Varsity Tutors can help take the stress out of SSAT prep by helping you locate the right San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT preparation resource for your child. The San Francisco Bay area has many prestigious independent and private schools. Most of them require scores from the SSAT as part of their admissions process. The SSAT is highly regarded for its accuracy in identifying a students competency in grade level appropriate math, reading comprehension, and verbal skills.
Even if your student has been doing well thus far in their studies, giving them professional guidance as they review for the SSAT can help them work towards doing their best on this important test. Continue reading to learn more about the various levels of the SSAT and how Varsity Tutors can help you find the best San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep solutions for your student.
What can San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep cover?
Whether you have a child who needs to prepare for the Elementary Level SSAT or a student preparing for the Middle or Upper Level SSAT, San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep can help them review critical concepts included in their level of the exam.
Quantitative, Verbal, and Reading sections are included and scored in each level of the SSAT. Writing and Experimental sections are also included at all levels but are not scored. While the Writing Sample is not scored by testing officials, it is sent to all schools your student is applying to and will be reviewed by admissions officials. The Experimental section is only for test developers who use the data to refine the testing process.
Students taking the Upper and Middle Level SSAT will have almost three hours to complete 167 items. Children taking the Elementary Level of the SSAT will have nearly two hours to complete 89 questions. Each section has its own time limitations, which is essential for students to be aware of as they prepare. Proper time management is critical for these tests.
If your child is taking the Elementary Level SSAT, answering all of the questions in each section can help their score because there is no penalty for answering an item incorrectly. Upper and Middle Level SSAT testers have a half point penalty for each incorrect answer, but there is no penalty for items that are not answered.
Math subjects covered on the various levels of the SSAT include basic math, arithmetic, elementary algebra, algebra, and geometry. Depending on grade level, some of the specific topics include coordinate geometry, data analysis and probability, plane geometry, number operations, data analysis, numbers and operations, probability, number sense, spatial sense, and measurement.
English topics covered on the SSAT also vary by level but may include reading comprehension, word relationships, nuanced word meanings, general understanding of language, synonyms, analogies, and interpreting meaning from narrative or argumentative reading passages.
Professional SSAT prep resources can help your child prepare for their upcoming exam in a variety of different ways. They can receive a comprehensive overview with a prep class or individualized instruction targeting specific areas with private tutoring. Each option has its own benefits and can help your student in different ways.
How can a San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep class help my child prepare?
When you enroll your student in a prep class, they will have a familiar classroom environment and structured content delivery that can make it easier for them to engage with the preparation process fully.
Classes are held in a secure online classroom that provides modern convenience with conventional methodology. Teachers deliver instruction to the class as a whole. They may then facilitate group discussion or assignments to help students deepen their understanding of the content. If your student needs clarification around a topic, they can always request assistance from an instructor.
You can choose to have your child prepare over a period of two or four weeks. All classes are comprised of individual sections, and new sections begin weekly. This modular format makes it easy for your child to get started at any time.
Classes are great for students who need structure and routine to thrive academically. It is also ideal for students who are highly motivated by working with others in a group learning environment.
How is working with a San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT tutor different from taking a course?
Tutoring and courses are fundamentally different in the way they are designed. In a course, the goal is to provide comprehensive instruction to a group. In private sessions, the goal is to provide an individualized learning experience. With personalized instruction, the tutor has significantly more one-on-one time with each student. The instructor can take the time to get to know your student's personality, SSAT goals, academic needs, and learning style. This information can then be used to create lessons designed to address your student's needs.
Another difference between taking a course and working with a tutor is in how they are scheduled. When you enroll your child in a course, they will need to attend at regularly scheduled times. These times are determined in advance and are not based on student preferences. This ensures a teacher is reliably available to help many students work on making progress in their preparation efforts. Private sessions provide more scheduling freedom. You can choose when your child meets with a tutor based on what works best for your family's schedule. Sessions can be held throughout the week and on weekends during business hours and in the evening.
Private tutoring is ideal for students who thrive with one-on-one instruction or who have busy schedules that make prescheduled classes untenable.
How can I get my student started with the right San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep solution?
