Taking the SSAT can be a daunting task for both students and parents. The resulting scores are important factors in the admissions processes at many competitive private middle and high schools, so proper planning and strategic preparation is important.
The SSAT consists of three different levels, each based on a different grade range: The Elementary Level (grades 3-4), The Middle Level (grades 5-7) and The Upper Level (grades 8-11). The tests are comprised of a combination of mathematics sections, a reading comprehension section, a verbal section, and a writing section. The goals of the tests are to assess the verbal, quantitative and reading skills that each student possesses and to evaluate the probability of their academic success.
How We Help
At RRLS, we have years of experience working with many of Toronto’s top private schools. Our test prep specialists are experienced teachers who have advanced degrees in their subject areas and have professorial experience working in schools in Canada and the US. We thoroughly prepare students for the SSAT by teaching and solidifying the more basic concepts before delving into the more advanced ones. This way, students steadily consolidate the knowledge and skills needed to improve their scores and strengthen their confidence. One-to-one teaching ensures lessons are tailored to the students’ unique learning styles.
Students begin their preparation with an SSAT simulation exam that mirrors official test questions and conditions. After an analysis of the results, our SSAT prep team creates an individualized plan for your child that focuses on an in-depth review of the exam material. Your child’s strengths, challenges and individual learning needs are taken into account when teachers are preparing test-taking strategies and tips.
1-to-1 Courses for the Middle- and Upper-Level SSATs
Comprehensive Package
This program can be done long-term or as an intensive study plan. It provides extended strategy and skill development in each test section. Comprehensive individualized homework is assigned.
Lesson Hours: 30
Proctored Practice Tests + Personalized Analyses: 3 (3 hours each)
RRLS Exclusive Study Guide and Homework Materials: Included
Interview and Resume Workshop: Included
Individualized planning tailored to the individual student’s abilities, skills, and timeline; planning is based on initial practice tests, parental input, and teacher observation
Homework assignments that target student challenges and areas for growth
On-going parental communication and feedback
Total hours: 45
Condensed Package
This program provides skill and strategy development in each test area or in focused areas. Condensed individualized homework is assigned.
Lesson Hours: 16
Proctored Practice Tests + Personalized Analyses: 2 (3 hours each)
RRLS Exclusive Study Guide and Homework Materials: Included
Interview and Resume Workshop: Available as an add-on
Individualized planning tailored to the individual student’s abilities, skills, and timeline; planning is based on initial practice tests, parental input, and teacher observation
Homework assignments that target student challenges and areas for growth
On-going parental communication and feedback
Total hours: 22
Overview Package
This course is an overview of the strategies and skills needed for each section of the test, or it can be focused review in one area. Strategic individualized homework is assigned.
Lesson Hours: 10
Proctored Practice Tests + Personalized Analyses: 2 (3 hours each)
RRLS Exclusive Study Guide and Homework Materials: Included
Interview and Resume Workshop: Available as an add-on
Individualized planning tailored to the individual student’s abilities, skills, and timeline; planning is based on initial practice tests, parental input, and teacher observation
Homework assignments that target student challenges and areas for growth
On-going parental communication and feedback
Total hours: 16
Group Courses for the Middle-Level SSAT
We host overview group classes for the Middle-Level SSAT a few times a year. Please check the group class schedule here.
Rumack’s SSAT Study Guide
Rumack’s SSAT Preparation Workbook for the Middle Level prepares students in the concepts, skills, and strategies necessary for the test, while previewing academic topics of grades seven and above. It includes:
630 pages of lessons and 1500+ SSAT practice questions
Vocabulary-building lessons
Test strategies specific to each section
17 math sections that teach concepts step-by-step
Writing instruction in story-arc, developing characters and setting, literary devices, editing
Admission Interview and Resume Writing Workshop
Alongside the SSAT, many independent schools require students to complete interviews as part of the admissions process. Most students do not have previous interview experience, and so we have developed a unique workshop that prepares students for common interview scenarios. Read more about it here.
Get Started with SSAT Prep Today!
SSAT Prep Course FAQs
The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is a standardized test designed and administered by ssat.org, a not-for-profit organization. The SSAT tests a student’s knowledge of language and math through a series of multiple choice questions that lasts roughly three hours. Students can write the SSAT at any time while in Grades 5 through 11, although most write it in Grades 6 or 8. The test is used by many private schools as part of their admission processes to determine whether or not a student will meet their academic demands.
Ruth Rumack’s SSAT Preparation Course is designed to teach students the academic concepts, as well as effective test-taking strategies that are needed to succeed at the SSAT. All aspects of the SSAT are covered in the 42-hour course, including thorough explanation of the Math, Verbal, Reading Comprehension and Essay Writing Sample sections. Our unique approach provides step-by-step instruction for each section, and highlights the individual strategies needed for each part of the SSAT. Our exclusive Rumack’s SSAT Preparation Workbook provides detailed lesson reviews featuring many sample and practice questions.
