If you're a parent of a student who has the academic ability to join his or her school's talented and gifted programs, you may have heard of the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test, or OLSAT. This test is meant to measure a student's verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal knowledge and abilities. The results of these tests help teachers to ensure that a student is placed in academic courses at the appropriate levels. Varsity Tutors offers OLSAT preparation through tutoring sessions, to help students feel more confident before they take the exam.
OLSAT test prep can take many different forms and include a variety of teaching techniques that are meant to bolster a student's grasp of academic concepts. Students at all levels, from Kindergarten through 12th grade, could benefit from a Varsity Tutors OLSAT class and private one-on-one OLSAT tutoring. There are tests that students take at different points in their academic careers. The specific levels and the corresponding grade levels are outlined below.
Educators use the results of OLSAT tests to ensure that students who are bright enough for inclusion in talented and gifted programs are in classes that will challenge them appropriately. OLSAT classes and tutoring can include things like test-taking strategies so that students are able to pace themselves appropriately, in order to answer as many questions as possible. This is important because students typically have a maximum of 75 minutes to complete the OLSAT exam. According to Mercer Publishing, Levels A, B and C (grades K-2) include 60 total questions; third grade students in Level D can expect to see 64 questions. Students in Levels D-G (grades 4-12) will have 72 questions to answer. OLSAT test prep that Varsity Tutors sets up for you can be personalized to a student's knowledge level and the general topics that students can expect to see in their grade-level exam.
OLSAT Level | Grade Range |
Level A | Kindergarten |
Level B | 1st Grade |
Level C | 2nd Grade |
Level D | 3rd Grade |
Level E | 4th and 5th Grade |
Level F | 6th through 8th Grade |
Level G | 9th through 12th Grade |
Utilizing the tutoring available through an OLSAT course can help a student feel more clarity and confidence as they sit down to take the test. Even for the youngest students, the OLSAT exam may be comprised of up to 15 questions in multiple categories, like Aural Reasoning and Picture Classification. An OLSAT course can benefit students of all grade levels, and tutoring through OLSAT prep can help students to feel less stress when standardized testing begins. This specific exam is administered to kindergarten students as well as the older students, and the table below describe the things that your Kindergarten-aged child may be evaluated on.
OLSAT 8 Level A (Kindergarten) Subsections
- Following Directions
- Aural Reasoning
- Arithmetic Reasoning
- Picture Classification
- Picture Analogies
- Picture Series
- Figural Classification
- Figural analogies
- Pattern Matrix
- Figural Series
A tutor can offer support for students who are involved in an OLSAT class in a variety of ways. This may include developing a personalized guide for students so that they can focus on the academic topics they may need a little brushing up on. Tutors can also offer a refresher on the topics that they seem to have a solid grasp on, just to make sure they have retained that knowledge and can recall it when they take their test. Other techniques for OLSAT test prep, particularly for younger students, might include flashcards, practice tests, and lecture-style discussion.
Although there's not a way to know exactly what questions your students will be expected to answer on the OLSAT exam, tutors can help with OLSAT test preparation by ensuring that they focus on the content they'll see in their test.
There are many benefits to spending as much time as possible on OLSAT test prep, particularly for students in the higher levels. This is because the results of these tests can help to shape their academic paths. Varsity Tutors would love to help you help your student with OLSAT prep, no matter what level they're in. Reach out today to find out how we can help your student go after their academic goals.

