If you have been thinking about helping your student pursue educational success by investing in SSAT prep, Varsity Tutors can set you up with private SSAT tutoring sessions today. We are experts when it comes to referring students and their parents to SSAT test prep resources, making us a name you can trust in a crowded industry!
The SSAT, or Secondary School Admissions Test, is a high-stakes exam taken by students in grades 3-11 as part of the application process to get into competitive independent and private high schools throughout the country. The exam measures a test-taker's academic skills in subject areas such as mathematics, reading, and vocabulary to give selective schools a sense of how a given applicant might fit into their learning environment. It does not measure a student's motivation, persistence, or creativity, meaning that the SSAT is not a perfect predictor of future academic success. Still, it provides a valuable data point for admissions departments to consider in combination with other factors.
It would be foolish to give a nine-year old and a 16-year old the same exam and expect them to be on an even playing field, so the SSAT is divided into three "levels" based on the age group it is intended for. The Elementary Level SSAT is intended for students currently in grades 3-4. The Middle Level SSAT is for students in grades 5-7. Finally, the Upper-Level SSAT is for students in grades 8-11. It is always assumed that a test-taker intends to enroll at their new school for the beginning of the next school year. For example, a 7th-grader who takes the test is trying to get into an independent school starting with grade 8.
Can An SSAT Tutor Near Me Go Over Every Section With My Student?
Sure, but what that entails depends on the level of SSAT your student is taking. Here is a breakdown of the SSAT Middle Level:
- Writing Sample
- Write a story based on one of two provided creative prompts.
- Quantitative Math
- Arithmetic, geometry, elementary algebra, etc.
- 50 questions broken up into two 30 minute sections
- Reading Comprehension
- Read 250-350 word passages and answer questions
- Main idea
- Find details
- Determine the author's purpose
- Make inferences
- Understand and evaluate opinions/arguments
- etc.
- Read 250-350 word passages and answer questions
- Verbal
- Similarities and relationships through synonyms and analogies
- 30 synonyms and 30 analogies
- Experimental
- 16 unscored test questions
The Upper Level SSAT follows the exact same structure, except that students may choose between a creative writing prompt and a more traditional essay prompt on the exam's Writing section. The material is also more difficult to create a more age-appropriate challenge.
The Elementary Level SSAT follows a different format. All of the sections are the same, but there is only one Quantitative component instead of two. Younger students have a picture-based writing prompt for the Writing section, and the number of questions and time available to answer them are adjusted. Here is a closer look at how professional SSAT test prep can help your student prepare for each section of the exam:
Writing
As noted above, the SSAT Writing section is the only one that differs in format on all three levels of the test. This section isn't scored, but is sent to the school you are applying to with your student's application. Elementary-level students have 15 minutes to compose their answers, while older students get 25. That's a tight deadline regardless of a test-taker's age, so your student might want to create a quick outline to help them stay on track. If they are unaccustomed to working from an outline, they may practice their technique during an SSAT course.
If your student doesn't believe in the value of outlines, SSAT tutors may explain the benefits during an SSAT class as well. Creating an outline provides a convenience reference point for every supporting detail you originally planned to include, making it easier to remember everything. You can also look up what you planned to say next if you get stuck, ensuring that you don't waste time staring at your paper with a confused expression.
Older students may also want to discuss their strategy during their SSAT prep. Essay writing and creative writing require completely different thought processes, so part of SSAT test prep could be determining which is a better fit for your student and planning accordingly.
Quantitative (Math at the Elementary level)
The Quantitative portion of the SSAT includes grade-appropriate math problems. Elementary students answer questions about shapes, operations, fractions and number sense. They have 30 minutes to answer 30 multiple-choice questions. Older students can expect topics such as elementary algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. They have two separate Quantitative sections, each containing 25 multiple-choice questions over a 30-minute testing session (50 questions and 60 minutes total).
Completing practice problems as part of SSAT test prep is one of the best ways to understand mathematical concepts. Your student's instructor can watch them as they work and point out any mistakes in real time, sparing them the hassle of trying to figure out where they went wrong. Likewise, an SSAT tutor can provide additional practice problems as needed over the course of your student's SSAT classes.
Calculators are prohibited at all SSAT levels, so your student cannot rely on any technological aid. If your student is uncomfortable tackling math problems the old-fashioned way, their SSAT prep can include long division, geometric proofs, and graphing as needed.
Reading
All of the SSAT Reading sections have approximately seven reading passages followed by multiple-choice questions. Elementary students have 30 minutes to answer 28 questions, while older students have 40 minutes for 40 questions. The passages get more challenging as the test-taker gets older, and high school students may get passages on history or the humanities that an elementary student never would.
