If you're looking for quality San Diego SSAT prep options for your student, Varsity Tutors can help connect you with the right option to suit your student's educational and scheduling needs. The SSAT Is a standardized exam used by various admissions offices to evaluate the skills and abilities of students who are attempting to enroll in a private school or independent school. This exam assesses your student's basic math, verbal, and reading skills.
There are different SSAT tests for elementary level, middle level, and upper-level students. All levels consist of Quantitative, Reading, and Verbal sections as well as a Writing prompt. San Diego SSAT prep can assist your child in reviewing any of the topics found in the SSAT, no matter what level your student is at.
What can San Diego SSAT prep cover?
The SSAT consists of three separate sections that receive a score as well as a writing sample and experimental section that are unscored at all levels. The Elementary level SSAT is for third-grade students and fourth-grade students applying to an independent school for the next grade. The Middle-level SSAT is for students finishing fifth, sixth, or seventh grade who are looking to attend an independent middle school. The Upper-level SSAT is for students in the eighth through 11th grade hoping to gain admission to an independent high school the following school year. Let's take a closer look at what to expect at each level.
At the Elementary level, your student has an hour and 15 minutes to complete 89 total questions. Each section has its own time limit, which ranges from 15 to 30 minutes. The Quantitative section consists of questions assessing your child's knowledge of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Place value and number order, as well as fractions, should also be reviewed. The Verbal section will assess your child on his or her knowledge of synonyms, analogies, and age-appropriate vocabulary. The Reading section will assess your child's ability to locate the main idea of a passage and identify information from the text. The unscored word writing prompt in this section requires your child to write a simple story based on a picture and should include a beginning, middle, and end.
Middle-level SSAT lasts for two hours and 50 minutes and has a total of 167 questions. The time limits for each section at this level range from 15 to 40 minutes. The unscored writing sample provides your student with the two creative prompts, and he or she must select one on which to base a story. There are two Quantitative sections at this level that cover algebra, data analysis, probability, numbers, and operations. The Reading section at this level requires your student to be able to interpret meaning from narrative or argumentative texts. The Verbal section requires your student to relate ideas and words to each other logically and be able to determine the meaning or part of speech from context.
The Upper-level SSAT consists of 167 questions that your student must finish within two hours and 50 minutes. The different sections at this level vary from 15 to 40 minutes in length. The writing sample at this level requires you to be able to organize a story or essay and will assess writing skills such as grammar, punctuation, and persuasive writing techniques. There are two Quantitative sections that cover solving algebraic problems as well as various geometric concepts. The Reading section requires your student to be able to make inferences and make predictions as well as being able to determine an author's purpose, tone, and attitude. The Verbal section assesses your student on synonyms and analogies as well as prefixes and suffixes.
What are the benefits of the different types of San Diego SSAT prep through Varsity Tutors?
Varsity Tutors is proud to offer two of the best types of SSAT prep options available. You will be able to enroll your student in an online interactive prep course or sign him or her up for private instruction.
If your student enjoys a social and structured learning environment, a San Diego SSAT prep course may be the right option. Your student will be able to access life class sessions on a computer, which means courses can be attended from the comfort of your home or even at the local library. Students are able to interact directly with their teachers and classmates and participate in group activities and discussions. This could help make learning more enjoyable and also assist your student in retaining the knowledge for a longer amount of time. Your student has the opportunity to sign up for either a two-week or four-week course.
If your student works better in a personal environment, we can connect you to a knowledgeable San Diego SSAT tutor. Your student's private instructor can take the time to get to know his or her personal strengths, weaknesses, and preferred learning style. Your student will have the opportunity to move at his or her own pace, and lesson plans can be adjusted as skills and knowledge are improved. This will make study sessions more efficient since your student will not need to spend time reviewing concepts or skills he or she has already mastered. Instead, students can focus on the exact areas that need improvement.
Some students may even wish to take advantage of both options. No matter which option you go for, you can be sure your student is receiving high-quality instruction from teachers who have been vetted to have good communication skills
How do I sign up to get started in a San Diego SSAT prep class or private instruction?
The SSAT is in an important exam to consider when preparing to apply to an independent or private school. Your student will want to prepare well in order to impress the admissions office. Once you're ready to enroll your student, all you need to do is pick up the phone and call Varsity Tutors. After determining your instructional and scheduling needs, we will set you up with either an SSAT course or private instructor. Call Varsity Tutors today to get connected to the best San Diego SSAT preparation options available.

