SSAT Test Prep and Tutoring

Get Prepared for the SSAT

Navigating the private school admissions test process involves many steps, and performing well on the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is often a crucial one. The stakes can feel high, especially for younger students. At PrepMatters, we understand this aspect deeply. For years, our experienced SSAT tutors have helped students throughout Montgomery County and Washington DC successfully prepare for the SSAT at all levels – Elementary, Middle, and Upper. We combine our expertise with a personalized, student-centered approach to turn anxiety into confidence and competence.

 

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What Is the SSAT?

Before diving into preparation, it helps to understand the test itself. The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is a nearly three-hour long, grade-banded test with three levels: Elementary (completed grades 3-4), Lower Level (completed grades 5-7), and Upper Level (completed grades 8-11). Most students who take the test tend to be 5th or 7th graders, meaning that the SSAT is designed to be challenging not only to them but to students two years older than they, which can translate into stressful and difficult testing experiences.

We help our students understand the test and remember that they’ll only be compared to students in their own age group, so they can make good decisions not only about how to answer questions but also about which questions to skip and which to answer, an important component of tutoring the SSAT, one of the few tests to retain a “guessing penalty”.

 

SSAT Tutoring

 

The test itself is available in a traditional, paper-based format six times a year, in a computer-based format at a Prometric test center, or even (once a year) in computer-based format at home. We will work with you to understand your options and plan a testing schedule that makes sense.

One-on-One SSAT Tutoring for Every Section

We believe the tutor-student relationship is paramount when working with this age group, which is why we pair one student with one tutor who can help with each section of the test.

This dedicated relationship allows our tutors to provide consistent, tailored support across all SSAT sections:

Verbal Reasoning

Tackling synonyms and analogies with targeted vocabulary building and reasoning strategies.

Quantitative (Math)

Covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis concepts relevant to the student’s test level, taught by patient instructors who function as your dedicated SSAT math tutor.

Reading Comprehension

Developing skills to analyze passages, identify main ideas, understand vocabulary in context, and make inferences, guided by an expert SSAT reading tutor.

Writing Sample

Practicing brainstorming, outlining, and writing clear, organized essays (unscored, but sent to schools).

A core part of our SSAT test prep focuses on test-taking strategy. We teach students effective pacing, how to strategically use SSAT practice questions, and how to approach the guessing penalty on the Middle and Upper Levels. Students learn when to guess (ideally after eliminating choices) and when skipping might be the wiser move. This strategic approach, combined with building foundational skills, significantly reduces test anxiety and boosts confidence. Our SSAT prep course is designed to empower students, not overwhelm them.

SSAT Practice Tests & Custom Study Plans

All students have access to our proprietary 300-page SSAT Preparation Workbook that guides students through sets of exercises designed to help them master the content tested most. They will also be given our Vocabulary Workbook, which will help them master 300 high-frequency SSAT vocabulary words through over 100 pages of drills and exercises. We use officially released practice tests whenever possible and can advise you on other third-party materials and platforms that might be helpful.

Test Dates, Scoring & Strategy: Making Sense of the SSAT

Understanding the logistics and scoring of the SSAT is key to effective preparation.

SSAT Test Dates

The SSAT is offered multiple times throughout the academic year on set national test dates, typically from fall through early spring. Flexible testing options (like Prometric centers or SSAT at Home) are also often available. Since SSAT test dates are set annually, the most current schedule and registration information is always available on the official SSAT website.

SSAT Scoring:

  • Raw Score: On the Middle and Upper Levels, students get +1 point for correct answers, 0 for skipped questions, and lose 1/4 point for incorrect answers (the “guessing penalty”). The Elementary Level has no guessing penalty.
  • Scaled Score: Raw scores are converted to a scaled score for each section (Verbal, Quantitative, Reading) and a total score. The score ranges differ by level (ex: Upper Level sections are 500-800, Middle Level 440-710).
    • Percentile (1-99%): This is the most critical number. It compares your child’s performance to other test-takers in the same grade over the past three years. A 75th percentile means the student scored as well as or better than 75% of the norm group. Schools heavily rely on percentiles.

SSAT Tutoring Testimonials 

 

“Each of our three children have received excellent services at PrepMatters.  From preparing for the SSAT, tutoring for a specific subject, test prep for the SAT and college counseling services, PrepMatters has taken on all of our requests and delivered.  We have worked with Daniela (SAT prep) and Sharon (subject tutoring) and most recently working with Kate Kula (SAT prep).  Our family would highly recommend them for all education matters.” 

 

 

Karoline S. 

 

“Our son is currently studying for the SSAT with Thomas, and we’re so happy with his progress.  Like a lot of people, our son can fixate and hyper focus on exam/test taking and doesn’t really do well.  Since meeting the with staff at PrepMatters that has all changed.  Our son is a lot more confident within his abilities and his study habits have truly improved.  We’ve seen overnight changes, and will continue to use the skills he’s learned as we move forward.  Thanks, PrepMatters of Bethesda, MD.”

 

John S. 

 

“Sharon Kim at PrepMatters is excellent. I have recommended her to friends many times over the years. Both of my kids worked with for SAT / ACT tutoring and years earlier, for SSAT testing prep.  Thanks to Sharon, their testing skills, strategies and scores improved significantly after working with her — often in a matter of weeks.”

 

Kerry T. 

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FAQs About the SSAT

What is the difference between the Elementary, Lower, and Upper Level SSAT?

The levels correspond to the grades the student has completed: Elementary (Grades 3-4), Lower (Grades 5-7), and Upper (Grades 8-11). Content difficulty and scoring scales are adjusted for each level.

What’s considered a good SSAT score for middle school students (applying for grades 6-8)?

“Good” is relative to the schools you’re applying to. Aiming for above the 50th percentile is a solid start, with scores in the 75th percentile and above being strong for many competitive schools. Focus on the percentile ranking compared to other students in the same grade.

How soon should we start SSAT prep?

This varies, but many families begin SSAT test prep 3-6 months before the test date. Starting earlier allows for less pressure and more focus on foundational skills. We can advise on the best timeline during a consultation.

Can students retake the SSAT test?

Yes, students can retake the ssat test multiple times within a testing year.

Which test is easier, SSAT vs ISEE?

Neither is inherently “easier“. It depends on your child’s strengths. Students stronger in vocabulary might prefer the SSAT, while those who excel with context clues might favor the ISEE verbal. Stronger math students might lean ISEE, while those wary of the guessing penalty might prefer the ISEE’s straightforward scoring. Always check your target schools’ preferences. Some require or prefer one test over the other. 

Schedule a Free SSAT Tutoring Consultation

Ready to help your child approach the SSAT with confidence? Let’s talk about their unique goals and how PrepMatters’ personalized SSAT test prep can pave the way for success on the private school entrance exam.

PrepMatters proudly offers SSAT tutoring services to students throughout Montgomery County including Bethesda, Rockville, Rockville, Potomac, and the greater Washington DC area. Whether online or in person, our dedicated tutors are here to help your child feel confident and ready on test day.

 

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