Are you looking for professional Chicago SSAT prep for your child in Chicago? If you are trying to get your child accepted into a specific private or independent school in the Chicago area, the school may take a look at your child's SSAT scores. This test can have an impact on whether they get accepted by the admission board or not.
The SSAT is a standardized test that is designed to measure basic skills and comprehension in reading, writing, science, and math. There are three different levels of the SSAT. The grade your child is entering will determine which level of the SSAT will be administered to them. The Elementary Level will be taken if your child is going into the fourth or fifth grade. The Middle Level will be taken if your child is going into the sixth, seventh, or eighth grade. The Upper Level will be taken by students going into any grade of high school.
What will the SSAT be like?
As mentioned, there will be three different levels of the SSAT. They are similar in nature, but there are certain differences. For example, in the Elementary Level SSAT, students will not receive any penalties for incorrect answers. Thus, it is better to guess than to leave an answer blank. On the hand, the other levels of the SSAT are a bit more tricky. On the Middle Level and the Upper Level of the SSAT, students will receive a small penalty (the deduction of a quarter of a point) for an incorrect answer, while they will get an entire point for a correct answer. On the other hand, you will not receive any penalties for questions that are left blank.
The Elementary Level of the SSAT will have a Quantitative section with 30 questions, a Verbal section with 30 questions, a Reading section with 28 questions, a Writing Sample with a single prompt, and an Experimental section with 15 to 17 questions, which will be unscored. All sections will have a time limit of half an hour, other than the Writing Sample and Experimental sections, which will last for 15 minutes.
Both the Middle Level and the Upper Level of the SSAT will have a Writing Sample with one prompt, a Quantitative 1 section with 25 questions, a Reading section with 40 questions, a Verbal section with 60 questions, a Quantitative 2 section with 25 questions, and an unscored Experimental section with 16 questions. Students will have 25 minutes for the Writing Sample, 30 minutes for the Quantitative 1 section, 40 minutes for the Reading section, 30 minutes for the Verbal section, 30 minutes for the Quantitative 2 section, and 15 minutes for the Experimental section.
Keep in mind that the Writing Sample on each level is not going to be scored. Instead, it will be sent to the school's admission board, and they will be able to make their own conclusions based on the writing style and skills that are present in the essay.
All students will be tested on basic skills such as reading comprehension, basic knowledge of math and science, verbal reasoning skills, and more.
What kind of Chicago SSAT prep can my child get?
There are two kinds of SSAT preparation that you can get for your child. Some children will benefit greatly from taking a Chicago SSAT prep course. These courses take place over the internet, and they will give your child the opportunity to study with an experienced instructor who can work with the students in the class to create a study environment in which helpful discussions take place.
Taking a Chicago SSAT prep class will give your child the opportunity to make sure that there are no holes in their knowledge. The instructor can go over all sections of the test. This way, your child will have a chance to review everything that they learned in school, which can help jog their memory and make them more likely to remember important things on the day of the test.
Many students will find that they feel more comfortable when they study with a private Chicago SSAT tutor. Some children may become shy and anxious in a group environment and may be hesitant to ask important questions for which they do not know the answer. Learning with a private instructor can help them take more risks, such as asking those questions. This can help them to understand the subject matter better.
A private educational mentor can come to understand the pace of study that works best for your child. This way, they can devise study sessions that progress at that particular pace. In addition, the private educational instructor can develop a rapport with your child. They can even introduce interesting study material and resources so that your child will start to look forward to the study sessions.
A private educational mentor can present the study materials to your child in a fun and interesting manner as well. The instructor can even give your child some test-taking advice, such as what to do if they are unsure of the answer to a question. As mentioned, this will depend on which level of the SSAT they are taking. For the Elementary Level, there will be no penalties for questions that have incorrect answers, so the tutor can advise your child to take their best guess and go back to the question if they have time in the end.
Another option is getting private mentoring for your child while enrolling them in a study course at the same time. These courses can be taken over the course of either two or four weeks.
How can I get my child started with Chicago SSAT prep?
If you are looking for professional Chicago SSAT preparation help for your child in Chicago, all you need to do is get in touch with Varsity Tutors. We can connect you with a private educational mentor who can study with your child one-one or get your child enrolled in the next SSAT class. There is a new class starting every week, so your child can get started right away.

