If you're seeking independent school or private education for your student, Varsity Tutors can enroll your student in a Washington, DC SSAT course. It's important to start your student on a quality education path to help them in the future.
Taking a Washington, DC SSAT class can help students have better insight into the testing material. Varsity Tutors can help your student get a general layout and feel of the test. Here's some background on the SSAT.
What Is the SSAT?
The SSAT is a standardized test that helps determine the abilities of students looking to enroll in an independent or private school. Your student will be tested on basic verbal, math, and reading skills to see if they can have a successful academic path in an independent or private school setting.
At the Elementary Level, 3rd-grade applicants will apply to an independent school for the 4th grade. For 4th-grade applicants, they'll apply to an independent school for 5th grade.
The Middle Level is for 5th, 6th, or 7th-graders that want to attend an independent middle school within the next year.
The Upper Level is for students from 8th-11th grade seeking admission to an independent high school in the following year.
In all levels of the test, the Writing sample and Experimental section are unscored. All schools that your student applies to will be sent their Writing sample. Additionally, your student will not be allowed to use a calculator on the Quantitative section at any level.
If your student is on the Elementary Level, guessing is encouraged since they won't be docked points for a wrong answer. However, Middle Level and Upper Level students will receive one point for each correct answer and lose a quarter of a point if they answer incorrectly (there's no penalty for any unanswered questions). Here's more in-depth information about each level of the test.
What could a Washington, DC SSAT course help your student cover?
Elementary Level
The test consists of 89 questions and allows your student just under 2 hours to complete it.
On the Quantitative Section, students have 30 minutes to answer 30 questions. Your student will cover basic math in the following topics: number sense, properties and operations, algebra and functions, geometry and spatial sense, measurement, and probability.
Students have 30 minutes to answer 30 questions on the Verbal Section. It assesses your student's knowledge of the English language. Your student should be mindful of language, word relationships, vocabulary, synonyms, and subtleties in word meanings.
For the Reading Section, your student will have 30 minutes to answer 7 passages with 4 questions apiece (28 questions total). This tests reading comprehension, particularly when it comes to finding the main idea of a passage, meanings of words, and identifying information.
Students are given 15 minutes to create a prompt for the Writing Sample. Your student may be asked to write a simple story on a picture prompt that needs a beginning, middle, and ending. Your student could be tested on their organization, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
The Experimental Section also allows 15 minutes for completing 15-17 questions.
Middle Level
This test gives students just under 3 hours to complete 167 questions.
In the Writing Sample, your student should be mindful of choosing one creative prompt to base their story. Additionally, your student should be aware of writing techniques, such as grammar, spelling, organization, and punctuation for this portion of the test.
The Quantitative Section gives students 50 questions (25 questions for both sections); each totaling 30 minutes a section (1 hour total). It may be helpful for your student to review concepts in arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry.
In the Reading Section, there are 40 passage-based questions to complete within 40 minutes. Students will have to interpret the meaning of both narrative and argumentative passages. To prepare for this section, students could brush up on techniques, like finding the main idea of the passage, words and phrases in context, and understanding the author's tone.
For the Verbal Section, your student will have 30 minutes to answer 60 questions (30 synonyms, 30 analogies). It may be a good idea for your student to improve their vocabulary in order to help with different concepts, such as word roots, prefixes, and suffixes, and relating ideas and words to the context.
The Experimental Section gives your student 15 minutes to complete 16 questions.
Upper Level
The test allows students under 3 hours to finish 167 questions.
Your student is given 25 minutes to complete the Writing Sample. Students should be aware of their choice to pick one prompt out of two selections (one creative and one traditional essay). Also, it may be helpful to review skills in organizing a story or essay; writing with good grammar, spelling, punctuation; supporting a statement with examples.
The Quantitative Section consists of 2 sections of 25 questions, which totals 50 questions. There are 2 30-minute sections (1 hour total). Your student should be aware of concepts such as data analysis, coordinate and plane geometry, and algebraic equations.
To get through the Reading Section, your student will have 40 minutes to answer 40 questions. Your student should be mindful of how to read through passages to understand argumentative and narrative perspectives. This can be helpful in formulating and evaluating opinions and arguments.
The Writing Section allows for 30 minutes to complete 60 questions (30 analogies, 30 synonyms). Your student should be aware of different prefixes and suffixes within Anglo-Saxon, Greek, and Latin dialect.
How does a Washington, DC SSAT prep course assist your student?
A Washington, DC SSAT course has an interactive, online setting. With good preparation, your student will have a good foundation for studies in an independent or private school. An instructor can help clear up different concepts that your student may find tricky.
