Varsity Tutors can assist students preparing to apply to secondary school by linking them with consistent Seattle SSAT prep help. The SSAT stands for Secondary School Admissions Test, and it's an exam that's used by numerous private educational institutions. This test is administered to students who are seeking entrance into an elite private elementary, middle, or high school. The SSAT is designed for students in grades 3-11. Scoring well on this exam is important because admission committees will compare the student's score to those within his or her academic group. The final score can determine whether a student is granted admission into the school.
The SSAT is a standardized assessment that aims to measure the student's academic ability. The exam assesses their basic math, verbal, and reading skills. How well the student performs on the SSAT can predict whether they are able to handle the coursework in a private school. Since the SSAT is geared towards students of various grade levels, there are three main test levels available for students in elementary, middle school and high school.
What Does A Seattle SSAT Prep Class Cover?
The SSAT is made up of three sections; Verbal, Quantitative, and Reading Comprehension. Test takers will take the exam based on their current grade. There's also a Writing section that isn't scored, but it's sent to the schools that the student is applying too. For instance, if a fourth-grade student is taking the standardized test, they will have to take the elementary level of the SSAT. Although there are slight differences in the varying levels of the SSAT, they all share the same purpose. Check out this overview of the format of the SSAT so that you can know what to expect on exam day.
Elementary Level
The elementary level is for 3rd-grade students applying to an independent school for the 4th grade. Here is a breakdown of this level of the assessment:
Verbal - This section has 30 questions that will test the student's understanding of word relationships, different types of analogies and vocabulary from various areas of study.
Reading Comprehension - There are a total of 28 questions in this portion of the exam all based around 7 reading passages. Your child will have to determine the main idea of different written passages, use context clues to figure out the meaning of words, and identify important information.
Quantitative - The Quantitative portion consists of basic math questions that cover areas such as; multiplication, addition, and division. Students are prohibited from using a calculator in this section.
Writing Sample - The student will be asked to write a simple short story that includes a beginning, middle, and end on this final section of the assessment.
Middle School and Upper Level
The middle school and upper levels of the SSAT are considered to be much more challenging. Here is a breakdown of the Upper and Middle levels of the Secondary School Admissions Test:
Verbal - In the Verbal section, middle school students are required to answer 60 questions. Thirty of these questions are based around synonyms and the other 30 are centered on analogies. This portion tests the student's understanding of vocabulary, the relationship between words, and ideas. The Upper Level portion, which is taken by students in the 8th-11 grade, also consists of 60 questions that are also analogy and synonym based.
Quantitative - For the Middle Level SSAT, the Quantitative section contains questions that cover mathematical topics like data analysis, probability, and algebra. Students should have an understanding of geometric concepts and be able to solve general algebra problems. Upper Level students are administered 50 questions with two 30 minute sections. Some concepts this level of the Quantitative section of the test covers are linear equations, word problems, and fractions. Calculators aren't allowed during testing.
Reading Comprehension - There are 40 passages based questions on the Reading section of the Middle Level SSAT. Students have to interpret the meaning of the persuasive and narrative text. The Upper Level also administers 40 questions that require students to closely analyze the narrative and argumentative passages.
Writing - In the Writing section, students in both sublevels are given the opportunity either write a creative or traditional essay based on the presented prompts. The Writing section won't be scored, but the sample is sent to the schools the candidate is applying too.
What Are The Different Types of Seattle SSAT Prep?
There are two main Seattle SSAT preparation options. Varsity Tutors can help students enroll in a Seattle SSAT prep class or connect them with a private tutor. New classes start every week, and parents have the option of enrolling their child in a two week or four-week class. Both options offer unique benefits and can be effective at thoroughly preparing the student for the exam.
A Seattle SSAT prep course takes place in an online interactive learning environment similar to a regular classroom, with an expert instructor leading a group of students. Learning in such a collaborative environment can prove to be effective because students can help each other retain important concepts through group activities and discussions. Also, every student has the opportunity to interact with the instructor individually for additional help.
Some students might benefit more from a Seattle SSAT tutor. No doubt, a private tutor allows for learning on a personalized level. After all, a private instructor is solely focused on one student, which means they'll be able to quickly identify their weaknesses and strengths. A tutor can help students improve in concepts that they find difficult and teach them test-taking strategies that they can implement on the day of the exam. Tutoring takes place on the Live Learning Platform, which means that the session can take place anywhere.
How Can I Find Seattle SSAT Prep Help?
Finding a good Seattle SSAT prep class or a private tutor can be a challenge. Varsity Tutors is here to connect students will regular tutoring sessions and prep courses that best fit the student's schedule. Obtaining help in preparing for this standardized exam is essential because it's a crucial part of getting into a specific school. To learn more information about the SSAT prep help we can provide, you can contact one of our educational consultants today.

