If your student is considering taking the SSAT, it may be helpful to contact Varsity Tutors and enroll your student in a Cleveland SSAT class. The SSAT is a standardized test that is used by many private and independent schools as a part of their admissions process. The test is designed to measure a student's verbal, math, and reading skills. All of these skills are considered predictors as to whether a student will perform well in a private or independent school. As such, if you want your student to attend a private or independent school, they may need to perform well on the SSAT to boost their chances.
The SSAT is divided into three different levels based on grade level, which includes an Elementary, Middle, and Upper Level. The three levels are similar in some regards. One similarity is that they all feature the same four sections, including Writing, Quantitative, Verbal, and Reading. Additionally, students are not allowed to use a calculator on the Quantitative section on any of the three levels. Finally, the Writing Sample is not graded on any of the three levels. However, it is still a good idea for your student to do their best on this section because it will be submitted to any school they apply to.
In terms of differences, the Elementary Level test has 89 questions, while the Upper and Middle Level tests have 167 questions. Additionally, the material on the different levels varies based on the age group taking the test. One of the biggest differences between the different levels is the way that they're scored. On the Middle and Upper Levels, it is not a good idea for students to guess because they will lose one-quarter of a point for each question they answer incorrectly. However, they will not lose points for leaving a question blank. On the Elementary Level tests, students can feel free to guess if they're not sure about an answer because they won't be penalized for answering questions incorrectly.
What can a Cleveland SSAT class help my student review?
There are many different areas where a Cleveland SSAT class can help your student review. One area where an instructor can help is with the Quantitative Section on the Elementary Level test, which contains 30 questions. Students are given 30 minutes to complete the section, which is focused on basic math skills. It specifically covers probability, measurement, and number sense, among other topics. It may be helpful for your student to be comfortable with division, multiplication, subtraction, and addition for this section of the test.
The Quantitative Section on the Middle and Upper Levels of the test also covers math-related topics, but they contain 50 questions and students will be given 60 minutes to finish it. In terms of topics, both sections cover algebra, arithmetic, and geometry. The main difference between the two levels is that the Middle Level is more focused on mean, median, and range while the Upper Level is more focused on word problems and graphing skills.
The Verbal Section of the Elementary Level test contains 30 questions and students have 30 minutes to finish it. This section focuses on English. It specifically examines students' ability to understand the English language and how well they understand the relationship between different words. It may be helpful for students to have a firm grasp on vocabulary words across a variety of different subject areas for this section.
The Verbal Section on the Upper and Middle Level tests also focus on English, but they contain 60 questions that students are given 30 minutes to finish. This section primarily focuses on analogies and synonyms with the main difference between the levels being that the Upper Level places more of an emphasis on prefixes and suffixes.
The Reading Section on the Elementary Level test is concerned with reading comprehension and it contains 28 questions that students will have 30 minutes to finish. This section requires students to read through passages and answer questions in which identify the main idea of the passage and determine the meaning of words based on context.
The Reading Section on the Middle and Upper Level tests also covers reading comprehension, but they contain 40 questions that students are given 40 minutes to complete. This section requires students to read through both narrative and argumentative passages. In order to do well on this section, it may be useful for students to be able to understand and evaluate arguments and opinions.
Finally, the Writing Sample section on the Elementary Level test has students write a story based on a picture that is provided on the test. The story must have a beginning, middle, and end and students are being tested on their ability to organize a story. The Upper and Middle Level tests have students choose between two different writing prompts for this section. The Middle Level has them choose between two different creative prompts while the Upper Level test gives students the option between a creative and narrative essay.
How can a Cleveland SSAT course help my student prepare?
A Cleveland SSAT course is designed to be as similar as possible to a regular classroom experience. As such, your student will be working with an instructor and other students. Working with an instructor can be helpful because they can help guide your student through the material they may need to know for the test. Working with other students could prove valuable because it offers your student the chance to participate in group activities and group discussions.
How can I find a Cleveland SSAT prep course for my student?
Finding a Cleveland SSAT prep course is as simple as contacting Varsity Tutors either online or over the phone. You can enroll your student in either a two-week or four-week course based on your student's needs. One of the benefits of enrolling your student in a Cleveland SSAT prep course is that your student can take the course online. As such, you won't need to drive them to yet another activity because they can simply take the course online at your house.
Jeanne: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...sure they feel comfortable and realize that I too went through the stressful process of school, whether it be junior high, high school, or college. When I am not working or in school, I really value my free time. I enjoy crafting and sewing, and am working on dresses and earrings. I love watching documentaries and listening to podcasts. I like reading a lot of nonfiction, particularly sociology and science, whether it be books or...
