Varsity Tutors can help take the stress out of SSAT prep by helping you locate the right San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT preparation resource for your child. The San Francisco Bay area has many prestigious independent and private schools. Most of them require scores from the SSAT as part of their admissions process. The SSAT is highly regarded for its accuracy in identifying a students competency in grade level appropriate math, reading comprehension, and verbal skills.
Even if your student has been doing well thus far in their studies, giving them professional guidance as they review for the SSAT can help them work towards doing their best on this important test. Continue reading to learn more about the various levels of the SSAT and how Varsity Tutors can help you find the best San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep solutions for your student.
What can San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep cover?
Whether you have a child who needs to prepare for the Elementary Level SSAT or a student preparing for the Middle or Upper Level SSAT, San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep can help them review critical concepts included in their level of the exam.
Quantitative, Verbal, and Reading sections are included and scored in each level of the SSAT. Writing and Experimental sections are also included at all levels but are not scored. While the Writing Sample is not scored by testing officials, it is sent to all schools your student is applying to and will be reviewed by admissions officials. The Experimental section is only for test developers who use the data to refine the testing process.
Students taking the Upper and Middle Level SSAT will have almost three hours to complete 167 items. Children taking the Elementary Level of the SSAT will have nearly two hours to complete 89 questions. Each section has its own time limitations, which is essential for students to be aware of as they prepare. Proper time management is critical for these tests.
If your child is taking the Elementary Level SSAT, answering all of the questions in each section can help their score because there is no penalty for answering an item incorrectly. Upper and Middle Level SSAT testers have a half point penalty for each incorrect answer, but there is no penalty for items that are not answered.
Math subjects covered on the various levels of the SSAT include basic math, arithmetic, elementary algebra, algebra, and geometry. Depending on grade level, some of the specific topics include coordinate geometry, data analysis and probability, plane geometry, number operations, data analysis, numbers and operations, probability, number sense, spatial sense, and measurement.
English topics covered on the SSAT also vary by level but may include reading comprehension, word relationships, nuanced word meanings, general understanding of language, synonyms, analogies, and interpreting meaning from narrative or argumentative reading passages.
Professional SSAT prep resources can help your child prepare for their upcoming exam in a variety of different ways. They can receive a comprehensive overview with a prep class or individualized instruction targeting specific areas with private tutoring. Each option has its own benefits and can help your student in different ways.
How can a San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep class help my child prepare?
When you enroll your student in a prep class, they will have a familiar classroom environment and structured content delivery that can make it easier for them to engage with the preparation process fully.
Classes are held in a secure online classroom that provides modern convenience with conventional methodology. Teachers deliver instruction to the class as a whole. They may then facilitate group discussion or assignments to help students deepen their understanding of the content. If your student needs clarification around a topic, they can always request assistance from an instructor.
You can choose to have your child prepare over a period of two or four weeks. All classes are comprised of individual sections, and new sections begin weekly. This modular format makes it easy for your child to get started at any time.
Classes are great for students who need structure and routine to thrive academically. It is also ideal for students who are highly motivated by working with others in a group learning environment.
How is working with a San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT tutor different from taking a course?
Tutoring and courses are fundamentally different in the way they are designed. In a course, the goal is to provide comprehensive instruction to a group. In private sessions, the goal is to provide an individualized learning experience. With personalized instruction, the tutor has significantly more one-on-one time with each student. The instructor can take the time to get to know your student's personality, SSAT goals, academic needs, and learning style. This information can then be used to create lessons designed to address your student's needs.
Another difference between taking a course and working with a tutor is in how they are scheduled. When you enroll your child in a course, they will need to attend at regularly scheduled times. These times are determined in advance and are not based on student preferences. This ensures a teacher is reliably available to help many students work on making progress in their preparation efforts. Private sessions provide more scheduling freedom. You can choose when your child meets with a tutor based on what works best for your family's schedule. Sessions can be held throughout the week and on weekends during business hours and in the evening.
Private tutoring is ideal for students who thrive with one-on-one instruction or who have busy schedules that make prescheduled classes untenable.
How can I get my student started with the right San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep solution?
Whether you want your student to take advantage of an expertly designed San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep course or you want help connecting with a skilled private tutor who can work with them individually, Varsity Tutors can help. If you're ready to give your student the support they need to work towards their SSAT scoring goal, contact Varsity Tutors today to get started quickly.

