If you are interested in having your student attend a private or independent school, it may be beneficial to contact 51Թ so that they can help your student enroll in a Boulder SSAT class. The SSAT is a standardized test that is utilized by many private and independent schools as a part of their admissions process. The exam is designed to measure a student's skills when it comes to reading, math, and English. The idea behind the test is that it is designed to provide a more equitable way to determine who gets accepted into a private or independent school.
The SSAT is broken down into three different levels based on grade level. The Elementary Level test is taken by students in 3rd and 4th grade. The Middle Level test is taken by students in 5th through 7th grade. Finally, the Upper Level test is taken by students in 8th through 11th grades.
There are some similarities between the three levels, such as that students are not allowed to use a calculator for the Quantitative section on any of the three levels. Furthermore, the Writing sample and Experimental section are not graded on any of the levels. However, the Writing sample will still be sent to any school your student applies to.
In terms of differences, students who take the Elementary Level test can feel free to guess on a question if they're unsure about the answer because there is no penalty for getting a question incorrect. However, on the Upper and Middle Levels, students will lose one-quarter of a point if they answer a question incorrectly. They will not be penalized if they leave a question blank. As such, it is more beneficial to leave a question blank if they really aren't sure about the answer.
What can a Boulder SSAT class help my student review?
There are many different areas where a Boulder SSAT class can help your student as they prepare to take the test. The Elementary Level test consists of four sections, including the Quantitative/Math section, the Verbal Section, the Reading section, and the Writing Sample.
On the Elementary Level SSAT, the Quantitative section contains 30 questions and your student will have 30 minutes to complete it. This section covers a variety of math-related topics, including probability, geometry and spatial sense, and properties and operations, among others. In terms of concepts, this section looks at measurement, shapes, and fractions, to name a few.
The Verbal section also consists of 30 questions and your student will have 30 minutes to finish this section as well. This section is primarily concerned with English. It covers the relationships between words, the meanings of words, and synonyms, among others. In terms of skills for this section, your student should be familiar with analogies and have an understanding of age-appropriate vocabulary from a variety of different subject areas.
The Reading section contains seven different passages that ask four questions each. As such, this section has 28 questions and your student will have 30 minutes to complete it. The Reading section is concerned with reading comprehension. Your student will be expected to be able to identify the main idea of a passage, determine the meaning of a word based on context, and identify information.
The Writing Sample requires your student to write a story based on a picture that is provided. The story should include a beginning, middle, and end. This section involves skills such as understanding spelling and punctuation and being able to organize an essay.
The Middle Level of the SSAT contains the same four sections as the Elementary Level. However, the timing and amount of questions both by section and overall are different. While the Elementary Level test contains 89 questions, the Middle Level contains 167 questions in total.
The Writing Sample section asks students to choose between two creative prompts and write a story about it. This section examines your student's skills when it comes to spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
The Quantitative section is divided into two separate sections on the Middle Level. Each section contains 25 questions for 50 questions in total. Your student will have 30 minutes to complete each section for a total of 60 minutes.
This section looks at probability, data analysis, and algebra. In terms of concepts, your student should understand area and perimeter of geometric shapes, ratios and proportions, and equations, to name a few.
The Reading section on the Middle Level involves 40 questions based on passages and your student will have 40 minutes to finish this section. This section requires your student to interpret meaning based on both argumentative and narrative passages.
Finally, the Verbal section has 60 questions, of which 30 are based on analogies and another 30 are based on synonyms. Your student will have 30 minutes to finish this section and they must be familiar with synonyms and analogies.
The Upper Level test also contains four sections and also contains 167 questions like the Middle Level. The Upper Level test is very similar to the Middle Level in terms of topics and amount of questions. The main difference between them is that the Upper Level test is more complex in terms of having questions that are more suited for older students.
How can a Boulder SSAT course help my student prepare?
There are many different ways in which a Boulder SSAT course can help your student prepare for the test. Their course will be as similar to a regular class as possible because they will have an instructor leading them through concepts while also collaborating and communicating with other students. Attending classes with an expert instructor can be helpful because they can help your student review material such as vocabulary words, synonyms, or math, depending on the areas where they might need additional help. It can also help to have other students to work with because this provides the opportunity to have group discussions and activities.
