Are you looking for professional Chicago SSAT prep for your child in Chicago? If you are trying to get your child accepted into a specific private or independent school in the Chicago area, the school may take a look at your child's SSAT scores. This test can have an impact on whether they get accepted by the admission board or not.
The SSAT is a standardized test that is designed to measure basic skills and comprehension in reading, writing, science, and math. There are three different levels of the SSAT. The grade your child is entering will determine which level of the SSAT will be administered to them. The Elementary Level will be taken if your child is going into the fourth or fifth grade. The Middle Level will be taken if your child is going into the sixth, seventh, or eighth grade. The Upper Level will be taken by students going into any grade of high school.
What will the SSAT be like?
As mentioned, there will be three different levels of the SSAT. They are similar in nature, but there are certain differences. For example, in the Elementary Level SSAT, students will not receive any penalties for incorrect answers. Thus, it is better to guess than to leave an answer blank. On the hand, the other levels of the SSAT are a bit more tricky. On the Middle Level and the Upper Level of the SSAT, students will receive a small penalty (the deduction of a quarter of a point) for an incorrect answer, while they will get an entire point for a correct answer. On the other hand, you will not receive any penalties for questions that are left blank.
The Elementary Level of the SSAT will have a Quantitative section with 30 questions, a Verbal section with 30 questions, a Reading section with 28 questions, a Writing Sample with a single prompt, and an Experimental section with 15 to 17 questions, which will be unscored. All sections will have a time limit of half an hour, other than the Writing Sample and Experimental sections, which will last for 15 minutes.
Both the Middle Level and the Upper Level of the SSAT will have a Writing Sample with one prompt, a Quantitative 1 section with 25 questions, a Reading section with 40 questions, a Verbal section with 60 questions, a Quantitative 2 section with 25 questions, and an unscored Experimental section with 16 questions. Students will have 25 minutes for the Writing Sample, 30 minutes for the Quantitative 1 section, 40 minutes for the Reading section, 30 minutes for the Verbal section, 30 minutes for the Quantitative 2 section, and 15 minutes for the Experimental section.
Keep in mind that the Writing Sample on each level is not going to be scored. Instead, it will be sent to the school's admission board, and they will be able to make their own conclusions based on the writing style and skills that are present in the essay.
All students will be tested on basic skills such as reading comprehension, basic knowledge of math and science, verbal reasoning skills, and more.
What kind of Chicago SSAT prep can my child get?
There are two kinds of SSAT preparation that you can get for your child. Some children will benefit greatly from taking a Chicago SSAT prep course. These courses take place over the internet, and they will give your child the opportunity to study with an experienced instructor who can work with the students in the class to create a study environment in which helpful discussions take place.
Taking a Chicago SSAT prep class will give your child the opportunity to make sure that there are no holes in their knowledge. The instructor can go over all sections of the test. This way, your child will have a chance to review everything that they learned in school, which can help jog their memory and make them more likely to remember important things on the day of the test.
Many students will find that they feel more comfortable when they study with a private Chicago SSAT tutor. Some children may become shy and anxious in a group environment and may be hesitant to ask important questions for which they do not know the answer. Learning with a private instructor can help them take more risks, such as asking those questions. This can help them to understand the subject matter better.
A private educational mentor can come to understand the pace of study that works best for your child. This way, they can devise study sessions that progress at that particular pace. In addition, the private educational instructor can develop a rapport with your child. They can even introduce interesting study material and resources so that your child will start to look forward to the study sessions.
A private educational mentor can present the study materials to your child in a fun and interesting manner as well. The instructor can even give your child some test-taking advice, such as what to do if they are unsure of the answer to a question. As mentioned, this will depend on which level of the SSAT they are taking. For the Elementary Level, there will be no penalties for questions that have incorrect answers, so the tutor can advise your child to take their best guess and go back to the question if they have time in the end.
Another option is getting private mentoring for your child while enrolling them in a study course at the same time. These courses can be taken over the course of either two or four weeks.
How can I get my child started with Chicago SSAT prep?
If you are looking for professional Chicago SSAT preparation help for your child in Chicago, all you need to do is get in touch with Varsity Tutors. We can connect you with a private educational mentor who can study with your child one-one or get your child enrolled in the next SSAT class. There is a new class starting every week, so your child can get started right away.

Katie: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...for first year college students, working as an academic advisor, and teaching first year experience courses to new college students, focusing on topics like time management and study skills. I understand firsthand the importance of standardized tests 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...
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 Math
- English
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- +40 subjects

Rebecca: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...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 interests, I enjoy cooking, being with friends and family, traveling the world, and looking as ridiculous as possible doing Zumba.... My teaching philosophy is to meet each student where they are in each subject. That way we can work together to build confidence and skills in the most effective way for each individual.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE- Lower Level
- PSAT Writing Skills
- ISEE- Upper Level
- +53 subjects

Gregory: Chicago SSAT test prep 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
- SAT Reading
- Trigonometry
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1
- +38 subjects

David: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...success. One-on-one tutoring is an effective technique, particularly for explaining and modeling math, and I enjoy seeing students attitudes toward school brighten when they see immediate progress in their work. As a writing tutor, I like to focus on helping students find their authentic voice. Essays succeed when students strip away the extraneous material and present themselves and their ideas honestly, and I think with a little coaching any student can be a successful writer.
Education & Certification
- Drake University - Bachelor of Science, Education, History
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT Critical Reading
- Literature
- ACT Writing
- +34 subjects

Hannah: Chicago SSAT test prep 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
- Pre-Algebra
- Algebra 2
- SAT Subject Tests
- +33 subjects

Samantha: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...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 students with Critical Reading and Writing portions of Standardized Tests. I love working with students and helping them realize their full academic...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- AP U.S. Government & Politics
- English
- Writing
- +36 subjects

