If you have a student getting ready to apply to private schools, Varsity Tutors can provide SSAT support with a Houston SSAT prep course. The SSAT is used by private school admissions boards for a range of ages, from 3rd-graders applying as they enter 4th grade all the way to 11th-graders applying to enter private school for their 12th-grade year. This means that the exact structure and content of the test varies depending on the grade level of your student, but there are certain touchstones that remain constant for all ages. No matter the grade level of your student, or where they are in their SSAT prep, Varsity Tutors can provide a course to fit their needs and schedule, with accessible online courses that can accommodate diverse needs.
What sort of content will a Houston SSAT class cover?
The SSAT, or Secondary School Admission Test, is divided into three levels, depending on the age of the student. Students entering the 4th or 5th grades will take the Elementary Level Test, while students entering grades 6 through 8 will take the Middle Level test. For 9th through 12th grade admissions, students will take the Upper Level version of the SSAT. Let's spend some time looking at the details of the test, and what a Houston SSAT course will cover depending on the grade level of your student. As the SSAT changes in duration and structure depending on the level of the test, the test your student takes may differ from the order detailed, but this can serve as a guide to the general nature of the test.
First, the Quantitative section of the test. This section will test students on general mathematics as is appropriate to their grade level. For the Elementary Level test, your student will be asked to demonstrate a basic knowledge of math, using concepts like arithmetic, place value, fractions, and measurement skills. At the Middle Level, questions will cover basic algebra concepts, data analysis skills, and geometric principles like area and perimeters of shapes. The Upper Level is similar, but demands a higher level of knowledge of these concepts. So, for example, while the Middle Level might ask students to show basic algebra using variables, the Upper Level might instead ask for students to understand how these equations can be used to plot lines.
Second is the Reading section. For Elementary Level students, this section will mean reading short passages and answering questions about the general ideas in the passages, as well as being able to understand the difference between literal and figurative language. At the Middle Level, students will be asked to answer questions about what sort of information can be inferred from passages, how context affects words, and what can be determined from the tone of the author's writing. For the Upper Level, students will read more complex passages from literary fiction, as well as nonfiction works in the humanities and sciences, and will have to infer information, understand authorial intent, and evaluate the arguments of a passage.
Third up is the Verbal section. The Elementary Level of this part of the SSAT will ask students to understand synonyms and demonstrate an age-appropriate vocabulary. The Middle Level test will cover synonyms and analogies, and will ask students to understand the roots of words and how words are related to each other. At the Upper Level, students will have to additionally show knowledge of Latin, Greek, and Anglo-Saxon suffixes and prefixes, understand antonyms, and use context to determine the meaning of phrases.
Last is the Writing section. This section is not scored, but your student's work here be submitted to schools as an example of their writing skills. Elementary Level students will be given a picture prompt and be asked to write a simple story with a beginning, middle, and end. Schools will be looking for an understanding of spelling, grammar, and punctuation. For Middle Level students, the Writing section will provide two creative prompts that students can choose between and will base a story upon. Here, students will be expected to be able to structure a written story and will have to show skill in English writing mechanics. For the Upper Level test, students will again be provided with two prompts, but one will be for a creative story, and the other will be for an essay. Students can choose which they'd prefer to write. Admissions boards will be reading for English mechanical skill, but also for the persuasive abilities of your student's writing, and their skill in structuring and supporting their work.
How will a Houston SSAT course help my student prepare?
We know you and your student may have full schedules. That's why a Houston SSAT course is taught in a live virtual classroom led by a knowledgeable instructor. The flexibility of an online course should not be understated; over the internet, commute times can be instantaneous, and there are a range of class times to pick from. Your student will interact with their teacher and classmates just as if they were sitting around a table together, participating in group discussions where they'll be able to see and speak with other students getting ready for the SSAT. Group learning has been proven to increase students' ability to learn and retain new information, and can be a useful tool in getting your student ready for the test.
Of course, there are definite advantages to one-on-one instruction as well, which is why a Houston SSAT course allows students to reserve time with their teacher to go over difficult material privately. These courses have been specially designed so that they can help your student pursue success on the SSAT to the best of their ability. The course will cover content material and can also help your student get familiar with the structure and expectations of this sort of standardized test, and can build up their confidence and test-taking skills.
What can I do to get signed up for a Houston SSAT class?
