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
...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 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...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- +104 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
- SAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- +58 subjects
Amy: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
..."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 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...
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 test prep instructor
...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 to check them out. I am hugely proud of them. They present a more complete and personal description than...
Education & Certification
- Trinity College Hartford CT - Bachelors, Modern Languages
- University of Pennsylvania School of Law - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TACHS
- PSAT
- ACT
- +118 subjects
David: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 job but also occasionally for some local agencies. And I've been developing materials for several publishers of math...
Education & Certification
- Union College - Bachelors, Computer Science
- Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion-New York - Masters, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +45 subjects
Jessica: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 the last 1.5 years working on ELA curriculum design and teacher development for a network of schools in...
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
- PARCC
- HSPT
- SAT
- +74 subjects
Bianca: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...a master's chemical engineering from the University of 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...
Education & Certification
- Auburn University - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
- The University of Texas at Austin - Masters, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CogAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +124 subjects
Kayla: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...Parents! 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...
Education & Certification
- Central Connecticut State University - Bachelors, Elementary education
- Western Governors University - Masters, Teaching and learning with technology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- High School English
- Reading
- +10 subjects
Paige: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 learning relevant and...
Education & Certification
- Quinnipiac University - Bachelors, Business
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- English
- Elementary School Writing
- +9 subjects
Alexander: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...Bronx to a prep school in Connecticut. In 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...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +81 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
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +65 subjects
Sanaea: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...enjoyed being involved in 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Math
- Graduate Level Biology
- Middle School Reading
- +32 subjects
Kim: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...my life agenda. I attended UCONN and graduated 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...
Education & Certification
- UCONN - Storrs - Bachelors, Animal Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SHSAT
- TEAS
- SAT
- +73 subjects
Logan: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...York 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Oxford - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +82 subjects
Donna: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...My undergraduate work was 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...
Education & Certification
- Rhode Island College - Bachelor in Arts, Education
- Albertus Magnus College - Master of Arts, Art Therapy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- Phonics
- Psychology
- +18 subjects
Jamie: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...Over the years I have worked in a 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...
Education & Certification
- Albertus Magnus College - Bachelors, Sociology/Law
- University of New Haven - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- High School English
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- +15 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
- ISEE
- Phonics
- Physical Science
- +26 subjects
Cody: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 enough to have. Let's learn!... I believe that great learning happens when a student feels supported and empowered. Creating a safe space to learn and creating a space that's supportive of a student's learning style and strengths make great learning a reality. Good teaching begins with the student -- knowing where they are, and teaching to that place.
Education & Certification
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Bachelors, Theatre - Arts Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ASPIRE
- SAT
- PSAT
- +86 subjects
Keisha: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 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 & Certification
- Sacred Heart University - Bachelors, Sociology
- Cambridge College - Masters, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary School Math
- English
- +21 subjects
Neetu: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 progress in education. I am very consistent and patient with my students. As a tutor, my strength lies in supporting, motivating and encouraging students along with teaching them the importance of discipline and staying focused on studies. I have noticed that for some students, the actual problem is not...
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 Math
- Geometry
- Elementary School Math
- +10 subjects