If you have been thinking about helping your student pursue educational success by investing in SSAT prep, Varsity Tutors can set you up with private SSAT tutoring sessions today. We are experts when it comes to referring students and their parents to SSAT test prep resources, making us a name you can trust in a crowded industry!
The SSAT, or Secondary School Admissions Test, is a high-stakes exam taken by students in grades 3-11 as part of the application process to get into competitive independent and private high schools throughout the country. The exam measures a test-taker's academic skills in subject areas such as mathematics, reading, and vocabulary to give selective schools a sense of how a given applicant might fit into their learning environment. It does not measure a student's motivation, persistence, or creativity, meaning that the SSAT is not a perfect predictor of future academic success. Still, it provides a valuable data point for admissions departments to consider in combination with other factors.
It would be foolish to give a nine-year old and a 16-year old the same exam and expect them to be on an even playing field, so the SSAT is divided into three "levels" based on the age group it is intended for. The Elementary Level SSAT is intended for students currently in grades 3-4. The Middle Level SSAT is for students in grades 5-7. Finally, the Upper-Level SSAT is for students in grades 8-11. It is always assumed that a test-taker intends to enroll at their new school for the beginning of the next school year. For example, a 7th-grader who takes the test is trying to get into an independent school starting with grade 8.
Can An SSAT Tutor Near Me Go Over Every Section With My Student?
Sure, but what that entails depends on the level of SSAT your student is taking. Here is a breakdown of the SSAT Middle Level:
- Writing Sample
- Write a story based on one of two provided creative prompts.
- Quantitative Math
- Arithmetic, geometry, elementary algebra, etc.
- 50 questions broken up into two 30 minute sections
- Reading Comprehension
- Read 250-350 word passages and answer questions
- Main idea
- Find details
- Determine the author's purpose
- Make inferences
- Understand and evaluate opinions/arguments
- etc.
- Read 250-350 word passages and answer questions
- Verbal
- Similarities and relationships through synonyms and analogies
- 30 synonyms and 30 analogies
- Experimental
- 16 unscored test questions
The Upper Level SSAT follows the exact same structure, except that students may choose between a creative writing prompt and a more traditional essay prompt on the exam's Writing section. The material is also more difficult to create a more age-appropriate challenge.
The Elementary Level SSAT follows a different format. All of the sections are the same, but there is only one Quantitative component instead of two. Younger students have a picture-based writing prompt for the Writing section, and the number of questions and time available to answer them are adjusted. Here is a closer look at how professional SSAT test prep can help your student prepare for each section of the exam:
Writing
As noted above, the SSAT Writing section is the only one that differs in format on all three levels of the test. This section isn't scored, but is sent to the school you are applying to with your student's application. Elementary-level students have 15 minutes to compose their answers, while older students get 25. That's a tight deadline regardless of a test-taker's age, so your student might want to create a quick outline to help them stay on track. If they are unaccustomed to working from an outline, they may practice their technique during an SSAT course.
If your student doesn't believe in the value of outlines, SSAT tutors may explain the benefits during an SSAT class as well. Creating an outline provides a convenience reference point for every supporting detail you originally planned to include, making it easier to remember everything. You can also look up what you planned to say next if you get stuck, ensuring that you don't waste time staring at your paper with a confused expression.
Older students may also want to discuss their strategy during their SSAT prep. Essay writing and creative writing require completely different thought processes, so part of SSAT test prep could be determining which is a better fit for your student and planning accordingly.
Quantitative (Math at the Elementary level)
The Quantitative portion of the SSAT includes grade-appropriate math problems. Elementary students answer questions about shapes, operations, fractions and number sense. They have 30 minutes to answer 30 multiple-choice questions. Older students can expect topics such as elementary algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. They have two separate Quantitative sections, each containing 25 multiple-choice questions over a 30-minute testing session (50 questions and 60 minutes total).
Completing practice problems as part of SSAT test prep is one of the best ways to understand mathematical concepts. Your student's instructor can watch them as they work and point out any mistakes in real time, sparing them the hassle of trying to figure out where they went wrong. Likewise, an SSAT tutor can provide additional practice problems as needed over the course of your student's SSAT classes.
