This 1-semester intensive SSAT English preparation course consists of 25 one-hour sessions, tailored to meet each student’s individual needs and testing timeline. The program focuses on the three core components of the SSAT English exam: Writing, Reading, and Verbal Skills (including vocabulary development and analogy practice). Regular homework is assigned to reinforce skills, and students receive prompt, personalized feedback from the instructor.

Course Components:

Writing:
While the SSAT writing sample is unscored, it plays a vital role in admissions by giving schools insight into a student’s voice and writing ability. Students will practice timed narrative, persuasive, expository, and creative writing, with a strong focus on brainstorming, structuring, revising, and applying feedback effectively.

Reading:
Students build skills to analyze various genres, including nonfiction, historical texts, narrative fiction, and poetry. Emphasis is placed on comprehension, critical thinking, and understanding literary devices, tone, and contextual vocabulary. Each session includes oral reading fluency practice to boost confidence and expression.

Focus areas:

• Main ideas and central themes

• Text-based comprehension

• Literary devices and figurative language

Verbal:
Students will strengthen their grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary skills through targeted instruction and practice. This component emphasizes:

• Sentence structure and punctuation

• Synonyms, antonyms, and word choice

• Vocabulary development through curated word lists

• Mastering analogies and recognizing logical patterns