Varsity Tutors can get your student set up with comprehensive Houston SSAT prep that can fit easily into their schedule. The Secondary Schools Admission Test (SSAT) gives independent and private schools a means of assessing and comparing applicants' basic verbal, math, and reading skills. There are three levels to this exam, each one more advanced than the last. Your student's scores on this test could influence their admission to the schools they are applying to, so you may be looking into ways you could help them get the most out of their time before the exam. Let Varsity Tutors help you explore convenient and effective test review options.
What can Houston SSAT prep review?
The SSAT is administered on three levels: Elementary, Middle, and Upper. The Elementary Level SSAT is designed for third- and fourth-grade students. There are five sections: Quantitative/Math, Reading, Writing Sample, Verbal, and Experimental. The Middle Level is for 5th through 7th-grade students applying for an independent middle school while the final level of the test is for 8th to 11th-grade students. Both forms of the exam consist of six sections: Quantitative 1 and 2, Reading, Verbal, Writing Sample, and Experimental. The Experimental and Writing Sample sections for every level is unscored. The Experimental section simply tests out potential future questions for the SSAT. Let's look at the differences in each exam.
The Elementary Level SSAT has a time limit of one hour and 50 minutes. Your student will have 30 minutes on the Quantitative and Reading sections, 20 on the Verbal, and 15 on the Writing Sample and Experimental sections. This test aims to assess the knowledge they should have gained in their earlier classes, such as basic addition and subtraction, age-appropriate vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. The Writing Sample focuses on your student's ability to organize an essay from beginning to end. They will be given a photo, which they must use to create a short story.
The Middle and Upper Levels of the SSAT allow up to two hours and 50 minutes to tackle the 167-question test. This is broken down into 30 minutes on the Verbal and both Quantitative sections, 40 minutes on the Reading section, 25 on the Writing Sample, and 15 on the Experimental section.
If your student is taking the Middle Level SSAT, they will need to demonstrate an understanding of a variety of topics. They will face questions designed to assess their grasp of coordinate geometry, arguments and opinions, and logical relationships between words and ideas. The Writing Sample offers two creative essay prompts for your student to base a story upon. If your student is taking the Upper Level SSAT, the test will incorporate concepts like properties of triangles, interpretation of arguments and opinions, and root words. Your student will also write an essay or story based on one of two prompts. This assignment measures their ability to write persuasively with supporting examples.
How can my student benefit from different kinds of Houston SSAT prep?
There are two main categories of reliable SSAT prep to choose from: personal tutoring and prep classes. Depending on your student's preferences, they may benefit from one or even both options. Varsity Tutors' educational consultants can guide you toward the option that works best for your student.
There are new classes starting up every week for multiple sections of the SSAT. We can enroll your student in a Houston SSAT prep class that is led by an expert instructor who has been thoroughly vetted for experience and skill. Once enrolled, your student can log on and participate in online virtual classes in which they can interact with their peers and instructor as if they were in the same room. Since sessions are online, your student can pick a spot and learn from there.
Your student's Houston SSAT prep course can engage in group discussions that can allow them to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and skills on the exam. The instructor can explain the types of questions covered on the exam, as well as explore different strategies that can allow your student to maintain an efficient pace while they work through the test. If they are having trouble understanding something, their course instructor can set aside time to work one-on-one with your student.
Some students prefer to work in a more private environment. We can connect you with a Houston SSAT tutor who has the experience and knowledge necessary to help your student work towards their testing goals. As the only student in each study session, your student can enjoy a totally customized test review experience. Their instructor can get to know your student's learning personality and use teaching techniques that can appeal to their preferences. Your mentor can regularly assess your student's knowledge and skills to identify areas of the exam in which they have the most room to grow. As your student works, their instructor can give ongoing feedback, whether they are working through sample writing prompts or tackling a practice test. One-on-one tutoring can give your student the opportunity to gain insight into their learning needs, which they can implement in their independent study sessions.
How can my student get set up with Houston SSAT preparation?
No matter whether your student has been working to prepare for the SSAT for a while or they haven't even begun yet, Varsity Tutors can help get them set up with Houston SSAT prep that can suit their needs. Whether your student enrolls in a prep course or they work with a private instructor, this can be a great investment in their academic future. Your student can take the time to build solid test-taking and study skills that they can apply to future exams and courses.
If you're interested in finding excellent SSAT prep options that can give your student a leg up as they prepare for this exam, get in touch with Varsity Tutors. Our educational consultants are prepared to help you figure out the best test preparation method for your student.