Calculators are prohibited at all SSAT levels, so your student cannot rely on any technological aid. If your student is uncomfortable tackling math problems the old-fashioned way, their SSAT prep can include long division, geometric proofs, and graphing as needed.
Reading
All of the SSAT Reading sections have approximately seven reading passages followed by multiple-choice questions. Elementary students have 30 minutes to answer 28 questions, while older students have 40 minutes for 40 questions. The passages get more challenging as the test-taker gets older, and high school students may get passages on history or the humanities that an elementary student never would.
Your student may go over active reading techniques such as writing little notes in the margin during their SSAT prep. This serves two purposes. First, actively engaging with the text ensures that your student is giving it their undivided attention, potentially making it easier to recall the information. Second, it may be faster to look something up in your student's notes than trying to find it in the passage, saving valuable time.
Your student may also go over test-taking strategy at this stage of their SSAT test preparation. If they read the questions before the passage, they can start the passage already knowing what information they should be looking for. This may make it easier to notice a relatively minor detail.
Verbal
The SSAT Verbal component deals primarily with vocabulary and analogies. Elementary students have 30 multiple-choice questions to answer in 20 minutes, while older students have 60 questions over 30 minutes to contend with.
Most of the exam's vocab questions are structured as synonyms, requiring students to select the word with the most similar meaning to one provided. For instance, if the word in question is "fast," the word "quick" might be a suitable response. If your student's vocabulary could be better, they may review flashcards during one-on-one SSAT courses to learn new words. Alternatively, hearing unfamiliar words in conversation (either in an SSAT class or just in the wild) may make it easier to remember them.
The rest of this section is comprised of analogies, or identifying the relationship between two words and then completing that relationship for another word. For instance, "hammer is to carpenter" suggests that the first word is used by the second word. "Telephone is to operator" is one possible answer, as operators use telephones just as carpenters use hammers. These can get pretty confusing, so your student may want to go over some practice questions during their SSAT test preparation to build some self-confidence heading into the exam.
Experimental
The last section of the SSAT isn't scored and just allows the test developer to experiment with new questions before using them on an actual exam. Your student should do their best on this section, but there is no need to go over it during an SSAT course.
Can SSAT Prep Near Me Focus On Concepts Instead Of Sections?
Absolutely! One of the most important benefits of one-on-one SSAT tutoring is the ability to concentrate exclusively on your student's unique areas of need. If they are great with the Verbal section but don't do as well with math problems, they can concentrate on the Quantitative section during their SSAT test prep to improve study efficiency. In contrast, large SSAT classes generally follow set curricula, sacrificing flexibility in favor of a more streamlined approach.
Likewise, any questions asked in a private SSAT course can be answered on the spot, as your student is their instructor's only responsibility during their SSAT prep. In fact, many students find that one-on-one SSAT test prep creates a learning environment more conducive to asking questions than an overcrowded classroom setting.
Similarly, all of the work your student performs during their SSAT preparation can receive immediate feedback. If they made a mistake, the misunderstanding can be addressed promptly before it has a chance to spiral out of control.
Many students also take practice exams during SSAT courses to get firsthand knowledge of what they can expect on test day. If they read the directions during their SSAT prep, your student can skim over them on the actual exam and apply that time to one of the questions. Reviewing practice exams can also help you identify your student's academic strengths and any areas they could benefit from reviewing again in their SSAT class.
If your student has dealt with test anxiety in the past, knowing exactly what to expect from their SSAT prep may also help calm their nerves. Meditation techniques may also be incorporated into SSAT test preparation if test anxiety is a significant issue.
What Else Can SSAT Preparation Services Near Me Teach Me About The Exam?
The SSAT is a traditional paper-and-pencil exam administered at testing labs eight times per year. It is possible to take the test on another date, as illustrated by the list below:
SSAT Types
- Standard - The Standard SSAT is given on eight designated Saturdays during the academic year at test sites around the world.
- Flex - The Flex SSAT is given to an individual or group on any date other than the eight Standard dates.
SSAT score reports can also be confusing, so you might want to use SSAT prep to understand it. While the scale used varies from test to test, you are always given a score on the Quantitative, Reading, and Verbal sections plus a combined score on all three. The latter is usually more important, but may not be if your SSAT test prep emphasized a particular section.
