For many families in and around northeastern Illinois, Chicago private schools are as good as you'll find anywhere. If you're ready to start your student working toward acceptance in a prestigious private school program, Varsity Tutors can help set him or her up with a Chicago SSAT course that can encourage them to perform at the best of their abilities.
Most Chicagoland parents know that with such a large student body, it's going to be difficult for a student's profile to stand out from the pack, and a high score on the SSAT can be the difference between getting into a student's top choice or failing to earn acceptance at all. If you have your heart set on admission to institutions like Mount Carmel High School or Brother Rice High School, a high score on the SSAT could be your ticket there, and Varsity Tutors is happy to set you up in a class to help you prepare.
What should a student expect from a Chicago SSAT prep course?
When preparing for the SSAT, your student will take either the Elementary Level, Middle Level or Upper Level test, depending on their grade level. Third and fourth graders test at the Elementary Level, fifth through seventh graders test at the Middle Level, and eighth to 11th graders test at the Upper Level. Regardless of level, all students will face a Reading and Verbal section and an unscored Writing prompt. All students will also face a Quantitative section, with elementary students getting one such section and older students getting two. Experimental questions will also be part of the test at any age level, although they will be unscored. Let's look deeper into each section.
In the Verbal section, students will display their knowledge and understanding of the English language. Elementary students will be expected to show their knowledge of how word relationships work, and they'll have 30 minutes to answer 30 questions in this section. Middle and upper students will also have 30 minutes to tackle this section, but they will face 60 questions, equally divided into synonyms and analogies.
The Reading section focuses on reading and comprehending passages and getting information out of it. As you might expect and will definitely discover if you choose to take a Chicago SSAT course, elementary students will have an easier task than middle and upper students. They'll face 28 questions in all, based around seven different passages with four questions per passage. Like the Verbal section, elementary students will have 30 minutes to handle this section. Middle and upper students will also receive passages and must show more advanced concepts of comprehension in a small amount of time. Each will have 40 minutes in this section, and they'll answer 40 questions based on their understanding of passages.
The tests diverge based on grade level at the Quantitative section, as the elementary students will face just one Quantitative section, while older students have two. Elementary students will be asked to show the most basic concepts of math and their understanding of them, and they'll have 30 minutes to answer 30 questions in this section. Conversely, middle and upper students will be tested on those more advanced mathematical concepts, and they'll be answering questions in two different 25-question sections. Each section of questions will last 30 minutes, meaning middle and upper students will answer quantitative questions for 60 minutes over the course of the test. One important thing to remember about this section is that no matter what level you're at, no calculators are permitted in the Quantitative section.
Finally, a student will face the Writing prompt, which will be unscored but will be part of the student's portfolio when applying to private schools. In fact, every school that you apply to will receive a copy of a student's essay, allowing administrators to make quicker decisions on whether to offer admission. Here, elementary schools will have 15 minutes to respond to a prompt and write a simple story, while middle and upper students will receive 25 minutes to craft a reaction or argument in regards to their prompt.
You'll also face 16 unscored experimental questions designed to see how test takers react to different questions. At the elementary level, there is no penalty for guessing on a question, so it's a great idea to answer something even if you're not sure if you're right. This is not true at the middle and high school levels, which dock test takers a fraction of a point when they miss a question. If you're taking the upper or middle versions, you'll need to make sure you can eliminate a choice or two and make your guess an educated one.
Whether you're struggling with your test-taking skills or hoping to get the right preparation to make it into your top priority, Varsity Tutors can help. Our team can enroll you in a class that can allow you to maximize your strengths on test day and minimize your distractions and feeling of nerves.
How can a Chicago SSAT course get me ready for the test?
When you opt for an SSAT course, your student will be able to learn from the comfort of his or her own home on a schedule that works well for the entire family. One of the biggest challenges of test preparation is finding time to actually prepare for the test, but with courses offered online and starting every week, that's not a worry here. You'll be able to find a time that works for you, led by an instructor who enjoys instructing young students and knows how to make success on the exam more attainable. Classes are offered in two-week and four-week sessions, allowing students to find time for studying more easily.
How can I find a Chicago SSAT class?
If you're ready to get your student started with preparation for the SSAT, Varsity Tutors can help! All you have to do is contact us, and we'll help you find a time and class that works for your student's needs. Contact us to enroll your student and help him or her earn the confidence they need to perform at their best!
