If you or your student are interested in attending a private or independent school, it may be beneficial for you to sign up for a Boston SSAT class that Varsity Tutors can set you up with. The SSAT is a standardized test that is used by many independent and private schools as a way to test the abilities of students who are interested in attending their schools. The SSAT measures reading, math, and verbal skills, all of which are considered important when it comes to predicting success in an independent or private school.
The SSAT is divided into three different levels based on age group. These include an Elementary Level, Middle Level, and Upper Level. The Elementary Level is designed for students in elementary school and is taken by students in 3rd and 4th grades. The Middle Level test is designed for students in middle school and is taken by students in 5th, 6th, and 7th grades. Finally, the Upper Level test is given to high school students and is taken by students in 8th through 11th grades.
There are a few similarities between all of the levels. One similarity is that all three levels include a Writing Sample, Quantitative Section, Reading Section, and Verbal Section. Additionally, students are not allowed to use a calculator on the Quantitative Section for any of the three levels. Finally, the Writing section is never graded, but it is sent to any school that your student applies to.
One major difference between the different levels concerns how the levels are scored. This makes a difference because it influences how students should approach the exam. When taking the Elementary Level test, students should guess if they aren't completely sure about a question because they won't be penalized for guessing incorrectly. However, in the Middle and Upper Level tests, this isn't a sound strategy because your student will lose points if they guess incorrectly. For each question answered incorrectly, students lose one-quarter of a point. As such, it makes more sense for your student to not answer the questions if they're unsure because they won't lose points for leaving it blank.
What can a Boston SSAT class help my student review?
There are many different subject areas that a Boston SSAT class could help your student review. Each of the three SSAT levels contain the same sections. However, there are differences in the content on the test and the number of total questions. The Elementary Level test contains 89 questions while the Middle and Upper Levels contain 167 questions.
The Middle and Upper Levels of the SSAT both contain a Writing Sample section, which involves writing an essay where they have to make a choice between two different prompts. Your student will have 25 minutes to complete this section on either level. One difference between the Writing Sample on the Upper and Middle Levels is that the Middle Level allows you to pick between two creative prompts while the Upper Level allows you to choose between creative and traditional essay prompts.
In terms of the Quantitative Section, both the Middle and Upper Levels cover math-related topics. They specifically look at geometry, algebra, and arithmetic and both levels contain 50 total questions.
The Reading Sections are focused on topics related to English. Both levels are geared towards reading comprehension and your student will have 40 minutes to finish this section.
Finally, the Verbal Section on the Upper and Middle Levels contain 60 questions and your student will have 30 minutes to complete it. Both levels focus on analogies and synonyms, with 30 questions being focused on analogies and the other 30 covering synonyms.
The Elementary Level also contains a Quantitative Section, but it is only 30 questions and your student will have 30 minutes to finish it. This section looks at probability, measurement, and spatial sense.
The Verbal Section of the Elementary Level also contains 30 questions and your student will have 30 minutes to finish this section. This section covers English, and it involves vocabulary, analogies, and synonyms. The Reading Section contains 28 questions and your student will have 30 minutes to finish it. This section is focused on reading comprehension.
Finally, the Writing Sample section asks Elementary Level students to write a story based on a picture.
How can a Boston SSAT course help my student prepare?
There are a wide range of ways in which a Boston SSAT course can help your student prepare for the exam. The SSAT includes a lot of information across a variety of different subject areas. As such, it can be helpful for your student's instructor to narrow down some of the material that may show up on the exam so it doesn't feel so overwhelming.
An online SSAT class is designed to mimic a regular class. Thus, your student will have an instructor who leads the class and will attend with fellow SSAT students. It is useful to have an instructor who can help your student review topics such as math, reading, and social studies. It is possible that your student may be skilled in some areas and not as skilled in others. As such, it can be helpful to work through a class where they can get a refresher on the topics they're more familiar with along with a thorough review of the topics they might be less familiar with.
It can also be useful to work with other students because this allows for the possibility of participating in group activities and group discussions. This can be beneficial for some students because it breaks up the time spent listening to their instructor and keeps them engaged in the material.
Furthermore, one of the major benefits of signing up for an SSAT class through Varsity Tutors is that the class takes place online. This means that you don't have to worry about driving your student so their class because they can simply take the class at your house.