You are also given a percentile score ranging from 1-99 that illustrates how your student fared compared to students of the same gender and age who took the exam within the last three years. Considering that the SSAT is exclusively taken by students looking to get into private schools (many of whom invested in SSAT classes), this population experiences more academic success as a whole than a random group of students.
Why Should I Trust Varsity Tutors To Book SSAT Courses Near Me?
Our proprietary Live Learning Platform facilitates digital SSAT test prep, allowing your student to receive face-to-face instruction from the comfort of your home. That's right - no more commuting to SSAT prep! If you're concerned with the quality of the resulting SSAT test prep, don't be. Our platform leverages powerful features such as a virtual whiteboard and video chat functionality to deliver an outstanding SSAT tutoring experience!
We also try to set every student up with SSAT test prep that fits into their schedule. Who wants to set their schedule around SSAT prep?
As you may expect, the more time that your student spends on their SSAT prep, the better prepared they can be on exam day. A tutor can work alongside your student to help them get the most out of their study time. If you'd like to get started helping your student prepare for the exam, reach out to Varsity Tutors. We can answer any questions you or your student may have and get you set up with expert SSAT preparation assistance from an SSAT test prep expert today!
Connor: SSAT test prep instructor
...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. 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,...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +43 subjects
Max: SSAT test prep instructor
...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 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 &...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- PSAT
- +104 subjects
Kaley: SSAT test prep instructor
...I have 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...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Education and Public Policy
- Harvard Graduate School of Education - Masters, Human Development and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- +35 subjects
Matt: SSAT test prep instructor
...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, chemistry, MCAT prep, and many more.. My ultimate...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +85 subjects
Diptesh: SSAT test prep instructor
...with a concentration in Chemistry. I have been passionate about education since high school and have been teaching, tutoring, and mentoring students 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...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health & Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TACHS
- Advanced Placement
- SAT
- +88 subjects
Joshua: SSAT test prep instructor
...6-12. In my two years of experience, I have had the opportunity to network with college admissions counselors across the country, and I gladly connect my students to any college admissions departments I am familiar with. Although my tutoring specialty is test prep -- SAT, ACT, PSAT, SHSAT, and GRE -- I particularly love tutoring writing, and creative writing is a hobby of mine. My philosophy is that even when we are preparing for a...
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
- ISEE
- SAT
- REGENTS
- +92 subjects
Vivek: SSAT test prep instructor
...College. I am a biology major and neuroscience minor. Science has been my passion from a young age. I like tutoring because I sincerely enjoy helping others and being able to impart my knowledge and experience. Along with being strong in my curricular classes, I have experience helping and tutoring younger students in various subjects and test prep. As a patient and encouraging teacher, I am adept at helping others reach their educational goals.... My teaching philosophy is "work hard, play hard." It may sound childish, but I believe the brain requires balance in everything, including activities. With a strong work ethic, along with support and freedom, the tutor and student will go far.
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT Subject Tests
- +66 subjects
Rebecca: SSAT test prep instructor
...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 include English, SAT test preparation, math, and psychology. My approach to tutoring is to meet the student where they're at and go from there. I find that this way we can build a productive tutoring relationship where I can help individualize learning to each person's particular learning...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- ACT
- +53 subjects
Asta: SSAT test prep instructor
...the English language in addition to helping them achieve their college goals. I also love working with students on their college essays because that's when I feel I get to know my students the best, as 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- +80 subjects
Jacob: SSAT test prep instructor
...in Introductory Biology, as a camp counselor at the Central Park Zoo, and as a tap dance instructor. My academic strengths are science, social sciences, music, and SAT preparation. I loved my time in primary and secondary school and hope to instill my excitement for learning into my tutees. While sometimes tests (both standardized and otherwise) can be tricky and decrease students' faith in themselves, I am certain that, with a little confidence boost, any...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelors, Music and Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TACHS
- HSPT
- ISEE
- +68 subjects
Daeyong: SSAT test prep instructor
...the education and enjoyment of math to younger students. Every time I tutor students privately or through these organizations, I find it extremely rewarding when a student finally understands a new concept, or applies a concept I have taught them to a real-world scenario. Though I particularly love to tutor students in programming (especially Python or Java) and all levels of math up to Calculus BC, I also find it enjoyable to tutor students in...
