The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test, or OLSAT, is an exam given at all grade levels, to assess a student's knowledge of verbal, nonverbal, and quantitative abilities. This test is used by school districts to ensure that students are in the correct academic placements and that they are being challenged when necessary. It is also a way for educators to determine if a student should be placed in a gifted and talented program or on a more rigorous schedule. An OLSAT prep course can be an enjoyable way for students to prepare for the test and to seek deeper understanding in a variety of topics. Parents can help their students to prepare for the OLSAT test by contacting Varsity Tutors. We can connect you with tutors who understand what your student may be expected to know and those tutors will provide personalized, one-on-one OLSAT courses.
An OLSAT class for a third grader would look different than the OLSAT prep course for an older student, because they are tested on different materials, and a tutor would create a program of study that included different strategies to review topics and prepare for the exam.
There are verbal and nonverbal sections in the test, and students in different grades may see certain categories of questions that students in other grades might not. This information is important, because it can help a tutor to design an OLSAT course of study for your student that highlights those sections for their corresponding grade levels. The table below explains what sections are included in the OLSAT 8 exam and which grades see the specific sections:
OLSAT 8 Exam Section | Grade Range |
Verbal Sections | |
Verbal Comprehension | K-12 |
Verbal Reasoning | K-12 |
Nonverbal | |
Pictorial Reasoning | K-2 |
Figural Reasoning | 3-12 |
Quantitative Reasoning | 3-12 |
For students in grades 9-12, the OLSAT exam looks different than those in K-2 or 3-12. Subsections include information that is more complex, like arithmetic reasoning, verbal analogies, and a pattern matrix. That difference will mean that OLSAT prep courses for high-school aged students may include different styles of instruction, maybe lecture and quizzes, while younger students might use more flashcards and more visual study aids. An OLSAT course can be personalized to help your student get the absolute most from their time.
The table below outlines some of the exam subsections that a high school student could expect to see when they take the test, and an OLSAT prep class could include sessions on a variety of these topics, to help a pupil feel more confident come test day.
OLSAT 8 Level G (Grades 9-12) Exam Subsections
- Antonyms
- Sentence Completion
- Sentence Arrangement
- Arithmetic Reasoning
- Logical Selection
- Word/Letter Matrix
- Verbal Analogies
- Verbal Classification
- Inference
- Figural Analogies
- Pattern Matrix
- Figural Series
- Number Series
- Number Inference
- Number Matrix
An OLSAT prep course doesn't have to look like traditional OLSAT prep classes designed for groups. This is because a tutor works with your student one-on-one and can speed up their work, or slow it down, if they notice that your student is more or less familiar with subjects as they move through the topics in the OLSAT class together.
Don't hesitate to reach out to Varsity Tutors to set up tutoring and OLSAT prep classes with a tutor who spends one on one time with your student, to help them prepare for a test that can help them move into an academic schedule that makes them feel challenged and supported at the same time.
Diptesh: OLSAT course instructor
...high school and have 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...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health & Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- REGENTS
- TACHS
- ISEE
- +88 subjects
Alison: OLSAT course instructor
My name is Alison, and I am a senior at George Washington University. I am currently applying for law school, and received a 178 on my LSAT exam. My tutoring style is to work directly with your strength and weaknesses to help you improve. By the end of our session, you will come out feeling like you have made strides.