How can I find a Boston SSAT prep course?
Finding a Boston SSAT prep course can be as easy as contacting Varsity Tutors either online or over the phone. When you sign your student up for a Boston SSAT class, you can choose between either a two-week or a four-week session based on your preference. Call today and get your student the SSAT resources they deserve.
Julia: Boston SSAT course instructor
I am a college student looking to help fellow students who are in middle school through high school get to the next stages of their lives. School can get rough, and having someone there to help with any particular subjects or go over and review topics is helpful, and I want to be a part of that process.
Education & Certification
- Northeastern University - Current Undergrad Student, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- Algebra 2
- Writing
- +17 subjects
Katie: Boston SSAT course instructor
...team and global medical brigades. I recently returned from a trip to Honduras where my brigade was able to provide healthcare to a rural community in central Honduras. Before applying to college, I went through extensive ACT tutoring and would love to relay those skills to other students. I'm passionate about the social sciences, math, spanish, and all things natural science :) I intend to go to medical school and would eventually love to become...
Education & Certification
- Boston University - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- WISC IV
- REGENTS
- +96 subjects
Shira: Boston SSAT course instructor
...over 5 years of experience working with students from the junior high to collegiate level and would love to use my experience and expertise to help students master new concepts and skills. I would characterize my tutoring style as positive and persistent, but above all, I like to tailor my approach to best suit the needs and learning style of each individual student. My specialties are test prep (AP/SAT/ACT/SSAT) and science subjects, including biology, chemistry,...
Education & Certification
- Brandeis University - Current Undergrad Student, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- HSPT
- +86 subjects
Kerry: Boston SSAT course instructor
...My background means I am well suited to clients with test anxiety, and other psychological factors that interfere with academic potential. I have experience working with clients with ADD/ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. My favorite subjects to tutor are Psychology, French, writing, and SAT prep (especially SAT Verbal), though I have a wide range of other qualifications. For fun, I enjoy board games (a few favorites: Ghost Stories, Betrayal at House on the Hill, Dominion)...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelors, Psychology
- William James College - Masters, Professional Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +55 subjects
Amanda: Boston SSAT course instructor
...group classes and tutored individuals for the ACT, PSAT, SAT, and GRE. My primary focus was on the ACT - I taught every section of the test, and by the time I left ScorePlus I knew the ACT backward and forward. I enjoyed helping students grasp the content, but the most fun part of tutoring was finding tips and creative approaches to the test that fit the individual student I was working with. I loved...
Education & Certification
- Union University - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- +50 subjects
Jane: Boston SSAT course instructor
...have taught 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...
Education & Certification
- Boston University - Bachelor of Science, Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- +41 subjects
Zoe: Boston SSAT course instructor
My name is Zoe Fullerton and I am current student at Harvard Medical School. I attended Vassar College as an undergraduate where I studied Science, Technology and Society. I am a patient teacher and eager to work with students of all ages. ... I try to cater each lesson to address that student's learning style. I like to cater to a person's strengths in an attempt to meet them halfway in the learning experience.... Get to know my student and the way they learn so that we can better customize the approach that will work best moving forward.
Education & Certification
- Vassar College - Bachelors, Science, Technology, and Society
- Harvard Medical School - Current Grad Student, MD
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- REGENTS
- +104 subjects
Alex: Boston SSAT course instructor
...and now college student. Through my religious school, I taught students of all ages, ranging from Pre-K through 8th Grade. In high school, I helped prepare students for AP, SAT, ACT, and SAT subject tests as part of my role in the National Honor Society. I have considerable personal experience with a vast array of subjects and love sharing my knowledge and experience with others. From calculus to creative writing, I have a genuine passion...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Statistics & Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- HSPT
- +81 subjects
Education & Certification
- Harvard College - Current Undergrad Student, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- GED
- PSAT
- +66 subjects
Isaac: Boston SSAT course instructor
I am a passionate science educator with experience teaching high school students, college students, and adults. I like to teach by building frameworks of understanding with my students, and make sure to treat each case individually.... Every student is different. Instead of covering everything taught in the class, I prefer to focus on problem areas.... I believe that learning is a personal process, and the role of a good teacher or tutor is to facilitate and guide the learning experience. Because of this philosophy, I like to push students to grasp concepts as much as possible, instead of focusing on memorization.