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- SSAT Prep - Upper Level Class
- +54 subjects
Jacob: SSAT test prep instructor
...tests or academic subjects, I look forward to helping you or someone you care about reach their potential. For my own academic history, I scored in the 99th percentile on all three sections of the SAT, as well as attaining a score of 5 on the AP Statistics, US Government, US History, and English Literature and Composition exams. I completed my BA in Government in December after having served as a Research Apprentice with the...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelors, Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- REGENTS
- ISEE
- +69 subjects
Damian: SSAT test prep instructor
If you choose me to be your tutor then you will definitely ace your test. I'm a great math tutor because I understand the material thoroughly, am patient, and know how to explain things. I attended Stuyvesant High School and the University of Chicago; I am currently studying Data Science with Johns Hopkins.... If you don't get it then I'm explaining it wrong.... Before the first session, I'd have them do a bunch of practice problems on the subject they want to be tutored in, and I'd look over their answers to see what they need help with. I'd also ask them which problems they guessed on or weren't totally sure of. We could start from there.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, None
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SHSAT
- +63 subjects
Cynthia: SSAT test prep instructor
...the Philadelphia area. I was a Neuroscience major, and I will be pursuing my PhD in Neuroscience in the fall at Johns 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...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Neuroscience
- Johns Hopkins University - PHD, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- +72 subjects
Kendall: SSAT test prep instructor
...a variety of subjects from middle school all the way up to introductory college courses. I especially enjoy helping students with math or English coursework. I can also help with a variety of standardized tests, from the SSAT to the MCAT. I am very interested in helping students overcome test anxiety by learning strategies that can help them stay calm and be efficient. In particular, I want to help students who struggle with timed essays...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- PSAT
- +61 subjects
Daniel: SSAT test prep instructor
...problem, usually a misunderstood or inadequately explained concept. Once I find the problem area, I can explain it as clearly and as simply as possible. If the student doesn't "get" the explanation the first time, I am willing to spend as much time on the concept as the student needs. In my spare time, I enjoy playing the piano, making and playing video games, and spending time with my friends (often to discuss geeky subjects)....
Education & Certification
- University of Dallas - Current Undergrad, Mathematics/Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- HSPT
- SAT
- +36 subjects
Sam: SSAT test prep instructor
I work and live in New York City. I grew up in Knoxville, TN and went to the University of Pittsburgh, where I studied economics and political science. I'm light-hearted but take academics very seriously. In all of my lessons I combine my curiosity about the world with the idea that learning can be fun.
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh - Bachelors, Political Science and Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +64 subjects
Anne: SSAT test prep instructor
...architecture, visual arts, I studied languages (Swedish and Russian, which I now speak fluently), took subjects in the humanities and the sciences, became a Pilates instructor, and also played drums and wrote music professionally! As a result, I can truly get in the mindset of a student who is learning something - NO question is out-of-bounds or silly - it all comes from a place where the mind is trying to incorporate new information. There...
Education & Certification
- Bard College - Bachelors, Russian Studies
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Grad Student, Physical Therapy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- ACT
- TOEFL
- +70 subjects
Paige: SSAT test prep instructor
...of Tennessee. I am very passionate about the subjects that I tutor, which include mathematics, standardized testing preparation, reading, English, writing, and basic French, and I firmly believe that anyone can master these topics with the proper guidance. I incorporate various methods of tutoring, including showing many examples, giving thorough explanations, and prompting students with questions to help facilitate the correct thought process. I love helping students and seeing their knowledge and understanding grow as...
Education & Certification
- The University of Tennessee - Current Undergrad, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- ACT
- +53 subjects
Margot: SSAT test prep instructor
...and teacher in high school, and have loved working with students of all ages ever since. I've worked with students from Pre-K through high school and college, teaching and tutoring a wide range of levels and subjects from basic reading and math skills to AP essay writing and college test prep. While I enjoy tutoring a wide range of subjects, some of my favorites include various levels of test prep (SAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, etc.),...
Education & Certification
- Dartmouth College - Bachelors, Double Major in Music and Theater
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- SHSAT
- +57 subjects