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.

Susan: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...and love to pass on my love of literature to students. I believe that every child has their own way of learning and that should be taken into account during lessons and tutoring. I am a big believer in meeting students where they are and helping them to show growth. Outside of teaching, I love to read, bake, cook, and stay active - I recently just completed my first half marathon! I also played basketball...
Education & Certification
- Penn State University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- Summer
- +14 subjects

Beth: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Memphis. I have 25 years of teaching experience in an enriched academics program in the Shelby County Schools in Memphis, Tennessee. The majority of the time I taught 2nd grade but have also taught 3rd and 4th grade and am certified to teach grades 1 - 8. I was a Level 5 Teacher and a Career Ladder teacher at the time...
Education & Certification
- Memphis State University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
- University of Memphis - Master of Science, Instruction and Curriculum
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- College English
- High School English
- +15 subjects

Angela: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...time, I enjoy being with my family and friends. I love to travel and experience new things. I believe that there are endless possibilities and new things to be discovered! I have a passion for reading books and horseback riding. I love animals, dogs and horses especially. I have two brothers, one older and one younger than me. I am married and have three Dachshund dogs, one boy and two girls. Their names are Charlie...
Education & Certification
- Saint Vincent College - Bachelors, Psychology Education/Early Childhood Education (PreK-4)
- Saint Vincent College - Current Grad Student, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Other
- ISEE-Lower Level Reading Comprehension
- +23 subjects

Elsie: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...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 students in elementary schools, immersion academies, tutoring programs, and in university courses. She also speaks German, and has an ever-growing "languages to learn" list.
Education & Certification
- Allegheny College - Bachelor in Arts, European Studies
- George Mason University - Master of Arts, Foreign Languages and Literatures, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP French Language and Culture
- French 3
- +25 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
- ISEE
- Summer
- +22 subjects

Merceda: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...is a statement that has resonated with me, been modified to support my uniqueness, 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...
Education & Certification
- Carlow University - Bachelor of Education, Elementary School Teaching
- Duquesne University - Masters in Education, Instructional Technology
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- ACT
- WISC IV
- +50 subjects

Kayla: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...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 applying for your current open position as a tutor. As a 2013 graduate from Duquesne University in...
Education & Certification
- Duquesne University - Bachelors, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Phonics
- +18 subjects

Brittany: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...experience in education, I have earned my permanent certification as a reading specialist, my permanent teaching certification for English 7-12, and my official Wilson Reading System certification. As an on-staff reading specialist, I have the additional responsibility of aligning our school's curriculum with PA Core Standards and ensuring all curriculums utilize reading interventions. I have 5 years of data analysis experience, and several years of experience diagnosing disordered readers. As a member of the International...
Education & Certification
- Grove City College - Bachelor in Arts, English Composition
- Duquesne University - Master of Science, Reading Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- ECAA
- +59 subjects

Carrie: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...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 necessary to achieve and excel in lives endeavors. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, riding our motorcycle, spending time...
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
- Florida EOC Assessment
- ACT
- CLEP
- +65 subjects

Renee: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...to create opportunity and open the world for any individual who will invest the time and effort necessary to pursue education and understanding. I look forward to helping you find academic success! My education and teaching credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in English from Liberty University, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from National University, and a permanent Pennsylvania teaching certification for English, Grades 7-12 from the PA Department of Education.
Education & Certification
- Liberty University - Bachelor in Arts, English with teacher licensure
- National University - Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +21 subjects

Lauren : Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...and ISEE examinations. As a high school student, I created a tutoring program for middle school students focusing on mathematics, science, English, and social studies. As a college students, I serve as the president of an organization that provides ESL services to Somali-Bantu refugees in the Pittsburgh area. I have also organized a summer camp for refugee students focusing on career preparation and creative expression. I am extremely passionate about tutoring and enriching every student's...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh - Bachelor of Science, Health Information Management
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- Environmental Science
- +52 subjects

John: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...and teach to that. I want to individualize instruction for each student to that end, while making sure we're progressing toward our academic goals and objectives. If frustration occurs, I determine the source and find ways to improve the situation. Learning should always be a satisfying experience that increases self esteem. Outside of teaching, my other interests include playing jazz piano, and I have played with many combinations of musicians over the years. I also...
Education & Certification
- State University of New York (SUNY) at Plattsburhg - Bachelors, Special Education
- SUNY at Plattsburgh - Masters, reading
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- GED
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +13 subjects

Zhuoru: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
Hello, my name is Zhuoru Jiang, I'm a second year graduate student at University of Pittsburgh, my major is foreign language education, and I'm also a Chinese teacher at Pittsburgh Chinese school. Nice to meet you, I'm glad to help you on learning.
Education & Certification
- Mongolian School - name unknown - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Master of Arts Teaching, Foreign Language Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- Study Skills
- Other
- +29 subjects
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College - Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ASVAB
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- +207 subjects

Gregory: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...cannot teach someone everything they need to know in one night or if a person is weeks behind in the understanding of the course material. Whether it is a standardized test or learning another subject; an assessment must be determined of where the student is currently in their understanding of the material. Next a game plan must be put together to get the student from where they are currently at to where they want to...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
- Carnegie Mellon University - Doctor of Philosophy, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT 4-Week Prep Class
- ACCUPLACER
- +288 subjects

Julia: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...a Kindergarten teacher. Working with children is truly my passion. I have 21 wonderful 5/6 year old students. I still tutor out of school hours. I am always happy to go the extra mile and help with anything, not just the subjects where I specialize. If I don't know the answer to something I'm happy to do the research and figure it out. I'm also happy to adapt my lessons and methods to fit the...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelors, Chinese, Communications
- Drexel University - Current Grad Student, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- A Level
- Conversational Mandarin
- +36 subjects

Alexandra: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
I am currently a full time college student at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing a BS in Psychology. I am a native mandarin speaker, and I lived overseas in Taiwan and China for five years. I took honors french for four years, and scored top twenty in the National French Exam from 2018 to 2019.
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TACHS
- ISEE
- SHSAT
- +77 subjects

Brandon: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...them learn in their particular individual style. It does not matter how my client learns, whether it is verbal or visual or even kinesthetic--I try to accommodate and ensure that they know the material the way they will remember it best. Aside from teaching, my interests include music and cooking. I grew up listening to punk rock, and in the process, I learned to play guitar and drums. At this point though, I listen to...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Politics & Philosophy
- Carnegie Mellon University - Master of Arts, Public Policy
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- SAT
- +52 subjects

Connor: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...where I majored in journalism and Middle East and North African Studies. I most recently worked as an investigative journalist and have published over 20 articles this year. I tutored French for four years with Northwestern's Department of French and Italian, and I previously tutored math (from kindergarten to SAT prep) with Mathnasium. I also taught English as a second language through the Paper Airplanes program, which pairs tutors with Syrian refugees for virtual lessons....
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Journalism
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +20 subjects

Hend M.: Pittsburgh SSAT course instructor
...in general and become confident speakers and better writers. I have tutored students in writing and speaking in both English and Arabic. In addition, I have helped students prepare for tests, such as the TOEFL. Working one-on-one with my students allows me to know my students' weaknesses and strengths and help them have the best learning experience possible. I enjoy working with my students because I get to experience their growth and confidence in learning.
Education & Certification
- Tripoli University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus - Doctor of Science, English Composition
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- ISEE
- ACT
- +25 subjects