If your child is getting ready to take the SSAT, then Varsity Tutors can help them study for it with an in-depth Portland SSAT preparation option. Working with an experienced test prep instructor can provide the guidance your student needs to feel more confident on the day of their exam. The SSAT is a standardized test that is taken by students who are getting ready to apply to competitive private or independent elementary, middle, and high schools. Your student's SSAT results will be used in the admissions process as a part of their ultimate admissions decision.
The SSAT can be a difficult exam to study for without any guidance. This is because It tests on a variety of different academic subjects. However, your child doesn't have to prepare for their upcoming test alone. Instead, consider signing them up for a Portland SSAT prep option. You can easily get started with the option that is the best match for them by contacting Varsity Tutors today. Or, you can keep reading for more information on the SSAT and what we can do to help your student prepare for it.
What's covered on the SSAT?
The SSAT was designed to help private and independent schools determine which of their applicants are most suited for success at their school. The specific topics that will be tested on your student's exam will depend on which level of the SSAT they're taking. The exam has an Elementary, Middle, and Upper Level, which correspond to the grade level that the student is seeking admission into. For example, if your student is applying to an independent or private high school, then they will take the Upper-Level SSAT. Below, you'll find a breakdown of this version of the exam.
The Upper-Level of the SSAT contains a Writing Sample, which your student must complete. This part of the SSAT will feature two prompts, one creative and one traditional. Your child will be allowed to pick the one they wish to respond to. Then, they'll need to craft a well-organized and well-written essay within the section's 25-minute time limit. This part of the SSAT is unscored but it's a good chance to show the schools your student applies to how skilled they are as a writer.
The next part of the SSAT is its Quantitative Sections. There are two different Quantitative Sections, each of which features 25 questions and a time limit of 30 minutes. This part of the exam is concerned with your student's mathematical skills. They will be tested on core math subjects like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Your student should feel confident performing data analysis, evaluating probability questions, and completing number operations, among other things.
Third, your student will also complete the SSAT's Reading Section. This part of the exam features 40 questions that test-takers must answer within a 40-minute time limit. Here, test-takers are tasked with interpreting the meaning of narrative and argumentative passages from literary fiction, science, social studies, and the humanities. They will need to demonstrate the ability to extract information from these passages and answer questions about them. Some of the topics that are tested include main ideas, words in context, the author's purpose, tone, and the evaluation of opinions and arguments, among other things.
Fourth, the final part of the Upper-Level SSAT is the exam's Verbal Section. This section contains 60 questions and has a time limit of 30 minutes. This part of the SSAT consists of 30 questions on synonyms and 30 questions on analogies. Your student can study for this section by learning about word roots, prefixes and suffixes, and determining the meaning of a word from context. Signing them up to work with a test prep instructor can help them build a better understanding of this section and its content.
How can Varsity Tutors help your student prepare for the SSAT?
Signing up for a Portland SSAT prep supplement is a great way to get your student ready for their upcoming exam. You can get them started with a Portland SSAT prep course or sign them up to work with a private test prep tutor. Both of these options have unique benefits that can supplement your child's study plan in different ways. You'll learn more about these benefits in the paragraphs below.
First, you may be interested in getting your student started with a Portland SSAT prep class. Classes take place online through a powerful virtual learning platform. They are taught by experienced test prep instructors who will deliver a series of live lectures to your student and a small group of peers. If your child is having a hard time with one of the topics covered in their course, then they can also sign up for one-on-one help from their instructor. This creates a learning environment that is primed for academic growth.
This type of Portland SSAT is also a flexible learning option. Both two and four-week course options are available and new courses begin weekly. This makes it easy to find an option that meets at times that fit within you and your child's schedules. You can reach out to us today if you'd like help picking the right course option for your student.
Or, you may prefer to sign your student up to work with a Portland SSAT tutor. This option gives your child the chance to work directly with their instructor throughout their entire test preparation process. Your student's tutor can create a customized lesson plan for them that's targeted with their growth in mind. Your child can work through each SSAT topic at their own pace and spend additional time on the subjects that they're having the hardest time with. Additionally, when you reach out to Varsity Tutors to find a tutor for the SSAT, we'll make every effort to connect you with one that can meet at times that fit you and your student's schedules.
How can you get started?
Do you think that your child would benefit from one of these Portland SSAT prep choices? If so, the quickest way to get started with the option of your choice is by contacting Varsity Tutors today. We'd love to help your student get more out of their SSAT preparation process and hope to hear from you soon.

Max: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...Economics. I'm originally from Millburn, NJ. This year, I'm taking two semesters off from school to sing and travel the entire world with the Yale Whiffenpoofs, America's oldest collegiate a cappella singing group. Apart from singing, I'm is passionate about education, particularly in helping high school students achieve their academic goals as they work their way towards college. I volunteer in New Haven as a math teacher and coach at a public middle school (my...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Social Studies
- College Business
- Geometry
- +104 subjects

Amy: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...Special Education Teacher k-12. I also earned an M.A. for teaching grades k-12. I worked a full time teaching position for the Hartford public Schools. My classroom was self-contained that was composed of ASD,PDD students, and many had severe behavioral issues. The students in my class were deemed "un-teachable" With the exception of one child all of my kids graduated in the mainstream! I am a very strong reading and math teacher at the elementary...
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
- Test Prep
- Middle School Math
- +19 subjects

