If you are considering having your student apply to an independent or private school, it could be a good idea to reach out to Varsity Tutors and enroll your student in a Philadelphia SSAT class. The SSAT is one of the entrance exams used by many independent and private schools as a component in their admissions process. Thus, doing well on the test could improve the likelihood that your student is accepted into the private or independent school of your dreams. The SSAT measures students' reading, verbal, and math skills because these are considered important when it comes to predicting academic success.
Depending on your student's grade level, they will take one of the three levels for the SSAT, which include an Elementary Level, Middle Level, and Upper Level. The Elementary Level test is offered to students in elementary school, the Middle Level is given to students who want to go to an independent or private middle school, and the Upper Level is designed for students who are going to attend high school.
What can a Philadelphia SSAT class help my student review?
The SSAT tests on a lot of different information across a range of academic subjects. For this reason, it may be useful for your student to take a class that helps them review topics across all four sections of the SSAT. All of the levels contain a Verbal, Quantitative, Reading, and Writing section. There are some differences between the sections across the three levels though, including the fact that the Middle and Upper Levels have 167 questions while the Elementary Level only has 89. There are also some differences in scoring as students lose one-quarter of a point for answering a question incorrectly on the Upper and Middle Levels while there isn't a penalty for choosing the wrong answer on the Elementary Level. What follows is a brief overview of the four sections and what your student will encountering during each one.
Verbal
The Verbal Section is geared towards the English language on all of the levels. The Elementary Level test contains 30 questions and students are provided with 30 minutes to finish it. This section focuses the majority of its attention on vocabulary and the relationship between different words. In contrast, the Upper and Middle Levels contain 60 questions, with 30 of them covering analogies and the other 30 covering synonyms. Students only have 30 minutes to complete this section despite it having 30 extra questions.
Quantitative
The Quantitative section covers math related topics across all three levels. The three levels are similar in the sense that students are not allowed to use a calculator for this section regardless of their age. The Elementary Level test is comprised of 30 questions and students have 30 minutes to complete the entire section. At this level, the test is based more on basic math, including shapes, properties, and graph interpretation. It may be helpful for your student to be skilled in fractions and place values as well.
The Middle and Upper Levels have 50 total questions on this section and students have an hour to finish it. These questions cover slightly more complex math at this level such as arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
Reading
The Reading section prioritizes reading comprehension across all three levels. In general, students are required to read through various passages and answer questions about what they read. The biggest difference between the three levels is the reading-level needed to comprehend the passages. While the Elementary Level is primarily focused on students being able to identify the main idea of the passage, the Middle and Upper Levels expect students to pick out details and make predictions and inferences based on the information provided.
Writing
The Writing Section isn't scored at any of the three levels, but it is still a good decision for your student to do their best on this section because their writing sample will be submitted to any school they apply.
At the Elementary Level, students are given 15 minutes to complete this section. They are given a picture and they are required to write a story about it. The story has to include a beginning, middle, and end because students are being tested on their spelling and punctuation skills as well as how well they can organize their story.
At the Middle and Upper Levels, students are given 25 minutes to finish this particular section. Your student will be given two writing prompts of which they must choose one. At the Middle Level, students have to choose between two separate creative options, while they have the option to choose between a creative or narrative prompt at the Upper Level.
How can a Philadelphia SSAT course help my student prepare?
Philadelphia SSAT courses are available for your student to take online. This can be helpful when it comes to being able to fit a course into your student's schedule. Whether your student is in the robotics club or on the swim team, it can be difficult to find time to study with so many other activities going on. That is part of what makes an online SSAT class so convenient because you won't have to stress about finding time to get your student to another activity. They can simply stay at home and still have the opportunity to prepare for the SSAT.
SSAT courses are designed to be as close to a regular classroom experience as possible. Your student will have access to an instructor who can help them review the necessary material while also giving them the chance to collaborate with other students in class discussions and group activities.
How can I enroll my student in a Philadelphia SSAT prep course?
Enrolling your student in a Philadelphia SSAT prep course can be as easy as reaching out to Varsity Tutors either online or over the phone. Don't hesitate to contact us today. Our educational consultants are ready to answer any questions you may have and enroll your student in a two-week or four-week session.

