Varsity Tutors can assist with your student's enrollment in an online Pittsburgh SSAT preparation course. The SSAT is an exam that is given to students that seek admission to an independent or private school the following school year for grades four through twelve. The test will cover the primary subjects of reading, mathematical, and verbal skills in which the results are used by the institution to compare and assess applicants. It is essential that your student, no matter what age or educational level, is thoroughly prepared on test day. Online Pittsburgh SSAT courses provide students with an in-depth review of testing materials which could be beneficial to their final score.
For a general review of the SSAT, the Middle and Upper Level has a total of six sections: Writing Sample, Quantitative 1 and 2, Reading, Verbal, and Experimental. The Elementary Level has a total of five sections; the Quantitative section only appears once. Another difference between the Elementary and the Middle and Upper Levels is how the SSAT is scored. Elementary Level students are encouraged to guess whereas Middle and Upper-Level students will receive a penalty for the wrong answer. For all levels of the SSAT, the Writing and Experimental sections are not scored. When students are working through their Quantitative prospective sections of the exam, calculators or any similar tools are not allowed. Students are expected to use specific skills that relate to the question to find the correct answer to the problem.
What materials are covered in an online Pittsburgh SSAT course?
The Pittsburgh SSAT prep course will cover the materials, including topics and concepts, that are included on the test. Not only will your student's instructor provide a thorough and detailed review of testing content, but they will also offer practice with test-taking skills, tips, and address how students can become the most comfortable before and throughout the SSAT. Because the instructors are considered experts in regards to online learning and education, your student will be able to ask their instructor for further independent assistance outside of the course. The Pittsburgh SSAT course will help your student with multiple resources that enhance their preparation. Now let's review the testing levels and materials that are on the SSAT.
The Elementary Level of the SSAT is for children who are going to begin the fourth and fifth grades the following year. Starting with the Verbal section, this portion of the exam will entail topics and subjects about the ability to identify the nuances of word meanings including the understanding of language and word relationships. Moving to the Writing section, your student has to write a short story that relates to a picture. Within this section, your student will have to demonstrate their current knowledge of specific skills that relate to various elements of English. Common language-related concepts that are tested include spelling, grammar, punctuation, and essay organization. When your student arrives at the Reading section, they will encounter questions that focus on reading comprehension. Several topics and concepts that the test will measure within the Reading section are the identification of main ideas in writing, information recognition, and the identification of literal and non-literal functions of particular words. Finally, the Quantitative section, which includes elementary-level mathematical skills, refers to fractions, multiplication, addition, number order, subtraction, division, and shapes.
The Middle Level has the same testing section titles as the Elementary and Upper Levels, but the test contents are for students in fifth through seventh grades. The Quantitative section of the Middle Level of the SSAT is to test skills that relate to mathematics. A few of the subjects your student will be tested on include geometry, elementary algebra, and arithmetic. Once your student enters the Reading section, they will have to reflect their skills to interpret narrative and argumentative written passages. Topics, main ideas, and concepts that are on the exam will include finding details, identifying main ideas, tone, and attitude. As your student navigates through the test, they will arrive at the Verbal Section. The understanding of language, nuances in word meanings, and word relationships are all topics that your student will see on the SSAT. The least section for the Middle Level asks your student to create a written story from one of two prompts and will challenge skills that directly relate to writing and grammar.
The Upper Level of the SSAT testing categories is directed towards students who are beginning and are currently attending high school. The grade levels that make up the Upper Level are eight through eleven. Starting with the Quantitative Sections, each part of the section will measure your student's mathematical comprehension and various skills. Line equations, word problems, fractions, and graphing capabilities are concepts and topics that your student will encounter. When the Reading section appears, multiple subjects such as science, humanities, the interpretation of literary fiction, and social studies will be included in the testing material. Upper-Level students are also required to provide a writing sample which forces them to use their English skills to provide a written response to one of two prompts. Some of the concepts to know are essay organization, the ability to support a written statement with examples, and persuasive writing techniques. The final section for Upper-Level SSAT students is Verbal which will measure the understanding of synonyms and analogies within texts.
Are there benefits to the Pittsburgh SSAT class?
Yes. There are multiple benefits to enrolling your student in a Pittsburgh SSAT class. The convenience of the online accessibility eliminates travel time, allows students to participate in class from virtually anywhere, and provides more preparation resources. New classes begin every week. A beneficial quality that makes the Pittsburgh SSAT class accessible is the opportunity to select the duration of your student's classes. Parents are asked to choose from 2-week or 4-week class sessions.
How can I get more information about a Pittsburgh online class?
When you visit Varsity Tutors online, you will connect with an educational consultant that can provide more information about an online Pittsburgh SSAT class and the enrollment process. Various class times, including weekends, are available and will fit into your student's busy schedule. Don't hesitate; call Varsity Tutors today.

