If you have been looking into CogAT courses to help your student make the most of the educational opportunities available to them, Varsity Tutors offers private CogAT classes that are well worth your time. The CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) is an aptitude test used for admission in the gifted programs at certain schools, to help identify a homeschooled student's academic strengths, and to help identify at-risk youth for further assessment. It assesses a test-taker's learned problem-solving and reasoning skills in three areas: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal, all of which correlate well to academic achievement. A private CogAT class may give your student more self-confidence heading into the exam.
One of the benefits of investing in a CogAT course is access to a knowledgeable instructor who can answer any questions you have about the test. For example, many parents would like a breakdown of exactly what the Stanine scores the test uses actually mean. The chart below highlights this information:
Score Breakdown
Stanine | % Rank | Description |
9 | 96-99 |
Very High |
8 | 89-95 | Above Average |
7 | 77-88 | Above Average |
6 | 60-76 | Average |
5 | 40-59 | Average |
4 | 23-39 | Average |
3 | 11-22 | Below Average |
2 | 4-10 | Below Average |
1 | 1-3 | Very Low |
One of the CogAT secrets is that it asks questions that students are unfamiliar with in order to assess their cognitive ability. In other words, how will a student react to a new type of problem? Needless to say, experience with the formatting of the exam could provide a significant advantage as students would know what to expect beforehand. For this reason, many students take practice tests during their private CogAT class.
Practice tests may also help identify your student's unique areas of opportunity, or the topics that should focus on in their CogAT prep class. The list below breaks down the types of questions students might see according to grade level:
- Grades K-2
- Oral Vocabulary
- Verbal Reasoning
- Relational Concepts
- Figure Classification
- Matrices
- Grades 3-12
- Verbal Classification
- Sentence Completion
- Verbal Analogies
- Quantitative Relations
- Number Series
- Equation building
- Figure Classification
- Figure Analogies
A CogAT prep course may be a perfect place for your student to prepare for the exact exam they plan to take. There are no time constraints in a private CogAT course, so the student in your life can spend as much time as they need to on any topic. Their instructor may also be able to cater sessions to your student's unique needs. For instance, a visual learner might use visual aids such as counting cubes to prepare for the quantitative questions on the exam, while an auditory learner could benefit more from oral repetition.
Varsity Tutors also strives to make attending our CogAT prep courses as convenient as possible. All instruction happens on our proprietary Live Learning Platform, allowing students to meet with their instructor online instead of a physical location such as a library. We also try our best to connect every student with an instructor who suits their schedule. If school, work, and extracurricular activities limit your availability on Wednesdays, we might try to refer you to a teacher who won't want to meet on Wednesdays. Test prep should fit into your life, not the other way around.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of our CogAT prep classes or are ready to enroll, give us a call today! Expert Educational Directors are currently standing by to assist you any way they can. We look forward to working with you!

Tori: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
Hi, My name is Tori and besides teaching I love to sing, dance, act and explore. I love reading and going on adventures and I can't wait to start working with the future brilliant minds of this country. ... My philosophy is to help students enhance their mind and encourage them to do great things using different strategies of learning.
Education & Certification
- Stephen F Austin State University - Bachelors, Interdisciplinary studies
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR
- Theatre
- +15 subjects

Noah: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
...With over 14 years experience teaching students aged 3-70, I currently teach College Writing at Montclair State in New Jersey and both Critical Thinking and Junior Seminar at Mercy College in Westchester. I am the self-published author of more than a dozen scifi and horror novels, available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. My tutoring is focused on the test specifically and has worked for many hundreds of delighted students and families.... "In all things, moderation."
Education & Certification
- Bard College - Bachelors, Philosophy and Creative Writing (Dual Major)
- Sarah Lawrence College - Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- +39 subjects

Isabela: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
...with a minor in Public Health as well as a focus on pre-medical studies. I am also a coxswain on the NYU Crew team and practice every morning, either in the gym or on the river. Since 2013, I have worked as a lifeguard, a summer camp counselor, and as a private tutor in both English and Spanish and a peer tutor in math and history. While I enjoy learning and teaching a broad range...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Current Undergrad, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- ACT Math
- +42 subjects

