If you have been looking into CogAT courses to help your student make the most of the educational opportunities available to them, Varsity Tutors offers private CogAT classes that are well worth your time. The CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) is an aptitude test used for admission in the gifted programs at certain schools, to help identify a homeschooled student's academic strengths, and to help identify at-risk youth for further assessment. It assesses a test-taker's learned problem-solving and reasoning skills in three areas: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal, all of which correlate well to academic achievement. A private CogAT class may give your student more self-confidence heading into the exam.
One of the benefits of investing in a CogAT course is access to a knowledgeable instructor who can answer any questions you have about the test. For example, many parents would like a breakdown of exactly what the Stanine scores the test uses actually mean. The chart below highlights this information:
Score Breakdown
Stanine | % Rank | Description |
9 | 96-99 |
Very High |
8 | 89-95 | Above Average |
7 | 77-88 | Above Average |
6 | 60-76 | Average |
5 | 40-59 | Average |
4 | 23-39 | Average |
3 | 11-22 | Below Average |
2 | 4-10 | Below Average |
1 | 1-3 | Very Low |
One of the CogAT secrets is that it asks questions that students are unfamiliar with in order to assess their cognitive ability. In other words, how will a student react to a new type of problem? Needless to say, experience with the formatting of the exam could provide a significant advantage as students would know what to expect beforehand. For this reason, many students take practice tests during their private CogAT class.
Practice tests may also help identify your student's unique areas of opportunity, or the topics that should focus on in their CogAT prep class. The list below breaks down the types of questions students might see according to grade level:
- Grades K-2
- Oral Vocabulary
- Verbal Reasoning
- Relational Concepts
- Figure Classification
- Matrices
- Grades 3-12
- Verbal Classification
- Sentence Completion
- Verbal Analogies
- Quantitative Relations
- Number Series
- Equation building
- Figure Classification
- Figure Analogies
A CogAT prep course may be a perfect place for your student to prepare for the exact exam they plan to take. There are no time constraints in a private CogAT course, so the student in your life can spend as much time as they need to on any topic. Their instructor may also be able to cater sessions to your student's unique needs. For instance, a visual learner might use visual aids such as counting cubes to prepare for the quantitative questions on the exam, while an auditory learner could benefit more from oral repetition.
Varsity Tutors also strives to make attending our CogAT prep courses as convenient as possible. All instruction happens on our proprietary Live Learning Platform, allowing students to meet with their instructor online instead of a physical location such as a library. We also try our best to connect every student with an instructor who suits their schedule. If school, work, and extracurricular activities limit your availability on Wednesdays, we might try to refer you to a teacher who won't want to meet on Wednesdays. Test prep should fit into your life, not the other way around.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of our CogAT prep classes or are ready to enroll, give us a call today! Expert Educational Directors are currently standing by to assist you any way they can. We look forward to working with you!
Zachary: CogAT course instructor
...students in math, reading, writing and standardized test taking, I've tutored students K-12 on algebra, geometry, English (including all AP courses) and history courses. I'm also qualified as a tutor for public speaking including composition and delivery. My style of teaching involves incorporating technology, games, and creative activities that help build true understanding, not just memorize facts and information. Outside of the educational realm, I'm an avid reader, a Nationals fanatic and a proud UVA...
Education & Certification
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Masters in Education, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- GED
- NNAT
- Geometry
- +52 subjects
Katherine: CogAT course instructor
I am a multi-level, multi-subject educator offering 8+ years experience in instruction; consistent performance record and excellent reviews; and innovative instructional methods to maximize student understanding and performance across various learning styles, abilities, and interests. It is my pleasure to educate through Varsity Tutors.... My philosophy in education is that all students are smart. It is my job as an educator to meet each student where they are and to guide them in the achievement of their educational goals. Learning should be personalized and fun.
Education & Certification
- University of St. Thomas - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Loyola Marymount University - Master of Arts, Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ISEE
- CAHSEE
- HSPT
- +53 subjects
Amanda: CogAT course instructor
...have previously taught 4th grade and in early childhood settings. I was also a tutor for Huntington Learning Centers while I was searching for a full time teaching position. During my tutoring there I worked with elementary students as well as with middle school students for math and science. I was also an SAT and test prep tutor. I decided to look into Varsity Tutors because I enjoy teaching and I was looking for additional...
Education & Certification
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- HSPT
- OLSAT
- ISEE
- +48 subjects
Britni: CogAT course instructor
...years. I thoroughly enjoy working and growing my students! I am now an at risk coordinator/instructionalist specialist, in this position I work with at- risk struggling students in small groups to help them be successful. I also work with their teachers on helping them develop plans for their struggling students. I have had the privilege to tutor my classroom students and have had a tremendous amount of success with seeing them grow academically. I celebrate...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelors, Sociology
- Texas A & M University-Commerce - Masters, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ISEE
- ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra
- ACCUPLACER ESL - Sentence Meaning
- +23 subjects
Dolly: CogAT course instructor
...and young people to build and get clear ideas about their careers.I love and enjoy tutoring, especially math and computer science subjects. I have been a tutor and mentor for a lot of kids for about 4 years, and I feel proud when I see them achieve their goal. I strongly believe one should have a solid fundamentals of the basic stuff to be more sucessfull and to understand more complicated stuff, and hence i...
Education & Certification
- UTD - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
- UTD - Master of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- A Level
- +88 subjects
Patricia: CogAT course instructor
...all areas, including study skills as well as organizational skills. I believe in teaching skills that your child will be able to carry with him/her through all their years of schooling, allowing them to be as successful and independent as possible. My teaching style is relaxed and incorporates a sense of humor; tutoring can be fun and not approached as working overtime for your child. Wilson Multi-sensory reading program trained, used for grades 3 on...
