If your student needs Tucson SSAT prep, Varsity Tutors can set them up with resources and instruction that can help them use their time well. If you are hoping to see your student enrolled in a particular private or independent school, the SSAT may be a key part of the application process. Many schools use the SSAT as a standardized way to assess the abilities of prospective students. By preparing effectively for this exam, your student can learn skills and concepts that can have an impact throughout their academic career.
The SSAT is used by private and independent schools to evaluate incoming students. There are different SSAT exams that are aimed at different ages. The Elementary Level is for 3rd-grade or 4th-grade students who are applying for a school that starts the next year. The Middle Level is for 5th through 7th-graders progressing to the next grade. The Upper Level is for 8th through 11th-grade students hoping to attend an independent high school the next year.
What skills can my student learn in their Tucson SSAT prep?
There are five mains sections to each level of the SSAT exam. These sections are Quantitative, Reading, and Verbal sections, and there is also an Experimental section and a Writing Sample. The Experimental section and the Writing Sample are unscored at each level. Let's look at a brief overview of the various sections of the exams.
The Quantitative section measures a student's understanding of math at levels of difficulty appropriate for each age. Younger students will need to demonstrate their understanding of basic math like addition and division. Middle school-aged students will encounter questions related to lower-level algebra and geometry. Older students must display their understanding of data analysis, probability, and other high-level operations. At the Elementary Level, the SSAT features one Quantitative section, but the Middle and Upper Levels have two Quantitative sections.
In the Reading section, students must demonstrate their ability to effectively read and understand passages that are provided on the exam. Elementary-Level students must be able to identify information in a passage such as the main idea, the meaning of particular words, and factual statements. Middle-Level students will encounter questions that come from narrative or argumentative texts. They need to be able to find details, make inferences, and evaluate arguments and opinions. At the Upper level, students will answer questions related to a broader range of texts, and they must apply their reading comprehension skills at a more advanced level.
During the Verbal section, students of all levels must display their vocabulary, knowledge of English word construction, analogies, and other facets of the language. This section requires increasing levels of sophistication as students age. Questions will include topics such as synonyms and antonyms, prefixes and suffixes, and age-appropriate vocabulary.
The Writing Sample is unscored because the focus of the section is not whether the student is "right" or "wrong," but rather, whether they are able to organize their thoughts, use English effectively, and write compellingly. The Writing Sample will be sent to any school to which the student applies, and the school can conduct their own evaluation of the student's writing. Students will respond to a prompt that is either focused on creative or essay writing.
What can Tucson SSAT prep do to help my student get ready for the exam?
There are two main paths for students in their Tuscon SSAT prep. They can work in a group environment during a Tucson SSAT prep course if they learn best around other students. If your student would benefit from more personalized learning, working with a Tuscon SSAT tutor is a great option. Each of these options can help your student to prepare effectively for the exam.
In a Tucson SSAT prep class, your student can learn alongside other students from a skilled instructor. All instructors are vetted to ensure their knowledge of the content on whichever SSAT exam your student is preparing to take. Your student can ask their instructor questions, and participate in discussions with the rest of the class. In addition to hearing other perspectives, this format allows your student to encounter the skills and concepts in a variety of ways. This can help them internalize the content. These classes can also help students develop effective study skills that can be useful throughout their academic career. The class can also discuss test-taking strategies which can alleviate your student's anxiety before the exam and help them to move through the exam more quickly and effectively.
If you want to register your student for a Tucson SSAT prep class, there are new sessions that start every week. Sessions are available at a number of times to accommodate various schedules. Because all sessions take place online, you don't have to worry about helping your student commute to class. They can attend from anywhere with an internet connection. There are both two and four-week classes that your student can take depending on their needs and situation.
If your student works with a Tuscon SSAT tutor, they can experience learning that is based around their needs, goals, and learning style. Your student and their academic mentor can focus on the material that is most important for them. They can learn in ways that help them to process and absorb information well whether they learn best through reading, listening, watching, or practice. The interactions that they have with their mentor via our Live Learning Platform can help them to increase their abilities and comfort with the material.
What do I do to register my student for Tucson SSAT prep?
There are Educational Consultants who are available online or over the phone. They can answer any questions you may have about these services, talk through which service is best for your student, and help with the registration process.
Varsity Tutors can help your student make the most of their Tuscon SSAT preparation. If you want your student to experience the flexible scheduling, skilled instruction, and plentiful resources these services offer, contact an Educational Consultant today.

