If you are looking to send your student to a private or independent school, Varsity Tutors can connect you with SSAT prep help in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. The SSAT, or the Secondary School Admission Test, measures your student's basic verbal skills as well as math and reading skills. The test score is reviewed by admissions boards of independent and private schools to determine your student's eligibility to attend their school. You can get connected with a Raleigh-Durham SSAT prep course or a Raleigh-Durham SSAT prep tutor to help your student try to achieve their score goals.
What Can Raleigh-Durham SSAT Prep Review with My Student?
Raleigh-Durham SSAT prep can review all concepts and skills your student will need to be successful on the test. The SSAT is a standardized test taken by students who are seeking to enroll in a private or independent school. First, we will talk about the different levels of the SSAT, and then we will go into detail about what your student will face at each level.
The first level we will discuss is the Elementary Level. Students who are applying to an independent school for 4th or 5th grade will take this level of the SSAT. This level is administered in just under 2 hours and contains 5 sections: Quantitative/Math, Verbal, Reading, Writing, and Experimental.
The Quantitative section contains 30 questions and must be completed in 30 minutes. This section assesses basic math. Your student will need to know basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They will also need to know place value, number order, fractions, shapes, measurement, and graph interpretation.
The Verbal section is also comprised of 30 questions with which your student has 30 minutes to answer. This section measures your student's English skills. They will need to know synonyms, many different types of analogies, age-appropriate vocabulary, and word analogies. The overall topics covered in this section are language understanding, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
The Reading section includes 7 passages that each have 4 questions, for a total of 28 questions. Your student will have 30 minutes to read and answer all of the questions. This section also covers the subject of English and assesses reading comprehension. Your student will need to know how to locate the main idea of a passage, determine the meaning of words in context, identify information, and understand literal and nonliteral meanings of words.
The Writing Sample is administered in 15 minutes in which your student must answer a prompt. Your student will be asked to write a simple story about a picture prompt. Their story should include a beginning, middle, and end. Your student needs to know how to organize an essay and will need writing skills like grammar, punctuation, and spelling. This section is not scored but does get sent to admissions boards for them to read and evaluate.
Lastly, the Experimental section consists of 15-17 questions that must be answered in 15 minutes. This section is not scored. The answers help the creators of the test to experiment with potential questions to be featured in future versions of the SSAT.
Elementary Level students should guess on questions they don't know, as there is no penalty for incorrect answers.
Next is the Middle Level. This level has six sections: Writing Sample, Quantitative 1, Reading, Verbal, Quantitative 2, and Experimental. Your student is allowed 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete this level. Students at this level will be penalized for wrong answers, but will not be penalized for unanswered questions, so guessing is not recommended.
The Writing Sample section measures your student's English knowledge. They have 25 minutes to write a story based on two creative prompts. They will need to know how to organize a written piece and will need to display excellent writing skills such as grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
The Quantitative sections (1 and 2) both consist of 25 questions with which a student has 30 minutes to complete. The topics covered in these sections are algebra, data analysis, probability, numbers, and operations. Students will need to understand mean, median, mode, and range; as well as coordinate geometry, area and perimeter of geometric shapes, ratio, and proportion.
In the Reading section, students have 40 minutes to answer 40 passage-based questions. They will need to know how to identify the main idea, find details, make inferences and predictions, determine the author's purpose, attitude, and tone. They must also understand and evaluate opinions and arguments.
The Verbal section is 60 questions and must be completed in 30 minutes. Your student will need to understand synonyms and analogies, prefixes and suffixes, and word roots. They will also need to be able to relate ideas and words to each other and determine the meaning or part of speech from context.
Finally, the Experimental section is unscored and is made up of 16 questions with which a student has 15 minutes to answer.
The Upper-Level SSAT is the same as the Middle Level, with the only difference being the difficulty of the subjects and questions, and the Writing Sample. The Writing Sample at the Upper Level provides students with two prompts: one is a creative essay, and one is a traditional essay. They must select one on which to base their writing.
How Can Raleigh-Durham SSAT Prep Help My Student Reach for Their Goals?
Raleigh-Durham SSAT preparation can help your student reach for their goals in several ways. If your child learns well in a classroom setting, a Raleigh-Durham SSAT prep class can provide them with increased information retention and different skills through interactive and collaborative learning in live online classes. The skills they can learn from participating in a prep class can also be applied to future learning. These classes are solely focused on the SSAT and the concepts and topics that your student needs to understand in order to be successful on the test. Your student can also request one-on-one time with their instructor if they require additional help with a particular concept.
If your student prefers one-on-one learning, we can connect you with prep tutors that can learn their individual needs and goals and help them try to learn better ways to study. Individualized learning can provide the attention and focus that your student may need. The learning plan that a tutor can create based on your student's needs and goals can change as your student progresses.
Both classes and tutoring can be provided online through our Live Learning Platform to give your student the freedom to learn where they are most comfortable, and they can choose a time that fits into their schedule.
How Can I Connect My Student with Raleigh-Durham SSAT Prep?
Varsity Tutors' educational consultants can connect your student with qualified and carefully selected professional prep help in Raleigh-Durham, NC. Call today to get started.

