If you are interested in having your student attend a private or independent school, it may be beneficial to contact Varsity Tutors so that they can help your student enroll in a Boulder SSAT class. The SSAT is a standardized test that is utilized by many private and independent schools as a part of their admissions process. The exam is designed to measure a student's skills when it comes to reading, math, and English. The idea behind the test is that it is designed to provide a more equitable way to determine who gets accepted into a private or independent school.
The SSAT is broken down into three different levels based on grade level. The Elementary Level test is taken by students in 3rd and 4th grade. The Middle Level test is taken by students in 5th through 7th grade. Finally, the Upper Level test is taken by students in 8th through 11th grades.
There are some similarities between the three levels, such as that students are not allowed to use a calculator for the Quantitative section on any of the three levels. Furthermore, the Writing sample and Experimental section are not graded on any of the levels. However, the Writing sample will still be sent to any school your student applies to.
In terms of differences, students who take the Elementary Level test can feel free to guess on a question if they're unsure about the answer because there is no penalty for getting a question incorrect. However, on the Upper and Middle Levels, students will lose one-quarter of a point if they answer a question incorrectly. They will not be penalized if they leave a question blank. As such, it is more beneficial to leave a question blank if they really aren't sure about the answer.
What can a Boulder SSAT class help my student review?
There are many different areas where a Boulder SSAT class can help your student as they prepare to take the test. The Elementary Level test consists of four sections, including the Quantitative/Math section, the Verbal Section, the Reading section, and the Writing Sample.
On the Elementary Level SSAT, the Quantitative section contains 30 questions and your student will have 30 minutes to complete it. This section covers a variety of math-related topics, including probability, geometry and spatial sense, and properties and operations, among others. In terms of concepts, this section looks at measurement, shapes, and fractions, to name a few.
The Verbal section also consists of 30 questions and your student will have 30 minutes to finish this section as well. This section is primarily concerned with English. It covers the relationships between words, the meanings of words, and synonyms, among others. In terms of skills for this section, your student should be familiar with analogies and have an understanding of age-appropriate vocabulary from a variety of different subject areas.
The Reading section contains seven different passages that ask four questions each. As such, this section has 28 questions and your student will have 30 minutes to complete it. The Reading section is concerned with reading comprehension. Your student will be expected to be able to identify the main idea of a passage, determine the meaning of a word based on context, and identify information.
The Writing Sample requires your student to write a story based on a picture that is provided. The story should include a beginning, middle, and end. This section involves skills such as understanding spelling and punctuation and being able to organize an essay.
The Middle Level of the SSAT contains the same four sections as the Elementary Level. However, the timing and amount of questions both by section and overall are different. While the Elementary Level test contains 89 questions, the Middle Level contains 167 questions in total.
The Writing Sample section asks students to choose between two creative prompts and write a story about it. This section examines your student's skills when it comes to spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
The Quantitative section is divided into two separate sections on the Middle Level. Each section contains 25 questions for 50 questions in total. Your student will have 30 minutes to complete each section for a total of 60 minutes.
This section looks at probability, data analysis, and algebra. In terms of concepts, your student should understand area and perimeter of geometric shapes, ratios and proportions, and equations, to name a few.
The Reading section on the Middle Level involves 40 questions based on passages and your student will have 40 minutes to finish this section. This section requires your student to interpret meaning based on both argumentative and narrative passages.
Finally, the Verbal section has 60 questions, of which 30 are based on analogies and another 30 are based on synonyms. Your student will have 30 minutes to finish this section and they must be familiar with synonyms and analogies.
The Upper Level test also contains four sections and also contains 167 questions like the Middle Level. The Upper Level test is very similar to the Middle Level in terms of topics and amount of questions. The main difference between them is that the Upper Level test is more complex in terms of having questions that are more suited for older students.
How can a Boulder SSAT course help my student prepare?
There are many different ways in which a Boulder SSAT course can help your student prepare for the test. Their course will be as similar to a regular class as possible because they will have an instructor leading them through concepts while also collaborating and communicating with other students. Attending classes with an expert instructor can be helpful because they can help your student review material such as vocabulary words, synonyms, or math, depending on the areas where they might need additional help. It can also help to have other students to work with because this provides the opportunity to have group discussions and activities.
How can I find a Boulder SSAT prep course?
Finding a Boulder SSAT prep course is as easy as contacting Varsity Tutors over the phone or online. Your student can take a course entirely online so you never have to worry about commuting. Furthermore, you can sign your student up for either a two or four-week course depending on the amount of help they need.
Jonathan: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...college algebra and moved on to science courses such as chemistry, genetics, and biology. I also tutored some remedial math and english courses. No jobs other than teaching and medicine bring me everything I want in a career. I love to help others because I have benefited so much from others help in the past. My goal is to inspire a few other students to take up this job and give back as I have.
