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TestPrep

SSAT Prep Course & Private Tutoring

SSAT Prep Program

Achieve the 90th percentile on the SSAT with age-appropriate preparation for boarding school admissions. Verbal, Quantitative, and Reading strategies.

  • Specialized SSAT preparation for boarding school admissions
  • Strategy training focused on Verbal, Quantitative, and Reading
  • Expert tutors targeting 90th percentile and above
Free Diagnostic TestPrograms & Prices

90th+

Target Percentile

SSAT Boarding

Exam Format

17

Programs

4.7/5

89 approved reviews

Choose Your SSAT Program

Let's find the best support model for your child's target schools and preparation needs.

Learning Options

Private Tutoring

Personalized SSAT Program

One-on-one tutoring with SSAT experts in an age-appropriate format to reach the 90th percentile.

  • Verbal analogies and vocabulary building
  • Above grade-level math practice
  • Reading comprehension strategies
  • Replay your recordings for 14 days

Ideal for students targeting the 90th percentile and those applying to top US/UK boarding schools.

Schedule an Online Meeting

Private group of 3–6

Private Group Course (3–6 students)

Opens with at least 3 students.

  • All sections covered systematically
  • Maximum 6 students per class
  • Monthly practice tests
  • Vocabulary building workshops
  • All materials included

Ideal for younger students who benefit from peer learning and structured preparation.

Get Group Course Info
  • Private 1-on-1 lessons: If you are not satisfied after your first lesson, you receive a full refund.
  • Group classes: If you are not satisfied with the first week of classes, you receive a full refund.

A Glimpse Into Our SSAT Online Lessons

Our live, interactive lessons follow the real exam format. Expert tutors break down each topic step by step and provide instant feedback.

Class Experience

  • Private or small-group live lessons
  • Replay your lesson recordings for 14 days
  • Real-time performance tracking and analytics

Is This Program Right for You?

Match your current profile and target with the right preparation model.

Who Is It For?

  • High score target

    For students aiming for competitive applications and a clearly defined target score.

    • Diagnostic-first plan
    • Weekly milestones
    • Practice test tracking

  • Application timeline

    For students who need test prep aligned with school, application and scholarship deadlines.

    • Deadline-based pacing
    • Priority topic order
    • Application-aware guidance

  • Busy schedule

    For students and working professionals who need live online lessons with flexible timing.

    • Online lessons
    • Replay recordings
    • Evening and weekend options

  • Topic gaps

    For students who need targeted support in specific modules before full practice tests.

    • Weak-area mapping
    • Focused homework
    • Detailed feedback

SSAT Preparation Path by Starting Point

The exact plan is set after the diagnostic, but these bands show the typical route.

Score Roadmap

Starting PointTargetTypical TimeFocusSuggested Model
Foundation gapsSolid exam readiness10-16 weeksCore concepts + timingPrivate tutoring
Mid-range scoreCompetitive score8-12 weeksWeak modules + practice test reviewPrivate or small group
Near targetFinal optimization4-8 weeksStrategy, pace and error reductionIntensive review

SSAT Strategists.

Our SSAT tutors have experience working with younger students.

Expert Tutors

GuaranteeFirst-Lesson Guarantee
If you're not satisfied after the first lesson, we refund it in full.
BoardingBoarding School Experience
Tutors with knowledge of prestigious US and UK boarding schools and full command of the application process.
VerbalVerbal Analogies Expert
Tutors who have developed specialized vocabulary and strategy programs for SSAT's most challenging section.
YouthYoung Learner Specialist
Tutors with experience working with the 11-15 age group, focused on motivation and pedagogy.

Everything You Need to Succeed

A complete set of tools and resources to support you at every step of your journey.

Comprehensive Program

Live Online Lessons
Age-appropriate interactive format
SSAT Practice Tests
Full-length tests in real format
Verbal Analogies
Vocabulary building and analogy strategy
Math Concepts
Above grade-level math practice
Percentile Tracking
Section-level progress reports
Recorded Sessions
Replay your lessons for 14 days
Reading Practice
Academic reading skills development
Parent Updates
Regular progress reports

The Path to Boarding School

Target the 90th percentile in Verbal, Quantitative, and Reading to apply to your dream school.

Proven Methodology

  1. STEP 01

    SSAT Diagnostic Test

    We determine your current performance and percentile in each section.

