Award-Winning SSAT Courses & Classes in Denver, CO

If you feel as though you or your student could benefit from taking a Denver SSAT prep course, Varsity Tutors offers one of the best products in the industry. The SSAT is a high-stakes test taken by students in grades 3-11 that gives admissions departments at independent and private schools an objective data point to consider when comparing applicants. Most schools also consider other factors, but a good score on the SSAT is one way to help an application stand out from the pile. If you feel that you need some professional assistance to reach for your academic potential, contact us today.

It would be silly to give a third-grader and high school junior the same exam, so the SSAT is divided into three "levels" in order to provide test-takers with an appropriate academic challenge. The Elementary Level SSAT is taken by students in grades 3 and 4, the Middle Level SSAT is taken in grades 5-7, and the Upper Level SSAT is taken in grades 8-11. Students generally take the SSAT the year before they plan to enroll in their new school. For example, an eighth-grader who takes the test hopes to attend a private or independent high school as a freshman.

What content areas are reviewed during a Denver SSAT course?

All levels of the SSAT have the same five sections: Quantitative, Reading, Verbal, Writing, and Experimental. The Experimental section consists of unscored items that may be used on future exams, so there's no need to worry about it. The Writing section isn't scored at any level either, but a student's work is used as a writing sample on their private school application. As such, it is just as important as the scored multiple-choice sections. Here is a more detailed look at what is covered on each section:

1. Quantitative (Math on the Elementary Level SSAT)

The Quantitative section measures a student's grade-appropriate mathematics skills. Children at the Elementary level deal with topics such as place value, long division, multiplication tables, and shapes, while older students work with algebra, geometry, and other more advanced concepts. Calculators are prohibited on all levels of the SSAT. The Elementary Level SSAT's Math section consists of 30 questions in 30 minutes, while the Quantitative section on the Middle and Upper Level SSAT is divided into two 30-minute sections with 25 questions each.

2. Reading

The Reading section consists of passage-based reading comprehension questions at all levels. Students are expected to identify the main idea, use context to define unfamiliar terminology, and differentiate between literal and non-literal words. Older students work with more difficult texts, and are expected to make appropriate inferences and evaluate arguments rather than merely understand what is written. The Elementary Level SSAT has 28 questions over a half-hour testing session, while the other two tests have 40 questions in 40 minutes.

3. Verbal

The Verbal section deals primarily with vocabulary, analogies, and synonyms. Children at the Elementary level have specific questions on all three topics, while vocab is worked into synonym and analogy questions at the Middle and Upper Levels. Older students can also benefit from studying prefixes, suffixes, and common word roots. Elementary Level SSAT test-takers have to answer 30 questions in 20 minutes, while older students get a half an hour to answer 60 items (30 synonyms, 30 analogies).

4. Writing

The Writing section is the only one with structural differences at all three levels. Elementary students have 15 minutes to compose a story based on a picture prompt, and the directions remind them to include a beginning, middle, and end. Middle school students choose between two creative writing prompts and have 25 minutes to construct their response. Upper Level SSAT test-takers also have 25 minutes but choose between a creative assignment and a more traditional essay prompt. This section assesses a student's spelling, punctuation, grammar, organization, and written communication skills at all levels.

Why should I enroll in a Denver SSAT course?

Students enrolled in a Denver SSAT class provided by Varsity Tutors study on a convenient Live Learning Platform, allowing them to meet with their knowledgeable instructor and classmates anywhere with a stable internet connection. Why bother commuting when a great class can come to you? We also offer two and four-week classes to make it easier to find one that suits your needs, and new classes start up every week so that you can get started on your schedule.

You might scoff at the notion of sharing a Denver SSAT class with other students at first glance, but it may actually be a benefit. Students are free to interact with one another on our live virtual platform, so they can help each other out while the teacher is with somebody else. Completing assignments in a group setting can also teach you to approach problems in ways you may not have thought of on your own. For example, reading somebody else's essay outline may provide inspiration to approach your own work in a new way.

Everybody can also work to establish a collaborative learning environment where questions are encouraged to develop a more comprehensive understanding of academic subjects. For instance, learning active reading skills can be a boon to students on the test's Reading section. Many students also take practice exams as part of their Denver SSAT class to develop a familiarity with the content and formatting they can expect on the actual exam.

Sharing a classroom also allows students to split the cost, making test prep more affordable than it would be if you had to foot the entire bill yourself. If you or your student seem to be falling behind, you can also schedule private study time outside of your regular sessions for a little extra help.

Can I sign up for a Denver SSAT course right now?

Of course. Simply use the contact info provided below to get in touch with a knowledgeable educational consultant who can guide you through the entire enrollment process. When you're looking for a Denver SSAT course, Varsity Tutors is the only name you need to know!