Your student may go over active reading techniques such as writing little notes in the margin during their SSAT prep. This serves two purposes. First, actively engaging with the text ensures that your student is giving it their undivided attention, potentially making it easier to recall the information. Second, it may be faster to look something up in your student's notes than trying to find it in the passage, saving valuable time.
Your student may also go over test-taking strategy at this stage of their SSAT test preparation. If they read the questions before the passage, they can start the passage already knowing what information they should be looking for. This may make it easier to notice a relatively minor detail.
Verbal
The SSAT Verbal component deals primarily with vocabulary and analogies. Elementary students have 30 multiple-choice questions to answer in 20 minutes, while older students have 60 questions over 30 minutes to contend with.
Most of the exam's vocab questions are structured as synonyms, requiring students to select the word with the most similar meaning to one provided. For instance, if the word in question is "fast," the word "quick" might be a suitable response. If your student's vocabulary could be better, they may review flashcards during one-on-one SSAT courses to learn new words. Alternatively, hearing unfamiliar words in conversation (either in an SSAT class or just in the wild) may make it easier to remember them.
The rest of this section is comprised of analogies, or identifying the relationship between two words and then completing that relationship for another word. For instance, "hammer is to carpenter" suggests that the first word is used by the second word. "Telephone is to operator" is one possible answer, as operators use telephones just as carpenters use hammers. These can get pretty confusing, so your student may want to go over some practice questions during their SSAT test preparation to build some self-confidence heading into the exam.
Experimental
The last section of the SSAT isn't scored and just allows the test developer to experiment with new questions before using them on an actual exam. Your student should do their best on this section, but there is no need to go over it during an SSAT course.
Can SSAT Prep Near Me Focus On Concepts Instead Of Sections?
Absolutely! One of the most important benefits of one-on-one SSAT tutoring is the ability to concentrate exclusively on your student's unique areas of need. If they are great with the Verbal section but don't do as well with math problems, they can concentrate on the Quantitative section during their SSAT test prep to improve study efficiency. In contrast, large SSAT classes generally follow set curricula, sacrificing flexibility in favor of a more streamlined approach.
Likewise, any questions asked in a private SSAT course can be answered on the spot, as your student is their instructor's only responsibility during their SSAT prep. In fact, many students find that one-on-one SSAT test prep creates a learning environment more conducive to asking questions than an overcrowded classroom setting.
Similarly, all of the work your student performs during their SSAT preparation can receive immediate feedback. If they made a mistake, the misunderstanding can be addressed promptly before it has a chance to spiral out of control.
Many students also take practice exams during SSAT courses to get firsthand knowledge of what they can expect on test day. If they read the directions during their SSAT prep, your student can skim over them on the actual exam and apply that time to one of the questions. Reviewing practice exams can also help you identify your student's academic strengths and any areas they could benefit from reviewing again in their SSAT class.
If your student has dealt with test anxiety in the past, knowing exactly what to expect from their SSAT prep may also help calm their nerves. Meditation techniques may also be incorporated into SSAT test preparation if test anxiety is a significant issue.
What Else Can SSAT Preparation Services Near Me Teach Me About The Exam?
The SSAT is a traditional paper-and-pencil exam administered at testing labs eight times per year. It is possible to take the test on another date, as illustrated by the list below:
SSAT Types
- Standard - The Standard SSAT is given on eight designated Saturdays during the academic year at test sites around the world.
- Flex - The Flex SSAT is given to an individual or group on any date other than the eight Standard dates.
SSAT score reports can also be confusing, so you might want to use SSAT prep to understand it. While the scale used varies from test to test, you are always given a score on the Quantitative, Reading, and Verbal sections plus a combined score on all three. The latter is usually more important, but may not be if your SSAT test prep emphasized a particular section.
You are also given a percentile score ranging from 1-99 that illustrates how your student fared compared to students of the same gender and age who took the exam within the last three years. Considering that the SSAT is exclusively taken by students looking to get into private schools (many of whom invested in SSAT classes), this population experiences more academic success as a whole than a random group of students.
Why Should I Trust Varsity Tutors To Book SSAT Courses Near Me?
Our proprietary Live Learning Platform facilitates digital SSAT test prep, allowing your student to receive face-to-face instruction from the comfort of your home. That's right - no more commuting to SSAT prep! If you're concerned with the quality of the resulting SSAT test prep, don't be. Our platform leverages powerful features such as a virtual whiteboard and video chat functionality to deliver an outstanding SSAT tutoring experience!
We also try to set every student up with SSAT test prep that fits into their schedule. Who wants to set their schedule around SSAT prep?
As you may expect, the more time that your student spends on their SSAT prep, the better prepared they can be on exam day. A tutor can work alongside your student to help them get the most out of their study time. If you'd like to get started helping your student prepare for the exam, reach out to Varsity Tutors. We can answer any questions you or your student may have and get you set up with expert SSAT preparation assistance from an SSAT test prep expert today!

