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
...is in Elementary Education and I am finishing up my Master's degree in Special Education. I completed my student teaching in the city of Pittsburgh, and am a licensed teacher in the state of Virginia, where I have been teaching for several years. While my expertise is working with K-6 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...
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
- IB Extended Essay
- +52 subjects
Noah: CogAT course instructor
...be found in Northern Westchester, NY. With over 14 years experience teaching students aged 3-70, I currently teach College Writing at Montclair State in New Jersey and both Critical Thinking and Junior Seminar at Mercy College in Westchester. I am the self-published author of more than a dozen scifi and horror novels, available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. My tutoring is focused on the test specifically and has worked for many hundreds of delighted...
Education & Certification
- Bard College - Bachelors, Philosophy and Creative Writing (Dual Major)
- Sarah Lawrence College - Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- COMPASS
- +39 subjects
Britni: CogAT course instructor
...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 all growth with my students. I believe that in order to be successful and to continue being successful,...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelors, Sociology
- Texas A & M University-Commerce - Masters, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ISEE
- Test Prep
- English
- +23 subjects
Amanda: CogAT course instructor
...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 income. My love of teaching goes back to my own elementary school days and playing school as...
Education & Certification
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- OLSAT
- HSPT
- SSAT
- +48 subjects
Samudra: CogAT course instructor
I graduated from Drexel University with a Bachelors in Biomedical Engineering and an MD. I've also done some masters courses in Biomed at Johns Hopkins and taught people from grade school to fellow physicians. I believe that the best knowledge comes from deep understanding of fundamental principles and building things up from there. I lean heavy towards science but am very appreciative of the humanities subjects and am happy to help students with either.
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Drexel University - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
- Johns Hopkins University - Master of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- UK A Level
- ACT and SAT All-In-One Classes
- SAT
- +108 subjects
Isabela: CogAT course instructor
...Public Health as well as a focus on pre-medical studies. I am also a coxswain on the NYU Crew team and practice every morning, either in the gym or on the river. Since 2013, I have worked as a lifeguard, a summer camp counselor, and as a private tutor in both English and Spanish and a peer tutor in math and history. While I enjoy learning and teaching a broad range of subjects, my passion...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Current Undergrad, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- Elementary School Reading
- +42 subjects
Tori: CogAT course instructor
Hi, My name is Tori and besides teaching I love to sing, dance, act and explore. I love reading and going on adventures and I can't wait to start working with the future brilliant minds of this country. ... My philosophy is to help students enhance their mind and encourage them to do great things using different strategies of learning.
Education & Certification
- Stephen F Austin State University - Bachelors, Interdisciplinary studies
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- Science
- +15 subjects
Toni: CogAT course instructor
...of the spectrum, I obtained my gifted endorsement, managed the gifted department, and taught gifted classes at my middle school. I have had the pleasure of teaching at every level- Kindergarden - 8th grade, and even a 9th grade math class. I feel confident that I can address your needs wherever you find yourself in that range. I love both teaching and learning. My passion is helping students understand material and making breakthroughs where there...
Education & Certification
- Berry College - Bachelor of Education, Classical, Ancient Mediterranean, and Near Eastern Studies
- Walden University - Masters in Education, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- CLEP
- Managerial Accounting
- Elementary School
- +38 subjects
Kyrie: CogAT course instructor
...this role, I interacted with hundreds of English learners from various linguistic, cultural, and academic backgrounds, including those who struggled with native-language literacy. While I enjoyed teaching biology and helping prepare students for their standardized tests, I am most passionate about teaching science and English language. I have taken and am familiar with the ACT and Advanced Placement tests as well and would be delighted to help someone develop learning strategies and study habits. While...
Education & Certification
- Liberty University - Bachelor in Arts, Education of Individuals in Secondary Special Education Programs
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ACT
- UK A Level
- High School Writing
- +13 subjects
Stacey: CogAT course instructor
...in Elementary Education and my Masters degree in Early Childhood Education. Recently, I graduated from Millersville University with two certifications: English Language Development and Reading Specialist. As a certified elementary ESL instructor, I have multiple hours of practice with teaching students who are learning a second language. I am most passionate about teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, reading, and writing. In my experience helping struggling students, we always seem to have the most fun with learning...
Education & Certification
- Alabama A & M University - Master of Science, Early Childhood Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- UK A Level
- UK A Level English Language
- Test Prep
- +2 subjects
Zachary: CogAT course instructor
Helping students achieve confidence and understanding is the most rewarding job in the world. I've worked successfully in classrooms with elementary aged students, and tutored students up to college level. I always start by meeting my students at their level of experience and understanding so that we can work together to build up their skills. My favorite topics to teach are math and science, but I can help with nearly any K-12 subject.
