If you're looking for a great New York City SSAT prep course, Varsity Tutors can find you one of the most comprehensive courses around. The SSAT is a high-stakes assessment that provides private and independent schools with objective information that allows them to objectively compare applicants from different backgrounds. It is divided into three levels based on a test-taker's age: students in grades 3-4 take the Elementary Level SSAT, grades 5-7 take the Middle Level SSAT, and grades 8-11 take an Upper Level SSAT. Students typically take the test in anticipation of entering their new private or independent school for the next school year. For example, a seventh grader would be planning to enroll in a new school starting with grade 8.
Each school has its own target score and considers other factors in making admission decisions, but doing well on the SSAT could help you or your student reach for your academic potential. That's where we come into the picture. Enrolling in one of our New York City SSAT class offerings allows you to study in a collaborative learning environment with a knowledgeable teacher as you study for all facets of the test. Continue reading to learn more about how we may be able to help you.
What topics are reviewed in a New York City SSAT course?
The Elementary Level SSAT lasts one hour and 50 minutes, while students taking the Middle or Upper Level exams spend two hours and 50 minutes testing. As such, the Elementary Level test has a different format with fewer exam items than its counterparts for older students. That said, all levels of the SSAT have four multiple-choice sections (Experimental, Quantitative, Reading, and Verbal) plus a Writing component. The Experimental section is always unscored, so there is no reason to devote any valuable test time to it. Here is a closer look at the remaining sections of the test:
The SSAT Quantitative section is simply called "Math" on the Elementary Level exam. Students are tested on the four basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), place value, shapes, fractions, and other introductory concepts. They have 30 questions to answer in 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the Quantitative section is divided into two subsections of 25 questions each on the Middle and Upper Level SSAT. Each subsection lasts 30 minutes (one hour total), and topics covered include grade-appropriate algebra, geometry, probability, and data analysis. Calculators are not allowed on any level of the SSAT.
The assessment's Reading section contains 28 questions in 30 minutes at the Elementary Level and 40 questions over 40 minutes on the Middle and Upper Level exams. All test-takers are presented with reading passages and asked to identify key information such as the main idea, separate literal language from words with a more figurative meaning, and use context to define potentially unfamiliar terms and phrases. Older students are also asked to critically evaluate arguments and draw conclusions based on what they've read.
The test's Verbal section contains 30 questions over 20 minutes at the Elementary Level and 60 questions in 30 minutes on the Middle and Upper Levels. It primarily measures a test-taker's vocabulary skills through the use of synonyms and analogies. Older students may want to study prefixes, suffixes, and word roots to make it easier to determine what a word might mean.
The SSAT's Writing section is the only one with structural differences on all three exams. Elementary Level children have 15 minutes to write a short story based on a picture. The directions remind them to include a beginning, middle, and end. Middle Level test-takers have 25 minutes to write a response to their choice of two creative writing prompts. Upper Level test-takers also have 25 minutes, but they choose between a creative writing prompt and a traditional essay. The Writing section is not scored on any level of the SSAT, but is submitted as a writing sample to allow private and independent schools to evaluate a candidate's written communication skills for themselves.
What are some benefits of taking a New York City SSAT course provided by Varsity Tutors?
Every New York City SSAT class we can find you takes place on a convenient live virtual platform, allowing you or the student in your life to study anywhere with a good internet connection. Our platform supports real-time interaction, so asking for help is just as easy as it would be in a physical classroom. You can also communicate with your fellow students, allowing all of you to work together to establish a collaborative learning environment where everybody can pursue their academic goals.
For example, a student who excels in reading comprehension may share their best active reading tips with their classmates. If your student is one of the recipients, they can improve their study skills for the test. If your student is the one providing the tips, they can gain self-confidence from helping somebody else while also reviewing the information to explain it to others. In short, it's a win-win. Similarly, reading over another student's essay outline can steer your student toward approaching a problem in a more insightful manner.
Having multiple students share a classroom also allows you to split the cost, making a professional New York City SSAT class more affordable than you might think. If you feel that your student needs personalized instruction to grasp a particularly challenging topic, you can also arrange private study time with the teacher on an as-needed basis.
We also try to make all of these classes as convenient to attend as possible. There are two and four-week sessions, making it easier for busy students to find something they can commit to attending regularly. We also start new classes every week, so it's always a great time to start preparing for the SSAT.
Can I sign up for a New York City SSAT course today?
Reach out to an expert educational consultant using the information below for more information on how to sign up today. Varsity Tutors can connect you with an industry-leading New York City SSAT course, and we look forward to sharing it with you!