Although the SSAT can be a challenging obstacle standing between your student and admission to a private school, it can also be an opportunity to develop skills that may continue to improve their academic prospects for years to come. Standardized testing, as well as testing more generally, is an important part of scholastic life. No matter the grade level of your student, strong content area knowledge combined with test-taking skills can be a powerful tool to get a leg up on the competition. Contact Varsity Tutors today and we'll be able to provide you with more information about our course offerings, and can get your student set up with a course that can point them towards success in private school.
Megan: Houston SSAT course instructor
...have a passion for all sciences. I spent 3 years as a supplemental instructor for chemistry students, which made me passionate about tutoring and teaching beyond Baylor. I love seeing the "Ah-Ha" moment in students and helping them reach their academic goals. Learning should be exciting and stimulating, and I am here to facilitate that experience. My tutoring interests are mostly focused on Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Test Prep. Outside of academia,...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT 4-Week Prep Class
- CogAT
- HSPT
- +49 subjects
Sarah: Houston SSAT course instructor
...fun, engaging and meaningful. For me, learning is not about drilling memorization facts. My ultimate goal with students is to make a connection with them and bring alive pre-algebra, phonics, the questioning mechanics of the SAT - whatever the student is learning. When a connection is made, we can bridge the gaps and make learning fun and lasting. Everyone can be a math person, everyone can love grammar, everyone can write a stellar paper. Every...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Bachelor in Arts, Art History
- American University of Paris - Master of Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- STAAR
- Essay Editing
- +17 subjects
Jonathan: Houston SSAT course instructor
...first began tutoring seriously in college. I began with college algebra and moved on to science courses such as chemistry, genetics, and biology. I also tutored some remedial math and english courses. No jobs other than teaching and medicine bring me everything I want in a career. I love to help others because I have benefited so much from others help in the past. My goal is to inspire a few other students to take...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston Downtown - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- TOEFL
- SAT
- +113 subjects
Velma: Houston SSAT course instructor
...I am most passionate about English, Reading, Grammar, Phonics, and Writing. In my experience helping struggling students prepare for Standardized Tests, we always seem to have the most fun. I want each and every child to gain the knowledge they need in order for them to excel to the next level. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, exercising, and playing with my dog Sebastian. I am looking forward to meeting you!
Education & Certification
- University of Houston-Clear Lake - Bachelor of Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- STAAR EOC
- ISEE
- +58 subjects
In-Chul: Houston SSAT course instructor
Top professional tutor with over 10 years of tutoring experience and 3 years of classroom teaching experience. I can help any student succeed no matter what parents, teachers, or other tutors say.
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Accounting and Finance
- University of Houston Law Center - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- +125 subjects
Hillary: Houston SSAT course instructor
...both a teaching assistant at the graduate level as well as a tutor for a private family in the area. As soon as I received my graduate degree, my husband and I moved back to California where his company needed him. While there I worked for a non-profit in my hometown, and his company recently relocated us back to Houston. So I am back, and now working towards getting a second bachelor’s degree in nursing....
Education & Certification
- Mississippi University for Women - Bachelors, Global Studies/Spanish
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston - Masters, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TEAS
- CAHSEE
- PSAT
- +64 subjects
Connie: Houston SSAT course instructor
...College Psychology and just about any grade or course in Special Education. I use an abundance of techniques from mnemonic strategies to games, tricks, reverse teaching, and so forth until I find what works for the student ! I believe everyone can learn if given a chance. I have had much success not only in teaching my students to pass their courses but in preparing them and helping them pass State and National tests. I...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelors, Psychology
- Sam Houston State University - Masters, Counseling Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR
- +29 subjects
Michael: Houston SSAT course instructor
...gain fluency and as a non-native speaker. In the process I have learned a number of language "hacks" to really jumpstart learning. In my spare time I manage a private Investment club, where I educate the members about Financial Literacy and Investing. I also am a creative writer, director, actor and producer of short films. Personal health is also very important to me, I have active lifestyle doing martial arts and other recreational sports like...
