If your child is getting ready to take the SSAT, then Varsity Tutors can help them study for it with an in-depth Portland SSAT preparation option. Working with an experienced test prep instructor can provide the guidance your student needs to feel more confident on the day of their exam. The SSAT is a standardized test that is taken by students who are getting ready to apply to competitive private or independent elementary, middle, and high schools. Your student's SSAT results will be used in the admissions process as a part of their ultimate admissions decision.
The SSAT can be a difficult exam to study for without any guidance. This is because It tests on a variety of different academic subjects. However, your child doesn't have to prepare for their upcoming test alone. Instead, consider signing them up for a Portland SSAT prep option. You can easily get started with the option that is the best match for them by contacting Varsity Tutors today. Or, you can keep reading for more information on the SSAT and what we can do to help your student prepare for it.
What's covered on the SSAT?
The SSAT was designed to help private and independent schools determine which of their applicants are most suited for success at their school. The specific topics that will be tested on your student's exam will depend on which level of the SSAT they're taking. The exam has an Elementary, Middle, and Upper Level, which correspond to the grade level that the student is seeking admission into. For example, if your student is applying to an independent or private high school, then they will take the Upper-Level SSAT. Below, you'll find a breakdown of this version of the exam.
The Upper-Level of the SSAT contains a Writing Sample, which your student must complete. This part of the SSAT will feature two prompts, one creative and one traditional. Your child will be allowed to pick the one they wish to respond to. Then, they'll need to craft a well-organized and well-written essay within the section's 25-minute time limit. This part of the SSAT is unscored but it's a good chance to show the schools your student applies to how skilled they are as a writer.
The next part of the SSAT is its Quantitative Sections. There are two different Quantitative Sections, each of which features 25 questions and a time limit of 30 minutes. This part of the exam is concerned with your student's mathematical skills. They will be tested on core math subjects like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Your student should feel confident performing data analysis, evaluating probability questions, and completing number operations, among other things.
Third, your student will also complete the SSAT's Reading Section. This part of the exam features 40 questions that test-takers must answer within a 40-minute time limit. Here, test-takers are tasked with interpreting the meaning of narrative and argumentative passages from literary fiction, science, social studies, and the humanities. They will need to demonstrate the ability to extract information from these passages and answer questions about them. Some of the topics that are tested include main ideas, words in context, the author's purpose, tone, and the evaluation of opinions and arguments, among other things.
Fourth, the final part of the Upper-Level SSAT is the exam's Verbal Section. This section contains 60 questions and has a time limit of 30 minutes. This part of the SSAT consists of 30 questions on synonyms and 30 questions on analogies. Your student can study for this section by learning about word roots, prefixes and suffixes, and determining the meaning of a word from context. Signing them up to work with a test prep instructor can help them build a better understanding of this section and its content.
How can Varsity Tutors help your student prepare for the SSAT?
Signing up for a Portland SSAT prep supplement is a great way to get your student ready for their upcoming exam. You can get them started with a Portland SSAT prep course or sign them up to work with a private test prep tutor. Both of these options have unique benefits that can supplement your child's study plan in different ways. You'll learn more about these benefits in the paragraphs below.
First, you may be interested in getting your student started with a Portland SSAT prep class. Classes take place online through a powerful virtual learning platform. They are taught by experienced test prep instructors who will deliver a series of live lectures to your student and a small group of peers. If your child is having a hard time with one of the topics covered in their course, then they can also sign up for one-on-one help from their instructor. This creates a learning environment that is primed for academic growth.
This type of Portland SSAT is also a flexible learning option. Both two and four-week course options are available and new courses begin weekly. This makes it easy to find an option that meets at times that fit within you and your child's schedules. You can reach out to us today if you'd like help picking the right course option for your student.
Or, you may prefer to sign your student up to work with a Portland SSAT tutor. This option gives your child the chance to work directly with their instructor throughout their entire test preparation process. Your student's tutor can create a customized lesson plan for them that's targeted with their growth in mind. Your child can work through each SSAT topic at their own pace and spend additional time on the subjects that they're having the hardest time with. Additionally, when you reach out to Varsity Tutors to find a tutor for the SSAT, we'll make every effort to connect you with one that can meet at times that fit you and your student's schedules.
How can you get started?
