Finding the right New York City SSAT prep solution for your child couldn't be easier with the help of the experts at Varsity Tutors. Whether your child will be facing the Elementary Level, Middle Level, or Upper Level SSAT, we know you want to help your child do their best. That's why it's so important to find the right professional academic resources to support your child as they work towards their SSAT scoring goals.
The SSAT is a highly regarded standardize examination used by admissions officials for private and independent schools as part of their admission process. Continue reading to learn more about what the various level of the SSAT cover and how Varsity Tutors can help you find the right prep solution for your child's academic needs.
What can New York City SSAT prep cover?
Before discussing what a prep solution can cover it's important to talk about the format of the test itself. The SSAT has three separate levels. The Elementary Level SSAT is designed for students who will be applying to enter fourth or fifth grade. The Middle Level SSAT is for students who will be applying to enter a middle school grade. The Upper Level SSAT is designed for students who want to gain entrance to a private or independent high school.
All three levels of the SSAT include the same types of sections. The section titles of the SSAT are Quantitative, Reading, Verbal, Experimental, and Writing Sample. The Upper Level and Middle Level SSAT have two Quantitative portions. The Lower Level SSAT has only one. For all levels, the writing sample and the experimental section are not graded. The Upper Level and Middle Level SSAT testers will have just under three hours to complete all parts of their test. The lower level SSAT tester will have just under two hours to complete all items on their exam.
The Quantitative section of the SSAT evaluates your child's grade level appropriate math skills. During no portion of any level of the SSAT are calculators permitted. Some of the math skills your child may need to review depending on their grade level for this section included basic arithmetic such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, measurement, as well as more advanced skills such as probability, word problems, coordinate geometry, equations, identifying area and perimeter, and other concepts associated with algebra and geometry.
The Verbal and Reading sections of all levels of the SSAT evaluate your child's reading comprehension and English language skills. Some of the specific concepts that can be covered during these portions of the exam include determining the author's purpose, understanding and evaluating opinions and arguments, identifying main idea, finding details, making inferences, making predictions, grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, punctuation, spelling, and other grade level appropriate skills related to standard English language conventions.
The Writing Sample portion of all levels of the SSAT are related to the previously described English sections. While the writing sample your child produces will not be graded, it will be sent to any school to which they apply. Since admissions officials will see it, it makes sense to have your child review for this section of the test as well. Some of the skills that are useful when completing a writing sample include effective organization of a topic, basic writing skills, persuasive writing tactics, and providing supporting statements with examples.
All New York City SSAT prep resources can help your child prepare for any of the subject area content covered on the test.
How can a New York City SSAT prep class help my child prepare for their upcoming exam?
When you enroll your child in a prep course, they will have access to the same type of structured learning environment available in a typical classroom. One of the most significant differences is that the course is entirely online. However, this is an advantage for busy families because it means there is no need to arrange for transportation to and from class.
You have the option of enrolling your child in two week or four-week classes. Two week classes are great for students who do better during short bursts of high-intensity academic endeavors. Four-week classes are good for students who perform better when they are given more time to acclimate to the environment and information being presented. All of our classes are modular in design, so we can have new sections beginning each week, which makes it easy for you and your child to get started.
During a classroom session, the teacher will provide direct instruction to deliver the lesson and then may facilitate group conversations or assign group projects to help the students more fully understand the material.
Prep classes are perfect for students who work well in an interactive and engaging environment. Especially if they are highly motivated to do their best when surrounded by peers.
How is working with a New York City SSAT tutor different from taking a course?
One of the biggest differences between private tutoring sessions and a prep course is the amount of individualized instruction available. Classroom teachers are unable to spend a significant amount of time with each student. Tutors, on the other hand, only have one student at a time and can devote all of their attention to your child. This allows private instructors to get to know your child and customize their lessons based on your child's learning style, academic needs, and SSAT goals.
Another benefit of working with a private instructor is greater scheduling freedom. You can schedule private sessions throughout the week and on weekends during the day or evening hours.
Private instruction is an excellent option for students who thrive with one-on-one instruction.
How can I get my child started with the right New York City SSAT prep solution?
Varsity Tutors can help you determine which New York City SSAT preparation strategy is best for your child. Whether you decide to have your child enroll in a New York City SSAT prep course or you want help connecting with a skilled private instructor, we can help you get started. Contact Varsity Tutors today to begin immediately.