Rachel: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...of Washington with a degree in Biology. During my time as an undergraduate, I served as a Biology tutor for my schools Biological Sciences Honor Society and as a mentor for graduating high school students through the Dream Project. As a tutor, my main duty is to work with a student as an individual and to adjust my own tutoring to fit the way they learn best. I believe that all students have what it...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, General Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- HSPT
- ISEE
- +89 subjects

Amanda: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...would love an opportunity to tutor you! A recent graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, I am excited to be back in my hometown of Bellevue, WA. I graduated cum laude from the College of Arts and Sciences with high distinction in English and minors in Psychology and Communication Design, and hope to apply my analytical and communication skills to a career in law or public policy. While attending university, I spent my free...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- +37 subjects

Theresa: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
I love the look a child gets in their eyes when they begin to understand a concept that has alluded them in the past. Whether teaching my class or working one on one with a student, seeing that success is what I strive for.... All students are capable of being successful. As a teacher, it's my job to identify the strategies and resources that will put each student I work with on the path to success.
Education & Certification
- Lycoming College - Bachelor in Arts, Music
- Johns Hopkins University - Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- AIMS
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +91 subjects

Sejal: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...Public Administration from Columbia University in New York. I chose to do a one-year intensive program in Environmental Science & Policy to get the most out of my time in graduate school and immerse myself in my classes, the university, and the city. Previously, I graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Science in both Environmental Studies and Geology. I am a PADI certified Divemaster and I’ve been scuba diving all over the world....
Education & Certification
- Tufts University - Bachelor of Science, Environmental Studies and Geology
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Masters, Public Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +63 subjects

Philip: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...and I have lived in the Northwest for seven years. I enjoy tutoring Math of all levels up to Pre-Calculus, as well as SAT (both Math and Verbal), Language skills, and History/Government. Having taught at both a small private school and large urban public schools, I have broad experience with different learning styles, backgrounds, and abilities. I find it highly rewarding to help students and guide their progress toward mastering. If something is taught correctly,...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelor in Arts, History
- University of Oregon - Juris Doctor, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- +34 subjects

Rina: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...Washington with a B.A. in International Studies and a minor in Japanese. I studied abroad in Japan at Kobe University's Intercultural Studies department, and also studied broadly while in university, with coursework in mathematics, cultural studies, economics, and business. The subjects I tutor are Japanese and different levels of mathematicsfields that I particularly loveas well as standardized test preparation (SAT, SSAT, ISEE, and HSPT). I have found that studying becomes more enjoyable and effective when content...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington - Bachelor in Arts, International Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- HSPT
- +51 subjects

Katherine: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...form or another for the majority of my life. As an older sibling who was homeschooled, I spent many hours with my younger siblings, working through languages, math, sciences, history, and English. I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, majoring in Spanish and International Studies and minoring in Political Science. During those three years, I spent time abroad in both Japan and Spain, teaching English to children ages 10-18 while...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls - Bachelors, Spanish; International Studies
- Middlebury College - Current Grad Student, Spanish
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- English Grammar and Syntax
- High School English
- English
- +16 subjects

Nikki: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...I was a kid and watched The Magic School Bus and the Bill Nye show. I majored in Neuroscience and Behavior in college, so I learned a lot about Biology and Psychology, and I plan on getting a Master's in Bioengineering. I spent two years serving with the Peace Corps in Peru, where I learned to speak Spanish, build stoves out of adobe, and a lot about life in rural communities. In my spare time...
Education & Certification
- Vassar College - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience and Behavior
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- ISEE
- SAT
- +46 subjects

Catherine: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...experienced, having taught all grades K-8, and all subjects for many years. I especially enjoy tutoring grades 3-6 in reading, mathematics and science, and working with exceptional students who are gifted or special education. Science is my favorite because I love experimenting, building projects like soda bottle water rockets, and working for and with wildlife by cleaning up their habitats and raising trout from eggs for release as fry (juvenile fish). Math is exciting to...
Education & Certification
- California State University, East Bay - Bachelor in Arts, Liberal Studies, Biological Sciences
- Holy Names University - Unknown, Teaching Certifications
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- AIMS
- Gifted
- +24 subjects

Jessica: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...Education from Pacific Lutheran University with an endorsement in Elementary Education (K-8) and an endorsement in Reading (K-12). I have a Masters of Education from the University of Melbourne. I have provided tutoring services in and out of the school setting since 2008. I have taught 1st grade in a public school since 2014. I love working with students and watching them develop a love for learning that can become lifelong. In my free time...
Education & Certification
- Pacific Lutheran University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- University of Melbourne - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary School Math
- Literature
- +14 subjects