Margarita: New York SSAT course instructor
...students to be gratifying, and I hope to share some of my love for math with my students. I also enjoy tutoring test prep, especially since I know how stressful the process of applying to colleges (and later graduate schools) is! With every student, I aim to find an individualized approach that makes our time together productive, helpful, and enjoyable. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, making ceramics, playing badminton, and hiking.... I am very patient and persistent, and I like to find an individualized approach to each student I work with. I am very familiar with different available materials, and I cater the resources to each student's abilities and learning method.
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +55 subjects

Kelsey: New York SSAT course instructor
...tactics she developed during her formative elementary and high school years, and she believes that all students (regardless of their field of focus) need to build a solid foundation in writing, reading comprehension, grammatical and syntactical knowledge, and time management techniques. Kelsey has experience working with students of all ages and a wide range of subjects through her vast tutoring and editing background; she had worked as a lead tutor at a math-focused center for...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- HSPT
- SAT
- +79 subjects

Jessica: New York SSAT course instructor
...tutor to be accepted into this selective program. The tutoring program involved a preliminary peer-tutor training course prior to beginning tutoring, in order to certify that I had the appropriate background to provide professional feedback to fellow students on their literary works and projects. After graduation, I worked for a full-service learning center where I created and implemented high school lesson plans for home-schooled students, provided academic support for students ranging in ages from 8...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, History
- Nova Southeastern University - PHD, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- ISEE
- +81 subjects

Geoffrey: New York SSAT course instructor
...James Baldwin, and Alice Walker. There is more to writing than crafting a persuasive critical paper about a work of fiction.It was also the responsibility of the English Department to review college essays for students before their formal submission. When I was not teaching English I was a law clerk with Lawyers for Human Right in South Africa during apartheid, the appellate division of the UnitedStates Attorneys office in D.C., and private practice with Jones...
Education & Certification
- Bowdoin College - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- SHSAT
- +58 subjects

Sean: New York SSAT course instructor
...early to Harvard my senior year, where I enrolled in Fall 2006. Long story short, my father was chronically ill, and I left school to help care for him. He required more care, and for longer, than anticipated, but it was not a choice I would ever reverse. And if, for now, qualities born of that experience must recommend me more than the usual benchmarks of achievement, they may be of more value anyway. Compassion...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Undergrad, Classical Stuides
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- SAT
- +53 subjects

Reshad: New York SSAT course instructor
...am a senior at Queens College majoring in Urban Studies. I am writing a thesis on South Asians living in New York City. I have spent the last two semesters mentoring kids from a local shelter every Saturday during the school year. My specialties are SAT prep, SHSAT Prep, English and Social Studies. As a tutor, I am persistent and creative in my teaching techniques. I will explore every option to teach students the material.
Education & Certification
- CUNY Queens College - Current Undergrad, Urban Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +34 subjects

Christine: New York SSAT course instructor
Hi! I'm a freshman at Princeton University from Greenwich, CT. I'm currently pursuing a degree in Operations Research and Financial Engineering, with a certificate in Computer Science. I'm also fluent in Chinese, and currently taking a heritage speaker's Chinese class here at Princeton. I'm more than happy to help you with any math/science/Chinese questions!
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Engineer, Operations Research
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- +90 subjects

Chloe: New York SSAT course instructor
...region. During my time at Williams College, I studied Arabic, International Relations, and Film. I also traveled to Europe and the Middle East as part of my studies. In addition, I am a freelance writer, and my work has appeared in the Huffington Post, The Atlantic, and USA Today. I've also been a finalist for several national playwriting awards. Most importantly, I love working with my students. Their success is my success and I firmly...
Education & Certification
- Williams College - Bachelor in Arts, Arabic Studies, Religion
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- HSPT
- +44 subjects

Margot: New York SSAT course instructor
...school and college, teaching and tutoring a wide range of levels and subjects from basic reading and math skills to AP essay writing and college test prep. While I enjoy tutoring a wide range of subjects, some of my favorites include various levels of test prep (SAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, etc.), college essay editing, AP English Literature and Language, AP U.S. History, and AP Music Theory. While at Dartmouth, I performed in theater and opera...
Education & Certification
- Dartmouth College - Bachelors, Double Major in Music and Theater
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SHSAT
- TACHS
- +57 subjects

Clare: New York SSAT course instructor
...passionate about history, reading, and writing. As a former Managing Editor for a tech company, I understand how vital reading and writing are as a basis for other studies. And as a former history major, I know the importance of building analytical skills, and how a strong analytical mind can lead to progress and success in a multitude of subjects. I loved being a student and continue to teach myself new things today. Hopefully, I...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- TOEFL
- +31 subjects

