If you have a student getting ready to apply to private schools, Varsity Tutors can provide SSAT support with a Houston SSAT prep course. The SSAT is used by private school admissions boards for a range of ages, from 3rd-graders applying as they enter 4th grade all the way to 11th-graders applying to enter private school for their 12th-grade year. This means that the exact structure and content of the test varies depending on the grade level of your student, but there are certain touchstones that remain constant for all ages. No matter the grade level of your student, or where they are in their SSAT prep, Varsity Tutors can provide a course to fit their needs and schedule, with accessible online courses that can accommodate diverse needs.
What sort of content will a Houston SSAT class cover?
The SSAT, or Secondary School Admission Test, is divided into three levels, depending on the age of the student. Students entering the 4th or 5th grades will take the Elementary Level Test, while students entering grades 6 through 8 will take the Middle Level test. For 9th through 12th grade admissions, students will take the Upper Level version of the SSAT. Let's spend some time looking at the details of the test, and what a Houston SSAT course will cover depending on the grade level of your student. As the SSAT changes in duration and structure depending on the level of the test, the test your student takes may differ from the order detailed, but this can serve as a guide to the general nature of the test.
First, the Quantitative section of the test. This section will test students on general mathematics as is appropriate to their grade level. For the Elementary Level test, your student will be asked to demonstrate a basic knowledge of math, using concepts like arithmetic, place value, fractions, and measurement skills. At the Middle Level, questions will cover basic algebra concepts, data analysis skills, and geometric principles like area and perimeters of shapes. The Upper Level is similar, but demands a higher level of knowledge of these concepts. So, for example, while the Middle Level might ask students to show basic algebra using variables, the Upper Level might instead ask for students to understand how these equations can be used to plot lines.
Second is the Reading section. For Elementary Level students, this section will mean reading short passages and answering questions about the general ideas in the passages, as well as being able to understand the difference between literal and figurative language. At the Middle Level, students will be asked to answer questions about what sort of information can be inferred from passages, how context affects words, and what can be determined from the tone of the author's writing. For the Upper Level, students will read more complex passages from literary fiction, as well as nonfiction works in the humanities and sciences, and will have to infer information, understand authorial intent, and evaluate the arguments of a passage.
Third up is the Verbal section. The Elementary Level of this part of the SSAT will ask students to understand synonyms and demonstrate an age-appropriate vocabulary. The Middle Level test will cover synonyms and analogies, and will ask students to understand the roots of words and how words are related to each other. At the Upper Level, students will have to additionally show knowledge of Latin, Greek, and Anglo-Saxon suffixes and prefixes, understand antonyms, and use context to determine the meaning of phrases.
Last is the Writing section. This section is not scored, but your student's work here be submitted to schools as an example of their writing skills. Elementary Level students will be given a picture prompt and be asked to write a simple story with a beginning, middle, and end. Schools will be looking for an understanding of spelling, grammar, and punctuation. For Middle Level students, the Writing section will provide two creative prompts that students can choose between and will base a story upon. Here, students will be expected to be able to structure a written story and will have to show skill in English writing mechanics. For the Upper Level test, students will again be provided with two prompts, but one will be for a creative story, and the other will be for an essay. Students can choose which they'd prefer to write. Admissions boards will be reading for English mechanical skill, but also for the persuasive abilities of your student's writing, and their skill in structuring and supporting their work.
How will a Houston SSAT course help my student prepare?
We know you and your student may have full schedules. That's why a Houston SSAT course is taught in a live virtual classroom led by a knowledgeable instructor. The flexibility of an online course should not be understated; over the internet, commute times can be instantaneous, and there are a range of class times to pick from. Your student will interact with their teacher and classmates just as if they were sitting around a table together, participating in group discussions where they'll be able to see and speak with other students getting ready for the SSAT. Group learning has been proven to increase students' ability to learn and retain new information, and can be a useful tool in getting your student ready for the test.
Of course, there are definite advantages to one-on-one instruction as well, which is why a Houston SSAT course allows students to reserve time with their teacher to go over difficult material privately. These courses have been specially designed so that they can help your student pursue success on the SSAT to the best of their ability. The course will cover content material and can also help your student get familiar with the structure and expectations of this sort of standardized test, and can build up their confidence and test-taking skills.
What can I do to get signed up for a Houston SSAT class?