Prahith: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
I am a classroom teacher who has spent the last ten years tutoring/educating students with a variety of learning needs. I specialize in figuring out what specific learning strategies work for different students. I can help you go from good to great as I have consistently scored in the 99th percentile for several graduate school tests. ... It is more important that students learn how to solve problems rather than just memorizing facts or formulas. All students are smart in their own way and, teaching should be catered to how students best understand. Ultimately students should understand why what they are learning is important.
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Bachelors, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- CLEP
- +103 subjects

David: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...material in an engaging and relevant manner so that we can all learn and achieve success. One-on-one tutoring is an effective technique, particularly for explaining and modeling math, and I enjoy seeing students attitudes toward school brighten when they see immediate progress in their work. As a writing tutor, I like to focus on helping students find their authentic voice. Essays succeed when students strip away the extraneous material and present themselves and their ideas...
Education & Certification
- Drake University - Bachelor of Science, Education, History
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ASPIRE
- ACT
- SAT
- +37 subjects

Daniel: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...motivated to make the course content as relevant to our students’ lives as possible in order to best engage them in learning activities and assessments. In order to meet my goals, I consistently reflect on how well I designed a lesson or a learning activity that incorporated the elements of critical thinking, problem solving, analyzing and evaluating. I integrate a question that is stated in the form of a problem, which triggers students to critically...
Education & Certification
- Lake Forest College - Bachelor in Arts, Education and History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- +52 subjects

Katelynn: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
With over five years of experience with tutoring, I have the skills to help your child succeed in school. Students that work with me have improved grades and increased confidence in their academic abilities. I offer individualized lessons that accommodate each student's learning style. We will work together to identify specific academic goals and create a customized learning plan to achieve those goals. ... I believe every student has the ability to succeed academically. I provide dynamic and engaging instruction so learning becomes an enjoyable experience.
Education & Certification
- University of Central Florida - Bachelors, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- GED
- FCAT 2.0
- +64 subjects

Gregory: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
empty... Relaxed and accommodating, but direct and impact-driven.... Get to know their background and the best way they retain information.... Provide self-prep materials, and evaluate their performance.... Show impact of results and progress.... Find alternative approaches, and practice.... Help them practice reading and understand main concepts.... Give them effective instruction, but also time.... Provide fun examples or real-life applications.... Asking questions throughout teaching the session.... With conversation about the subject and practice-test results.... What is their most effective way of learning, and what are their biggest struggles and strengths?
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +38 subjects

Adrianne: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...decade. Since early high school, I have tutored both peers and younger students. My students have included special education, gifted, English Language Learners, music/arts students and students with disabilities. I have tutored math up to Calculus AP; English Writing, Reading Comprehension and College Essay instruction; Science through AP Physics; and test preparation for GRE, ACT, SAT as well as state-mandated tests in Illinois and Michigan. Finally, I majored in and am pursuing a Master's Degree...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan - Bachelors, Social Science, Latin American Studies
- DePaul University - Masters in Education, Bilingual Education/Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- ISAT
- +67 subjects

Jasmine: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...emotional maturity no matter the paths their lives take, so it is one of my biggest priorities. Another must in my tutoring approach is customizing curriculum. Students should feel entitled to an exceptional education, and I want to help them find ways to make their school experiences always work for them. Practically, this means anything from devising effective study habits for a student with a packed schedule to learning how to organize an essay with...
Education & Certification
- The University of Chicago - Associates, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- FCAT 2.0
- SAT
- ACT
- +40 subjects

Rebecca: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...my MBA in Marketing in 2011. While completing my undergraduate degrees, I was a teaching assistant for the Introduction to Engineering class. I enjoyed working with the students and seeing them master the material over the course of the semester. Professionally, I have worked both as a programmer and as a marketer. I believe my greatest strengths are in teaching math and helping students prepare for standardized tests, including the GMAT. In my spare time,...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelors, Computer Science, Theology
- University of Notre Dame - Masters in Business Administration, Marketing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- World Religions
- +39 subjects

Rebecca: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...pursuing a masters degree in social work at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. I am passionate about tutoring because I want everyone to be able to perform academically at their highest possible level. I also think it is important that learning is 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....
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +53 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, Zoology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Science
- Algebra
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- +17 subjects

Cassie: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...education. For five years, I participated in a Global Educator's Cohort Program that prepared me to work with diverse learners and create multicultural academic environments. Most recently, I spent the past school year student-teaching 10th grade Pre-AP English and 12th grade Creative Writing. Currently I teach 11th Grade British & World Literature and 10-12th Grade Creative Writing. I am currently available to tutor in English Language Arts related content at all age levels including but...
Education & Certification
- Michigan State University - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- +29 subjects