Joshua: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...departments I am familiar with. Although my tutoring specialty is test prep -- SAT, ACT, PSAT, SHSAT, and GRE -- I particularly love tutoring writing, and creative writing is a hobby of mine. My philosophy is that even when we are preparing for a standardized exam, we should always be relating the work to your passions, pursuits, and educational goals to make the work that much more meaningful. In my spare time, you'll often find...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, French and Francophone Studies
- University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Social Policy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- SHSAT
- SAT
- +92 subjects

Julie: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...my life and I hope to instill the same passion I have for the written word within all my students! I have been teaching both high school and middle school in Philadelphia for the past five years. I have taught reading intervention and seen many of my students make enormous gains. I am in the process of being certified in the Wilson System of reading, which is a rigorous and research based intervention for students...
Education & Certification
- Fordham University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
- University of Pennsylvania - Masters, Urban Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- +26 subjects

Alysia: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...as well as acting as a mentor, confidant, and friend to my students. Education has always been an extremely important aspect of who I am. My mother is a 2nd-grade teacher and my father is a middle school vice principal and that combination of discipline, leadership, and nurturing as a part of the educational experience has been instilled in me from a very young age. As a child, I had to overcome my own personal...
Education & Certification
- Thomas Edison State University - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- PSAT
- SAT
- +151 subjects

Carolynne: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...enjoy tutoring, and I have an extensive background in teaching-related leadership and volunteering. With me, you will never have a boring lesson--I try to make learning as fun and engaging as possible! I am more than qualified to teach the subjects I have listed in my profile, having received 5's on all my APs, and a score of 2280 on the SATs. I'm also fluent in Mandarin and English, and can speak conversational Cantonese. When...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Current Undergrad, Biological Basis of Behavior
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- +13 subjects

Stephanie: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...level of education, from elementary to graduate school, the support and encouragement of a passionate teacher can turn a diffident or apathetic underachieving student into a classroom star. My favorite subject to tutor is standardized test prep (SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.) because such tests cover a finite body of material that can be taught and mastered. In addition to test prep, I also tutor a number of English related subjects (including Writing, Literature, Essay Editing,...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Cinema and Media Studies / English Language and Literature
- University of Iowa - Masters, Film Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- CLEP
- SAT
- +77 subjects

Matt: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...enthusiasm and curiosity that my Microbiology teacher in high school instilled in me, I was inspired to work with students to try and turn on that same interest in science after college. My mother has taught for over 30 years, so it must be in my blood! My passion in the classroom is helping students to realize their true awareness of the natural world around them, and I use labs, visuals, models, and a variety...
Education & Certification
- Union College - Bachelor of Science, Biological Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Math
- Arithmetic
- Elementary Math
- +19 subjects

Brian: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...a whole-child perspective. A student's success is not based solely on their academic achievement, but their social/emotional development, their relationships with their peers, family, surrounding community, culture, and world. This enveloping philosophy begins with developing a student's character, heart, intellect, and creativity equally; the things that resonate from their core, so that their success is not based purely on academic standing, but who they are as a person. I love each and every one of...
Education & Certification
- Messiah College - Bachelors, Psychology
- CUNY Hunter College - Masters, Early Childhood Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Comparative Literature
- English
- +15 subjects

Annamarie: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...along the special education track at this school, but found there was an incredible void in my life. Being young and wanting to travel the world, I decide to pursue teaching opportunities and other adventures in Maui, Hawaii where I taught 4th grade for several years. I have always been thirsty for traveling and experiencing new cultures, and Hawaii was what I needed. I then found myself extremely homesick after having my son, and returned...
Education & Certification
- Saint Joseph's University - Bachelors, Elementary and Special Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- PARCC
- Adult Literacy
- +18 subjects

Alex: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
My past students and friends say that my face lights up when I start talking about math (especially calculus). Between my Applied Mathematics degree from the University of Rochester and my Eagle Scout award, I have natural passions for mathematics and helping people. Let me combine these passions for you as your future tutor.... My ultimate aim is for my students to master their material. I believe that any person can learn any subject if they believe they can. This confidence with the material will come as I assist my students and they become more comfortable with their (now growing) abilities.
Education & Certification
- University of Rochester - Bachelors, Applied Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +64 subjects

Kathryn: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...is from the University of Cincinnati, in Cincinnati, OH. I have Pennsylvania State Certification in Elementary Education, Middle Years Mathematics, and Language Arts for 7-12th grades. I taught in the public schools for several decades in middle school and elementary grades. I love to spend time with young people and help them become successful in their learning. I know that each student wants to feel respected and understood, and that listening is as important as...
Education & Certification
- University of Cincinnati-Main Campus - Bachelors, Philosophy
- Chestnut Hill College - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- PSAT
- SAT
- +40 subjects

