If you think the student in your life could benefit from taking a Dallas Fort Worth SSAT prep course, Varsity Tutors provides one of the best options available. The SSAT is a standardized test that admission departments at private and independent schools can use to compare applicants from different backgrounds on an even footing. It is taken by students in grades 3-11 and divided into three "Levels" to provide an appropriate challenge to students of varying age. The breakdown is as follows: Elementary Level (grades 3, 4), Middle Level (5, 6, 7), and Upper Level (8, 9, 10, 11).
While most private and independent schools consider factors besides SSAT scores in their admissions decisions, earning a good score could potentially help your student work toward their academic goals. Varsity Tutors provides Dallas Fort Worth SSAT classes that cover not only the academic knowledge students need on test day, but also exam-specific strategies to improve a student's self-confidence. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of our services.
What topics are generally covered in a Dallas Fort Worth SSAT course?
All levels of the SSAT contain the same five sections: Experimental, Writing, Quantitative, Reading, and Verbal. The Experimental section is comprised entirely of unscored questions so that the exam's manufacturer can try out future test items, so there is no reason to study for it specifically. The remaining sections have a different layout on the Elementary Level exam than the other two tests, as the former lasts a total of an hour and 50 minutes while the other two have a duration of two hours and 50 minutes. Here's a more detailed look at each section of the SSAT:
Writing
The assessment's Writing section is not scored at any level, with a student's work being provided to each school that they apply to. In general, schools are looking at a student's written communication skills, organization skills, and command of English language mechanics at all levels. Elementary Level test-takers have 15 minutes to compose a short story based on a picture prompt and are encouraged to include a beginning, a middle, and an end in their work. Middle Level test-takers have 25 minutes to write a response to one of two creative writing prompts. The formatting of the Upper Level SSAT is similar, except that students may choose between a creative writing prompt or a traditional essay topic.
Quantitative
The Quantitative section of the SSAT measures a student's grasp of grade-appropriate mathematics. At the Elementary Level, basic concepts such as the four operations, place value, shapes, and reading charts are tested. At higher levels, more advanced subjects such as algebra, geometry, and probability are introduced. Calculators are not allowed on any level of the SSAT. The Elementary Level SSAT's Math section contains 30 multiple-choice questions over a testing session of half an hour, while the other two tests split their Quantitative section into two 30-minute subsections with 25 multiple-choice items each.
Reading
The test's Reading section consists of passage-based questions intended to measure a student's reading comp skills. All students are expected to be able to identify the main idea of a passage, discern between literal and figurative language, and utilize the context a word appears in to define it. Older test-takers are also asked to analyze arguments and draw conclusions that aren't directly stated. The Elementary Level exam contains 28 questions over a 30-minute exam session, while the other two tests have 40 multiple-choice questions over 40 minutes.
Verbal
Finally, the SSAT's Verbal section measures a test-taker's vocab skills through questions about synonyms and analogies. It probably isn't feasible to memorize every word that could appear on the test, so students might want to study prefixes, suffixes, and word roots as clues to what a given term might mean. The Elementary Level SSAT has 30 multiple-choice questions that students have half an hour to answer, while older students need to respond to 60 questions in just 30 minutes.
Why should I choose a Dallas Fort Worth SSAT course provided by Varsity Tutors?
Every Dallas Fort Worth SSAT class we offer is taught by a great communicator with a strong knowledge base about the SSAT. If your student has a hard time remembering everything they read, they might review active reading tips such as note-taking in order to more effectively engage with the information. Students can also study test-taking tips that can improve their self-confidence if they ever feel stuck. For example, children taking the Elementary Level SSAT should guess on every question because there is no penalty for getting it wrong. However, the other two exams penalize students a full point for each incorrect response, a format that requires a completely different strategy.
We also have an exclusive live virtual platform that allows every Dallas Fort Worth SSAT class to take place online, so you don't have to concern yourself with the logistical headache of a commute. The platform supports real-time communication between your student, their classmates, and their teacher, so asking for assistance is as easy as it would be in a more traditional environment.
Working with other students may also prove advantageous, as everybody can work together to foster a learning environment conducive to developing a more comprehensive understanding of academic subjects. For example, outlining a Writing assignment as a group may encourage your student to think about things in a completely different way. Studying together also allows multiple students to split the tab, making standardized test prep more affordable than you might think. Best of all, you can still arrange private study sessions with your student's teacher on an as-needed basis.
We also try to make all of our class offerings as accessible as we can. New classes start every week, so there's always a fresh class to enroll in. Similarly, both two and four-week options are available to make it easier to find a fit for your busy lifestyle.