Education & Certification
- Gustavus Adolphus College - Bachelors, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- Essay Editing
- +49 subjects
John: Houston SSAT course instructor
...I continued to work with students and even took a class period one semester to ensure that the students were successful on Texas' STAAR test. I also am able to tutor in language arts and Spanish. I have traveled extensively in Mexico and recently lived in Mexico for a year and a half. In my free time, I like to take my dog to the beach, do yoga, read, garden, or just enjoy time with...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor in Arts, History
- University of Houston - Master of Arts Teaching, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- HSPT
- +84 subjects
Tutor Jess: Houston SSAT course instructor
Education & Certification
- Texas A & M University-College Station - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- Purdue University-Main Campus - Master of Science, Applied Behavior Analysis
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- ACCUPLACER
- UK GCSE
- +254 subjects
Sam: Houston SSAT course instructor
...classes and I also received a 5 on my AP Calculus AB exam. I mainly tutor Math and Science, including Algebra and Biology. There are two main components to my tutoring style that help students understand and remember material: 1. I try to break down concepts and transform them into something more relatable to the student. By replacing unfamiliar jargon with familiar subjects, I find it easiest to understand more difficult concepts or processes. 2....
Education & Certification
- SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry - Bachelor of Science, Environmental Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +46 subjects
Roberta: Houston SSAT course instructor
...ACT, SAT, Phonics, Reading, and Math. I am particularly strong in math and received a perfect score on my GRE this year. I would love the opportunity to share the studying and learning habits I have acquired with anyone who needs it and am excited to be a part of the Varsity Tutors Platform! All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work. Calvin Coolidge
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor of Science, Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- SAT
- +40 subjects
Chelsea : Houston SSAT course instructor
I help students earn college credit through AP testing in order to save time and money in college. I have over 7 years experience as a certified classroom teacher for Advanced Placement.
Education & Certification
- Sam Houston State University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Sam Houston State University - Master of Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +29 subjects
Gale: Houston SSAT course instructor
All children deserve compassionate, nurturing and fun-loving mentors to help facilitate their growth and success as well as to help them recognize their individual gifts!
Education & Certification
- Dillard University - Bachelors, Criminal Justice/Sociology
- Quincy University - Masters, Master of Science in Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- WISC IV
- WPPSI
- Test Prep
- +15 subjects
Neemisha: Houston SSAT course instructor
...I do this. I look to create a positive environment where I can help motivate students to engage in both analytical and critical thinking in mathematics. I believe that working with students 1-on-1 and in small group settings can allow students to get their questions asked and not feel intimidated or worry about the pace of the class. I truly believe that my students' success is my success. I invest in each and every one...
Education & Certification
- The Evergreen State College - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Political Science and Government
- UMSL - Master of Arts, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- PARCC
- +47 subjects
Frances: Houston SSAT course instructor
...students, tutoring and teaching Math and Algebra. I also worked for three years with students, age 3-12, in a non-profit setting, as an employee and volunteer, helping them to learn about and explore a variety of Science and Social Science topics. Though I enjoy working with all subjects, teaching Math is my passion. I know that everyone has the potential to understand Math. My goal is to make sure that every student that I work...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematical Economic Analysis
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- +33 subjects
Vincent: Houston SSAT course instructor
...world we live in, today. I firmly believe in cultivating in my students a strong, well-rounded understanding in ALL of the subject areas I tutor. I accomplish this largely by establishing positive and motivational relationships with my students that get them excited to learn! Teaching is my passion and I strive to transfer my enthusiasm for learning to all of my students. Outside of academia, I am a dedicated and loving husband and father who...
Education & Certification
- University of St Thomas - Bachelor in Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- UK A Level
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- HSPT
- +24 subjects
KC: Houston SSAT course instructor
...and am academically proficient in Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese. My favorite subject to tutor is Chinese, because Chinese culture is fascinating and the language reflects that depth very well. I am patient, honest, and flexible. My Meyers-Briggs personality type is ENFP, so I am passionate, encouraging, and optimistic. I love challenges and I am passionate about helping students because when students know that I believe in them, they begin to feel that they are capable...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology; Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SHSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Advanced Placement
- +57 subjects
Kristina: Houston SSAT course instructor
...a friendly, interactive tutor who wants to help students achieve those all important grades! However its not all about the grades, I like to make things interesting and even fun (believe it or not) in the hope that students actually start to enjoy learning. I can tailor the lessons around what the student wants, whether it be grasping the basics, explanations of complex concepts or going through exam questions. I try to understand the preferred...
Education & Certification
- Texas Southern University - Bachelor of Science, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR EOC
- +32 subjects
Garveen: Houston SSAT course instructor
...the student not to simply answer specific questions, but to get them to understand how to approach problems properly and break down more complex scenarios into their most basic concepts, so that the solution can be found. Outside of academia, my interests include playing music, basketball and soccer, cooking, and generally trying to learn new skills (right now I am learning French). If you are interested in working with me, please message me so we...
Education & Certification
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach - Current Undergrad, Aerospace Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- +51 subjects