If your student is considering taking the SSAT, it may be helpful to contact Varsity Tutors and enroll your student in a Cleveland SSAT class. The SSAT is a standardized test that is used by many private and independent schools as a part of their admissions process. The test is designed to measure a student's verbal, math, and reading skills. All of these skills are considered predictors as to whether a student will perform well in a private or independent school. As such, if you want your student to attend a private or independent school, they may need to perform well on the SSAT to boost their chances.
The SSAT is divided into three different levels based on grade level, which includes an Elementary, Middle, and Upper Level. The three levels are similar in some regards. One similarity is that they all feature the same four sections, including Writing, Quantitative, Verbal, and Reading. Additionally, students are not allowed to use a calculator on the Quantitative section on any of the three levels. Finally, the Writing Sample is not graded on any of the three levels. However, it is still a good idea for your student to do their best on this section because it will be submitted to any school they apply to.
In terms of differences, the Elementary Level test has 89 questions, while the Upper and Middle Level tests have 167 questions. Additionally, the material on the different levels varies based on the age group taking the test. One of the biggest differences between the different levels is the way that they're scored. On the Middle and Upper Levels, it is not a good idea for students to guess because they will lose one-quarter of a point for each question they answer incorrectly. However, they will not lose points for leaving a question blank. On the Elementary Level tests, students can feel free to guess if they're not sure about an answer because they won't be penalized for answering questions incorrectly.
What can a Cleveland SSAT class help my student review?
There are many different areas where a Cleveland SSAT class can help your student review. One area where an instructor can help is with the Quantitative Section on the Elementary Level test, which contains 30 questions. Students are given 30 minutes to complete the section, which is focused on basic math skills. It specifically covers probability, measurement, and number sense, among other topics. It may be helpful for your student to be comfortable with division, multiplication, subtraction, and addition for this section of the test.
The Quantitative Section on the Middle and Upper Levels of the test also covers math-related topics, but they contain 50 questions and students will be given 60 minutes to finish it. In terms of topics, both sections cover algebra, arithmetic, and geometry. The main difference between the two levels is that the Middle Level is more focused on mean, median, and range while the Upper Level is more focused on word problems and graphing skills.
The Verbal Section of the Elementary Level test contains 30 questions and students have 30 minutes to finish it. This section focuses on English. It specifically examines students' ability to understand the English language and how well they understand the relationship between different words. It may be helpful for students to have a firm grasp on vocabulary words across a variety of different subject areas for this section.
The Verbal Section on the Upper and Middle Level tests also focus on English, but they contain 60 questions that students are given 30 minutes to finish. This section primarily focuses on analogies and synonyms with the main difference between the levels being that the Upper Level places more of an emphasis on prefixes and suffixes.
The Reading Section on the Elementary Level test is concerned with reading comprehension and it contains 28 questions that students will have 30 minutes to finish. This section requires students to read through passages and answer questions in which identify the main idea of the passage and determine the meaning of words based on context.
The Reading Section on the Middle and Upper Level tests also covers reading comprehension, but they contain 40 questions that students are given 40 minutes to complete. This section requires students to read through both narrative and argumentative passages. In order to do well on this section, it may be useful for students to be able to understand and evaluate arguments and opinions.
Finally, the Writing Sample section on the Elementary Level test has students write a story based on a picture that is provided on the test. The story must have a beginning, middle, and end and students are being tested on their ability to organize a story. The Upper and Middle Level tests have students choose between two different writing prompts for this section. The Middle Level has them choose between two different creative prompts while the Upper Level test gives students the option between a creative and narrative essay.
How can a Cleveland SSAT course help my student prepare?
A Cleveland SSAT course is designed to be as similar as possible to a regular classroom experience. As such, your student will be working with an instructor and other students. Working with an instructor can be helpful because they can help guide your student through the material they may need to know for the test. Working with other students could prove valuable because it offers your student the chance to participate in group activities and group discussions.
How can I find a Cleveland SSAT prep course for my student?
Finding a Cleveland SSAT prep course is as simple as contacting Varsity Tutors either online or over the phone. You can enroll your student in either a two-week or four-week course based on your student's needs. One of the benefits of enrolling your student in a Cleveland SSAT prep course is that your student can take the course online. As such, you won't need to drive them to yet another activity because they can simply take the course online at your house.