Mark: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...interest in learning. Attending one of the best schools for my undergraduate education and then entering law school helped me develop critical thinking skills which is one of the most important aspects when learning. I have a great sense of understanding how people like to learn and making it fun and casual - stress does not help at all. In my opinion, tutoring is a partnership that requires both parties to work towards a goal....
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelors, Government
- Temple Law School - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- +67 subjects

Alex: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...are two critical ingredients needed to conquer any math issues. The first, is the quality of the tutor. Without a doubt, many people can teach you how to do a math problem, but not everyone can help explain it in such a way that you understand it and can apply the knowledge to future problems. The second important ingredient to successful learning is a positive attitude by the student. When tackling tough math problems, many...
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering
- Drexel University - Current Grad Student, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +17 subjects

Adriane: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...of Central Florida. I received my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I am certified to teach all elementary grades. I have 6 years experience teaching grades Kindergarten through 4th grade. I specialize in Reading Intervention strategies. During my teaching career, I taught all subjects, including testing strategies for standardized tests. I am passionate about teaching my students to become independent, productive citizens. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, traveling, and taking walks with my...
Education & Certification
- University of Central Florida - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- English
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- +13 subjects

Jamie: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...took courses in Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Economics, Statistics, and Psychology. I concentrated in American and ancient history, especially the rise and fall of great powers throughout world history. I also like to say I am a number person, and love using statistics to look at a situation differently or explain everyday life. Here at Varsity I tutor all levels of Algebra, History, and Social Studies as well as SAT, ACT, SSAT and other standardized tests....
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SHSAT
- ACT
- +39 subjects

Eric: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...at Swarthmore College. While I'm pursuing a technical degree I have diverse interests and I believe that my liberal arts background help me connect and communicate effectively as a tutor. I want to help you or your child understand the core concepts of any field instead of rattling off formulas and techniques for specific questions. To me, the mentor/mentee relationship is one of the most important human relationships --I will take any request seriously and...
Education & Certification
- Swarthmore College - Current Undergrad, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +92 subjects

Emma: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...happy about little things and as long as I can help a student understand something, I am enjoying the process. Because of that, one day, tutoring writing may be my favorite while another day all I want to do is to keep working on reading comprehension. Besides teaching and getting through my graduate program, I am devoted to playing rugby, making music, singing and playing my ukulele any chance I get. Student personal interests are...
Education & Certification
- Drew University - Bachelor in Arts, Theater Arts
- Drew University - Master of Arts Teaching, High School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- +53 subjects

Karla: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...advocate and educator. With a degree in chemical engineering, I am currently an online high school science teacher, but I have experience teaching Algebra 1, 2, and Geometry, Chemistry, Biology, Trigonometry, Physical Science, Personal Finances, Business Math, Entrepreneurship and Calculus. I have tutored for many years for many subjects but especially for college undergraduate students with advanced math and science classes. I have ensured academic success for previous middle, high school, and college students. I...
Education & Certification
- Howard University - Bachelor of Engineering, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Differential Equations
- Calculus 3
- Biology
- +26 subjects

Theresa: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
I've been tutoring and teaching for over 5 years, specializing in English Language Arts. Recently , I managed a tutoring studio where I was able to match tutors with students. I enjoy the rewards that come with helping a student realize their potential. I believe in the personalized learning of every student. In addition to educational pursuits, I enjoy cooking and traveling. ... I believe that students should be supported and guided by their teacher so that they can come to the answer themselves. This approach builds confidence.
Education & Certification
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- +18 subjects

Jordan: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...in grade-school, I was the student who needed the extra push from a caring teacher to be successful in the classroom; this is why I do what I do - to be that teacher for the student just like me! Currently, I am teaching 5th Grade Reading/Math in North Philadelphia at a turnaround charter school. The challenges I have been faced with have led me to doing extensive research in reaching the populations that so...
Education & Certification
- University of Memphis - Bachelors, Middle School Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Math
- English
- +21 subjects

Khaliah: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...often been called upon to lead study groups in various subjects. My most notable study group was for an undergrad Epidemiology class, where I created thorough and in-depth practice exams. Today, I facilitate a small writer circle/workshop for my friends every Saturday morning. I have just recently finished a 2.5 year position at The University of Pennsylvania;s Agatston Urban Nutrition Initiative where I taught nutrition and wellness, as well as some classroom gardening. I am...
Education & Certification
- Temple University - Bachelors, Public Health
- Temple University - Current Grad Student, Public Health - Epidemiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- GED
- ACT
- +64 subjects