Education & Certification
- Case Western Reserve University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- HSPT
- +45 subjects
Peter: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...a proven track record of taking that experience and applying it to boost both students' test scores and their true understanding of the material. I have 3 years experience as a classroom teacher in a range of environments, along with 3 years tutoring experience. I have current teaching licenses in both Ohio and Maryland for grades 7-12 mathematics, although I am eager to expand my tutoring horizons! I have helped students succeed in math from...
Education & Certification
- Case Western Reserve University - Bachelor in Arts, Theater
- John Carroll University - Masters in Education, 7-12 Mathematics Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- STAAR EOC
- ACT
- +132 subjects
Ben : Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...having just gone through the college admissions process, I am privy to its length and complexity so can lend advice on anything, namely essays. I have plenty of experience writing and have been published in a local newspaper. While I think math is the easiest subject for me to teach, writing and writing skills are my favorite to teach because to see a writers progress is an extraordinary sight and, further, challenge.... Play to the student's strengths. For the math-oriented student, linguistic problems should be explained in terms of a formula. For the linguistics-oriented student, math problems should be explained in terms of their readability. Subjects aren't as regimented as they may seem.
Education & Certification
- Kenyon College - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +137 subjects
Benjamin: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
An educator that understands that each student learns differently, socializes differently, and learns at a different pace. A teacher who understands that the mission of educators and students is to collaboratively develop thoughts and minds that lead to healthy socialization, and academic success.... To be a great educator, one must know how to tailor the curriculum to the individual student. It is the educator's job to identify why some students struggle, and to then implement effective strategies to get students over their learning obstacles.
Education & Certification
- Cleveland State University - Bachelors, History
- Cleveland State University - Masters, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PARCC
- ISEE
- Elementary Math
- +16 subjects
Sanaa: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
My overall philosophy of teaching is simple: I hope to make the students whom I interact with more curious and interested in the biological sciences, through storytelling and engaged learning. My emphasis is that Science is exciting, dynamic, and fun, not dull dry textbook!
Education & Certification
- Saint Josephs University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Sciences
- Cleveland State University - Doctor of Philosophy, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +92 subjects
Patrick: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...who tutors and writes and who has had decades of success motivating and preparing people for a range of tests and tasks. I also walk/jog 50-plus miles a week, do yoga, and exercise my critical thinking skills regularly. My students since 1979 have ranged from middle school urban and rural to university level juniors and seniors. While I spent almost ten years teaching higher ed. English Composition, Literature, and Research, the majority of my teaching...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of Florida - Master of Arts, English Composition
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- California Proficiency Program (CPP)
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- +104 subjects
Patricia: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Miami University (OH) and a Master's degree in Curriculum Instruction with an Ohio Reading Endorsement Certification from Cleveland State University. During my teaching experience, I had the opportunity to be my school's coordinator of the Ohio Reads funded, H.O.S.T.S. (Help One Student To Succeed) Tutoring/Mentoring Program. My duties involved training community/business volunteers on how to tutor our students in reading and math. and how to mentor...
Education & Certification
- Miami University-Oxford - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
- Cleveland State University - Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE- Lower Level
- Other
- +30 subjects
Mohammed: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...anatomy & physiology and I also tutor K-12 and am comfortable tutoring high school science courses. I tutor with patience, kindness and understanding. I have about 4.5 years of tutoring experience working with many different students and subjects. My approach is focusing on the student's well-being while tutoring. If a student is not doing well mentally, then they will struggle in various subjects. I am also a Certified Crisis Counselor, and that has also helped...
Education & Certification
- Cleveland State University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- UK A Level
- ACT
- +61 subjects
Dave: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
I have worked as a teacher at home and abroad in schools for 20 years. I also have five years of experience with online teaching. I have graduate degrees in General Education, meaning I like to learn about various subjects. We all should be lifelong learners. To learn a lot, we must be efficient in the way we learn and in setting priorities.
Education & Certification
- Baldwin-Wallace College - Bachelor of Science, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
- University of Dayton - Master of Science, Educational Administration
- Catholic University of America - Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- ACT
- English
- +42 subjects
Stephanie: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...a right to have an education that is catered to them. I want to see all children succeed in learning. By creating a safe and fun learning environment students are able to one be comfortable with learning but also to enjoy learning. By creating fun and creative ways for students to learn you are able to achieve this. I have always loved working with students and want to see them love learning.... My philosophy is that all students deserve a differentiated instructional approach. All students should be learning their strengths and building upon those. All students do not learn the same and it is important that you are teaching to the student.
