If your student needs a boost to reach for their educational goals, Varsity Tutors can provide a variety of Milwaukee SSAT prep services to help them improve their study skills and develop a deeper understanding of academic concepts. The SSAT is a high-stakes exam written to give private and independent school admission departments an objective data point that they may use to compare prospective students from different backgrounds. It is offered to students in grades 3-11 and split into Elementary (grades 3-4), Middle (5-7), and Upper (8-11) Levels to provide students with an age-appropriate academic challenge. Students take the test the year before they hope to enroll in a new school. For instance, a fifth-grade test-taker hopes to enroll in a new school for grade 6.
Most schools look at more than just SSAT scores when making admissions decisions, but a good score can still help a student stand out from the herd. At Varsity Tutors, we provide two great services to help students work toward success. First, we provide a comprehensive Milwaukee SSAT prep course that covers everything students need to know for the exam. Alternatively, we can find you a private Milwaukee SSAT tutor who can provide individualized attention to the student in your life. Either way, you'll never want to study for another test without professional assistance.
What topics are generally reviewed during Milwaukee SSAT prep?
The SSAT has the same five sections at all three levels, though the Elementary Level SSAT is shorter (one hour, 50 minutes) than the other two exams (two hours, 50 minutes): Quantitative, Reading, Verbal, Writing, and Experimental. The Experimental section exists only so that the exam's manufacturer can try out new items for future tests and does not impact a test-taker's performance at all. Therefore, there are only four sections that students need to study for.
Here is a closer look at each one:
Quantitative
The Quantitative section measures a student's command of grade-appropriate mathematical concepts. This means that the Elementary Level SSAT contains questions on the four basic operations, reading charts, shapes, fractions, and place value, while the other two tests have more advanced concepts such as algebra, probability, data analysis, and geometry. Calculators are not allowed on any level of the SSAT. The Elementary Level SSAT's Math section consists of 30 multiple-choice questions in 30 minutes, while the Middle and Upper Level tests are divided into two subsections each containing 25 multiple-choice items over 30 minutes.
Reading
The Reading section consists of passage-based multiple-choice items at all levels. Test-takers are expected to identify the main idea and its supporting details, use context to define unfamiliar words, and distinguish between literal language and language used figuratively. Older students are also asked to critically analyze arguments and draw valid conclusions using what they've read as evidence. The Elementary Level SSAT's Reading section has 28 questions over 30 minutes, while the Middle and Upper Level SSAT contain 40 items over 40 minutes.
Verbal
The Verbal component is basically a vocabulary test with a heavy emphasis on synonyms and analogy. It isn't really feasible to ask a student to memorize every word in the English language, so you might want to try prefixes, suffixes, and historical roots to make it easier to decipher an unfamiliar term's meaning. Elementary Level test-takers have 20 minutes to answer 30 multiple-choice questions, while older students get half an hour for 60 multiple-choice items.
Writing
The test's Writing section is not scored. Instead, a student's work is provided directly to each school they apply to so that they may review the student's written communication ability themselves. The Elementary Level SSAT has one picture prompt for test-takers to compose a short story about, making sure to include a beginning, middle, and end in the proper sequence. The SSAT's Writing section is also the only one with structural differences in the Middle and Upper Level exams. Both allow 25 minutes, but the Middle Level SSAT contains two creative writing prompts for students to choose from while the Upper Level SSAT offers a choice between creative and traditional writing assignments. The little things such as spelling and grammar matter on this section, so students are advised to pay attention to the details.
What are some of the benefits of each Milwaukee SSAT preparation option available to me?
If you choose a Milwaukee SSAT prep class, your student can study on a convenient live virtual platform that makes it feel as though they are sharing a classroom with their teacher and classmates. Your student will be able to communicate with everyone else in real time, making it possible to ask the teacher for help or explain a concept to a friend as needed. Every class instructor is also thoroughly vetted, allowing your student to learn from a great communicator with a strong SSAT knowledge base.
Working with other students can also prove advantageous. Completing essay outlines as a group can encourage your student to approach assignments differently than they might otherwise, leaving them open to more possibilities. Similarly, having multiple students allows multiple people to split the cost of instruction, making it more affordable for everyone involved. Best of all, all class attendees reserve the right to book private study sessions outside of normal class meeting times to go over any concepts that are giving them trouble.
If you feel that your student requires more personalized attention, working with a private instructor may be a better option. A one-on-one tutor can adapt sessions to their pupil's unique learning style to enhance their study efficiency. Since there is no set curriculum associated with private study, your student's needs are also the sole determinant of each session's pace.
We also try to make all of our services as convenient as possible. We start new SSAT classes every week, so we're ready to get started when you are. We also offer two and four-week class options to make it easier for busy students to find something that works for them. Similarly, students who opt for private instruction study on an exclusive Live Learning Platform that facilitates face-to-face instruction anywhere with a good internet connection.
