Are you looking for professional Chicago SSAT prep for your child in Chicago? If you are trying to get your child accepted into a specific private or independent school in the Chicago area, the school may take a look at your child's SSAT scores. This test can have an impact on whether they get accepted by the admission board or not.
The SSAT is a standardized test that is designed to measure basic skills and comprehension in reading, writing, science, and math. There are three different levels of the SSAT. The grade your child is entering will determine which level of the SSAT will be administered to them. The Elementary Level will be taken if your child is going into the fourth or fifth grade. The Middle Level will be taken if your child is going into the sixth, seventh, or eighth grade. The Upper Level will be taken by students going into any grade of high school.
What will the SSAT be like?
As mentioned, there will be three different levels of the SSAT. They are similar in nature, but there are certain differences. For example, in the Elementary Level SSAT, students will not receive any penalties for incorrect answers. Thus, it is better to guess than to leave an answer blank. On the hand, the other levels of the SSAT are a bit more tricky. On the Middle Level and the Upper Level of the SSAT, students will receive a small penalty (the deduction of a quarter of a point) for an incorrect answer, while they will get an entire point for a correct answer. On the other hand, you will not receive any penalties for questions that are left blank.
The Elementary Level of the SSAT will have a Quantitative section with 30 questions, a Verbal section with 30 questions, a Reading section with 28 questions, a Writing Sample with a single prompt, and an Experimental section with 15 to 17 questions, which will be unscored. All sections will have a time limit of half an hour, other than the Writing Sample and Experimental sections, which will last for 15 minutes.
Both the Middle Level and the Upper Level of the SSAT will have a Writing Sample with one prompt, a Quantitative 1 section with 25 questions, a Reading section with 40 questions, a Verbal section with 60 questions, a Quantitative 2 section with 25 questions, and an unscored Experimental section with 16 questions. Students will have 25 minutes for the Writing Sample, 30 minutes for the Quantitative 1 section, 40 minutes for the Reading section, 30 minutes for the Verbal section, 30 minutes for the Quantitative 2 section, and 15 minutes for the Experimental section.
Keep in mind that the Writing Sample on each level is not going to be scored. Instead, it will be sent to the school's admission board, and they will be able to make their own conclusions based on the writing style and skills that are present in the essay.
All students will be tested on basic skills such as reading comprehension, basic knowledge of math and science, verbal reasoning skills, and more.
What kind of Chicago SSAT prep can my child get?
There are two kinds of SSAT preparation that you can get for your child. Some children will benefit greatly from taking a Chicago SSAT prep course. These courses take place over the internet, and they will give your child the opportunity to study with an experienced instructor who can work with the students in the class to create a study environment in which helpful discussions take place.
Taking a Chicago SSAT prep class will give your child the opportunity to make sure that there are no holes in their knowledge. The instructor can go over all sections of the test. This way, your child will have a chance to review everything that they learned in school, which can help jog their memory and make them more likely to remember important things on the day of the test.
Many students will find that they feel more comfortable when they study with a private Chicago SSAT tutor. Some children may become shy and anxious in a group environment and may be hesitant to ask important questions for which they do not know the answer. Learning with a private instructor can help them take more risks, such as asking those questions. This can help them to understand the subject matter better.
A private educational mentor can come to understand the pace of study that works best for your child. This way, they can devise study sessions that progress at that particular pace. In addition, the private educational instructor can develop a rapport with your child. They can even introduce interesting study material and resources so that your child will start to look forward to the study sessions.
A private educational mentor can present the study materials to your child in a fun and interesting manner as well. The instructor can even give your child some test-taking advice, such as what to do if they are unsure of the answer to a question. As mentioned, this will depend on which level of the SSAT they are taking. For the Elementary Level, there will be no penalties for questions that have incorrect answers, so the tutor can advise your child to take their best guess and go back to the question if they have time in the end.
Another option is getting private mentoring for your child while enrolling them in a study course at the same time. These courses can be taken over the course of either two or four weeks.
How can I get my child started with Chicago SSAT prep?
If you are looking for professional Chicago SSAT preparation help for your child in Chicago, all you need to do is get in touch with Varsity Tutors. We can connect you with a private educational mentor who can study with your child one-one or get your child enrolled in the next SSAT class. There is a new class starting every week, so your child can get started right away.