Gabby: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...This past year I taught 1st/2nd grade at the Peaks school. I was very successful with using different techniques such as differentiated centers, projects and adapted lessons to meet each student at their level and interests. I also won the 2016 Sustainability in Education Award for a unit I created that involved the local Community Supported Agriculture and setting up our schools' first greenhouse. I recently moved to Tucson and have been teaching reading to...
Education & Certification
- Northern Arizona University - Bachelor of Education, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- AIMS
- GED
- STAAR EOC
- +42 subjects

Michelle: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...Bachelor's Degree in biology in 2011 from the University of Nevada, Reno. As an undergraduate, I worked as a peer tutor for three years in science, math, and English. During the same time, I was a teaching assistant for an introductory biology course. Since graduation I have worked as a molecular technologist in a genetics based lab, and I am now going to be a graduate student in epidemiology at the University of Arizona.
Education & Certification
- University of Nevada-Reno - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- GED
- +46 subjects

Zaskia: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
Hello! My name is Zaskia Villa and I'm studying Marketing and Film and TV at the University of Arizona. I love being creative, as my hobbies include writing, singing, dancing, and producing short videos. If you're interested in enhancing your public speaking skills or even just want me to edit an essay, I will do my best to guide you!
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelor of Science, Marketing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- College Business
- College Application Essays
- English
- +14 subjects

Morgana: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...subject tests), using both conceptual understanding and test-specific strategies to raise scores. From my own experience, I know that scores can go up significantly with studying and tutoring. My teaching style is focused on engaging the student and using their own unique learning style and base of knowledge to move forward. I look for ways to help a student connect with the material and use appropriate study techniques to improve performance, whether it be a...
Education & Certification
- University of St Andrews - Bachelors, Geography and International Relations
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- AIMS
- SAT
- PSAT
- +37 subjects

Tonia: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...tenacious, I am very patient and have your best in mind. I am an Arizona State certified teacher with a Bachelors and Masters degree in Education. I have a breadth of teaching experience. I have taught in elementary school, middle school, and community college. Most of my experience is in GED and ESL instruction. Learning can be fun and interesting. As your tutor, you will be encouraged to use many modalities of learning including: visual,...
Education & Certification
- Chicago State University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
- National-Louis University - Master of Arts Teaching, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- +30 subjects

Julia: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
Life long learning is a hoot! Even with what I have accomplished, I'm not through yet. Curiosity has me constantly looking for things I don't know and mastering them. With 50 years in the classroom - yes this is an old picture - I'm still sticking nose into new things and pushing to learn all I can. If you can express your needs, we will find them together.
Education & Certification
- Marshall University - Bachelor of Science, Vocational-Technical Education
- Auburn University - Doctor of Education, Vocational-Technical Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- SSAT Prep - Upper Level Class
- SAT Subject Tests
- +66 subjects

Elisa: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...school programming. I have worked with children for many years as a counselor, swim instructor, and after school teacher and over this time I have cultivated the skills to communicate effectively with students of all ages. I am very adept at finding creative ways to communicate difficult concepts through the use of digestible metaphors and examples. Additionally, I am able to maintain a laid-back and positive atmosphere with students, in which I can correct their...
Education & Certification
- Kenyon College - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology & Dance
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- SAT
- +54 subjects

Amanda: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...have minors in both Marine Science and Natural Resources. Additionally, I am pursuing an undergraduate certificate in Zoo and Aquarium Conservation. My career goal is to become an educator in either an AZA accredited zoo or aquarium. I have always had a passion for wildlife and education! I spent four years volunteering at the Oregon Zoo teaching kids about animals, and spent last year teaching students at an environmental center. My favorite aspect of teaching...
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelor of Science, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE- Upper Level
- ISEE-Middle Level Reading Comprehension
- +47 subjects
Education & Certification
- Florida International University - Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Administration and Management
- California University - Doctor of Philosophy, Organizational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- SAT
- CLEP
- +209 subjects

Sarah: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...did my student teaching in 2nd Grade and my first year of teaching in 5th Grade Math and Science. Since then I have been moving around as a military spouse so I have been subbing and tutoring. I am originally from Memphis, TN, but I have lived in South Carolina, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Arizona. Moving around has given me a chance to meet many different students from all types of backgrounds and has helped me...
Education & Certification
- North Greenville University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Adult ESL/ELL
- Basic Computer Literacy
- +37 subjects

