Varsity Tutors offers connections to Minneapolis SSAT prep options for students in third through eleventh grade who are planning to take the exam to apply to a private school. The SSAT measures a student's proficiency in the basic verbal, reading, and math skills necessary to perform well in a private or independent school setting. Schools use the SSAT as a tool to equitably assess individuals and compare applicants. There's an Elementary Level exam for students in grade 3-4, a Middle Level test for students in grades 5-7, and an Upper Level version for students in grades 8-11.
Whether you sign your child up for an SSAT prep course or individual SSAT instruction, Varsity Tutors makes your student a priority. There are many conveniences built into these SSAT study options. There are multiple class sections available at different times, and you can choose between a two- and four-week option. They run at different times of the day, so you can choose a section that works best with your family's schedule. We can also set your student up with a private tutor who's available to meet your child anytime that works. Whatever your student's particular needs, you can trust us to do everything we can to meet them.
What content will my student review during their Minneapolis SSAT prep?
To better understand what your student needs to know, let's review the information they'll be tested on. Most subjects are the same for all three levels; the only difference is the age-appropriateness of the concepts and questions.
The Elementary Level Verbal section has 30 questions to be completed in 30 minutes. The Middle and Upper Levels contain 60 questions, also to be completed in 30 minutes. This section assesses each student's grasp of the English language and vocabulary. The two main topics are synonyms and analogies. The depth of understanding and application increases as your child's age does, from a basic understanding of the idea of synonyms and analogies in third grade to being able to recognize Anglo-Saxon, Latin, and Greek prefixes and suffixes to determine meaning and parts of speech in context.
For the Reading sections, the Elementary test takers have 28 questions to finish in 30 minutes, and the Middle and Upper Level students have 40 questions and 40 minutes. The Elementary Level begins with basic reading comprehension. The Middle and Upper Level Reading sections get into interpreting the meaning from narrative and argumentative passages, with more advanced passages at each level.
The Quantitative section at the Elementary Level tests students on basic math. There are 30 questions for students to answer in 30 minutes. The Middle and Upper Level tests have two Quantitative sections with a total of 50 questions to be completed in one hour. The questions involve arithmetic, elementary or high school algebra, and geometry, both coordinate and plane. Your student's SSAT prep class or tutor can go over the specific math concepts that will be tested with your student as they study.
At each testing level, students are required to submit a Writing Sample, which is not scored, but is sent to each school they apply to. The Elementary Level students are given a prompt and need to write a simple story with a beginning, middle, and end. They have 15 minutes in which to do this. The Middle and Upper Level test takers have 25 minutes for their Writing Sample. They're given two prompts and choose one from which to write a coherent, well-organized response that uses correct English language conventions.
This is just an introduction to each test section and the specific content that will be studied during your student's Minneapolis SSAT prep class or private tutoring sessions. It's a lot of material to cover, but the majority of study will be reviewing material they've already learned and practiced. The SSAT's purpose is to measure them where they are now, not to make them learn new concepts.
Should I sign my student up for a Minneapolis SSAT prep course or individual tutoring?
There's no one correct answer that fits all students, which is why we offer the choice. The two things to take into consideration is which benefits will be most meaningful to your student and what they feel most comfortable with.
If working in collaboration with an expert instructor and classmates they can discuss ideas and suggestions with, then an online Minneapolis SSAT prep course might be the way to go. There are courses that run for two weeks and those that run for four weeks, so you can sign your student up for the one that best meets their needs. The collaborative spirit engendered in the virtual classroom can help with retention of the material discussed, so that can be a plus. In addition, your student will have more minds to work with, so there will be more opportunities to catch ideas for taking the test they might not have otherwise heard.
If your student finds group learning distracting, or for any reason prefers to work one-on-one with their instructor, Minneapolis SSAT prep tutoring is the way to go. This can also be helpful if your student has one or more areas that are very challenging for them, while already excelling in others. Perhaps the main advantage of private tutoring is the customization allowed. If you need a quick break every 10 minutes while studying, your tutor can accommodate that. If you need to spend much more time reviewing one subject over another, they can oblige you. Sessions with a private instructor can be arranged for any time that works with your schedule, too.
What do I need to do to get my child set up with a Minneapolis SSAT tutor or class?
No matter which type of Minneapolis SSAT preparation you and your child decide is their best option, it's simple to get set up with a class or a tutor. Simply contact Varsity Tutors today, and our educational experts can answer any questions you have. Then they'll ask you a few questions about your child's needs, goals, and schedule, then get them registered for the best SSAT prep option to meet their needs.

