, history, writing, and ACT prep. I enjoy teaching mathematics most due to the joy I can see in children once they master a topic and can answer even pointed questions meant to stump them,...
Education & Certification
- Harvard College - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISAT
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- +74 subjects
Erika: Boston SSAT course instructor
...middle and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am not in school myself, I love rowing, equestrian and exploring my new city of Boston! I look forward to meeting and working with...
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Bachelor of Science, Public Health
- Harvard University - Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +44 subjects
Allan: Boston SSAT course instructor
...I spent 2 months working hard to get my score to where I wanted it to be. The second time I took the exam I saw a 200-point increase. Previously, I have had experience teaching the SSAT and the SAT. The student I tutored in SSAT successfully passed the exam is now attending a private high school abroad. With VarsityTutor's online learning platform, I will be able to transfer knowledge in a visual, easy-to-understand manner....
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Biological Sciences
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- HSPT
- ACT
- +123 subjects
Education & Certification
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- GED
- +82 subjects
Charlotte: Boston SSAT course instructor
...women. In the last year, I have visited 52 different towns and cities across much of Western Europe while living in France. While there, I was an English Teaching Assistant in Tours, located along the banks of the Loire river. I taught at a school of predominately underprivileged students of North African descent and was lucky enough to learn about their traditions and experiences in France. I have a real passion for travel and exploring...
Education & Certification
- Colgate University - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics and French
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +54 subjects
Hayley: Boston SSAT course instructor
...university, and I worked in teaching reading to elementary school-aged children. I am a professional writer with four manuscripts currently pending publication and more contracts coming in all of the time. I am pursuing my PhD in history, and I want to be an early North American historian. My thesis studied pregnant women convicted of witchcraft in Salem in 1692. I am currently waiting to hear back from programs, and my top choice is William...
Education & Certification
- American University - Bachelors, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- +48 subjects
Noel: Boston SSAT course instructor
...teaching school groups in the subject of American History so it's evident I thrive off of learning and teaching! My areas of tutoring expertise are in English Grammar/Editing, ESL, Literature, Writing/Reading, Social Studies, SSAT/SAT, History and French; however, I have also coached students through resume writing, personal statements and college admissions. My goal for each tutoring session is to leave the student more confident in his or her subject skills. I tailor and personalize each...
Education & Certification
- Carnegie Mellon University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Master of Arts, Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- +52 subjects
Michael: Boston SSAT course instructor
...high schools soon after as a Biology and Chemistry teacher. During the past 3 years, I have taught three levels of Biology, including MCAS directed, college prep, and AP. Also Evolution, Ecology, and Cell Biology. I have also taught Chemistry for the past two years. I have been tutoring Biology, Chemistry, SAT's, SSAT's, ACT's and Algebra/Pre-calculus for the past three years. All of the students I have tutored have seen significant improvement in their grades...
Education & Certification
- Clark University - Bachelor of Science, Molecular Biology
- Salem State University - Master of Arts, MAT Biology
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +36 subjects
Scott: Boston SSAT course instructor
...that role, I taught test preparation, composition, and reading comprehension for accelerated students. While in this position, I helped several students achieve perfect SAT verbal and writing sections, and specialized in college essay composition. While completing my graduate degree, I ran weekly writing labs for ESL learners and first-generation college students in rural Virginia. Having worked with many types of learners, I believe in finding students' strengths, tailoring appropriate strategies, and giving them ownership over...
Education & Certification
- The College of Wooster - Bachelor in Arts, English Literature
- Mary Baldwin College - Unknown, Shakespeare and Performance
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT
- PSAT
- +31 subjects
Ian: Boston SSAT course instructor
Teaching is my passion. When I am not tutoring for Varsity Tutors, I work in medical research. I love the idea of helping patients feel better and especially kids. If I had to say something about my outlook, it is that I am thankful for what I do, privileged to be part of so many lives, and hopeful that my skills will make a difference.
Education & Certification
- University of Central Florida - Bachelor of Science, Molecular Biology
- TUFTS UniversitySCHOOL OF MEDICINE - Masters, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- GED
- PSAT
- +119 subjects
Lawrence: Boston SSAT course instructor
...over 8 years of extensive experience in teaching high School to College level science classes. And prepared a number of students taking standard tests such as SAT, AP sciences, who have gone on to score very high marks. I am always excited when a student finally 'get its' and declares that they now can see how all of these seemingly separate scientific topics are actually all related. My goal in providing tutorial is not just...
Education & Certification
- University of West of England UK - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Sciences
- University of Oxford UK - Doctor of Philosophy, Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +53 subjects
Kathleen: Boston SSAT course instructor
...in Lynn. In May 2019, I received my license in English and Secondary Education with a Sheltered English Immersion endorsement (grades 5-12) and my Bachelor's Degree in English from Westfield State University. Tutoring is one of my favorite forms of teaching. There is no better moment than when a student is able to figure something out in their own way (aka the lightbulb moment). I tutor a variety of subjects! I am well-rounded, though, my...
Education & Certification
- Westfield State University - Current Undergrad Student, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ASVAB
- SAT
- +76 subjects