Diptesh: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
...I specialize in mathematics and science tutoring as well 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...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health & Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- HSPT
- SAT
- TACHS
- +88 subjects

Emre: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
Hello, my name's Emre, and I'll be your tutor for all things reading and analysis for English, First-Level Modern Chinese, and college application essay editing! No prior instruction nor experience is required, so feel free to sign-up to gain an introduction to SAT Reading or an elementary understanding of Mandarin Chinese! I will teach lessons in a conversational manner and all are welcome! I look forward to meeting you all!
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor of Science, Global Studies
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- SAT
- UK A Level
- ACT
- +26 subjects

Mary: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
I am dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel confident to excel. My approach is tailored to each learner, breaking down complex ideas into simple, relatable steps. With a focus on building skills and self-assurance, I strive to make every session impactful and enjoyable. Together, we'll turn challenges into achievements.
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelor, Bachelor of Arts.
- Harvard University - Master's/Graduate, MSc. Mechanical Engineering
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- HSPT
- PARCC
- IELTS - International English Language Testing System
- +1359 subjects
Education & Certification
- St Johns University - Bachelor of Science, Mass Communications
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- NNAT
- +64 subjects

Amanda: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
...a junior at NYU. I graduated from Minnetonka High School, which is in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota. I am also a dog walker with Rover in my time outside of school. I love music (I play piano and flute) and the tv show New Girl. This past year I tutored 4th grade ELA and math, 6th grade ELA and math, pre-k, and SAT. I would love to work on something with you!
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Acting
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- CogAT
- REGENTS
- UK A Level
- +63 subjects

Bill: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
...very technical courses at Queens College, such as Neuroscience of Memory and Psychometrics. My evaluations (from both faculty and students) as a college professor are universally excellent, and reflect my ability to motivate students, clearly structure lessons, and make very complex material understandable. I have taught college-level statistics many times, and have done graduate-level statistics as part of my research. SPSS is no problem. Name a field of psychology: I've probably taught it, and can...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- CUNY Graduate School and University Center - PHD, Neuropsychology
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- CLEP
- +77 subjects

Maxime: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
...to pay for my studies. My pupils were from 3 to 80 years old, so I have experience in management and tutoring also because I gave for 2 years mathematics lesson in Nantes. I can give Mathematics lesson thanks to my studies and French lesson because that's my native language, and I like to share my experience. I'm very calm, and I have a lot of patience, I think that it's the most important in...
Education & Certification
- ESEO - Bachelors, Engineering school
- ESSCA - Masters, Business school
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- CLEP
- NNAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +18 subjects

Brian: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
...successful in any academic field. I am passionate about improving and helping students grow personally and academically. As I teach students, I also learn more about myself. No matter how small or big the improvement, I am always satisfied and excited to help. I believe teaching is a gateway to learning. Therefore, I always try to use creative analogies, jokes, and examples to grasp the student's attention. I am confident that my experience, work ethic,...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor of Engineering, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- ACT
- Other
- High School Computer Science
- +29 subjects

Stephanie : Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
...really enjoy working with students of all ages. My philosophy is that we need to encourage children to step out of their comfort zone and gain confidence in themselves. Whether it be in or outside of the classroom! The subjects I enjoy teaching the most are English, Writing, Math, and History! I hope not only to influence students to excel in school but also to gain the tools to be the best versions of themselves!
Education & Certification
- SUNY at Binghamton - Bachelor of Science, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- TACHS
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Elementary School Writing
- +43 subjects

Rohan: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
...session held every Monday for four years; as a college freshmen I was a tutor for Champion Learning, a company funded by No-Child-Left-Behind in order to aid struggling middle school students with the Common Core; as a full-time instructor, I managed classes for SHSAT and SAT and produced my own content while coordinating with parents and students on progress; during graduate school, I launched my own organization to produce open-source content for underperforming students.
Education & Certification
- St Johns University - Bachelor of Science, Pharmacy
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- TACHS
- SSAT
- SAT
- +119 subjects

Amy: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
Hello, my name is Amy. I have been an educator for years. I am a Certified Teacher in Pre-K through Sixth Grade and Biology and General Science 7-12 with a Master's degree in Education. As a young girl, I aspired to be a teacher.
Education & Certification
- CUMY - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Wagner College - Master of Science, Education
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- NNAT
- ASPIRE
- STAAR
- +206 subjects