Whether you want your student to take advantage of an expertly designed San Francisco-Bay Area SSAT prep course or you want help connecting with a skilled private tutor who can work with them individually, Varsity Tutors can help. If you're ready to give your student the support they need to work towards their SSAT scoring goal, contact Varsity Tutors today to get started quickly.
Jennifer: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...I understand the concepts, but I can also explain them using applicable examples. Really, math is like a language; you need to know the basics before you get speaking fluently. Math can be difficult, but it can be even more fun once you get it. To me, chemistry is the perfect blend of science and math, which is great since I enjoy both! You can learn from the most basic atoms (don't trust them, they...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Riverside - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- ISEE
- SAT
- +107 subjects
Cody: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...My experience has come in the form of private, one-on-one tutoring with students ranging in ages from 7th grade through adult learners, college-level review courses, and even teaching SAT prep courses. My students find me very relatable, and I've heard from several students that having someone close to their own age work with them has been really beneficial to their learning. I look forward to working with you in the future! Please don't hesitate to...
Education & Certification
- Massachusettes Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- +127 subjects
Samuel: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...I decided to go into education, and since then I have spent time working in a charter school, as a private English tutor in Madrid, and with both private and non-profit academic support and enrichment programs. Over the years I've taught just about every subject. I love helping students develop a positive, can-do attitude in relation to subjects that used to make them feel anxious and confused. (In my experience this is often math or...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
- Lesley University - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- TOEFL
- SAT
- +64 subjects
Talia: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...Sociology. In 2011, I received my California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. I have been working in classrooms, providing academic support, since 2004. I have extensive experience working with individuals with special needs, from moderate to severe, and the gifted population. I am highly adept in tailoring education to fit each learner's needs, while maximizing output, motivation, and self-confidence. I sincerely enjoy working with children, listening to their stories, and sharing a laugh as I impart...
Education & Certification
- Williams Collegee - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology & Sociology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- +43 subjects
Michael: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...and nonjudgmental approach; no one is good at everything, but everyone can improve with practice and guidance. There are usually several ways to teach the same material, and I have a knack for finding the one that works. I enjoy using examples and analogies that help the student "get" and remember complicated concepts. Preparing for standardized tests such as the SAT and GRE is much easier with a tutor to help you prioritize, strategize, and...
Education & Certification
- The College of William & Mary - Bachelor in Arts, Political Economy, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ASPIRE
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +46 subjects
Amanda: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...writing goals. I am a great tutor because I have over a decade of experience teaching children. I work with students to break down information into easy to manage pieces and make sure they are understanding each step as they go along. If students still seem to be struggling, I return to more basic concepts and help them build upon what they already know. I use a variety of methods in my tutoring including visual...
Education & Certification
- SFSU - Bachelors, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE- Lower Level
- High School English
- +10 subjects
Izabel: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...beating the ???game??? of standardized testing and would love to share them with you. Most importantly, I believe that everyone has a unique learning style and that I, as a tutor, need to adapt to be able to help the students I work with get the most out of tutoring. During my free time I enjoy baking, spending time with friends at a park, and going to music festivals. I also love exploring the city...
Education & Certification
- Tulane University of Louisiana - Bachelor of Science, Economics, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- PSAT Critical Reading
- +15 subjects
Helene: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...am so happy to be able to continue that work with Varsity. In terms of the subjects I am comfortable teaching, of course Math and French are what I have the most experience with. But I would love to be given the chance to tackle new things as well! For instance, I have an enduring love for literature and writing, and I am also completely fluent in German, having lived in Germany for fourteen years....
Education & Certification
- Mills College - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology/Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- SAT
- +57 subjects
Caitlin: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...State University. I graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. I have been tutoring for 3 years including reading comprehension, writing, essay structure, grammar, algebra, geometry, statistics, study skills and testing strategies. Aim to tailor my tutoring methods to the needs of each student. Most importantly, I try to create a supportive learning environment where students focus how their efforts led to success and encourage students to address their missteps without...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Davis - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- San Francisco State University - Master of Arts, Developmental Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- Geography
- +43 subjects
Sara: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...also truly, deeply respect the whole student, including who they are, where they come from, and what they need to move forward. I also have a background in counseling, and I am currently enrolled in a psychology program in Irvine, where I now live, that supports my drive to learn more about the human mind and condition. I bring the principles of counseling into every student interaction: non-judgment, respect, thinking with rather than for, and...
