Whether you're the parent of a younger student or a high school student preparing to take the Secondary School Admission Test, Varsity Tutors can help you find Austin SSAT preparation assistance. In fact, there are two types of assistance that we can offer. We know how important it is for a student to perform their absolute best on a school entrance exam, and we'd love to help you prepare by enrolling you in an Austin SSAT prep course or connecting you with an Austin SSAT tutor.
The SSAT is used by a variety of private and independent schools to determine if a student has the academic background to perform well in that particular school. There are three levels. First is the Elementary Level, for children in third and fourth grades; the Middle Level is the test for students in fifth through seventh grades, and the Upper Level is designed for students in eighth through eleventh grades. Academic assistance from an Austin SSAT tutor or in an Austin SSAT prep class can make it easier for a student to focus on the topics they struggle with and to potentially improve their understanding of those topics.
What can I expect from Austin SSAT prep?
Elementary Level students will encounter five sections, two of which are unscored.
There are 30 questions in the Verbal section. There's a 20-minute time limit. Young students will be evaluated on their understanding of word relationships, language understanding, and age-appropriate vocabulary, among other topics.
There are 28 questions in the Reading section. Students have half an hour to finish the section. There are seven passages for students to read, and they'll answer four questions per passage. The concepts in this section include how well the student can identify literal and non-literal meanings of words, and how they decipher what words mean in a certain context, among other concepts.
There are 30 questions in the Quantitative section, and students will have half an hour to finish them. Concepts in this section include number sense, measurement, basic addition and subtraction, and multiplication and division. Students will be evaluated on their abilities in geometry and spatial sense, properties and operations, and probability.
The unscored Writing section has a 15-minute time limit. At the Elementary Level, students will get a picture prompt to write a story from. That story should have a beginning, middle, and an end. Evaluators will be looking at an individual's writing skills, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as how they organize their writing.
The Experimental section (also unscored) has up to 17 questions, and students have 15 minutes to answer them. It's in this section where test designers put potential questions for future tests.
The Middle and Upper Level have six sections, including a writing sample that is not scored. There are two Quantitative sections though.
When it comes to the Writing section, Middle Level students will be asked to write a story based off of one of two creative prompts. Upper Level students will have a choice between a creative prompt or a traditional essay. They'll be evaluated on their writing skills, use of persuasive writing techniques, and how well they support their statements using examples.
There are 50 questions in the two Quantitative/Math sections. The questions examine how well a student understands a variety of concepts like coordinate geometry, area and perimeter of geometric shapes, operations using variables, and working with mean, median, mode, and range for Middle Level students. Upper Level students are tested on how well they work through linear equations, word problems, properties of triangles, fractions, and other concepts. Each section has a 30-minute time limit.
For Middle and Upper Level students, the Reading section has 40 passage-based questions and must be finished in 40 minutes. At the Middle Level, this section looks at how a student identifies the main idea of a passage, how they derive context from words and phrases, and if they can evaluate opinions and arguments. Upper Level students are tested on how well they can find and use information from narratives and argumentative passages from a variety of sources. They'll be tested on how well they use context to understand words and phrases and determine the author's purpose, attitude, and tone by reading. They're also expected to be able to understand and evaluate arguments.
The Verbal section focuses on a student's knowledge of analogies and synonyms, with 30 questions on each. Middle Level students are tested on how they relate words and ideas to each other, use prefixes and suffixes, and determine meaning from context. For Upper Level students, the content tests a student's knowledge of Anglo-Saxon, Greek, and Latin prefixes and suffixes, word roots, and how well they can make inferences and predictions, along with other topics.
The unscored Experimental section has 16 questions and a student is given 15 minutes to complete it.
What can I get out of Austin SSAT prep?
Whether you're the parent of a younger student looking for academic support or a middle or high school student looking for a tutor for yourself, there are two options for Austin SSAT preparation: you can work with an individual Austin SSAT tutor, or you can enroll in an Austin SSAT prep class. In a class, a student will interact with multiple students and an instructor who are brought together through our Live Learning Platform. Both methods have their own benefits.
For students who need focused attention where they're the only student in the room, we can set you up with an Austin SSAT tutor. There's quite a bit of personalization in this method, and flexibility that may not be possible in a group-style study session. From the first session, your instructor will get to know you, learning about your likes and dislikes, your learning style and your academic strengths and weaknesses, in order to create a custom plan to help you prepare for this exam. They can find study aids they think might work for you, and switch the topics around if they see you need more time with a topic that is particularly challenging. You can work with an Austin SSAT tutor in your home or connect online via the Live Learning Platform.