Education & Certification
- George Washington University - Bachelor in Arts, Political Communication
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- LSAT Logical Reasoning
- LSAT Argumentative Writing
- LSAT Analytical Reasoning
- +4 subjects
Oliver: OLSAT course instructor
My name is Oliver. I'm a current student at Northwestern University and standardized test tutor. I've been tutoring for the past 3 years and have helped many students score well on the SAT, ACT, PSAT, and similar exams. I am also fluent in French.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Engineer, Industrial Engineering
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- +22 subjects
Sumaiya: OLSAT course instructor
...to be a pediatrician because I want to be a doctor and I love working with children. I currently reside in Brooklyn. My family consists of my parents and two younger sisters. I came from Bangladesh to the United States when I was three and a half years old with my mother and sister. I grew up with strong educational values to always put my studies first. I hold fast to my values since the...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Brooklyn College - Bachelors, Business for Health Professions
- CUNY Brooklyn College - Masters, Masters in Business
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- SSAT
- +67 subjects
Haider: OLSAT course instructor
...enhanced my ability to mentor and guide students effectively, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers. I am passionate about helping students navigate their educational journeys and achieve their full potential. What excites me about Varsity Tutors is its dedication to providing personalized, one-on-one tutoring that supports students in achieving their academic goals. I am inspired by the opportunity to contribute to an organization that prioritizes individualized attention and tailored learning experiences. My experience...
Education & Certification
- Ayub Medical College - Bachelor of Science, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- Eleven Plus Maths
- IELTS - International English Language Testing System
- MAP
- +590 subjects
Taiwo: OLSAT course instructor
...in mechanical engineering some years back and recently completed my masters degree in the same field. I have worked with students between grade 4 to college standing in the past. I'm proficient in math, physics, and science generally. I love tutoring math, it gives me a sense of purpose to explain defining concepts. I expose students to different problems and build their understanding. I am interested in sports (soccer). I have experience and comfortable tutoring for...
Education & Certification
- Covenant University - Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
- University of Houston - Master of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- CLEP
- UK GCSE
- +158 subjects
Brian: OLSAT course instructor
...human communication and ideas. I'm able to tutor Elementary Algebra, Algebra 1-2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus 1-3 (AP Calculus AB & BC), SAT Math, SAT Reading, SAT Writing, ACT Math, ACT Reading, ACT English, and ACT Science. I truly believe with hard work and passion, any student can be successful in any academic field. I am passionate about improving and helping students grow personally and academically. As I teach students, I also learn more about...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor of Engineering, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- ACT
- College Computer Science
- Trigonometry
- +29 subjects
Colin: OLSAT course instructor
I am an excellent tutor with a wide range of expertise. I am persistent, patient and inquisitive. I have been a teacher for more than fifteen years and I am sure if we work together, we can find a way to improve your academic performance.
Education & Certification
- Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Fine and Studio Arts Management
- The University of Michigan - Master of Fine Arts, Fine and Studio Arts Management
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- ISEE
- SSAT
- HSPT
- +47 subjects
Mila: OLSAT course instructor
...love learning and I want to help other students feel the same way. Or at the very least, I want them to feel confident in their knowledge of a subject. I got my high school diploma from Choate Rosemary Hall, a top-ranked private school, and I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in English and Classics. I am available for tutoring in most levels of English, which also happens to be my favorite subject to talk...
Education & Certification
- Howard University - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- TACHS
- REGENTS
- ISEE
- +19 subjects
Flormari: OLSAT course instructor
...a university level and 3 years with high school students -Studied abroad in Norway on a full ride scholarship and graduated high school with an international baccalaureate diploma (IB) - Trilingual I personally go above and beyond with my students I nurture a professional relationship. I do not only tutor them but orient them in the things I would do different to set them up for success. I also am available through email and messages...
Education & Certification
- Arizona Western College - Associate in Science, Electrical Engineering
- University of Arizona - Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- CAHSEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- LSAT 5-Week Prep Class
- +329 subjects
Dr. Nakeshia: OLSAT course instructor
...a Ph.D. and MBA, combined with my experience in Mental Health Counseling, uniquely positions me to provide well-rounded, effective educational and developmental support tailored specifically to your needs. I view learning as a lifelong adventure, and I am committed to making this journey as enriching and empowering as possible for you. Together, we will not just meet your goals but exceed them. Your success is my mission! I look forward to working with you and...
Education & Certification
- Kaplan University-Maine Campus - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- ACCUPLACER
- ISEE
- SAT
- +201 subjects
Heather: OLSAT course instructor
...English/Biology, and Nevada state proficiency exams. I am most passionate about teaching psychology, English/writing, reading, and elementary/middle school math. My individual teaching style is flexible, as I feel it is necessary to cater towards a students unique learning style and needs. I believe confidence and self-efficacy play pivotal roles in a students acquisition of knowledge and ability to learn new concepts. I believe it is crucial to provide encouragement, reinforcement, and support to help students...
