The thought of the SSAT is stressful for many young people; if your student wants extra guidance, Varsity Tutors can assist them with a Portland SSAT class that offers additional review opportunities, rather than forcing them to learn by themselves. The SSAT is given to students who have enrolled or are seeking to enroll in a private school, to test their Verbal, Math, and Reading skills. Working hard to do their best is important to help students get into the school of their choice.
Some students are simply nervous when it comes to any test or maybe they want to know how the layout looks. In any case, a Portland SSAT prep course can provide the right solution. Students can work with live online classes that allow them to communicate with fellow classmates and the instructor at the same time. These courses can help your student feel more confident in knowing what to expect when the big day arrives.
The SSAT is offered at the Elementary Level up to fifth grade, the Middle Level up to seventh grade, and the Upper Level up to eleventh grade. Although there's some difference between all the levels for students, there are common topics to review for optimal success. Your student's score on the SSAT can affect which school they get into. Private and independent schools can have stiff competition. If you want to help them reach their highest potential, it's worth the investment to give them a class that offers help on the SSAT.
What could a Portland SSAT class help my student review?
Upper Level and Middle Level students taking the SSAT will see a similar layout that involves the following sections: Writing, Quantitative 1, Reading, Verbal, Quantitative 2, and an Experimental section. Elementary students will see the following sections: Quantitative/Math, Verbal, Reading, Writing, and an Experimental. Calculators are not allowed for the Quantitative regardless of level. Elementary students should guess if they are unsure of an answer since there are no penalties. Middle Level students and Upper Level students lose one-quarter of a point if they answer wrong.
Students at the Upper and Middle Level begin with the Writing portion and they have 25 minutes to complete it. They will compose an essay of their choice, either creative or traditional. Essays are not scored but are used by schools to determine a student's grasp of spelling, punctuation, grammar, and ability to support their statements with their writing.
The Quantitative section consists of two parts for Upper and Middle Levels. Concepts covered include numbers and operations, geometry, elementary algebra, and probability, to name a few. Students in the Upper Upper Level will find questions related to graphing problems and triangle properties. There are 25 questions per section, with a total of 30 minutes for each section.
The Reading section comes next and asks 40 questions, which students need to answer in 40 minutes. Some topics students should expect to get quizzed on include the author's attitude and tone, along with how a piece relates to the audience. Middle Level students will need to understand opinions and arguments as they relate to the reading.
The Verbal section is the last part and has 60 questions to answer in 30 minutes. This portion of the test requires students to understand prefixes and suffixes that are Greek, Latin, and Anglo-Saxon for students in the Upper Level. Those in the Middle Level should know how nuances can change word meanings and various vocabularies across different disciplines, such as science and social studies.
Elementary school students have a condensed but similar version of the test. Sections covered include Quantitative/Math, Verbal, Reading, and a Writing sample. There are fewer questions and shorter time limits overall.
The Quantitative section covers basic math. Some topics students will go over include shapes, measurement, and foundations such as addition, subtraction, and division.
The Verbal portion is also 30 questions to answer in 30 minutes. Elementary students need to know synonyms and how vocabulary is used across different studies, such as the sciences.
The Reading section requires 28 questions to be answered in 30 minutes. This part of the test focuses on seven passages that have four questions. Students must showcase their ability to identify words in context, understand the meanings, and recognize main ideas.
Finally, students reach the Writing prompt. This requires students to answer one question in 15 minutes. Here, students are given a picture as a prompt and asked to write a story based on the picture. Spelling and grammar are important for this part of the exam.
How do Portland SSAT courses help my student prepare?
Because the SSAT course are offered online, students can learn at home with the help of a qualified instructor. New Portland SSAT classes begin each week. You and your students can choose classes that are two weeks or four weeks long, depending on what their lifestyle and current study needs are.
After signing up for the Portland SSAT class, students work in a live online environment with their instructor and classmates. This has all the benefits of an in-person classroom with no commute necessary. This gives them the opportunity to talk about how to approach the Quantitative portion of the exam or scan through passages when handling the Reading portion. If additional help is desired, the instructor can provide assistance in a one-on-one setting. Regardless of your student's goals, this course can encourage them to do their best on test day.
How can I find a Portland SSAT prep course?
The Portland SSAT course is an investment for your student's future. Everything covered here is a skill they'll continue to use throughout their schooling, no matter what they choose to do. Varsity Tutors can help you enroll your student in a class that meets their schedule and needs.
Getting into the right private school often depends on how well your student grasps material taught at their current grade level. The bests way to help them feel ready for the exam is to study and know what materials will be covered on test day. Call Varsity Tutors and let us help you get your student set up in a Portland SSAT course. It can help them feel confident about their future and help prepare them to do their best on test day.