Nicole: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
Hello! My name is Nicole and I have been with Varsity Tutors since 2015. I am a licensed family law attorney, but in my spare time, I tutor to help students achieve their dreams. I believe that learning can be fun and the more people I can convince of that, the better! In my spare time, I enjoy long distance running, reading horror novels and hanging out with my calico cat, Webby.
Education & Certification
- Saint Lawrence University - Bachelors, Government and Philosophy
- University of Pittsburgh School of Law - Masters, (JD) Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- AP U.S. Government & Politics
- Literature
- IB Psychology HL
- +41 subjects

Nicholas: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
I'm just trying to help kids get better at math and science. Whether it be algebra or calculus, I feel it is my personal duty to help whoever needs it improve their grade or their test score. I've had tremendous success tutoring these subjects in the past, and I'm confident that I can have similar results here in the future.
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Current Undergrad, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- AP Calculus AB
- ACT Science
- AP Physics 2
- +27 subjects

Heather: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
My personal statement is that I should be teaching students tools to learn, not just facts. How we learn is just as important as WHAT we learn.... My teaching philosophy has always been to meet a students needs. Teaching according to HOW they learn.... I typically build a positive rapport with my students. Having a common ground is necessary for learning as well as teaching.... I help a student become an independent learner by providing scaffolding. This allows me to "put up and take down" as needed and yet still provide support.
Education & Certification
- Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- Clarion University of Pennsylvania - Current Grad Student, Masters Reading
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Literature
- +22 subjects

Cristina: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...try to make learning enjoyable for all students! I think differentiating instruction is integral to students' learning as all students learn differently. Building relationships is also key for students to trust me as a teacher and be invested in what I am wanting them to learn. I think learning should occur for everyone and love to learn myself. I enjoy traveling to learn about different cultures. I am an avid reader and enjoy all types...
Education & Certification
- Grove City College - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Math
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School
- +18 subjects

Meghan: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...education and have obtained a Master of Arts in teaching secondary science. I have been teaching for 3 years in a traditional classroom and also have experience as an outdoors educator. I think teaching works best when the teacher has time to get to know how the student learns and introduce them to concepts in a variety of ways. I am a certified science and middle school social studies teacher, but also have experience with...
Education & Certification
- Mercyhurst University - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
- National Louis University - Master of Arts Teaching, Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT Quantitative
- Environmental Science
- ISEE- Upper Level
- +52 subjects

Suzanne: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
I have been teaching for 15 years and currently I am teaching 1st grade. I have a masters degree in reading and have recently completed a Reading Achievement training. I have experience teaching students with special needs in the general education curriculum as well.
Education & Certification
- Duquesne University - Bachelor in Arts, Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE- Lower Level
- Other
- Writing
- +15 subjects

Merceda: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...and shaped my current state of being, both in and outside of the classroom. Each day, I wake up to live, speaking life into every individual who I encounter because I believe in the power of words. I encourage all to live positively because I feel students draw this from their teachers; finding ways to stimulate joy and laughter in every situation. I spread love through my words and actions, teaching those around me how...
Education & Certification
- Carlow University - Bachelor of Education, Elementary School Teaching
- Duquesne University - Masters in Education, Instructional Technology
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Technology and Coding
- Elementary School Science
- Public Speaking
- +50 subjects

Carrie: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...Child Development, Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Special Education, and Masters of Arts in Reading with an Emphasis in Elementary Education. I am certified to teach Early Childhood PK-4 and Special Education PK-8. While I have experience tutoring in different subjects, I am most passionate about Reading, Math, and Phonics. I taught in Florida for 2 years (Kindergarten and First Grade). I am a firm believer in education, believing it to be exceptionally...
Education & Certification
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Special Education
- Grand Canyon University - Master of Arts, Reading Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Medicine
- ACCUPLACER College-Level Math
- Study Skills and Organization
- +65 subjects

Elsie: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...and a Master's degree in French and Spanish from George Mason University. She is an Adjunct Instructor of Spanish at George Mason University, and an adjunct instructor of French at the University of Pittsburgh. She has also been trained as a writing tutor in English, French and Spanish. She grew up in France, and continued to learn languages in immersion programs, study abroad semesters, and fascinating courses through graduate school. She has worked with multilingual...
Education & Certification
- Allegheny College - Bachelor in Arts, European Studies
- George Mason University - Master of Arts, Foreign Languages and Literatures, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Conversational French
- French 3
- Spanish 1
- +25 subjects

Kayla: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
I have a strong interest and passion in the teaching career. With my past experiences working with both elementary and high school aged students, I feel that I have a diverse experience background that will bring a lot to this tutoring program. Throughout the years, I have developed a passion for the career and a love for inspiring learners. I am very interested in...
Education & Certification
- Duquesne University - Bachelors, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE- Lower Level
- Reading
- Elementary School Math
- +18 subjects