Rebecca: SSAT test prep instructor
...to perform academically at their highest possible level. I also think it is important that learning is not just for one assignment or one test, but rather that it sticks with you to build a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence that you can carry forward. My favorite subjects to tutor include English, SAT test preparation, math, and psychology. My approach to tutoring is to meet the student where they're at and go from there....
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- +53 subjects

Matt: SSAT test prep instructor
...Johns Hopkins University as a Public Health major with a concentration in Immunology and Infectious Diseases. I 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,...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- Advanced Placement
- +85 subjects

Rachel: SSAT test prep instructor
...with a student as an individual and to adjust my own tutoring to fit the way they learn best. I believe that all students have what it takes to succeed in school, 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, General Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- CogAT
- HSPT
- +89 subjects

Jaimie: SSAT test prep instructor
...I am a recent graduate of Northeastern University with my Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. I am currently working in the lab of Professor Robert Langer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology working on novel drug delivery systems for the gastrointestinal tract. I am hoping to attend medical school in pursuit of becoming a physician. I am currently interested in pediatrics and psychiatry but I am looking forward to exploring a range of...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern University - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- TOEFL
- SAT
- +93 subjects

Jonathan: SSAT test prep instructor
...MBA subjects. As Managing Partner of NashwellCo.work and Managing Director of Linebrand.us, my active roles as a business leader and entrepreneur in the communities of Lubbock, Texas, Durham, NC, and Sydney, Australia are additional sources of applied knowledge and value for my students. My academic research deals with renewable energy investment, which relates to recent Linebrand clients DelLlanoSolarThermal.com and SolarTechTX.com. I have recently completed a research masters at Texas Tech University (MA, 2020) while working...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelor in Arts, Design and Visual Communications
- Australian School of Business - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
- Texas Tech University - Doctor of Philosophy, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ECAA
- PARCC
- +318 subjects

Kaley: SSAT test prep instructor
...have been working with kids since high school. I have experience both as a classroom teacher and 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...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Education and Public Policy
- Harvard Graduate School of Education - Masters, Human Development and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +35 subjects

Max: SSAT test prep instructor
...in helping high school students achieve their academic goals as they work their way towards college. I volunteer in New Haven as a math teacher and coach at a public middle school (my 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...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- +104 subjects

Ann: SSAT test prep instructor
...of all ages learn challenging content. I am a National Board Certified teacher with more than 20 years of state certified classroom teaching experience. I have expertise working with elementary students as well as supporting the professional growth of aspiring teachers. I am patient and encouraging and can help students progress to the next level of their learning journeys. I have earned degrees from some of the best schools in the country, including UCLA, Harvard,...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Riverside - Bachelor in Arts, Human Development and Family Studies
- University of California-Los Angeles - Masters in Education, Education
- Pepperdine University - Master of Science, Educational Administration
- Harvard University - Masters in Education, Education Policy Analysis
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
- Harvard University - Doctor of Education, Educational, Instructional, and Curriculum Supervision
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- ACT
- +38 subjects

Wendy: SSAT test prep instructor
...to tutor literature, writing, religion, culture, anything in the arts or humanities. I work well with students in the medical field and can tutor for qualifying exams IELTS, GRE Psychology, MCAT Psychology, EPPP. I like to help students meet their goals, keep organized and stay on track so they can enjoy learning. I have a lot of interests: reading, art, architecture, literature and travel. My teaching style reflects the needs of the learner and I...
Education & Certification
- Hofstra University - Bachelor in Arts, Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Hofstra University - Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology
- University of Southern California - Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SHSAT
- TACHS
- +273 subjects

