If you are considering having your student apply to an independent or private school, it could be a good idea to reach out to Varsity Tutors and enroll your student in a Philadelphia SSAT class. The SSAT is one of the entrance exams used by many independent and private schools as a component in their admissions process. Thus, doing well on the test could improve the likelihood that your student is accepted into the private or independent school of your dreams. The SSAT measures students' reading, verbal, and math skills because these are considered important when it comes to predicting academic success.
Depending on your student's grade level, they will take one of the three levels for the SSAT, which include an Elementary Level, Middle Level, and Upper Level. The Elementary Level test is offered to students in elementary school, the Middle Level is given to students who want to go to an independent or private middle school, and the Upper Level is designed for students who are going to attend high school.
What can a Philadelphia SSAT class help my student review?
The SSAT tests on a lot of different information across a range of academic subjects. For this reason, it may be useful for your student to take a class that helps them review topics across all four sections of the SSAT. All of the levels contain a Verbal, Quantitative, Reading, and Writing section. There are some differences between the sections across the three levels though, including the fact that the Middle and Upper Levels have 167 questions while the Elementary Level only has 89. There are also some differences in scoring as students lose one-quarter of a point for answering a question incorrectly on the Upper and Middle Levels while there isn't a penalty for choosing the wrong answer on the Elementary Level. What follows is a brief overview of the four sections and what your student will encountering during each one.
Verbal
The Verbal Section is geared towards the English language on all of the levels. The Elementary Level test contains 30 questions and students are provided with 30 minutes to finish it. This section focuses the majority of its attention on vocabulary and the relationship between different words. In contrast, the Upper and Middle Levels contain 60 questions, with 30 of them covering analogies and the other 30 covering synonyms. Students only have 30 minutes to complete this section despite it having 30 extra questions.
Quantitative
The Quantitative section covers math related topics across all three levels. The three levels are similar in the sense that students are not allowed to use a calculator for this section regardless of their age. The Elementary Level test is comprised of 30 questions and students have 30 minutes to complete the entire section. At this level, the test is based more on basic math, including shapes, properties, and graph interpretation. It may be helpful for your student to be skilled in fractions and place values as well.
The Middle and Upper Levels have 50 total questions on this section and students have an hour to finish it. These questions cover slightly more complex math at this level such as arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
Reading
The Reading section prioritizes reading comprehension across all three levels. In general, students are required to read through various passages and answer questions about what they read. The biggest difference between the three levels is the reading-level needed to comprehend the passages. While the Elementary Level is primarily focused on students being able to identify the main idea of the passage, the Middle and Upper Levels expect students to pick out details and make predictions and inferences based on the information provided.
Writing
The Writing Section isn't scored at any of the three levels, but it is still a good decision for your student to do their best on this section because their writing sample will be submitted to any school they apply.
At the Elementary Level, students are given 15 minutes to complete this section. They are given a picture and they are required to write a story about it. The story has to include a beginning, middle, and end because students are being tested on their spelling and punctuation skills as well as how well they can organize their story.
At the Middle and Upper Levels, students are given 25 minutes to finish this particular section. Your student will be given two writing prompts of which they must choose one. At the Middle Level, students have to choose between two separate creative options, while they have the option to choose between a creative or narrative prompt at the Upper Level.
How can a Philadelphia SSAT course help my student prepare?
Philadelphia SSAT courses are available for your student to take online. This can be helpful when it comes to being able to fit a course into your student's schedule. Whether your student is in the robotics club or on the swim team, it can be difficult to find time to study with so many other activities going on. That is part of what makes an online SSAT class so convenient because you won't have to stress about finding time to get your student to another activity. They can simply stay at home and still have the opportunity to prepare for the SSAT.
SSAT courses are designed to be as close to a regular classroom experience as possible. Your student will have access to an instructor who can help them review the necessary material while also giving them the chance to collaborate with other students in class discussions and group activities.
How can I enroll my student in a Philadelphia SSAT prep course?
Enrolling your student in a Philadelphia SSAT prep course can be as easy as reaching out to Varsity Tutors either online or over the phone. Don't hesitate to contact us today. Our educational consultants are ready to answer any questions you may have and enroll your student in a two-week or four-week session.

