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.

Jeanne: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...students the confidence to utilize these to improve their studies. I reinforce the foundations of what they are learning, and particularly in test prep, I make sure students have all the important strategies down. I try and build camaraderie with my students, making sure they feel comfortable and realize that I too went through the stressful process of school, whether it be junior high, high school, or college. When I am not working or in...
Education & Certification
- Case Western Reserve University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- +45 subjects

Peter: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...had great success in coursework and with standardized testing. I have a proven track record of taking that experience and applying it to boost both students' test scores and their true understanding of the material. I have 3 years experience as a classroom teacher in a range 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...
Education & Certification
- Case Western Reserve University - Bachelor in Arts, Theater
- John Carroll University - Masters in Education, 7-12 Mathematics Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- LSAT 5-Week Prep Class
- TOEFL
- SAT
- +132 subjects

Ben : Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...at Kenyon College, a small liberal arts school an hour out of Columbus, Ohio, majoring in Philosophy. It is difficult to identify a specialty of mine because I have worked with students from 1st grade through high school on topics ranging from elementary science to trigonometry test 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....
Education & Certification
- Kenyon College - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- SAT
- PSAT
- +137 subjects

Benjamin: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
An educator that understands that each student learns differently, socializes differently, and learns at a different pace. A teacher who understands that the mission of educators and students is to collaboratively develop thoughts and minds that lead to healthy socialization, and academic success.... To be a great educator, one must know how to tailor the curriculum to the individual student. It is the educator's job to identify why some students struggle, and to then implement effective strategies to get students over their learning obstacles.
Education & Certification
- Cleveland State University - Bachelors, History
- Cleveland State University - Masters, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- PARCC
- Elementary Math
- +16 subjects

Sanaa: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
My overall philosophy of teaching is simple: I hope to make the students whom I interact with more curious and interested in the biological sciences, through storytelling and engaged learning. My emphasis is that Science is exciting, dynamic, and fun, not dull dry textbook!
Education & Certification
- Saint Josephs University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Sciences
- Cleveland State University - Doctor of Philosophy, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- ISEE
- PSAT
- +92 subjects

Patrick: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...also walk/jog 50-plus miles a week, do yoga, and exercise my critical thinking skills regularly. My students since 1979 have ranged from middle school urban and rural to university level juniors and seniors. While I spent almost ten years teaching higher ed. English Composition, Literature, and Research, the majority of my teaching time was in college preparatory curricula. I make a room comfortable when I come in but if it needs energized, I energize it.
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of Florida - Master of Arts, English Composition
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CogAT
- REGENTS
- California Proficiency Program (CPP)
- +104 subjects

Patricia: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...Endorsement Certification from Cleveland State University. During my teaching experience, I had the opportunity to be my school's coordinator of the Ohio Reads funded, H.O.S.T.S. (Help One Student To Succeed) Tutoring/Mentoring Program. My duties involved training community/business volunteers on how to tutor our students in reading and math. and how to mentor the tutored student, thus establishing a healthy and positive relationship together. I have had experience as a Reading Resource Teacher, working with small...
Education & Certification
- Miami University-Oxford - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
- Cleveland State University - Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE- Lower Level
- Elementary School English
- +30 subjects

Mohammed: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...I have about 4.5 years of tutoring experience working with many different students and subjects. My approach is focusing on the student's well-being while tutoring. If a student is not doing well mentally, then they will struggle in various subjects. I am also a Certified Crisis Counselor, and that has also helped shape my approach to tutoring by also allowing me to place a focus on mental health in tutoring. I vary my tutoring techniques...
Education & Certification
- Cleveland State University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- UK A Level
- ACT
- +61 subjects

Dave: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
I have worked as a teacher at home and abroad in schools for 20 years. I also have five years of experience with online teaching. I have graduate degrees in General Education, meaning I like to learn about various subjects. We all should be lifelong learners. To learn a lot, we must be efficient in the way we learn and in setting priorities.
Education & Certification
- Baldwin-Wallace College - Bachelor of Science, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
- University of Dayton - Master of Science, Educational Administration
- Catholic University of America - Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- ACT
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +42 subjects

Stephanie: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...deserve a right to have an education that is catered to them. I want to see all children succeed in learning. By creating a safe and fun learning environment students are able to one be comfortable with learning but also to enjoy learning. By creating fun and creative ways for students to learn you are able to achieve this. I have always loved working with students and want to see them love learning.... My philosophy is that all students deserve a differentiated instructional approach. All students should be learning their strengths and building upon those. All students do not learn the same and it is important that you are teaching to the student.
Education & Certification
- Bowling Green State University-Main Campus - Bachelors, Early Childhood Education
- Bowling Green State University-Main Campus - Current Grad Student, Reading
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- ISEE
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- +16 subjects