Also, being able to collaborate with others can make it easier to dissect large amounts of information. This can be a very helpful method for your student to get more out of SSAT review sessions.
How can I find a Washington, DC SSAT review?
Going to a different school can be a big change of pace for your student. Varsity Tutors can help you find a good Washington, DC SSAT class so your student gets the assistance needed to get ready to take the test.
Getting this assistance early on can lead to quality learning in your student's formative years. Contact Varsity Tutors today to find out more information about a Washington, DC SSAT course.
Cynthia: Washington SSAT course instructor
...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 I would be willing to drive to a location as well as do online tutoring.... It is always best to learn with your students. I usually teach from a book or based on homework assignments, but I find thinks click best when you take advantage of a student's strengths and weaknesses instead of just giving problems.
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Neuroscience
- Johns Hopkins University - PHD, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- SAT
- +72 subjects
Alexandra: Washington SSAT course instructor
...years. I have over 150 hours of teacher training and countless hours in the classroom. Furthermore, I was the editor of our student newspaper, The Daily Cardinal, and have extensive writing-coaching skills in addition to a strong grasp on the English language. I am currently employed by an educational non-profit in Alexandria, Virginia and would like to spend time outside of my regular 9 to 5 job to help students succeed at test taking and...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, History and Journalism
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- GED
- ACT
- +23 subjects
David: Washington SSAT course instructor
...and have developed and taught a political philosophy curriculum at the Harvard Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece. I love working with kids, and I read and write children's books and young adult fiction in my spare time (as well as poetry and adult fiction). I love exploring ideas in fields from Literature to Neuroscience, and have a lot of experience working and volunteering in libraries. I have a side interest in permaculture and systems...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Current Undergrad, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ISEE
- +34 subjects
Matt: Washington SSAT course instructor
...graduated from 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...
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
- SAT Subject Tests
- +85 subjects
Ben: Washington SSAT course instructor
...love to keep up my self learning in advanced concepts. While taking economics courses I started tutoring by helping struggling students through classes we had together, and by word of mouth ended up tutoring a number of students in the economics department. I am passionate about learning and took as many courses as possible in college including courses in chemistry, physics, biology and opera performance. I am also passionate about teaching. I live for that...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelors, B.S. Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- Physics
- +34 subjects
Daeyong: Washington SSAT course instructor
...local middle schools. I am also the President of our school's National Math Honor Society, an organization dedicated to promoting 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...
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SSAT Prep - Upper Level Class
- PSAT
- +54 subjects
Robert: Washington SSAT course instructor
Robert loves to tutor and has a well rounded list of subjects. ... Learning is the key to everything. Understanding and connecting with each individual is the path to learning.... Take the time to get to know the student as a person. Also, rather than focus on what the student does not know, instead focus on what the student does know.... Make learning interactive.... Set goals. Tailor the learning to the student.... Start by focusing on what the student does know. Have the student explain and show what he/she knows. This can build confidence.
Education & Certification
- United States Naval Academy - Bachelors, Engineering Management
- Darden Business School UVA - Masters, MBA
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Science
- Writing
- Pre-Algebra
- +40 subjects
Paula: Washington SSAT course instructor
...learning an exciting, positive experience. Learners are diverse in every way, and each student requires unique strategies, motivators, and reinforcers to be successful throughout the learning process. I take pride in knowing that my students look forward to learning and gain confidence to tackle new challenges; as they begin to take the necessary steps toward becoming independent learners. I enjoy getting to know my students on a personal level as well. I love to hear...
Education & Certification
- Notre Dame of Maryland University - Bachelors, Elementary/Special Education
- Loyola University Maryland - Current Grad Student, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Special Education
- Elementary School Math
- +13 subjects
Jennifer: Washington SSAT course instructor
...help others succeed, and I like helping people to learn. I find the most joy in seeing a students eyes light up when what I have been teaching them clicks in their heads. I enjoy tutoring one-on-one since I have found that engaging a student directly in the learning process helps him/her to understand (and remember) the topic more fully, rather than letting them get by on just rote memorization that is forgotten once the...
Education & Certification
- Smith College - Bachelor in Arts, Classical Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +15 subjects
Cornelia: Washington SSAT course instructor
...passion. I believe it is the single most important element of societal mobility. One may be born into status, but with education they can navigate their network and privilege. One may be born into destitute circumstances, but with their education can rise above their situation. One of the only things that a child should not have to earn is their right to knowledge. Education is a human right. Every single child should be fully equipped...
