The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test, or OLSAT, is an exam given at all grade levels, to assess a student's knowledge of verbal, nonverbal, and quantitative abilities. This test is used by school districts to ensure that students are in the correct academic placements and that they are being challenged when necessary. It is also a way for educators to determine if a student should be placed in a gifted and talented program or on a more rigorous schedule. An OLSAT prep course can be an enjoyable way for students to prepare for the test and to seek deeper understanding in a variety of topics. Parents can help their students to prepare for the OLSAT test by contacting Varsity Tutors. We can connect you with tutors who understand what your student may be expected to know and those tutors will provide personalized, one-on-one OLSAT courses.
An OLSAT class for a third grader would look different than the OLSAT prep course for an older student, because they are tested on different materials, and a tutor would create a program of study that included different strategies to review topics and prepare for the exam.
There are verbal and nonverbal sections in the test, and students in different grades may see certain categories of questions that students in other grades might not. This information is important, because it can help a tutor to design an OLSAT course of study for your student that highlights those sections for their corresponding grade levels. The table below explains what sections are included in the OLSAT 8 exam and which grades see the specific sections:
OLSAT 8 Exam Section | Grade Range |
Verbal Sections | |
Verbal Comprehension | K-12 |
Verbal Reasoning | K-12 |
Nonverbal | |
Pictorial Reasoning | K-2 |
Figural Reasoning | 3-12 |
Quantitative Reasoning | 3-12 |
For students in grades 9-12, the OLSAT exam looks different than those in K-2 or 3-12. Subsections include information that is more complex, like arithmetic reasoning, verbal analogies, and a pattern matrix. That difference will mean that OLSAT prep courses for high-school aged students may include different styles of instruction, maybe lecture and quizzes, while younger students might use more flashcards and more visual study aids. An OLSAT course can be personalized to help your student get the absolute most from their time.
The table below outlines some of the exam subsections that a high school student could expect to see when they take the test, and an OLSAT prep class could include sessions on a variety of these topics, to help a pupil feel more confident come test day.
OLSAT 8 Level G (Grades 9-12) Exam Subsections
- Antonyms
- Sentence Completion
- Sentence Arrangement
- Arithmetic Reasoning
- Logical Selection
- Word/Letter Matrix
- Verbal Analogies
- Verbal Classification
- Inference
- Figural Analogies
- Pattern Matrix
- Figural Series
- Number Series
- Number Inference
- Number Matrix
An OLSAT prep course doesn't have to look like traditional OLSAT prep classes designed for groups. This is because a tutor works with your student one-on-one and can speed up their work, or slow it down, if they notice that your student is more or less familiar with subjects as they move through the topics in the OLSAT class together.
Don't hesitate to reach out to Varsity Tutors to set up tutoring and OLSAT prep classes with a tutor who spends one on one time with your student, to help them prepare for a test that can help them move into an academic schedule that makes them feel challenged and supported at the same time.

Juliana: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame with a BA in the Program of Liberal Studies. After graduation, I worked as a teacher at a high adventure outdoor boarding school, where I taught middle school social studies, english, and math. I also worked for the Institute of Reading Development, teaching reading classes to students...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelor in Arts, Liberal Arts and Sciences
- The University of Alabama - Master of Science, Library and Information Science
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +73 subjects

Dawn: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...concept. I homeschooled my own children from kindergarten through high school. I taught 2nd grade for 8 years. I have taught English to children in China (online) for the last 3 years. I believe education is the best way to improve one's life, and I strive to help people reach their educational goals.
Education & Certification
- University of Central Florida - Bachelor of Education, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- SSAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- +34 subjects
Jill: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...currently a Radiologic Technology Program Chair and Instructor. I have two undergraduate degrees, one in Medical Imaging and the other in Health Sciences, and a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a minor in Distance Learning. I have experience in almost every aspect of radiology and healthcare, but I specialize in education....
Education & Certification
- College of Lake County - Associate in Science, Radiologic Technology
- Grand Canyon University - Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences, General
- Concordia University-Saint Paul - Master of Science, Education
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- ISASP - Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress
- California Proficiency Program (CPP)
- STAAR EOC
- +62 subjects

Tiffany: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...having worked in a variety of educational settings, including for homeschooled families. I truly enjoy helping young people become the best versions of themselves, as I guide them through their learning goals! As a curious learner myself, I love helping young people discover facts and new ideas in learning. Here, we'll explore together!
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- FCAT 2.0
- Writing
- Elementary School
- +22 subjects

Alison: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...Alison, and I am a senior at George Washington University. I am currently applying for law school, and received a 178 on my LSAT exam. My tutoring style is to work directly with your strength and weaknesses to help you improve. By the end of our session, you will come out feeling like you have...
Education & Certification
- George Washington University - Bachelor in Arts, Political Communication
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- LSAT
- Test Prep
- Graduate Test Prep
- +4 subjects

Heather: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...though most of my experience is with primary and secondary students. I also tutor in test prep, including ACT Reading/Writing, SAT English/Biology, and Nevada state proficiency exams. I am most passionate about teaching psychology, English/writing, reading, and elementary/middle school math. My individual teaching style is flexible, as I feel it is necessary to cater towards...
Education & Certification
- University of Nevada- Las Vegas - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas - Masters, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- GATE/ TAG
- TOPS
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +177 subjects