Thomas: New York SSAT course instructor
...classroom, it is of utmost importance in the rehearsal space to unconditionally validate the contributions of students. Through my work on- and off-stage, I have facilitated the unrestricted generation of ideas by establishing clear rehearsal and communication standards to create an intellectually and emotionally safe space for all crewmembers. As well, my study of body language and gesture grants me control over non-verbal communication in service of an ideal instructional mode. Using an awareness of...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- +53 subjects

Diptesh: New York SSAT course instructor
...since! I specialize in mathematics and science tutoring as well as standardized exam preparation. In the past, I have helped students achieve significant improvements and success on the SAT, SHSAT, Regents and other exams! I truly believe education is a mutual learning and teaching opportunity and enjoy helping my students achieve a thorough understanding (those "Aha!" moments) and appreciation of whatever they choose to study! In the future, I seek to pursue clinical and pedagogical...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health & Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- +88 subjects

Sonali: New York SSAT course instructor
...dedicated, passionate students who are willing to put in the work to achieve their goals. For me, tutoring is about working with a student until they are able to achieve their goal, and even beyond that so that they have the confidence to continue pursuing their dreams. I'm very patient, calm, and thorough when covering a subject, and I truly enjoy watching my students transform into confident, knowledgeable people ready to tackle anything before them....
Education & Certification
- CUNY Brooklyn College - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- +59 subjects

Sam: New York SSAT course instructor
I work and live in New York City. I grew up in Knoxville, TN and went to the University of Pittsburgh, where I studied economics and political science. I'm light-hearted but take academics very seriously. In all of my lessons I combine my curiosity about the world with the idea that learning can be fun.
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh - Bachelors, Political Science and Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +64 subjects

Foster: New York SSAT course instructor
...Nashville, earning my B.A. in Theatre. I moved to New York City right after graduation, and right at the same time as the COVID pandemic began. What can I say? I'm a lucky guy! To cope with the postponement of my theatre graduate program (and with an eye on my future financial situation), I decided to take a swing at the LSAT. I studied hard over a two-month period, and I took the LSAT Flex...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Bachelor in Arts, Theater Arts
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SHSAT
- ISEE
- +31 subjects

Damian: New York SSAT course instructor
If you choose me to be your tutor then you will definitely ace your test. I'm a great math tutor because I understand the material thoroughly, am patient, and know how to explain things. I attended Stuyvesant High School and the University of Chicago; I am currently studying Data Science with Johns Hopkins.... If you don't get it then I'm explaining it wrong.... Before the first session, I'd have them do a bunch of practice problems on the subject they want to be tutored in, and I'd look over their answers to see what they need help with. I'd also ask them which problems they guessed on or weren't totally sure of. We could start from there.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, None
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ACT
- +63 subjects

Dylan: New York SSAT course instructor
...by themselves, tackle test questions that they haven't seen before, and leave them with broadly applicable skills that will help them long after their class is finished. I am involved in multiple finance clubs at Cornell and I usually spend my free time there practicing my moves with the Thai Boxing Club and going to see movies with friends. At home, if I'm not working, odds are that I'm cooking, playing chess, or spending a...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Current Undergrad Student, Economics
- Cornell University - Current Undergrad Student, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- +78 subjects

Angela: New York SSAT course instructor
I believe that everyone can achieve academic successes under proper guidance. I'd like to be the light tower for my students on the endless sea of study. I want to help them to find their own ways to the right place. I will help my students to find their own way to solve problems on certain subject and master techniques of studying certain subjects. ... I believe that everyone can be good at school if she/he gets the right teacher.
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan College - Bachelors, Theatre and Communication
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- SAT Writing and Language
- +16 subjects

Arun: New York SSAT course instructor
...seeks out the gaps in their understanding. By spending time with my student, I can assess those gaps and fill them, helping my students improve. All the knowledge in the world will amount to naught if you don't have the confidence to apply it. I build up my student's confidence, not with platitudes or empty praise, but by having them practice and learn to believe in themselves. Too often, people are derailed by factors that...
Education & Certification
- George Washington University - Bachelors, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SHSAT
- ISEE
- TACHS
- +32 subjects

Ming: New York SSAT course instructor
I graduated from Columbia University in 2016 with a degree in applied mathematics. I work in finance now but have always had a passion for tutoring peers. I've been tutoring for standardized tests such as the SATs, AP subject tests, and ACTs since high school.
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelors, Applied Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +54 subjects