Prahith: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
I am a classroom teacher who has spent the last ten years tutoring/educating students with a variety of learning needs. I specialize in figuring out what specific learning strategies work for different students. I can help you go from good to great as I have consistently scored in the 99th percentile for several graduate school tests. ... It is more important that students learn how to solve problems rather than just memorizing facts or formulas. All students are smart in their own way and, teaching should be catered to how students best understand. Ultimately students should understand why what they are learning is important.
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Bachelors, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SHSAT
- GED
- +103 subjects
David: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...learn and achieve success. One-on-one tutoring is an effective technique, particularly for explaining and modeling math, and I enjoy seeing students attitudes toward school brighten when they see immediate progress in their work. As a writing tutor, I like to focus on helping students find their authentic voice. Essays succeed when students strip away the extraneous material and present themselves and their ideas honestly, and I think with a little coaching any student can be...
Education & Certification
- Drake University - Bachelor of Science, Education, History
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISAT
- PSAT
- HSPT
- +37 subjects
Daniel: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...the middle school and high-school level, I have learned the significance of building a classroom community in which I model my all of my expectations clearly and concretely. I know the essentialism of clarity and structure for all students, including adolescents, who all have unique learning styles. My experience in the Learning Center has fostered greater ability to develop clearer directions, clearer expectations, and to be able to more strongly model what I wanted my...
Education & Certification
- Lake Forest College - Bachelor in Arts, Education and History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- SAT
- +52 subjects
Katelynn: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
With over five years of experience with tutoring, I have the skills to help your child succeed in school. Students that work with me have improved grades and increased confidence in their academic abilities. I offer individualized lessons that accommodate each student's learning style. We will work together to identify specific academic goals and create a customized learning plan to achieve those goals. ... I believe every student has the ability to succeed academically. I provide dynamic and engaging instruction so learning becomes an enjoyable experience.
Education & Certification
- University of Central Florida - Bachelors, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- GED
- +64 subjects
Gregory: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
empty... Relaxed and accommodating, but direct and impact-driven.... Get to know their background and the best way they retain information.... Provide self-prep materials, and evaluate their performance.... Show impact of results and progress.... Find alternative approaches, and practice.... Help them practice reading and understand main concepts.... Give them effective instruction, but also time.... Provide fun examples or real-life applications.... Asking questions throughout teaching the session.... With conversation about the subject and practice-test results.... What is their most effective way of learning, and what are their biggest struggles and strengths?
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- HSPT
- +38 subjects
Adrianne: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...younger students. My students have included special education, gifted, English Language Learners, music/arts students and students with disabilities. I have tutored math up to Calculus AP; English Writing, Reading Comprehension and College Essay instruction; Science through AP Physics; and test preparation for GRE, ACT, SAT as well as state-mandated tests in Illinois and Michigan. Finally, I majored in and am pursuing a Master's Degree in the field of social science. The Master's in Education program...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan - Bachelors, Social Science, Latin American Studies
- DePaul University - Masters in Education, Bilingual Education/Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISAT
- PSAT
- +67 subjects
Jasmine: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...parents, tutors, regular teachers, and other members of a student's support system come together to ensure the student's academic and personal needs are met. To learn more about this process and to build upon the assistance I can offer students, I will be a Master of Social Work (A.M.) candidate at The University of Chicago, starting in September 2014. When I am not with a student or prepping for a tutorial during my full-time weekday...
Education & Certification
- The University of Chicago - Associates, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- FCAT 2.0
- +40 subjects
Rebecca: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...I was a teaching assistant for the Introduction to Engineering class. I enjoyed working with the students and seeing them master the material over the course of the semester. Professionally, I have worked both as a programmer and as a marketer. I believe my greatest strengths are in teaching math and helping students prepare for standardized tests, including the GMAT. In my spare time, I enjoy cross country skiing, cooking, trying new restaurants, and finishing...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelors, Computer Science, Theology
- University of Notre Dame - Masters in Business Administration, Marketing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- Summer
- +39 subjects
Rebecca: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. I am passionate about tutoring because I want everyone to be able 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,...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- +53 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, Zoology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Test Prep
- Environmental Science
- Life Sciences
- +17 subjects
Cassie: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...Arts is centered around culturally responsive teaching. I am passionate about helping students because I believe that youth should be empowered to explore, experiment, and discover in ways that meet their needs. My teaching experience ranges across a diverse group of learners. Most of my experience is in Middle and High School as I engaged in service learning and practicums through my university in those placements. However, I have also worked with Elementary School learners...