Can I sign up for a Dallas Fort Worth SSAT course today?
Contact Varsity Tutors today to enroll in a Dallas Fort Worth SSAT course. There is no better time to prepare for your student's future than right now!
Connor: Dallas SSAT course instructor
...MCAT exam. I excelled in undergraduate coursework pertaining to these subjects and have prior experience in assisting pre-professional (pre-medical and pre-nursing) students looking to succeed in their required general science classes. My tutoring methodology is dependent on the establishment of a strong conceptual framework, and subsequent application of theory through practice problems (the best way to master any pure science). I frequently employ the use of problem sets and practice tests to monitor my students'...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR
- +43 subjects
Vivek: Dallas SSAT course instructor
...am a current sophomore at Austin College. I am a biology major and neuroscience minor. Science has been my passion from a young age. I like tutoring because I sincerely enjoy helping others and being able to impart my knowledge and experience. Along with being strong in my curricular classes, I have experience helping and tutoring younger students in various subjects and test prep. As a patient and encouraging teacher, I am adept at helping...
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- TOEFL
- SAT
- +66 subjects
Education & Certification
- Swarthmore College - Bachelor in Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT
- ISEE
- +84 subjects
Shyon: Dallas SSAT course instructor
...the Honors Biomedical Engineering Program. Throughout high school and into college, I have tutored students of all ages; anywhere from my employment at a mathematics tutoring center to private lessons for students my age. Other parts of my life include playing sports (tennis, soccer, ping pong, basketball), jamming on the piano, and doing extracurriculars at school. I believe the most effective teachers are not those who know the most, but those who motivate their students...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Current Undergrad Student, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +61 subjects
Iselee: Dallas SSAT course instructor
...University with an undergraduate degree in Spanish, and I am currently a visual artist pursuing further studies in digital and web design. I formerly taught bilingual math and science, and I am a certified bilingual education teacher in the state of Texas. I love learning, imparting knowledge, and bilingualism, and I am eager to assist students with academic goals. Previously, I've taught 3rd grade bilingual courses including English and Spanish literacy and grammar as well...
Education & Certification
- Loyola Marymount University - Bachelors, Spanish
- Johns Hopkins University - Current Grad Student, Digital Communication
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- SAT
- +72 subjects
Dale: Dallas SSAT course instructor
...addition, I have experience in working with children diagnosed with developmental exceptionalities such as : ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Mood Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (including Asperger's Syndrome), and children with cognitive and/or language delays. I have a B.S. from the University of New Orleans and am currently 2 classes shy of earning my masters in education with a focus on school counseling. I have a 12 year old son and we love to hike, exercise, cook...
Education & Certification
- University of New Orleans - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of New Orleans - Masters, School Counseling
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- SAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +33 subjects
Samantha: Dallas SSAT course instructor
Although I spend my days teaching in a classroom, I love moonlighting at a tutor because of the individualized attention that my students receive. I bring several years of classroom experience to the table, as well as a teaching credential from the University of Oxford and a BA from Northwestern University. While my classroom experience is in English/reading and history, my tutoring experience has been in everything from math to foreign languages. ... In short, I believe that education should be made as enjoyable as possible!
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Religious Studies
- University of Oxford - Masters, Secondary Education (Religious Education)
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +63 subjects
Sarah: Dallas SSAT course instructor
...the AVID method to draw upon what the student already knows, ask pertinent and engaging questions, keep the student focused and on task, and guide the student to reach the conclusion fairly independently. Since I’ve recently graduated high school (2015), most of the material is still relatively fresh in my mind. At most, I’ll need a quick refresher on a certain topic, but I will be quick to remember and highly effective in helping a...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelors, Literary Studies with minor in Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- +55 subjects
Brittany: Dallas SSAT course instructor
...(Multi-tiered System of Support) Specialist. I have worked with Varsity Tutors a few years ago and I have witnessed tremendous growth among the students I tutored and the students I currently teach now. I have over 10 years experiences in the field of education, working with students from Pre-k to 6th grade with a variety of learning differences. Teaching is my passion and it was also my dream. Today I can say, I am living...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Queens College - Bachelors, Education
- CUNY Queens College - Masters, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- ISEE
- +63 subjects
Education & Certification
- National University of Singapore - Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical Engineering
- Nanyang Technological University Singapore - Doctor of Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- +61 subjects
Bethany: Dallas SSAT course instructor
...tests. In addition to skills in math and science, my undergraduate degree included a majority of upper level classes in history and literature. I am confident in my abilities to work with students needing assistance in writing, reading, and history. Having a great passion for education, I offer high enthusiasm and motivation in tutoring sessions. It is my firm goal to enhance the quality of students educational experience by providing the opportunities to find success....
