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.

Solomon: Portland SSAT course instructor
I graduated from Yale University with a degree in Math and Philosophy. Currently, I am a music and entertainment critic-hopeful. I have tutored for over four years now with specialties in mathematics, logic, philosophy, English, and the ACT.
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- UK A Level
- CogAT
- +40 subjects

Ellis: Portland SSAT course instructor
...bringing out the best in my tutees, in making them feel valued and respected. They reciprocate those feelings and become both challenged and motivated. The results show it. My education speaks for itself: Trinity College (B.A., CUM LAUDE), University of Pennsylvania Law School (JURIS DOCTOR). Education and the success of my tutees means everything to me. Our work together becomes a successful collaboration. I look forward to meeting you and working with you!... I would make the first session friendly and informal. I would make it clear that I was there as a collaborator, not to judge but to assist. When I am confident that I have established at least a threshold level of good will, I would address the subject matter, but I would do so gingerly. I would assess the tutee's competence, but do it in a manner that does not leave him or her feeling inadequate.
Education & Certification
- Trinity College Hartford CT - Bachelors, Modern Languages
- University of Pennsylvania School of Law - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- TACHS
- ASPIRE
- +118 subjects

Zach: Portland SSAT course instructor
...Developmental Biology. Eager for tutoring opportunities, I welcome any of you who wishes to undergo SAT/PSAT or ACT Test Preparation that will get you the scores you need for admission to the college of your choice. As for my experience, I have tutoring 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,...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CogAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- +54 subjects

David: Portland SSAT course instructor
...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 publishers of math textbooks...
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

Michele: Portland SSAT course instructor
...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 elementary math to pre-calculus,...
Education & Certification
- Liberty University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- American College of Education - Masters in Education, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ASVAB
- CLEP
- GED
- +74 subjects

Jauneen: Portland SSAT course instructor
...received my BA in elementary education and Biblical studies from Northeastern Bible College. I moved on to teach in classrooms, churches, small group settings, swimming pools (as a swim instructor) and even in my own home. As a homeschool mom, I teach my own children and am preparing them for college. I believe that if learning is boring, frustrating or upsetting, it's not being done right. We can do better! So my personal goal is...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern Bible College/Kings College - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Writing
- English
- +17 subjects

Nova: Portland SSAT course instructor
I'm an undergraduate at Brown University with a planned concentration in Health and Human Biology and Visual Art. I have had extensive experience working as a summer camp counselor, teaching at a Mandarin School, working as an SAT Tutor, and tutoring Physics, Biology, and Math at a local high school. I am more than happy to offer college advice and SAT II and AP prep given my experience with the application process!
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ACT
- +65 subjects

James: Portland SSAT course instructor
...and deep meaning, in working with students to achieve their goals and exceed their own expectations. Guiding, supporting, and empowering student success has been the highlight of my career. I am a currently a certified English teacher and previously worked as a university instructor in philosophy (including core writing courses). I also spent a year and a half as a university research fellow in the humanities. In addition to classroom teaching and research, I have...
Education & Certification
- Suffolk University - Bachelor of Science, Philosophy
- Boston University - Bachelor of Science, Philosophy
- University of New Mexico-Main Campus - Doctor of Philosophy, Philosophy
- Clayton State University - Master of Science, Middle School Teaching
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- ACT
- GED
- +60 subjects

Brian: Portland SSAT course instructor
...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 writing assignments for ANY...
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
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- SAT
- +103 subjects

Rachel: Portland SSAT course instructor
...During my graduate program, I gained significant experience in teaching foundational psychology coursework to college students. I served as an instructor for a General Psychology course over two semesters. This gave me the opportunity to create a space for students to clarify course material, 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...
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
- UK GCSE
- ACT
- HSPT
- +88 subjects

Lynda: Portland SSAT course instructor
...tutor at a Mano O' Mano elementary school. In this role, I engaged and motivated struggling students using creative teaching techniques. At the conclusion of the year, several students I worked with were performing at grade-level, which is a monumental achievement. I have also worked with academically challenged students supporting them in mentoring and coaching them to complete their high school curriculum to graduate. I have also worked as a private tutor working with students...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor of Education, High School Teaching
- Sacred Heart University - Masters in Business Administration, Strategic Intelligence
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Writing
- Substitute
- Elementary School English
- +33 subjects