Jennifer: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...how a student can surprise themselves with their own abilities is the best thing a tutor can ask for. For mathematics, I've taken up to Calculus BC in high school, and Multivariable Calculus at UCR. I understand the concepts, but I can also explain them using applicable examples. Really, math is like a language; you need to know the basics before you get speaking fluently. Math can be difficult, but it can be even more...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Riverside - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GRE
- Calculus 2
- AP Chemistry
- +107 subjects

Samuel: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...and non-profit academic support and enrichment programs. Over the years I've taught just about every subject. I love helping students develop a positive, can-do attitude in relation to subjects that used to make them feel anxious and confused. (In my experience this is often math or standardized tests, but I also love to tutor writing and general study skills.) In my spare time I enjoy playing soccer, video games, and always learning something new!
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
- Lesley University - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Reading
- SAT Math
- PSAT
- +64 subjects

Michael: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...I enjoy using examples and analogies that help the student "get" and remember complicated concepts. Preparing for standardized tests such as the SAT and GRE is much easier with a tutor to help you prioritize, strategize, and structure your time wisely. I took the GRE in 2013 and earned the top score in Critical Reading, so the latest version is fresh in my mind. I am glad to share the study strategies that worked for...
Education & Certification
- The College of William & Mary - Bachelor in Arts, Political Economy, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT Writing
- Test Prep
- IB Global Politics HL
- +46 subjects

Izabel: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...There is a sort of instant gratification when you are able to find a solution to a tricky math problem. Through my experience with standardized tests like the SAT, I have found many tricks to beating the ???game??? of standardized testing and would love to share them with you. Most importantly, I believe that everyone has a unique learning style and that I, as a tutor, need to adapt to be able to help the...
Education & Certification
- Tulane University of Louisiana - Bachelor of Science, Economics, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- Test Prep
- Elementary School Math
- +15 subjects

Talia: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...in Psychology and Sociology. In 2011, I received my California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. I have been working in classrooms, providing academic support, since 2004. I have extensive experience working with individuals with special needs, from moderate to severe, and the gifted population. I am highly adept in tailoring education to fit each learner's needs, while maximizing output, motivation, and self-confidence. I sincerely enjoy working with children, listening to their stories, and sharing a laugh...
Education & Certification
- Williams Collegee - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology & Sociology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Trigonometry
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Reading
- +43 subjects

Cody: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...great experience in tutoring and teaching. I have a total of 8 years of experience tutoring mathematics, particularly calculus. I also have 5 years of experience tutoring in the sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. My experience has come in the form of private, one-on-one tutoring with students ranging in ages from 7th grade through adult learners, college-level review courses, and even teaching SAT prep courses. My students find me very relatable, and I've...
Education & Certification
- Massachusettes Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP Calculus
- Algebra 2
- DAT Quantitative Reasoning
- +127 subjects

Helene: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...the content around them is the key to good teaching. Helping students to see and to use their own strengths is the least mentioned part of the equation, but for me it is the most important, because that is how I get my kids to become autonomous and self-motivated learners. I've always seen it as a challenging job, but also as enriching, enlightening, and awesome (and I mean awesome in the strongest sense of the...
Education & Certification
- Mills College - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology/Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Elementary Math
- Geometry
- College English
- +57 subjects

Amanda: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...pieces and make sure they are understanding each step as they go along. If students still seem to be struggling, I return to more basic concepts and help them build upon what they already know. I use a variety of methods in my tutoring including visual aids, hands-on materials, books, and online sources to ensure that all students' learning styles are compatible with my lesson plans. Building a connection with my students is extremely important...
Education & Certification
- SFSU - Bachelors, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Elementary Math
- Math
- Elementary School Math
- +10 subjects

Nathan: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
I have teaching experience in a range of the humanities and social sciences, particularly writing and language, history, politics, geography and religious studies. I have advanced degrees in history and religion from McGill and Harvard, and have held research positions at Oxford and Princeton. I love learning and teaching, and I find working with students incredibly rewarding.... My teaching philosophy revolves around encouraging students' autonomy to tailor my approach to their interests, learning styles, and background knowledge, and to support and facilitate their active engagement with the material and participation in the learning process.
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan - Bachelors, Comparative literature and Russian
- Harvard University - Masters, History and Religion
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Writing
- ACT English
- College English
- +102 subjects

Sara: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...throughout all of our educational journeys. Our backgrounds, as much as our prospective futures, shape who we are and what we need. I believe in teaching practices that not only evolve depending on student needs, but also truly, deeply respect the whole student, including who they are, where they come from, and what they need to move forward. I also have a background in counseling, and I am currently enrolled in a psychology program in...
Education & Certification
- Scripps College - Bachelor in Arts, General Literature
- University of California-Irvine - Certificate, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- TOEFL
- Elementary School Reading
- +38 subjects

