If you're looking for a great New York City SSAT prep course, Varsity Tutors can find you one of the most comprehensive courses around. The SSAT is a high-stakes assessment that provides private and independent schools with objective information that allows them to objectively compare applicants from different backgrounds. It is divided into three levels based on a test-taker's age: students in grades 3-4 take the Elementary Level SSAT, grades 5-7 take the Middle Level SSAT, and grades 8-11 take an Upper Level SSAT. Students typically take the test in anticipation of entering their new private or independent school for the next school year. For example, a seventh grader would be planning to enroll in a new school starting with grade 8.
Each school has its own target score and considers other factors in making admission decisions, but doing well on the SSAT could help you or your student reach for your academic potential. That's where we come into the picture. Enrolling in one of our New York City SSAT class offerings allows you to study in a collaborative learning environment with a knowledgeable teacher as you study for all facets of the test. Continue reading to learn more about how we may be able to help you.
What topics are reviewed in a New York City SSAT course?
The Elementary Level SSAT lasts one hour and 50 minutes, while students taking the Middle or Upper Level exams spend two hours and 50 minutes testing. As such, the Elementary Level test has a different format with fewer exam items than its counterparts for older students. That said, all levels of the SSAT have four multiple-choice sections (Experimental, Quantitative, Reading, and Verbal) plus a Writing component. The Experimental section is always unscored, so there is no reason to devote any valuable test time to it. Here is a closer look at the remaining sections of the test:
The SSAT Quantitative section is simply called "Math" on the Elementary Level exam. Students are tested on the four basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), place value, shapes, fractions, and other introductory concepts. They have 30 questions to answer in 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the Quantitative section is divided into two subsections of 25 questions each on the Middle and Upper Level SSAT. Each subsection lasts 30 minutes (one hour total), and topics covered include grade-appropriate algebra, geometry, probability, and data analysis. Calculators are not allowed on any level of the SSAT.
The assessment's Reading section contains 28 questions in 30 minutes at the Elementary Level and 40 questions over 40 minutes on the Middle and Upper Level exams. All test-takers are presented with reading passages and asked to identify key information such as the main idea, separate literal language from words with a more figurative meaning, and use context to define potentially unfamiliar terms and phrases. Older students are also asked to critically evaluate arguments and draw conclusions based on what they've read.
The test's Verbal section contains 30 questions over 20 minutes at the Elementary Level and 60 questions in 30 minutes on the Middle and Upper Levels. It primarily measures a test-taker's vocabulary skills through the use of synonyms and analogies. Older students may want to study prefixes, suffixes, and word roots to make it easier to determine what a word might mean.
The SSAT's Writing section is the only one with structural differences on all three exams. Elementary Level children have 15 minutes to write a short story based on a picture. The directions remind them to include a beginning, middle, and end. Middle Level test-takers have 25 minutes to write a response to their choice of two creative writing prompts. Upper Level test-takers also have 25 minutes, but they choose between a creative writing prompt and a traditional essay. The Writing section is not scored on any level of the SSAT, but is submitted as a writing sample to allow private and independent schools to evaluate a candidate's written communication skills for themselves.
What are some benefits of taking a New York City SSAT course provided by Varsity Tutors?
Every New York City SSAT class we can find you takes place on a convenient live virtual platform, allowing you or the student in your life to study anywhere with a good internet connection. Our platform supports real-time interaction, so asking for help is just as easy as it would be in a physical classroom. You can also communicate with your fellow students, allowing all of you to work together to establish a collaborative learning environment where everybody can pursue their academic goals.
For example, a student who excels in reading comprehension may share their best active reading tips with their classmates. If your student is one of the recipients, they can improve their study skills for the test. If your student is the one providing the tips, they can gain self-confidence from helping somebody else while also reviewing the information to explain it to others. In short, it's a win-win. Similarly, reading over another student's essay outline can steer your student toward approaching a problem in a more insightful manner.
Having multiple students share a classroom also allows you to split the cost, making a professional New York City SSAT class more affordable than you might think. If you feel that your student needs personalized instruction to grasp a particularly challenging topic, you can also arrange private study time with the teacher on an as-needed basis.
We also try to make all of these classes as convenient to attend as possible. There are two and four-week sessions, making it easier for busy students to find something they can commit to attending regularly. We also start new classes every week, so it's always a great time to start preparing for the SSAT.
Can I sign up for a New York City SSAT course today?
Reach out to an expert educational consultant using the information below for more information on how to sign up today. Varsity Tutors can connect you with an industry-leading New York City SSAT course, and we look forward to sharing it with you!