William: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...to plant good seeds into the lives of others. Further, I have discovered that I not only love to teach but that I am quite good at it. While I am doing quite a bit of private tutoring on my own, I am now looking for ways to expand my reach. Accordingly, your organization may be a good fit with my skills and abilities. Note that I do not intend to quit my private tutoring...
Education & Certification
- Texas AM University - Bachelors, Nuclear Engineering
- Duke University - Masters, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ACT Math
- College Essays
- +35 subjects

Serena: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...and parents, I have gained immeasurable knowledge in planning, organizing, and implementing successful strategies, and best practices to lead in my profession. I am fully knowledgeable of the Common Core Curriculum used in Elementary schools along with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. As a teacher, I have prepared students for the North Carolina elementary end of grade tests and the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) in Jamaica. I am a Science item test...
Education & Certification
- Consortium of Institution for Teacher Education - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- American College of Education - Masters, Educational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ISEE- Lower Level
- Test Prep
- +21 subjects

Rebecca: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...credential for Social Science, and a MA in Education with a focus on curriculum and instruction; my thesis focused on the impact of humor on learning and the learning environment. Over the last decade I have taught within the humanities(grades 6-12). I have a passion for cultivating important skills like, writing, presentation, debate, organization, time management, and study skills. Additionally, I have taught international, ESL, and students with various learning differences like dyslexia and ADHD.
Education & Certification
- California State University-Northridge - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Notre Dame de Namur University - Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Creative Writing
- SAT Subject Test in Literature
- Business
- +120 subjects

Asta: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...we talk through dreams, aspirations, and life experiences. I view education as a skill; education is not around to help us learn specific things, but rather education teaches us how to learn. Outside the classroom, I'm a well-traveled certified SCUBA diver who enjoys spending time kayaking and weightlifting. I also played ice hockey through college and performed as a classical pianist on campus and in Europe. When I'm not feeling so active, I can be...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP History of the United States I
- GRE Quantitative
- GRE Verbal
- +80 subjects

Josh: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...where I supervised 23 tutors. In my experience, most students actually have a strong understanding of mathematical concepts. It is usually one or two techniques that get them tripped up. I pride myself on being able to alleviate confusion in math for students. I have a wide variety of techniques to help every student understand every step of the process. I use my mathematical prowess as well as my corny sense of humor to make...
Education & Certification
- University of Georgia - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics and Statistics
- University of Georgia - Current Grad Student, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Pre-Calculus
- Macroeconomics
- College Math
- +129 subjects

Linda: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...in Educational Leadership from National Louis University in Chicago, IL. Ever since I started teaching, I have been passionate in my commitment to maximizing individual student performance, inspiring students interest and instilling a sense of self-worth among all students. I have dedicated my career to each of these pursuits, as my resume will attest. In my personal life, I have two grown sons and a very spoiled mix breed dog. I have lived in Milwaukee...
Education & Certification
- UW-Milwaukee - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
- National Louis University - Masters in Education, Educational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Phonics
- Public Speaking
- Elementary School Math
- +27 subjects

Candice: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
Hey there! My name is Candice and my focus is on Social Studies, specifically Government, Political Science, US History, and Criminal Justice. I am excited to help with any areas you may have trouble in and make it my priority to turn studying into something that can be enjoyable! I don't see any reason why enhancing your education can't be fun for you (and me!)
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke - Bachelor in Arts, Criminal Justice
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP Social Sciences and History
- A Level Law
- GED Social Studies
- +104 subjects

Alexandra: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
I love teaching and making a difference in students lives. I love knowing that I made a difference to someone, even if it's just one person. My favorite moment is the lightbulb moment; when someone gets what you have been trying to explain! I have been a long term substitute and will begin teaching in the fall. I am a certified elementary teacher. I have worked with students of all ages, but love working with...
Education & Certification
- Meredith College - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- History
- Reading
- ISEE
- +15 subjects

Christopher: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...me as a crutch. I want them to see me as someone who will help them to walk on their own again. My ability to work with students across disciplines has been an added benefit for those families who choose to work with me. I care about what I do because I believe that all students can learn--they just need to be the right person using the right teaching strategy at the right moment for...
Education & Certification
- Boston University - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics Teacher Education
- University of Massachusetts-Boston - Masters in Education, Educational Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Algebra 2
- Physics
- English
- +67 subjects

Beverly: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...So I assist students when they are unable to meet with their teacher, clarify concepts the student needs more time on, explain concepts in alternative ways, and review the building blocks that the student needs to complete the tasks at hand. We'll work together so that your student gains skills and confidence. I've enjoyed working with preschoolers to middle schoolers, and high school students are a great group to interact with. Everyone has their own...
Education & Certification
- NC State Univ. - Bachelors, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GRE Quantitative
- 3rd Grade Math
- Inorganic Chemistry
- +59 subjects

