Personalized SSAT Preparation for Chicago Students
If your child is applying to Latin School of Chicago, Francis W. Parker School, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, or another competitive private school, strong SSAT preparation can make a meaningful difference in the admissions process. Chitown Tutoring offers one-on-one SSAT tutoring in Chicago for students at every level, from the Elementary Level through the Upper Level.
Admission to many of Chicago’s most competitive private schools, independent schools, and boarding schools is highly selective. Each year, students compete for a limited number of seats at academically rigorous institutions that use the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) as part of their admissions process.
At Chitown Tutoring, we specialize in SSAT tutoring and private school admissions test preparation for students throughout Chicago. Since 2019, we have helped more than 1,000 students and delivered over 20,000 hours of instruction. Our experienced tutors work one-on-one with students to strengthen academic skills, improve testing confidence, and prepare strategically for private school admissions.
Whether your child is applying to an independent school in Chicago, a prestigious boarding school, or a competitive college-preparatory program, our personalized SSAT tutoring programs are designed to help students perform at their highest level.
Table of Contents
- What Is the SSAT?
- SSAT Quick Facts
- Why the SSAT Matters
- Who Takes the SSAT?
- Chicago Private Schools That Accept the SSAT
- SSAT Format, Levels, Sections, and Testing Logistics
- How the SSAT Is Scored
- How to Register for the SSAT
- Why Start Preparing Early?
- The SSAT Vocabulary Advantage
- How to Prepare for the SSAT
- Common SSAT Mistakes Students Make
- Why Chicago Families Choose ChitownTutoring
- Proudly Serving Students Across Chicago
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Schedule Your Free Consultation
What Is the SSAT?
The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is a standardized admissions exam used by many independent schools, private schools, and boarding schools throughout the United States and internationally.
The SSAT is designed to help admissions offices evaluate applicants from a wide variety of academic backgrounds. Schools use SSAT scores alongside report cards, interviews, teacher recommendations, essays, and extracurricular involvement when making admissions decisions.
Unlike many classroom assessments, the SSAT measures both academic achievement and reasoning ability. Students are evaluated on verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematical skills through a challenging, timed exam.
For students applying to highly selective private schools, strong SSAT performance can help strengthen an admissions application and demonstrate readiness for rigorous academic coursework.
SSAT Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Exam Name | Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) |
| Administered By | Enrollment Management Association |
| Purpose | Independent School Admissions |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice and Writing Sample |
| Calculator Allowed? | No |
| Testing Formats | Computer-Based and Paper-Based |
| Score Reporting | Scaled Scores and Percentiles |
| Levels Available | Elementary, Middle, Upper |
SSAT Levels
| Level | Current Grade |
| Elementary Level | Grades 3‒4 |
| Middle Level | Grades 5‒7 |
| Upper Level | Grades 8‒11 |
Students register for the exam level based on their current grade rather than the grade they are applying to enter.
Why the SSAT Matters
The SSAT is often one of the most important components of a private school application. Admissions committees use SSAT scores to compare applicants from different schools, evaluate academic readiness, assess verbal and mathematical reasoning skills, identify students who may succeed in rigorous academic environments, and support admissions and scholarship decisions.
A strong SSAT score can help strengthen a student’s application and improve competitiveness at highly selective independent schools and boarding schools. Because many applicants have strong grades and extracurricular accomplishments, the SSAT often serves as an important differentiator during the admissions process.
Who Takes the SSAT?
The SSAT is commonly taken by students applying to independent schools, private schools, college preparatory schools, boarding schools, and day schools. Students may take the SSAT while applying for elementary school admission, middle school admission, or high school admission.
Many families begin preparing several months before the exam to allow time for academic review, strategy development, and practice testing.
Chicago Private Schools That Accept the SSAT
Many independent schools and private schools accept SSAT scores as part of their admissions process. Examples include:
- Latin School of Chicago
- Francis Parker School
- University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
- North Shore Country Day School
- Roycemore School
- Morgan Park Academy
- British International School of Chicago
- Chicago City Day School
- Bennett Day School
- Lake Forest Academy
- Woodlands Academy
- The Willows Academy
Because admissions requirements can change, families should always verify testing requirements directly with their target schools.
SSAT Format, Levels, Sections, and Testing Logistics
Understanding the structure of the SSAT is one of the most important aspects of effective preparation. While exact question counts vary slightly by level, the overall structure remains consistent.
SSAT Sections
Students encounter the following sections:
- Writing Sample
- Quantitative Section 1
- Reading Comprehension
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Section 2
- Experimental Section (Unscored)
Writing Sample
The SSAT begins with a writing sample. Students receive a prompt and are asked to write a response within a specified time limit. The writing sample is not scored but is sent directly to admissions offices for review. Schools may use the writing sample to evaluate writing ability, organization, creativity, grammar and mechanics, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively.
Quantitative Sections
The SSAT contains two quantitative sections. Common topics include arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, algebra, geometry, data analysis, probability, and word problems. Students are not permitted to use calculators.
Reading Comprehension
The Reading Comprehension section measures a student’s ability to understand and analyze written passages. Common skills include main idea, supporting details, inference, vocabulary in context, author’s purpose, tone, and analysis. Students should expect both fiction and nonfiction passages.
Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section evaluates vocabulary and verbal reasoning skills. Common question types include synonyms, analogies, vocabulary relationships, and context clues. Strong vocabulary knowledge is one of the most important predictors of success on the SSAT.
Experimental Section
Students also complete an unscored experimental section. Because students do not know which section is experimental, they should approach every question seriously.
Calculator Policy
Calculators are not permitted on the SSAT. Students should be comfortable completing calculations by hand and performing mental math efficiently.