Michael: Portland SSAT course instructor
...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 and teaching pace to...
Education & Certification
- University of Rochester - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- +64 subjects

Keisha: Portland SSAT course instructor
...Her mother sent her to spend summers with her Aunt who is a teacher in Florida. It was through her Aunt's influence Keisha discovered she wanted to be a teacher. In 2004, she went to Sacred Heart University and graduated with a Bachelors in Sociology. Keisha's extracurricular activities during college focused on working with students in urban areas where she tutored and mentored. After her undergrad, she spent three years working as Preschool teacher at...
Education & Certification
- Sacred Heart University - Bachelors, Sociology
- Cambridge College - Masters, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Test Prep
- Summer
- +21 subjects

Matthew: Portland SSAT course instructor
...that values the student as a whole person, not just their test scores. I am patient, methodical, and understanding, and I work well with students who are willing to make an effort toward improving. I can tutor in the following subjects: - Math (elementary, middle-school, pre-algebra, algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry, and introductory trigonometry and precalculus) - German (introductory and intermediate) - Test prep (including SAT, ACT, and GRE) - Biology (high-school and introductory, college-level)...
Education & Certification
- Brandeis University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Current Grad Student, Library and Information Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- +63 subjects

Richard: Portland SSAT course instructor
...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 it too.
Education & Certification
- Southern Connecticut State University - Bachelor of Science, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- HSPT
- +85 subjects

Vishnu Priya: Portland SSAT course instructor
...allows me to impact the next generation positively. In my classroom, I strive to create an engaging environment where all students feel heard and valued. My approach involves interactive discussions and tailored feedback, which helps students develop their critical thinking and express their ideas confidently. I enjoy adapting to the diverse needs of each student, making learning both enjoyable and effective. Joining Varsity Tutors is a thrilling opportunity for me to continue inspiring students and...
Education & Certification
- University of New Haven - Master of Science, Business, General
- ZeroTo Mastery - Doctor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- California Proficiency Program (CPP)
- UK Key Stage 1 SATs
- +725 subjects

Alan: Portland SSAT course instructor
As an educator, I strive to make math available to every student. Each student has their own learning style and is capable of learning. My job is to connect the student to their learning, using techniques that suit their needs. We need to include a few laughs along the way, as this is Math after all!
Education & Certification
- Western Connecticut State University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE-Upper Level Quantitative Reasoning
- Geometry
- +25 subjects

Marty: Portland SSAT course instructor
...off, and decided that a life of retirement wasn't for me. Fortunately I was rehired as a math interventionist and I've been working at that job ever since, and loving it. I'm active in my local Lutheran church and served as its financial secretary. I'm currently an elder in my church. I've taught in summer school and in after school programs too. I do love teaching... that's why I can't seem to leave it. These...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, Mathematics Education
- Wesleyan University - Masters, Mathematics
- State of Connecticut - Certificate, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- California Proficiency Program (CPP)
- SAT Subject Tests
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +131 subjects

Marc: Portland SSAT course instructor
...a focus on American politics. Since my graduation in 2013 I've held several different roles in education, including ESL tutoring, substitute teaching, and I am currently teaching high school math in New York. My knowledge of mathematics comes from an interest in the social science research, a field I pursued in college and may return to in the future. I can also provide tutoring in French at every proficiency level, as I grew up in...
Education & Certification
- University of Vermont - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- +90 subjects

Elisa: Portland SSAT course instructor
I have had 25 years teaching experience on the elementary level. I taught Kindergarten for 19 years. I have been teaching 5th grade for the last 6 years. I have always taught in an inclusion classroom. ... I believe that all children have the ability and right to learn. My goal is to instill a love of learning in all children. I would like all children to have the confidence to overcome any difficulties they may have in learning.
Education & Certification
- Manhattanville College - Bachelors, History
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- High School Level American History
- +23 subjects