The thought of the SSAT is stressful for many young people; if your student wants extra guidance, Varsity Tutors can assist them with a Portland SSAT class that offers additional review opportunities, rather than forcing them to learn by themselves. The SSAT is given to students who have enrolled or are seeking to enroll in a private school, to test their Verbal, Math, and Reading skills. Working hard to do their best is important to help students get into the school of their choice.
Some students are simply nervous when it comes to any test or maybe they want to know how the layout looks. In any case, a Portland SSAT prep course can provide the right solution. Students can work with live online classes that allow them to communicate with fellow classmates and the instructor at the same time. These courses can help your student feel more confident in knowing what to expect when the big day arrives.
The SSAT is offered at the Elementary Level up to fifth grade, the Middle Level up to seventh grade, and the Upper Level up to eleventh grade. Although there's some difference between all the levels for students, there are common topics to review for optimal success. Your student's score on the SSAT can affect which school they get into. Private and independent schools can have stiff competition. If you want to help them reach their highest potential, it's worth the investment to give them a class that offers help on the SSAT.
What could a Portland SSAT class help my student review?
Upper Level and Middle Level students taking the SSAT will see a similar layout that involves the following sections: Writing, Quantitative 1, Reading, Verbal, Quantitative 2, and an Experimental section. Elementary students will see the following sections: Quantitative/Math, Verbal, Reading, Writing, and an Experimental. Calculators are not allowed for the Quantitative regardless of level. Elementary students should guess if they are unsure of an answer since there are no penalties. Middle Level students and Upper Level students lose one-quarter of a point if they answer wrong.
Students at the Upper and Middle Level begin with the Writing portion and they have 25 minutes to complete it. They will compose an essay of their choice, either creative or traditional. Essays are not scored but are used by schools to determine a student's grasp of spelling, punctuation, grammar, and ability to support their statements with their writing.
The Quantitative section consists of two parts for Upper and Middle Levels. Concepts covered include numbers and operations, geometry, elementary algebra, and probability, to name a few. Students in the Upper Upper Level will find questions related to graphing problems and triangle properties. There are 25 questions per section, with a total of 30 minutes for each section.
The Reading section comes next and asks 40 questions, which students need to answer in 40 minutes. Some topics students should expect to get quizzed on include the author's attitude and tone, along with how a piece relates to the audience. Middle Level students will need to understand opinions and arguments as they relate to the reading.
The Verbal section is the last part and has 60 questions to answer in 30 minutes. This portion of the test requires students to understand prefixes and suffixes that are Greek, Latin, and Anglo-Saxon for students in the Upper Level. Those in the Middle Level should know how nuances can change word meanings and various vocabularies across different disciplines, such as science and social studies.
Elementary school students have a condensed but similar version of the test. Sections covered include Quantitative/Math, Verbal, Reading, and a Writing sample. There are fewer questions and shorter time limits overall.
The Quantitative section covers basic math. Some topics students will go over include shapes, measurement, and foundations such as addition, subtraction, and division.
The Verbal portion is also 30 questions to answer in 30 minutes. Elementary students need to know synonyms and how vocabulary is used across different studies, such as the sciences.
The Reading section requires 28 questions to be answered in 30 minutes. This part of the test focuses on seven passages that have four questions. Students must showcase their ability to identify words in context, understand the meanings, and recognize main ideas.
Finally, students reach the Writing prompt. This requires students to answer one question in 15 minutes. Here, students are given a picture as a prompt and asked to write a story based on the picture. Spelling and grammar are important for this part of the exam.
How do Portland SSAT courses help my student prepare?
Because the SSAT course are offered online, students can learn at home with the help of a qualified instructor. New Portland SSAT classes begin each week. You and your students can choose classes that are two weeks or four weeks long, depending on what their lifestyle and current study needs are.
After signing up for the Portland SSAT class, students work in a live online environment with their instructor and classmates. This has all the benefits of an in-person classroom with no commute necessary. This gives them the opportunity to talk about how to approach the Quantitative portion of the exam or scan through passages when handling the Reading portion. If additional help is desired, the instructor can provide assistance in a one-on-one setting. Regardless of your student's goals, this course can encourage them to do their best on test day.
How can I find a Portland SSAT prep course?
The Portland SSAT course is an investment for your student's future. Everything covered here is a skill they'll continue to use throughout their schooling, no matter what they choose to do. Varsity Tutors can help you enroll your student in a class that meets their schedule and needs.
Getting into the right private school often depends on how well your student grasps material taught at their current grade level. The bests way to help them feel ready for the exam is to study and know what materials will be covered on test day. Call Varsity Tutors and let us help you get your student set up in a Portland SSAT course. It can help them feel confident about their future and help prepare them to do their best on test day.
