Varsity Tutors can assist students preparing to apply to secondary school by linking them with consistent Seattle SSAT prep help. The SSAT stands for Secondary School Admissions Test, and it's an exam that's used by numerous private educational institutions. This test is administered to students who are seeking entrance into an elite private elementary, middle, or high school. The SSAT is designed for students in grades 3-11. Scoring well on this exam is important because admission committees will compare the student's score to those within his or her academic group. The final score can determine whether a student is granted admission into the school.
The SSAT is a standardized assessment that aims to measure the student's academic ability. The exam assesses their basic math, verbal, and reading skills. How well the student performs on the SSAT can predict whether they are able to handle the coursework in a private school. Since the SSAT is geared towards students of various grade levels, there are three main test levels available for students in elementary, middle school and high school.
What Does A Seattle SSAT Prep Class Cover?
The SSAT is made up of three sections; Verbal, Quantitative, and Reading Comprehension. Test takers will take the exam based on their current grade. There's also a Writing section that isn't scored, but it's sent to the schools that the student is applying too. For instance, if a fourth-grade student is taking the standardized test, they will have to take the elementary level of the SSAT. Although there are slight differences in the varying levels of the SSAT, they all share the same purpose. Check out this overview of the format of the SSAT so that you can know what to expect on exam day.
Elementary Level
The elementary level is for 3rd-grade students applying to an independent school for the 4th grade. Here is a breakdown of this level of the assessment:
Verbal - This section has 30 questions that will test the student's understanding of word relationships, different types of analogies and vocabulary from various areas of study.
Reading Comprehension - There are a total of 28 questions in this portion of the exam all based around 7 reading passages. Your child will have to determine the main idea of different written passages, use context clues to figure out the meaning of words, and identify important information.
Quantitative - The Quantitative portion consists of basic math questions that cover areas such as; multiplication, addition, and division. Students are prohibited from using a calculator in this section.
Writing Sample - The student will be asked to write a simple short story that includes a beginning, middle, and end on this final section of the assessment.
Middle School and Upper Level
The middle school and upper levels of the SSAT are considered to be much more challenging. Here is a breakdown of the Upper and Middle levels of the Secondary School Admissions Test:
Verbal - In the Verbal section, middle school students are required to answer 60 questions. Thirty of these questions are based around synonyms and the other 30 are centered on analogies. This portion tests the student's understanding of vocabulary, the relationship between words, and ideas. The Upper Level portion, which is taken by students in the 8th-11 grade, also consists of 60 questions that are also analogy and synonym based.
Quantitative - For the Middle Level SSAT, the Quantitative section contains questions that cover mathematical topics like data analysis, probability, and algebra. Students should have an understanding of geometric concepts and be able to solve general algebra problems. Upper Level students are administered 50 questions with two 30 minute sections. Some concepts this level of the Quantitative section of the test covers are linear equations, word problems, and fractions. Calculators aren't allowed during testing.
Reading Comprehension - There are 40 passages based questions on the Reading section of the Middle Level SSAT. Students have to interpret the meaning of the persuasive and narrative text. The Upper Level also administers 40 questions that require students to closely analyze the narrative and argumentative passages.
Writing - In the Writing section, students in both sublevels are given the opportunity either write a creative or traditional essay based on the presented prompts. The Writing section won't be scored, but the sample is sent to the schools the candidate is applying too.
What Are The Different Types of Seattle SSAT Prep?
There are two main Seattle SSAT preparation options. Varsity Tutors can help students enroll in a Seattle SSAT prep class or connect them with a private tutor. New classes start every week, and parents have the option of enrolling their child in a two week or four-week class. Both options offer unique benefits and can be effective at thoroughly preparing the student for the exam.
A Seattle SSAT prep course takes place in an online interactive learning environment similar to a regular classroom, with an expert instructor leading a group of students. Learning in such a collaborative environment can prove to be effective because students can help each other retain important concepts through group activities and discussions. Also, every student has the opportunity to interact with the instructor individually for additional help.
Some students might benefit more from a Seattle SSAT tutor. No doubt, a private tutor allows for learning on a personalized level. After all, a private instructor is solely focused on one student, which means they'll be able to quickly identify their weaknesses and strengths. A tutor can help students improve in concepts that they find difficult and teach them test-taking strategies that they can implement on the day of the exam. Tutoring takes place on the Live Learning Platform, which means that the session can take place anywhere.
How Can I Find Seattle SSAT Prep Help?
Finding a good Seattle SSAT prep class or a private tutor can be a challenge. Varsity Tutors is here to connect students will regular tutoring sessions and prep courses that best fit the student's schedule. Obtaining help in preparing for this standardized exam is essential because it's a crucial part of getting into a specific school. To learn more information about the SSAT prep help we can provide, you can contact one of our educational consultants today.
