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
...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 have previously held internship positions in human capital consulting & private equity, as well as...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- AP Biology
- SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M
- Essay Editing
- +104 subjects

Amy: Portland SSAT course instructor
...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 been able to reach several children,...
Education & Certification
- University of Northern Colorado - Bachelors, Special Education Teacher K-12
- Central Connecticut State University - Masters, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- College English
- STAAR
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +19 subjects

Ellis: Portland SSAT course instructor
...garnered substantial positive online and print publicity). These successes as well as extraordinarily positive references from parents, students, teachers, and school principals are set forth in my website: www.eratnertutor.com . I urge the reader to check them out. I am hugely proud of them. They present a more complete and personal description than I could possibly present in a Personal Statement. My expertise also extends to the law. I am a graduate of the University...
Education & Certification
- Trinity College Hartford CT - Bachelors, Modern Languages
- University of Pennsylvania School of Law - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SSAT- Upper Level
- ASPIRE Reading
- CLEP
- +118 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
- Biology
- Mandarin Chinese 4
- SAT Math
- +64 subjects

Nancy: Portland SSAT course instructor
...math, writing, and teaching English to pupils of other languages. I have experience preparing students for standardized tests such as the ISEE. My students have ranged in age from preschool to college level. I have a Bachelors and Masters degree in education from Southern Connecticut State University and a Sixth Year in education from the University of New England. I hold a TESOL certificate for teaching English to students of other languages. I look forward...
Education & Certification
- Southern Connecticut State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education K-8
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE-Middle Level Reading Comprehension
- Geometry
- Reading Intervention
- +54 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
- Physical Science
- Elementary Math
- Public Speaking
- +26 subjects

Elisa: Portland SSAT course instructor
I have had 25 years teaching experience on the elementary level. I taught Kindergarten for 19 years. I have been teaching 5th grade for the last 6 years. I have always taught in an inclusion classroom. ... I believe that all children have the ability and right to learn. My goal is to instill a love of learning in all children. I would like all children to have the confidence to overcome any difficulties they may have in learning.
Education & Certification
- Manhattanville College - Bachelors, History
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Test Prep
- History
- Comparative Literature
- +23 subjects

Julia: Portland SSAT course instructor
...are two feelings when tutoring that go unbeaten: 1. When your student finally grasps a concept they have been struggling with. 2. When your student comes back with their first improved test grade. I try to accommodate to the needs of all my students and revolve tutoring around each student's personal goals. Whether it's getting a better understanding of one concept, getting class grade up, or preparing for an exam, I do my best to...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Statistics
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Psychologies
- +46 subjects

Kayla: Portland SSAT course instructor
...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 my career, I love to listen to music, run, and most importantly spend time...
Education & Certification
- Central Connecticut State University - Bachelors, Elementary education
- Western Governors University - Masters, Teaching and learning with technology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE- Lower Level
- High School English
- ISEE
- +10 subjects

Matthew: Portland SSAT course instructor
...and Environmental Studies. Currently, I am studying toward a Master of Information degree with specialization in Library and Information Science. Professionally, I have worked for six years in biology labs (include five in genetics research), in addition to math tutoring for about three years. In my free time, I enjoy playing chess, doing crossword puzzles, bird-watching, and experiencing nature (leisurely hiking, sight-seeing, etc.). Please contact me with any questions, and I look forward to working...
Education & Certification
- Brandeis University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Current Grad Student, Library and Information Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT English
- GRE Quantitative
- High School Biology
- +63 subjects