Max: Portland SSAT course instructor
...towards college. I volunteer in New Haven as a math teacher and coach at a public middle school (my team of 7th graders just won the 2016 New Haven regional championship!), and I've been tutoring middle and high school students for over 7 years. On top of all of that, I'm an aspiring professional in the business world - this past summer I worked at an internship in financial consulting (banking advisory & analytics), and...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +104 subjects
Christina: Portland SSAT course instructor
I am a current MBA student at the Yale School of Management who will also be attending UCLA School of Law post-MBA. I've also enjoyed taking standardized tests and "cracking" their code; so I love getting to continue to work on this with my students.
Education & Certification
- University of Houston - Bachelors, Biology, General
- Yale School of Management - Masters in Business Administration, Business, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- HSPT
- +58 subjects
Amy: Portland SSAT course instructor
...of my kids graduated in the mainstream! I am a very strong reading and math teacher at the elementary and middle school level. I use a multi-kinesthetic approach which enhances memory; while additionally we are having a lot of fun learning. I know my core curriculum and special needs is definitely a strength for me. I teach with a passion, and the kids always love me. I am also dependable, honest, and punctual. I have...
Education & Certification
- University of Northern Colorado - Bachelors, Special Education Teacher K-12
- Central Connecticut State University - Masters, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR
- ISEE
- +19 subjects
Ellis: Portland SSAT course instructor
...as a volunteer for several CT libraries. And, finally, I am the author of several books published by prestigious companies, including Commerce Clearing House and Simon & Schuster. This experience, including working with professional editors, has informed my tutoring in all aspects of SAT Reading Comprehension, Writing and Grammar, and essay and term paper writing. I pride myself in bringing out the best in my tutees, in making them feel valued and respected. They reciprocate...
Education & Certification
- Trinity College Hartford CT - Bachelors, Modern Languages
- University of Pennsylvania School of Law - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ASPIRE
- TACHS
- +118 subjects
David: Portland SSAT course instructor
...student as a violin student -- lots of feedback and one-to-one attention, not so much lecture. I've been working in education for nearly 10 years, as a tutor, classroom teacher (I am certified in Math 7-12 in Connecticut), and developer of teaching materials. My most recent gigs have been hourly / independent contractor / free-lance, which I haven't put on my resume. I've been tutoring, mostly for the Hamden (CT) school district as a three-quarters-time...
Education & Certification
- Union College - Bachelors, Computer Science
- Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion-New York - Masters, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- ACT
- SAT
- +45 subjects
Jessica: Portland SSAT course instructor
...my students earned best in state scores on their end of year state test. In fact, my students in my final year of teaching were ranked #1 and #2 in the state of Massachusetts on their Math and ELA state tests, respectively. In addition to teaching, I have spent the last 1.5 years working on ELA curriculum design and teacher development for a network of schools in NYC and CT. I am also currently pursuing...
Education & Certification
- Tufts University - Bachelor in Arts, Child Development, French
- Simmons School of Library and Information Science - Masters, Children's Literature, Library and Information Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- HSPT
- +74 subjects
Bianca: Portland SSAT course instructor
...Texas at Austin. My education at both of these institutions provided me with a strong foundation in mathematics and chemistry. I have completed extensive coursework in both those areas. While working on my master's degree, I worked as a teaching assistant, teaching courses and providing extra tutoring help for undergraduate college age and adult students. In addition to teaching at the University of Texas at Austin, I served as a mentor at the local Boys...
Education & Certification
- Auburn University - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
- The University of Texas at Austin - Masters, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ACT
- PSAT
- +124 subjects
Kayla: Portland SSAT course instructor
...I am a teacher at an elementary school, as well as a tutor. I earned a Bachelors in Science in Elementary Education. I am certified to teach kindergarten through sixth grade. I have my Masters in Teaching and Learning in Technology. I believe all students can learn. A tutor’s job is to use the student’s strengths as a leaner, and their learning style to teach them successful strategies to master skills and concepts. Outside from...
Education & Certification
- Central Connecticut State University - Bachelors, Elementary education
- Western Governors University - Masters, Teaching and learning with technology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary School Math
- Math
- +10 subjects
Paige: Portland SSAT course instructor
...Grade Teacher. I graduated from Quinnipiac University with my Bachelors in Marketing and from Southern Connecticut State University with my Masters in Elementary Education. I love to teach, it is my passion! I work with students on a daily basis on many different skills, strategies, and concepts. I like to use a lot of hands on, interactive activities. I also try to incorporate technology into my lessons! I try to make learning relevant and fun...
Education & Certification
- Quinnipiac University - Bachelors, Business
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary School Writing
- Math
- +9 subjects
Alexander: Portland SSAT course instructor
...mathematics in particular I have strong experience working with students who have learning disabilities. I'm near-fluent in German and Spanish, have a year of Chinese under my belt, and have introductory familiarity with Turkish, Korean, French, Italian, and Japanese. If you ever need a conversation practice partner for German/Spanish, let me know! Talking again about math, I have the most experience teaching Pre-Algebra through Algebra II, but I'm more than comfortable working with students in...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- PSAT
- +81 subjects
Nova: Portland SSAT course instructor
I'm an undergraduate at Brown University with a planned concentration in Health and Human Biology and Visual Art. I have had extensive experience working as a summer camp counselor, teaching at a Mandarin School, working as an SAT Tutor, and tutoring Physics, Biology, and Math at a local high school. I am more than happy to offer college advice and SAT II and AP prep given my experience with the application process!