Education & Certification
- University of Houston Downtown - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Political Science
- Organic Chemistry
- GED
- +111 subjects
Nicole: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...by breaking down concepts into skills by providing them with a variety of different resources to access content. I recently graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Through CU I received my Elementary Colorado Teaching License, majored in Studio Arts and minored in Art History. While teaching I am pursuing my Masters degree in Literacy Curriculum and Instruction. While at CU, I participated in internships working at the Denver Art Museum, the Thorne Nature...
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Boulder - Bachelors, Studio Art Minor in Art History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE- Lower Level
- AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- +30 subjects
Brent: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...patient, analytical, thorough, and engaged. My main goal is to help you become a better problem solver by focusing on foundational knowledge, critical thinking, and reasoning. I value all subject matter, but I find mathematics and science to be the most powerful and exciting fields of study. Outside of academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy climbing mountains, racing cars, fencing, and playing guitar. I've competed on the television contest American Ninja Warrior, and I also...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Statistics
- AP Physics 1
- PSAT
- +42 subjects
Brian: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...what to do when they are starting out and then progressing to the student showing me what to do. I regularly assess the student to see how they are doing in their learning and make adjustments accordingly. I have taken countless students who previously could not pass or learn math into a path of not only learning math, but loving to learn it and doing well in their next course! I know I could help...
Education & Certification
- Fort Lewis College - Bachelors, Chemistry
- Colorado School of Mines - Masters, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- Languages
- Finite Mathematics
- +47 subjects
Samantha: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...taught special education for two years. One year was at the middle school level, and now my second year at the high school level. I am teaching science. I worked at a summer camp one summer with students of all ages. I travel whenever I get a chance and have traveled in Europe and all over the United States. I love science and teaching test prep. I am very passionate about students not only understanding...
Education & Certification
- Kansas State University - Bachelor of Science, Agriculture Education
- Walden University - Master of Science, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SSAT- Middle Level
- History
- Science
- +33 subjects
Maya: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...with a variety of ages in between. I've tutored many colleagues of mine informally in subjects such as accounting, finance, and business calculus. Additionally, I regularly provide support to my sister and many of her friends with their high school Spanish and writing classes. I tutor a broad range of subjects, but I am passionate about Spanish, math, economics, and writing. I like to use a lot of real-world examples while explaining concepts, and try...
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Boulder - Current Undergrad, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- English
- Public Speaking
- SSAT- Middle Level
- +62 subjects
Shannon: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...all students can learn. We just need to find the right ways to teach them. Not every student learns in the same way, so it is up to teachers and tutors to help students discover how they learn best. It is often hard to find this out in a classroom of 25 or more students, but with a tutor, students can often find out how they can become lifelong learners and enrich their lives in...
Education & Certification
- Colorado State University - Bachelors, English
- Grand Canyon University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- IB Extended Essay
- Middle School Reading
- ISEE
- +22 subjects
Samantha: Boulder SSAT course instructor
I am a former licensed educator with almost ten years' experience teaching and tutoring.... My number one priority is ensuring each individual student meets his/her goals. I adapt my teaching approach to meet the needs of each student, and I never lower my expectations in the face of challenges. I believe there are infinite ways to teach anything to anyone, and my aim is to find the best way for each student.... I would spend some time introducing ourselves and establishing a great rapport with my student. I would ensure that I utilized the session to become crystal clear about my student's goals, struggles, and learning style. Of course, we would also spend time diving into the student's work to help him or her feel successful right away.
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelors, Psychology
- Boston University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE-Upper Level Reading Comprehension
- Other
- ACT Math
- +55 subjects
Rebecca: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...a great lover of poetry, and love to teach writing, both of creative and academic forms. I believe that subjects should be taught in a way that does not force students to approach in ways that bore or pain them, but help them find a way to love the learning. I have attended a wide variety of schools with drastically different educational philosophies--from Steiner schools to private school to charter school, to public school to...
Education & Certification
- Sarah Lawrence College - Bachelors, Classics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- High School Writing
- High School English
- IB Classical Languages HL
- +17 subjects
Tory: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...Including my residency year, I have taught 3 years of middle school math at a Denver Public School. Before becoming a licensed classroom teacher I spent three years as an associate program director for one of the most successful test prep companies in the Washington D.C. area. Over these years I taught courses on every SAT and ACT subject, including SAT II in Mathematics, and also took the official College Board SAT twice.