Ming: New York SSAT test prep instructor
I graduated from Columbia University in 2016 with a degree in applied mathematics. I work in finance now but have always had a passion for tutoring peers. I've been tutoring for standardized tests such as the SATs, AP subject tests, and ACTs since high school.
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelors, Applied Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- AP Statistics
- SSAT- Upper Level
- Test Prep
- +54 subjects

Arun: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...understanding of the fundamentals of the subject that they are struggling with. This kind of understanding will help not only with immediate academic gains, but with future success as well. In school environments, students often do not receive individualized attention that seeks out the gaps in their understanding. By spending time with my student, I can assess those gaps and fill them, helping my students improve. All the knowledge in the world will amount to...
Education & Certification
- George Washington University - Bachelors, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Math
- English
- HSPT Language Skills
- +32 subjects

Foster: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...enlightening as possible. I am always interested in finding new ways to approach problems, and I value each student for the unique things that only they can bring to the table.* *I studied for three years at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, earning my B.A. in Theatre. I moved to New York City right after graduation, and right at the same time as the COVID pandemic began. What can I say? I'm a lucky guy! To...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Bachelor in Arts, Theater Arts
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Algebra
- Phonics
- IB Theatre
- +31 subjects

Liz: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...of my college career studying abroad in London. I studied Shakespeare and the classics and appeared in several productions while in London, all of which have contributed to my love of words. My passion for the arts extends to working with children and young adults. I have been a choreographer for middle school musicals for several years. I love working with kids, and have experience tutoring middle school students in Spanish, tutoring high school students...
Education & Certification
- University of Southern California - Bachelor in Arts, Theatre
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Mathematics
- Test Prep
- High School English
- +40 subjects

Elisheva: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...well as rewarding occupation. As a lifelong learner, I love to help others understand a topic they are struggling with. I feel that the tutor gains as much as the student from the experience. As a tutor, I believe that students will enjoy learning if they understand the material rather than memorize it, so I always strive to clarify the underlying principles and central themes of any topic I am explaining. This also helps the...
Education & Certification
- Adelphi University - Bachelor in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Test Prep
- ISEE- Upper Level
- ISEE-Upper Level Mathematics Achievement
- +60 subjects

Daniel: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...be one too. I am currently an undergraduate at Kean University to be a Mathematics Education teacher. I've tutored independently and at other companies for years before finding my home at Varsity Tutors. My first and strongest experiences with tutoring has been with Algebra and Algebra 2, but through experience with students of all ages, I can also help with lower levels of Mathematics. Fractions and decimals are a problem of the past! Outside of...
Education & Certification
- Kean University - Current Undergrad, Education - Mathematics Secondary
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Math
- Inorganic Chemistry
- SAT Mathematics
- +20 subjects

Emma: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...enough practice and some solid test-taking strategies, anyone can master these. As a former Division I runner, I've learned the importance of persistence and hard work, and I love sharing these values with my students and helping them to make significant gains. Outside of tutoring, I work as a scientist at a healthcare startup, and when I'm not at work I'm likely to be found running around Central Park, debating public policy, or practicing my...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Bachelors, Neurobiology major, Economics minor
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Biology
- American Literature
- High School Economics
- +44 subjects

Clio: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...and succeed. Even though I'm a humanities gal, I love and miss math. It's so satisfying to determine what 'x' equals instead of arguing endlessly controversial topics; I love doing both. Outside of film and tutoring, I love to dance both ballet, modern, and to whatever songs my roommates and I play. I would love to be your tutor. I have been working with Varsity for the last 4 years and have watched and learned...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Undergrad, Film Studies and Political Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Homework Support
- SSAT- Middle Level
- SAT Subject Test in Spanish with Listening
- +53 subjects

Sheena: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...simple: kindness, calmness, clarity, and fun. I keep my students consistently engaged with questions. I know how to rephrase questions and bring them back in ways that each student is interested in to see maximum results. Most importantly, I find ways to make the material interesting and easily relatable to my students. A personal investment in material is a great way to see progress! Aside from learning and teaching, I love traveling (I recently visited...
Education & Certification
- Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College - Bachelors, Economics, Chinese
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Algebra 3/4
- ISEE- Lower Level
- High School Economics
- +48 subjects

Sam: New York SSAT test prep instructor
I work and live in New York City. I grew up in Knoxville, TN and went to the University of Pittsburgh, where I studied economics and political science. I'm light-hearted but take academics very seriously. In all of my lessons I combine my curiosity about the world with the idea that learning can be fun.
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh - Bachelors, Political Science and Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Algebra
- SAT Math
- Elementary School Math
- +64 subjects

