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.
Amanda: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...to break down information into easy to manage 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...
Education & Certification
- SFSU - Bachelors, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary School Math
- High School English
- +10 subjects
Samuel: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...English tutor in Madrid, and with both private 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,...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
- Lesley University - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- GED
- +64 subjects
Izabel: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...a unique learning style and that I, as a tutor, need to adapt to be able to help the students I work with get the most out of tutoring. During my free time I enjoy baking, spending time with friends at a park, and going to music festivals. I also love exploring the city of New Orleans when I???m at school, and I even still enjoy wandering San Francisco despite having lived here my entire...
Education & Certification
- Tulane University of Louisiana - Bachelor of Science, Economics, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- PSAT Critical Reading
- +15 subjects
Cody: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...graduated from The Gatton Academy of Math and Science at Western Kentucky University, named the number one public high school in the nation by Newsweek. While there I took extensive college coursework in math, physics, chemistry, biology, and the humanities while also completing my high school education. After graduating I began my undergraduate education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, recently ranked by US News as the number one university in...
Education & Certification
- Massachusettes Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +127 subjects
Talia: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...B.A. from Williams College in 2008, double majoring 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,...
Education & Certification
- Williams Collegee - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology & Sociology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- STAAR
- +43 subjects
Michael: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...a Presidential Fellowship with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress in D.C., and work experience at a think tank in Rome, Italy. I have a broad liberal arts background, but I am especially good at helping students understand coursework in Politics/Government, World History, or International Affairs. I take a patient and nonjudgmental approach; no one is good at everything, but everyone can improve with practice and guidance. There are usually several...
Education & Certification
- The College of William & Mary - Bachelor in Arts, Political Economy, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ASPIRE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +46 subjects
Helene: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...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 word)! I am so happy to be able to continue that work with Varsity. In terms of the subjects I am comfortable teaching, of course Math and French are what...
Education & Certification
- Mills College - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology/Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- SAT
- +57 subjects
Jennifer: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...know the basics before you get speaking fluently. Math can be difficult, but it can be even more fun once you get it. To me, chemistry is the perfect blend of science and math, which is great since I enjoy both! You can learn from the most basic atoms (don't trust them, they make up everything!) to the most complex proteins to applications in the real world. Chemistry is fun to learn, teach, and experience,...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Riverside - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- ISEE
- SAT
- +107 subjects
Caitlin: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...currently pursuing a master's degree in Developmental Psychology 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...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Davis - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- San Francisco State University - Master of Arts, Developmental Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- +43 subjects
Sara: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...forward. I also have a background in counseling, and I am currently enrolled in a psychology program in Irvine, where I now live, that supports my drive to learn more about the human mind and condition. I bring the principles of counseling into every student interaction: non-judgment, respect, thinking with rather than for, and empathy shape my work with students and clients of all ages. And, above all else, I enter every interaction with the...
Education & Certification
- Scripps College - Bachelor in Arts, General Literature
- University of California-Irvine - Certificate, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- ACT
- SAT
- +38 subjects
Diptesh: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...from grades 6-12 and college in a variety of subjects since! I specialize in mathematics and science tutoring as well as standardized exam preparation. In the past, I have helped students achieve significant improvements and success on the SAT, SHSAT, Regents and other exams! I truly believe education is a mutual learning and teaching opportunity and enjoy helping my students achieve a thorough understanding (those "Aha!" moments) and appreciation of whatever they choose to study!...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health & Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- TACHS
- SAT
- +88 subjects
Molly: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...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 aim to wholly ingrain the...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PARCC
- SAT
- ACT
- +111 subjects
Erica: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...Ancient Latin Language and Literature. I am a licensed teacher with a diversity of experience working with young people. For the past 10 years, I have tutored students of all ages and in a variety of subjects, with a strong focus on K-12 mathematics. I am pursuing a Master's degree in Elementary Education and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. I am extremely passionate about teaching and work daily to improve my...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, English; Latin Language and Literature
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- SAT
- GED
- +77 subjects
Joshua: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...and Francophone Studies, for which I wrote my thesis on the international art exchanges between Paris, New York and Dakar, Senegal. I also received a Certificate in African Studies from the Universit de Paris 1 - Panthon-Sorbonne and focused my research on the social exclusion of African immigrants in Western Europe. Since graduation, I have worked at a public school in Harlem as the College Counselor working with students from grades 6-12. In my two...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, French and Francophone Studies
- University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Social Policy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CAHSEE
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +92 subjects
Kaley: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...experience both as a classroom teacher and a tutor and in these roles I look for ways to make learning fun and rewarding. I especially love teaching reading and writing and I have taught or tutored these subjects to students ranging from kindergarten through adults. I also have experience tutoring test prep subjects and focus both on the content material and test taking skills. My passion is psychology and I have been able to use...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Education and Public Policy
- Harvard Graduate School of Education - Masters, Human Development and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- ACT
- +35 subjects
Jaimie: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...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 broad spectrum of subjects.... I believe that every student learns in his or her own way; some of us are audio learners, some of us are visual learners, some need to talk it out or ask questions, and others simply need to listen. Each student is capable of finding the teaching methodology that works best for him or her!
Education & Certification
- Northeastern University - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- TOEFL
- REGENTS
- +93 subjects
Cynthia: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...Hopkins. I have been tutoring high school students outside of class in college and involved in STEM academics and research mentorship as well as a translation program from and to English outside of class. I speak Japanese and French, and I have taken the PSATs, SATs, 10 APs, and the GREs successfully. I would be willing to help with any of these subjects, with math, science, and languages being more of my strong suit, and...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Neuroscience
- Johns Hopkins University - PHD, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +72 subjects
Matt: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...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 as possible!... I know firsthand what it is like to be bogged down by material from way too many classes at once. And it can become even more difficult to focus when you throw a standardized test like the SAT or the MCAT into the mix. Because I have been through it, I bring to my students the unique perspective of a recently stressed out student myself, who can communicate with them on a personal level. I work to understand what is the most difficult, the most motivating, and the most rewarding for my students.
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +85 subjects
Connor: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...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 and for the MCAT exam....
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +43 subjects
Margarita: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...part-time in a dermatologist office as a Medical Assistant and part-time on a public health project related to smoking cessation. I have also been tutoring students in a variety of subjects. I have been tutoring students since I was in 7th grade, and my favorite subject to tutor is math. My family is originally from Russia, and I grew up with a very strong and traditional math background. I always find teaching math to students...
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +55 subjects