Emily: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...own collegiate career, I was awarded the top two scholarships available to undergraduates, and I was honored with the Dean's Award for the College of Arts and Sciences upon graduation--the highest award available in the college . While in undergrad, I supported myself by tutoring collegiate student-athletes. Now I'm a masters student at Johns Hopkins University and continuing my work as a tutor. Tell me about your essay, your math class, or your killer essay...
Education & Certification
- Eastern Kentucky University - Bachelor of Science, Wildlife, Fish, and Wildlands Science and Management
- Johns Hopkins University - Master of Arts, Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GRE
- SAT Writing and Language
- 12th Grade Algebra
- +138 subjects

Ndidi-Amaka: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...tutor with Varsity Tutors before matriculating into medical school, and coming back to assist my fellow medical professionals with USMLE tutoring feels like somewhat of a homecoming. During my time with students, I feel like patience is one of the most important things when trying to get through to a student, and coincidentally, my name means 'patience is good' in my native language. I look forward to helping students understand what they never thought they...
Education & Certification
- University of Georgia - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Social Sciences
- College Biology
- MCAT
- +40 subjects

Yvonne: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
I'm passionate about learning and believe that curiosity about the world leads to amazing discoveries. Whether you're struggling with a class, prepping for a major test, or learning about computers and Microsoft, I'm glad to support you. My expertise includes Nursing, Public Health and the health sciences.
Education & Certification
- San Francisco State University - Bachelor of Science, Nursing (RN)
- Johns Hopkins University - Master of Science, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Microsoft Office
- Other
- ISEE- Middle Level
- +52 subjects

Matthew: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...in STEM, I am very passionate about biotechnology and general biology including genetics, physiology, and cell biology. As an aspiring dentist, I am currently working towards getting a dental degree. During my undergraduate career, I had several experiences of helping other students with learning materials and quiz/exam preparation. I am excited to have another opportunity to help other students again through Varsity Tutors because I truly believe that education is absolutely imperative to a better...
Education & Certification
- Emory University - Bachelors, Anthropology and Human Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- 4th Grade Math
- Biochemistry
- 6th Grade
- +71 subjects

Malorie: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
I am a graduate of Vance-Granville Community College.I received my Associates of Applied Science in Human Services Technology. After which I decided to attend East Carolina University to work toward a degree in Special Education. At the present time, I teach reading, which is my passion. I tutor reading, English, and history. I believe every student deserves a chance at success regardless of circumstances.
Education & Certification
- Vance-Granville Community College - Associate in Arts, Human Services
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SSAT- Upper Level
- Elementary School Writing
- SAT Reading
- +21 subjects

Brittany: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...his or her own unique learning style, and having a teacher who understands this fact will greatly improve a student's success. My experience as a special educator has allowed me to become very adept at helping students find their strengths and using them to promote academic success. While my favorite subjects to teach and tutor involve history and politics, I am skilled at tutoring students in reading, writing, math, and study skills.
Education & Certification
- Meredith College - Bachelors, History
- Western Carolina University - Masters, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE- Lower Level
- SSAT- Middle Level
- Homework Support
- +30 subjects

Timothy: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...a recruiter (and 2+ years as Director of Recruitment). I also provide freelance career coaching and resume services when I am not tutoring or immersing myself in learning. Ultimately, I am passionate about helping my students find sustainable ways to learn from, succeed in, and get the most from their classes....even the ones that are most frustrating and that challenge them the most. Let's work together to achieve your/your child's academic goals and have some...
Education & Certification
- Emory University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- Duke University - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Technology and Coding
- Elementary School English
- Writing
- +55 subjects

Lauren: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...essay; I want them to have the strong metacognitive skills, critical communication abilities, and content knowledge that will allow them to succeed in the classroom and beyond. I use a diagnostic-prescriptive style where I continually assess students' strengths, needs, and growth to determine and adapt my instruction. I assess measurable goals, but also teach attitudes and skills that will serve students throughout their academic careers. Learning is a complex and holistic process, so I approach...
Education & Certification
- California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo - Bachelors, English
- California State University-Fullerton - Masters, Education with an emphasis in reading instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- German 4
- Literature
- ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills
- +41 subjects

Stacy: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...University in Beijing as an exchange student. I have been teaching for 12 years. I have a 4 year old cat. I like to spend time with my family. Outside my class, I enjoy traveling around the world, gymnastics and visiting Disney World. I use songs, games and fun in class! My goal is to make your child learning fun! I have ESOL, Elementary Education, Pre- Kindergarten, and Special Education Certification in 2 states and...
Education & Certification
- University of Florida - Bachelor of Science, Clinical Psychology
- Florida International University - Juris Doctor, Prelaw Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- LSAT Essay Section
- Public Speaking
- PSAT Critical Reading
- +100 subjects

Susan: Raleigh-Durham SSAT test prep instructor
...I'm 38 years and my eldest son is in university. I have been a Language Arts teacher for the past 15 years from elementary level all the way up to university. I love to teach and it is one of my passions to make people understand things. I have a really good way to get people to understand and believe things, they did not before. I'm especially excellent in teaching reading, phonics, vocabulary, grammar, writing...
Education & Certification
- Wexford - Bachelor in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Special Education
- High School English
- AP English Language and Composition
- +48 subjects