If you feel as though you or your student could benefit from taking a Denver SSAT prep course, Varsity Tutors offers one of the best products in the industry. The SSAT is a high-stakes test taken by students in grades 3-11 that gives admissions departments at independent and private schools an objective data point to consider when comparing applicants. Most schools also consider other factors, but a good score on the SSAT is one way to help an application stand out from the pile. If you feel that you need some professional assistance to reach for your academic potential, contact us today.
It would be silly to give a third-grader and high school junior the same exam, so the SSAT is divided into three "levels" in order to provide test-takers with an appropriate academic challenge. The Elementary Level SSAT is taken by students in grades 3 and 4, the Middle Level SSAT is taken in grades 5-7, and the Upper Level SSAT is taken in grades 8-11. Students generally take the SSAT the year before they plan to enroll in their new school. For example, an eighth-grader who takes the test hopes to attend a private or independent high school as a freshman.
What content areas are reviewed during a Denver SSAT course?
All levels of the SSAT have the same five sections: Quantitative, Reading, Verbal, Writing, and Experimental. The Experimental section consists of unscored items that may be used on future exams, so there's no need to worry about it. The Writing section isn't scored at any level either, but a student's work is used as a writing sample on their private school application. As such, it is just as important as the scored multiple-choice sections. Here is a more detailed look at what is covered on each section:
1. Quantitative (Math on the Elementary Level SSAT)
The Quantitative section measures a student's grade-appropriate mathematics skills. Children at the Elementary level deal with topics such as place value, long division, multiplication tables, and shapes, while older students work with algebra, geometry, and other more advanced concepts. Calculators are prohibited on all levels of the SSAT. The Elementary Level SSAT's Math section consists of 30 questions in 30 minutes, while the Quantitative section on the Middle and Upper Level SSAT is divided into two 30-minute sections with 25 questions each.
2. Reading
The Reading section consists of passage-based reading comprehension questions at all levels. Students are expected to identify the main idea, use context to define unfamiliar terminology, and differentiate between literal and non-literal words. Older students work with more difficult texts, and are expected to make appropriate inferences and evaluate arguments rather than merely understand what is written. The Elementary Level SSAT has 28 questions over a half-hour testing session, while the other two tests have 40 questions in 40 minutes.
3. Verbal
The Verbal section deals primarily with vocabulary, analogies, and synonyms. Children at the Elementary level have specific questions on all three topics, while vocab is worked into synonym and analogy questions at the Middle and Upper Levels. Older students can also benefit from studying prefixes, suffixes, and common word roots. Elementary Level SSAT test-takers have to answer 30 questions in 20 minutes, while older students get a half an hour to answer 60 items (30 synonyms, 30 analogies).
4. Writing
The Writing section is the only one with structural differences at all three levels. Elementary students have 15 minutes to compose a story based on a picture prompt, and the directions remind them to include a beginning, middle, and end. Middle school students choose between two creative writing prompts and have 25 minutes to construct their response. Upper Level SSAT test-takers also have 25 minutes but choose between a creative assignment and a more traditional essay prompt. This section assesses a student's spelling, punctuation, grammar, organization, and written communication skills at all levels.
Why should I enroll in a Denver SSAT course?
Students enrolled in a Denver SSAT class provided by Varsity Tutors study on a convenient Live Learning Platform, allowing them to meet with their knowledgeable instructor and classmates anywhere with a stable internet connection. Why bother commuting when a great class can come to you? We also offer two and four-week classes to make it easier to find one that suits your needs, and new classes start up every week so that you can get started on your schedule.
You might scoff at the notion of sharing a Denver SSAT class with other students at first glance, but it may actually be a benefit. Students are free to interact with one another on our live virtual platform, so they can help each other out while the teacher is with somebody else. Completing assignments in a group setting can also teach you to approach problems in ways you may not have thought of on your own. For example, reading somebody else's essay outline may provide inspiration to approach your own work in a new way.
Everybody can also work to establish a collaborative learning environment where questions are encouraged to develop a more comprehensive understanding of academic subjects. For instance, learning active reading skills can be a boon to students on the test's Reading section. Many students also take practice exams as part of their Denver SSAT class to develop a familiarity with the content and formatting they can expect on the actual exam.
Sharing a classroom also allows students to split the cost, making test prep more affordable than it would be if you had to foot the entire bill yourself. If you or your student seem to be falling behind, you can also schedule private study time outside of your regular sessions for a little extra help.
Can I sign up for a Denver SSAT course right now?
Of course. Simply use the contact info provided below to get in touch with a knowledgeable educational consultant who can guide you through the entire enrollment process. When you're looking for a Denver SSAT course, Varsity Tutors is the only name you need to know!