Katie: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
Hello! I'm Katie and I currently teach second grade, and absolutely love it! I have two teaching licenses in both Wisconsin and Ohio, and am licensed to teach grades preschool through eighth grade. I have also taught fourth and fifth grade, and have experience with tutoring middle school students as well as introductory math courses to college students.
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh - Bachelor of Education, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- MAP
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Science
- +25 subjects

Lisa: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...evaluating collegiate admission essays to ensure they are comprehensive and individualized. Additionally, I serve as an assessor of academic progress for school at home/ homeschool students. Helping students excel with essay development, composition and review are also areas I have exemplary capability in. I will also work alongside 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...
Education & Certification
- Wittenberg University - Bachelors, Sociology
- Baldwin-Wallace College - Masters, Elementary Education with Reading Endorsement
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- UK A Level
- SAT
- WISC IV
- +101 subjects

Sarah: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...pursue my dream of being a college professor. I have a very student-centric approach, where I can identify the issues that the student is having and create ways to get them over the hurdle they are currently experiencing. My specialties are English, writing, proofreading, and the hard sciences (biology, physiology, neuroscience, genetics, evolution, etc). My favorite subjects are neuroscience and evolution. I love teaching all things biology, with English coming in as a close second....
Education & Certification
- University of Akron - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- GED
- STAAR EOC
- +141 subjects

Luke: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...math is one of those subjects that you get or you don't. Perhaps you or your child love learning but wish math classes weren't part of the school day. Perhaps you're used to excelling in other areas but dread walking into a math classroom. If so, don't worry. It's not your fault if you've grown to fear a subject that seems impossible to understand. I can help! My name is Luke and I am a...
Education & Certification
- American University of Beirut - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- ACT Reading
- Elementary School Math
- +22 subjects

Carly: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...practice. I find that the most effective way to teach is to give a step by step explanation, and have the student answer conceptual questions, with the ultimate intent of the student replicating the process on their own. To me, the most fulfilling moment of tutoring is reaching the "light bulb moment" that moment when everything clicks for the student, and they can see how their hard work has paid off. Outside of tutoring, in...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Current Undergrad Student, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- HSPT
- ACT
- +39 subjects

Bernadette: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...nine years. I have tutored all ages in different subjects including students for the 3rd grade a private tutoring program. I am currently teaching high school with a certification in Special Education. I enjoy tutoring because it allows me to be creative with my lessons. I also enjoy working one on one with the students to see what makes them click. My students have the ability to express themselves in different ways than they do...
Education & Certification
- University of Akron - Bachelor in Arts, Family and Child Development
- Notre Dame College - Masters, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Algebra
- History
- +39 subjects

Rebecca: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...Eastern Gateway Community College studying Information Technology to further my career in the industry. I have been tutoring since high school, staring with math and expanded to many other subjects. I have tutored many students in different age groups from elementary school to those who are adults and just need extra support. I work with these students in many different subjects including Math, English, Writing, Vocabulary, along with IT certifications, and basic computer use for...
Education & Certification
- Eastern Gateway Community College - Associate in Science, Information Technology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ASPIRE
- ACT
- CLEP
- +128 subjects

Vanessa: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...I am very excited to teach your child! I have a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. I have been teaching children both in and out of the traditional classroom for over a decade. I love making teaching fun and memorable! Some of my passions in life are my children, teaching, singing, and traveling. I love seeing the joy that comes when a child learns and...
Education & Certification
- Central State University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
- Ohio State University-Main Campus - Master of Arts Teaching, Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- ACT
- +60 subjects

Elana: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...one of my favorite children's book, Anne of Green Gables. "Tomorrow is fresh with no mistakes in it." Every day as teachers we have the chance to enhance the lives of our students. They may not have gotten a concept one day- but suddenly, you can see 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelors, Social Work
- University of Toronto - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PARCC
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- +19 subjects

Archita: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...but I go by Archita. I graduated cum laude from UCLA in June 2018 with a B.S. in Applied Mathematics. I can tutor a variety of subjects, but mathematics subjects and ACT/SAT prep are my specialty. My interests particularly lie in algebra and calculus based subjects. My ideology is that any student can learn anything; it's the job of the instructor to find the method that works best for the student. In my free time,...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- PSAT
- ASVAB
- +160 subjects