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- +65 subjects
Sanaea: Portland SSAT course instructor
...experience tutoring elementary school age and high school students. Science has always been one of my favorite subjects, so I would love to share my enthusiasm for the natural and physical world with students! I have also taken many standardized tests including taking the SAT three times, so have extensive experience preparing for such tests which I would love to share with my students. In my spare time, I love running, baking, and spending time...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Mathematics
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- High School Biology
- +32 subjects
Kim: Portland SSAT course instructor
...with a BS in Agriculture (CANR). I've done many jobs in my life (milking cows, counseling the unemployed, supervising summer work crews, guiding trail rides...) and, oddly enough, they all involved teaching in some way. Well, not the cows, but THEY taught ME a lot about patience. When I left dairy work for health reasons, my cousin suggested substitute teaching. Then a little third grade boy in a special needs class (my second assignment) stole...
Education & Certification
- UCONN - Storrs - Bachelors, Animal Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- REGENTS
- +73 subjects
Logan: Portland SSAT course instructor
...native, and just graduated from University of Oxford with a BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). I've worked with multiple companies and as an independent tutor for over 2 years and have taught a range of subjects, including Economics and Politics (through University level) and Calculus, Statistics, Spanish, US History, Chemistry, and Geography (through AP level). I'm also experienced in university admissions coaching, including SAT/ACT tutoring and advising on personal statements and supplemental essays....
Education & Certification
- University of Oxford - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- SAT
- +82 subjects
Donna: Portland SSAT course instructor
...where I received two Bachelor of Arts degrees. I majored in Cultural Anthropology, and minored in Studio Art. I also concentrated on Elementary Education and Middle School Social Studies so I could earn my teaching certifications. Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences has always intrigued me. I incorporate those practices in teaching. Focusing on learning styles for every individual student is the key to success. My other professonal experience ranges from teaching public school classrooms and...
Education & Certification
- Rhode Island College - Bachelor in Arts, Education
- Albertus Magnus College - Master of Arts, Art Therapy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- Elementary Math
- Psychology
- +18 subjects
Jamie: Portland SSAT course instructor
...variety of areas in the field of education. I have worked in many different settings with children of all ages, abilities, interests and backgrounds. My journey started while I was interning in the Hamden Police Department, in an effort to engage the community into the workings of the police department, the detective I was working under and I created a citizens academy to teach community members about law, and the police department. While teaching classes...
Education & Certification
- Albertus Magnus College - Bachelors, Sociology/Law
- University of New Haven - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Summer
- ESL/ELL
- Other
- +15 subjects
Jaclyn: Portland SSAT course instructor
Hello! My name is Jackie DeFilippo and I am enthusiastic about tutoring. I have tutored before in college, and I am currently a middle school Science teacher. I have a license and degree in Elementary Education, with experience in both elementary school education and middle school education. I am a new teacher, and have a passion for teaching and learning. I look forward to meeting you!
Education & Certification
- Westfield State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Physical Science
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +26 subjects
Cody: Portland SSAT course instructor
...majority of my professional life teaching -- as a classroom teacher, substitute teacher, a special education paraprofessional and as a theatre teaching artist. I'm also a playwright and work for a nonprofit arts center in downtown Hartford. I'm passionate about education, and I love the experience of one-on-one teaching. It's my way of giving back to the incredible teachers that shaped my childhood and offered me the doors to the professional experiences I've been fortunate...
Education & Certification
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Bachelors, Theatre - Arts Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +86 subjects
Keisha: Portland SSAT course instructor
...Keisha's extracurricular activities during college focused on working with students in urban areas where she tutored and mentored. After her undergrad, she spent three years working as Preschool teacher at a federally funded Head Start program serving low-income families. In 2012, she moved on to working as a para-professional at a local charter school in Bridgeport CT. In August 2014, Keisha earned a Masters in Early Childhood Education and then moved to Newark, NJ where...
Education & Certification
- Sacred Heart University - Bachelors, Sociology
- Cambridge College - Masters, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Summer
- Reading
- +21 subjects
Neetu: Portland SSAT course instructor
...more guidance than those typically found in a traditional classroom. I have the ability to connect with my students and teach simple concepts, as well as more advanced topics. I enjoy working with children and careful preparation of lessons allows me to break down complicated concepts to simple examples that students can grasp easily. I try to tailor activities that help in maintaining the interest of high level students well as the less skilled students....
Education & Certification
- India Gov't Postgraduate College - Bachelor of Science, Math, Physics
- India and Fitchburg State College - Masters, Math and Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Elementary School Math
- Math
- Pre-Calculus
- +10 subjects