Ben : Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...prep, but my foremost strength is the three sections of the SAT. I have roughly three years of experience tutoring and last year taught a test prep class. My approach to tutoring is to identify a students strengths and build upon them through frequent quizzes and reflective analysis. Additionally, having just gone through the college admissions process, I am privy to its length and complexity so can lend advice on anything, namely essays. I have...
Education & Certification
- Kenyon College - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE- Upper Level
- Government
- 11th Grade
- +137 subjects

Peter: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...of environments, along with 3 years tutoring experience. I have current teaching licenses in both Ohio and Maryland for grades 7-12 mathematics, although I am eager to expand my tutoring horizons! I have helped students succeed in math from Algebra 1 through Calculus, though I would be ready and willing to work on subjects from pre-algebra through Calculus 3 (and a bit beyond). I have also helped students preparing for the SAT, ACT, LSAT, and...
Education & Certification
- Case Western Reserve University - Bachelor in Arts, Theater
- John Carroll University - Masters in Education, 7-12 Mathematics Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE-Upper Level Mathematics Achievement
- Algebra 2
- College Math
- +132 subjects

Jackson: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...This program relied on NHS members volunteering their time to help middle school students with homework. I also have experience as a private tutor. Though I love to learn in general, my favorite subject has always been math, and it is also my favorite to tutor. Something about helping another person reach that moment of understanding in a concept is very satisfying to me, and it is so clear with math. However, I am happy...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Electrical Engineering
- High School Computer Science
- AP European History
- +88 subjects

Lauren: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...her sessions. I am not only here to help you or your student improve in a subject area, but also to teach study habits, provide encouragement, and work as a role model for becoming a lifelong learner. I am passionate about both what I tutor and tutoring itself! I excel in communication, have lots of patience, and am not afraid to make studying entertaining. Many of my students have complimented me on my way of finding...
Education & Certification
- Cleveland State University Honors College - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Study Skills
- English Grammar and Syntax
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +32 subjects

Dana: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...an experienced math teacher, I am aware of the common errors students make and am glad to help unravel these difficulties in a personalized environment, making sure that those areas that are most challenging finally begin to make sense. There is nothing that you cannot learn when you place your best efforts into allow yourself to feel safe with making mistakes and learning from them. As a tutor, I guarantee that we will explore the...
Education & Certification
- Case Western Reserve University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- Cleveland State University - Masters in Education, Elementary and Middle School Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Social Studies
- ISEE-Upper Level Mathematics Achievement
- IB Mathematical Studies
- +65 subjects

Elana: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...the light bulb go off, and there is no better feeling. I currently teach 3rd grade at a school in Cleveland. My favorite unit in reading is an author study on Mo Willems( the author of Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus!) We are getting ready for our unit end puppet show. Math is fun when we do our fraction unit! Cutting pizza and candy bars into halves/thirds or whatever and then getting to...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelors, Social Work
- University of Toronto - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE-Lower Level Reading Comprehension
- ISEE-Lower Level Verbal Reasoning
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +19 subjects

Arne: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...problems and provide advice and explanations rather than presenting the solutions and process immediately. This gives students the chance to learn the material both correctly and efficiently as they are actually working through the material. I also do my best to make my explanations of concepts accessible and explain them in simple ways that allow students to understand the concept in order to be able to extrapolate those ideas to other material. For my hobbies...
Education & Certification
- The Ohio State University - Bachelor of Science, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Physics
- Arithmetic
- Middle School Math
- +30 subjects

Lisa: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...student teachers in evaluating personalized educational belief statements. I believe all students have the capacity to learn. Learning styles and abilities do vary . Students should never feel shame or judgement about their academic aptitude. An exemplary tutor possesses the understanding that all learners need to progress at their own individual pace. I enjoy the specialized attention I am able to give my students in a tutoring setting. We accomplish goals much quicker when lessons...
Education & Certification
- Wittenberg University - Bachelors, Sociology
- Baldwin-Wallace College - Masters, Elementary Education with Reading Endorsement
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School
- OAE - Ohio Assessments for Educators
- Gifted
- +91 subjects

Carly: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...elementary school students with homework while babysitting. As a member of Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science, I teach science lessons to Nashville middle school students several times per semester, with topics ranging from evolution to ocean currents and everything in between. I tutor ACT and SAT test prep, biology, and many levels of English and math. My favorite subjects to tutor are biology and math. My teaching philosophy is one of guided practice. I find...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Current Undergrad Student, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT Writing Skills
- ACT Reading
- SAT
- +39 subjects

Jeanne: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...of data analysis. Because of that, I completed a post-baccalaureate program at Cleveland State University last year, and next August I will be going to graduate school for an MPH in epidemiology. I???ve been accepted to Emory and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor so far, and I???m waiting on the other schools I???ve applied to. I???m really excited to start my career in epidemiology, and I???m not even sure how I???ll decide which school to attend!...
Education & Certification
- Case Western Reserve University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Writing and Language
- Test Prep
- Middle School Math
- +45 subjects