Angela: New York SSAT test prep instructor
I believe that everyone can achieve academic successes under proper guidance. I'd like to be the light tower for my students on the endless sea of study. I want to help them to find their own ways to the right place. I will help my students to find their own way to solve problems on certain subject and master techniques of studying certain subjects. ... I believe that everyone can be good at school if she/he gets the right teacher.
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan College - Bachelors, Theatre and Communication
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Math
- Mandarin Chinese 2
- SAT Reading
- +16 subjects

Alana: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...I have tutored various subjects including biology, math, Spanish, and English. In college, I was accepted into the Mentoring and Student Teaching Program for underserved children in Philadelphia. I served as a science and english tutor for three years, while tutoring my peers in Spanish and Biology as well. Having taken the MCAT and excelled on the SAT, ACT, as well as multiple SAT subject tests, I am have extensive standardized testing experience and am...
Education & Certification
- Haverford College - Bachelor of Science, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Writing
- ISEE
- Music
- +56 subjects

Natalie: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...am a Ph.D. student at Columbia, and I just moved to New York City this fall! I love tutoring and teaching students, and I have worked with a number of educational programs, from boarding schools to Americorps. I specialize in languages (English, French, German, Latin, and Ancient Greek) and test prep. I seek to help my students make connections between new material and things that are familiar to them, breaking down higher concepts with accessible...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Philosophy
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Grad Student, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT Writing
- French 2
- French 1
- +59 subjects

Roshan: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...I'm a Sophomore enrolled in TCNJ's 7 Year Medical Program. I have prior experience in tutoring from helping previous clients within SAT Math. I am also available to tutor in SAT Prep and writing. I am very passionate about helping students of all backgrounds realize their dreams and become more passionate and confident about their academics. I provide focused, targeted lessons and often rely on analogies as well as visual teaching aids within my lessons....
Education & Certification
- The College of New Jersey - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Pre-Calculus
- SAT
- AP English Literature and Composition
- +42 subjects

Moriah: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...the recent years at the school, I have been focusing more on the Reading portions of standardized tests but have at times assisted students in the math and science portions as well usually one-on-one. I strongly believe that every students has their own style of learning and must learn at their own pace. Although, sometimes giving them too much leeway may not always be the best solution, I am there to also provide encouragement and...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Music
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Science
- Arithmetic
- Spanish 3
- +61 subjects

Margarita: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...been working part-time in a dermatologist office as a Medical Assistant and part-time on a public health project related to smoking cessation. I have also been tutoring students in a variety of subjects. I have been tutoring students since I was in 7th grade, and my favorite subject to tutor is math. My family is originally from Russia, and I grew up with a very strong and traditional math background. I always find teaching math...
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- 10th Grade Math
- 7th Grade Math
- Graduate Test Prep
- +55 subjects

Dylan: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...I try to really drive home, on a conceptual level, why things are done the way that they are. Over the course of my tutoring career I have found this approach to be far more effective in the long run. If you give a students a robust base of knowledge and the tools to build off of it, you empower them to learn new topics by themselves, tackle test questions that they haven't seen before,...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Current Undergrad Student, Economics
- Cornell University - Current Undergrad Student, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- High School Physics
- Economics
- SAT Mathematics
- +78 subjects

Johann: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...George is classroom instructor and one-on-one tutor in New York City. He teaches SAT and ACT prep classes to 10th and 11th grade students at The Lycee Francais of New York, The Spence School, The Nightingale Bamford School, and LaGuardia High School. For the past 4 years, he has tutored hundreds of students one-on-one for the SSAT, ISEE, and SAT II Math Subject Tests (I and II). He also advises students applying to performing arts...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Theatre/Music Theatre
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- English
- SSAT- Middle Level
- Essay Editing
- +57 subjects

Jacob: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...non-profit that pairs college-aged students with prestigious internships at film festivals around the globe. I've worked with students internationally in Berlin, the Cannes Film Festival, and the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. I've had a rich and interesting tutoring experience, having taught jazz piano, chess, video editing, and even taught basic English skills to Japanese speakers over Skype. For the past year I've volunteered with NY Cares, an organization that brings high-quality after-school programs to...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Writing
- Middle School Writing
- SAT Writing and Language
- +31 subjects

Ashton: New York SSAT test prep instructor
...received my bachelor's degree in computer science and mathematics from the University of Rochester, and am currently pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity at Rutgers University. I have experience tutoring math at the middle school and high school levels, particularly algebra and related topics. In tutoring I believe the most important thing is that the student understand *why* something is the case, rather than just *that* it is. This is crucial to forming a strong...
Education & Certification
- University of Rochester - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics and Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- AP Environmental Science
- Information Technology
- Operating Systems
- +93 subjects