Education & Certification
- American University - Bachelor in Arts, Communication
- Lesley College - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- Special Education
- +23 subjects
Laura: Washington SSAT course instructor
...TA for the Spanish Department, responsible for creating and executing my own lesson plans for two one-hour classes per week for Spanish 102, grading homework and designing my own quizzes. I also tutored occasionally through our on-campus tutoring program. Finally, for the past two summers I have worked at the extremely rigorous Breakthrough Collaborative Teaching Internship at their Miami, Florida location teaching 5th and 6th grade science, where I a was again responsible for my...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor of Science, Anthropology/PreMed
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- +33 subjects
Clare: Washington SSAT course instructor
...analyze student data and to work with them to create interventions that bring students from a lower test score to passing test score. Before my work as a teacher, I worked on a pilot program with bringing their program into a St. Louis City charter school. In this position, I worked with students from 5th to 8th grade who were reading and doing math at a 1st grade level and up in an intense specials...
Education & Certification
- Elon University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- Fontbonne University - Master of Arts Teaching, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- SAT
- +83 subjects
Education & Certification
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- CLEP
- HSPT
- +43 subjects
Elizabeth: Washington SSAT course instructor
I am a graduate from the University of Michigan, with a major in the Literature, Arts and Science program. Currently, I develop Trainings for an Enterprise, creating course curriculums, developing interactive training and providing support for their learning and development needs. I love assisting grade school students with Math, Reading and Comprehension, Phoenetics, and various subjects.
Education & Certification
- The University of Michigan - Bachelors, Film & Video Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Reading
- English
- +13 subjects
Richard: Washington SSAT course instructor
...Yale University, I served 8 years as a combat arms officer in the US Army. I coached, trained and mentored soldiers and junior officers in a wide variety of tasks. After leaving the military, I completed graduate coursework for a master's degree in international affairs at Tufts University. Finally, I recently finished all academic requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from University of Maryland. I am a current substitute teacher in the DC...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelors, Political Science and Government
- Tufts University - Masters, International Affairs
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- +45 subjects
Sarah: Washington SSAT course instructor
...can understand more advanced concepts. I started tutoring over 12 years ago during college with America Reads where I earned "Outstanding Mentor." While my tutees scores vastly improve, I am concerned about the child's total success. I not only seek to give them the right tools to succeed but also encourage them to believe that when they try, they can improve and succeed. An example of my work includes a student who spoke English as...
Education & Certification
- University of Maryland-College Park - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Special Education
- Test Prep
- +14 subjects
Dr. Virginia: Washington SSAT course instructor
...a B.S. in Biology, a minor in Chemistry, an M.B.A. in Strategic Planning, and an Ed.D. in STEM Education Leadership. My career includes 15 years as a Biologist, working for pharmaceutical companies, non-profits, and the U.S. military. I have also owned and operated a Biotechnology consulting firm for 8 years. For the past 10 years, I have been teaching middle and high school science, technology, and engineering. I've taught in the United States, Ecuador, and...
Education & Certification
- Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- American College of Education - Doctor of Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Science
- College Biology
- Math
- +31 subjects
Erin: Washington SSAT course instructor
...and university students for about 12 years. Similarly, have 12 years of experience with the SAT, ACT, and ISEE/SSAT, and about 4 years of experience teaching GRE and GMAT. As far as hobbies go, I enjoy reading science fiction, classic literature, and comic books. Rock-climbing is a big thing for me, as is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I'm also into dancing, including salsa, bachata, zouk, swing, and Argentine tango. Also I love science! I study it every...
Education & Certification
- Stanford - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- TOEFL
- PSAT
- +77 subjects
Morgan: Washington SSAT course instructor
...the humanities and math! I love watching students succeed and find their passion for learning--understanding concepts can be fun, and having the tools to understand makes all the difference! Helping students have that moment where everything "clicks," is my goal. I also enjoy helping high schoolers prepare college applications and work on their essays. Telling a personal narrative or writing a "Why X school" essay can be tough--but I love helping guide students through the...
Education & Certification
- American University - Current Undergrad Student, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- +84 subjects
Holland: Washington SSAT course instructor
...all students are capable of writing pieces of work that they are proud of, that reflect their voice and ideas, and that make a difference in their spheres of influence and throughout the world. I have worked with students from Pre-K to college, and love that each age group has different strengths, goals, worries, and questions to bring to the table. If you want your reading and writing skills to be stronger, need help in...
Education & Certification
- Pepperdine University - Bachelor in Arts, Religious Studies
- University of Cambridge - Master of Philosophy, Religious Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- +55 subjects