Katie: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...Notre Dame in 2009 and my master's degree from the University of Connecticut in 2013. I have spent the past six years in education: teaching English in Japan for two years, coordinating a mentor program for first year college students, working as an academic advisor, and teaching first year experience courses to new college students, focusing on topics like time management and study skills. I understand firsthand the importance of standardized tests as students make...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelor in Arts, American Studies, Gender Studies
- University of Connecticut - Master of Arts, Higher Education and Student Affaris
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- ACT
- +40 subjects
Alex: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...don't believe we can overcome. As a tutor, it's my duty to aim higher with my students in grasping that new idea or internalizing the keystone concept. I take a holistic approach to learning, since our education should be structured not only to help us pass exams but to additionally give us enjoyment and perspective for life's ups and downs. I began teaching in earnest over a decade ago when I taught ESL in South...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Real Estate
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +88 subjects
David: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...found that students may learn in different ways and all can excel. I like to present material in an engaging and relevant manner so that we can all learn and achieve success. One-on-one tutoring is an effective technique, particularly for explaining and modeling math, and I enjoy seeing students attitudes toward school brighten when they see immediate progress in their work. As a writing tutor, I like to focus on helping students find their authentic...
Education & Certification
- Drake University - Bachelor of Science, Education, History
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- HSPT
- +37 subjects
Prahith: Chicago SSAT course instructor
I am a classroom teacher who has spent the last ten years tutoring/educating students with a variety of learning needs. I specialize in figuring out what specific learning strategies work for different students. I can help you go from good to great as I have consistently scored in the 99th percentile for several graduate school tests. ... It is more important that students learn how to solve problems rather than just memorizing facts or formulas. All students are smart in their own way and, teaching should be catered to how students best understand. Ultimately students should understand why what they are learning is important.
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Bachelors, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SHSAT
- ACT
- +103 subjects
Ilana: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...completed a BA in Cognitive Science (Neuroscience concentration) as well as a BMus and Masters degree in Voice and Opera Performance. I tutor test prep for the SATs and ACTs, as well as math for all ages. I excel particularly in writing and editing and love tutoring in the humanities. My teaching philosophy is one of guidance rather than direct instruction, helping students to discover answers on their own. I am very patient and understand...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- CLEP
- Advanced Placement
- +80 subjects
Rebecca: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies. I am currently pursuing a masters degree in social work at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. I am passionate about tutoring because I want everyone to be able to perform academically at their highest possible level. I also think it is important that learning is not just for one assignment or one test, but rather that it sticks...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- +53 subjects
Hannah: Chicago SSAT course instructor
I graduated from Georgia Tech majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering and Pre-teaching , and I just moved to Chicago to attend Chicago State University Pharmacy School. I have been tutoring a lot of students [K-12] in various subjects for more than ten years. ... Helping students to reach their goals.... I would talk about my background and share my past experience of studying. I also would ask what their goals are.... If they make mistakes, I would let students correct them first by themselves.
Education & Certification
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Chicago State University - PHD, Pharmacy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- +33 subjects
Samantha: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...I will be receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Legal Studies this spring. In the fall, I will begin attending law school at Northwestern Law. For many years, I tutored a wide range of students in Spanish, English literature, and writing. I have also continued to help many high school seniors with college application essays. While I tutor a variety of subjects, I am very passionate about helping students improve their reading...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +36 subjects
Adrianne: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...students and helping them achieve their academic potential. My tutoring experience extends back more than a decade. Since early high school, I have tutored both peers and younger students. My students have included special education, gifted, English Language Learners, music/arts students and students with disabilities. I have tutored math up to Calculus AP; English Writing, Reading Comprehension and College Essay instruction; Science through AP Physics; and test preparation for GRE, ACT, SAT as well as...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan - Bachelors, Social Science, Latin American Studies
- DePaul University - Masters in Education, Bilingual Education/Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- +67 subjects
Kim: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...sixth graders in Math, Reading, and English. I have also spent the past 7 summers tutoring students in grades K-7. I have a B.A. degree in Elementary Education from Millikin University with a middle school endorsement in Math. I have a Master's degree from Concordia University in Curriculum and Instruction and have completed classes toward a certification in special education. My passion is Mathematics. I believe instilling confidence in my students is the key to...