Scarlet: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...level, as well as Spanish up to the college level, since 2018. I am confident in essay writing and instruction. I have passed AP Language Composition as well as AP literature. I mainly studied European history, and I minored in anthropology . I am also knowledgeable in United States, as well as Mexican history prior to the 20th century. When studying anthropology I focused on archaeology, and have some field experience from that time. If...
Education & Certification
- Florida State University - Bachelor in Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- GATE/ TAG
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +139 subjects

Suzanne: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...taught music and reading at the elementary level. I have worked with high school students on college test prep and taught undergraduate Music Theory at the University of Arizona and Yale University. I have tutored Math through high school Algebra privately and am certified to teach middle school math. I enjoy helping students understand challenging material and love that aha moment when a student finally gets something that they have been struggling with. When I'm...
Education & Certification
- University of New Mexico - Bachelor in Arts, French
- Yale University - Masters, Music Theory
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ASVAB
- +34 subjects

Katherine: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...Tucson in 2014 for my clinical internship and I love it out here! I'm passionate about education and learning. I believe in modifying my teaching style to the unique needs of the student in order to ensure a maximal learning experience. I also believe that learning isn't just about performing well on tests (although that is important and I will do my best to enable my students to achieve their desired scores) but rather applying...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelors, Psychology
- The Catholic University of America - PHD, Clinical Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- +31 subjects

Michelle: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Although I read many other books, including biographies, other works of fiction, and historical narratives, it was reading this book that first sparked my imagination and gave me to realize how pleasant reading can be--and not just works of fiction, but non-fiction as well. One of the most personally satisfying experiences I have had in my life was passing on my love of reading to my children. Then,...
Education & Certification
- University of Iowa - Bachelors, Spanish
- University of Arizona South - Masters, Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- Essay Editing
- +25 subjects

Jennifer: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...and my MA ED from Lesley College. In addition to teaching in multiple states within the United States, I spent 18 years teaching internationally. I feel that these experiences cultivated a great enthusiasm for learning. Exploring many cultures, ethnicities and unique individuals provides me with a broad foundation which I feel strengthens my ability to work with my students. My enthusiasm and positive attitude are characteristics consistently mentioned by my administrators as well as peers....
Education & Certification
- University of Denver - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
- Lesley College - Masters in Education, Masters of Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- Elementary School Math
- +29 subjects

Daniel: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...work well with international students and non-native English speakers. SUBJECTS: At all levels: English, writing, economics, psychology, history, philosophy, sociology, political science, ethics, logic. In math: algebra, geometry, introductory statistics. In science: Up to and including introductory college biology, earth science, astronomy, ecology and geography. Also up to high school physics and chemistry. TESTS: Standardized exams: ACT, GRE, PSAT, SAT, GMAT, and many high school AP subjects). For grad school entrance exams, I am strongest...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- A Level
- SAT Subject Tests
- ASVAB
- +151 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Vermont - Bachelor in Arts, History
- University of Kentucky - Master of Arts, Geography
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- Middle School Math
- SSAT- Middle Level
- +41 subjects

Gregg: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...a student is facing at the moment, be it a homework set or an exam, is not the real trouble, but some other difficulty from before, maybe even from a course long ago, is dragging a student down, blocking him or her from learning a new subject. I try to delve down with the student and try to work out what this is, so that the student develops a better foundation and becomes more independent....
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelor of Science, Astronomy and Physics (double major)
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- HSPT
- +43 subjects

Cameron: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...people are the exact opposite. I greatly enjoy helping people along the road to that understanding in geometry. My love for writing comes from a similar place, though from the opposite side. I was a terrible writer in middle school, but one writing skills class in high school changed me from a D level writer to a B+/A- level writer and the IB program only made me better. I love tutoring writing skills because I...
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Current Undergrad Student, Spanish
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SHSAT
- ISEE
- +74 subjects

Theresa: Tucson SSAT test prep instructor
...there's no single correct answer. I'm always interested to hear my students' perspective on what they've read and the connections they make. This summer, I took on the challenge of teaching Introduction to Japanese for the first time. It can be an intimidating language for English-speakers, so it was rewarding to lay the foundation with students who had never spoken the language before. My grammar expertise as an English Language Arts teacher served me well...
Education & Certification
- Clemson University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina - Master of Arts, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SHSAT
- +153 subjects