Diptesh: New York SSAT course instructor
...been teaching, tutoring, and mentoring students from grades 6-12 and college in a variety of subjects since! I specialize in mathematics and science tutoring as well as standardized exam preparation. In the past, I have helped students achieve significant improvements and success on the SAT, SHSAT, Regents and other exams! I truly believe education is a mutual learning and teaching opportunity and enjoy helping my students achieve a thorough understanding (those "Aha!" moments) and appreciation...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health & Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- OLSAT
- SHSAT
- ISEE
- +88 subjects
Amy: New York SSAT course instructor
...and now plan to attend medical school. I am a diligent worker and consistently ensure that I am prepared to meet the student's needs. I am exceptionally patient and excellent at developing creative ways for learning when I see a student needs a new approach. Further, from years of experience taking standardized tests (including the SAT and MCAT), AP classes, college courses, and pre-medical prerequisites, I have a thorough understanding of the level of work...
Education & Certification
- Middlebury College - Bachelors, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ISEE
- +60 subjects
Kelsey: New York SSAT course instructor
...developed during her formative elementary and high school years, and she believes that all students (regardless of their field of focus) need to build a solid foundation in writing, reading comprehension, grammatical and syntactical knowledge, and time management techniques. Kelsey has experience working with students of all ages and a wide range of subjects through her vast tutoring and editing background; she had worked as a lead tutor at a math-focused center for students ages 5...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- +79 subjects
Sheena: New York SSAT course instructor
...my role as a tutor is to help my students approach the material with an anxiety-free, systematic approach. I know just how to make the testing environment one where a student feels both perfectly at ease and well equipped to succeed. I know first hand that testing and learning can be all too ridden with stress and have great techniques to reduce that. My approach to teaching is simple: kindness, calmness, clarity, and fun. I...
Education & Certification
- Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College - Bachelors, Economics, Chinese
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- HSPT
- +48 subjects
Thomas: New York SSAT course instructor
...engage an audience. And an intimate understanding of narrative structures allows me to deconstruct the "arc" of and "tell the story of" course material, in order to effectively communicate to students. I have just returned from a stay abroad in Beijing, China. There, I taught two independently designed courses to different sets of middle school students in Beijing, China. In the span of five weeks, I enjoyed a whirlwind introduction to the language (with daily...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- SHSAT
- +53 subjects
Farah : New York SSAT course instructor
...incoming first years by hosting weekly sessions as well as aided them with lab work. Through these programs, I have developed various techniques and tools that effectively allows students from all kinds of backgrounds to master course material. I created my own worksheets, fun activities and games that encourage students to think outside the box instead of simply relying on memory. In addition, as an aspiring writer and coverage intern for various production companies, I...
Education & Certification
- Barnard College of Columbia University - Bachelors, Biological Sciences
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT
- HSPT
- +36 subjects
Chloe: New York SSAT course instructor
...my time at Williams College, I studied Arabic, International Relations, and Film. I also traveled to Europe and the Middle East as part of my studies. In addition, I am a freelance writer, and my work has appeared in the Huffington Post, The Atlantic, and USA Today. I've also been a finalist for several national playwriting awards. Most importantly, I love working with my students. Their success is my success and I firmly believe that...
Education & Certification
- Williams College - Bachelor in Arts, Arabic Studies, Religion
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- TACHS
- HSPT
- +44 subjects
Abigail: New York SSAT course instructor
Hey there! My name is Abi and I'm excited to tutor you in a number of subjects including pre-algebra, writing, critical reading, and standardized test preparation. I have much experience writing speeches & editing papers/articles (as Debate Captain, Newspaper Editor-in-Chief & Model UN captain), in addition to regular school tutoring. Looking forward to learning together!
Education & Certification
- Barnard College - Current Undergrad Student, Slavic Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- +71 subjects
Sarah: New York SSAT course instructor
...students into becoming stronger writers. In working with students at the elementary level, I have also had the opportunity to explore Common Core expectations in ELA and Mathematics. Many of my students utilize Singapore Math, Go Math, Math in Focus, Eureka Math, or Prentice Hall Math curriculums, and I have developed quite a familiarity with these texts. I have worked with over 500 students in preparing for the Living Environment, Earth Science, and Chemistry New...
Education & Certification
- Brandeis University - Bachelors, Biology, General
- Fordham University - Masters, Secondary Science Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- REGENTS
- ISEE
- +46 subjects
Joanna: New York SSAT course instructor
...them, learning becomes a struggle. With them, it can be fun and easy. And when something is fun, students want to do more. It no longer is a fight to do assignments or practice. Practice is also key in my tutoring. The more practice there is, the more comfortable a student will feel. No one wants to do something discomforting, so comfort and, once again, understanding, is of utmost importance. Overall, my goal is to...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- +32 subjects
Leticia: New York SSAT course instructor
...mostly with high school students. I am outgoing, nice, funny, and can explain concepts in an easy way. I am apt in tutoring in Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and SAT. I believe that there is more to life than just studying and receiving good grades. Studying can become a burden when it gets complicated and difficult to understand and can get in the way of you just living. I am here to help you to...