Katherine: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
I am a multi-level, multi-subject educator offering 8+ years experience in instruction; consistent performance record and excellent reviews; and innovative instructional methods to maximize student understanding and performance across various learning styles, abilities, and interests. It is my pleasure to educate through Varsity Tutors.... My philosophy in education is that all students are smart. It is my job as an educator to meet each student where they are and to guide them in the achievement of their educational goals. Learning should be personalized and fun.
Education & Certification
- University of St. Thomas - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Loyola Marymount University - Master of Arts, Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- CAHSEE
- ISEE
- GED
- +53 subjects

Zach: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
...years of tutoring with Yale MATHCOUNTS. As a likely future graduate student myself, it is my general goal in life to continue the tradition of passing forth knowledge. Not surprisingly, I have always considered tutoring and education among the most noble of professions where both parties, student and teacher, benefit and learn. What makes me an excellent tutor? Over the course of my life I have had the good fortune of cultivating a variety and...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ACT
- SSAT
- PSAT
- +54 subjects

Kimberly: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
...Texas in Educational Administration. I pride myself in learning about my students and their needs, and I want to build a rapport with them to build their confidence and academic skills. I specialize in elementary reading skills, social studies, and test preparation. I also specialize in TEXES exam preparation. My personality is Texan, southern, very warm, and friendly! When coupled with my background in school counseling, I will help make students of all ages feel...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelor in Arts, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Amberton University - Master of Arts, Mental Health Counseling
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SCAT Exam
- Erb
- +85 subjects
Education & Certification
- bar Ilan university - Bachelor, B.S.
- kibbutzim college - Master's/Graduate, Humanities
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- PSAT
- TEAS
- Florida EOC Assessment
- +101 subjects

Jeff: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
...Test Prep and scored in the 90th percentile on both the ACT and SAT. I have bachelor degrees in English and Political Science, and my master's degree is in Education. I will work together with you to develop a plan to achieve your goals and provide you the skills and strategies you need to achieve those goals. I can provide punctuality, reliability and professional standards. When I'm not tutoring, I enjoy traveling, playing my guitar,...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Irvine - Bachelor in Arts, Drama and Dance Teacher Education
- University of California-Irvine - Associate in Arts, Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Hamline University - Masters in Education, Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- HSPT
- UK GCSE
- SAT
- +81 subjects

Carla: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
...could I have waited so long. I absolutely adore it. I have always had a passion for working with people with disabilities, and teaching children with autism has allowed me to do that. My strengths are in the areas of writing and English. I also have a firm grasp on various areas of the law, as well as an entrepreneurial spirit,that has allowed me to become very well knowledgeable on business subjects.
Education & Certification
- Dillard University - Bachelor in Arts, Mass Communications
- Southern University Law Center - Juris Doctor, Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- CLEP
- GED
- ASVAB
- +37 subjects

Katey: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
...this degree in Life and its experiences prove often the most important. I proudly embrace my personality that I was not always confident in. I believe my sense of humor, often out of the box thinking, patience, empathy and ability to connect with people and motivate them, as I recognize them as unique individuals, is what further drives my passion to teach and mentor. This has allowed me to develop amazing skills to understand, educate...
Education & Certification
- George Mason University - Bachelor in Arts, Business Communications
- George Mason University - Masters in Education, Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- HSPT
- SAT Subject Tests
- UK A Level
- +398 subjects

Megan: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
...long term substituting after graduation in the high school environment. I then moved to teach middle school mathematics where I have been for the past 5 years teaching, 7th, 8th and Math 1. I received my bachelor's in Mathematics, Secondary Education from Western Carolina University. While at WCU, I tutored in the math tutoring center on campus where I helped college aged students with whatever math class they were enrolled in. I mostly helped with...
Education & Certification
- Western Carolina University - Bachelor, Mathematics Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- UK A Level
- Math 1
- PRAXIS Core Math
- +24 subjects