How can I find a Boulder SSAT prep course?
Finding a Boulder SSAT prep course is as easy as contacting 51Թ over the phone or online. Your student can take a course entirely online so you never have to worry about commuting. Furthermore, you can sign your student up for either a two or four-week course depending on the amount of help they need.
Shannon: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...all students can learn. We just need to find the right ways to teach them. Not every student learns in the same way, so it is up to teachers and tutors to help students discover how they learn best. It is often hard to find this out in a classroom of 25 or more students, but with a tutor, students can often find out how they can become lifelong learners and enrich their lives in...
Education & Certification
- Colorado State University - Bachelors, English
- Grand Canyon University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Elementary School Math
- +22 subjects
Jim: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...I have become a math tutor, mentor and substitute teacher in the Denver Public School system and an historical adviser for a national high school competition focused on the U.S. Constitution. Since my approach to studying the past has been very comprehensive, I have also developed active interests in literature, music, art and architecture and popular culture. Along with a making a good meal, reading widely, hanging out with friends and family (including a tri-pod...
Education & Certification
- Princeton/Empire State College - Bachelor in Arts, History & Social Theory
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - PHD, American History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +110 subjects
Ian: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...hand movements to help remember the vocabulary and methods necessary to be successful in Math. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my family (wife, 4 kids, and a dog!). When I'm taking some time to myself, I can either be found reading a good book (I love most genres but hold a special place for Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Dystopian books. or watching some sports on TV (Go Broncos!). I do enjoy to...
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- 6th Grade Math
- 4th Grade Math
- 5th Grade Math
- +39 subjects
Melissa: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...student's specific issue, and work to address him or her as an individual. I help them develop strategies so when they are alone and facing a difficult problem, they have the foundation and confidence to work through it by themselves. Most importantly though, I make sure my students laugh at least once during a session - when they are having fun, seeing the bigger picture and exploring the subject in their own way, the learning...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +49 subjects
Kathy: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...students, mixed with some light-hearted fun and creativity. I create an environment where students can grow at their own pace and flourish. It is here that students have ample opportunities to work hard, express themselves, share their work and celebrate their successes, both big and small. Acknowledging the it takes a village to make strides in a student's learning, teamwork is essential. Therefore, I welcome and encourage parents to share in their children's intellectual growth...
Education & Certification
- King's College - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of Colorado Denver - Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- HSPT
- +21 subjects
Erinrose: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...College in 2009. Before my time in St. Louis and Denver, I taught English Literature at the Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut and, earlier, at Germantown High School in Philadelphia. During my time at Loomis and Germantown, I taught English Lit I/III, Contemporary Literature, 10th grade grammar and expository writing seminars, Literature of the Sea, Experimental Novel, and Creative Writing. At Wash U, I taught Fiction Writing I, II, and Microfiction, and last year I...
Education & Certification
- Carleton College - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
- Washington University in St Louis - Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- American Literature
- Adult ESL/ELL
- +33 subjects
Lizzie: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...or another since I was about 12 years old. With babysitting at a young age, working at day cares, and now teaching people of all ages how to ride horses you could say that I have a passion not only for kids but for being an educator. I am currently going to school to be an elementary school teacher and would love to have the opportunity to work with a diverse community of students.... My teaching philosophy is that, for a successful learning experience, there needs to be equal collaborative effort put forth between both student and instructor in an interactive, conversational style.
Education & Certification
- Red Rocks Community College - Current Undergrad, elementary education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- ISEE
- PARCC
- +41 subjects
Rachel: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...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 takes to succeed in school, its just a matter of finding the style of learning that is most effective for them. What works or makes sense for one student will not necessarily work for the next student, and so it is essential as a...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, General Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- CogAT
- +89 subjects
Samantha: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...literature, and writing. I have also continued to help many high school seniors with college application essays. While I tutor a variety of subjects, I am very passionate about helping students improve their reading and writing skills, and I really enjoy helping students with Critical Reading and Writing portions of Standardized Tests. I love working with students and helping them realize their full academic potential. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, exploring Chicago, reading,...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- +36 subjects
Cynthia: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...in STEM academics and research mentorship as well as a translation program from and to English outside of class. I speak Japanese and French, and I have taken the PSATs, SATs, 10 APs, and the GREs successfully. I would be willing to help with any of these subjects, with math, science, and languages being more of my strong suit, and I would be willing to drive to a location as well as do online tutoring.