Ellis: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...www.eratnertutor.com I have been a successful tutor for over ten years specializing in SAT and PSAT preparation including reading comprehension, grammar, and essay and term paper writing. SAT and PSAT 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...
Education & Certification
- Trinity College Hartford CT - Bachelors, Modern Languages
- University of Pennsylvania School of Law - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Homeschool
- 1st Grade
- Contract Law
- +118 subjects

Nova: Portland SSAT test prep 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
- Life Sciences
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- +64 subjects

Nancy: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...my sessions interesting and fun. It's important to make real world connections, so students understand why learning a particular skill is important. I was a classroom teacher for many years. 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...
Education & Certification
- Southern Connecticut State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education K-8
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACCUPLACER
- CLEP Introduction to Business Law
- Elementary School
- +48 subjects

Jaclyn: Portland SSAT test prep 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
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ISEE- Lower Level
- English
- +26 subjects

Elisa: Portland SSAT test prep 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
- ESL/ELL
- HSPT Verbal
- +23 subjects

Julia: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...a Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience, with a minor in Chemistry, and a certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. I am also on the Physician Assistant track. Since freshman year of high school, I have put forth many hours tutoring students of all ages, ranging in many subjects. My personal favorite subject to tutor in is Algebra, but I have tutored in math ranging from elementary school level to high school level. I have also tutored...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Psychologies
- Professional Certifications
- Pre-Calculus
- +46 subjects

Kayla: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 my career, I love to listen to music,...
Education & Certification
- Central Connecticut State University - Bachelors, Elementary education
- Western Governors University - Masters, Teaching and learning with technology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Elementary School Math
- High School English
- Writing
- +10 subjects

Matthew: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...adult in math, I have used and developed a teaching approach that values the student as a whole person, not just their test scores. I am patient, methodical, and understanding, and I work well with students who are willing to make an effort toward improving. I can tutor in the following subjects: - Math (elementary, middle-school, pre-algebra, algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry, and introductory trigonometry and precalculus) - German (introductory and intermediate) - Test prep...
Education & Certification
- Brandeis University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Current Grad Student, Library and Information Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Graduate Test Prep
- GED Science
- GED Reasoning Through Language Arts
- +63 subjects

Christina: Portland SSAT test prep 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
- Other
- Algebra 2
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- +58 subjects

Michele: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 children for the last twenty-two years in our homeschool. Today, I tutor...
Education & Certification
- Liberty University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- American College of Education - Masters in Education, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- English
- Elementary School Science
- High School Biology
- +72 subjects

Keisha: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...was a struggling student and gave teachers a hard time. Her mother sent her to spend summers with her Aunt who is a teacher in Florida. It was through her Aunt's influence Keisha discovered she wanted to be a teacher. In 2004, she went to Sacred Heart University and graduated with a Bachelors in Sociology. Keisha's extracurricular activities during college focused on working with students in urban areas where she tutored and mentored. After her...
Education & Certification
- Sacred Heart University - Bachelors, Sociology
- Cambridge College - Masters, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- 1st Grade Reading
- 2nd Grade Reading
- 1st Grade
- +21 subjects

Ryan: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
I am a true New England boy, and am an alumnus of Wesleyan, Yale and Uconn Law School. I was a double major in Political Science and Psychology and enjoy the intersection of the two. I have taught for over twenty years most recently as a professor of Law and Criminology at UB. I also lived in Hong Kong and taught test prep to some of the world's most aspirational students.
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- University of Connecticut - Doctor of Laws, Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE-Middle Level Verbal Reasoning
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Test Prep
- +50 subjects

Landon: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...grew up in a high-performing school district where many of my peers were able to excel without putting forth any effort. Meanwhile, I was spending countless hours reading, drilling flash 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...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Public Relations and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Summer
- Elementary School Math
- World Literature
- +166 subjects

Richard: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...Richard. I have graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science in physics. Throughout my time in college, I have tutored an array of students ranging in various skills of mathematics and physics and ages. I love the feeling of helping others understand and gain an appreciation for the fields through the sessions we have. My goal is to help students solve problems on their own, but also have some fun while doing it too.
Education & Certification
- Southern Connecticut State University - Bachelor of Science, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TACHS
- Pre-Calculus
- ISEE- Upper Level
- +71 subjects

Neetu: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...with students from elementary school through college. I have a Master's degree in Mathematics and a Master's degree in Education also. I am very comfortable teaching all different age groups and enjoy working with students one-on-one. One-on-one teaching helps me understand their strengths and weaknesses. I try to listen to my students' needs and evaluate that first, and then based on that I provide support, guidance, advice and encouragement to students on issues regarding their...
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
- Algebra 2
- Middle School Math
- Algebra
- +10 subjects

Marc: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...I have a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a focus on American politics. Since my graduation in 2013 I've held several different roles in education, including ESL tutoring, substitute teaching, and I am currently teaching high school math in New York. My knowledge of mathematics comes from an interest in the social science research, a field I pursued in college and may return to in the future. I can also provide tutoring in...
Education & Certification
- University of Vermont - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Statistics
- REGENTS
- French 4
- +90 subjects

Paige: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 for all of my students. I look forward...
Education & Certification
- Quinnipiac University - Bachelors, Business
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- English
- Elementary School Science
- ISEE
- +9 subjects

Michael: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 of students and I believe that every student is entitled to a...
Education & Certification
- University of Rochester - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- AP Chemistry
- ISEE- Upper Level
- College Physics
- +64 subjects