Amanda: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...of working with children, both in and out of the classroom, I have learned many things. However, two main things have stood out more than anything else. The first thing would be that flexibility is the key to success. The second thing would be that if at first you don't succeed, try again using a different method. There are nine different learning styles for a reason, and I pride myself on trying my best to...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern Illinois University - Bachelors, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE-Lower Level Mathematics Achievement
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +19 subjects

Anne: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...a placement test in Spanish. All of his lessons are based on the requirements of the test. In my spare time, I love to swim and am a member of the Evanston Wildcat Masters Swim Team. Also I love to travel in Latin America. During the summer of 2014 and 2017, I traveled in Costa Rica and got many chances to use my Spanish! Hopefully I will be able to do volunteer projects in other...
Education & Certification
- Lake Forest College - Bachelor in Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- +62 subjects

Haley: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...Cornell with a degree in Psychology, but in her time at school she enjoyed studying a wide range of topics, such as Religion, Spanish, and (her true love) Theatre. Haley pursued this love after graduating from college, touring with multiple children's theatre companies, and teaching theatre to and performing for young people across the country. After her tours Haley spent two years in New York City acting and tutoring, but in 2018 she relocated to...
Education & Certification
- Cornell College - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TACHS
- ISEE
- SHSAT
- +47 subjects

Brigette: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...all subjects. I am currently a 6th grade Learning and Behavior Specialist at a Chicago Public School. I've previously taught in preschool, third, fourth, and fifth grades. I am familiar with a variety of curriculums for all subjects including Everyday Math, Go Math, Connected Math, TouchMath, Envision Math, Lucy Caulkins Writing Program, Wilson Reading Program, Fountas and Pinnell Leveled Literacy, and several others. I am passionate about working with children and love supporting learners with...
Education & Certification
- Cornell College - Bachelors, Elementary Education and French
- University of St Francis - Current Grad Student, Learning and Behavior Specialist
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PARCC
- ISEE
- +29 subjects

Sana: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...place not long ago. By doing so, I have been open to the beautiful opportunities of connecting with others positively to help them in their education. I have been an online tutor for over three years, teaching subjects ranging from elementary basics to middle school math to high school essays! My favorite subject to tutor is Writing because I have been a writer for over six years. I love teaching students about analytical Writing, reading,...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +68 subjects

Kelley: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...name is Kelley and I have dedicated my life to teaching special needs students for the past 20 years. It is my belief that all children can learn with the proper structure, motivation and learning techniques. Customizing lessons to meet the needs of my students is what I am all about. If given the opportunity to work with a student, I know that I can bring out the best in them through interesting lessons and...
Education & Certification
- Chicago State University - Bachelor in Arts, Digital Arts
- University of Phoenix-Online Campus - Master of Arts, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ISAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +16 subjects

Craig: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...a role model and mentor. My educational philosophy is centered around adapting my teaching style to better meet the learning needs of each individual. Academically, I have a bachelor's in education (teacher certified) and history from Hope College, a master's in teaching from the George Washington University, and I am currently earning my Ph.D. in urban education policy studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Professionally, I have worked in various educational institutions including...
Education & Certification
- Hope College - Bachelor in Arts, Education and History
- George Washington University - Master of Arts Teaching, Museum Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISAT
- HSPT
- +34 subjects

Emily: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...forward to accompanying students through any challenges that stand in the way of that connection and leading students to their own version of success. I've worked across various sectors and have always maintained a love for one-on-one teaching, especially working with children and teaching languages. My experience includes living, working, and traveling abroad, and I rely on this intercultural perspective when presenting language and social studies lessons. I am particularly adept at grammar, editing, and...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelors, 1) Spanish 2) History
- The New School - Masters, 1) International Affairs 2) Environmental Policy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- Social Studies
- +42 subjects

Molly: Chicago SSAT test prep instructor
...homework. My approach to aiding them is three-fold. I will work to: 1. Review and reteach material from her school that has proven difficult. 2. Diagnostically assess for instructional gaps and then fill in gaps to bolster a strong subject area foundation. 3. Impart test-taking skills and strategies necessary for school success. I teach with the tenets of the Common Core State Standards in mind. As such, I do not aim to teach "tricks" for...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISAT
- PSAT
- PARCC
- +111 subjects