Max: Portland SSAT course instructor
...name is Max - I'm a senior at Yale College where I study Economics. I'm 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...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- +104 subjects
Solomon: Portland SSAT course instructor
I graduated from Yale University with a degree in Math and Philosophy. Currently, I am a music and entertainment critic-hopeful. I have tutored for over four years now with specialties in mathematics, logic, philosophy, English, and the ACT.
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ASVAB
- HSPT
- CogAT
- +40 subjects
Nancy: Portland SSAT course instructor
...I am Nancy. I love tutoring students online. I strive to make my sessions interesting and fun. It's important to make real world connections, so students understand why learning a particular skill is important. I was a classroom teacher for many years. I spent most of those years teaching grades 3, 4 and 7, but I have actually taught all grades! While in the classroom, I taught core subjects to heterogeneously grouped students. For the...
Education & Certification
- Southern Connecticut State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education K-8
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ASVAB
- HSPT
- ISEE
- +82 subjects
Tasha: Portland SSAT course instructor
Hello! I have been a tutor for over 12 years and love what I do. I adapt my tutoring approach and style to each student and help them to develop practical and efficient study skills and time management techniques. I have tutored students from ages 3 to adult in various areas related to English, ESL/ELL, Psychology, Public Speaking, and test preparation. I am a Native English speaker and also speak basic Spanish and Mandarin Chinese....
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology, Anthropology
- University of Baltimore - Juris Doctor, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- SAT
- PSAT
- +46 subjects
Ellis: Portland SSAT course instructor
...my tutoring in all aspects of SAT Reading Comprehension, Writing and Grammar, and essay and term paper writing. I pride myself in bringing out the best in my tutees, in making them feel valued and respected. They reciprocate those feelings and become both challenged and motivated. The results show it. My education speaks for itself: Trinity College (B.A., CUM LAUDE), University of Pennsylvania Law School (JURIS DOCTOR). Education and the success of my tutees means...
Education & Certification
- Trinity College Hartford CT - Bachelors, Modern Languages
- University of Pennsylvania School of Law - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- CLEP
- +118 subjects
Kayla: Portland SSAT course instructor
Hello Students and Parents! I am a teacher at an elementary school, as well as a tutor. I earned a Bachelors in Science in Elementary Education. I am certified to teach kindergarten through sixth grade. I have my Masters in Teaching and Learning in Technology. I believe all students can learn. A tutor’s job is to use the student’s strengths as a leaner, and their learning style to teach them successful strategies to master skills...
Education & Certification
- Central Connecticut State University - Bachelors, Elementary education
- Western Governors University - Masters, Teaching and learning with technology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Reading
- Test Prep
- +10 subjects
Landon: Portland SSAT course instructor
I know what it's like to feel inadequate in the classroom. I grew up in a high-performing school district where many of my peers were able to excel without putting forth any effort. Meanwhile, I was spending countless hours reading, drilling flash cards, and reworking problems without receiving the same results. School just never came naturally for me, and I often felt incompetent, unmotivated and embarrassed to ask for help. Thankfully, I had wonderful teachers,...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Public Relations and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +166 subjects
David: Portland SSAT course instructor
...try to treat every student as a violin student -- lots of feedback and one-to-one attention, not so much lecture. I've been working in education for nearly 10 years, as a tutor, classroom teacher (I am certified in Math 7-12 in Connecticut), and developer of teaching materials. My most recent gigs have been hourly / independent contractor / free-lance, which I haven't put on my resume. I've been tutoring, mostly for the Hamden (CT) school...
Education & Certification
- Union College - Bachelors, Computer Science
- Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion-New York - Masters, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- SAT
- ISEE
- +45 subjects
Ryan: Portland SSAT course instructor
I am a true New England boy, and am an alumnus of Wesleyan, Yale and Uconn Law School. I was a double major in Political Science and Psychology and enjoy the intersection of the two. I have taught for over twenty years most recently as a professor of Law and Criminology at UB. I also lived in Hong Kong and taught test prep to some of the world's most aspirational students.
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- University of Connecticut - Doctor of Laws, Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- TOEFL
- ACT
- +52 subjects
Jaclyn: Portland SSAT course instructor
Hello! My name is Jackie DeFilippo and I am enthusiastic about tutoring. I have tutored before in college, and I am currently a middle school Science teacher. I have a license and degree in Elementary Education, with experience in both elementary school education and middle school education. I am a new teacher, and have a passion for teaching and learning. I look forward to meeting you!
