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!

Mackenzie: CogAT course instructor
Hi, I'm Kenzie! I'm a Mechanical Engineering student at UT Dallas and I've been tutoring online for 4 years now. My favorite subjects to teach are math and science, but reading and writing come in a close second. ... I introduce myself and try to get a feel for what the student is struggling with in particular. I then address those questions or problems by starting at the foundations and trying to help my student get a good grasp of what they are trying to do.
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Current Undergrad, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ACT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- Math
- +34 subjects

Amy: CogAT course instructor
...license and a background in psychology. While in college, I was a tutor, and later a site coordinator for the Children’s Literacy Center, where I supported first through sixth grade learners in their reading and writing. I also worked as a fellow in the admissions office at Colorado College, where I interviewed prospective students and evaluated admissions essays. I then received my M.Ed. from the University of Virginia is Educational Psychology in 2013, specializing in...
Education & Certification
- Colorado College - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education / Psychology
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Masters in Education, Educational Psychology
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ISEE
- SSAT
- ACT
- +34 subjects

Zachary: CogAT course instructor
...and a graduate student at the University of Virginia. My bachelor's degree is in Elementary Education and I am finishing up my Master's degree in Special Education. I completed my student teaching in the city of Pittsburgh, and am a licensed teacher in the state of Virginia, where I have been teaching for several years. While my expertise is working with K-6 students in math, reading, writing and standardized test taking, I've tutored students K-12...
Education & Certification
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Masters in Education, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- GED
- NNAT
- High School English
- +52 subjects

Isabela: CogAT course instructor
...University. I am working towards my Bachelor of Science in Neurolinguistics 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...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Current Undergrad, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- High School English
- +42 subjects

Zach: CogAT course instructor
...makes me an excellent tutor? Over the course of my life I have had the good fortune of cultivating a variety and number of skill sets, some of which are academic and social in nature. While I certainly consider academic prowess important for the success of any instructor, I would say the most important skill set I have developed is that of adaptability. If a tutor can adapt him/herself to the mode and manner of...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- A Level
- SAT
- ACT
- +36 subjects

Tori: 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
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- Elementary School Reading
- +15 subjects

Ann: CogAT course instructor
...in the beautiful state of VA. I have taught several grades from 2nd to 8th grade. I love to teach 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
- HSPT
- ACT
- SSAT
- +113 subjects

Britni: CogAT course instructor
...thoroughly enjoy working and growing my students! I am now an at risk coordinator/instructionalist specialist, in this position I work with at- risk struggling students in small groups to help them be successful. I also work with their teachers on helping them develop plans for their struggling students. I have had the privilege to tutor my classroom students and have had a tremendous amount of success with seeing them grow academically. I celebrate all growth...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelors, Sociology
- Texas A & M University-Commerce - Masters, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ISEE
- Elementary School Math
- ISEE-Upper Level Writing
- +23 subjects

Kris: CogAT course instructor
I believe that every student can learn any subject. The impact of a good teacher is crucial to student success. I like to use models, demos, examples, diagrams, video clips, and simulations to help students understand a concept. Learning should be fun and motivating. I use whatever method works to help a student succeed.
Education & Certification
- Valparaiso University - Bachelor in Arts, Biological and Physical Sciences
- Concordia University-Chicago - Master of Arts, Educational Administration
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- WISC IV
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +60 subjects

Amanda: CogAT course instructor
...from the Richmond, VA area. I graduated in 2012 from Virginia Commonwealth University with my Masters in Teaching for Early and Elementary Education. I have done post-graduate coursework for working with Gifted and Talented students. I am in my fifth year teaching and currently teaching in a private Kindergarten. In the afternoons I also help with homework help for K-5 students. I have previously taught 4th grade and in early childhood settings. I was also...
Education & Certification
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ISEE
- SSAT
- OLSAT
- +48 subjects

Nikayla: CogAT course instructor
...Education at Kennesaw State University. I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. I am employed as a 2nd grade teacher in my local school district. I am a firm proponent of education, believing it to be absolutely necessary for an improved quality of life, and I try to impart this appreciation to all of my students. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, exercising, and many other activities that enrich...
Education & Certification
- Kennesaw State University - Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- Elementary School Science
- Elementary School
- Test Prep
- +7 subjects