Rachel: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...of finding the style of learning that is most effective for them. What works or makes sense for one student will not necessarily work for the next student, and so it is essential as a tutor to be able to explain the same concept in a variety of different ways and to be able to determine when a student has fully grasped the concept. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, General Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- CogAT
- GED
- +89 subjects
Katherine: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...worked for three years at a Fortune 500 company, further developing my interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. I also taught free Spanish sessions there to employees in all walks of their language-learning paths: from complete beginner to advanced learners wanting a review. While the corporate world provided valuable experience, I decided to further pursue my passions of languages and learning. I left the corporate sector and have obtained a Master's Degree at the Middlebury...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls - Bachelors, Spanish; International Studies
- Middlebury College - Current Grad Student, Spanish
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Writing
- ESL/ELL
- AP Spanish Literature and Culture
- +16 subjects
Karen: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...tailor lesson plans to different learning styles and abilities. With the extra attention I give, my students consistently tell me they have learned more than they ever thought possible for themselves. Many of my students once nervous about math or science went on to major in these subjects in college with great success. They just had to get over fears and mental blocks. I have flexible hours and diverse teaching and tutoring experience in a...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelors, Economics, minor Math and Statistics
- University of California-Berkeley - Masters, Masters of Business Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- CAHSEE
- SAT
- +87 subjects
Suzanne: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...enjoy teaching reading skills and elementary math. I am a natural with children, but also know how to set friendly but firm limits. For the last eight years I have worked as a substitute elementary school teacher in the Edmonds and Mukilteo school districts working with students Kindergarten through fourth grade. I enjoy helping children understand things. I believe my job as a tutor is to investigate what is going on that may be causing...
Education & Certification
- Seattle Pacific University - Bachelors, Language Arts
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE- Lower Level
- Elementary Math
- +11 subjects
Thomas: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...one. I understand the thrill of success, but also the despair and discouragement that comes with failure. I know how hard it can be to play the game of getting through school. I also know how to help my students make the most of it. I listen carefully to my students' concerns and tailor my approach to each individual. I respect my students' time and only ask that they do the same for me. If...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- TOEFL
- GED
- +79 subjects
Anastasia: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...to Seattle from the East Coast, and I am enjoying getting to know the ins and outs of the city and the different culture Seattle has to offer. I am a person that genuinely enjoys teaching and what I do. I especially enjoy one-on-one sessions to really figure out how different people learn different subjects. Once I get to know a bit about the student I focus my tutoring based off what works for them,...
Education & Certification
- Kennesaw State University - Bachelors, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Reading
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +28 subjects
Jeffrey: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...am excited about using my solutions to help students achieve their goals. Preparing for a standardized test can feel overwhelming. But you really can be prepared. Careful, concept-oriented preparation can help ensure that students don't run into anything radically new on exam day. My preparation strategy aims to give students the instruction they need to recognize as many problem types as possible. Sitting for a standardized test can be a stressful experience for many people....
Education & Certification
- University of Washington - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- +34 subjects
Nikki: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
I have loved science ever since I was a kid and watched The Magic School Bus and the Bill Nye show. I majored in Neuroscience and Behavior in college, so I learned a lot about Biology and Psychology, and I plan on getting a Master's in Bioengineering. I spent two years serving with the Peace Corps in Peru, where I learned to speak Spanish, build stoves out of adobe, and a lot about life in...
Education & Certification
- Vassar College - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience and Behavior
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- HSPT
- +46 subjects
Amanda: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...my community through my involvement as a campus tour guide, writing tutor, sexual assault counselor, and Greek life leader. I love traveling and have visited over 25 different countries and am particularly interested in the ways that writing and culture have symbiotically shaped human history. As a college graduate and an alumna of a Seattle private school, I have personally experienced the pressures and difficulties facing most high school students. I love learning in any...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- HSPT
- SAT
- +37 subjects
Claudia: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...how to harness a difficult concept, questions are answered and new ones are discovered. I have studied motivation in educational contexts and have held various teaching/mentoring roles. Having graduated 1st in my class with a Masters degree, I know what it takes to succeed in academic settings. It is effort, not innate ability, that makes people excel. I try to put forth this effort and learn in all areas of my life, including my hobbies...