Jim: Denver SSAT course instructor
...college level in math and history (Rutgers University - PhD, 1988) and advised many others informally as a banking and investment professional (Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), since 1994). Recently, I have become a math tutor, mentor and substitute teacher in the Denver Public School system and an historical adviser for a national high school competition focused on the U.S. Constitution. Since my approach to studying the past has been very comprehensive, I have also developed...
Education & Certification
- Princeton/Empire State College - Bachelor in Arts, History & Social Theory
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - PHD, American History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- +110 subjects
Melissa: Denver SSAT course instructor
...in school when they are having trouble. With the right help and time, problem areas can feel less overwhelming and even fun. My method is to first understand my student's specific issue, and work to address him or her as an individual. I help them develop strategies so when they are alone and facing a difficult problem, they have the foundation and confidence to work through it by themselves. Most importantly though, I make sure...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- HSPT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +49 subjects
Ian: Denver SSAT course instructor
...the vocabulary and methods necessary to be successful in Math. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my family (wife, 4 kids, and a dog!). When I'm taking some time to myself, I can either be found reading a good book (I love most genres but hold a special place for Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Dystopian books. or watching some sports on TV (Go Broncos!). I do enjoy to travel when funds and time...
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- 6th Grade Math
- Study Skills
- +39 subjects
Shannon: Denver SSAT course instructor
...just need to find the right ways to teach them. Not every student learns in the same way, so it is up to teachers and tutors to help students discover how they learn best. It is often hard to find this out in a classroom of 25 or more students, but with a tutor, students can often find out how they can become lifelong learners and enrich their lives in the process.... I believe that all students have the ability to learn, and with a growth mindset, all students can be successful at whatever they choose to do. I believe that differentiated learning is the key to helping students succeed in school, which is why I enjoy tutoring. I am able to provide 1:1 instruction, thereby giving each student exactly what he or she needs to excel.
Education & Certification
- Colorado State University - Bachelors, English
- Grand Canyon University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- College English
- High School Level American Literature
- +22 subjects
Kathy: Denver SSAT course instructor
...on creating genuine "ah-ha" moments for all students. I teach with passion and incorporate lesson plans that challenge students, mixed with some light-hearted fun and creativity. I create an environment where students can grow at their own pace and flourish. It is here that students have ample opportunities to work hard, express themselves, share their work and celebrate their successes, both big and small. Acknowledging the it takes a village to make strides in a...
Education & Certification
- King's College - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of Colorado Denver - Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- HSPT
- +21 subjects
Erinrose: Denver SSAT course instructor
...time in St. Louis and Denver, I taught English Literature at the Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut and, earlier, at Germantown High School in Philadelphia. During my time at Loomis and Germantown, I taught English Lit I/III, Contemporary Literature, 10th grade grammar and expository writing seminars, Literature of the Sea, Experimental Novel, and Creative Writing. At Wash U, I taught Fiction Writing I, II, and Microfiction, and last year I facilitated pedagogy training for Wash...
Education & Certification
- Carleton College - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
- Washington University in St Louis - Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- Other
- Public Speaking
- +33 subjects
Rebecca: Denver SSAT course instructor
I believe that all students can achieve. It takes someone who is willing to work with each student to find out how they learn and apply those techniques to help the student learn.... My teaching philosophy is to help students reach their full potential while providing a safe, caring, and engaging environment.... In the first session with a student, I would find out a little bit about them and find out what might motivate them. I would also do an initial assessment to see where I need to begin my instruction.
Education & Certification
- Saint Leo University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary School Reading
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +16 subjects
Lizzie: Denver SSAT course instructor
...working with kids in one way or another since I was about 12 years old. With babysitting at a young age, working at day cares, and now teaching people of all ages how to ride horses you could say that I have a passion not only for kids but for being an educator. I am currently going to school to be an elementary school teacher and would love to have the opportunity to work with...
