For many families in and around northeastern Illinois, Chicago private schools are as good as you'll find anywhere. If you're ready to start your student working toward acceptance in a prestigious private school program, Varsity Tutors can help set him or her up with a Chicago SSAT course that can encourage them to perform at the best of their abilities.
Most Chicagoland parents know that with such a large student body, it's going to be difficult for a student's profile to stand out from the pack, and a high score on the SSAT can be the difference between getting into a student's top choice or failing to earn acceptance at all. If you have your heart set on admission to institutions like Mount Carmel High School or Brother Rice High School, a high score on the SSAT could be your ticket there, and Varsity Tutors is happy to set you up in a class to help you prepare.
What should a student expect from a Chicago SSAT prep course?
When preparing for the SSAT, your student will take either the Elementary Level, Middle Level or Upper Level test, depending on their grade level. Third and fourth graders test at the Elementary Level, fifth through seventh graders test at the Middle Level, and eighth to 11th graders test at the Upper Level. Regardless of level, all students will face a Reading and Verbal section and an unscored Writing prompt. All students will also face a Quantitative section, with elementary students getting one such section and older students getting two. Experimental questions will also be part of the test at any age level, although they will be unscored. Let's look deeper into each section.
In the Verbal section, students will display their knowledge and understanding of the English language. Elementary students will be expected to show their knowledge of how word relationships work, and they'll have 30 minutes to answer 30 questions in this section. Middle and upper students will also have 30 minutes to tackle this section, but they will face 60 questions, equally divided into synonyms and analogies.
The Reading section focuses on reading and comprehending passages and getting information out of it. As you might expect and will definitely discover if you choose to take a Chicago SSAT course, elementary students will have an easier task than middle and upper students. They'll face 28 questions in all, based around seven different passages with four questions per passage. Like the Verbal section, elementary students will have 30 minutes to handle this section. Middle and upper students will also receive passages and must show more advanced concepts of comprehension in a small amount of time. Each will have 40 minutes in this section, and they'll answer 40 questions based on their understanding of passages.
The tests diverge based on grade level at the Quantitative section, as the elementary students will face just one Quantitative section, while older students have two. Elementary students will be asked to show the most basic concepts of math and their understanding of them, and they'll have 30 minutes to answer 30 questions in this section. Conversely, middle and upper students will be tested on those more advanced mathematical concepts, and they'll be answering questions in two different 25-question sections. Each section of questions will last 30 minutes, meaning middle and upper students will answer quantitative questions for 60 minutes over the course of the test. One important thing to remember about this section is that no matter what level you're at, no calculators are permitted in the Quantitative section.
Finally, a student will face the Writing prompt, which will be unscored but will be part of the student's portfolio when applying to private schools. In fact, every school that you apply to will receive a copy of a student's essay, allowing administrators to make quicker decisions on whether to offer admission. Here, elementary schools will have 15 minutes to respond to a prompt and write a simple story, while middle and upper students will receive 25 minutes to craft a reaction or argument in regards to their prompt.
You'll also face 16 unscored experimental questions designed to see how test takers react to different questions. At the elementary level, there is no penalty for guessing on a question, so it's a great idea to answer something even if you're not sure if you're right. This is not true at the middle and high school levels, which dock test takers a fraction of a point when they miss a question. If you're taking the upper or middle versions, you'll need to make sure you can eliminate a choice or two and make your guess an educated one.
Whether you're struggling with your test-taking skills or hoping to get the right preparation to make it into your top priority, Varsity Tutors can help. Our team can enroll you in a class that can allow you to maximize your strengths on test day and minimize your distractions and feeling of nerves.
How can a Chicago SSAT course get me ready for the test?
When you opt for an SSAT course, your student will be able to learn from the comfort of his or her own home on a schedule that works well for the entire family. One of the biggest challenges of test preparation is finding time to actually prepare for the test, but with courses offered online and starting every week, that's not a worry here. You'll be able to find a time that works for you, led by an instructor who enjoys instructing young students and knows how to make success on the exam more attainable. Classes are offered in two-week and four-week sessions, allowing students to find time for studying more easily.
How can I find a Chicago SSAT class?
If you're ready to get your student started with preparation for the SSAT, Varsity Tutors can help! All you have to do is contact us, and we'll help you find a time and class that works for your student's needs. Contact us to enroll your student and help him or her earn the confidence they need to perform at their best!