Education & Certification
- Reed College - Bachelors, Psychology
- Bournemouth University - Masters, Forensic and Neuropsychological Perspectives in Face Processing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- ACT
- SAT
- +61 subjects
Miranda: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...a little kid (I was that weird girl playing with dirt and rocks during recess). I did what I like to call the "Nerd Trifecta" in high school: math team, knowledge bowl, and science olympiad. I've tutored since I was in middle school, and I love finding an explanation or analogy to help someone else really grasp a concept! I'm applying to grad school now, and in my spare time I love cooking and baking...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry and Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- +49 subjects
Sejal: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...and doing scientific research in labs and in the field. Throughout my education I have been a well-rounded student in sciences and the humanities because of my patience in problem solving and because I utilize different study methods for different material. I have experience working with a wide range of students from elementary school to college students to adult learners. The best part of tutoring for me is when a student truly begins to enjoy...
Education & Certification
- Tufts University - Bachelor of Science, Environmental Studies and Geology
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Masters, Public Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- SAT
- +63 subjects
Catherine: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...do that visually online as we work together. Reading for fun is one of my hobbies, but I know how to inspire struggling readers and teach them techniques for making sense of what they're reading. I would describe my tutoring style as rigorous, positive and focused on each individual student and what they need and want to learn to be a successful student in the subject we are working on. Short and long term goals...
Education & Certification
- California State University, East Bay - Bachelor in Arts, Liberal Studies, Biological Sciences
- Holy Names University - Unknown, Teaching Certifications
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- AIMS
- Elementary Math
- +24 subjects
Jessica: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
I have a Bachelors in Elementary Education from Pacific Lutheran University with an endorsement in Elementary Education (K-8) and an endorsement in Reading (K-12). I have a Masters of Education from the University of Melbourne. I have provided tutoring services in and out of the school setting since 2008. I have taught 1st grade in a public school since 2014. I love working with students and watching them develop a love for learning that can...
Education & Certification
- Pacific Lutheran University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- University of Melbourne - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Reading
- Phonics
- +14 subjects
Amanda: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...reach their ACT/SAT goal(s). Having tutored ACT and SAT prep full time for going on 5 years, I can efficiently assess a student's strengths and weaknesses, develop a personalized tutoring plan, communicate strategies to better approach the test, teach concepts, and guide students to success. Adaptation to a student's needs is the key to success for both student and tutor. I have ample experience working with students that have learning disabilities: ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, processing...
Education & Certification
- Seattle University - Current Undergrad Student, Applied Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- TACHS
- SHSAT
- +146 subjects
Genet: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...of Minnesota, Mankato, and a PhD in Education from the University of Colorado, Boulder. I have taught thousands of college students for over 25 years: human development, educational philosophy, teaching pedagogy, research and writing skills, and speaking/presentation skills. I also taught high school students for a couple of years in Alaska and am currently a high school teacher for Seattle Public Schools; my class is called "Careers in Education." I treat my high school students...
Education & Certification
- Western Washington University - Bachelor of Education, English
- University of Colorado Boulder - Doctor of Philosophy, Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- SAT
- Middle School Reading
- +31 subjects
Yuna: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...program, that awards students-with-potential free college prep courses from sixth grade to their senior year of high school at Punahou School. After my first year of college, I applied and was offered a position at PUEO to work as a teaching assistant. Since then, I've taught English, Film, and Magic to rising middle schoolers every summer, and I loved every minute of it! I've also served as an administrative assistant and part time tutor at...
Education & Certification
- University of Hawaii at Manoa - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +48 subjects
Aaron: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
I am passionate about education and the power of one on one instructional time to transform student attitudes and outcomes. I seek to empower students to better understand themselves and succeed in life. My approach to tutoring is based on games and questioning, to bring fun, and thinking together to create effective sessions that improve student self esteem, effectiveness, and ability.... Student engagement is key. When students are engaged and curious, they bring their best thinking and work ethic. Connecting work with students’ lives increases interest, perseverance, and retention.
Education & Certification
- New College of Florida - Bachelors, General Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE- Middle Level
- Elementary Math
- +25 subjects
Alexa: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...graduated high school as a Valedictorian. I have worked with Disability Resource Services in taking notes for students, and have also offered assistance with homework to other students. As an engineering student, I am able to use my experience to offer assistance with math. I am also able to tutor in chemistry since I have already completed the general chemistry series. I believe that education is extremely important in life, not only for the purpose...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ASVAB
- REGENTS
- HSPT
- +34 subjects
Suzanne: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...that that needs to be explored. Always be seeking, improving, and wondering. I have taught middle school for 17 years and try to pass on my love of learning to each and everyone of my students. I believe all students can be successful learners, although they may learn best in a wide variety of ways. When a student gets it, I get excited. I always do everything I can to make my students experience success....
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelors, Pre-Physical Therapy
- Georgian Court University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- SAT
- ACT
- +49 subjects