Can I enroll in Milwaukee SSAT prep today?
Utilize the contact info below to get in touch with Varsity Tutors and choose the Milwaukee SSAT prep product that works best for you! Educational consultants are standing by to handle any further questions you may have.
Alex: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
...Milwaukee area elementary school with 60 wonderful 4th and 5th graders. With so many students in my classroom, I have a lot of experience working with many different types of learners. Even though I am certified in and enjoy teaching all elementary subjects, I enjoy teaching math and science the most! I recently asked my students what they enjoyed most about our class, and the resounding answer was that they love that we have fun...
Education & Certification
- UW-Madison - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- 6th Grade Writing
- Elementary School Writing
- +39 subjects
Janice: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
I am a retired elementary school teacher. I taught for the past 15 years in grades 3-6. I currently hold a Wisconsin State Teaching Licence for grades 1-6, and have completed a Master's Degree in Education in 2010. I enjoy working one-on-one with children and helping them reach their goals. ... Reading comprehension starts with understanding that reading requires more than just decoding words. It involves making meaning from the text. In order to do this, students must understand that if they lose their focus while reading, they must reread to understand. This requires them to monitor their thinking as they read. Some strategies for helping students that understand and practice this skill involve the use of marking the text in some way while they read. I like to use "think sheets" or post-it notes. Here, students record their thoughts, questions and connections to what they are reading. Reading with a question in mind is also a strategy used by good readers. It gives the reading a purpose and keeps the reader focused. Inference skills are especially important in reading comprehension, so the attention to bringing a student's background knowledge to their reading becomes essential, as it is this background knowledge that is drawn upon to help the reader understand new vocabulary and bring deeper meaning to the text. Modeling and practicing fluency and expression is also vital to growth in reading comprehension. This can be done by a partner reading with the student and having them read some of the text orally.
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- Cardinal Stritch University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE- Middle Level
- SSAT- Middle Level
- +11 subjects
Heather: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
...believe everyone is capable of learning. I believe it is the job of the instructor to determine the learning style of individual students and with that figure out the best way to meet the individual needs of a student learners with the end goal being increased understanding and skills in a particular area. I enjoy crafting of all sorts. I scrapbook, sew, crochet, stamp and make my own cards. I love to read. I enjoy...
Education & Certification
- Mount Mary College - Bachelors, Business
- University Wisconsin Stout - Masters, Education - Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary Math
- Math
- +10 subjects
Jessica: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
...I currently work with 8th graders in a co-taught learning environment, but I have experience working with students in grades K-8. I have worked with students with and without IEPs, including students with learning disabilities, dyslexia, autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities. I have supported students in all subject areas, but I have a particular love for teaching reading and writing and I am currently taking classes to complete my licensure as a certified Reading Specialist.
Education & Certification
- Knox College - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology and Anthropology
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Master of Science, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Elementary Reading and Phonics Class
- Earth Science
- +39 subjects
Gwendolyn: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
...and Consumer Education with minors in Sociology and Elementary Education. My Master's Degree is in Family and Consumer Education. I have taught school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a total of 30 years. I had sixteen years at the middle and high school levels. Here I taught general elementary subjects and Family and Consumer Education. I also have worked at private schools in the elementary school area with coursework emphasizing reading and math. I tutored reading...
Education & Certification
- Western Michigan University - Bachelor of Science, Family and Consumer Sciences
- Western Michigan University - Master of Science, Family and Consumer Sciences
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Handwriting
- Elementary School Math
- Statistics
- +36 subjects
Lucy: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
...my Master of Arts in British, American, and Anglophone Literature from Marquette University in 2019. I have worked in grades k-12 in all subject areas (primarily using a classical curriculum); I have taught rhetoric and composition courses at the freshman and sophomore collegiate level; and I have also co-taught junior and senior collegiate English literature courses centered on a singular topic. I love discussing literature in depth with my students and I particularly enjoy helping...
Education & Certification
- University of Dallas - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Marquette University - Master of Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- CLEP
- ISEE
- +81 subjects
Carly: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
...assist each child in developing their own potential, confidence, and learning styles. I believe that all children have something special that they can bring to the classroom community. I am committed to creating a safe, equitable, and welcoming environment that supports students growth. I am committed to encouraging my students to express themselves and embrace the differences of others. I will incorporate hands-on learning, social-emotional learning, cooperative learning, and individual work that engages and activate...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- Middle School English
- +29 subjects
Juliet: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
...a student struggles academically, it’s a real victory to witness that moment when a student realizes positive self-growth. I have been rewarded with many of these occasions throughout my tenure as a secondary English classroom teacher. I have especially enjoyed teaching ACT preparation classes because students would often return after the semester and share their exciting news about meeting their score goals. Since I earned my Master’s in Education from Lesley University, I have developed...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin Parkside - Bachelor in Arts, Secondary English Education
- Lesley University - Masters, Curriculum Design and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- GED
- +40 subjects
Hannah: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
I am an experienced tutor and teacher in English and German. I have studied German since 2007 and have lived in Germany for 5 years. I am excited to work with new students and develop a new approach for each student. I look forward to working with you!
