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!

Isabela: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...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...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Current Undergrad, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- High School Biology
- +42 subjects

Hector: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...a second Masters, focusing on Instructional Design and Educational Technology. I tutor a variety of subjects ranging from elementary school to college level test prep. Engagement, personal connection and commitment are my personal favorite teaching tools, and I believe that people love to learn when teachers love to teach. Outside of the classroom and tutoring...
Education & Certification
- Western Governors University - Master of Science, Elementary School Teaching
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- GED
- ACT
- Elementary School English
- +32 subjects

Riki: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...also work closely with English grammar, honors English, AP English, AP language, creative writing, college essays, college prep, ACT Prep, (all 5 subgroups), PSAT Prep, SAT Prep, ISEE, LSAT Prep, GRE Prep, GMAT Prep, and LSAT Prep. I taught as a professor for 10 years, and I spent 11 summers in mainland China doing research...
Education & Certification
- University of Memphis - Master of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ACT
- CLEP
- ACT and SAT All-In-One Classes
- +100 subjects

Charles: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...inspire others to discover their potential. My journey as a tutor began during my high school years when I volunteered to help peers struggling with their coursework. I found immense satisfaction in breaking down complex concepts into understandable segments, tailoring my teaching approach to fit the unique needs of each student. Witnessing the moment a...
Education & Certification
- George Mason University - Bachelor of Science, Computational Science
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- WPPSI
- HSPT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +1410 subjects

Donna: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...dedicated specifically to K6 Special Education. My classroom experience includes teaching Social Emotional Life Skills, General Curriculum (K5), homebound instruction, and both general and special education settings. Currently, I teach Special Education K-5th Grade and continue to expand my skill set. I'm in the process of earning my Meditation and Mindfulness Coaching Certification through Yoga Alliance,...
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Masters in Education, Elementary School Teaching
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ACT
- GED
- MAP
- +101 subjects

Tajrin: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...to overcome challenges and succeed academically. My experience working with students spans several years, beginning as an Algebra Tutor with CUNY Tutor Corps, where I provided one-on-one and group tutoring sessions. I have also worked as a STEM Program Assistant, facilitating creative and engaging projects for younger students. These roles have helped me develop a...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Brooklyn College - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- STAAR EOC
- PSAT
- GED
- +449 subjects

Rima : Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...enabled me to utilise many teaching techniques and strategies that allows students to learn easily and effectively. My academic studies enables me to have great self confidence while teaching since I have many years of instructing experience to many levels. To add more, I have taught in 3 different countries with diversity and knowledge experience.
Education & Certification
- Lebanese university - Master's/Graduate, Marketing and Management
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ACT
- SSAT
- COMPASS
- +138 subjects

Rishi: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...streets of Tokyo, Japan, enriching me with diverse experiences that enhance my teaching approach. In addition, I'm gearing up to launch a startup in Tokyo next year, and I'm happy to share insights about this exciting venture should you be interested. My primary aim is to provide high-quality tutoring that ensures each lesson is not...
Education & Certification
- Texas A & M University-College Station - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ASVAB
- UK GCSE
- TACHS
- +129 subjects

Maanisaad: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...to help my students succeed in their academics. I identify what the student's needs are, and then plan out the best tutoring method required. I also try to understand the student's individual learning style in order to better adapt my instruction delivery. I can help with studying, homework, assignments, and preparing for standard tests/exams.
Education & Certification
- Texas Tech University - Master of Science, Petroleum Engineering
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- CLEP
- UK GCSE
- SAT
- +26 subjects

Stacey: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...to help the student new to America feel comfortable going into each academic and social situation that is his life. I strive to bring my students more "future tense" and less "tense future." I have over three years' experience teaching online regularly and globally. I have almost 15 years of classroom teaching experience.... First listen, then teach. Meet the student where he/is, no matter what the starting point. Teach him/her only information that is useful and helpful to his goals. Know your student, and care about your student.
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelors, Communications (Radio/TV/Film)
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- ACT
- IELTS - International English Language Testing System
- +65 subjects

Deatrick: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
Hello, My name is Deatrick LaPointe. I have an MS degree in Management of Technology and am currently a PhD Candidate in Cyber Defense, Information Assurance. I enjoy learning and hope to pass on my knowledge and experience with others to enhance quality of life and education.
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Morris - Bachelor of Science, Information Technology Project Management
- Dakota State University - Master of Science, Cyber/Electronic Operations and Warfare
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- REGENTS
- ASPIRE
- ISEE
- +903 subjects

Dina: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...recite the Quran with proper pronunciation and understanding. I specialize in helping children learn Arabic in a fun and engaging way by creating and using my own bilingual Arabic-English stories. These stories are designed to introduce vocabulary and sentence structures through context and repetition, making it easier for young learners to absorb and retain the...
Education & Certification
- Pharmacy School in Egypt - Bachelor of Science, Pharmacology
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ESL/ELL
- Art
- Executive Functioning
- +19 subjects

Mary: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
I am dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel confident to excel. My approach is tailored to each learner, breaking down complex ideas into simple, relatable steps. With a focus on building skills and self-assurance, I strive to make every session impactful and enjoyable. Together, we'll turn challenges into achievements.
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelor, Bachelor of Arts.
- Harvard University - Master's/Graduate, MSc. Mechanical Engineering
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- FCAT 2.0
- REGENTS
- ECAA
- +1359 subjects

Candice: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...young adults. In addition to tutoring, I have worked as a substitute teacher, classroom aide, afterschool mentor, and teaching artist. I have also recently served as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Taiwan. From these experiences, I have developed a fluid understanding of teaching methods and a keen sense of students' diverse learning styles. I...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, English
- The New School - Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- SSAT
- +55 subjects

Ashley: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...succeed and it is my job to figure out what learning style works best to help them achieve success. In my spare time I run with West Coast Road Runners, enjoy going to the beach with my own children, and watching sports. I am a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan! I hope to learn to paddle...
Education & Certification
- Clarion University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor of Science, Elementary/Special Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SSAT
- GED
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +30 subjects

Muhammed Ismail: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...tutoring, both in-person and online. I like helping students excel in their academic and professional interests, and over time, my experiences have further enhanced this aspect of my personality. There is no doubt that the academic portfolio of any student is their strongest asset in terms of career-building, and I am incredibly enthusiastic about helping...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- UK A Level
- SAT
- UK GCSE
- +27 subjects

Megan: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...high school mathematics (Math 1, Math 2, and Math 3 - regular and honors) my first 2 years of teaching. I also did my internship and 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,...
Education & Certification
- Western Carolina University - Bachelor, Mathematics Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- UK A Level
- Study Skills and Organization
- PRAXIS Core Math
- +24 subjects

Kimberly: Fairfield 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...
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
- SHSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- GED
- +86 subjects

Ann: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...and I think the best part is sharing my knowledge over a variety of subjects and making connections to previous experiences or existing background knowledge. I tutor in all subjects: math, history, science, and language arts - in grades K-8th. I believe that teaching includes building interest and engagement with students. When they are interested...
Education & Certification
- University of Mary Washington - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management
- Gonzaga University - Master of Arts, Organizational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- NNAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- HSPT
- +121 subjects

Japhet: Fairfield CogAT course instructor
...styles and needs. My goal is to break down complex concepts, transforming challenging subjects into manageableand even enjoyablelearning experiences. Seeing my students grow in confidence and mastery is the most rewarding part of my work. If you're looking for a patient, dedicated tutor who is committed to your success, let's begin your journey to academic...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Tacoma Campus - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ISASP - Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress
- IELTS - International English Language Testing System
- WISC IV
- +1414 subjects