Education & Certification
- Bowling Green State University-Main Campus - Bachelors, Early Childhood Education
- Bowling Green State University-Main Campus - Current Grad Student, Reading
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- ISEE
- Phonics
- +16 subjects
Katie: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
Hello! I'm Katie and I currently teach second grade, and absolutely love it! I have two teaching licenses in both Wisconsin and Ohio, and am licensed to teach grades preschool through eighth grade. I have also taught fourth and fifth grade, and have experience with tutoring middle school students as well as introductory math courses to college students.
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh - Bachelor of Education, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- MAP
- Essay Editing
- Test Prep
- +25 subjects
Lisa: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...individual pace. I enjoy the specialized attention I am able to give my students in a tutoring setting. We accomplish goals much quicker when lessons can be personalized and interruptions are non existent. My career spans from the collegiate level as a certified Reading Specialist to experience as an elementary teacher for grades K- 8 . It is personally fulfilling to work with both college level and school age learners. Additionally, I specialize in the...
Education & Certification
- Wittenberg University - Bachelors, Sociology
- Baldwin-Wallace College - Masters, Elementary Education with Reading Endorsement
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- TACHS
- ACT
- +101 subjects
Sarah: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...use various multimedia to assist me, including audio, visual, video clips, and construction of models. Once I acquire my master's degree, I will pursue my dream of being a college professor. I have a very student-centric approach, where I can identify the issues that the student is having and create ways to get them over the hurdle they are currently experiencing. My specialties are English, writing, proofreading, and the hard sciences (biology, physiology, neuroscience, genetics,...
Education & Certification
- University of Akron - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- HSPT
- +141 subjects
Luke: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...don't. Perhaps you or your child love learning but wish math classes weren't part of the school day. Perhaps you're used to excelling in other areas but dread walking into a math classroom. If so, don't worry. It's not your fault if you've grown to fear a subject that seems impossible to understand. I can help! My name is Luke and I am a life long learner and teacher with almost a decade of experience...
Education & Certification
- American University of Beirut - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- Pre-Calculus
- Test Prep
- +22 subjects
Carly: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...and many levels of English and math. My favorite subjects to tutor are biology and math. My teaching philosophy is one of guided practice. I find that the most effective way to teach is to give a step by step explanation, and have the student answer conceptual questions, with the ultimate intent of the student replicating the process on their own. To me, the most fulfilling moment of tutoring is reaching the "light bulb moment"...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Current Undergrad Student, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- CogAT
- +39 subjects
Bernadette: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...I enjoy tutoring because it allows me to be creative with my lessons. I also enjoy working one on one with the students to see what makes them click. My students have the ability to express themselves in different ways than they do in the classroom. As for my attributes, I am patient, flexible and determined to teach students the lessons they need to learn. I look forward to working with families now and in...
Education & Certification
- University of Akron - Bachelor in Arts, Family and Child Development
- Notre Dame College - Masters, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Phonics
- High School English
- +39 subjects
Rebecca: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...tutored many students in different age groups from elementary school to those who are adults and just need extra support. I work with these students in many different subjects including Math, English, Writing, Vocabulary, along with IT certifications, and basic computer use for both PC and MAC. I also work with students and adults in the Microsoft Office applications Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Access. Along with the age groups and subjects, I've worked with...
Education & Certification
- Eastern Gateway Community College - Associate in Science, Information Technology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- +128 subjects
Vanessa: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...in and out of the traditional classroom for over a decade. I love making teaching fun and memorable! Some of my passions in life are my children, teaching, singing, and traveling. I love seeing the joy that comes when a child learns and masters a new skill. I am a very energetic teacher, and I love making children excited about learning! My goal while teaching with Varsity Tutors is to make learning fun, enjoyable, and...
Education & Certification
- Central State University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
- Ohio State University-Main Campus - Master of Arts Teaching, Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +60 subjects
Elana: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...unit end puppet show. Math is fun when we do our fraction unit! Cutting pizza and candy bars into halves/thirds or whatever and then getting to eat it! My favorite subject to teach is writing! When I am not teaching, I am the day camp director for a country club in our area. We spend our days golfing, swimming, having martial arts, and my personal favorite, Iron Chef. I am so excited to be working...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelors, Social Work
- University of Toronto - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- PARCC
- +19 subjects
Archita: Cleveland SSAT course instructor
...but I go by Archita. I graduated cum laude from UCLA in June 2018 with a B.S. in Applied Mathematics. I can tutor a variety of subjects, but mathematics subjects and ACT/SAT prep are my specialty. My interests particularly lie in algebra and calculus based subjects. My ideology is that any student can learn anything; it's the job of the instructor to find the method that works best for the student. In my free time,...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +160 subjects