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
...they work their way 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...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- +104 subjects

Katie : Portland SSAT course instructor
I graduated from the University of Connecticut with degrees in both Accounting and English. I worked as an accountant for a year before I went back to school to earn my Masters in Education. I currently teach high school English and Theater. As a tutor, I use modeling and mini-lessons to help my students reach their potential.
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, English and Accounting
- University of Connecticut - Masters, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +18 subjects

Ellis: Portland SSAT course instructor
...tutees have consistently achieved 150 200 point gains. Libraries throughout CT (including New Haven, Wallingford, East Haven, Cheshire, Bethany, Woodridge, and Madison) have acknowledged these successes by repeatedly selecting me as presenter of library sponsored SAT preparation seminars. (The seminars have 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...
Education & Certification
- Trinity College Hartford CT - Bachelors, Modern Languages
- University of Pennsylvania School of Law - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- ASPIRE
- +118 subjects

Tasha: Portland SSAT course instructor
Hello! I have been a tutor for over 12 years and love what I do. I adapt my tutoring approach and style to each student and help them to develop practical and efficient study skills and time management techniques. I have tutored students from ages 3 to adult in various areas related to English, ESL/ELL, Psychology, Public Speaking, and test preparation. I am a Native English speaker and also speak basic Spanish and Mandarin Chinese....
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology, Anthropology
- University of Baltimore - Juris Doctor, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- ACT
- SAT
- +46 subjects

Landon: Portland SSAT course instructor
...cards, and reworking problems without receiving the same results. School just never came naturally for me, and I often felt incompetent, unmotivated and embarrassed to ask for help. Thankfully, I had wonderful teachers, mentors, and tutors along the way that helped me master the strategies and techniques that worked best for my studies and inspired me to love learning. I became increasingly confident throughout the years, eventually earning a spot at my dream college and...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Public Relations and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +166 subjects

Michael: Portland SSAT course instructor
I am a member of the University of Rochester Class of 2015, working towards a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering. I have been tutoring for four years in a professional setting and seven years on a volunteer basis, specializing in math and science education. I also worked as a curriculum designer for an SAT tutoring firm. I enjoy tutoring because I am strongly against the practice of teaching to the lowest common denominator...
Education & Certification
- University of Rochester - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Advanced Placement
- SAT Subject Tests
- +64 subjects

Maria Luisa: Portland SSAT course instructor
My experiences as a multilingual poet with 20+ years of facilitating workshops in person and online, as a college professor of English composition and literature (6 years) and college admissions counselor (4 years), I have a wealth of resources I access in order to tailor my teaching and tutoring to the students who work with me. First, I actively listen and intensively read. Then I reflect back the strengths I learn through what students share...
Education & Certification
- Colby College - Bachelor in Arts, German
- Tufts University - Master of Arts, German
- Pine Manor College - Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- CLEP
- ACT
- +60 subjects

Jauneen: Portland SSAT course instructor
I have 23 years of experience teaching. I received my BA in elementary education and Biblical studies from Northeastern Bible College. I moved on to teach in classrooms, churches, small group settings, swimming pools (as a swim instructor) and even in my own home. As a homeschool mom, I teach my own children and am preparing them for college. I believe that if learning is boring, frustrating or upsetting, it's not being done right. We...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern Bible College/Kings College - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Test Prep
- Writing
- +17 subjects

Lynda: Portland SSAT course instructor
...have also worked with academically challenged students supporting them in mentoring and coaching them to complete their high school curriculum to graduate. I have also worked as a private tutor working with students in reading. Professionally, I am an accomplished education and business professional who is committed to strategic collaboration of the global business and culturally diverse language-learning environment. I have extensive experience in business development. As a corporate trainer and human resource professional, my...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor of Education, High School Teaching
- Sacred Heart University - Masters in Business Administration, Strategic Intelligence
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SSAT- Upper Level
- Reading Comprehension Class
- Elementary Reading and Phonics Class
- +30 subjects

Jessica: Portland SSAT course instructor
...in Boston and tutored 9th-12th graders in a wide range of subjects while earning my teaching license. After that, I taught 3rd and 4th grade where 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...
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
- SAT
- ISEE
- PARCC
- +74 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
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +65 subjects

Nancy: Portland SSAT course instructor
...I spent most of those years teaching grades 3, 4 and 7, but I have actually taught all grades! While in the classroom, I taught core subjects to heterogeneously grouped students. For the last ten years, I have been an online tutor. My online students varied in abilities and geographical locations. I was even tasked with planning for and teaching homeschooled students with autism and dyslexia. I have given help in reading, language arts, math,...
Education & Certification
- Southern Connecticut State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education K-8
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TACHS
- ISAT
- CLEP
- +74 subjects

Donna: Portland SSAT course instructor
...from Rhode Island College 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...
Education & Certification
- Rhode Island College - Bachelor in Arts, Education
- Albertus Magnus College - Master of Arts, Art Therapy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Social Sciences
- +18 subjects

Michele: Portland SSAT course instructor
My Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Liberty University shows that I know a little about mathematics. And my Masters of Education degree from American College of Education shows that I have learned something of education theory. However, my passion for learning and for helping others learn is what really drives my desire to tutor. I began by tutoring my peers in the math lab at college. Then I continued by teaching my own...
Education & Certification
- Liberty University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- American College of Education - Masters in Education, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- ACT
- ASVAB
- +72 subjects

Cody: Portland SSAT course instructor
Hello! I've spent the 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Bachelors, Theatre - Arts Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CAHSEE
- ACT
- ASPIRE
- +86 subjects

Paige: Portland SSAT course instructor
I'm currently a third 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...
Education & Certification
- Quinnipiac University - Bachelors, Business
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE- Lower Level
- Elementary School Writing
- +9 subjects

Matthew: Portland SSAT course instructor
...algebra 2, geometry, and introductory trigonometry and precalculus) - German (introductory and intermediate) - Test prep (including SAT, ACT, and GRE) - Biology (high-school and introductory, college-level) - Chemistry (high-school and introductory, college-level inorganic) I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, along with minors in Chemistry, German Language and Literature, and Environmental Studies. Currently, I am studying toward a Master of Information degree with specialization in Library and Information Science. Professionally, I...
Education & Certification
- Brandeis University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Current Grad Student, Library and Information Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- GED
- SAT
- +63 subjects

Sanaea: Portland SSAT course instructor
...education and have extensive 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,...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Reading
- Adult Literacy
- College English
- +32 subjects

Colin: Portland SSAT course instructor
My first tutoring experience was in the 7th grade. I had a wonderful math teacher who allowed students, once they had finished their practice sets, to help others. I learned then that I had a knack for helping others understand math concepts. I did some tutoring in college and after graduation worked for several tutoring organizations before becoming an actual classroom teacher with Teach For America. Being in the classroom had its challenges and I...
Education & Certification
- Central Connecticut State University - Bachelors, International Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- REGENTS
- GED
- +24 subjects

Amy: Portland SSAT course instructor
...of one child all 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,...
Education & Certification
- University of Northern Colorado - Bachelors, Special Education Teacher K-12
- Central Connecticut State University - Masters, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- +19 subjects