SSAT Prep

How do we approach test prep for the SSAT?

SSAT test prep Taking an entrance exam can be stressful. But given the young age of students taking the SSAT, we want to minimize any anxiety.

Individualized tutoring through our service allows students to build vital knowledge for mastering the test while growing their confidence in their abilities.

By tailoring the work to the student’s particular strengths and weaknesses and balancing between the two, our tutors ensure that students feel great about their learning while genuinely improving their skills.

With the knowledge of their own successes behind them, students are less stressed, more capable, and better test-takers overall!

What is the SSAT?

SSAT Prep As an entrance exam utilized by private and independent schools, the SSAT functions as part of the selection criteria for admitting new students.

Much like the SAT, the SSAT is a standardized test that assesses a student’s competencies in reading, writing, vocabulary, logic, and mathematics. Students have a set amount of time to complete Verbal, Quantitative, Reading, and Writing Sample sections; everything but the writing sample relies on multiple-choice questions.

The length and difficulty of these sections depends on the level of SSAT being taken. Personalized tutoring is a great way for students to prepare for the specific level of the SSAT they need to take.

SSAT Tutoring

Lower level (4th grade)

Lower level SSAT The lower level SSAT is typically used for students in 4th grade who are applying for entry to a program that begins in the 5th grade.

It is 1 hour and 50 minutes long with 1 break in the middle, and it is divided into 4 sections. Students are tested on their vocabulary, reading comprehension, and basic arithmetic, geometric, and problem solving abilities.

Middle Level

Middle level SSAT The middle level SSAT is given to students about to enter earlier middle grades as part of their application to certain middle schools.

It is 2 hours and 30 minutes long with 1 break in the middle, and it is divided into 5 sections, two of which are mathematics. Students are tested on a higher level of vocabulary and reasoning, more sophisticated reading comprehension with passages from a wider variety of topics and time frames, and slightly more intensive mathematical computation problem solving including pre-algebra concepts.

Upper Level

Upper level SSAT The upper level SSAT is used as an entrance exam for certain exclusive high school programs.

It has the same structure as the middle level SSAT, lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes with 1 break in the middle and divided into 5 sections, two of them for math.

The complexity of vocabulary and analogies increases, and reading comprehension passages are longer and more complex. Mathematical problem solving deals with similar concepts as before but relies more heavily on word problems.

Test Dates

There are several types of tests: computer based, in-home, flex tests, and paper-based. For more information on the test dates in Jan 2022 through April 2022, see our blog post about ssat test dates.

SSAT Tutors

What makes a good tutor? Good listening skills, an interest in education and subject competency.

  Professional, accommodating, affordable and knowledgeable! Highly recommend if you need extra help with math!

thumb Seth A.
2/22/2017

For questions about the test or tutoring, send us an email schuyler@tutoringservicesseattle.com, or call/text 206.999.0666 . I typically respond within 2 hrs.


Contact Us

schuyler@tutoringservicesseattle.com