The SSAT Elementary Level contains three scored sections: Verbal Reasoning (synonyms and analogies), Mathematics (arithmetic and math concepts), and Reading Comprehension (passages with questions). There's also a brief writing sample that doesn't count toward your composite score.

Each section has different timing and pacing challenges. For example, reading comprehension requires students to manage time while carefully reviewing passages, while math demands accuracy under pressure. Expert tutors help students develop strategies for each section so they can perform their best.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format and time pressure. The best approach is consistent exposure: working through full-length practice tests regularly builds confidence and helps your child develop a sense of timing. Varsity Tutors connects students with tutors who teach specific pacing strategies—like which questions to tackle first, when to skip and come back, and how to manage the clock.

Working through test-taking techniques like deep breathing and positive self-talk, combined with thorough preparation, significantly reduces anxiety by test day. Your child will feel prepared because they've practiced in realistic conditions.

Reading comprehension requires multiple skills at once: decoding the passage, understanding it, managing time, and answering questions accurately. Many students rush through passages to beat the clock, miss key details, and answer incorrectly. Math, while demanding accuracy, often feels more straightforward because there's a clearer right answer.

Personalized tutoring helps students develop active reading strategies—like marking key ideas as they read and predicting what questions might ask—so they understand passages deeply without spending excessive time. This builds both accuracy and confidence.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of preparation, working 2-3 times per week with a tutor plus independent practice. This timeline allows time to learn strategies, practice each section thoroughly, take multiple practice tests, and refine weak areas before test day.

The exact schedule depends on your child's starting level and test date. A tutor can create a personalized study plan that balances practice tests, targeted skill work, and review to keep progress on track without overwhelming your student.

Practice tests are essential. They serve three critical purposes: they help identify your child's specific weak areas, they build familiarity with the test format and timing, and they reduce test anxiety by simulating the real testing experience. Many students discover they actually manage time well but make careless errors under pressure, or vice versa—insights that guide focused tutoring.

Expert tutors use practice test results to pinpoint exactly where to focus instruction, whether that's a particular question type, a math concept, or test-taking strategies. This data-driven approach makes tutoring more efficient and effective.

Look for a tutor with specific SSAT Elementary experience, strong knowledge of the test structure and question types, and experience working with students at your child's level. They should explain concepts clearly, teach practical test-taking strategies (not just content), and use practice tests to guide instruction.

Varsity Tutors connects students with expert tutors who understand how to build confidence alongside skills. When connecting with a tutor, ask about their approach to identifying weak areas, how they structure sessions, and whether they provide practice materials and progress tracking—all important for success on the SSAT.