Although the SSAT can be a challenging obstacle standing between your student and admission to a private school, it can also be an opportunity to develop skills that may continue to improve their academic prospects for years to come. Standardized testing, as well as testing more generally, is an important part of scholastic life. No matter the grade level of your student, strong content area knowledge combined with test-taking skills can be a powerful tool to get a leg up on the competition. Contact Varsity Tutors today and we'll be able to provide you with more information about our course offerings, and can get your student set up with a course that can point them towards success in private school.
Mathilde: Houston SSAT course instructor
...goals, as demonstrated by my experience leading a student-run business, mentoring employees and peers, and managing the HR department of a restaurant group. The importance of active listening and clear communication while tutoring is paramount to my teaching philosophy. My goal is to help your student realize their strengths. As a Linguistics major, much of my academic career focused on studying and understanding the nuances of English and French in both reading and writing, though...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelors, Linguistics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- TACHS
- PSAT
- +67 subjects
Sarah: Houston SSAT course instructor
...the gaps and make learning fun and lasting. Everyone can be a math person, everyone can love grammar, everyone can write a stellar paper. Every student is different, and every student can achieve success. In my free time I love running (I'm training for my second half marathon!), reading and watching documentaries. I am an avid traveler, and just completed my goal of visiting 25% of the world's countries. I am an enthusiastic person, and...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Bachelor in Arts, Art History
- American University of Paris - Master of Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- ISEE
- English
- +17 subjects
Madeline: Houston SSAT course instructor
...a lot of time around children and I have spent a good amount of time teaching as well. I want all students that I tutor to feel comfortable when I am tutoring them and I believe all students have the ability to improve. I am very comfortable teaching all subjects for grades up to 9th grade and, when dealing with high school courses, I love to tutor most math and science courses including many AP...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- STAAR EOC
- CLEP
- +117 subjects
Alexandra: Houston SSAT course instructor
...History, Spanish, and Government/Social Studies. Through my experiences helping struggling students and peers, I have realized the value of adaptability. Most people reach out to a tutor because the traditional classroom method is not best suited for their learning needs. There is nothing more joyful than when a student finally understands the material in a way that makes sense to them. Many times, students need flexibility and patience in order to grasp a foreign concept....
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- GED
- ACT
- +308 subjects
Megan: Houston SSAT course instructor
...supplemental instructor for chemistry students, which made me passionate about tutoring and teaching beyond Baylor. I love seeing the "Ah-Ha" moment in students and helping them reach their academic goals. Learning should be exciting and stimulating, and I am here to facilitate that experience. My tutoring interests are mostly focused on Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Test Prep. Outside of academia, I am involved in pediatrics research, local volunteering, and spending time with...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT 4-Week Prep Class
- CogAT
- SHSAT
- +49 subjects
Patrick: Houston SSAT course instructor
I firmly believe that every student has the ability to achieve greatness. Any advice, word of encouragement, or assistance I can provide towards the student maximizing his/her potential makes the investment worthwhile. I was fortunate to get help along the way; why not turn around and do the same for others?!... "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."... Introduce myself, ask the student what s/he thinks s/he needs help with, and give the student a few problems to solve.
Education & Certification
- LeTourneau University - Bachelors, Electrical Engineering
- LeTourneau University - Masters, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- ASVAB
- +201 subjects
KC: Houston SSAT course instructor
...because when students know that I believe in them, they begin to feel that they are capable of overcoming their academic and other challenges. I love all kinds of cultures and religions, and I am fascinated by learning about and from people. I believe in learning from my students as I work with them to meet their needs. Outside of academia, I enjoy trying different cuisines and exploring art and cultural events, including visiting museums,...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology; Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +57 subjects
Kristina: Houston SSAT course instructor
...about the grades, I like to make things interesting and even fun (believe it or not) in the hope that students actually start to enjoy learning. I can tailor the lessons around what the student wants, whether it be grasping the basics, explanations of complex concepts or going through exam questions. I try to understand the preferred learning style of all my students so that they are able to remain engaged and learn in a...
Education & Certification
- Texas Southern University - Bachelor of Science, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- STAAR EOC
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +32 subjects
Amy: Houston SSAT course instructor
...Texas State University (now a member of the Texas A&M system), and have lived most of my life in Texas. I spent 6 years in Denver, CO, and really do miss the mountains sometimes. Students will find in me a guide who can quickly assess their personal learning styles, strengths and challenges, and formulate a teaching plan to help them reach their goals effectively and efficiently. With my teaching style, I will rarely, if ever,...
Education & Certification
- Texas A & M University-Commerce - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- +19 subjects
Kimberla: Houston SSAT course instructor
...Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education four years later. I eventually acquired a Masters in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College. I've taught grades K-6 as a full time classroom teacher in Michigan, Arkansas, and Texas. I've taught online to Ohio and two different countries. I worked as a math specialist for two years of my career. I've also worked as a scorer for standardized tests in math and writing. I opened my own...