Education & Certification
- Boston University - Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- ISEE
- REGENTS
- +54 subjects
Daniel: New York SSAT course instructor
...experience with students of all ages, I can also help with lower levels of Mathematics. Fractions and decimals are a problem of the past! Outside of tutoring, I spend my time with friends at local restaurants and playing video games. My younger brother and I played plenty of Pokemon when we were children, and through that, we have learned that some problems may give you the disadvantage, but with the right style and type, your...
Education & Certification
- Kean University - Current Undergrad, Education - Mathematics Secondary
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- Intermediate Algebra
- ACCUPLACER College-Level Math
- +20 subjects
Jacob: New York SSAT course instructor
...their potential. For my own academic history, I scored in the 99th percentile on all three sections of the SAT, as well as attaining a score of 5 on the AP Statistics, US Government, US History, and English Literature and Composition exams. I completed my BA in Government in December after having served as a Research Apprentice with the Quantitative Analysis Center, and my thesis utilizing a range of novel econometrics to isolate the effect...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelors, Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- TOEFL
- ACT
- +69 subjects
Damian: New York SSAT course instructor
If you choose me to be your tutor then you will definitely ace your test. I'm a great math tutor because I understand the material thoroughly, am patient, and know how to explain things. I attended Stuyvesant High School and the University of Chicago; I am currently studying Data Science with Johns Hopkins.... If you don't get it then I'm explaining it wrong.... Before the first session, I'd have them do a bunch of practice problems on the subject they want to be tutored in, and I'd look over their answers to see what they need help with. I'd also ask them which problems they guessed on or weren't totally sure of. We could start from there.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, None
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- SAT
- +63 subjects
Emma: New York SSAT course instructor
...I believe that with enough practice and some solid test-taking strategies, anyone can master these. As a former Division I runner, I've learned the importance of persistence and hard work, and I love sharing these values with my students and helping them to make significant gains. Outside of tutoring, I work as a scientist at a healthcare startup, and when I'm not at work I'm likely to be found running around Central Park, debating public...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Bachelors, Neurobiology major, Economics minor
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- HSPT
- PSAT
- +44 subjects
Owen: New York SSAT course instructor
...shortly after cracking the 99th percentile on the SAT as a high school senior. This was the start of what has now been an 8 year journey! I have worked with 50+ students, mostly in the areas of math, science and standardized testing. After college, I spent two years working as a biology teacher at a top charter school in NYC where my classes ranked #1 by test results. I left teaching to pursue a...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Brooklyn College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TACHS
- SHSAT
- PSAT
- +42 subjects
Karan: New York SSAT course instructor
...School (a specialized high school in downtown Manhattan). I have much experience tutoring kids from ages 6 to 18 through the company Allen Mentoring in subjects such as physics, math, english, and history. I have scored a 34 on my ACT exam (out of 36). If you haven't found anyone already, I would be happy to be of assistance. Please let me know. I would be happy to answer any questions beforehand. Thank you!... My ultimate goal through tutoring is to have students become encouraged and motivated to learn. Tutoring through a positive attitude and proper guidance can improve scores and improve a lifestyle.
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Current Undergrad, Applied Economics and Management
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT Subject Tests
- SHSAT
- +60 subjects
Crosby: New York SSAT course instructor
...reading strategies, my students have developed the ability to successfully demonstrate their knowledge. Through the use of formal and informal data collection, I am able to evaluate my successes and failures. Just as I say to my students, "failure is not final". Using my data, I am able to model resilience to my students by adapting my approach to best meet the individual needs of the student. In addition to my aforementioned pedagogical toolkit, I...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelors, Anthroplogy
- Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus - Masters, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- ISEE
- GED
- +34 subjects
Elias: New York SSAT course instructor
...of high school and have always found it to be fun, engaging and rewarding. I have extensive experience with test prep (primarily SAT and LSAT), but have tutored all ages in a variety of subjects including chemistry, physics, trig, history, English, Spanish, and many others. Looking forward to meeting new students and helping as much as I can! In the rest of my life, I love to hike, I listen to a ton of music,...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelors, Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology, Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- PSAT
- +60 subjects
Theresa: New York SSAT course instructor
...University for fiction. My entire academic career has focused on meaning that could be derived from literature, and articulating those ideas through written or verbal communication. When I began teaching, I emphasized to my students the importance of these skills, and assured them that the ability to read, write, speak, and listen proficiently would provide them access to opportunities and expand their conception of the world. My teaching reflects my belief that other writers can...
Education & Certification
- Rutgers University, New Brunswick - Bachelors, Double Major in English and Psychology
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Masters, Masters of Fine Arts in Fiction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +58 subjects