Varsity Tutors can help take the stress out of SSAT prep by helping you locate the right San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT preparation resource for your child. The San Francisco Bay area has many prestigious independent and private schools. Most of them require scores from the SSAT as part of their admissions process. The SSAT is highly regarded for its accuracy in identifying a students competency in grade level appropriate math, reading comprehension, and verbal skills.
Even if your student has been doing well thus far in their studies, giving them professional guidance as they review for the SSAT can help them work towards doing their best on this important test. Continue reading to learn more about the various levels of the SSAT and how Varsity Tutors can help you find the best San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep solutions for your student.
What can San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep cover?
Whether you have a child who needs to prepare for the Elementary Level SSAT or a student preparing for the Middle or Upper Level SSAT, San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep can help them review critical concepts included in their level of the exam.
Quantitative, Verbal, and Reading sections are included and scored in each level of the SSAT. Writing and Experimental sections are also included at all levels but are not scored. While the Writing Sample is not scored by testing officials, it is sent to all schools your student is applying to and will be reviewed by admissions officials. The Experimental section is only for test developers who use the data to refine the testing process.
Students taking the Upper and Middle Level SSAT will have almost three hours to complete 167 items. Children taking the Elementary Level of the SSAT will have nearly two hours to complete 89 questions. Each section has its own time limitations, which is essential for students to be aware of as they prepare. Proper time management is critical for these tests.
If your child is taking the Elementary Level SSAT, answering all of the questions in each section can help their score because there is no penalty for answering an item incorrectly. Upper and Middle Level SSAT testers have a half point penalty for each incorrect answer, but there is no penalty for items that are not answered.
Math subjects covered on the various levels of the SSAT include basic math, arithmetic, elementary algebra, algebra, and geometry. Depending on grade level, some of the specific topics include coordinate geometry, data analysis and probability, plane geometry, number operations, data analysis, numbers and operations, probability, number sense, spatial sense, and measurement.
English topics covered on the SSAT also vary by level but may include reading comprehension, word relationships, nuanced word meanings, general understanding of language, synonyms, analogies, and interpreting meaning from narrative or argumentative reading passages.
Professional SSAT prep resources can help your child prepare for their upcoming exam in a variety of different ways. They can receive a comprehensive overview with a prep class or individualized instruction targeting specific areas with private tutoring. Each option has its own benefits and can help your student in different ways.
How can a San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep class help my child prepare?
When you enroll your student in a prep class, they will have a familiar classroom environment and structured content delivery that can make it easier for them to engage with the preparation process fully.
Classes are held in a secure online classroom that provides modern convenience with conventional methodology. Teachers deliver instruction to the class as a whole. They may then facilitate group discussion or assignments to help students deepen their understanding of the content. If your student needs clarification around a topic, they can always request assistance from an instructor.
You can choose to have your child prepare over a period of two or four weeks. All classes are comprised of individual sections, and new sections begin weekly. This modular format makes it easy for your child to get started at any time.
Classes are great for students who need structure and routine to thrive academically. It is also ideal for students who are highly motivated by working with others in a group learning environment.
How is working with a San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT tutor different from taking a course?
Tutoring and courses are fundamentally different in the way they are designed. In a course, the goal is to provide comprehensive instruction to a group. In private sessions, the goal is to provide an individualized learning experience. With personalized instruction, the tutor has significantly more one-on-one time with each student. The instructor can take the time to get to know your student's personality, SSAT goals, academic needs, and learning style. This information can then be used to create lessons designed to address your student's needs.
Another difference between taking a course and working with a tutor is in how they are scheduled. When you enroll your child in a course, they will need to attend at regularly scheduled times. These times are determined in advance and are not based on student preferences. This ensures a teacher is reliably available to help many students work on making progress in their preparation efforts. Private sessions provide more scheduling freedom. You can choose when your child meets with a tutor based on what works best for your family's schedule. Sessions can be held throughout the week and on weekends during business hours and in the evening.
Private tutoring is ideal for students who thrive with one-on-one instruction or who have busy schedules that make prescheduled classes untenable.
How can I get my student started with the right San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep solution?
Whether you want your student to take advantage of an expertly designed San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep course or you want help connecting with a skilled private tutor who can work with them individually, Varsity Tutors can help. If you're ready to give your student the support they need to work towards their SSAT scoring goal, contact Varsity Tutors today to get started quickly.