Alexandra: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...of other Texans with a private, four-year, full-ride scholarship. As a Terry Scholar, I am well-versed in all subjects and have taken on the role of mentor to many of the incoming freshmen. I have spent most of my free time in college as a nanny and tutor to families around the DFW area. I have experience with all age groups and there is nothing that intimidates me! While I tutor a broad range of...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ACCUPLACER
- +308 subjects

Malcolm: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
I am currently a junior at Rice University, majoring in biochemistry and cell biology. I am particularly interested in tutoring math, science, writing, and test preparation. I have a strong background in tutoring over many years, and I am very comfortable working with many different kinds of students. My goal is not only to ensure success in the classroom today but to equip my students with lifelong skills that will help them to be successful...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISAT
- HSPT
- STAAR
- +42 subjects

Jonathan: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...began with college algebra and moved on to science courses such as chemistry, genetics, and biology. I also tutored some remedial math and english courses. No jobs other than teaching and medicine bring me everything I want in a career. I love to help others because I have benefited so much from others help in the past. My goal is to inspire a few other students to take up this job and give back as...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston Downtown - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- TOEFL
- ACCUPLACER
- +121 subjects

CJ: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...University , Class of 2013. Since graduation , I spent about a year completing a voluntary service program that involved teaching kids at middle school. I am currently an asset integrity analyst at PinnacleART in Pasadena TX. I am a huge, huge math lover. I also thoroughly enjoy periodic tables, solving equations and reading essays. My experiences with schooling in Nigeria have taught me just how important a teacher's attitude is on the student's success,...
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelor of Engineering, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +111 subjects

Terrence: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...them to know that we would work to find a viable solution to the challenge before us. This mission has proved be quite successful. I have worked with students in grades K-12 on writing, reading, and occasionally math instruction. Far more often than not, the outcome has been successful. It has been successful because I worked to create an atmosphere of complete transparency, and I learned to pay careful attention to each of my students....
Education & Certification
- Dillard University - Bachelors, English
- Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary - Masters, Theology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- +23 subjects

Madeline: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...am currently a graduate student Johns Hopkins University getting my masters in chemical and biomolecular engineering. I have spent a lot of time around children and I have spent a good amount of time teaching as well. I want all students that I tutor to feel comfortable when I am tutoring them and I believe all students have the ability to improve. I am very comfortable teaching all subjects for grades up to 9th grade...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +117 subjects

Mathilde: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...student realize their strengths. As a Linguistics major, much of my academic career focused on studying and understanding the nuances of English and French in both reading and writing, though I also have a strong foundation in mathematics, ranging from Algebra to AP Calculus AB. Additionally, my ACT score was 33 (99th percentile); I completed ACT tutoring courses as a high school student and am familiar with the strategies used to maximize scores. I will...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelors, Linguistics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- TACHS
- +67 subjects

Robert: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...and I'm currently a high school math teacher. In my graduate program, I taught small-sized undergraduate courses. I also have experience tutoring undergraduates and high school students one-on-one. After experiencing both, I believe a learning is much easier to facilitate in a one-on-one or small group setting. In this setting, I can observe how a student thinks and tailor my teaching style in a way that would most benefit the student.... Generally, the process of learning involves first mastering the basics and then building upon them. I believe that this applies whether you are learning math or learning how to dance. I find that reviewing basic concepts and learning how they apply solves most problems that students encounter.
Education & Certification
- University of Houston - Bachelors, Chemistry/Math
- University of Houston - Masters, Theoretical Chemical Physics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- CLEP
- HSPT
- +53 subjects

Bozhao: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Throughout my learning career as a student, I have helped both classmates and friends with various coursework and received excellent feedback. I am most familiar with subjects in math and science as I am still applying those pieces of knowledge to this day. Given my learning experiences, I will try to put myself in my students' situations and teach them the way...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Calculus 3
- +54 subjects