Kristie: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...Mentorship program focusing on daily homework tasks and study skills. Since graduation, I have spent the last year living and working in Washington, DC in the nonprofit sector. I thoroughly enjoyed my work but realized I needed to return to my roots in education. I really enjoy time spent tutoring and I love to make the tutoring process fun through games, positive reinforcement, and teamwork. I believe that every child has a unique style of...
Education & Certification
- UC- San Diego - Bachelor in Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- +28 subjects

Aaron: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
I just recently graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and a minor in chemistry. I am in the process of applying to medical school. I enjoy teaching others what I have learned. In my free time I like to watch sports and spend time with friends and family.
Education & Certification
- San Diego State University - Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- REGENTS
- SAT
- +26 subjects

Colin: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...New Jersey as well as California. While studying in college, I also worked as a Site Director at a before and after school care program. The program consisted of over 60 students in the AM and over 100 students in the afternoon. During my seven years spent with the company I tutored children extensively as it coincided with information I was learning in college. This provided an excellent platform to practice my one on one...
Education & Certification
- William Paterson University of New Jersey - Bachelor in Arts, Early Childhood Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- College English
- +19 subjects

Matt: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...literature, and history. I really enjoy tutoring because I get to help people and I love learning! I believe that it is easiest to learn when we can make personal connections with what we are studying, so I seek out ways to connect the learning to your experiences. I also believe that learning is more effective when it is fun and when it is done in a multi-sensory manner, so I utilize multimedia, tactile learning,...
Education & Certification
- San Diego State University - Bachelors, English
- National University - Masters, Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ASVAB
- +60 subjects

Alex: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...not only to help students solve a problem but also to help them understand the thought process of how a certain method is chosen to solve a problem. Higher levels of math and science are built based on their fundamental concepts. Therefore, a solid understanding of these basic concepts is very important as students move forward into more advanced courses. Showing students steps to solve a problem is necessary; however, showing them why performing such...
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Bioengineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- Advanced Placement
- +20 subjects

Hugo: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
I am a Structural Engineering graduate from UCSD. I specialize in tutoring Math, Science, and test prep (SAT, AP, etc.), though I feel confident tutoring in a wide-range of subject areas. Some of my hobbies include sports (football and soccer) and video games. I look forward to working with you!
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Structural Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- HSPT
- ISEE
- +51 subjects

Katelyn: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
I've been teaching in elementary school for four years. I've taught second and third grade. I love teaching students and seeing how much they can grow academically. I love teaching students math and reading. I like to use a lot of manipulatives while teaching math so that the students can see the "why" in math problems.
Education & Certification
- Texas Tech University - Bachelor in Arts, Russian
- Western Governors University - Masters in Education, Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- MAP
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE-Lower Level Writing
- +26 subjects

Juanita: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
I am a full time elementary teacher looking to tutor part time. I am experienced in working with a variety of students at all ability levels. I would ensure that I am prepared to tutor my student in any subject by doing any necessary research or reviews. My goal is to help students achieve independence and mastery of the topic.
Education & Certification
- San DIego State Univeristy - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
- National University - Master of Arts, Cross-cultural Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CAHSEE
- ACT
- ISEE
- +70 subjects

Paul: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...School District where I taught primarily 6th grade through 8th grade math. I tutor lower level math to Algebra. My favorite subject to teach/tutor is Pre-Algebra since it is the gateway to the upper level math classes. I try to show the students that there is math all around them and show them how it can relate to their daily lives. When I teach and tutor, I try to make it fun and encourage them....
Education & Certification
- National University - Bachelor in Arts, Math
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Math
- SSAT- Middle Level
- +15 subjects

Ashley: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...education for four years in South Carolina. I specifically taught Reading, Written Expression, and Math intervention. My teaching/tutoring philosophy is that all children have the ability to learn and succeed and it is my job to figure out what learning style works best to help them achieve success. In my spare time I run with West Coast Road Runners, enjoy going to the beach with my own children, and watching sports. I am a huge...
Education & Certification
- Clarion University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor of Science, Elementary/Special Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR EOC
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- CogAT
- +30 subjects

