Varsity Tutors can get your student set up with comprehensive Houston SSAT prep that can fit easily into their schedule. The Secondary Schools Admission Test (SSAT) gives independent and private schools a means of assessing and comparing applicants' basic verbal, math, and reading skills. There are three levels to this exam, each one more advanced than the last. Your student's scores on this test could influence their admission to the schools they are applying to, so you may be looking into ways you could help them get the most out of their time before the exam. Let Varsity Tutors help you explore convenient and effective test review options.
What can Houston SSAT prep review?
The SSAT is administered on three levels: Elementary, Middle, and Upper. The Elementary Level SSAT is designed for third- and fourth-grade students. There are five sections: Quantitative/Math, Reading, Writing Sample, Verbal, and Experimental. The Middle Level is for 5th through 7th-grade students applying for an independent middle school while the final level of the test is for 8th to 11th-grade students. Both forms of the exam consist of six sections: Quantitative 1 and 2, Reading, Verbal, Writing Sample, and Experimental. The Experimental and Writing Sample sections for every level is unscored. The Experimental section simply tests out potential future questions for the SSAT. Let's look at the differences in each exam.
The Elementary Level SSAT has a time limit of one hour and 50 minutes. Your student will have 30 minutes on the Quantitative and Reading sections, 20 on the Verbal, and 15 on the Writing Sample and Experimental sections. This test aims to assess the knowledge they should have gained in their earlier classes, such as basic addition and subtraction, age-appropriate vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. The Writing Sample focuses on your student's ability to organize an essay from beginning to end. They will be given a photo, which they must use to create a short story.
The Middle and Upper Levels of the SSAT allow up to two hours and 50 minutes to tackle the 167-question test. This is broken down into 30 minutes on the Verbal and both Quantitative sections, 40 minutes on the Reading section, 25 on the Writing Sample, and 15 on the Experimental section.
If your student is taking the Middle Level SSAT, they will need to demonstrate an understanding of a variety of topics. They will face questions designed to assess their grasp of coordinate geometry, arguments and opinions, and logical relationships between words and ideas. The Writing Sample offers two creative essay prompts for your student to base a story upon. If your student is taking the Upper Level SSAT, the test will incorporate concepts like properties of triangles, interpretation of arguments and opinions, and root words. Your student will also write an essay or story based on one of two prompts. This assignment measures their ability to write persuasively with supporting examples.
How can my student benefit from different kinds of Houston SSAT prep?
There are two main categories of reliable SSAT prep to choose from: personal tutoring and prep classes. Depending on your student's preferences, they may benefit from one or even both options. Varsity Tutors' educational consultants can guide you toward the option that works best for your student.
There are new classes starting up every week for multiple sections of the SSAT. We can enroll your student in a Houston SSAT prep class that is led by an expert instructor who has been thoroughly vetted for experience and skill. Once enrolled, your student can log on and participate in online virtual classes in which they can interact with their peers and instructor as if they were in the same room. Since sessions are online, your student can pick a spot and learn from there.
Your student's Houston SSAT prep course can engage in group discussions that can allow them to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and skills on the exam. The instructor can explain the types of questions covered on the exam, as well as explore different strategies that can allow your student to maintain an efficient pace while they work through the test. If they are having trouble understanding something, their course instructor can set aside time to work one-on-one with your student.
Some students prefer to work in a more private environment. We can connect you with a Houston SSAT tutor who has the experience and knowledge necessary to help your student work towards their testing goals. As the only student in each study session, your student can enjoy a totally customized test review experience. Their instructor can get to know your student's learning personality and use teaching techniques that can appeal to their preferences. Your mentor can regularly assess your student's knowledge and skills to identify areas of the exam in which they have the most room to grow. As your student works, their instructor can give ongoing feedback, whether they are working through sample writing prompts or tackling a practice test. One-on-one tutoring can give your student the opportunity to gain insight into their learning needs, which they can implement in their independent study sessions.
How can my student get set up with Houston SSAT preparation?
No matter whether your student has been working to prepare for the SSAT for a while or they haven't even begun yet, Varsity Tutors can help get them set up with Houston SSAT prep that can suit their needs. Whether your student enrolls in a prep course or they work with a private instructor, this can be a great investment in their academic future. Your student can take the time to build solid test-taking and study skills that they can apply to future exams and courses.
If you're interested in finding excellent SSAT prep options that can give your student a leg up as they prepare for this exam, get in touch with Varsity Tutors. Our educational consultants are prepared to help you figure out the best test preparation method for your student.
Megan: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...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 my...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- ACT 4-Week Prep Class
- +49 subjects
Sarah: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...is to make a connection with them and bring alive pre-algebra, phonics, the questioning mechanics of the SAT - whatever the student is learning. When a connection is made, we can bridge 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...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Bachelor in Arts, Art History
- American University of Paris - Master of Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- STAAR
- Geometry
- +17 subjects
Jonathan: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...tutoring seriously in college. I began with college algebra and moved on to science courses such as chemistry, genetics, and biology. I also tutored some remedial math and english courses. No jobs other than teaching and medicine bring me everything I want in a career. I love to help others because I have benefited so much from others help in the past. My goal is to inspire a few other students to take up this...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston Downtown - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ASVAB
- +113 subjects
Velma: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about English, Reading, Grammar, Phonics, and Writing. In my experience helping struggling students prepare for Standardized Tests, we always seem to have the most fun. I want each and every child to gain the knowledge they need in order for them to excel to the next level. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, exercising, and playing with my dog Sebastian. I am looking forward...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston-Clear Lake - Bachelor of Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ACT
- ISEE
- +58 subjects
In-Chul: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
Top professional tutor with over 10 years of tutoring experience and 3 years of classroom teaching experience. I can help any student succeed no matter what parents, teachers, or other tutors say.
