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.
Cody: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, recently ranked by US News as the number one university in the country. At MIT I am pursuing a degree in mathematics. During this time I have acquired great experience in tutoring and teaching. I have a total of 8 years of experience tutoring mathematics, particularly calculus. I also have 5 years of experience tutoring in the sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. My experience has...
Education & Certification
- Massachusettes Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- +127 subjects
Izabel: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...of ages: from kindergarteners to my peers at college. Math has definitely been my favorite subject to tutor; I find joy in helping people who are struggling get to a point where concepts finally make sense. There is a sort of instant gratification when you are able to find a solution to a tricky math problem. Through my experience with standardized tests like the SAT, I have found many tricks to beating the ???game??? of...
Education & Certification
- Tulane University of Louisiana - Bachelor of Science, Economics, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- SAT Math
- +15 subjects
Helene: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...seldom go. I love to travel. I love to go on bike rides with friends, or sometimes just grab a book and go explore the Berkeley hills on my own. I'll sit on a tree stump and watch the sun go down and squint to see the print in my book. Oh - more than anything, I love a good conversation with a friend. But a good conversation with anyone is a treat! I hope...
Education & Certification
- Mills College - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology/Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ISEE
- +57 subjects
Talia: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...in 2008, double majoring in Psychology and 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,...
Education & Certification
- Williams Collegee - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology & Sociology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- ISEE
- HSPT
- +43 subjects
Michael: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...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 structure...
Education & Certification
- The College of William & Mary - Bachelor in Arts, Political Economy, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ASPIRE
- PSAT
- +46 subjects
Samuel: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...and Government. After working briefly in politics, 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...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
- Lesley University - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- +64 subjects
Jennifer: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...tailor my teaching methods and figure out a better way to explain a difficult concept. Being able to be a part of a student's learning progress and helping them reach their potential is very fulfilling. And seeing how a student can surprise themselves with their own abilities is the best thing a tutor can ask for. For mathematics, I've taken up to Calculus BC in high school, and Multivariable Calculus at UCR. I understand the...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Riverside - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- +107 subjects
Amanda: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...working with students to achieve reading and 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...
Education & Certification
- SFSU - Bachelors, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- English
- College English
- +10 subjects
Caitlin: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...degree in Developmental Psychology at San Francisco 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...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Davis - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- San Francisco State University - Master of Arts, Developmental Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- Psychology
- +43 subjects
Sara: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...student. As an instructor with years of experience working with diverse international populations, I believe that our differences, whether they be cultural, cognitive, behavioral, linguistic, or simply in terms of our interests, deserve to be honored throughout all of our educational journeys. Our backgrounds, as much as our prospective futures, shape who we are and what we need. I believe in teaching practices that not only evolve depending on student needs, but also truly, deeply...
Education & Certification
- Scripps College - Bachelor in Arts, General Literature
- University of California-Irvine - Certificate, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- ACT
- SAT
- +38 subjects
Kaley: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...working with kids since high school. I 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...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Education and Public Policy
- Harvard Graduate School of Education - Masters, Human Development and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- +35 subjects
Jaimie: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...a recent graduate of Northeastern University with my Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. I am currently working in the lab of Professor Robert Langer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology working on novel drug delivery systems for the gastrointestinal tract. I am hoping to attend medical school in pursuit of becoming a physician. I am currently interested in pediatrics and psychiatry but I am looking forward to exploring a range of available disciplines....
Education & Certification
- Northeastern University - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT
- PSAT
- +93 subjects
Rebecca: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...not just for one assignment or one test, but rather that it sticks with you to build a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence that you can carry forward. My favorite subjects to tutor include English, SAT test preparation, math, and psychology. My approach to tutoring is to meet the student where they're at and go from there. I find that this way we can build a productive tutoring relationship where I can help individualize...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- +53 subjects
Erica: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. I am extremely passionate about teaching and work daily to improve my craft. Students, parents, supervisors, and colleagues have described me as efficient, extremely patient, creative, and caring. I am certified to tutor in a variety of subjects and consider the following areas to be my specialties: *Standardized tests, such as the ISEE, SSAT, and AP examinations *Students who demonstrate challenging behaviors *Long-term tutoring in math and...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, English; Latin Language and Literature
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +77 subjects
Matt: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...University as a Public Health major with 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...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- SAT
- +85 subjects
Connor: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...instruction. I specialize in tutoring biology, chemistry, physics, and economics for high school students. In addition to this, I also tutor students in college level general chemistry, general biology, organic chemistry, introductory physics, economics and for the MCAT exam. I excelled in undergraduate coursework pertaining to these subjects and have prior experience in assisting pre-professional (pre-medical and pre-nursing) students looking to succeed in their required general science classes. My tutoring methodology is dependent on the...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- HSPT
- ISEE
- +43 subjects
Max: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...volunteer in New Haven as a math teacher and coach at a public middle school (my team of 7th graders just won the 2016 New Haven regional championship!), and I've been tutoring middle and high school students for over 7 years. On top of all of that, I'm an aspiring professional in the business world - this past summer I worked at an internship in financial consulting (banking advisory & analytics), and have previously held...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +104 subjects
Diptesh: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...York University studying Global Public Health with a concentration in Chemistry. I have been passionate about education since 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 & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health & Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TACHS
- OLSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +88 subjects
Cynthia: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...University, home for the summer in the 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...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Neuroscience
- Johns Hopkins University - PHD, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +72 subjects
Shawn: San Francisco SSAT test prep instructor
...Math teacher for over 19 years. I teach all levels of Chemistry (including AP), Physics (regular and honors), AP Environmental Science, Honors Precalculus, Trigonometry, Algebra 1 and 2, Earth Science, and Physical Science and have taught Chemistry and Physics at the college level as well. My favorite topics to tutor are Chemistry and Precalculus/Trigonometry. I am a patient teacher who can explain problems in many different ways according to how individual students learn best. I...
Education & Certification
- University of Richmond - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- University of California-Los Angeles - Master of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- UK GCSE
- California Proficiency Program (CPP)
- +131 subjects