Varsity Tutors is a powerful resource for students interested in enrolling in a Kansas City SSAT prep course. The SSAT is a standardized test that exists to give private and independent schools an objective data point that allows them to compare candidates with different backgrounds fairly. There are three different "levels" of the SSAT: Elementary Level for students in grades 3 and 4, Middle Level for students in grades 5-7, and Upper Level for students in grades 8-11. Students take the SSAT the year before they plan to attend a new school. For instance, a sixth-grader is looking to start attending a private or independent school for grade 7.
Most schools look at other criteria as well as standardized test scores, but a strong performance on the SSAT is one way for either you or your student to stand out in a crowded applicant pool. If you feel like your test prep could use a boost, taking a Kansas City SSAT class is a great way to improve your study skills in advance of the exam. Keep reading to discover more information about this valuable service.
What topics are typically covered in a Kansas City SSAT course?
The Elementary Level SSAT has a total testing time of one hour and 50 minutes, while the Middle and Upper Level exams last two hours and 50 minutes. This means that the Elementary Level Exam has a completely different format from the test older students take, while the Middle and Upper Level SSATs differ only in the level of material covered.
The SSAT has five sections no matter which level is taken: Writing, Quantitative, Reading, Verbal, and Experimental. The Experimental section allows the exam's manufacturer to test out future exam items and is always unscored. The Writing section is also unscored, but a student's essay is included in their private school application as a writing sample. Here is a closer look at the four exam sections that matter:
Writing
The Writing section of the SSAT is designed to assess a student's written communication skills, command of English grammar, punctuation, organization, and spelling. On the Elementary Level test, students have 15 minutes to compose a short story based on a provided picture prompt. The directions remind them to include a beginning, middle, and end in their work. Middle Level test-takers choose between two creative writing prompts and have 25 minutes to finish. The Upper Level SSAT also allows 25 minutes to plan and compose a response, but students choose between a creative or traditional essay prompt.
Quantitative
The Quantitative section is called "Math" on the Elementary Level SSAT and consists of 30 multiple-choice questions about topics such as subtraction, shapes, fractions, multiplication, and place value. Children have half an hour to answer all of the questions. Students taking the Middle or Upper Level SSAT answer a total of 50 multiple-choice questions evenly split between two 30-minute subsections. Questions are about more advanced topics such as data analysis, algebra, and geometry. Calculators are not permitted on any level of the SSAT.
Reading
The Reading section consists of 28 multiple-choice questions over 30 minutes on the Elementary Level SSAT and 40 multiple-choice questions over 40 minutes on the other two. All students are presented with reading passages and asked to identify the main idea and relevant supporting details, distinguish between literal and non-literal meanings, and use context to define terminology. Older students are also asked to critically evaluate arguments and make inferences based on what they read. Naturally, the passages also become more difficult at higher levels of the SSAT.
Verbal
The Verbal section contains 30 multiple-choice questions over 20 minutes on the Elementary Level SSAT and 60 multiple-choice items over 30 minutes on higher levels of the test. Vocab, analogies, and synonyms are the primary topics of discussion, with vocabulary worked into the other two question types on the Middle and Upper Level SSATs. Some of these questions can get pretty tricky, so it may be a good idea to study prefixes, suffixes, and word roots to help a student piece together what a word means and how it might relate to others.
Can you explain some of the benefits of taking a Kansas City SSAT course to me?
Every Kansas City SSAT class we provide takes place on our exclusive live virtual platform, allowing students to meet with their instructor and a handful of classmates wherever anywhere with a strong internet connection. Our platform supports real-time interactions between everybody involved, so asking for help is as simple as raising your hand. We also start new classes every week and offer two and four-week options to make it possible to fit a class into even the busiest schedule.
Each Kansas City SSAT class also covers both academic skills and test-taking strategies specific to the SSAT. If you or your student could express yourself more effectively on written assignments, learning how to outline your response before you try to compose it may prove beneficial. Similarly, children taking the Elementary Level SSAT should try to answer every question because there is no penalty for incorrect responses. However, students taking the Middle and Upper Level exams are penalized for every wrong answer, making a blank question better than an incorrect response. Whether to guess or not on these items comes down to a student's perceived odds of guessing correctly.
Studying with other students also carries several advantages. You can split the cost of your expert instructor, making formal test prep more affordable than you might think. Perhaps more importantly, multiple students can work together to foster a learning environment where everybody can ask questions and do their best to develop a more comprehensive understanding of academic concepts. For example, learning how to approach a math problem from a peer instead of an instructor can help it seem more accessible.
How do I enroll in a Kansas City SSAT course?
Simply use the info provided on this page to connect with a knowledgeable educational consultant who can walk you through the entire enrollment process. Varsity Tutors is a leader in the Kansas City SSAT course space, and we would be delighted to show you why!
Andrea
...stories!). I think all good tutoring experiences are built on a trusting, respectful relationship, so I really try to get to know my students. Tutoring is more fun for everyone involved if we can bring in some of our interests: one thing I learned from a former student is that ice skating can be a great way to teach angles. Beyond teaching I like reading mystery novels (as you probably gathered from the Sherlock Holmes...