Education & Certification
- Wayne State University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
- Marygrove College - Master of Arts, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE-Lower Level Reading Comprehension
- Robust Reading Class
- +21 subjects
Malcolm: Houston SSAT course instructor
...a junior at Rice University, majoring in biochemistry and cell biology. I am particularly interested in tutoring math, science, writing, and test preparation. I have a strong background in tutoring over many years, and I am very comfortable working with many different kinds of students. My goal is not only to ensure success in the classroom today but to equip my students with lifelong skills that will help them to be successful in the future.
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- ISEE
- HSPT
- +42 subjects
Education & Certification
- Florida International University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Elementary School Math
- +26 subjects
Witchel: Houston SSAT course instructor
I'm Witchel, a social media specialist who specializes in online marketing and websites and tutoring! I also have a B.S. from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and am part of Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity Inc. I'm also patient and love to learn, even from you perhaps. I have a funny way of connecting with people, leaving a lasting impression.
Education & Certification
- University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth - Bachelor of Science, Marketing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- GED
- +63 subjects
Jorgelina: Houston SSAT course instructor
...implemented two different bilingual programs, "Regular Bilingual Classroom" and "Two-Way Dual Language." I have worked with students who functioned below, on, and above grade level. I have been very successful at meeting diverse students' needs by facilitating different learning strategies, offering individualized support, encouraging critical thinking, and integrating a variety of resources. Teaching in a bilingual classroom is challenging and motivating for any educator. Bilingual students are in need of special care and attention in...
Education & Certification
- American College of Education - Bachelors, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- +21 subjects
Connie: Houston SSAT course instructor
...Elementary or Middle School Math and College Psychology and just about any grade or course in Special Education. I use an abundance of techniques from mnemonic strategies to games, tricks, reverse teaching, and so forth until I find what works for the student ! I believe everyone can learn if given a chance. I have had much success not only in teaching my students to pass their courses but in preparing them and helping them...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelors, Psychology
- Sam Houston State University - Masters, Counseling Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- TOEFL
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +29 subjects
Robert: Houston SSAT course instructor
...advanced degree in theoretical chemistry, and I'm currently a high school math teacher. In my graduate program, I taught small-sized undergraduate courses. I also have experience tutoring undergraduates and high school students one-on-one. After experiencing both, I believe a learning is much easier to facilitate in a one-on-one or small group setting. In this setting, I can observe how a student thinks and tailor my teaching style in a way that would most benefit the...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston - Bachelors, Chemistry/Math
- University of Houston - Masters, Theoretical Chemical Physics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- CLEP
- HSPT
- +53 subjects
Giovanna: Houston SSAT course instructor
...I gained a great deal of tutoring experience during my time with the Penn Tutoring Center, where I tutored Cognitive Science and French. After graduation, I served as a Community Relations Coordinator at Success Academy for two years, during which I was able to practice my elementary school tutoring skills. Since I applied to 16 universities, I also have plenty of college application experience! Additionally, I am a native Spanish speaker and I am currently...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Cognitive Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +79 subjects
Lise: Houston SSAT course instructor
...years of teaching I have helped dyslexia students, special education students, ESL students and college students become better readers and writers. I am Texas state certified in English Language Arts, English as a Second Language, and Special Education. I am an adjunct English professor at HCC. I have a bachelor's and master's degree, both in the arts. Since I love learning I have always studied several subjects at the same time. My areas of study...
Education & Certification
- York University Toronto Canada - Bachelor in Arts, English
- York University Toronto Canada - Master of Arts, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- OLSAT
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- +101 subjects
Education & Certification
- Universite de Thies - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Hospitality Administration and Management
- Northern Kentucky University - Master of Arts, Hospitality Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- A Level
- French 1
- +23 subjects
Leslie: Houston SSAT course instructor
...Texas A&M University, I fully understand the commitment to and importance of education and closing achievement gaps. During my entire career in education, I was given many opportunities. I served as Mathematics/Science Education instructor on the post secondary level, did consulting specializing in supplemental education solutions for Mathematics, Science, and STEM, taught and tutored within schools, and lead a district charter managing multiple campuses. Although my work experience has been mostly face to face, with...
Education & Certification
- Prairie View A & M University - Bachelors, Math
- The Texas A&M University System Office - PHD, Math Ed
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACCUPLACER
- SAT
- ACT
- +54 subjects