Meghan: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...with tutoring when I was in college at University of Northwestern, St. Paul. I had the opportunity to tutor a 9th grade boy in his English Learning. The following year I spent six weeks teaching English in China. I then was a middle school ESL teacher for three years. I've worked with students of all ages from Kindergarten to PhD level. I believe in teaching to the whole student and I enjoy hands-on learning activities...
Education & Certification
- University of Northwestern — St. Paul - Bachelor in Arts, Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Flute
- Middle School Writing
- English
- +40 subjects

Olivia: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...of our lessons. Following earning my Masters of Education at Vanderbilt University's Peabody College, I have worked as a certified Special Education teacher for students with learning and behavioral disabilities in 4th-8th grade. I have worked with children in a variety of settings from babysitting and nannying to tutoring in math, reading, and other content areas, and I enjoy working with all ages. It is essential to me to have a professional yet compassionate, positive...
Education & Certification
- St. Olaf College - Bachelors, History, Russian Language, Russian Area Studies
- Vanderbilt University - Masters, Special Education-High Incidence Disabilities
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Study Skills and Organization
- ISEE- Upper Level
- Reading
- +28 subjects

Barbara: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...a passion for me when two of my own children struggled with learning disabilities. I home schooled three of my four children from elementary school through high school graduation. Once my own children were grown, I began to work in the public schools as a paraprofessional working with students who had learning difficulties. During this time, I studied to get my teacher???s license at Weekend College. From 2013 to 2015, I worked as a special...
Education & Certification
- Augsburg College - Bachelors, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Elementary School Writing
- Biology
- Elementary Math
- +34 subjects

Hessah: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...experienced educator who works with native, ESL and Special Needs speakers. I am very flexible with the needs of my students and aim to educate rather than just lecture. My approach is interactive to thoroughly test whether the information is being processed or not. I have over 17 years of teaching experience of both group and one-on-one settings. As a doctoral candidate and published author, I am very interested in finding solutions to how people...
Education & Certification
- Kuwait University - Bachelors, Business Administration - Accounting
- Northeastern University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Math
- 8th Grade Reading
- Reading
- +241 subjects

Carey: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...share my passion for learning while helping students build skills and confidence that will help them academically and/or artistically, and more broadly in their lives. I offer knowledge, experience, supportive challenge, and the mentorship students need to achieve their goals and potential. I encourage my students to "make it their own" by nurturing a feeling of ownership and accountability in the learning process. I feel it is important to have integrity and "walk the walk"...
Education & Certification
- Carleton College - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- AP Psychology
- GED
- Human Development
- +82 subjects

Charles: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...with over ten years of experience teaching, tutoring, and coaching. Over the past four years, I have had the opportunity to work at a private school that served twice-exceptional students. These students had some type of learning difference (ADHD, Dyslexia, High-Functioning Autistic) while also possessing gifted attributes. Above all, being compassionate and patient with these students fostered a positive environment that helped them achieve success for the year. My experience is not limited to the...
Education & Certification
- The Citadel - Bachelors, English
- University of Phoenix-Honolulu Campus - Masters, Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Languages
- College English
- Other
- +23 subjects

Camille: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...I taught at an accelerated charter school with a focus on math and science. These diverse teaching experiences, as well as my current position, have taught me so much about how to best lead students to learn. I have many teaching strategies I love sharing with each student I meet, and value adding to my tool box with each session. My hope is to help students fill in any gaps there may be in their...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Morris - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- High School English
- Life Sciences
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +33 subjects

Vania: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...from MIT with my B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering with a double major in Music, while completing the pre-health track. I have been tutoring college level physics, biology, multivariable calculus, and organic chemistry for the past four years. I have also helped high school students prepare for the SAT and ACT. I am an avid classical pianist, EMT, swimmer, and tinkerer. I love explaining things and paying forward my knowledge to those around me!... It is the job of the tutor to individualize explanations for each student. I strive to find a way for students to really understand the concept so that applications to problem solving become second nature.
Education & Certification
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- AP Physics 2
- ACT Writing
- SAT
- +36 subjects

Michelle: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...Science degree in Chemistry and have attended the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities and Metropolitan State University. I worked with Math Corps tutoring students in Saint Paul and helping them to prepare and pass the MCA tests. I love working with students and relating math and science to real world situations. I feel that relating subjects to real world situations helps to put learning these particular subjects in perspective. I have extensive tutoring experience in...
Education & Certification
- Metropolitan State University - Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT Critical Reading
- ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra
- IB Chemistry
- +126 subjects

Maury: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...the elementary level for 4 years in an urban environment. Most of the students that I have worked with have been at least 1 grade level behind. One of my goals as a teacher is to ensure the success of my students regardless of how far behind they are. I have also worked with students that are gifted and talented and need enrichment included in their learning experiences. I can't wait to begin working to...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston - Bachelors, Interdisciplinary Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Math
- ESL/ELL
- Test Prep
- +15 subjects
Education & Certification
- Lawrence University - Bachelors, Anthropology
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Masters, Second Languages and Cultures Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- College English
- High School English
- +9 subjects