Joshua: SSAT test prep instructor
...my research on the social exclusion of African immigrants in Western Europe. Since graduation, I have worked at a public school in Harlem as the College Counselor working with students from 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...
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
- REGENTS
- GED
- Advanced Placement
- +92 subjects

Connor: SSAT test prep instructor
...premise. As an experienced tutor, I have continually enjoyed seeing my students achieve lofty goals under my instruction. I specialize in tutoring biology, chemistry, physics, and economics for high school students. In addition to this, I also tutor students in college level general chemistry, general biology, organic chemistry, introductory physics, economics and for the MCAT exam. I excelled in undergraduate coursework pertaining to these subjects and have prior experience in assisting pre-professional (pre-medical and pre-nursing)...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- STAAR
- +43 subjects

Molly: SSAT test prep instructor
...and then fill in gaps to bolster a strong subject area foundation. 3. Impart test-taking skills and strategies necessary for school success. I teach with the tenets of the Common Core State Standards in mind. As such, I do not aim to teach "tricks" for getting the right answer. Rather, I aim to wholly ingrain the skills, strategies, and overall thinking needed to fully understand how and why we can come to certain answers. My...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- ISAT
- +111 subjects

Gregory: SSAT test prep instructor
...mathematics since kindergarten, they can achieve a perfect or near perfect score on the SAT/ACT mathematics section. The only traits that are required are a high level of expectations as well as the desire and effort to achieve those expectations. When it comes to solving problems, I will always ask the student on how they would solve a particular problem. Their answers can range that they definitely know how to solve it to they have...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
- Carnegie Mellon University - Doctor of Philosophy, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT 4-Week Prep Class
- ACT 8-Week Prep Class
- SAT 8-Week Prep Class
- +326 subjects

Cynthia: SSAT test prep instructor
...from Princeton University, home for the summer in the Philadelphia area. I was a Neuroscience major, and 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,...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Neuroscience
- Johns Hopkins University - PHD, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +72 subjects

Samantha: SSAT test prep instructor
...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 Writing portions of Standardized Tests. I love working with students and helping them realize their full academic potential. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, exploring Chicago, reading, and cooking.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- +36 subjects

Asta: SSAT test prep instructor
...college in the United States. Even though I tutor a wide range of subjects, I enjoy teaching English and standardized test preparation the most. I love helping my students find beauty in the English language in addition to helping them achieve their college goals. I also love working with students on their college essays because that's when I feel I get to know my students the best, as we talk through dreams, aspirations, and life...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- CLEP
- SAT Subject Tests
- +80 subjects

Sandra: SSAT test prep instructor
...minors in math and art history. I strongly believe in holistic approaches to education, and as a computer science at a liberal arts college, I had invaluable experience studying both math and science while continuing to develop my critical writing, reading and research abilities. At Vassar, I was deeply involved in the computer science department as a tutor and lab coach for several years and as the department-wide academic intern. In these roles, I worked...
Education & Certification
- Vassar College - Bachelors, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- PSAT
- +54 subjects

Christopher: SSAT test prep instructor
...and Spanish programs in high school and enjoyed the strides I made with students. I am willing to tutor any subject I have a background in, but am strong in mathematics, the sciences, Spanish, history, writing, and ACT prep. I enjoy teaching mathematics most due to the joy I can see in children once they master a topic and can answer even pointed questions meant to stump them, and maybe even put their knowledge to...
Education & Certification
- Harvard College - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ISAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +74 subjects

Aaron: SSAT test prep instructor
...as English school subjects. The subjects I enjoy teaching most are test prep, essay writing, and literary analysisperfect for any junior or senior preparing for college. No matter where you're at as a reader and writer, you will come away from my tutoring sessions with an appreciation for close reading and confidence about the writing process. I break down even the trickiest concepts clearly and methodically with targeted practice in the areas where you need...
Education & Certification
- San Francisco State University - Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +83 subjects

Shira: SSAT test prep instructor
...working with students from the junior high to collegiate level and would love to use my experience and expertise to help students master new concepts and skills. I would characterize my tutoring style as positive and persistent, but above all, I like to tailor my approach to best suit the needs and learning style of each individual student. My specialties are test prep (AP/SAT/ACT/SSAT) and science subjects, including biology, chemistry, and physics. I am also...
Education & Certification
- Brandeis University - Current Undergrad Student, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- +86 subjects