Emily: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...connection and leading students to their own version of success. I've worked across various sectors and have always maintained a love for one-on-one teaching, especially working with children and teaching languages. My experience includes living, working, and traveling abroad, and I rely on this intercultural perspective when presenting language and social studies lessons. I am particularly adept at grammar, editing, and writing and can help students in the early phases of learning reading and self-expression....
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelors, 1) Spanish 2) History
- The New School - Masters, 1) International Affairs 2) Environmental Policy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Spanish 1
- European History
- Reading
- +42 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, Zoology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Pre-Algebra
- Ecology
- Math
- +17 subjects

Kim: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...University with a middle school endorsement in Math. I have a Master's degree from Concordia University in Curriculum and Instruction and have completed classes toward a certification in special education. My passion is Mathematics. I believe instilling confidence in my students is the key to their success and I believe all students are capable of reaching their goals. Teaching students organization skills and personal responsibility is a central part of my tutoring sessions!
Education & Certification
- Millikin University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
- Concordia University-Ann Arbor - Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Phonics
- Math
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- +21 subjects

Katelynn: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
With over five years of experience with tutoring, I have the skills to help your child succeed in school. Students that work with me have improved grades and increased confidence in their academic abilities. I offer individualized lessons that accommodate each student's learning style. We will work together to identify specific academic goals and create a customized learning plan to achieve those goals. ... I believe every student has the ability to succeed academically. I provide dynamic and engaging instruction so learning becomes an enjoyable experience.
Education & Certification
- University of Central Florida - Bachelors, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Writing
- Writing
- Science
- +64 subjects

Stephen: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...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 I tutor, I aim to lead students to an answer by example so that they can see the reasoning involved themselves, rather than me just telling them the answer. The more the students can come to their own solutions, the more memorable the lessons...
Education & Certification
- Grinnell College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- College English
- AP Calculus AB
- ACT
- +67 subjects

Amy: Chicago SSAT test prep 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
- Middle School Math
- Summer
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- +18 subjects

Maria: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...my strength is test prep. Being fresh out of high school, I have the accurate knowledge of the current curriculum. Also, having just gone through the college admission process, I am very well versed in all things college prep and understand what it takes to get into a top tier school. In particular, I am extremely strong in math. Outside of academics, I am very involved in dance. Throughout high school, I competed in dance...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Essay Editing
- Geometry
- PSAT Critical Reading
- +59 subjects

Shawn: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...a subject with a combination of practice and patience, but I insist upon consistent effort and sessions. As an educator I do not support last minute cramming as the primary learning method of content for students as it does not lead to retention of material, mastery of larger themes, or the ability to differentiate between subtle differences when problem-solving on tests and exams. I will help my clients when they need extra sessions before Final...
Education & Certification
- UniversityOF RICHMOND - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry (Physics Minor)
- University of California-Los Angeles - Master of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- High School Chemistry
- Materials Science
- AP English Language and Composition
- +124 subjects

Quinn: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
My main areas of speciality are French and English writing, reading, and grammar. In addition to scoring perfectly on the SAT Writing and Verbal sections, I have completed graduate-level coursework and an honors thesis at Northwestern University. Having lived and worked in Paris, France, I am capable of teaching French comprehension and structure with confidence and a great deal of experience. ... I believe strongly in assessing strengths, and using these areas of strength and confidence in a subject to master trickier concepts. Overall, mine is a confidence and positivity-based approach that encourages and facilitates my students' discoveries of answers in a way that feels less like being instructed and more like gaining mastery through their own abilities.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Performance Studies, French minor
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- French 3
- SAT Reading
- Languages
- +51 subjects

Florence: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
My name is Florence Twu. I began tutoring high school students in the SAT, biology, and mathematics in 2005. This began a love of education and teaching that has lasted to this day. I went on to tutor middle school students in private school entrance exams, language arts, math, and science. My teaching style is personalized and dynamic. During sessions students solve problems and practice skills.
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- Newschool of Architecture and Design - Master of Architecture, Architecture
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE-Upper Level Mathematics Achievement
- ISEE-Upper Level Quantitative Reasoning
- +68 subjects

Christina: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...rhetoric, and problem-solving skills. I try to treat the work of each student with respect and care, offering individualized feedback based on what the piece or the student needs. My tutoring sessions and workshops are safe spaces where students are encouraged to take part in discussion and constructive critique, and I allow my students to feel as though what they say and write has meaning while instilling in them the foundations that "toolbox," as Stephen...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of Miami - Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Elementary School Writing
- Public Speaking
- Psychology
- +59 subjects

Amanda: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...both in and out of the classroom, I have learned many things. However, two main things have stood out more than anything else. The first thing would be that flexibility is the key to success. The second thing would be that if at first you don't succeed, try again using a different method. There are nine different learning styles for a reason, and I pride myself on trying my best to recognize that in every...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern Illinois University - Bachelors, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Math
- English
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +19 subjects

Jasmine: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...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 matter the paths their lives take, so it is one of my...
Education & Certification
- The University of Chicago - Associates, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Social Studies
- SSAT- Upper Level
- SAT Writing and Language
- +40 subjects

Paola: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...in language companies teaching Spanish to adults, and I am a private Spanish teacher for students in the city where I live. I like to teach Spanish through fun classes where my students enjoy and learn at the same time, depend the age I like introduce many activities during my class like songs, games and watch videos. I am very happy being a Spanish teacher because I can teach my language and share my culture....
Education & Certification
- Eafit - Bachelor of Engineering, Engineering and Industrial Management
- EAFIT - Diploma of Engineering, Engineering and Industrial Management
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SSAT- Upper Level
- SAT Reading
- ISEE- Middle Level
- +39 subjects