Education & Certification
- University of Nevada- Las Vegas - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas - Masters, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- PSAT
- CogAT
- ISEE
- +177 subjects
Ella: OLSAT course instructor
...I have a personal interest in ecology and environmental studies, particularly at a high school and college level. However, I also have 2 years of elementary school classroom experience, working primarily with 3rd and 4th grade students. At an elementary level I primarily taught science, but I also assisted with NY State ELA, Math and Science test prep, along with general literacy and phonics. While in high school I was a writing tutor for students...
Education & Certification
- SUNY at Binghamton - Bachelor of Science, Environmental Studies
- Touro College - Master of Science, Education
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- CSAP/ TCAP
- SSAT
- CLEP
- +23 subjects
Heather: OLSAT course instructor
...personal, as well as, various work and volunteer experiences. While teaching at Universities, public, private formative, and secondary schools all over the continental U.S., and homeschooling my own daughter opened many doors and provided opportunities that allowed for my experience in leadership, finances, and collaboration as well for many organizations. Being able to visit landmarks and monuments that I had read about and learned during my years as a student, then being able to teach...
Education & Certification
- Armstrong Atlantic State University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Murray State University - Current Grad Student, Public Administration
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- ACT
- GED
- +443 subjects
Education & Certification
- Florida Atlantic University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- Florida Memorial University - Master of Arts Teaching, Reading Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- ISEE
- SSAT
- ACCUPLACER
- +74 subjects
Danil: OLSAT course instructor
...so that it's easier to see how all the pieces of a topic fit together. A ten page paper might seem intimidating, until you break it down into a list of bullet points and ideas. Patience is a virtue and I exercise it dutifully. I'm comfortable tutoring all ages; a bit of empathy can span even decades, I believe. In my free time, I love surrounding myself with books and scraps of paper with inky...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College - Current Undergrad, History
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- TOEFL
- SSAT
- NNAT
- +147 subjects
Education & Certification
- Northern Arizona University - Masters in Education, Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- Florida EOC Assessment
- ECAA
- PARCC
- +172 subjects
Elvis: OLSAT course instructor
...their knowledge. I have five years experience in tutoring different levels of mathematics and programming. In this setting I further progressed in tutoring high level university classes as well as preparing students for their SAT and ACT tests. My aim is to aid students and make them understand mathematics in various ways. Any comments, suggestions and advice from parents or students are welcomed. I can adjust to any student needs and we can reach all goals...
Education & Certification
- Methodist University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics and Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- PSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ACT
- +96 subjects
Maxime: OLSAT course instructor
...for 4 yours to pay for my studies. My pupils were from 3 to 80 years old, so I have experience in management and tutoring also because I gave for 2 years mathematics lesson in Nantes. I can give Mathematics lesson thanks to my studies and French lesson because that's my native language, and I like to share my experience. I'm very calm, and I have a lot of patience, I think that it's the...
Education & Certification
- ESEO - Bachelors, Engineering school
- ESSCA - Masters, Business school
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- CLEP
- SAT Subject Tests
- NNAT
- +18 subjects
Clyde: OLSAT course instructor
...education. As a multi-degreed teacher, tutor and mentor I have enjoyed the opportunity to tutor students K-12, as well as college, graduate, and post-graduate students. I tutor multiple subjects and have also intensively tutored in most standardized tests, including the PSAT and SAT, ACT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TOEFL and many others, as well as the FSA and AP subjects. Each student is an individual and i endeavor to maximize skillsets and address deficits, very...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Brooklyn College - Bachelor in Arts, U.S. History
- Northwestern University - Juris Doctor, Prelaw Studies
Subject Expertise
- OLSAT
- ASVAB
- TEAS
- ISEE
- +113 subjects