The thought of the SSAT is stressful for many young people; if your student wants extra guidance, Varsity Tutors can assist them with a Portland SSAT class that offers additional review opportunities, rather than forcing them to learn by themselves. The SSAT is given to students who have enrolled or are seeking to enroll in a private school, to test their Verbal, Math, and Reading skills. Working hard to do their best is important to help students get into the school of their choice.
Some students are simply nervous when it comes to any test or maybe they want to know how the layout looks. In any case, a Portland SSAT prep course can provide the right solution. Students can work with live online classes that allow them to communicate with fellow classmates and the instructor at the same time. These courses can help your student feel more confident in knowing what to expect when the big day arrives.
The SSAT is offered at the Elementary Level up to fifth grade, the Middle Level up to seventh grade, and the Upper Level up to eleventh grade. Although there's some difference between all the levels for students, there are common topics to review for optimal success. Your student's score on the SSAT can affect which school they get into. Private and independent schools can have stiff competition. If you want to help them reach their highest potential, it's worth the investment to give them a class that offers help on the SSAT.
What could a Portland SSAT class help my student review?
Upper Level and Middle Level students taking the SSAT will see a similar layout that involves the following sections: Writing, Quantitative 1, Reading, Verbal, Quantitative 2, and an Experimental section. Elementary students will see the following sections: Quantitative/Math, Verbal, Reading, Writing, and an Experimental. Calculators are not allowed for the Quantitative regardless of level. Elementary students should guess if they are unsure of an answer since there are no penalties. Middle Level students and Upper Level students lose one-quarter of a point if they answer wrong.
Students at the Upper and Middle Level begin with the Writing portion and they have 25 minutes to complete it. They will compose an essay of their choice, either creative or traditional. Essays are not scored but are used by schools to determine a student's grasp of spelling, punctuation, grammar, and ability to support their statements with their writing.
The Quantitative section consists of two parts for Upper and Middle Levels. Concepts covered include numbers and operations, geometry, elementary algebra, and probability, to name a few. Students in the Upper Upper Level will find questions related to graphing problems and triangle properties. There are 25 questions per section, with a total of 30 minutes for each section.
The Reading section comes next and asks 40 questions, which students need to answer in 40 minutes. Some topics students should expect to get quizzed on include the author's attitude and tone, along with how a piece relates to the audience. Middle Level students will need to understand opinions and arguments as they relate to the reading.
The Verbal section is the last part and has 60 questions to answer in 30 minutes. This portion of the test requires students to understand prefixes and suffixes that are Greek, Latin, and Anglo-Saxon for students in the Upper Level. Those in the Middle Level should know how nuances can change word meanings and various vocabularies across different disciplines, such as science and social studies.
Elementary school students have a condensed but similar version of the test. Sections covered include Quantitative/Math, Verbal, Reading, and a Writing sample. There are fewer questions and shorter time limits overall.
The Quantitative section covers basic math. Some topics students will go over include shapes, measurement, and foundations such as addition, subtraction, and division.
The Verbal portion is also 30 questions to answer in 30 minutes. Elementary students need to know synonyms and how vocabulary is used across different studies, such as the sciences.
The Reading section requires 28 questions to be answered in 30 minutes. This part of the test focuses on seven passages that have four questions. Students must showcase their ability to identify words in context, understand the meanings, and recognize main ideas.
Finally, students reach the Writing prompt. This requires students to answer one question in 15 minutes. Here, students are given a picture as a prompt and asked to write a story based on the picture. Spelling and grammar are important for this part of the exam.
How do Portland SSAT courses help my student prepare?
Because the SSAT course are offered online, students can learn at home with the help of a qualified instructor. New Portland SSAT classes begin each week. You and your students can choose classes that are two weeks or four weeks long, depending on what their lifestyle and current study needs are.
After signing up for the Portland SSAT class, students work in a live online environment with their instructor and classmates. This has all the benefits of an in-person classroom with no commute necessary. This gives them the opportunity to talk about how to approach the Quantitative portion of the exam or scan through passages when handling the Reading portion. If additional help is desired, the instructor can provide assistance in a one-on-one setting. Regardless of your student's goals, this course can encourage them to do their best on test day.
How can I find a Portland SSAT prep course?
The Portland SSAT course is an investment for your student's future. Everything covered here is a skill they'll continue to use throughout their schooling, no matter what they choose to do. Varsity Tutors can help you enroll your student in a class that meets their schedule and needs.
Getting into the right private school often depends on how well your student grasps material taught at their current grade level. The bests way to help them feel ready for the exam is to study and know what materials will be covered on test day. Call Varsity Tutors and let us help you get your student set up in a Portland SSAT course. It can help them feel confident about their future and help prepare them to do their best on test day.
