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
...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 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...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- +104 subjects
Solomon: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
I graduated from Yale University with a degree in Math and Philosophy. Currently, I am a music and entertainment critic-hopeful. I have tutored for over four years now with specialties in mathematics, logic, philosophy, English, and the ACT.
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- UK A Level
- ASVAB
- +40 subjects
Nancy: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 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,...
Education & Certification
- Southern Connecticut State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education K-8
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISAT
- CLEP
- SAT
- +82 subjects
Tasha: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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. I am TEFL certified and taught English in China for 2 years. I learned Chinese while living in Shanghai and thus understand the perspective of a second language learner having to utilize their second language daily. In conclusion, I greatly enjoy tutoring and seek to make my tutoring sessions...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology, Anthropology
- University of Baltimore - Juris Doctor, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- TOEFL
- ACT
- +46 subjects
Ellis: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...and law professor. I have helped students to prepare for the LSAT and to draft the Personal Statement required by law schools. I was a Modern Languages major in college which has proved invaluable in tutoring ESL which I have done for several years 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...
Education & Certification
- Trinity College Hartford CT - Bachelors, Modern Languages
- University of Pennsylvania School of Law - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CSAP/ TCAP
- ISEE
- ACT
- +118 subjects
Kayla: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 with my friends and family....
Education & Certification
- Central Connecticut State University - Bachelors, Elementary education
- Western Governors University - Masters, Teaching and learning with technology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- English
- College English
- +10 subjects
Landon: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 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...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Public Relations and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CSAP/ TCAP
- GED
- Advanced Placement
- +166 subjects
David: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 job but also occasionally for some local agencies. And I've been developing materials for...
Education & Certification
- Union College - Bachelors, Computer Science
- Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion-New York - Masters, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +45 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
- TOEFL
- ACT
- ISEE
- +52 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
- Science
- Phonics
- +26 subjects
River: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...while traveling and working in different countries. I feel lucky to have translated my hobby into a career, and honored to be an educator and an advocate of diverse cultures. My experience teaching in China and Thailand was the most amazing and important part in my life. Helping students to achieve their learning goals, and being a witness for their success, were the most rewarding parts of my job. It motivates me to become a...
Education & Certification
- Zhejiang University City College - Bachelor in Arts, Journalism
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +25 subjects
Zach: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...ACT Test Preparation that will get you the scores you need for admission to the college of your choice. As for my experience, I have tutoring experience in both one-to-one settings, going as far back as high school, and group/classroom settings, especially from my 4 years of tutoring with Yale MATHCOUNTS. As a likely future graduate student myself, it is my general goal in life to continue the tradition of passing forth knowledge. Not surprisingly,...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- UK A Level
- CogAT
- +54 subjects
Ryan: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
I am a recent graduate of Middlebury College with a degree in Physics, and I have over 5 years of online tutoring experience. I know first hand how challenging it can be to struggle in classes when not quite understanding the material, and I have seen the confidence that tutoring can provide students. I aim to help students build confidence to succeed in their most challenging subjects!
Education & Certification
- Middlebury College - Bachelor's, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- GED
- SAT
- +85 subjects
Jessica: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...graduating, I stayed 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,...
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
- PARCC
- SAT
- +74 subjects
Richard: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...my name is 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...
Education & Certification
- Southern Connecticut State University - Bachelor of Science, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- GED
- HSPT
- +87 subjects
Logan: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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. Prior to Oxford, I attended the Taft School, where I worked as a peer tutor in several subjects and volunteered with low-income 8th graders, helping them prepare for the SSAT and apply to selective secondary...
Education & Certification
- University of Oxford - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +82 subjects
Jamie: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...all things legal and my talents within the classroom atmosphere. While still in my undergraduate college, I gained employment as a Behavioral Interventionist for the Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) Alternative school. I have learned through this experience how to interact and connect with challenging students, how to engage in conversation with them and how to work on their language skills from a beginner to intermediate level. I so enjoyed engaging these challenged students that...
Education & Certification
- Albertus Magnus College - Bachelors, Sociology/Law
- University of New Haven - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Reading
- English
- College English
- +15 subjects
Alesia: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...a 1st grade teacher. I love working with students and helping them to reach their goals! Learning should be intriguing and engaging, and I take pride in making it so for my students. While I am very familiar with elementary, I also love literature and psychology at the middle and high school level. I also know what it likes to take a rigorous standardized test and feel unprepared. In addition to my work in the...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, Psychology
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- High School English
- +23 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
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +65 subjects
Alexander: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...worked in environments ranging from a charter school in the South 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,...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +81 subjects