Bejoy: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...teaching it to students who need help. I understand that Math can be complicated, and it is not something you get right away. I believe with practice and skill one can be better able to understand it. I know this because I also grew up not liking Math but ironically ended up teaching it. I believe you need to be patient and understand the student's strengths and weakness in order to effectively teach Math to...
Education & Certification
- Fordham University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- Iona College - Master of Science, Adolescent Math Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- +38 subjects

Deana: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
I am passionate about helping students realize and understand their personal learning potential. Currently I am studying to get my masters degree in Seattle and plan to begin my career as a school counselor in 2018. I enjoy meeting new people and feel very comfortable relating to students. I am excited about getting to know new students through Varsity Tutors and customizing tutoring sessions to fit unique needs. ... In a typical first tutoring session, I like to start getting to know a student by asking a series of questions about themselves, their educational history, and their learning styles. I become familiar with student expectations and help students brainstorm short term and long term goals.
Education & Certification
- Central Washington University - Bachelors, Sociology
- Seattle Pacific University - Masters, School Counseling
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- English
- Summer
- +24 subjects

Claire: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...College where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Geology-Environmental Studies. Since graduation I have worked in two different outdoor schools allowing me the opportunity to develop my skills as a teacher. There, I taught classes that ranged from science-heavy forest and aquatic ecology to those that emphasized interpersonal growth like high ropes and cooperation, developing my own lesson plans and adapting them to different states' curricula and to students' ages and personalities. My classes...
Education & Certification
- Whitman College - Bachelors, Geology-Environmental Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Math
- Trigonometry
- +35 subjects

Thomas: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...I know how to effectively communicate in a variety of arenas. I'm a trained technical writer, but I'm also a published poet. I have been tutoring professionally since 2011, mostly with working adults and young adults. I come from a long line of teachers on both sides of my family. Above all, I bring compassion to my work. I have a learning disability which makes me gifted in some areas, but very slow in others....
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- GED
- CogAT
- +79 subjects

Genet: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...ago in an Inuit village in Alaska (on the Chukchi Sea). It was a lot of hard work, but I came away from that experience understanding the importance of meeting each student where he/she/they were at: cognitively, emotionally, and physically. I work with my students as a coach and learning partner, tailoring what they need so they can get to where they want to go. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Western Washington...
Education & Certification
- Western Washington University - Bachelor of Education, English
- University of Colorado Boulder - Doctor of Philosophy, Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- GED
- Study Skills
- +31 subjects

Aaron : Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...Clark College. I love working with students and my subject areas are High School/College Writing, Micro-Economics, Macro-Economics, and Algebra. For two years, I worked as a writing tutor at Lewis & Clark College. I really enjoyed my time there and I hope to continue working as a writing tutor. I collaborate with students on every part of the writing processbrainstorming ideas, outlining the paper, structuring paragraphs, and perfecting grammar. As an Economics tutor, I have...
Education & Certification
- Lewis & Clark College - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- College Economics
- +27 subjects

Tessa: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...Washington University. I have earned both a BA in English Literature and most recently a Master's in Teaching, in which I was named the Outstanding Graduate from my cohort. I have experience instructing both in person and via online platforms, such as Zoom. Last year I taught 6th grade honors English and 8th grade English for a school in my local district. During my student teaching (which occurred during the height of the pandemic) I...
Education & Certification
- Western Washington University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Western Washington University - Masters in Education, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TACHS
- ACT
- ACCUPLACER
- +115 subjects

Jeannie: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...University of Phoenix. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Psychology, with a concentration in Behavioral Health. I attended college after raising my family. Since graduation, in 2016, I have loved helping people with their English. I tutored children in China (with no English) teaching English as a Second Language (TEFL and TESOL certificated). I also enjoy tutoring working adults in Europe and Central and South America who...
Education & Certification
- University of Phoenix-Washington DC Campus - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- University of Phoenix-Washington DC Campus - Master of Science, Behavioral Sciences
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- TOEFL
- ISEE
- +11 subjects

Brian: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...Graduate from the University of Washington Seattle for high school math. I enjoy teaching math to my students, but I mainly like to focus on helping my students develop independent study skills that will support them through life. What this means is building up the analytical skills that they will need to prepare and study for assignments and tests when they're going to go to college. There's only so much one can do in teaching...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Masters in Education, High School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- GED
- WISC IV
- +128 subjects

Jacqueline: Seattle SSAT test prep instructor
...teacher here in Seattle. I have been teaching for almost two years, and have been working with elementary aged children for over eight years. As an elementary school teacher I know the skills and tools children need to be successful. I have experience working with every grade level, as well as students who are learning English and students receiving special education services. Lastly, I truly believe in teaching children skills they need to not only...
Education & Certification
- Humboldt State University - Bachelors, History
- University of Washington - Masters, Elementary education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GATE/ TAG
- SAT
- ACT
- +60 subjects