Nick: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...math for seven years at all grade levels. This experience provided me the opportunity to work with many different students and I learned that each student is extremely unique. In 2011, I moved back to Minnesota and taught both special education and general education students again focusing mainly on teaching math. I believe that all students can learn and I have experienced this firsthand. I have high expectations for each student I teach and work...
Education & Certification
- University of North Dakota - Bachelors, Psychology
- Concordia University-Saint Paul - Masters, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Study Skills and Organization
- ISEE
- Pre-Algebra
- +28 subjects

Kristin: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...English teacher and college counselor from Chicago enrolled at a graduate writing program at the University of Minnesota. I most love helping students discover their power and voice through college essays and projects for their literature courses, but I also love helping students grow in their reading skills and other classes. I believe that every learner has the ability to grow if a good teacher or tutor pushes him or her along the way. I...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Bachelors, English
- CUNY Lehman College - Masters, Secondary English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Homework Support
- Comparative Literature
- Test Prep
- +35 subjects

Ezra: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...standardized tests in June 2019. I also have experience and skill in testing strategies. I love helping figure out what strategies work for each person to write an academic paper, based on their own style. For testing, I am especially familiar with the ACT. Before Stanford, I went to Logan High School, a medium (1800 person) public school in Logan, UT. Outside of tutoring, I'm passionate about the theater. I write plays and poems. I...
Education & Certification
- Stanford University - Bachelor in Arts, Theater Literature, History, and Criticism
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Writing
- Middle School Math
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +62 subjects

Britta: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
I am currently a High School Language Arts teacher for students with special needs. I love what I do and the students I work with. I have experience with tutoring all ages and academic levels in English and Math. I am willing to try new things including new teaching experiences. I am also looking forward to working with different types of students to reach their goals.... I am a high-energy, lively and funny teacher. I like when students are engaged with the material on a real world level. Whatever the goal is, I look at real life examples to make the material more relevant, and coincidentally, better understood.
Education & Certification
- Augsburg College - Bachelors, Secondary Education Communication Arts
- Saint Thomas University - Masters, Special Education EBD
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Elementary Math
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Essay Editing
- +16 subjects

Danae: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...interested in working as a tutor for Varsity Tutors. The subjects I am most interested in tutoring are math, Spanish, and ACT prep. Education has always been important to me, and I love sharing it with others. I love seeing that others are passionate about a particular topic, even if it isn’t something I’m necessarily interested in. I would describe my tutoring style as laid back, but goal-oriented. I am incredibly understanding and patient, but...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Current Undergrad, Political Science and Spanish
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Writing
- College English
- High School English
- +27 subjects

Kassandra: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...human rights advocacy work, studied at the San Francisco Academy of Ballet and worked as both a research assistant to numerous professors and as a teaching assistant in many classes. I also tutored students in PSAT, SAT Verbal, ACT, AP History, English and Literature preparation through "Ivy West" while I was living in the San Francisco Bay area. Now that I am living in Minnesota, I am thrilled to be working with Varsity Tutors. I...
Education & Certification
- Lawrence University - Bachelor in Arts, Comparative Religion/English
- University of California Hastings College of Law - Juris Doctor, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Social Studies
- +40 subjects

Amy: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
I am a credentialed teacher and taught 3rd grade. I have also been a tutor for elementary and high school age students for many years. I have experience in tutoring most subjects. My goal is to help you / your child feel confident and successful in any subject we work on together.
Education & Certification
- Sonoma State University - Bachelor in Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- High School Level American History
- Elementary School
- +68 subjects

Cassandra: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
...the University of Minnesota, a MA in Early Modern History at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom, and a Masters if Library and Information Science at St. Catherine University in Minnesota. I have over a decade of experience working in the Financial Services industry. At one time, I held Series 6, Series 7, Series 24 and Series 63 licenses. I get along well with people of all ages and backgrounds. I'm good...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Bachelor in Arts, History
- University of East Anglia - Master of Arts, European History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- College Application Essays
- English
- Elementary School Writing
- +74 subjects

Nicole: Minneapolis SSAT test prep instructor
As a champion of life-long learning, I am pursuing my EdD in Curriculum and Instruction at Capella University. Having completed my MS in Literacy from Capella in 2016, my desire to help readers of all ages is still at the forefront of my personal and professional goals. My background in Language Arts and English education also serve as a foundation for supporting strong readers and writers.
Education & Certification
- Bethel College - Bachelor in Arts, Language Arts Teacher Education
- Capella University - Master of Science, Reading Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Latin 4
- Latin
- English
- +27 subjects