Caitlin: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...at San Francisco State University. I graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. I have been tutoring for 3 years including reading comprehension, writing, essay structure, grammar, algebra, geometry, statistics, study skills and testing strategies. Aim to tailor my tutoring methods to the needs of each student. Most importantly, I try to create a supportive learning environment where students focus how their efforts led to success and encourage students to address...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Davis - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- San Francisco State University - Master of Arts, Developmental Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Test Prep
- English Grammar and Syntax
- SAT
- +43 subjects

Matt: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...Johns Hopkins University as a Public Health major with a concentration in Immunology and Infectious Diseases. I then went on to complete a Masters program 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,...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SSAT- Middle Level
- Other
- GRE Subject Test in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
- +85 subjects

David: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...best increase your score. For example, if you're struggling with managing your time, we'll go over the best order in which to answer the questions, how to decide whether or not to skip a question, and what shortcuts you can take so you spend less time per question. If you're struggling with a particular kind of math problem, we'll go over the general theory being tested, how to decide which given information you need to...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Hunter College - Bachelor of Science, Economics
- CUNY Hunter College - Bachelor in Arts, Chinese Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Test Prep
- Technology and Coding
- LSAT Analytical Reasoning
- +76 subjects

Erica: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...am certified to tutor in a variety of subjects and consider the following areas to be my specialties: *Standardized tests, such as the ISEE, SSAT, and AP examinations *Students who demonstrate challenging behaviors *Long-term tutoring in math and reading--I love to guide a student who initially struggled to meet and exceed expectations! Outside of my direct work with students, I have coordinated a math tutoring program that placed K-12 math tutors into local public schools....
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, English; Latin Language and Literature
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Public Speaking
- Honors Chemistry
- Summer
- +76 subjects

Joscelyn: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...Rutgers University with a major in Industrial Engineering and a minor in Music. I taught SAT classes though the university yielding 100+ point improvements in just a few months. I also worked at Kumon, teaching students (~3 to 7 years old) in Math and Reading. Additionally, my teaching experience includes coaching Little League softball to the 10-and-under age group, and I was told that I was able to relate and interact well with the players....
Education & Certification
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Current Undergrad, Industrial Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT English
- AP Calculus AB
- REGENTS
- +91 subjects

Connor: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...the MCAT exam. I excelled in undergraduate coursework pertaining to these subjects and have prior experience in assisting pre-professional (pre-medical and pre-nursing) students looking to succeed in their required general science classes. My tutoring methodology is dependent on the establishment of a strong conceptual framework, and subsequent application of theory through practice problems (the best way to master any pure science). I frequently employ the use of problem sets and practice tests to monitor my...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Organic Chemistry
- High School Economics
- College Business
- +42 subjects

Max: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...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 in financial consulting (banking advisory & analytics), and have previously held internship positions in human capital consulting & private equity, as well as in patent law. My interests are widely varied and eclectic - pro baseball (Go Mets!), Broadway theater, American public policy & politics, global affairs, and...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Competition Math
- Music
- SAT Writing and Language
- +104 subjects

Chase: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...all an abiding respect for reason: a lifelong conviction that they can understand reality and make sense of the world. However, a great teacher does much more than merely recite the content of his subject. I intend to encourage and motivate each one of my students to perform academically, at a level no less than their very best, yet there is much more to teaching than just making certain that students answer questions correctly on...
Education & Certification
- Western Governors University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GRE Subject Test in Physics
- ISEE
- Study Skills and Organization
- +131 subjects

Jamie: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...with Varsity Tutors. I have a long history of tutoring, starting in 2011 while a senior at Canisius High School. I tutored locally in the Princeton, NJ area while attending Princeton University and most recently worked with Milestone Consulting, while rowing with the U.S. Men's National Team this fall. I am now back home for the next few months before returning to pursue my dreams of participating in the Olympic Games. I majored in history...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- ACT Science
- +39 subjects

Jane: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...the SAT, SSAT, AP Biology, AP Physics, and AP Chemistry for 2 years. I love teaching students HOW to learn, not just WHAT to learn. I always emphasize hard work - because you always get what you work for. I don't care about natural intelligence, because trying your best and being persistent is the key to learning and improvement. My favorite part of teaching is seeing the student understanding a concept for the first time.
Education & Certification
- Boston University - Bachelor of Science, Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- College Algebra
- Statistics
- GRE Verbal
- +41 subjects