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Neuroscience
- Johns Hopkins University - PHD, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +72 subjects
Connor: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...tutoring career on this premise. As an experienced tutor, I have continually enjoyed seeing my students achieve lofty goals under my instruction. I specialize in tutoring biology, chemistry, physics, and economics for high school students. In addition to this, I also tutor students in college level general chemistry, general biology, organic chemistry, introductory physics, economics and for the MCAT exam. I excelled in undergraduate coursework pertaining to these subjects and have prior experience in assisting...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +43 subjects
Margarita: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...project related to smoking cessation. I have also been tutoring students in a variety of subjects. I have been tutoring students since I was in 7th grade, and my favorite subject to tutor is math. My family is originally from Russia, and I grew up with a very strong and traditional math background. I always find teaching math to students to be gratifying, and I hope to share some of my love for math with...
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- +55 subjects
Joshua: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...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 Italian, German, Dutch, and Arabic.
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
- SHSAT
- ISEE
- TOEFL
- +92 subjects
Matt: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...went on to complete a Masters program at Georgetown University in human physiology. Given the amount of schooling I have gone through myself, I have taken a wide range of subjects and more standardized tests than I would like to admit. I have taught students of almost every age in various fields such as elementary science, Hebrew, chemistry, MCAT prep, and many more.. My ultimate plan is to go to medical school, but in the...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- PSAT
- ACT
- +85 subjects
Vivek: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...a current sophomore at Austin College. I am a biology major and neuroscience minor. Science has been my passion from a young age. I like tutoring because I sincerely enjoy helping others and being able to impart my knowledge and experience. Along with being strong in my curricular classes, I have experience helping and tutoring younger students in various subjects and test prep. As a patient and encouraging teacher, I am adept at helping others...
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +66 subjects
Daniel: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...the ACT and SAT. I am very patient, and I enjoy working with students. When I tutor a student, I try to discover the root of the problem, usually a misunderstood or inadequately explained concept. Once I find the problem area, I can explain it as clearly and as simply as possible. If the student doesn't "get" the explanation the first time, I am willing to spend as much time on the concept as the...
Education & Certification
- University of Dallas - Current Undergrad, Mathematics/Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- +36 subjects
Violet: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...My tutoring subjects are mathematics (from elementary school to college level) and standardized testing (SAT, SAT subject tests, PSAT, and SSAT). I have tutored mainly high school students in the New York State Regents exams and AP Calculus, although I also have experience with students in middle and elementary school. Since I have been through many school systems, including public, private, studying abroad, and boarding school, I have learned many different techniques and can attack...
Education & Certification
- Brown University (transferring from the University of St Andrews) - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Algebra 3/4
- +29 subjects
Paige: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...passionate about the subjects that I tutor, which include mathematics, standardized testing preparation, reading, English, writing, and basic French, and I firmly believe that anyone can master these topics with the proper guidance. I incorporate various methods of tutoring, including showing many examples, giving thorough explanations, and prompting students with questions to help facilitate the correct thought process. I love helping students and seeing their knowledge and understanding grow as we work together.
Education & Certification
- The University of Tennessee - Current Undergrad, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- +53 subjects
Cheyne Ian: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...the areas he or she is struggling in. Previous experience has taught me that no student learns exactly the same and I strive to find the strategy that works best for the individual. I have tutored numerous grades ranging from pre-k-college so I have a wide range of experience. I enjoy working with kids of all ages and my favorite subjects to teach are math, biology, and chemistry. As a current student, I know that...
Education & Certification
- Creighton University - Current Undergrad, Management
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +50 subjects
Alexandra: Boulder SSAT course instructor
...out to a tutor because the traditional classroom method is not best suited for their learning needs. There is nothing more joyful than when a student finally understands the material in a way that makes sense to them. Many times, students need flexibility and patience in order to grasp a foreign concept. I am a firm believer in the power of education and I hope to share my love of learning with all of my...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- COMPASS
- CAHSEE
- PSAT
- +308 subjects