Amanda: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...I have over a decade of experience teaching children. I work with students to break down information into easy to manage pieces and make sure they are understanding each step as they go along. If students still seem to be struggling, I return to more basic concepts and help them build upon what they already know. I use a variety of methods in my tutoring including visual aids, hands-on materials, books, and online sources to...
Education & Certification
- SFSU - Bachelors, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Math
- Test Prep
- +10 subjects
Izabel: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...subject to tutor; I find joy in helping people who are struggling get to a point where concepts finally make sense. There is a sort of instant gratification when you are able to find a solution to a tricky math problem. Through my experience with standardized tests like the SAT, I have found many tricks to beating the ???game??? of standardized testing and would love to share them with you. Most importantly, I believe that...
Education & Certification
- Tulane University of Louisiana - Bachelor of Science, Economics, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- Algebra
- +15 subjects
Samuel: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...then I have spent time working in a charter school, as a private English tutor in Madrid, and with both private and non-profit academic support and enrichment programs. Over the years I've taught just about every subject. I love helping students develop a positive, can-do attitude in relation to subjects that used to make them feel anxious and confused. (In my experience this is often math or standardized tests, but I also love to tutor...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
- Lesley University - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- SAT
- PSAT
- +64 subjects
Talia: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...Subjects Teaching Credential. I have been working in classrooms, providing academic support, since 2004. I have extensive experience working with individuals with special needs, from moderate to severe, and the gifted population. I am highly adept in tailoring education to fit each learner's needs, while maximizing output, motivation, and self-confidence. I sincerely enjoy working with children, listening to their stories, and sharing a laugh as I impart knowledge in a structured but comfortable environment.
Education & Certification
- Williams Collegee - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology & Sociology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- HSPT
- SAT
- +43 subjects
Jennifer: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...Being able to be a part of a student's learning progress and helping them reach their potential is very fulfilling. And seeing how a student can surprise themselves with their own abilities is the best thing a tutor can ask for. For mathematics, I've taken up to Calculus BC in high school, and Multivariable Calculus at UCR. I understand the concepts, but I can also explain them using applicable examples. Really, math is like a...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Riverside - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- CLEP
- +107 subjects
Michael: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...guidance. There are usually several ways to teach the same material, and I have a knack for finding the one that works. I enjoy using examples and analogies that help the student "get" and remember complicated concepts. Preparing for standardized tests such as the SAT and GRE is much easier with a tutor to help you prioritize, strategize, and structure your time wisely. I took the GRE in 2013 and earned the top score in Critical...
Education & Certification
- The College of William & Mary - Bachelor in Arts, Political Economy, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +46 subjects
Cody: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...number one university in the country. At MIT I am pursuing a degree in mathematics. During this time I have acquired great experience in tutoring and teaching. I have a total of 8 years of experience tutoring mathematics, particularly calculus. I also have 5 years of experience tutoring in the sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. My experience has come in the form of private, one-on-one tutoring with students ranging in ages from 7th...
Education & Certification
- Massachusettes Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- GED
- +127 subjects
Helene: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...or sometimes just grab a book and go explore the Berkeley hills on my own. I'll sit on a tree stump and watch the sun go down and squint to see the print in my book. Oh - more than anything, I love a good conversation with a friend. But a good conversation with anyone is a treat! I hope to have the opportunity to start many good and productive conversations with parents and students...
Education & Certification
- Mills College - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology/Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- SAT
- +57 subjects
Caitlin: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...pursuing a master's degree in Developmental Psychology at San Francisco State University. I graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. I have been tutoring for 3 years including reading comprehension, writing, essay structure, grammar, algebra, geometry, statistics, study skills and testing strategies. Aim to tailor my tutoring methods to the needs of each student. Most importantly, I try to create a supportive learning environment where students focus how their efforts led...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Davis - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- San Francisco State University - Master of Arts, Developmental Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- Geometry
- +43 subjects
Sara: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...that our differences, whether they be cultural, cognitive, behavioral, linguistic, or simply in terms of our interests, deserve to be honored throughout all of our educational journeys. Our backgrounds, as much as our prospective futures, shape who we are and what we need. I believe in teaching practices that not only evolve depending on student needs, but also truly, deeply respect the whole student, including who they are, where they come from, and what they...