Grace: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
...Arts. I have a Bachelors of Science in Journalism, and a Master of Arts in Teaching English. My goal is to give students the tools they need to confidently own and tell their own story. I focus on building positive relationships to foster a safe and trusting learning environment. My strengths include creating effective and engaging lesson plans and utilizing student choice and interest in curriculum. I live and teach by the following core values:...
Education & Certification
- State University of New York College at Brockport - Bachelor, Journalism
- Western Governors University - Master's/Graduate, Teaching (English Education, Secondary)
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SAT
- UK A Level
- UK A Level English Language
- +41 subjects

Jeremy: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
...such as station rotation, small group work, mini-lessons, and project-based learning. With a proven record in promoting growth mindsets and inspiring students to overcome challenges, my approach is rooted in the belief that every hurdle is an opportunity to learn. From teaching ESOL math in middle school to serving as an elementary teacher in Colombia, I have demonstrated adaptability and a knack for building strong relationships. In our rapidly changing world, my goal is to...
Education & Certification
- James Madison University - Bachelor of Science, Computer and Information Systems Security
- George Mason University - Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- UK A Level
- Languages
- Introduction to Spanish (Grades K-1)
- +21 subjects

Hallie: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
I am a certified secondary mathematics teacher in the state of Georgia. I currently teach in a high needs public high school with students from ninth through twelfth grade. I have been teaching for approximately seven years and have received a few accolades in my career. I have a passion for working with students who have lost confidence in their math abilities. If this sounds like you, please reach out.
Education & Certification
- Augusta State University - Master of Arts, Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- UK A Level
- UK GCSE
- ACT
- +19 subjects

Mia: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
...lived all over the world. I love to travel and learn new things. I was honored to be teacher of the year at my school and have always received positive feedback from my students and parents. Students always had fun learning in my class and they knew I cared about them and their success. My greatest achievement is my own two children. My daughter is a high school counselor and my son works for the...
Education & Certification
- University of Florida - Masters in Education, Elementary School Teaching
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SSAT
- GED
- ISEE
- +33 subjects

Christopher: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
...My favorite topics to tutor are English and Math, and I bring a fun, model-based approach to my work with students. Because I understand every student has their own academic strengths and challenges, I make it a point to approach each tutoring session with patience and understanding while helping students to gain confidence through focused encouragement and gentle correction of mistakes. I truly believe education is the backbone of a well-functioning society, and so I...
Education & Certification
- Rider University - Bachelor of Education, Elementary School Teaching
- Walden University - Masters in Education, College Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- UK A Level
- AP English Language and Composition
- Technology and Coding
- +22 subjects

Christine: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
...well as high school and college level students and adults with mental health challenges. I also tutor young people after school in a program designed for newcomers to America. I promise to help students of any age to develop the confidence in their own abilities and skill level they require to succeed. I aim to inspire! I'll meet you where you are at, discuss your needs and we'll take it from there.
Education & Certification
- University of Toronto - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Antioch University-Los Angeles - Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +79 subjects

John: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
...any student to achieve an A in every course and in every assignment. More so than a grade, my goal is to help students fall in love with the process of learning. Feedback from successful students has allowed me to recognize how effective the approaches toward tutoring mine have been for all learning types in various academic subjects. While my tutoring students gain much from their experiences from me, I equally gain so much insight...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
- Loyola University-Chicago - Master of Social Work, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SAT
- AIMS
- CAHSEE
- +455 subjects

Nathan: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
...potential. Seeing students overcome adversity and struggles gives me great joy. I have worked with students both online (during COVID) and in person (12 years classroom). I have degrees in History, History Education, and Educational Administration. My goal as a tutor is to guide and help fill in the gaps and help students realize that they know more than they believe and have a greater potential then they believe. I look forward to working with...
Education & Certification
- Liberty University - Master's/Graduate, History Education
- Grand Canyon University - Master's/Graduate, Educational Administration
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- UK A Level
- SAT Subject Tests
- Test Prep
- +23 subjects
Paul: Los Angeles CogAT course instructor
Helping students achieve their goals and full potential is our biggest reward as a teacher. Being in the profession for more than fifteen years has given me the time and vast experience of working with students with different backgrounds.
Education & Certification
- University of the City of Manila Philippines - Bachelor of Engineering, Computer Engineering, General
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- GED
- SAT Math
- Geometry
- +10 subjects