Education & Certification
- St Norbert College - Bachelor in Arts, German
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- UK GCSE
- SHSAT
- +38 subjects
Nancy: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
...work in a University setting and I love it! The one thing I miss is direct contact with K-12 students. Tutoring is the perfect solution! I have tutored students in all grades, but most recently have worked on Reading and Organization/Study Skills with students 4th grade and up. For children and teenagers, I believe motivation is essential for learning, so we will select texts together (when possible) and develop an interactive tutoring plan to increase...
Education & Certification
- Barry University - Bachelors, Education
- Syracuse University - PHD, Cultural Foundations of Education Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary School Reading
- Social Studies
- +20 subjects
Wendy: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
Hello there. I am an award winning, nationally board certified teacher who finds real joy in mentoring less experienced teachers and of course my wonderful students!
Education & Certification
- UW-Milwaukee - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Elementary School Teaching
- UW-Milwaukee - Master of Science, Education of Individuals With Multiple Disabilities
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ASVAB
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +40 subjects
Dana: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
...and received an Education degree to teach grades 1-9. I also took extra classes that specialized in Math. After graduating I taught at Mary Queen of Heaven in West Allis. I taught Middle school for 1 year and then 3rd grade for a year and a half before starting my family. I stayed home for 12 years, raising my 4 children until they all were in school. I went back to subbing last year in...
Education & Certification
- Marquette University - Bachelor of Science, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- College English
- Algebra 3/4
- +20 subjects
Brittany: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
...my younger siblings, to running study groups in high school, I never tired of the joys of teaching and learning. It was a natural fit that I pursued a degree in Education and became a licensed teacher. I received my Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin with a minor in English. Since 2011, I have been sharing my love of learning and enriching the mind's of children in grades...
Education & Certification
- Carroll University - Bachelors, Elementary Education and English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- MAP
- +33 subjects
Kayleigh: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
I am a senior in the College of Education at Marquette University. I will be graduating in May, and plan to become an elementary school teacher. I love to teach, and am very focused on the idea of a differentiated classroom that works for all students and types of intelligences. This carries over into tutoring, and I am all for approaching content in different ways in order to find the best fit for my students.
Education & Certification
- Marquette University - Current Undergrad, Primary Education/Sociology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Math
- College Essays
- +20 subjects
Aubriana: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
I am a senior at Carthage college majoring in accounting and finance. I am dedicated to helping my fellow students learn and excel in their classes. Along with my school experience, I have also interned at 2 accounting firms, CLA and Forvis, providing audit and tax assistance.
Education & Certification
- Carthage College - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Finance
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Math
- Biology
- +26 subjects
Leiloni: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
...really discouraged me. It took my one math professor to change my hate of math to a love of math. I have helped people of all ages and of all ability levels from preschool age to adults with a high EL population which has been exciting. I went to Finlandia University and received my BA in Elementary Education with minors in Math and English. I can tutor math (algebra, geometry, basic math etc), reading, ELA,...
Education & Certification
- Finlandia University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Writing
- Test Prep
- Middle School Social Studies
- +15 subjects
Elaine: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- CLEP
- SAT
- +100 subjects
Varun: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
...am currently a training Pediatric Neurologist at the Medical College of Wisconsin / Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. I previously received my Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in Health Care Ethics from Saint Louis University. I have spent extensive time working on study strategies and effective resource utilization for various levels, from primary/secondary education through medical school admissions and board examinations. I am extremely passionate about communicating with students and mentees with the...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- HSPT
- SAT
- +67 subjects
Jeffrey: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
...information is given and then thinking about HOW to use it to solve a problem or arrive at the answer is one of the key elements to being successful inside and outside the classroom as well as in life. Outside of my tutoring commitments, I enjoy the solitude of a walk by the lake, reading a fascinating murder/horror mystery, watching vintage films, hanging out with good friends having "cell-phone-free" conversation and spending time with my...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Medical College of Wisconsin - Doctor of Medicine, Anatomy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- CLEP
- +83 subjects
Hasan: Milwaukee SSAT test prep instructor
...Biocomputing and Engineering Leadership at Marquette University. Tutoring is one of my favorite things to do! I've tutored first-grade students, college students, and everyone in between in a variety of subjects. I have a proven record of improving student performance. When it comes to ACT, I know how to elevate a student to his or her maximum potential. Pure knowledge alone is not good enough to do well on the test. I have a number...
Education & Certification
- Marquette University - Current Undergrad, Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering with a focus in Biocomputing and Engineering Leadership
- Medical College of Wisconsin - Current Undergrad, Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering with a focus in Biocomputing and Engineering Leadership
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- CLEP
- REGENTS
- +197 subjects