Education & Certification
- Michigan State University - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- +29 subjects
Amanda: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...working with children, both in and out of the classroom, I have learned many things. However, two main things have stood out more than anything else. The first thing would be that flexibility is the key to success. The second thing would be that if at first you don't succeed, try again using a different method. There are nine different learning styles for a reason, and I pride myself on trying my best to recognize...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern Illinois University - Bachelors, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Test Prep
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +19 subjects
Anne: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...all levels and history, literature and philosophy to high school students in Guadalajara, Mexico. Also, I was an editor for a high school English Composition Class. This involved reading the assigned topics along with the students, helping them form their thesis statements and then assisting them in writing a high quality essay. Many of my students used their work as part of the entrance requirements to colleges and universities in the United States. My philosophy...
Education & Certification
- Lake Forest College - Bachelor in Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +62 subjects
Haley: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...school she enjoyed studying a wide range of topics, such as Religion, Spanish, and (her true love) Theatre. Haley pursued this love after graduating from college, touring with multiple children's theatre companies, and teaching theatre to and performing for young people across the country. After her tours Haley spent two years in New York City acting and tutoring, but in 2018 she relocated to Chicago in search of a change of pace-- and more trees....
Education & Certification
- Cornell College - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TACHS
- SHSAT
- ISEE
- +47 subjects
Brigette: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...certified teacher, with endorsements in French and Learning and Behavior. My passions lie in reading and writing, but I love teaching all subjects. I am currently a 6th grade Learning and Behavior Specialist at a Chicago Public School. I've previously taught in preschool, third, fourth, and fifth grades. I am familiar with a variety of curriculums for all subjects including Everyday Math, Go Math, Connected Math, TouchMath, Envision Math, Lucy Caulkins Writing Program, Wilson Reading...
Education & Certification
- Cornell College - Bachelors, Elementary Education and French
- University of St Francis - Current Grad Student, Learning and Behavior Specialist
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PARCC
- ISEE
- +29 subjects
Sana: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...I have gained a particular interest in educating students struggling with some of the academic areas I struggled with in their place not long ago. By doing so, I have been open to the beautiful opportunities of connecting with others positively to help them in their education. I have been an online tutor for over three years, teaching subjects ranging from elementary basics to middle school math to high school essays! My favorite subject to...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SHSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +68 subjects
Kelley: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...and I have dedicated my life to teaching special needs students for the past 20 years. It is my belief that all children can learn with the proper structure, motivation and learning techniques. Customizing lessons to meet the needs of my students is what I am all about. If given the opportunity to work with a student, I know that I can bring out the best in them through interesting lessons and learning styles methods.
Education & Certification
- Chicago State University - Bachelor in Arts, Digital Arts
- University of Phoenix-Online Campus - Master of Arts, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ACT
- PSAT
- +16 subjects
Craig: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...adapting my teaching style to better meet the learning needs of each individual. Academically, I have a bachelor's in education (teacher certified) and history from Hope College, a master's in teaching from the George Washington University, and I am currently earning my Ph.D. in urban education policy studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Professionally, I have worked in various educational institutions including Chicago Public Schools, Adler Planetarium, The Field Museum, and the Smithsonian...
Education & Certification
- Hope College - Bachelor in Arts, Education and History
- George Washington University - Master of Arts Teaching, Museum Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- ISAT
- +34 subjects
Emily: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...way of that connection and leading students to their own version of success. I've worked across various sectors and have always maintained a love for one-on-one teaching, especially working with children and teaching languages. My experience includes living, working, and traveling abroad, and I rely on this intercultural perspective when presenting language and social studies lessons. I am particularly adept at grammar, editing, and writing and can help students in the early phases of learning...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelors, 1) Spanish 2) History
- The New School - Masters, 1) International Affairs 2) Environmental Policy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Test in Spanish with Listening
- +42 subjects
Molly: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...units of study. In each lesson, I use a variety of methods - stories, games, worksheets, writing, manipulative activities, etc. - to ensure (1) a deep understanding of academic content and (2) an engaging, fun, authentic interaction with each subject area. Likewise, as a Teacher and Tutor, I focus on problem solving; developing real, concrete skills and strategies that students can put into their mental "toolboxes" for times that they are tasked with real world...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- MAP
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +111 subjects