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Accounting and Finance
- University of Houston Law Center - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- STAAR
- FCAT 2.0
- +125 subjects
Hillary: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...Studies with a minor in Spanish back in 2012. After graduating I worked for AmeriCorps as a volunteer reading and literacy tutor in an elementary school for a year. I then moved to Houston where I obtained my Masters in Public Health with a major in health promotion and behavioral science from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. While working towards my masters, I worked as both a teaching assistant at the...
Education & Certification
- Mississippi University for Women - Bachelors, Global Studies/Spanish
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston - Masters, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- GED
- SAT
- +64 subjects
Connie: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...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 pass State and National tests. I have been told that I am a patient teacher and I like to think that is true.
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelors, Psychology
- Sam Houston State University - Masters, Counseling Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR
- +29 subjects
Michael: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...the STEM fields for college and high school students., especially Calculus, Basic Computer Science. I also tutored Essay Writing, Creative Writing, Speech in school. I graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a Bachelors in Computer Science in May 2014. My favorite subject to tutor is Spanish. I am recently ending a trip as an ESL language assistant in Seville, Spain. I studied the Spanish language diligently for years to gain fluency and as a non-native...
Education & Certification
- Gustavus Adolphus College - Bachelors, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- Test Prep
- +49 subjects
John: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...because I knew the way in which knowing Spanish had enriched my life and I wanted other students to have that same opportunity. As a teacher, I loved teaching math to my students because it was so fun to get them involved in talking and learning about math. As a principal, I continued to work with students and even took a class period one semester to ensure that the students were successful on Texas' STAAR...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor in Arts, History
- University of Houston - Master of Arts Teaching, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- ACT
- +84 subjects
Tutor Jess: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
Education & Certification
- Texas A & M University-College Station - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- Purdue University-Main Campus - Master of Science, Applied Behavior Analysis
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ASVAB
- UK GCSE
- CLEP
- +254 subjects
Sam: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...Science, including Algebra and Biology. There are two main components to my tutoring style that help students understand and remember material: 1. I try to break down concepts and transform them into something more relatable to the student. By replacing unfamiliar jargon with familiar subjects, I find it easiest to understand more difficult concepts or processes. 2. Practice! Nothing beats the tried and true repetition. This helps fine tune procedures and sheds light on areas...
Education & Certification
- SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry - Bachelor of Science, Environmental Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- Spanish 1
- +46 subjects
Roberta: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...opportunities such as Young Leaders and Big Brother Big Sister. I also tutored my neighbors in reading and writing. When I graduated, I continued onto Cornell University where I received my Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration. Currently, I am in a transition period before applying to Physical Therapy School, and I have been tutoring for the past year for Huntington Learning Center. I have experience tutoring for PSAT, ACT, SAT, Phonics, Reading, and Math....
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor of Science, Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- GED
- SAT
- +40 subjects
Chelsea : Houston SSAT test prep instructor
I help students earn college credit through AP testing in order to save time and money in college. I have over 7 years experience as a certified classroom teacher for Advanced Placement.
Education & Certification
- Sam Houston State University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Sam Houston State University - Master of Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- STAAR EOC
- TACHS
- +29 subjects
Gale: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
All children deserve compassionate, nurturing and fun-loving mentors to help facilitate their growth and success as well as to help them recognize their individual gifts!
Education & Certification
- Dillard University - Bachelors, Criminal Justice/Sociology
- Quincy University - Masters, Master of Science in Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- WISC IV
- WPPSI
- Elementary School Math
- +15 subjects
Neemisha: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...that may fit your child's mathematical needs. Over the past ten years I have worked with students in varying capacities from volunteering, tutoring, and teaching summer courses to full time teaching. My experience working with students has been in various private, public and charter schools. Tutoring is what I do as a career and I enjoy it tremendously. Watching students grow and become more confident and more successful is why I do this. I look...
Education & Certification
- The Evergreen State College - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Political Science and Government
- UMSL - Master of Arts, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CogAT
- PARCC
- SHSAT
- +47 subjects
Frances: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...teaching Math and Algebra. I also worked for three years with students, age 3-12, in a non-profit setting, as an employee and volunteer, helping them to learn about and explore a variety of Science and Social Science topics. Though I enjoy working with all subjects, teaching Math is my passion. I know that everyone has the potential to understand Math. My goal is to make sure that every student that I work with realizes their...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematical Economic Analysis
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- +33 subjects
Vincent: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...for six years and am a certified Educator for grades 6-12. I have strong personal experience in both the Public and Private sectors of Education, as well. I tutor in general Middle School Social Studies, Upper level Social Studies (grades 9-12), Study Skills and Organizational Training. I most enjoy tutoring History/Social Studies because I have a deep love and fascination for how the past has come to form the world we live in, today. I...
Education & Certification
- University of St Thomas - Bachelor in Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- UK A Level
- HSPT
- +24 subjects
KC: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...culture is fascinating and the language reflects that depth very well. I am patient, honest, and flexible. My Meyers-Briggs personality type is ENFP, so I am passionate, encouraging, and optimistic. I love challenges and I am passionate about helping students 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...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology; Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- SHSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +57 subjects
Kristina: Houston SSAT test prep 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 EOC
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +32 subjects
Garveen: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...in math and science, and I tutor math up to Calculus 2 and up to Physics 3 (Electricity & Magnetism). I am a physics tutor with Embry-Riddle's on-campus tutoring lab, and I am also well qualified to aid in test prep for the PSAT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP exams, having self-studied and scored highly for all of those exams. When teaching, my ultimate goal is to train the student not to simply answer...
Education & Certification
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach - Current Undergrad, Aerospace Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- +51 subjects