Gabriel : Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...on the actual test. With my score I was able to be admitted to my alma mater that waitlisted me in undergrad and I got scholarships at higher ranked institutions. I remember where I was a year ago, distraught and stressed out over a multiple choice test. I sit here now with multiple acceptances and...
Education & Certification
- College of William and Mary - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- LSAT Analytical Reasoning
- Law
- Tort Law
- +6 subjects

Leah: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...like to become. My role is to encourage my students to turn their dreams from wishes into goals, and then from goals into reality. I can think of no greater accomplishment as a teacher than to see my kids matriculate to success, whatever that may mean to them. My purpose in life is to teach....
Education & Certification
- Virginia Wesleyan College - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- STAAR EOC
- SAT
- STAAR
- +26 subjects

Darryl: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...a dream to become the first in my immediate family to receive a doctoral degree. I hold a deep passion for education (Creative Reading, Writing, History, Geography, Social Studies, ect.) and for helping students of all ages. My goals are to inspire and enhance students with the skills to maximize their potential. Away from work,...
Education & Certification
- Alabama State University - Bachelors, Social Science/Secondary Education
- Argosy University-Atlanta - Unknown, Instructional Design
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- +44 subjects

Daniel: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...involved preparing students for the Upper-Level ISEE. I began my PhD in Philosophy at Boston University in 2016 and served as a Teaching Fellow for undergraduate courses in the 2017-18 academic year. I took the LSAT in September 2017 and will be beginning law school in Fall 2018 at New York University School of Law.
Education & Certification
- Hunter College CUNY - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
- Boston University - Master of Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- GED
- SAT
- PSAT
- +58 subjects

Caroline: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...interactive environment where students feel empowered to ask questions, embrace challenges, and celebrate their progress. Beyond academic success, I focus on fostering critical thinking and lifelong learning skills, equipping students for future endeavors. Whether you're aiming to ace a test, master a new concept, or grow as a learner, I'm here to guide you every...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- PSAT
- PARCC
- ISASP - Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress
- +1415 subjects

Oliver: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
My name is Oliver. I'm a current student at Northwestern University and standardized test tutor. I've been tutoring for the past 3 years and have helped many students score well on the SAT, ACT, PSAT, and similar exams. I am also fluent in French.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Engineer, Industrial Engineering
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- SAT
- +22 subjects

Hugues: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...is an important or essential part of mental and psychological well-being. Wikipedia All this to say my picture reflects my newly rediscovered health kick to go with my love of teaching and learning. I've been told I'm a natural student. I hope I can help you discover/stay in touch with the ones inside us all.
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Education, French Teacher Education
- New York University - Masters in Education, Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- GATE/ TAG
- CLEP
- TACHS
- +136 subjects
hannah: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...freshman year, I have been tutoring students of various ages, from high school to middle school. I have also taken on the role of conducting and teaching my own courses, providing a personalized and engaging learning experience for my students. Currently, I am pursuing a psychology and forensics major with a 3.2 GPA. This combination...
Education & Certification
- Louisiana State University Eunice - Bachelor of Science, Counseling Psychology
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- FCAT 2.0
- UK Key Stage 1 SATs
- Eleven Plus Exam
- +194 subjects

Gabriella: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...AP exam success. As an upperclassman college student, I have gone through all the tough middle and high school classes. I am confident I can use my experience to demystify even the most difficult topics and simplify my lessons to make sure my students do not make some of the same mistakes I did. My...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- UK A Level
- SSAT
- Middle School Science
- +29 subjects
Education & Certification
- Goddard College - Bachelor in Arts, English Composition
- Goddard College - Master of Arts, Writing, General
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- SCAT Exam
- SHSAT
- PSAT
- +145 subjects

Madison: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...Applications. I currently work as a software developer in McMinnville, Oregon. I am tutoring the LSAT, and my strongest section is Logic Games. Through my own preparation for taking the LSAT, I have learned a lot about strategy and analyzing the different question types to improve one's score. I am excited to pass on this...
Education & Certification
- University of Southern California - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ACT Reading
- +13 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Houston-Downtown - Bachelor in Arts, Humanities
- University of Houston-Clear Lake - Master of Arts, General Literature
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- PSAT
- +43 subjects

James: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...few years before returning for a Master's in Education. Although I taught students at the secondary level for a long time, I wasn't always a teacher. I was also a writer for newspapers and syndicated magazines. One of my treasured opportunities included collaborating with a mystery novelist to promote one of her books back in...
Education & Certification
- Illinois State University - Master of Arts, Education
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- FCAT 2.0
- Eleven Plus Maths
- UK Key Stage 1 SATs
- +325 subjects

Mercy: Sanford OLSAT course instructor
...breaking down complex concepts into simple, relatable explanations. My tutoring approach is tailored to each student's unique learning style, ensuring they gain both confidence and mastery in their studies. Beyond academics, I strive to create a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring new ideas. Whether it's preparing for exams,...
Education & Certification
- Texas Southern University - Master of Science, Computer Science
- The Texas A&M University System Office - Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
- Washington & Lee University - Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical Engineering
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- ACCUPLACER
- PARCC
- Erb
- +1409 subjects