Rebecca: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...that it sticks with you to build a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence that you can carry forward. My favorite subjects to tutor include English, SAT test preparation, math, and psychology. My approach to tutoring is to meet the student where they're at and go from there. I find that this way we can build a productive tutoring relationship where I can help individualize learning to each person's particular learning style. Outside of academic...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- French 2
- Honors
- Math
- +53 subjects

Samantha: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...in Political Science and Legal Studies this spring. In the fall, I will begin attending law school at Northwestern Law. For many years, I tutored a wide range of students in Spanish, English literature, and writing. I have also continued to help many high school seniors with college application essays. While I tutor a variety of subjects, I am very passionate about helping students improve their reading and writing skills, and I really enjoy helping...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Essay Editing
- AP European History
- Social Sciences
- +36 subjects

Mollie: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...working as a summer cello teacher to volunteering as an assistant kids' tennis coach to mentoring beginning musicians in my youth orchestra program. I greatly enjoyed each of those roles, as I found the experience of passing on my skills and, hopefully, my passions to those younger than me to be extremely rewarding. As a tutor, I look forward to helping students of all ages in a variety of subjects and test prep areas so...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Math
- Business
- Algebra
- +69 subjects

Gregory: Chicago SSAT course instructor
empty... Relaxed and accommodating, but direct and impact-driven.... Get to know their background and the best way they retain information.... Provide self-prep materials, and evaluate their performance.... Show impact of results and progress.... Find alternative approaches, and practice.... Help them practice reading and understand main concepts.... Give them effective instruction, but also time.... Provide fun examples or real-life applications.... Asking questions throughout teaching the session.... With conversation about the subject and practice-test results.... What is their most effective way of learning, and what are their biggest struggles and strengths?
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Pre-Calculus
- Geometry
- PSAT Critical Reading
- +38 subjects

Adrianne: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...My tutoring experience extends back more than a decade. Since early high school, I have tutored both peers and younger students. My students have included special education, gifted, English Language Learners, music/arts students and students with disabilities. I have tutored math up to Calculus AP; English Writing, Reading Comprehension and College Essay instruction; Science through AP Physics; and test preparation for GRE, ACT, SAT as well as state-mandated tests in Illinois and Michigan. Finally, I...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan - Bachelors, Social Science, Latin American Studies
- DePaul University - Masters in Education, Bilingual Education/Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- High School Physics
- English
- Business
- +67 subjects

Hannah: Chicago SSAT course instructor
I graduated from Georgia Tech majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering and Pre-teaching , and I just moved to Chicago to attend Chicago State University Pharmacy School. I have been tutoring a lot of students [K-12] in various subjects for more than ten years. ... Helping students to reach their goals.... I would talk about my background and share my past experience of studying. I also would ask what their goals are.... If they make mistakes, I would let students correct them first by themselves.
Education & Certification
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Chicago State University - PHD, Pharmacy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SSAT- Upper Level
- ISEE
- ACT
- +33 subjects

Stephen: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...standardized tests for college admittance. I have also tutored adults preparing for academic proficiency tests for their jobs and with GRE prep for those interested in going to graduate school. Additionally I have taught English grammar, reading, and conversational skills to ESL students in Chicago, Ecuador, and Colombia. While I tutor a number of subjects, I particularly enjoy helping students with standardized test strategy and following their scores as they increase towards their goal. When...
Education & Certification
- Grinnell College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- English Grammar and Syntax
- GRE
- Technology and Coding
- +69 subjects

Jasmine: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...through a private tutoring company. It is most important that students learn to self-express verbally and via writing. So, whether I am tutoring AP English Language, Modern World History, 6th Grade Language Arts, Psychology, ACT or SSAT prep, or any of the other Humanities subjects I cover, my students will develop a working vocabulary and the writing skills to demonstrate the extent of their knowledge. Effective expression translates to professional success and emotional maturity no...
Education & Certification
- The University of Chicago - Associates, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Social Sciences
- Public Speaking
- Philosophy
- +40 subjects

Michael: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...a broad range of backgrounds in an even broader range of subject areas. I have worked with students in subjects ranging from History and Government to Reading, Writing, and Grammar. I am passionate about helping others to realize their academic potentials, and I believe that my most important responsibility as a tutor is helping my students to develop the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that will allow them to excel in all subject areas.
Education & Certification
- Tufts University - Bachelor in Arts, English and History
- University of Sussex - Master of Arts, Modern and Contemporary LIterature, Culture and Thought
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GRE Verbal
- ISEE- Lower Level
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +37 subjects

Amy: Chicago SSAT course instructor
I am currently a school teacher. I teach both special education and general education elementary and middle school students. I am able to break down skills in a way that children can understand. I love it when everything clicks for the student. ... My teaching philosophy is that every person can learn; it is just a matter of finding out how they learn.
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-Bloomington - Bachelors, Theatre
- National Louis University - Masters, Teaching
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Elementary School Math
- College English
- Phonics
- +18 subjects