Education & Certification
- Scripps College - Bachelor in Arts, General Literature
- University of California-Irvine - Certificate, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- TOEFL
- +38 subjects
Samantha: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Legal Studies this spring. In the fall, I will begin attending law school at Northwestern Law. For many years, I tutored a wide range of students in Spanish, English literature, and writing. I have also continued to help many high school seniors with college application essays. While I tutor a variety of subjects, I am very passionate about helping students improve their reading and writing skills, and I...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- +36 subjects
Matt: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...a concentration in Immunology and Infectious Diseases. I then went on to complete a Masters program at Georgetown University in human physiology. Given the amount of schooling I have gone through myself, I have taken a wide range of subjects and more standardized tests than I would like to admit. I have taught students of almost every age in various fields such as elementary science, Hebrew, chemistry, MCAT prep, and many more.. My ultimate plan...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- +85 subjects
Rachel: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...my time as an undergraduate, I served as a Biology tutor for my schools Biological Sciences Honor Society and as a mentor for graduating high school students through the Dream Project. As a tutor, my main duty is to work with a student as an individual and to adjust my own tutoring to fit the way they learn best. I believe that all students have what it takes to succeed in school, its just a...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, General Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ISEE
- +89 subjects
Kaley: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...have experience both as a classroom teacher and a tutor and in these roles I look for ways to make learning fun and rewarding. I especially love teaching reading and writing and I have taught or tutored these subjects to students ranging from kindergarten through adults. I also have experience tutoring test prep subjects and focus both on the content material and test taking skills. My passion is psychology and I have been able to...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Education and Public Policy
- Harvard Graduate School of Education - Masters, Human Development and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +35 subjects
Max: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...originally from Millburn, NJ. This year, I'm taking two semesters off from school to sing and travel the entire world with the Yale Whiffenpoofs, America's oldest collegiate a cappella singing group. Apart from singing, I'm is passionate about education, particularly in helping high school students achieve their academic goals as they work their way towards college. I volunteer in New Haven as a math teacher and coach at a public middle school (my team of...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT Subject Tests
- +104 subjects
Joshua: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...writing, and creative writing is a hobby of mine. My philosophy is that even when we are preparing for a standardized exam, we should always be relating the work to your passions, pursuits, and educational goals to make the work that much more meaningful. In my spare time, you'll often find me learning bits of new languages for fun or writing. I am currently fluent in English and French, conversational in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese,...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, French and Francophone Studies
- University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Social Policy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SHSAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- +92 subjects
Erica: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...math and reading--I love to guide a student who initially struggled to meet and exceed expectations! Outside of my direct work with students, I have coordinated a math tutoring program that placed K-12 math tutors into local public schools. I have also served as a Crisis Services Supervisor at the National Runaway Safeline (NRS). At NRS, I was able to support volunteers in providing trauma-informed services to runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth. I look forward...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, English; Latin Language and Literature
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- +77 subjects
Amanda: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...etc), argumentation, and editing, and a strong record of working well with my students. My style of teaching is pretty low-key, and I strongly believe in the power of communication and open discussion to make sure that my students and I are able to find the best ways to achieve their academic goals. That being said, I also understand that a high schooler's time is limited and valuable, and endeavor to work closely with my...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- SAT
- +37 subjects
Margarita: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...in May 2014, and I plan on beginning medical school in the fall of 2015. Since graduation, I have been working part-time in a dermatologist office as a Medical Assistant and part-time on a public health project related to smoking cessation. I have also been tutoring students in a variety of subjects. I have been tutoring students since I was in 7th grade, and my favorite subject to tutor is math. My family is originally...
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- ISEE
- +55 subjects
Cynthia: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...Philadelphia area. I was a Neuroscience major, and I will be pursuing my PhD in Neuroscience in the fall at Johns Hopkins. I have been tutoring high school students outside of class in college and involved in STEM academics and research mentorship as well as a translation program from and to English outside of class. I speak Japanese and French, and I have taken the PSATs, SATs, 10 APs, and the GREs successfully. I would...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Neuroscience
- Johns Hopkins University - PHD, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- +72 subjects