Alexander: Portland SSAT course instructor
...I'm near-fluent in German and Spanish, have a year of Chinese under my belt, and have introductory familiarity with Turkish, Korean, French, Italian, and Japanese. If you ever need a conversation practice partner for German/Spanish, let me know! Talking again about math, I have the most experience teaching Pre-Algebra through Algebra II, but I'm more than comfortable working with students in all levels through college Calculus II/high school BC Calculus. I'd love to work with...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- PSAT
- +81 subjects
Ellis: Portland SSAT course instructor
...Modern Languages major in college which has proved invaluable in tutoring ESL which I have done for several years as a volunteer for several CT libraries. And, finally, I am the author of several books published by prestigious companies, including Commerce Clearing House and Simon & Schuster. This experience, including working with professional editors, has informed my tutoring in all aspects of SAT Reading Comprehension, Writing and Grammar, and essay and term paper writing. I...
Education & Certification
- Trinity College Hartford CT - Bachelors, Modern Languages
- University of Pennsylvania School of Law - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- ASPIRE
- CLEP
- +118 subjects
Zach: Portland SSAT course instructor
...experience in both one-to-one settings, going as far back as high school, and group/classroom settings, especially from my 4 years of tutoring with Yale MATHCOUNTS. As a likely future graduate student myself, it is my general goal in life to continue the tradition of passing forth knowledge. Not surprisingly, I have always considered tutoring and education among the most noble of professions where both parties, student and teacher, benefit and learn. What makes me an...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SHSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- +48 subjects
Katie : Portland SSAT course instructor
I graduated from the University of Connecticut with degrees in both Accounting and English. I worked as an accountant for a year before I went back to school to earn my Masters in Education. I currently teach high school English and Theater. As a tutor, I use modeling and mini-lessons to help my students reach their potential.
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, English and Accounting
- University of Connecticut - Masters, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- +18 subjects
Michael: Portland SSAT course instructor
...degree in Biomedical Engineering. I have been tutoring for four years in a professional setting and seven years on a volunteer basis, specializing in math and science education. I also worked as a curriculum designer for an SAT tutoring firm. I enjoy tutoring because I am strongly against the practice of teaching to the lowest common denominator of students and I believe that every student is entitled to a teacher that will personalize their curriculum...
Education & Certification
- University of Rochester - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ISEE
- +64 subjects
River: Portland SSAT course instructor
...in China and Thailand was the most amazing and important part in my life. Helping students to achieve their learning goals, and being a witness for their success, were the most rewarding parts of my job. It motivates me to become a better teacher for them, and keep working on this career I have so much passion for. In my opinion, everyone who wants to learn is a fantastic student already! I'm a believer in...
Education & Certification
- Zhejiang University City College - Bachelor in Arts, Journalism
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- UK A Level
- SAT Subject Tests
- HSPT
- +25 subjects
Paige: Portland SSAT course instructor
...Southern Connecticut State University with my Masters in Elementary Education. I love to teach, it is my passion! I work with students on a daily basis on many different skills, strategies, and concepts. I like to use a lot of hands on, interactive activities. I also try to incorporate technology into my lessons! I try to make learning relevant and fun for all of my students. I look forward to meeting students and helping them...
Education & Certification
- Quinnipiac University - Bachelors, Business
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary School Science
- Math
- +9 subjects
David: Portland SSAT course instructor
...lecture. I've been working in education for nearly 10 years, as a tutor, classroom teacher (I am certified in Math 7-12 in Connecticut), and developer of teaching materials. My most recent gigs have been hourly / independent contractor / free-lance, which I haven't put on my resume. I've been tutoring, mostly for the Hamden (CT) school district as a three-quarters-time job but also occasionally for some local agencies. And I've been developing materials for several...
Education & Certification
- Union College - Bachelors, Computer Science
- Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion-New York - Masters, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- ACT
- +45 subjects
Sanaea: Portland SSAT course instructor
...and high school students. Science has always been one of my favorite subjects, so I would love to share my enthusiasm for the natural and physical world with students! I have also taken many standardized tests including taking the SAT three times, so have extensive experience preparing for such tests which I would love to share with my students. In my spare time, I love running, baking, and spending time with friends.
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Psychology
- Other
- College Application Essays
- +32 subjects
Richard: Portland SSAT course instructor
...name is Richard. I have graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science in physics. Throughout my time in college, I have tutored an array of students ranging in various skills of mathematics and physics and ages. I love the feeling of helping others understand and gain an appreciation for the fields through the sessions we have. My goal is to help students solve problems on their own, but also have some fun while doing...