The Condensed and Overview Programs provide an overview of strategy or more targeted content review.
Given the formal nature and advanced level of the test content, it is essential to invest in expert test preparation. The majority of students at this grade level have never encountered concepts like analogies, algebra, or persuasive writing. Most children in grades 5 through 8 are unfamiliar with the demands of the SSAT and benefit from a familiarization with test content, as well as study and test writing strategies.
Test takers are awarded one point for a correct answer, zero points for questions left blank, and are deducted a ¼ point for each incorrect answer. In this case, guessing wildly at an answer could potentially work against a student, unless they are taught appropriate strategies.
Topics are targeted to reflect a student’s study timeline and and their current skill level.
Topics can include the following:
Math skills: vocabulary, fractions, decimals, exponents, order of operations, algebra, percentage, ratios, statistics, geometry, tables/graphs, problem solving strategies
Verbal skills: vocabulary building strategies, prefixes, suffixes, root words, analogies, synonyms
Comprehension: Reading and answering strategies, identifying main ideas, supporting details, inferences, author’s tone
Writing Samples: Upper Level: SSAT essay structure, developing a strong argument, editing and proofreading Upper and Middle Levels: Story arch, literary devices, strong vocabulary, dialogue use.
SSAT Practice Tests: Pre/Mid/Post testing to monitor a student’s progress and provide a realistic example of the test day situation; timely analysis and feedback on test results to pinpoint areas of challenge.
This course is designed for students preparing for the Middle Level or Upper Level SSAT who are currently in Grades 5 through 11. Students who need to prepare for the SSAT will find that our course provides current, detailed and relevant information that is applicable to this test. This course is particularly beneficial for students who are intimidated by standardized tests and are unfamiliar with test-taking strategies.
Students who properly prepare for the SSAT gain new knowledge that can be applied to the test and to future studies. In addition, students develop an arsenal of time-management and test-taking strategies – all very valuable for continued learning.
RRLS SSAT Preparation is available as a group course (1:12 teacher to student ratio), as a semi-private class, or in a 1 to 1 setting. Our unique approach provides step-by-step instruction and highlights the individual strategies required by each section of the SSAT. Our exclusive Rumack’s Preparation Workbook for the Middle Level provides detailed section overviews, featuring many sample and practice questions.
No course can guarantee high scores, nor can high SSAT scores guarantee placement in a particular school, as there are many other factors involved in acceptance. Rumack’s SSAT Preparation Course thoroughly prepares students for the SSAT, which will greatly improve their chances of achieving high scores and being accepted at the school of their choice.
There will be homework and review assigned between lessons. Students are strongly advised to review and complete the homework in order to succeed.
Classes are either two or three hours long, depending on which time of year you join. There will be a short break during each class.
If another group class is available, a student can temporarily join that class if there is space. If not, you can book a private session for an additional cost.
Yes. RRLS will teach privately organized classes at a convenient time and location.
Private sessions and private group classes can be arranged at any time of the year. If you live in Toronto, services are delivered at our downtown office at 720 Spadina Avenue, Suite 504. Lessons through Skype are available to students outside of the GTA.
Private, 1 to 1 sessions can be designed for individual students. If your child has particular needs, we can build the lessons around their strengths and challenges.
To get the most from the course, students should arrive on time for every lesson, avoid missing classes whenever possible, review the previous lessons and complete assigned homework. We also encourage parents to look over the material themselves so that they are familiar with the challenges the SSAT presents. Parents can also call in and speak with us at any time.
We offer an interview and resume writing workshop that supports students in their application process. As well, we can refer parents to Educational Consultants who are able to advise parents on the schools best suited for their child’s needs.
Payment is due upon registration. A space cannot be held for your child without full payment.
We do not offer refunds. However, you can use your unused payment as a credit towards any of our programs for up to one year.
The scores for the SSAT are based on percentiles, which compares a student’s score to other test writers in the same grade. Therefore, a student in the 75th percentile scored higher than 75% of their peers. Because of this scoring system, only 1% of students can be in the 99th percentile, only 25% in the 75th percentile, and so on. That said, success looks different for every student. The content of this test is well above grade level, and students should feel successful if they’ve worked hard, learned new content, improved their strategy and skill, and their confidence. What is a “low score” to one student may be a significant achievement for another.
Students with diagnosed learning disabilities can write the SSAT, and may be eligible to receive accommodations if they are currently receiving accommodations in the classroom. Depending on your child’s individual strengths and challenges, study plans can be customized to best use a student’s energy and effort. Please call to speak about your child’s specific learning profile: 416.925.1225
The Middle Level test includes math content up to grade 9. The Upper Level is written by students up to Grade 11, and includes a significant number of concepts from the high school curriculum. The vast majority of students will not be able to attempt every question. However, starting to review early will help students learn more advanced concepts allowing them to attempt a greater number of questions.