Susan: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
...where someone is struggling. I can do this with organization and learning needs, too, not just math and English content. I am also versatile and flexible; I can work on all sorts of content and handle unknown problems. I can teach you how to do that, too. I also have a great deal of experience working with students with special needs. I have been trained in some workshops, but I have only experience, not a...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, English
- The New School for Social Research - Masters in Education, High School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- ECAA
- HSPT
- REGENTS
- +111 subjects

Charlotte: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
...junior at the University of St Andrews. I am working towards a Bachelor of Arts in English and International Relations. While I am interested in a wide range of subjects, I am most passionate about English and Literature. I am a firm believer in the power of education, and believe that it can be simple to make learning fun. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, traveling, and seeing my friends and family.
Education & Certification
- University of St Andrews - Bachelor, English and International Relations
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- Eleven Plus Exam
- ASVAB
- IELTS - International English Language Testing System
- +110 subjects

Taylor: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
I am a recent graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and a current first year medical student at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. I began tutoring junior high and high school students in math and science as a freshman in high school, and have continued refining these skills throughout my time in college. I completed the MCAT in March 2017, and still vividly remember the study strategies that...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- +59 subjects

Sam: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
...defines and shapes the way in which we go about our business navigating through the world. My admiration for its profound impact in this manner has only become stronger over the years. We use mathematical logic to arrive at unassailable truths about the world, algebra in representing mathematical language, and probability to make educated guesses on given occurrences. It goes on and on! Working with math is a fun, unique experience that I enjoy very...
Education & Certification
- SUNY at Binghamton - Bachelors, English
- CUNY Queens College - Current Grad Student, Mathematics Education
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- WPPSI
- PSAT
- GATE/ TAG
- +152 subjects

Emily: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
...courses at Yale. In teaching, I take an empathetic approach to learning. As a former student, I know firsthand that the expertise of the teacher does not always correlate with that teacher's effectiveness working with students. Because my teaching is based on years of real-world experience tutoring students, I know that the "textbook" way of explaining things does not work for every student. As such, I view every student uniquely and create a unique tutoring...
Education & Certification
- Bowdoin College - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- GED
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +75 subjects

Stephen: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
...with me as I use the knowledge and skills I picked up in my studies, and during my experience as an educator. I have experience as a head classroom teacher, an assistant teacher and a tutor. My formal professional experience has been in grades one through high school, both in the states and in China. I have also tutored students from toddlers through the graduate school level. Tutoring with me will be warm and firm,...
Education & Certification
- Saint Peter's College - Bachelors, English and Philosophy
- Montclair State University - Masters, Teaching, K - 6
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- TOEFL
- REGENTS
- CLEP
- +285 subjects

Caroline: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
...of knowledge, and literary theory, but I have experience in tutoring high school math and English as well. I like to work with students who are engaged and like to create their own path of learning, whatever their level is to begin with. I often adapt my curriculum to help them develop their interests and style of learning. When not engaged with my studies and writing, I like to dance, attend theatres (which is rather...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- UK A Level
- SSAT
- ACT
- +29 subjects

Peter : Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
...job. I specialize in SAT Verbal, essay writing, Social Studies, History, and Civics and Government. I am patient, engaging, and thorough. I enjoy helping other people learn, especially if I can also help them enjoy learning. Therefore, my approach to teaching and tutoring has always been first to assess the student's needs as a learner--what is engaging and helpful for them? I am then able to bring a varied approach depending on the student's learning...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Juris Doctor, Prelaw Studies
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- ISEE
- SHSAT
- ACCUPLACER
- +69 subjects

Kimberly: Mount Vernon OLSAT test prep instructor
...equity. I firmly believe that education should be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or any other factors that may create disparities. I actively advocate for equitable educational opportunities and work tirelessly to bridge the gap between privilege and access. My teaching philosophy centers on the idea that education is not just about imparting knowledge but also about nurturing critical thinking skills, fostering curiosity, and instilling a lifelong love for learning. As a...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Hunter College - Bachelors, Anthropology
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Grad Student, Physics
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- PSAT
- CLEP
- NNAT
- +102 subjects