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.

Katie: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...for two years, coordinating a mentor program for first year college students, working as an academic advisor, and teaching first year experience courses to new college students, focusing on topics like time management and study skills. I understand firsthand the importance of standardized tests as students make goals for their next level of education; I am happy to help students prepare for these exams. I enjoy students of all ages and am excited to tutor...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelor in Arts, American Studies, Gender Studies
- University of Connecticut - Master of Arts, Higher Education and Student Affaris
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- ACT
- SAT
- +40 subjects

Adrianne: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...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 at...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan - Bachelors, Social Science, Latin American Studies
- DePaul University - Masters in Education, Bilingual Education/Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- ISAT
- +67 subjects

Hannah: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
I graduated from Georgia Tech majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering and Pre-teaching , and I just moved to Chicago to attend Chicago State University Pharmacy School. I have been tutoring a lot of students [K-12] in various subjects for more than ten years. ... Helping students to reach their goals.... I would talk about my background and share my past experience of studying. I also would ask what their goals are.... If they make mistakes, I would let students correct them first by themselves.
Education & Certification
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Chicago State University - PHD, Pharmacy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +33 subjects

Molly: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...tools and resources from various curricula to work with and would love to help your students in any elementary or middle school subject area. For the past three years, I have been working as a classroom Teacher in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade classrooms, teaching students with a variety of needs. I can also tutor students through high school and college in History and Spanish as I hold degrees in both subjects from Columbia University....
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- PARCC
- +111 subjects

David: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
I have tutored for many years and I have found that students may learn in different ways and all can excel. I like to present material in an engaging and relevant manner so that we can all 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...
Education & Certification
- Drake University - Bachelor of Science, Education, History
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- ASPIRE
- PSAT
- +37 subjects

Samantha: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...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 Writing portions of Standardized Tests. I love working with students and helping them realize their...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +36 subjects

Stephen: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...have tutored students of a wide variety of ages and background in a number of subjects. I have tutored middle school students in the Chicago area in Math and science and high school students in advanced Math, chemistry, writing, and helped them prepare for standardized tests for college admittance. I have also tutored adults preparing for academic proficiency tests for their jobs and with GRE prep for those interested in going to graduate school. Additionally...
Education & Certification
- Grinnell College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- +79 subjects

Rebecca: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...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, and...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- +53 subjects

Quinn: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
My main areas of speciality are French and English writing, reading, and grammar. In addition to scoring perfectly on the SAT Writing and Verbal sections, I have completed graduate-level coursework and an honors thesis at Northwestern University. Having lived and worked in Paris, France, I am capable of teaching French comprehension and structure with confidence and a great deal of experience. ... I believe strongly in assessing strengths, and using these areas of strength and confidence in a subject to master trickier concepts. Overall, mine is a confidence and positivity-based approach that encourages and facilitates my students' discoveries of answers in a way that feels less like being instructed and more like gaining mastery through their own abilities.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Performance Studies, French minor
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PARCC
- SAT
- GED
- +51 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
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- HSPT
- +38 subjects

Amy: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
I am currently a school teacher. I teach both special education and general education elementary and middle school students. I am able to break down skills in a way that children can understand. I love it when everything clicks for the student. ... My teaching philosophy is that every person can learn; it is just a matter of finding out how they learn.
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-Bloomington - Bachelors, Theatre
- National Louis University - Masters, Teaching
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SSAT- Middle Level
- Homework Support
- +18 subjects

Katie: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...scholar and honors student with a 4.0 GPA. I am extremely dedicated and hard working, and will go out of my way to ensure my students excel in whatever subject area we are working on. My interest in tutoring started in high school. I began working with students one on one before and after school. I helped with a wide variety of subjects ranging from music and writing to math and science. I've always loved...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern Illinois University - Current Undergrad, Music Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Essay Editing
- +25 subjects

Nandini: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...teaching when I became preceptor for Anatomy in undergrad. I find it to be incredibly rewarding. As I am continuing my education, tutoring is an enjoyable way for me to give back to the academic community and help other students achieve their goals! I thoroughly enjoyed learning anatomy in both undergrad and PT school, and it is definitely a strong suit of mine. I have accumulated lots of helpful learning diagrams over the years!
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- SHSAT
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Sarah: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...math and college test prep. I have a bachelor's in elementary education with endorsements in early childhood and reading and a minor in general business. I have taught eight grade, fourth grade, kindergarten and pre-school. My favorite part about teaching is watching those "aha" moments as students grasp a new or difficult concept for the first time. I enjoy working with students one-on-one to find what works best for each student to help them learn...
Education & Certification
- Drake University - Bachelors, Elementary education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- Comparative Literature
- +26 subjects

Brian: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...Linguistics and graduated from UIC with a BA in Hispanic Linguistics. I am a graduate student at UMB studying Applied Linguistics with a concentration in Foreign Language Pedagogy/Language Acquisition. I aspire to be a university professor some day. I have worked hard to be able to earn 4.0 cumulative GPAs at both COD and UIC and have received several honors and accolades that have enhanced my profession as a tutor. I have also been involved...
Education & Certification
- College of DuPage - Current Undergrad, Spanish and Italian
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- CLEP
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Robert: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...medical schools and hope to matriculate in the fall of 2017. I tutor a broad range of high school and college subjects, but my favorites by far are Spanish and chemistry. I started studying Spanish when I was 10 years old, and fell in love with the idea that suddenly I could communicate with a whole other community of people. Since becoming fluent in Spanish, I've continued to pursue my love of languages by studying...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- PSAT
- +74 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, Zoology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Algebra
- Pre-Algebra
- Science
- +17 subjects

Daniel: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...of social studies so that I can I identify my academic strengths and areas to strengthen. I find it extremely valuable to be a reflective practitioner. My consistent reflection has helped me determine the path of my Master’s Degree. My teaching and leadership experiences within the Learning Center have inspired me to obtain my Learning Behavior Specialist endorsement within my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. Teaching the content through highly effective modeling is another goal...
Education & Certification
- Lake Forest College - Bachelor in Arts, Education and History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- +52 subjects

Sasha: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...(as well as while I was in high school), and I've found that helping students see these connections vastly increases their curiosity and engagement. Cooking is probably my biggest hobby, and while it may seem unrelated to traditional academics, the topic has helped me teach about chemistry, biology, botany, ethics, sustainability, history, language, and more. It is this sort of approach that I find is most effective, highly adaptable, and enjoyable for my students and...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelors, Neuroscience and Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +63 subjects

John: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...where they are at in their learning process and help them grow. I am a current programming teacher and am especially skilled in Scratch and Python. I believe all students can be successful and achieve their goals. I have over 17 years classroom teaching experience and over 10 of those years have been teaching computer science. I have two masters degrees with one in Educational Technology, and the other in K-12 Online Teaching. I am...
Education & Certification
- Illinois State University - Bachelor of Science, Business Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- IB Economics
- Managerial Accounting
- +68 subjects