Education & Certification
- Westfield State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Middle School Math
- Biology
- +26 subjects
River: Portland SSAT course instructor
After graduating from Zhejiang University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Journalism in 2008, I started my teaching career in Hangzhou, China. Since then, I've taught English (ESL) for 10 years and Mandarin Chinese for 2 years. I love learning different languages myself, and I love using them while traveling and working in different countries. I feel lucky to have translated my hobby into a career, and honored to be an educator and an...
Education & Certification
- Zhejiang University City College - Bachelor in Arts, Journalism
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- +25 subjects
Zach: Portland SSAT course instructor
I am a Yale University Berkeley College graduate of the Yale Class of 2012 with an Intensive B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Eager for tutoring opportunities, I welcome any of you who wishes to undergo SAT/PSAT or ACT Test Preparation that will get you the scores you need for admission to the college of your choice. As for my experience, I have tutoring experience in both one-to-one settings, going as far back as...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CogAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +54 subjects
Ryan: Portland SSAT course instructor
I am a recent graduate of Middlebury College with a degree in Physics, and I have over 5 years of online tutoring experience. I know first hand how challenging it can be to struggle in classes when not quite understanding the material, and I have seen the confidence that tutoring can provide students. I aim to help students build confidence to succeed in their most challenging subjects!
Education & Certification
- Middlebury College - Bachelor's, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- UK GCSE
- GED
- +85 subjects
Jessica: Portland SSAT course instructor
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in both Child Development and French from Tufts University. During my time at Tufts, I also taught in Boston-area preschools, supporting early literacy, numeracy, and social skill development through the Jumpstart program. After graduating, I stayed in Boston and tutored 9th-12th graders in a wide range of subjects while earning my teaching license. After that, I taught 3rd and 4th grade where my students earned best in state scores...
Education & Certification
- Tufts University - Bachelor in Arts, Child Development, French
- Simmons School of Library and Information Science - Masters, Children's Literature, Library and Information Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- SAT
- PARCC
- +74 subjects
Richard: Portland SSAT course instructor
Hi, my name is Richard. I have graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science in physics. Throughout my time in college, I have tutored an array of students ranging in various skills of mathematics and physics and ages. I love the feeling of helping others understand and gain an appreciation for the fields through the sessions we have. My goal is to help students solve problems on their own, but also have some fun...
Education & Certification
- Southern Connecticut State University - Bachelor of Science, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- GED
- PSAT
- +87 subjects
Logan: Portland SSAT course instructor
I'm a New York native, and just graduated from University of Oxford with a BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). I've worked with multiple companies and as an independent tutor for over 2 years and have taught a range of subjects, including Economics and Politics (through University level) and Calculus, Statistics, Spanish, US History, Chemistry, and Geography (through AP level). I'm also experienced in university admissions coaching, including SAT/ACT tutoring and advising on personal...
Education & Certification
- University of Oxford - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +82 subjects
Jamie: Portland SSAT course instructor
I spend my days doing my favorite things in the world: educating and learning from creative, inquisitive kids. I currently create mathematics curriculum for several local school districts, teach pre-kindergarten physical education classes, and run a cooperative education program in the Naugatuck Valley of Connecticut. My current goal is to step back into the classroom and teach in an elementary school. Over the years I have worked in a variety of areas in the field...
Education & Certification
- Albertus Magnus College - Bachelors, Sociology/Law
- University of New Haven - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- English
- Homework Support
- Study Skills and Organization
- +15 subjects
Alesia: Portland SSAT course instructor
I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Connecticut. I also completed a Master's in Education at Southern CT State University. This summer I am excited to begin my Educational Leadership degree in order to obtain my certification to be a school principal! I am currently a 1st grade teacher. I love working with students and helping them to reach their goals! Learning should be intriguing and engaging, and I take pride...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, Psychology
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- Elementary Math
- +23 subjects
Nova: Portland SSAT course instructor
I'm an undergraduate at Brown University with a planned concentration in Health and Human Biology and Visual Art. I have had extensive experience working as a summer camp counselor, teaching at a Mandarin School, working as an SAT Tutor, and tutoring Physics, Biology, and Math at a local high school. I am more than happy to offer college advice and SAT II and AP prep given my experience with the application process!
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +65 subjects
Alexander: Portland SSAT course instructor
...I'm a sophomore at Columbia University, living in Morningside Heights. I've got six years of teaching/tutoring experience, working with kids K-12. I've mostly helped students with mathematics (middle-school level through SAT prep), computer science (introductory web development and object-oriented programming), and English-Language Arts (reading comprehension with students grades 1-4). I've worked in environments ranging from a charter school in the South Bronx to a prep school in Connecticut. In mathematics in particular I have strong...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- SAT
- +81 subjects