    • Separate Verbal/Quant/Reading assessment
    • Age-level benchmarking
    • Target percentile and timeline plan

  2. STEP 02

    Age-Appropriate Program

    A fun and effective program designed for younger learners.

    • Daily vocabulary study
    • Math concept development
    • Reading habit program

  3. STEP 03

    Practice Tests and Confidence Building

    Regular practice tests to build exam confidence.

    • Monthly full SSAT practice test
    • Percentile trend tracking
    • Test day stress management

SSAT Student Journeys

How students start, what they work on and how the plan changes as scores improve.

Case Studies

  • A. K.

    SSAT

    Start
    Diagnostic
    Target
    Target
    Duration:
    12 weeks
    Focus:
    Core gaps and timing
    Result:
    Reached application-ready score
    "The diagnostic showed exactly where I was losing points. The weekly plan made progress visible."

  • B. T.

    SSAT

    Start
    Uneven
    Target
    Stable
    Duration:
    16 weeks
    Focus:
    Practice test review and error log
    Result:
    Consistent practice test performance
    "Reviewing mistakes after each mock changed the way I studied."

  • C. Y.

    SSAT

    Start
    Near target
    Target
    Optimized
    Duration:
    6 weeks
    Focus:
    Pacing and final strategy
    Result:
    Higher confidence on test day
    "The final review helped me stop repeating the same small mistakes."

SSAT Success Stories

Success Stories

"My son joined TestPrep's online SSAT tutoring and it is the best tutoring center we have been to. Teachers guide students step by step and teach in a way so they can thoroughly understand the question. Tutors also provide motivational support for students so they can succeed and achieve their goals."
Zaria Fadel · SSAT Parent · Result: Accepted

Our SSAT Tutors

Meet our expert, results-oriented tutors

NB

Nazli B.

SSAT Verbal & Reading Tutor

SSAT Verbal
SSAT Reading
EXPERIENCEsince 2014
KA

Kenan A.

SSAT Quantitative Tutor

SSAT Quantitative
SAT Math
EXPERIENCEsince 2016
View All Tutors

What Families Usually Ask

Before You Decide

Who teaches the lessons?
Lessons are taught by exam-focused tutors with strong score history and years of teaching experience.Meet the team
Is it suitable for my level?
Every program begins with a diagnostic, so the plan is adjusted for beginner, mid-level and advanced students.Get a diagnostic
Are all lessons online?
Yes. Lessons are live, interactive and online. Recordings can be replayed for review after class.Ask for details

What You Need to Know About SSAT

Detailed Information

The SSAT Exam and Boarding School Applications

The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is a standardized exam used for admission to prestigious boarding schools and private schools in the US and UK. It is offered at two levels: Upper Level (grades 8-11 applications) and Middle Level (grades 5-7 applications). The exam consists of Verbal (analogies and synonyms), Quantitative (math), Reading (comprehension), and Writing (essay) sections.

SSAT results are reported as percentiles. The most selective US boarding schools such as Andover, Exeter, Deerfield, Hotchkiss, Choate, and Lawrenceville generally expect performance at the 85th percentile or above. For the most competitive schools, targeting the 90th+ percentile is necessary.

TestPrep's SSAT program is designed with a pedagogical approach appropriate for younger learners. We offer a vocabulary development program specifically for the Verbal Analogies section and above-grade-level math practice for the Quantitative section. Our tutors have experience working with the 11-15 age group and specialize in motivation and confidence building.

Quick Answers

What is the SSAT?

The SSAT is administered by the EMA for US and international private middle/high-school applications. Levels: Elementary, Middle, Upper.

How is the SSAT scored?

On Upper Level, Quantitative, Verbal, and Reading scored 440-710. Scaled total and percentile reported. Top boarding schools expect 90+ percentile.

How long is the test?

Upper Level runs about 3 hours 10 minutes (5 sections + essay).

How often is it offered?

Eight standard test days per year (October-June) plus Flex test option. Unlimited attempts.

SSAT Upper Level structure

5 scored sections + 1 essay; 167 questions total.