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
- University of Denver - Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SSAT- Middle Level
- ACT English
- SAT
- +29 subjects
Nicolette: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...Schools. This is my first year teaching fourth grade. In 2013-2015 I taught second grade. I also have experience in grades K-5. I attended The University of Alabama where I earned a degree in elementary education. I have also been taking master classes in school counseling at George Mason University. I believe all students can learn and achieve anything they put their minds to, and I am here to help them achieve those goals.... My teaching philosophy is that all students have the capacity to learn, but not all students learn the same way. Every student has strengths and areas they can grow in. A teacher should be someone who helps students grow as learners and never gives up. Teaching involves differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all learners.
Education & Certification
- The University of Alabama - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Literature
- Summer
- Study Skills
- +18 subjects
Amy: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...in children. During this time, I provided supplemental math support at an elementary school as a mathematics support interventionist. I am currently an upper elementary Montessori teacher locally, but love children of all ages. I am passionate about tutoring in writing, reading, and psychology. However, I am specifically interested in supporting high school students overcome both the academic and psychological challenges involved in standardized testing with which I myself struggled. I strongly believe that with...
Education & Certification
- Colorado College - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education / Psychology
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Masters in Education, Educational Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Phonics
- Essay Editing
- Literature
- +34 subjects
Kate: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...substantial experience in curriculum development, academic coaching, and mentoring. I have also enjoyed facilitating nonviolence, peace, and personal narrative development workshops for youth of all ages. Working with a variety of young people, I have experience with a diversity of learning and emotional differences, with various tools to support executive functioning skills and reduction of academic anxiety. It is a true gift for me to watch a student regain his or her curiosity and confidence...
Education & Certification
- Bowdoin College - Bachelors, Anthropology
- University of Colorado Denver - Masters, Medical Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- English
- Study Skills and Organization
- Writing
- +16 subjects
Kelley: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...my students. I believe that teaching is a learning relationship. Something that I focus on with my students is the power of failure. I openly admit when I fail to my students and hope that my continuation to try will be a good model for them. Aside from teaching, I am a mom and absolutely love it. Family is extremely important to me so I know inviting a new tutor in to yours may be...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelors, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Elementary Math
- Summer
- Elementary School Math
- +19 subjects
Jacquelynn: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...to wondering and curiosity. This creates a life-long learner! I love helping students learn the backstory and interesting facts behind the topic they are studying. This really brings the material to life and make learning fun. As a National Board Certified Teacher, my focus is constantly on student learning. By watching how a student learns, I am able to help them when they come across a challenge. My students would always ask me what subject...
Education & Certification
- Randolph College - Bachelors, Psychology
- Capella University - PHD, Educational Leadership and Management
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Writing
- High School English
- Elementary School Math
- +20 subjects
Jim: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...fun. Throughout my career, I have had the benefit of great mentor/tutors and have always tried to do the same for others. Formally, I have taught students at the high school and college level in math and history (Rutgers University - PhD, 1988) and advised many others informally as a banking and investment professional (Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), since 1994). Recently, I have become a math tutor, mentor and substitute teacher in the Denver Public...
Education & Certification
- Princeton/Empire State College - Bachelor in Arts, History & Social Theory
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - PHD, American History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Test Prep
- 10th Grade Reading
- AP European History
- +110 subjects
Nicolle: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...believe that great teachers create an environment that students want to come back to and that students will thrive in. I was fortunate to have such high standards and loving teachers that encouraged me to want to learn as well as become a teacher myself. I will continue and pass on the love I have for teaching and learning to my students so that they will flourish in their studies as well as I did.
Education & Certification
- Aims Community College - Associates, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Pre-Algebra
- Elementary School Math
- Literature
- +17 subjects
Lisa: Boulder SSAT course instructor
Education & Certification
- University of Iowa - Bachelor in Arts, Journalism
- Drake University - Master of Science, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Technology and Coding
- Computer Science
- C++
- +41 subjects
Joellen: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...in Mississippi and Colorado. I tutor a few different subjects, but I am really passionate about helping students improve their standardized test scores as they prepare for college. Improving SAT and ACT scores can really open doors to admission and scholarships at great schools! Currently I am a graduate student studying social work at the University of Denver. In my spare time, I can be found curled up on the couch with a good book,...
Education & Certification
- Ohio University - Bachelor of Science, Journalism - Public relations
- University of Denver - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- College Essays
- SSAT- Middle Level
- ACT
- +35 subjects
Margaret: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...I began my teaching career as a member of the Denver Teaching Fellows, a competitive program designed to provide training to highly effective educators. I began teaching 2nd grade in September of 2011 while attending classes at Metropolitan State University of Denver to earn my teaching license. I received my alternative teaching license in May of 2013. I taught 2nd grade for four years as both a ELA-E and ELA-S teacher, instructing in English and...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota - Bachelors, Psychology
- Metropolitan State College of Denver - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Elementary School
- Elementary School Science
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +19 subjects