Kimberly: CogAT course instructor
If you find yourself struggling and unsure of how you will pass your class, I would love to offer my services. With 23 years of teaching under my belt, including Montessori, I am very good at breaking things down to make them much easier to understand.
Education & Certification
- Xavier University - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management
- Xavier University - Masters in Education, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- HSPT
- Microsoft Excel
- 12th Grade Spanish
- +68 subjects

Lisa: CogAT course instructor
...the University of Connecticut, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts degree. I hold my master's degree in Educational Psychology and Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut. I am a certified professional in both general and special education. I have conducted academic assessments, chaired planning and placement team meetings, developed individualized education plans (IEPs), conducted behavior evaluations, and created individualized curricula. I have expertise working with learners from elementary school...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor in Arts, Educational Psychology
- University of Connecticut - Master of Arts, Educational Psychology
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- CLEP
- ACT
- REGENTS
- +56 subjects

Heather: CogAT course instructor
...foster adult learning while fulfilling an important role in the lives of my students. I also understand the challenge and demands of teaching, but ultimately find it to be very rewarding when a student masters a goal or achieves a milestone. I have a positive personality and cheerful disposition that helps to engage students of all ages and thankfully have always been able to maintain a good rapport with the students I have taught and...
Education & Certification
- Armstrong Atlantic State University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Murray State University - Current Grad Student, Public Administration
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SSAT
- ASVAB
- GCSE
- +441 subjects

Agnes: CogAT course instructor
...his eighth grade Algebra class. Another one of my previous students got into her into her dream school-National Cathedral with the test taking strategy I provided. I absolutely love sharing the tools I have learned in my educational journey with others and seeing them flourish. Varsity Tutors gives me the ability to do just that! My track record includes: high school students for the SAT, 4th graders for the Cogat, SSAT, and ISEE, 8th graders...
Education & Certification
- University of Miami - Bachelor in Arts, Advertising
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +53 subjects

Yaseen: CogAT course instructor
Yaseen is currently a third-year law student at Washington University School of Law. He scored in the 99th percentile on the LSAT and he has substantial experience teaching test preparation. Yaseen works closely with his students to develop personalized and effective study plans. He graduated from Grinnell College and Bronx Science.
Education & Certification
- Grinnell College - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- REGENTS
- SSAT
- ACT
- +47 subjects

Aja: CogAT course instructor
...a mathematics tutor for five years. I have experience in tutoring middle school, high school, and college students in different topics of mathematics. I am also TEFL-certified and I have experience with teaching ESL to students living abroad. In my spare time, I enjoy reading classic novels, dancing and listening to a variety of music. I also enjoy learning languages and about the histories of different countries. I am very excited to work with you...
Education & Certification
- Western Governors University - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- GED
- SAT
- ISEE
- +174 subjects

Ameenah Muhammad: CogAT course instructor
...I have a bachelor's in Education and a master's in Curriculum and Instruction. I'm a successful English Language Arts, Reading, and Social Studies teacher. I tutor students who are struggling readers and writers. My expertise is in reading comprehension skills. Additionally, I support students in crafting a compelling college essay. I differentiate the lessons for each student based on their learning needs and style. I have taught students with learning disabilities and ADHD. As a...
Education & Certification
- West Virginia State University - Bachelors, Education
- University of Phoenix-Albuquerque Campus - Master of Arts Teaching, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SAT
- GED
- HSPT
- +63 subjects

Lesley: CogAT course instructor
I received my Bachelors degree in electrical engineering from Manhattan College, New York, and right now, I am pursuing my MBA degree from Louisiana State University. As a tutor, I am a firm believer of the motto "Face it! Ace it!" This means that we can work together to make your academic weaknesses into one of your strengths.
Education & Certification
- Manhattan College - Bachelors, Electrical Engineer
- Louisiana State University-Shreveport - Masters, Masters in Business Administration
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- GED
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +94 subjects
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ACT 4-Week Prep Class
- SAT
- A Level
- +48 subjects