For those who need an interactive and collaborative environment, an Austin SSAT prep course puts a student in a classroom with others along with an academic coach in real time. Interaction with others and in-depth coverage of exam topics can make a difference for many students. Choose from two week sessions or four week sessions. New classes start weekly.
What do I do to find Austin SSAT prep?
That's easy! Reach out to Varsity Tutors. Our educational consultants will help you figure out which model of instruction will be most useful for your situation, whether that's time with an Austin SSAT tutor or enrolling in an Austin SSAT course.
Sandra: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...ability levels, and to create strong personal relationships with my students. I am currently accepting students in all math subjects through the high school level, standardized test preparation (SAT, GRE, SSAT, PSAT), computer science, writing, study skills and organizational skills. I recently graduated from Vassar College in New York where I majored in computer science with minors in math and art history. I strongly believe in holistic approaches to education, and as a computer science...
Education & Certification
- Vassar College - Bachelors, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +54 subjects
Paul: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...in IT, moving up the ladder from technical support to systems administrator to network engineer. I attended college whenever I could throughout my time in IT, however, and last year I left the IT world to attend the University of Texas full time; I'm currently a junior, pursuing a B.A. in English, and will move on to an M.F.A in creative writing after graduation. My great love is reading and writing, and I'm looking forward...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Current Undergrad, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ECAA
- CLEP
- ISEE
- +142 subjects
Thomas: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...been teaching in underprivileged areas in New Orleans. I have taught second, third, and fourth grade and while I have taught all subjects, I mainly focused on math. I am currently the Math Specialist/Interventionist at a charter school here in Austin. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about elementary and middle school math. I also have extensive experience with tutoring students in standardized testing, a component of student evaluation...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelor in Arts, American Literature
- Alternative Teaching Certificate Program - Unknown, Teaching Certificate Level 1
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +36 subjects
Annette: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...been a teacher for over 13 years in the Austin area, for both private and public schools. I have taught pre-kinder through 8th grade, in various subject matters such as Spanish, English as a Second Language and I am currently a dual language elementary teacher for all subjects. My other role is as a STARR Test Prep tutor for my school. I am passionate about helping struggling students find their own potential to be successful...
Education & Certification
- St. Edwards University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- Concordia University-Texas - Master of Arts, Differentiated Instruction
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GATE/ TAG
- ISEE
- STAAR
- +21 subjects
Pranay: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
Having tutored since high school, I love getting to know individual students and putting our heads together to figure out what strategies will be most effective to learn subject material. In particular, I focus on math and languages, since my strengths lie in cumulative, memorization-based topics.
Education & Certification
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Global Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TACHS
- SHSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +57 subjects
Kate: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...role model. Our mission was to work with students and create individualized curriculum to fill skill gaps and make sure students had the opportunity to be successful. I believe in putting in the extra time to make sure that I teach toward each student’s learning style. I understand that all students learn at different paces in different ways and make sure that each student is getting their best education. One-on-one tutoring situations are ideal for...
Education & Certification
- Ithaca College - Bachelors, Music Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE- Middle Level
- Elementary Math
- +26 subjects
Education & Certification
- Lycee Paul Langevin Paris - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- EPITA Paris - Engineering, Computer Software Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Algebra
- Math
- +51 subjects
Cheryl: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...difficult mathematical concepts. I have also effectively assisted students prepare for standardized exams, whether state mandated grade-level tests, or college-level entrance exams. My teaching style is a combination of coaching and cheer leading. Like a coach, I have high expectations for my students because I prepare them using best practice subject content drills and exercises; and like a cheerleader, I excitedly celebrate every progressive effort towards their academic goal. Students - young and old -...
Education & Certification
- Saint Edward's University - Bachelor in Arts, Communications
- Saint Edward's University - Master of Arts, Human Services Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- +50 subjects
Cristiana: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...come with it. I am completing my Ph.D. in Biblical Exegesis in the Department of History at York University (Toronto, Canada). My academic credentials include a MA in History from York University. I have a Graduate Diploma in Advanced Hebrew and Jewish Studies and a BA in Classics from Tor Vergata University in Rome. In 2009-10, I worked on an MA in Philosophy at the Pontifical Urban University and completed about half of that program...
Education & Certification
- University of Rome Tor Vergata - Bachelor in Arts, Classics
- York University Toronto Canada - Master of Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- ASVAB
- ISEE
- +21 subjects
Kelly: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...a bachelors degree in Special Education. After college, I was accepted into Teach for America, where I taught 4th grade reading and writing in inner city Houston. Between my Special Education degree and Teach for America, I have worked with kids from a wide range of ages and disabilities. I am certified to teach General Education (EC-6), Special Education (EC-12), and ESL. I have most experience with elementary reading and writing. I am working at...