Stephanie: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...University of Chicago, and an M.A. in Film Studies from The University of Iowa, where I also spent two years as a T.A., teaching undergraduate courses in film studies and related fields. I firmly believe that self-confidence, far more than ambition or natural aptitude, is the greatest determinant of success in an academic setting. By "confidence" I mean not only confidence in ones mastery of topical material, but, more fundamentally, confidence in ones ability to...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Cinema and Media Studies / English Language and Literature
- University of Iowa - Masters, Film Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- ASPIRE
- +77 subjects

Julie: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...students of all ages to find their learning style and to meet their personal goals. I also love to laugh and have fun while getting work done! I graduated from Fordham University in New York City with a major in sociology and a double minor in visual arts and philosophy. During my undergraduate career I worked with students as young as preschool and as old as high school seniors on their reading and writing skills....
Education & Certification
- Fordham University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
- University of Pennsylvania - Masters, Urban Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- +26 subjects

Joshua: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...is a hobby of mine. My philosophy is that even when we are preparing for a standardized exam, we should always be relating the work to your passions, pursuits, and educational goals to make the work that much more meaningful. In my spare time, you'll often find me learning bits of new languages for fun or writing. I am currently fluent in English and French, conversational in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, and can read some...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, French and Francophone Studies
- University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Social Policy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT
- SHSAT
- +92 subjects

Jean: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...writing, math, and in preparation for a variety of standardized tests (ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, GED). Besides my years of experience and deep content knowledge, my strength as a tutor stems from an intuitive understanding of how to connect with students and explain content in creative ways. I work very hard to bring that "Aha!" moment to students. I love teaching and being involved in the field of education -- I can't think of anything...
Education & Certification
- Hofstra University - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- SAT
- +32 subjects

Mackenzie: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...received my Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in French; my studies primarily focused on international affairs. I am passionate about teaching areas I focused on during my four years in Boston including history, government, and French but also have an established background in writing, literature, and English. I believe it is important to identify a unique approach for every student according to their specific needs because as I have learned, each student...
Education & Certification
- Boston College - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT
- ACT
- +32 subjects

Laura: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...a difficult task or understands a complex idea. I want every student to understand that he or she also has the capacity to overcome the personal and academic challenges he or she faces. Through student teaching, field experiences, and work positions, I have grown in my passion for education and my desire to help students learn. I approach each day with energy and will consistently work hard towards the success of my students. I believe...
Education & Certification
- Cedarville University - Bachelors, Secondary Social Studies Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Homework Support
- Writing
- +30 subjects

Grant: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...but I grew up in Edmond, Oklahoma. While I tutor a variety of subjects, some of my favorites are German, math, and English. I have been tutoring students in German, Algebra, Geometry, and SAT preparation for almost ten years. I have worked with eighth-graders preparing for private school entrance exams, have taught Algebra in public school, and I currently teach philosophy at a New Jersey community college. I enjoy helping my students learn to solve...
Education & Certification
- Texas A & M University-College Station - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology/Mathematics
- Princeton Theological Seminary - Masters, Theology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- Advanced Placement
- +33 subjects

Ivorie: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...of 6 and 13 but I am comfortable working with students of all ages. I tutor in almost all subjects, but my favorites are Math, English, Psychology and Study and Organizational skills. Outside of tutoring, I like to write (mostly poetry), read, play all sports and do crafts. I love animals and have two dogs of my own. I am the kind of tutor who believes in the success of all students. No child left...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- Widener University - PHD, Currently Studying Clinical Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Study Skills
- Reading
- +21 subjects

Brian: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...environments where all of this is possible. I approach education from a whole-child perspective. A student's success is not based solely on their academic achievement, but their social/emotional development, their relationships with their peers, family, surrounding community, culture, and world. This enveloping philosophy begins with developing a student's character, heart, intellect, and creativity equally; the things that resonate from their core, so that their success is not based purely on academic standing, but who they...
Education & Certification
- Messiah College - Bachelors, Psychology
- CUNY Hunter College - Masters, Early Childhood Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Writing
- Literature
- +15 subjects

Theresa: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
I've been tutoring and teaching for over 5 years, specializing in English Language Arts. Recently , I managed a tutoring studio where I was able to match tutors with students. I enjoy the rewards that come with helping a student realize their potential. I believe in the personalized learning of every student. In addition to educational pursuits, I enjoy cooking and traveling. ... I believe that students should be supported and guided by their teacher so that they can come to the answer themselves. This approach builds confidence.
Education & Certification
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +18 subjects