Do you think that your child would benefit from one of these Portland SSAT prep choices? If so, the quickest way to get started with the option of your choice is by contacting Varsity Tutors today. We'd love to help your student get more out of their SSAT preparation process and hope to hear from you soon.
Alexander: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...object-oriented programming), and English-Language Arts (reading comprehension with students grades 1-4). I've worked in environments ranging from a charter school in the South Bronx to a prep school in Connecticut. In mathematics in particular I have strong experience working with students who have learning disabilities. 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...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +81 subjects
Ellis: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...premier law schools in the United States) and a former practicing attorney and law professor. I have helped students to prepare for the LSAT and to draft the Personal Statement required by law schools. I was a 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...
Education & Certification
- Trinity College Hartford CT - Bachelors, Modern Languages
- University of Pennsylvania School of Law - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ASPIRE
- CSAP/ TCAP
- +118 subjects
Zach: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...the Yale Class of 2012 with an Intensive B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and 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...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- UK A Level
- PSAT
- SHSAT
- +48 subjects
Katie : Portland SSAT test prep 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
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- +18 subjects
Michael: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 make sure that the student understands the subject in a meaningful and useful way.
Education & Certification
- University of Rochester - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +64 subjects
River: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...years. I love learning different languages myself, and I love using them while traveling and working in different countries. I feel lucky to have translated my hobby into a career, and honored to be an educator and an advocate of diverse cultures. My experience teaching 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...
Education & Certification
- Zhejiang University City College - Bachelor in Arts, Journalism
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- UK A Level
- HSPT
- +25 subjects
Paige: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...Quinnipiac University with my Bachelors in Marketing and from 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....
Education & Certification
- Quinnipiac University - Bachelors, Business
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary School Science
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +9 subjects
David: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...as a violin student -- lots of feedback and one-to-one attention, not so much 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...
Education & Certification
- Union College - Bachelors, Computer Science
- Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion-New York - Masters, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- GED
- +45 subjects
Sanaea: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...about helping students get excited about the subjects they are learning and inculcating strong study habits at a young age. I have always enjoyed being involved in education and have extensive experience tutoring elementary school age 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Elementary School Writing
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- ISEE-Lower Level Reading Comprehension
- +32 subjects
Richard: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 it too.
Education & Certification
- Southern Connecticut State University - Bachelor of Science, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TACHS
- ACT
- ISEE
- +81 subjects
Marc: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 a French-speaking household in central Maine. My teaching style is relaxed and flexible. I am...
Education & Certification
- University of Vermont - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- +90 subjects
Brian: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...Center tutor for three years at University of Connecticut Bachelor's of Science in 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...
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
- HSPT
- ISEE
- +99 subjects
Ryan: Portland SSAT test prep 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
- TOEFL
- ISEE
- ACT
- +50 subjects
Lynda: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 in reading. Professionally, I am an accomplished education and business professional who is committed to...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor of Education, High School Teaching
- Sacred Heart University - Masters in Business Administration, Strategic Intelligence
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Other
- ISEE-Middle Level Reading Comprehension
- Pre-Reading Super Skills Class
- +31 subjects
Bianca: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...been stressed. My parents and grandparents instilled a love of learning in me very early in life that has continued throughout my education. I hope to share that love of learning with my students with every tutoring experience. I have both a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Auburn University and a master's chemical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. My education at both of these institutions provided me with a strong foundation...
Education & Certification
- Auburn University - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
- The University of Texas at Austin - Masters, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- +124 subjects
Tasha: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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 Shanghai and thus understand the perspective of a second language learner having to utilize their second language daily. In...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology, Anthropology
- University of Baltimore - Juris Doctor, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- PSAT
- SAT
- +46 subjects
Alesia: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...to obtain my 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, Psychology
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- Arithmetic
- +23 subjects
Rachel: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...of Tennessee-Knoxville and currently am a postdoctoral fellow at Yale School of Medicine. 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...
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 A Level
- ACT
- GCSE
- +88 subjects
Jaclyn: Portland SSAT test prep 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
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Writing
- +26 subjects
Michele: Portland SSAT test prep instructor
...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, I enjoy the privilege of helping students understand math. Although math presents beautiful puzzles and...
Education & Certification
- Liberty University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- American College of Education - Masters in Education, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- CLEP
- ACT
- +72 subjects