Education & Certification
- Texas A & M University-College Station - Bachelor of Science, Education
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Master of Social Work, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- Other
- +14 subjects
Claudia: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...as well. For instance, with each student I take on, I gain valuable experience that I can then use with another student. In addition, I love being able to assist a student in reaching their goals, be that a higher grade in a class, a deeper understanding of a specific topic, etc. I am a native speaker of Spanish- it was actually my first language! My entire family comes from (and still lives) in Galicia,...
Education & Certification
- Boston College - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +65 subjects
Laura: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...I have teaching and tutoring experience at the middle-school level in English, social studies, and math (pre-algebra and geometry). I have also tutored elementary-school students (reading, writing, math), high-school students (AP English, AP World History, college essay-writing), and adults (business writing and English for non-native speakers). I believe that knowing how to write well is one the most beneficial, lifelong skills a student can develop, as it will give them an edge in just about...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Journalism
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT Reading
- +26 subjects
Lillian: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...a dreaded routine. Because of this, I try my best to find creative and fun methods of teaching for all my subjects, particularly for my specialtiesreading, writing, and test preparation. Due to my love of both learning and helping others, I am currently beginning a graduate degree in social work that will allow me to both expand my education and aid a greater amount of people. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and writing;...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Psychology and Plan II Honors
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +50 subjects
Lucianna: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...to question how languages work in the brain. I also have found that I enjoy teaching languages; especially English as a second language (ESL). When I teach I always think about ways to code switch and how my interlocutor may be thinking about the English language based on their first language. One way I teach to students is is by understanding their first language and their process of thinking. I truly enjoy teaching and mentoring...
Education & Certification
- Drew University - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- +45 subjects
Toni: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...my teacher certification through the American Montessori Society (AMS). I am comfortable with a variety of learning styles and enjoy using different approaches to help a student understand material. One of the most enjoyable things to me about teaching is the ability to give a student confidence in themselves by building upon their knowledge, providing them with problem solving skills, and ensuring their understanding of concepts. Education is a strong passion of mine, but I...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Irvine - Bachelors, Psychology and Social Behavior
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Summer
- Elementary School Math
- +17 subjects
Virginia: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...addition, I have tutored in reading and coached speaking events. Most of my experience in education has been working with struggling learners. My favorite story to tell is about a student I met in middle school who was in a special education math class. She was very unsure of herself but after working with her for two years, she was able to transition into a general education math class with accommodations. She will be starting...
Education & Certification
- Texas State University-San Marcos - Bachelors, Appliied Arts & Sciences
- Texas State University-San Marcos - Masters, Educational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- College English
- +17 subjects
Beini: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
I've spent the last 15 years tutoring kids in various subjects. Some of my favorite subjects to teach are math, writing, reading, psychology and sociology. I believe that learning should be fun and presented in a way that's not only relevant to the student, but also in a way that makes them think for themselves. I look forward to making learning fun for all students who come my way!... My teaching philosophy is to build confidence in the student and have them learn to think critically. I deem a student well-versed in a subject when they're able to teach it to me, and withstand all of my questions!
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelors, Psychology and Public Health
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- +42 subjects
Ana: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...the skills, strategies, and confidence needed to become effective readers and writers. Furthermore, I believe that good study habits, organization, and communication are the foundation of academic success; I am practiced at helping students improve in these areas. When I'm not tutoring, I write and edit professionally. I am creative, persistent, and flexible, and I have the experience and ability necessary to help you reach your academic goals. I look forward to working with you!
Education & Certification
- Colorado College - Bachelors, Comparative Literature: Concentration in Theatre
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- GED
- ISEE
- +158 subjects
Laura: Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...volunteered in 1st, 2nd, and 5th grade classes as well. I love helping students learn. My favorite part about teaching is helping students understand a concept that they've been struggling with by explaining it in a new way. I love teaching math, especially algebra. I also love to read in my spare time, and I strive to pass on that love of reading to my students. I enjoy helping them learn to decode and comprehend,...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Elementary School Writing
- +24 subjects
Mia : Austin SSAT test prep instructor
...Thailand. My teacher certifications are in General Education, Special education, and English as a Second Language. I also have a Masters Degree in Education Administration and Leadership. I received my Bachelor's from Texas State University, Teaching Certificates through Huston-Tillotson University, and Master's Degree from Capella University. I have taught 3rd grade for 16 years, and one-year as a 4th grade Science and Social Studies teacher. My philosophy of education is that all students can learn....
Education & Certification
- Huston Tillotson - Bachelor of Science, Education
- Capella University - Masters, Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- STAAR
- ISEE
- +42 subjects