Kevin: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...school where I teach elementary classes as well as middle and high school social studies. Teaching is more than just instruction. It is about being passionate towards education and the future of our students. Fundamentally, all students are teachable. It is my responsibility to find what motivates each student and use that, along with respect, care, and concern for each individual, to engage each student in his or her own learning process. Students are our...
Education & Certification
- Wilmington University - Bachelor of Science, General Studies
- Wilmington University - Master of Arts, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- College English
- +23 subjects

Jacqueline: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...the needs of my students in order to encourage and motivate them to reach their goals. I tutor all elementary subjects, ISEE prep, Literature, and Essay Editing. My passion and specialty is teaching reading. My goal is to instill a love for reading in my students because books allow for discoveries, imaginative thoughts, and new ideas. Aside from teaching, I have a deep passion for enjoying life to the fullest. I love to go for...
Education & Certification
- San Diego State University - Bachelor in Arts, Literature
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Math
- Comparative Literature
- +16 subjects

Aleksandra: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...studies. I have also taught 4th grade science. I really enjoy working one on one with students and in small groups. I have taught an after school class for a few years to help students in math, writing, and reading. In the class we worked in small groups on many topics including homework, current school and grade level topics and old topics to help with intervention. I have also taught summer school to help students...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE- Lower Level
- Elementary School Math
- +22 subjects

Ellen: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...with a focus on Latin America. My interest in the culture of our southern neighbors aligned nicely with my teaching experience. After college I was placed in Nashville, TN through Teach for America where I taught 5th grade English for two years, and ran an after school program for newcomer immigrant and refugee students. In that time I learned a great deal about the craft of teaching. My biggest take away is that every student...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelors, International Development Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- GED
- +43 subjects

Ruth: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...school to study Molecular Biology. In the meantime, I enjoy working in science and sharing my passion for science to budding students. I love helping students understand how to approach difficult math and science problems without being intimidated, and I hope to relate the importance of a solid education to students. I am very patient, attentive to students' needs, and can tailor lessons to address specific needs that you might have. I enjoy tutoring Biology,...
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +34 subjects

Jaimie: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...Professor Robert Langer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology working on novel drug delivery systems for the gastrointestinal tract. I am hoping to attend medical school in pursuit of becoming a physician. I am currently interested in pediatrics and psychiatry but I am looking forward to exploring a range of available disciplines. I enjoy tutoring because I find it to be an engaging and dynamic process--I love working with students of all ages on a...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern University - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- REGENTS
- TOEFL
- +93 subjects

Rebecca: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...social work at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. I am passionate about tutoring because I want everyone to be able to perform academically at their highest possible level. I also think it is important that learning is not just for one assignment or one test, but rather that it sticks with you to build a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence that you can carry forward. My favorite subjects to tutor...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- +53 subjects

Molly: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...them is three-fold. I will work to: 1. Review and reteach material from her school that has proven difficult. 2. Diagnostically assess for instructional gaps and then fill in gaps to bolster a strong subject area foundation. 3. Impart test-taking skills and strategies necessary for school success. I teach with the tenets of the Common Core State Standards in mind. As such, I do not aim to teach "tricks" for getting the right answer. Rather, I...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- MAP
- +111 subjects

Matt: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...at Georgetown University in human physiology. Given the amount of schooling I have gone through myself, I have taken a wide range of subjects and more standardized tests than I would like to admit. I have taught students of almost every age in various fields such as elementary science, Hebrew, chemistry, MCAT prep, and many more.. My ultimate plan is to go to medical school, but in the meantime I try to teach as much...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +85 subjects

Connor: San Diego SSAT test prep instructor
...proper guidance, every student possesses the ability to grasp even the most complex of topics, and I have built my tutoring career on this premise. As an experienced tutor, I have continually enjoyed seeing my students achieve lofty goals under my instruction. I specialize in tutoring biology, chemistry, physics, and economics for high school students. In addition to this, I also tutor students in college level general chemistry, general biology, organic chemistry, introductory physics, economics...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- HSPT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +43 subjects