Education & Certification
- Red Rocks Community College - Current Undergrad, elementary education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- GED
- PARCC
- +41 subjects
Rebecca: Denver SSAT course instructor
...perform academically at their highest possible level. I also think it is important that learning is not just for one assignment or one test, but rather that it sticks with you to build a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence that you can carry forward. My favorite subjects to tutor include English, SAT test preparation, math, and psychology. My approach to tutoring is to meet the student where they're at and go from there. I...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- +53 subjects
Diptesh: Denver SSAT course instructor
...as standardized exam preparation. In the past, I have helped students achieve significant improvements and success on the SAT, SHSAT, Regents and other exams! I truly believe education is a mutual learning and teaching opportunity and enjoy helping my students achieve a thorough understanding (those "Aha!" moments) and appreciation of whatever they choose to study! In the future, I seek to pursue clinical and pedagogical medicine and enjoy biking, skateboarding, dancing, and philosophizing in my...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health & Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- TACHS
- HSPT
- +88 subjects
Max: Denver SSAT course instructor
...helping high school students achieve their academic goals as they work their way towards college. I volunteer in New Haven as a math teacher and coach at a public middle school (my team of 7th graders just won the 2016 New Haven regional championship!), and I've been tutoring middle and high school students for over 7 years. On top of all of that, I'm an aspiring professional in the business world - this past summer...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- PSAT
- +104 subjects
Erica: Denver SSAT course instructor
...be my specialties: *Standardized tests, such as the ISEE, SSAT, and AP examinations *Students who demonstrate challenging behaviors *Long-term tutoring in math and reading--I love to guide a student who initially struggled to meet and exceed expectations! Outside of my direct work with students, I have coordinated a math tutoring program that placed K-12 math tutors into local public schools. I have also served as a Crisis Services Supervisor at the National Runaway Safeline (NRS). At...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, English; Latin Language and Literature
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +77 subjects
Rachel: Denver SSAT course instructor
...a student as an individual and to adjust my own tutoring to fit the way they learn best. I believe that all students have what it takes to succeed in school, its just a matter of finding the style of learning that is most effective for them. What works or makes sense for one student will not necessarily work for the next student, and so it is essential as a tutor to be able to...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, General Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- CogAT
- PSAT
- +89 subjects
Cynthia: Denver SSAT course instructor
...high school students outside of class in college and involved in STEM academics and research mentorship as well as a translation program from and to English outside of class. I speak Japanese and French, and I have taken the PSATs, SATs, 10 APs, and the GREs successfully. I would be willing to help with any of these subjects, with math, science, and languages being more of my strong suit, and I would be willing to...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Neuroscience
- Johns Hopkins University - PHD, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +72 subjects
Joshua: Denver SSAT course instructor
...with. Although my tutoring specialty is test prep -- SAT, ACT, PSAT, SHSAT, and GRE -- I particularly love tutoring writing, and creative writing is a hobby of mine. My philosophy is that even when we are preparing for a standardized exam, we should always be relating the work to your passions, pursuits, and educational goals to make the work that much more meaningful. In my spare time, you'll often find me learning bits of...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, French and Francophone Studies
- University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Social Policy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- Advanced Placement
- TOEFL
- +92 subjects
Connor: Denver SSAT course instructor
...As an experienced tutor, I have continually enjoyed seeing my students achieve lofty goals under my instruction. I specialize in tutoring biology, chemistry, physics, and economics for high school students. In addition to this, I also tutor students in college level general chemistry, general biology, organic chemistry, introductory physics, economics and for the 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...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- STAAR
- HSPT
- +43 subjects
Jaimie: Denver SSAT course instructor
...I am a recent graduate of Northeastern University with my Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. I am currently working in the lab of Professor Robert Langer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology working on novel drug delivery systems for the gastrointestinal tract. I am hoping to attend medical school in pursuit of becoming a physician. I am currently interested in pediatrics and psychiatry but I am looking forward to exploring a range of...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern University - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- TOEFL
- +93 subjects
Zachary: Denver SSAT course instructor
...to continue to flex my intellectual side and share my passion for learning with the next generation. In college, I studied Cognitive Science, not so much as a fallback career, but because I am fascinated by the subject. I succeeded in getting into Northwestern without the aid of any academic tutors or test prep classes. As such, I am confident in my standardized test-taking abilities, and happy to share the strategies I used for the...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Theatre, Cognitive Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- CAHSEE
- +60 subjects
Jesse: Denver SSAT course instructor
...think about subjects creatively and from new angles. My largest interest, outside of education, is music. I worked throughout college as a music director at Wesleyan's radio station, and currently work as a producer and staff writer for Afropop Worldwide, a non-profit radio show dedicated to African music and music of the African diaspora. I also love watching independent films and reading fiction and philosophy. I love living in Brooklyn, but I enjoy leaving the...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelor in Arts, French & College of Letters (History/English/Philosophy)
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ASPIRE
- +80 subjects
Jacob: Denver SSAT course instructor
...school, I was both a tutor for kids at my local middle school as well as a private tutor and tutored in subject from Physics, AB Calculus, and AP World History. I also worked in my local synagogue as a Hebrew School teacher for 1st and 5th grade students, so I have had experience with all ages of children. Additionally, in college, I participate in a program called Each One Teach One. WashU has partnerships...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor in Arts, History/Political Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- ISEE
- HSPT
- +69 subjects