Education & Certification
- Lafayette College - Bachelor of Science, Physics
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Science
- SAT Subject Test in Physics
- +12 subjects
Donna: CogAT course instructor
...Special Education K-5th Grade and continue to expand my skill set. I'm in the process of earning my Meditation and Mindfulness Coaching Certification through Yoga Alliance, along with my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and Trauma-Informed Yoga Certification. These tools help me bring a calm, centered, and holistic approach to learning. Through my education and professional experience, I've studied a wide range of disabilities and learning styles. I love teaching and aim to help students develop...
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Masters in Education, Elementary School Teaching
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- SSAT
- +101 subjects
Erin: CogAT course instructor
...students on a personal level. School can be extremely draining, especially for students who don't particularly enjoy academia, so I do my best to make the curriculum as easy to understand and enjoyable as possible. Outside of tutoring, I am an avid reader and writer. I run a resume building workshop at a local non-profit, and write for two blogs. I am currently attempting to learn how to play the guitar, and I dabble in...
Education & Certification
- University of Georgia - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +34 subjects
Noreen: CogAT course instructor
...I have studied Arabic intensively in Morocco for a year, and I also was an English teacher in Turkey this past year as a Fulbright Scholar. I have 3+ years of working with students of all ages and backgrounds. I tutor Arabic, Essay Writing, English, Art History, and SAT and ACT prep. I am most passionate about Art, English, History, and Arabic. I try my best to focus on the student's academic needs and encourage...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor in Arts, Art History, Criticism, and Conservation
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ACT
- UK A Level
- AP English Language and Composition
- +28 subjects
Jennie: CogAT course instructor
...language and literature, writing and test prep. I enjoy helping students achieve their academic goals which will help them achieve the future they envision. I am a lifetime graduate student by choice because I have many areas of interest. I have three degrees from Georgia State University, a bachelors, masters and specialist degree, in English, Latin, and Education. I also have a specialist degree in Instructional Technology from Valdosta State University. I completed doctoral coursework...
Education & Certification
- Georgia State University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Georgia State University - Masters in Education, Latin
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- WISC IV
- ACT
- GATE/ TAG
- +215 subjects
Sherry: CogAT course instructor
...models. With over 8 years of experience teaching elementary, high school, undergraduate and graduate students, I specialize in tutoring many subjects, mostly in the humanities and social sciences. I also tutor in Mandarin Chinese. As a native speaker in Chinese, I love to teach Chinese because the language relates to my background and specialty. I can also tutor areas in social sciences, including statistics, biostatistics, psychology, etc. I am looking forward to meeting new students....
Education & Certification
- St. John's University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- St. John's University - Master of Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- +537 subjects
John: CogAT course instructor
...process of learning. Feedback from successful students has allowed me to recognize how effective the approaches toward tutoring mine have been for all learning types in various academic subjects. While my tutoring students gain much from their experiences from me, I equally gain so much insight and knowledge from the students I tutor. I have a passion for learning and my goal is to help every student I tutor to cultivate their own passions for...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
- Loyola University-Chicago - Master of Social Work, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- GED
- CSAP/ TCAP
- COMPASS
- +455 subjects
Candice: CogAT course instructor
...Teaching Assistant in Taiwan. From these experiences, I have developed a fluid understanding of teaching methods and a keen sense of students' diverse learning styles. I can tutor various English subjects, such as PreK-12 ELA curricula, ELL literacy, composition, creative writing, and ESL (conversational English) instruction; I also offer writing support to new and prospective college students, helping them craft effective admissions essays and persuasive course papers. Essentially as an educator, I believe in fostering...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, English
- The New School - Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +55 subjects
Theresa: CogAT course instructor
...life long educator I enjoy teaching as much as I do learning! I am typically engulfing myself into various trainings or educational classes to continue to learn the most I can. I have been teaching for over 20 years and truly value the opportunity to touch the lives of others through the development of a program to help them thrive in areas they may be struggling with! I believe in building a positive relationship and...
Education & Certification
- Quinnipiac University - Masters in Education, Special Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- PSAT
- ASVAB
- ISEE
- +69 subjects
Riki: CogAT course instructor
...Prep, GRE Prep, GMAT Prep, and LSAT Prep. I taught as a professor for 10 years, and I spent 11 summers in mainland China doing research and working to develop more rigorous curricula and programs for schools. I did my post-graduate work at Vanderbilt University with a focus on educational neuroscience. I am a proud member of the National Association of Female Executives (NAFE), MENSA for Intellectual Advancement, and the University of Tennessee Alumnae Association....
Education & Certification
- University of Memphis - Master of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- CogAT
- ASPIRE
- UK A Level
- CLEP
- +100 subjects