Education & Certification
- Millikin University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
- Concordia University-Ann Arbor - Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- English
- Study Skills
- +21 subjects
Kandice: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...I received my Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's degree in Teaching. I have over 14 years of experience working with children aged infant to high school in a multitude of settings. I have taught PreK-4th grade students in schools located in Sacramento and Chicago using the Balanced Literacy and Everyday Mathematics frameworks. I have also mentored teachers and been a professional speaker and facilitator for educational and civic organizations. My teaching and tutoring philosophy...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Pyschology
- University of Chicago - Master of Arts, Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Literature
- Math
- +19 subjects
Emily: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...students of all ages connect to their own passions for learning, in any subject. I look forward to accompanying students through any challenges that stand in the way of that connection and leading students to their own version of success. I've worked across various sectors and have always maintained a love for one-on-one teaching, especially working with children and teaching languages. My experience includes living, working, and traveling abroad, and I rely on this intercultural...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelors, 1) Spanish 2) History
- The New School - Masters, 1) International Affairs 2) Environmental Policy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- Spanish 4
- +42 subjects
Molly: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...get a good grade on the next quiz, but to help build a foundation that allows him or her to find success on their own in future units of study. In each lesson, I use a variety of methods - stories, games, worksheets, writing, manipulative activities, etc. - to ensure (1) a deep understanding of academic content and (2) an engaging, fun, authentic interaction with each subject area. Likewise, as a Teacher and Tutor, I...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- ISAT
- +111 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, Zoology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Pre-Algebra
- Ecology
- Life Sciences
- +17 subjects
Ellen: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...I witnessed my first “ah-ha! moment” when I was 18 and studying early childhood development. Almost ten years later, I am still fascinated with the multitude of methods of learning, and love to be a part of the acquisition of new knowledge and skills. I currently hold a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from St. Louis University, an elementary certificate from Northeastern Illinois University, and an ESL endorsement certificate from the University of Illinois....
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- High School English
- Literature
- +18 subjects
Rebecca: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...of Notre Dame. I received my undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and Theology in 2005 and my MBA in Marketing in 2011. While completing my undergraduate degrees, I was a teaching assistant for the Introduction to Engineering class. I enjoyed working with the students and seeing them master the material over the course of the semester. Professionally, I have worked both as a programmer and as a marketer. I believe my greatest strengths are in...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelors, Computer Science, Theology
- University of Notre Dame - Masters in Business Administration, Marketing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +39 subjects
Sairah : Chicago SSAT course instructor
...absolutely enjoyed it! I have tutored math, algebra, precalc, geometry, and English as well. I have a Bachelors from Northeastern Illinois University in Finance because I love numbers! I was also an assistant manager at a bank so have a lot of experience training and mentoring many individuals. I have learned that patience and motivation is the key to teaching people. Also, figuring out what style works best for the individual. I believe anyone can...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern Illinois University - Bachelor of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Business
- +36 subjects
Stephen: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...liberal arts college located in Grinnell, Iowa. I have a Bachelor of the Arts in Computer Science from Grinnell's Department of Math and Computer Science. Since graduation I have tutored students of a wide variety of ages and background in a number of subjects. I have tutored middle school students in the Chicago area in Math and science and high school students in advanced Math, chemistry, writing, and helped them prepare for standardized tests for...
Education & Certification
- Grinnell College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT 8-Week Prep Class
- ACT
- ISEE
- +71 subjects
Morgan: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...Chinese history from the University of British Columbia. Prior to this, I have worked as a test prep instructor in Korea and China with The Princeton Review and as an ESL teacher at New Mexico State University. As a test prep instructor, I taught SAT, SSAT, TOEFL, and GRE. Test Prep, as I have come to experience it does not mean the memorizing of 10,000 things. It is understanding that standardized tests are logic games,...
Education & Certification
- New Mexico State University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, History
- New Mexico State University - Master of Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- TOEFL
- SAT Reading
- +21 subjects
Shailie: Chicago SSAT course instructor
...pre med track. I am ready to help in every way possible for my tutees to feel at ease and confident with their material. With previous tutoring experience, I believe I can cater to each individual's needs and learning habits. I have tutored high schoolers in all subjects, and have taken the SAT and ACT many times myself. I believe in learning for more than just passing the one test, but to retain the knowledge...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Current Undergrad Student, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- HSPT
- +59 subjects