Emma: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...attend college at Princeton University. I am majoring in Public Policy and Foreign Affairs with a minor in Music Theater. I specialize in tutoring for standardized tests such as the SAT/ACT/SSAT, along with writing-intensive subjects such as English, History, or Social Studies. I also have strong backgrounds in French, Music Theory, and Math. Additionally, I am well-versed in the nuances of the college process and am happy to help with college essays.
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelor in Arts, Public Policy Analysis
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- Languages
- +59 subjects

Alex: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...there help explain the hard things? I have over 5 years of private and group tutoring in all math levels from middle school to high school. I have helped students with Algebra I and II, Geometry, Precalculus, Trigonometry, and Calculus, as well as test prep for the SAT. In that time period, I have had the opportunity to work with dozens of students with different backgrounds, skill levels, and learning styles. As much as tutoring...
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering
- Drexel University - Current Grad Student, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- REGENTS
- +17 subjects

Dina: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...a graduate with a Neuroscience degree from the College of William and Mary. I also attended Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and participated in several math tournaments throughout my time in grade school. My tutoring interests range from SAT Math to Algebra to Chemistry. I have over 100 hours of previous tutoring experience working with students from age 5 to 18. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, taking...
Education & Certification
- College of William and Mary - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACCUPLACER
- ISEE
- +74 subjects

Alice: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...majoring in Sociology and minoring in Child and Family Studies and Education. I am currently wrapping up my teaching certification program teaching American History in a Philadelphia public school. I have extensive experience teaching and tutoring English, History and essay writing with elementary, middle and high school students. I strongly believe learning is a collaborative, student directed process and I love helping students acquire long-term learning skills. My favorite part of teaching is watching students...
Education & Certification
- Bryn Mawr College - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology/Education/Child & Family Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- +40 subjects

Eric: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...College. While I'm pursuing a technical degree I have diverse interests and I believe that my liberal arts background help me connect and communicate effectively as a tutor. I want to help you or your child understand the core concepts of any field instead of rattling off formulas and techniques for specific questions. To me, the mentor/mentee relationship is one of the most important human relationships --I will take any request seriously and put in...
Education & Certification
- Swarthmore College - Current Undergrad, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +92 subjects

Ade: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...that strong preparation for entrance examinations greatly increases one's chances of personal and academic success---which is why I am so very interested in working with you through Varsity Tutors! I currently have a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in African Studies from Yale University. I deferred admission to gain relevant work experience before starting medical school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine as an MD/MPH candidate...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelors, Biology, African Studies
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- +48 subjects

Julia: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
I am a lover of all things language and culture! My journey with Spanish did not begin in a classroom - it began with immersion overseas and experiences that gave me a desire to learn more. I learned creatively, and because of that, I teach creatively. Expect to do some of the typical studying work while learning with me, but also expect to have FUN! Language is acquired when we are fully engaged in the...
Education & Certification
- University of Valley Forge - Bachelor in Arts, Christian Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- UK A Level
- CLEP
- +31 subjects

Brenda: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...Before teaching, I served as a mentor and English tutor to college students. I enjoy working with students because I love to see students become actively engaged in their thinking. I believe that the classroom is a great place to practice collaboration, social skills and metacognition while inviting students to advocate for themselves. One of my favorite quotes is "if a student can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they...
Education & Certification
- Montclair State University - Bachelors, English
- Montclair State University - Masters, Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PARCC
- ISEE
- Test Prep
- +21 subjects

Matthew: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
...and I received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations with a minor in Law and Society. Before deciding to be a full-time tutor ahead of starting law school in the fall, I was a management consultant helping Fortune 500 companies find solutions to their toughest problems. My tutoring style emphasizes the fact that each student learns differently, so I tailor a custom curriculum according to each student's specific needs. Following that custom...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor of Science, Labor and Industrial Relations
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- +49 subjects

Manan: Philadelphia SSAT course instructor
I am a experienced professional with Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy) graduate degree and Bsc. (Bachelors of Science) in Biology and Business Administration. Apart from my professional experience, I have a passion for running, volunteer teaching and reading. I also play the keyboard and listen to instrumental music in my free time.
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelor of Science, Bioethics and Medical Ethics
- University of Southern California - Doctor of Science, Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- Medicine
- PCAT
- +34 subjects