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- Lawrence University - Bachelor in Arts, English
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- SSAT
- French 2
- Essay Editing
- French 3
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Vaishnavi
...I also volunteer at the UMKC Dream Project, an organization in which we tutor middle school and high school students from the Kansas City area. As a current medical student at UMKC, I am able to tutor higher level science courses, but I am also comfortable with helping my clients with math courses and test prep. My goal for my students is that they understand concepts so well thatI they will remember it at any...
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- UMKC - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- UMKC School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Medicine
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- SSAT
- Microbiology
- SAT Subject Test in Chemistry
- Trigonometry
- +120 subjects
Richie
...as word decoding, comprehension strategies, fluency, & writing instruction. My favorite subject to tutor is math because I really enjoy problem solving. Outside of education, I enjoy spending time with my wife & two dogs, Bailey & Maddy, traveling, working out, & watching movies. I am the right tutor for your child because I believe that all children can reach their fullest potential with the right guidance. This guidance can come from a great teacher,...
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- Minnesota State University-Mankato - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- University of Saint Mary - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Elementary Math
- Reading
- College English
- +22 subjects
Anna
...at the Université du Havre and minored in during college. I believe that curiosity is the most important ingredient in learning. As a tutor, I ask questions to help students come to right answers on their own, and I show students how to ask their own questions as well. I believe in giving my students resources that help them continue learning after tutoring is finished and throughout their lives. In addition, using my knowledge of...
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- University of Kansas - Bachelors, Biology, Environmental Studies
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- SSAT
- Latin
- Summer
- ACT
- +52 subjects
Andrea
...focusing on Algebra/Algebra 2, Physics, and Chemistry. Students have often said that I am a very clear, patient, and thorough tutor. I believe it's important to let students do as much of the work independently as possible so that they stay involved in the learning process, and I also find it valuable to relate previous knowledge to new material. But most of all, I just really enjoy the subjects I teach and love sharing them...
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- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor in Arts, Physics
- University of Washington - Seattle - Master of Science, Physics
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- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT Critical Reading
- ISEE
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Scott
...intensely on test-taking strategies, creative problem-solving skills, time management, and effective study habits. I also understand that standardized tests and high-pressure academics can be a tremendous source of anxiety. I view tutoring as an opportunity to mentor students through this process so they can actually enjoy learning and reaching their full potential. For the past five years, I've tutored and taught classroom programs throughout the Chicago area, focusing on ACT/SAT prep, academic subjects, and multiple...
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- Arizona State University - Bachelors, Theatre
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- SSAT
- College Essays
- Essay Editing
- SAT Subject Tests
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Mary
I am a young teacher that is dual certified in Mathematics and English Language Arts. I am enthusiastic about teaching and I love fostering a deeper understanding and love for mathematics in my students. I love working with middle school students and helping them develop study skills that will last them through their college careers. ... I believe the fundamental goal of teaching is to foster a love for learning. Learning takes place in many different circumstances and contexts. Humans have multiple learning styles: some learn best in lecture atmospheres, some are motivated by discussion, and others absorb best when they read and reflect on what they have read. The classroom setting can encourage or inhibit learning depending on the dominant learning style of each student. It is my goal as a tutor to instill learning and study strategies into my students to help them succeed in any classroom.
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- University of Central Missouri - Bachelors, Education
- University of Missouri-Columbia - Masters, Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum
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- SSAT
- Writing
- Test Prep
- Reading
- +8 subjects
Justin
...on homework with them. I was also a volunteer for the A+ program here in Missouri where I spent time tutoring students at local elementary schools on various subjects. As a student who struggled with motivation in school through much of my early childhood, I can relate to many students and help connect with them and inspire them to live up to their academic potential. In my spare time I like to exercise, read, spend...
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- Longview Community College - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science/History
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- SSAT
- AP United States History
- IB History SL
- Public Speaking
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Jessica
The exchange of information and education is a passion for me! Creating a comfortable and fun atmosphere will allow learning to be enjoyable and memorable for all parties involved!... Keep it entertaining! I love using innovative and contemplative approaches to teaching; learning should be permanent and fun!... Breaking the ice and laughing is always a good idea for a first lesson! Introductions and getting to know someone is exciting, and I would have a few questions, as well as have information about myself to share with the student before jumping right into the task at hand. Certainly, we will get to know each other more as time went on, but fun first impressions are great!
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- University of Colorado Denver - Bachelors, International Relations
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- SSAT
- Business Ethics
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Rose
...earned a Bachelor's in General Studies from Emporia State University which was a self-programmed public relations degree. Over the years I have found myself conducting classes for preschoolers, corporate executives, and every skill level in between. But I have found the tutoring model of one-to-one instruction brings quicker results. I enjoy helping students achieve those "ah ha" moments when a concept clicks. Often that moment comes by relating a troubling concept to something the student...
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- Bachelor of General Studies - Unknown, Public Relations
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- SSAT
- ISEE- Middle Level
- AP U.S. Government & Politics
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- +36 subjects