Daniel: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...within the Learning Center have inspired me to obtain my Learning Behavior Specialist endorsement within my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. Teaching the content through highly effective modeling is another goal I have as an educator in the classroom. By accomplishing this goal in prior experiences, students have met the targets and expectations that I designed and implemented. Working closely with colleagues in the Learning Center remains beneficial because I have been motivated to make...
Education & Certification
- Lake Forest College - Bachelor in Arts, Education and History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Geometry
- Psychology
- Social Studies
- +52 subjects

Katie: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...as students make goals for their next level of education; I am happy to help students prepare for these exams. I enjoy students of all ages and am excited to tutor a wide range of subjects, although my first loves are math and English (especially grammar). I truly believe my sincere energy and enthusiasm can help make students excited about learning. I welcome questions and value honesty while tutoring. My personal interests include international education,...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelor in Arts, American Studies, Gender Studies
- University of Connecticut - Master of Arts, Higher Education and Student Affaris
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT Writing
- ACT Science
- HSPT
- +40 subjects

Ellen: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...University of Illinois. I have classroom and tutoring experience working with children ages 5-12, and I love teaching everything from beginning sounds to algebra to how to write an amazing personal narrative. My belief as an educator is to focus on the individual interests and talents of the students and then tailor the lessons so that they are the most appropriate for the learner. In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, exploring new restaurants,...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Executive Functioning
- English
- Other
- +18 subjects

Habib: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...Alger National Scholarship and receiving awards for my academic achievement such as being named an Illinois State Scholar. I am currently a College Scholar and Neuroscience major at Vanderbilt University and on the Dean's list. I have tutored many students whether in professional setting or as simply a caring friend for the duration of the last 3 years. I effectively tutor all students from elementary school all the way up to all the AP Math...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Nuclear Chemistry
- SAT Subject Test in Chemistry
- College Application Essays
- +102 subjects

Kangkana: Chicago SSAT course instructor
I am a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Gauhati University, India. Since my master's in Inorganic Chemistry, I have been teaching students not only Chemistry but also Science and maths. I am more passionate about teaching Chemistry. I love helping students with their problems.
Education & Certification
- Cotton College - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- Gauhati University - Master of Science, Inorganic Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Other
- Discrete Math
- ACT English
- +101 subjects

Molly: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...teaching students with a variety of needs. I can also tutor students through high school and college in History and Spanish as I hold degrees in both subjects from Columbia University. I am highly qualified to tutor Writing at all levels - from elementary to adult professional writing - as I have written two distinguished theses as part of my academic training. As a Tutor, I can do more than simply help students with homework....
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Spanish 2
- TOEFL
- 2nd Grade Reading
- +111 subjects

Sam Davidowitz-Neu: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...for a number of families in my synagogue. In high school, I worked one-on-one with a middle school student concentrating on organizational skills and study habits. Several years later, I began working with K-8th grade students in math and study skills through an online platform and continued to do so throughout my time in college. Upon graduation, I began working with students face to face until starting my graduate degree in the fall of 2015....
Education & Certification
- SUNY at Binghamton - Bachelor in Arts, Double Major in Architectural History and Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- World History
- Arithmetic
- ISEE
- +27 subjects

Evan: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...located in east Los Angeles. At Pomona I studied Cognitive Science and Psychology, played varsity basketball, and worked as a Teacher's Assistant in the Linguistics and Cognitive Science department. I've worked for Varsity Tutors since moving back to Seattle last September, and love my job. As a tutor, I specialize in teaching SAT/ACT/GRE/ISEE prep, writing, English, Spanish, math, music, and psychology. If you need help in any of these areas, I'm your guy!
Education & Certification
- Pomona College - Bachelor in Arts, Cognitive Science (Psychology Focus)
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- English Grammar and Syntax
- High School English
- College Essays
- +34 subjects

Carol: Chicago SSAT course instructor
I enjoy teaching children and seeing them grow. I am especially good at teaching math and science to middle school students. I am also good at teaching algebra skills. I am able to tutor students from preschool through 9th grade and through 12th grade in math. I have an elementary education degree and a teaching minor in math. I am currently teaching high school honors math courses.
Education & Certification
- Valparaiso University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Algebra
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- +18 subjects

Alexia: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...I believe that consistent practice is the only way to achieve a high score. I often get students that score in the teens and I bring them up to the high 20s and up to the 30s. All of my students have significantly improved since working with me and notice at least a 4 point jump and often times students gain over a 10 point jump. I also am great at application essays especially the...
Education & Certification
- University of Missouri-Columbia - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
- Washington University in St Louis - Master of Science, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Handwriting
- Graduate Level Chemistry
- AP Research
- +96 subjects