Education & Certification
- University of Oklahoma Norman Campus - Bachelor in Arts, International Studies
- University of North Texas - Unknown, 4th-8th grade Generalist Teaching
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- STAAR
- Science
- +24 subjects
Kim: Dallas SSAT course instructor
I am able to determine what obstacles are preventing a student from grasping a concept, and create different means of overcoming those obstacles. Creating a partnership with the student and understanding what he or she needs to overcome is what makes me a great tutor. ... I would talk with the student and/or his or her parents to learn what each hopes to achieve from the tutoring sessions. I would ask what they've tried, what they liked, and what they didn't about their previous efforts. Then I would work hard to provide a good deal of value in that first lesson so that we can continue to work together.
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Anthroopology
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Masters, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- GED
- +57 subjects
Emily: Dallas SSAT course instructor
I recently graduated from the Master of Education in Counseling program at the University of Houston and is working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. I majored in Psychology and Sociology, and minored in Women's and Gender Studies in undergraduate. I speak and write fluent English, Mandarin, and Malay.
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- University of Houston - Masters in Education, Mental Health Counseling
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- A Level
- WPPSI
- ISEE
- +62 subjects
Ping: Dallas SSAT course instructor
I am very passionate about teaching and I truly want to make differences in the students' lives. I am an enthusiastic person who knows math well ranging from Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-calculus to AP Calculus AB and BC. I am excited to start your math journey with you.
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
- University of North Texas - Master of Arts, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- GED
- ACT
- +42 subjects
Lynn: Dallas SSAT course instructor
...have taught Biochemistry and Biology at undergraduate and graduate levels. I love and enjoy helping my students understand the wonderful world of science and making the learning experience an enjoyable one for them. As a visual and hands-on learner, I am passionate about using different teaching methods and styles with my students. Through my time as a student, the tips and tricks that I've picked up when learning science materials are ones that I pass...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry
- University of North Texas Health Science Center - Master of Science, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- CogAT
- SAT
- +96 subjects
Polly: Dallas SSAT course instructor
...tutor. I have training and experience with students of all learning levels. I also have a special needs child of my own, so I understand the needs of students from a teacher's and a parent's standpoint. I believe that the greatest success comes when children are allowed to move at their own pace, taking time to strengthen their skills and reinforce their successes as they learn. I love working with students, helping them improve their...
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISAT
- HSPT
- Study Skills and Organization
- +33 subjects
Corbin: Dallas SSAT course instructor
...received my Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering in 2003. Since graduation, I have worked in the areas of Transportation, Environmental, and Structural Engineering. I have also tutored part time since 2006 upon moving back to Dallas, TX. My main areas of focus within mathematics include Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Algebra III, College Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Elementary Math, Middle School Math, and Chemistry. My tutoring sessions are tailor made to each student focusing...
Education & Certification
- Southern University - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- Calculus
- +24 subjects
Vimari: Dallas SSAT course instructor
...love being bilingual! You will too! I think multilingualism is the key that opens up the doors of the world. I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico and I've completed studies in bilingual education and history. I've been teaching for 19 years (all ages/levels) and specialize in learning a second language. I also enjoy traveling,photography and learning from other cultures. I congratulate you in your decision to become bilingual and look forward...
Education & Certification
- Sacred Heart University - Bachelor in Arts, Bilingual Education
- Interamerican University - Master of Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- GCSE
- +57 subjects
Claire: Dallas SSAT course instructor
...best tutoring experience, coupled with high quality and fun learning! I am working towards a degree in biochemistry, and I have a passion for science and math! My tutoring style is to meet students where they are at, which means each tutoring session can vary based off of material, age, pace, learning style, or level of understanding. It is my promise to give each student a personalized, fun tutoring experience. In my free time, I...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- REGENTS
- +48 subjects
Adriana: Dallas SSAT course instructor
...the classroom and library. A large part of my classroom instruction involved tutoring in all core subject areas in grades K-5. As a librarian, I had the pleasure of working with middle school teens as a resource and mentor in academic competitions and other activities. My teaching philosophy involves listening to the student and assessing weaknesses and strengths. I use scaffolding to build upon small successes until the student has mastered skills and achieved his/her...
Education & Certification
- Southern Methodist University - Bachelors, Broadcast Film
- Southern Methodist University - Masters, Bilingual Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- HSPT
- +62 subjects