Education & Certification
- Scripps College - Bachelor in Arts, General Literature
- University of California-Irvine - Certificate, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- TOEFL
- +38 subjects
Samantha: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...Studies this spring. In the fall, I will begin attending law school at Northwestern Law. For many years, I tutored a wide range of students in Spanish, English literature, and writing. I have also continued to help many high school seniors with college application essays. While I tutor a variety of subjects, I am very passionate about helping students improve their reading and writing skills, and I really enjoy helping students with Critical Reading and...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- +36 subjects
Matt: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...then went on to complete a Masters program at Georgetown University in human physiology. Given the amount of schooling I have gone through myself, I have taken a wide range of subjects and more standardized tests than I would like to admit. I have taught students of almost every age in various fields such as elementary science, Hebrew, chemistry, MCAT prep, and many more.. My ultimate plan is to go to medical school, but in...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- +85 subjects
Rachel: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...its just a matter of finding the style of learning that is most effective for them. What works or makes sense for one student will not necessarily work for the next student, and so it is essential as a tutor to be able to explain the same concept in a variety of different ways and to be able to determine when a student has fully grasped the concept. In my spare time, I enjoy spending...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, General Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- PSAT
- +89 subjects
Kaley: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...a tutor and in these roles I look for ways to make learning fun and rewarding. I especially love teaching reading and writing and I have taught or tutored these subjects to students ranging from kindergarten through adults. I also have experience tutoring test prep subjects and focus both on the content material and test taking skills. My passion is psychology and I have been able to use my graduate training in human development to...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Education and Public Policy
- Harvard Graduate School of Education - Masters, Human Development and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- +35 subjects
Max: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...team of 7th graders just won the 2016 New Haven regional championship!), and I've been tutoring middle and high school students for over 7 years. On top of all of that, I'm an aspiring professional in the business world - this past summer I worked at an internship in financial consulting (banking advisory & analytics), and have previously held internship positions in human capital consulting & private equity, as well as in patent law. My...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- PSAT
- +104 subjects
Joshua: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...grades 6-12. In my two years of experience, I have had the opportunity to network with college admissions counselors across the country, and I gladly connect my students to any college admissions departments I am familiar with. Although my tutoring specialty is test prep -- SAT, ACT, PSAT, SHSAT, and GRE -- I particularly love tutoring writing, and creative writing is a hobby of mine. My philosophy is that even when we are preparing for...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, French and Francophone Studies
- University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Social Policy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- TOEFL
- PSAT
- +92 subjects
Erica: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...work daily to improve my craft. Students, parents, supervisors, and colleagues have described me as efficient, extremely patient, creative, and caring. I am certified to tutor in a variety of subjects and consider the following areas to be my specialties: *Standardized tests, such as the ISEE, SSAT, and AP examinations *Students who demonstrate challenging behaviors *Long-term tutoring in math and reading--I love to guide a student who initially struggled to meet and exceed expectations! Outside...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, English; Latin Language and Literature
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +77 subjects
Amanda: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...on track; my priority is ensuring a comfortable space for my students while building up the confidence and knowledge that they need to ace their essays and tests. Outside of my academic interests and experiences, I am passionate about food and the outdoors. I value education, efficiency, wit, kindness, and the Oxford comma, and am constantly searching for new challenges and opportunities. I enjoy tutoring because it gives me a chance to develop a relationship...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- ACT
- +37 subjects
Margarita: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...family is originally from Russia, and I grew up with a very strong and traditional math background. I always find teaching math to students to be gratifying, and I hope to share some of my love for math with my students. I also enjoy tutoring test prep, especially since I know how stressful the process of applying to colleges (and later graduate schools) is! With every student, I aim to find an individualized approach that...
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +55 subjects
Cynthia: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...I will be pursuing my PhD in Neuroscience in the fall at Johns Hopkins. I have been tutoring high school students outside of class in college and involved in STEM academics and research mentorship as well as a translation program from and to English outside of class. I speak Japanese and French, and I have taken the PSATs, SATs, 10 APs, and the GREs successfully. I would be willing to help with any of these...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Neuroscience
- Johns Hopkins University - PHD, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +72 subjects