How the SSAT Is Scored
The SSAT uses scaled scores and percentile rankings rather than traditional percentage grades. Students receive scores for Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning.
Percentile Rankings
| Percentile | Meaning |
| 99th Percentile | Performed better than 99% of students |
| 95th Percentile | Performed better than 95% of students |
| 90th Percentile | Performed better than 90% of students |
| 75th Percentile | Performed better than 75% of students |
| 50th Percentile | Average Performance |
What Is a Good SSAT Score?
| Percentile Range | Competitiveness |
| 95th‒99th Percentile | Extremely Competitive |
| 90th‒94th Percentile | Highly Competitive |
| 80th‒89th Percentile | Competitive for Many Selective Schools |
| 70th‒79th Percentile | Competitive |
| Below 70th Percentile | Varies by School |
Private schools evaluate applications holistically, meaning SSAT scores are only one part of the admissions process.
How to Register for the SSAT
Students register through the Enrollment Management Association. The registration process generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Create an SSAT account and begin the registration process.
Step 2: Select the appropriate level — Elementary, Middle, or Upper — based on the student’s current grade.
Step 3: Choose a testing date from multiple dates available throughout the year.
Step 4: Designate the schools that should receive score reports.
Step 5: Complete the exam on the scheduled testing date.
Step 6: Review score reports through the SSAT portal.
Why Start Preparing Early?
Most students benefit from beginning preparation at least three to six months before their intended testing date.
More Time to Build Vocabulary.
Vocabulary development is one of the most important aspects of SSAT preparation. Building vocabulary takes time and consistent practice.
Greater Potential for Score Improvement.
Students who begin earlier often have more opportunities to strengthen academic skills, learn effective strategies, complete practice exams, review mistakes, and improve confidence.
Reduced Test Anxiety.
Preparation helps students become familiar with the exam format, question types, timing expectations, and testing procedures.
Improved Stamina.
The SSAT is a lengthy exam. Students who complete full-length practice exams often feel more comfortable and confident on test day.
For students applying to schools with November or December deadlines, beginning SSAT preparation over the summer is especially beneficial.
The SSAT Vocabulary Advantage
One of the most important things families should know about the SSAT is that vocabulary is a high-leverage area for score improvement. Unlike many standardized tests that have moved away from direct vocabulary testing, the SSAT still tests classic vocabulary through synonym and analogy questions.
This means that students who invest time in vocabulary development — learning word roots, practicing synonyms, and working through analogy relationships — can see meaningful score gains in the Verbal Reasoning section. At Chitown Tutoring, we incorporate structured vocabulary-building into every SSAT preparation plan.
How to Prepare for the SSAT
Successful SSAT preparation involves diagnostic testing, personalized study plans, vocabulary development, reading comprehension practice, mathematics review, timed practice, essay preparation, and full-length practice exams. Students should focus on both content mastery and test-taking strategy.
Common SSAT Mistakes Students Make
- Starting too late
- Neglecting vocabulary study
- Ignoring timing
- Avoiding weak subjects
- Not taking practice exams
- Rushing through questions
- Failing to review mistakes
- Underestimating the writing sample
Understanding these mistakes can help students avoid unnecessary point loss.
Why Chicago Families Choose Chitown Tutoring
Since 2019, Chitown Tutoring has helped more than 1,000 students and delivered over 20,000 hours of instruction throughout Chicago.
Personalized Tutoring Plans.
Every student receives a customized tutoring plan based on diagnostic results, academic goals, target schools, learning needs, and admissions timeline.
Experienced Tutors.
Our tutors are selected based on subject matter expertise, teaching ability, professionalism, and ability to connect with students.
Comprehensive Academic Support.
Our tutoring programs help students strengthen vocabulary, reading comprehension, mathematics, writing skills, reasoning skills, and testing confidence.
Practice Exams and Progress Monitoring.
Students receive ongoing feedback through diagnostic assessments, progress monitoring, timed practice, and full-length practice exams.
Flexible Scheduling.
We offer online tutoring, in-person tutoring, weekday appointments, evening appointments, and weekend appointments.
Proudly Serving Students Across Chicago
Chitown Tutoring proudly serves students and families throughout Chicago, including Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Roscoe Village, North Center, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, West Loop, South Loop, Hyde Park, Bronzeville, Kenwood, Beverly, Mount Greenwood, Edison Park, Jefferson Park, Sauganash, and Norwood Park.
Whether your family prefers online tutoring or in-person instruction, our team is committed to helping students throughout Chicago achieve their academic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SSAT?
The SSAT is a standardized admissions test used by many private schools, independent schools, and boarding schools.
What subjects are tested on the SSAT?
The SSAT includes a Writing Sample, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Verbal Reasoning.
Is a calculator allowed?
No. Calculators are not permitted.
What is considered a good SSAT score?
Students scoring in the 90th percentile or higher are generally considered highly competitive applicants.
How many times can students take the SSAT?
Students may take the exam multiple times throughout the admissions cycle, subject to SSAT testing policies.
Does the writing sample count toward the score?
No. The writing sample is not scored but is sent directly to admissions offices.
When should my child start SSAT prep in Chicago?
Most students benefit from beginning preparation three to six months before their first test date. For students applying to schools with November or December deadlines, starting over the summer is especially helpful.
Do you offer online SSAT tutoring?
Yes. We offer both online and in-person SSAT tutoring throughout Chicago.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Preparing for the SSAT can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate the process alone.
At Chitown Tutoring, we have helped more than 1,000 students and delivered over 20,000 hours of instruction to students throughout Chicago. Our personalized approach helps students strengthen academic skills, improve confidence, and prepare strategically for private school admissions.
Whether your child is just beginning the preparation process or looking to gain a competitive advantage before test day, our experienced tutors are ready to help.