Education & Certification
- William Paterson University of New Jersey - Bachelor in Arts, Special Education/Elementary Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ISEE
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- +57 subjects
Peter: CogAT course instructor
...the past four years. I started in education through Teach for America as a Spanish and remedial English teacher at a high school in Greenwood, MS. I tutor English, Writing, Math, Social Studies, and Spanish. I personally love to teach any writing component, because I enjoy the process of creating an essay which everyone can enjoy. I consider my tutoring style to mimic that of a coach; my goal is to push your student toward...
Education & Certification
- Syracuse University - Bachelor of Science, Journalism
- Ohio State - Masters in Education, English Education
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ISEE
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- Advanced Placement
- +253 subjects
Tiffany: CogAT course instructor
...the St. Louis area from Kansas City. I am rejoining Varsity Tutors with ten years of classroom teaching experience and two years as a tutor in different educational settings. I have my Bachelors degree in Elementary/Deaf Education, my Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and my Educational Specialist in Teacher Leadership. I love horseback riding, reading, evenings at the theatre with friends, or window shopping with my husband at the local outlet mall. But above...
Education & Certification
- Flagler College - Bachelor in Arts, Elem. Ed K-6, Deaf Ed K-12
- Walden University - Unknown, Teacher Leadership
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- Elementary Math
- Algebra
- English
- +12 subjects
Christine: CogAT course instructor
...that debuted at a film festival last year. I am always impressed by the imagination that young people bring to the field of writing and believe that a combination of determination and learning can lead to confidence in the study and production of English composition and essays. I have enjoyed working with students K-6 as well as high school and college level students and adults with mental health challenges. I also tutor young people after...
Education & Certification
- University of Toronto - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Antioch University-Los Angeles - Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ACT
- SAT
- STAAR EOC
- +56 subjects
Education & Certification
- Florida State University - Bachelor in Arts, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- GED
- ACT
- Florida EOC Assessment
- +261 subjects
Michael: CogAT course instructor
When I was 15 years old, I knew that I wanted to be a math teacher. It was all because of a fantastic math teacher that I had in high school. I have taught math at many levels and I still love showing students math concepts. At this time in my life I do not want the responsibility of teaching a class, so tutoring math is in my best interest right now.
Education & Certification
- Indiana State University - Master of Arts, Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- A Level
- Geometry Class
- Algebra
- +13 subjects
Stacey: CogAT course instructor
...integrated co-teaching (ICT) classroom. In addition, I've taught academic subjects to 6th and 7th grade students in a unique, dual language, bilingual Spanish school in Brooklyn. Many of these students were ESL learners who were simultaneously struggling with learning disabilities and/or hearing impairment. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, my primary passion is languages, including Spanish, French and Italian, and as an avid reader, I also enjoy Literature and English. I find it...
Education & Certification
- SUNY at Binghamton - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- REGENTS
- SHSAT
- PSAT
- +57 subjects
Lydia: CogAT course instructor
...same opportunities for other students through diligent, compassionate instruction. I have been a tutor since I was in the eighth grade and have helped my younger siblings and cousins with homework ever since I was a child. I come from a single-parent home, but was a very driven student who graduated as valedictorian of one of America's top public high schools in a highly competitive STEM program, with 16 AP classes under my belt. I...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SAT
- GED
- PSAT
- +94 subjects
Chiaki: CogAT course instructor
...addition to the varying cultural exposure, has set me a goal to become a language teacher. Since then, I have been teaching ESL and Japanese at various countries and so far my teaching experiences have been extremely rewarding and wonderful and I am hoping to continue on in the United States. The past 10 years, I have been teaching overseas in Asian regions at different international school settings. My husband and I moved back to...
Education & Certification
- Kanagawa University - Bachelor in Arts, General Literature
- Hamline University - Master of Arts, Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- A Level
- TOEFL
- Professional Certifications
- +14 subjects
Education & Certification
- Harris-Stowe State University - Bachelor of Science, Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Lindenwood University - Master of Arts Teaching, Middle School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- +19 subjects
Christopher: CogAT course instructor
...in 2016 with a degree in mathematics and physics. Over the years I have tutored everything from pre-algebra to calculus 3 as well as college physics and chemistry. I enjoy tutoring trigonometry the most. I have tutored a wide range of age groups and individuals with diverse backgrounds and learning styles. My teaching philosophy is that each student needs a little bit different technique in order to be most effective so I use strategies to...
Education & Certification
- Westminster College of Fulton - Bachelor of Science, Theoretical and Mathematical Physics
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- GRE Subject Test in Physics
- Graduate Test Prep
- Trigonometry
- +25 subjects
Education & Certification
- Cornerstone University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SAT
- REGENTS
- GED
- +47 subjects
Education & Certification
- Florida International University - Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Administration and Management
- California University - Doctor of Philosophy, Organizational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- GATE/ TAG
- A Level
- TOEFL
- +215 subjects
Medha: CogAT course instructor
...opportunities. For the past 3 years, I have been a teaching assistant at Manabadi, a Telugu school, where I help students learn to read, write, and speak Telugu. Recently, I taught a group of elementary and middle school students the basics of Java (a programming language). While I am open to tutoring a wide range of subjects, I am most passionate about computer science, math, and economics. Through tutoring, and being tutored myself, I have...
Education & Certification
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SAT
- NNAT
- SSAT
- +47 subjects
Nikitha: CogAT course instructor
...at the University of Virginia, working towards my degrees in biology and computer science. I have worked with K-12 students of all ages in a variety of subjects, including help with their school curriculum as well as SAT prep. I tutor many subjects but especially love tutoring math because problem-solving is so satisfying. I love the moments when I can see something "click" and students finally understand concepts they were struggling with.
Education & Certification
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- NNAT
- +58 subjects