Education & Certification
- University of Massachusetts Amherst - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- +48 subjects
Education & Certification
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- +82 subjects
Charlotte: Boston SSAT course instructor
...Calculus I classes for three consecutive years. I have always been dedicated to developing a passion of mathematics in young people, especially young women. In the last year, I have visited 52 different towns and cities across much of Western Europe while living in France. While there, I was an English Teaching Assistant in Tours, located along the banks of the Loire river. I taught at a school of predominately underprivileged students of North African...
Education & Certification
- Colgate University - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics and French
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- +54 subjects
Jing: Boston SSAT course instructor
I am deeply passionate about the field of education. I look forward to tutoring and helping individuals who are dedicated to their future. I am happy to offer advice about college applications and career counseling as well. I can't wait to meet you!
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Current Undergrad, Psychology & Political Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- ACT
- ISEE
- +53 subjects
Erika: Boston SSAT course instructor
...and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am not in school myself, I love rowing, equestrian and exploring my new city of Boston! I look forward to meeting and working with you...
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Bachelor of Science, Public Health
- Harvard University - Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- +44 subjects
Bryn: Boston SSAT course instructor
...my undergrad institution, Skidmore College. At Skidmore I earned my bachelor's degree in art history, where I also studied Classics, anthropology, psychology, history, English, and government, and spent one glorious semester studying abroad in Paris. At Skidmore I gained tutoring experience working as a peer-mentor, art history tutor, note-taker, and providing SAT prep and general homework help, as well as teaching English while studying in Paris. After Skidmore I moved to London where I earned...
Education & Certification
- Skidmore College - Bachelor in Arts, Art History
- Courtauld Institute of Art - Master of Arts, Art History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +49 subjects
Maureen: Boston SSAT course instructor
...MS in Public Health from SNHU, and a CCM - certification in case management. I love the English language and enjoy reading and writing, which is what I love to tutor. As I am such an avid learner myself, I am so happy to be helping students with their studies. I feel I have really strong study skills and would love to share with others what I have learned as a life long learner.
Education & Certification
- Emmanuel College - Bachelor in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
- Southern New Hampshire University - Master in Public Health, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HESI - Health Education Systems Incorporated
- CLEP
- ACT
- +64 subjects
Max: Boston SSAT course instructor
I'm a scholar of history, and educating the youth is my deep and abiding passion. I work as a high school teacher in Boston and I have extensive experience teaching social studies and English language arts, as well as prepping my students for college admissions exams. I look forward to working with you to achieve your potential and find the success you've been looking for in your academic pursuits!... Academic success is not determined by innate ability, but rather by effort and hard work.
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelors, History
- Simmons College - Masters, Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +41 subjects
Maedeh: Boston SSAT course instructor
...way. There are a number of different reasons why someone might not be improving in a certain subject, so I try to learn more about students so we can troubleshoot and empower them to take an active role in understanding what is and isn't working for them. I have experience tutoring a variety of STEM subjects for students of various ages and backgrounds and have experience using different methods to improve standardized test scores.
Education & Certification
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- OLSAT
- CogAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +50 subjects
Noel: Boston SSAT course instructor
...I love about tutoring is the feeling of accomplishment that a student feels after finishing an essay that they can be proud of. Nothing brings me more joy than to help a student's ideas come to life on paper. I have also tutored ESL for 4+ years, and bring my communication and writing skills to each lesson to help students gain a colloquial as well as academic understanding of the English language. I have flexible...
Education & Certification
- Carnegie Mellon University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Master of Arts, Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +52 subjects
Gayle: Boston SSAT course instructor
...as a middle school teacher in the same local district for nearly twenty-five years now. I like to focus on the writing process, reading comprehension and math skills. I have also worked extensively with students regarding task management, study techniques and organizational strategies. I have two children, one who is completing a program to become a Physician Assistant, and the other who is a college Sophomore studying to become a middle school science teacher. I...
Education & Certification
- University of Massachusetts Amherst - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
- Salem State University - Master of Science, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- Elementary Math
- +31 subjects