Writing Sample

·
25 min
·
Unscored

Creative or analytical prompt; sent to schools

Quantitative 1

·
30 min
·
440-710

25 questions

Reading

·
40 min
·
440-710

40 questions, 7-8 passages

Verbal

·
30 min
·
440-710

60 questions: synonyms + analogies

Quantitative 2

·
30 min
·
—

25 questions

Wrong-answer penalty (-0.25); blind guessing discouraged.

SSAT score bands

95+ percentile — Top tier

Strong band for top boarding schools (Phillips Exeter, Andover, Choate).

85-94 percentile — Excellent

Typical band for most selective private schools.

70-84 percentile — Good

Acceptance band for mid-ranked private schools.

50-69 percentile — Average

Sufficient for some regional private schools.

Percentile is computed by grade and gender.

Compare Your Options

One-on-one lessons

Best for
Students targeting US boarding schools
Format
Live online
Pace
Flexible
Support
Verbal vocab, Quant pacing, essay structure feedback
Private SSAT lessons

Small-group course

Best for
Max 6 students at similar levels
Format
Live online
Pace
Fixed
Support
Shared strategy + Verbal partner work
Small-group course pricing

Summer program

Best for
Students preparing for fall applications
Format
6-8 weeks
Pace
Intensive
Support
Official SSAT past papers + writing workshop
Summer program

4-Phase Study Plan

  1. Phase 1 — Diagnostic

    Timeframe: 1 week

    Focus: Past paper practice test

    Outcome: Section strategy

  2. Phase 2 — Verbal vocab + Quant review

    Timeframe: 6-8 weeks

    Focus: SSAT high-frequency word list, synonym + analogy strategy, Quant review

    Outcome: Target percentile on practice tests

  3. Phase 3 — Practice-test-intensive + essay

    Timeframe: 2-3 weeks

    Focus: Full timed practice tests, essay rubric feedback

    Outcome: Consistent percentile + strong essay

  4. Phase 4 — Exam week

    Timeframe: 1 week

    Focus: Error-log review, final practice test, exam-day plan

    Outcome: Enter the exam at target percentile

TestPrep Istanbul SSAT methodology

Official SSAT past papers

Practice anchored to EMA's published past papers and Official Guide.

Age-appropriate Verbal vocab system

About 1500 high-frequency words for Upper Level.

Essay-structure workshop

Separate structures for creative and analytical prompts.

Quant attention traps

Age-appropriate review of arithmetic + foundational algebra + geometry.

Question Bank & Practice Tests

Our SSAT tutors

  • Experience with the EMA past paper pool
  • Specialists in writing, Verbal vocab, and Quant

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Exams

TOEFL Junior lessonsEnglish-proficiency alternative for younger students.SAT lessonsNext step: SAT for US university applications.

SSAT Student Reviews

4.7

89 reviews

5
%71
4
%29
3
%0
2
%0
1
%0
ED

Erdem Duman

I was doing questions for Upper Level on my own but never had a steady routine. I became much more comfortable asking questions in class.

JM

Johanna Meier

Mistakes became something to work on rather than something to feel bad about. We were able to follow the mock results regularly. We were happy with both the teaching and the communication.

CE

Cristian Escobar

Breaking Elementary Level into smaller pieces worked much better for me. I stopped doing a huge amount one week and nothing the next. Timed work showed exactly which section was slowing me down. I left the exam feeling that I had done what I could. Knowing what to study reduced a lot of the stress. Thank you to the tutor who stayed supportive until the end.

HS

Holly Stanton

A quick check after each answer helped me catch small mistakes. Thanks to TestPrep for helping me stay on track.

RT

Raul Tavares

Anxiety became more visible as the exam got closer. A good connection with the tutor developed quite quickly. Online lessons made it possible to continue without losing time on travel. The tutor's calm approach helped protect motivation during the intensive period. Joining lessons willingly was one of the clearest signs for us. The overall experience was positive from beginning to end.

TW

Toby Whitlam

After the first attempt, we looked for a calmer plan for the retake. The plan was adjusted when school exams became busy.

Ready to Boost YourSSAT Score?

Online Video Call

Discover your strengths and weaknesses with a free diagnostic test. Our expert tutors will create a personalized study plan just for you.

  • Free diagnostic test
  • Personalized study plan recommendation
  • Target score and test-date planning
  • Form your own private group of 3–6 students

Online Video Call

Message us on WhatsApp or give us a call to discuss your goals and plan the right program.

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