Education & Certification
- Southern Connecticut State University - Bachelor of Science, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- GED
- PSAT
- +81 subjects
Marc: Portland SSAT course instructor
...can also provide tutoring in French at every proficiency level, as I grew up in a French-speaking household in central Maine. My teaching style is relaxed and flexible. I am comfortable adjusting my plans on the fly to suit my students' interests and learning styles. I am a new New Yorker adapting to the city lifestyle. The hustle and bustle is often overwhelming, but I also love the action and special events, and exploring all...
Education & Certification
- University of Vermont - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- REGENTS
- ASPIRE
- +90 subjects
Brian: Portland SSAT course instructor
...Molecular Cell Biology and Sociology I can provide both structured tutoring, where I assign work in between sessions, and more free-form tutoring. I can tutor topics regarding medicine (including MCAT) or medical terminology as well topics in chemistry (high school/intro college chemistry and organic chemistry), biology (high school/college), and statistics (AP statistics specificaly). I joined Varsity Tutors to give students an easy resource to access when they are struggling. I also can help students with...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor of Science, Molecular Biology
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor of Science, Sociology
- University of Connecticut - Master of Science, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +99 subjects
Ryan: Portland SSAT course instructor
I am a true New England boy, and am an alumnus of Wesleyan, Yale and Uconn Law School. I was a double major in Political Science and Psychology and enjoy the intersection of the two. I have taught for over twenty years most recently as a professor of Law and Criminology at UB. I also lived in Hong Kong and taught test prep to some of the world's most aspirational students.
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- University of Connecticut - Doctor of Laws, Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- TOEFL
- ISEE
- +50 subjects
Lynda: Portland SSAT course instructor
...school curriculum to graduate. I have also worked as a private tutor working with students in reading. Professionally, I am an accomplished education and business professional who is committed to strategic collaboration of the global business and culturally diverse language-learning environment. I have extensive experience in business development. As a corporate trainer and human resource professional, my range of expertise includes training, development, analysis and design, policies and procedures, employee relations. I am a graduate...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor of Education, High School Teaching
- Sacred Heart University - Masters in Business Administration, Strategic Intelligence
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Kindergarten Readiness
- ISEE- Upper Level
- Elementary School English
- +31 subjects
Bianca: Portland SSAT course instructor
...the University of Texas at Austin. My education at both of these institutions provided me with a strong foundation in mathematics and chemistry. I have completed extensive coursework in both those areas. While working on my master's degree, I worked as a teaching assistant, teaching courses and providing extra tutoring help for undergraduate college age and adult students. In addition to teaching at the University of Texas at Austin, I served as a mentor at...
Education & Certification
- Auburn University - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
- The University of Texas at Austin - Masters, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +124 subjects
Tasha: Portland SSAT course instructor
...tutoring approach and style to each student and help them to develop practical and efficient study skills and time management techniques. I have tutored students from ages 3 to adult in various areas related to English, ESL/ELL, Psychology, Public Speaking, and test preparation. I am a Native English speaker and also speak basic Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. I am TEFL certified and taught English in China for 2 years. I learned Chinese while living in...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology, Anthropology
- University of Baltimore - Juris Doctor, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- TOEFL
- +46 subjects
Alesia: Portland SSAT course instructor
...certification to be a school principal! I am currently a 1st grade teacher. I love working with students and helping them to reach their goals! Learning should be intriguing and engaging, and I take pride in making it so for my students. While I am very familiar with elementary, I also love literature and psychology at the middle and high school level. I also know what it likes to take a rigorous standardized test and...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, Psychology
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- Writing
- +23 subjects
Rachel: Portland SSAT course instructor
...have critical discussions about various psychology concepts, and learn through interactive activities the ways in which these concepts might apply to their everyday lives. I also served as an instructor for Research Methods in Psychology for 8 semesters at the college level. Along with teaching basic principles of conducting scientific research, interpreting results, and presenting findings, I emphasized students' roles as research consumers and how they can effectively understand and critique research, both in scientific...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- The University of Tennessee - Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology
- The University of Tennessee - Doctor of Philosophy, Counseling Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- HSPT
- UK GCSE
- +88 subjects
Jaclyn: Portland SSAT course instructor
Hello! My name is Jackie DeFilippo and I am enthusiastic about tutoring. I have tutored before in college, and I am currently a middle school Science teacher. I have a license and degree in Elementary Education, with experience in both elementary school education and middle school education. I am a new teacher, and have a passion for teaching and learning. I look forward to meeting you!
Education & Certification
- Westfield State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Science
- Life Sciences
- +26 subjects
Michele: Portland SSAT course instructor
...And my Masters of Education degree from American College of Education shows that I have learned something of education theory. However, my passion for learning and for helping others learn is what really drives my desire to tutor. I began by tutoring my peers in the math lab at college. Then I continued by teaching my own children for the last twenty-two years in our homeschool. Today, I tutor friends (old and new ones). From...
Education & Certification
- Liberty University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- American College of Education - Masters in Education, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- HSPT
- +72 subjects