Megan: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...and minors in biology and biochemistry, I have a passion for all sciences. I spent 3 years as a supplemental instructor for chemistry students, which made me passionate about tutoring and teaching beyond Baylor. I love seeing the "Ah-Ha" moment in students and helping them reach their academic goals. Learning should be exciting and stimulating, and I am here to facilitate that experience. My tutoring interests are mostly focused on Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology, Anatomy and...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- ACT 8-Week Prep Class
- SHSAT
- +49 subjects

Mercy: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...students excel in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Programming. With a strong background in these subjects, I tailor my teaching approach to fit each student's unique learning style, ensuring they grasp concepts with clarity and confidence. My experience includes working with students at various levels, guiding them through complex topics, exam preparation, and skill development. I focus on fostering critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a genuine appreciation for learning. By creating a supportive and interactive environment,...
Education & Certification
- Illinois State University - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- MAP
- FCAT 2.0
- ECAA
- +1407 subjects

Enstin: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...from the humanities to math and science! I have also had plenty of experience with standardized test taking, and I can help you figure out the best strategy to be confident on the test and succeed. I am easygoing and patient and will personalize my tutoring style so that I can help each student to the best of my ability. I believe in active, not passive learning, and will not give up on you! I...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- +40 subjects

Brenna: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...University. I am pursuing a major in mathematics and computer science. I am very passionate about science and math, and hope to help others feel the same way. In high school and college I found every opportunity to help others in the areas I felt strong in. I truly love teaching others. In areas some find especially difficult, such as math, I do everything I can to help others understand. By using real world examples...
Education & Certification
- Trinity University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics and Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR EOC
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- PSAT
- +48 subjects
Education & Certification
- George Fox University - Bachelor in Arts, Business Administration and Management
- George Fox University - Master of Arts Teaching, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ASVAB
- SAT
- +42 subjects

Leslie: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...the commitment to and importance of education and closing achievement gaps. During my entire career in education, I was given many opportunities. I served as Mathematics/Science Education instructor on the post secondary level, did consulting specializing in supplemental education solutions for Mathematics, Science, and STEM, taught and tutored within schools, and lead a district charter managing multiple campuses. Although my work experience has been mostly face to face, with groups of dynamic teachers, passionate principals,...
Education & Certification
- Prairie View A & M University - Bachelors, Math
- The Texas A&M University System Office - PHD, Math Ed
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACCUPLACER
- SAT
- ACT
- +54 subjects

Bracy: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...love affair with words and language and I've been writing since 9th grade. I've finished 5 novels and one non-fiction work, two of which are available on Amazon and other online book sites. I most enjoy tutoring reading, writing, language arts, but as I often point out to my students, no matter the high school text you open, the pages are filled with words--more than numbers even in an advanced math book. I believe strongly...
Education & Certification
- Golden Gate University-San Francisco - Bachelor in Arts, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- STAAR
- ISEE
- +67 subjects

Matthew: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...influenced my own. These include, but are not limited to: student led questioning and analysis, frequent use of songs and poetry, and critical explorations of our knowledge at the end of lessons. I have also taught under Common Core requirements, and am familiar with introducing a variety of methods to students and helping them find that which works best for their level of understanding. When not teaching or tutoring, I enjoy dancing, political blogging, and...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelors, U.S. Regional Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- STAAR
- +81 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Houston-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- Lamar University - Masters in Education, Educational Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- STAAR
- +32 subjects

Heather: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
...have been an instructional coach (4 years), a science lab teacher (3 years), and a teacher in a self-contained classroom setting (7 years)...personally this is my favorite position to teach because you really get to know your students and their family. I really enjoy teaching all subjects because, as a teacher, it keeps you on your toes, but if I had to choose two subjects to teach for the remainder of my career, it would...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston - Bachelor in Arts, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Stephen F Austin State University - Masters in Education, Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- COMPASS
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +39 subjects

Subashini: Houston SSAT test prep instructor
I have a Ph.D in chemistry from Rice University. Science and Math are core to what I do. I practiced as a scientist for 10 years before choosing a career in intellectual property transactions. I am passionate about communicating science and math in simple and understandable fashion. Relating the concepts to real world scenarios is a critical part of teaching these subjects.
Education & Certification
- University of Madras - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- Rice University - Doctor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- OLSAT
- SAT
- NNAT
- +47 subjects