Creating a Test Prep Study Plan: ISEE and SSAT
Whether your test date is months away or next week, you may be wondering how to create a study plan that helps you maximize your time and achieve success on test day. Regardless of where you are in the preparation process, we’ve got you covered with a strategic roadmap that will guide you through the process and help you ace your test with confidence.
No matter where you are in your preparation journey, follow this simple 3 step process:
Step 1. Take a practice test
- Tip #1: For the first practice test, take the entire test in one sitting to get the most accurate diagnostics.
- Tip #2: For subsequent practice tests, take another full-length test or complete specific test sections that need the most work.
- Tip #3: Practice taking the test in the same format that you’ll have on test day (either on the computer or on paper).
- Tip #4: Make sure the test is timed to simulate accurate testing conditions and to develop critical time management skills.
- Tip #5: Treat these practice tests as dress rehearsals for the real deal, simulating testing conditions as closely as possible—that means no phones or other distractions (TV, music, food).
Step 2: Review your results
- Tip #1: Identify areas for improvement by reviewing your performance by question subtype.
- Tip #2: Evaluate your time management skills by reviewing your timing graph to see which questions you spent too much or too little time on.
- Tip #3: Go through each section, question by question, to see your correct and incorrect answers.
- Tip #4: Study the answer explanations for the questions you got wrong, skipped, or guessed on (even if you got them right).
Step 3. Complete targeted practice
- Tip #1: Focus on the areas that need the most improvement first. The subtype review from the previous step will help with this!
- Tip #2: Focus on only one section per study session.
- Tip #3: Don’t forget to practice for the essay section. Even though the essay isn’t scored, it is the section that schools often value the most.
For more information on how to practice, check out The 3 Steps to a Successful Test Prep Plan.
Now that you know how to practice, let’s dive into creating a study plan based on how far out your test date is.
4-6 Months Out
Practice tests: one test every three to four weeks
Targeted practice: 30-45 mins two to three times per week
At this stage, you have the luxury of time on your side, so use it wisely! With ample time before your test, it can be easy to fall into the procrastination trap. The best way to avoid this is to create a realistic study schedule and stick with it.
We recommend taking a practice test every 3-4 weeks, and then doing targeted practice 2-3 times per week in between. For these targeted practice sessions, aim to practice for 30-45 mins.
It’s important to pace yourself, so that you don’t get burned out. In addition to avoiding burn out, spacing out your study session promotes long-term learning. Long-term learning allows you to retain the information better, so that you can recall what you’ve learned on test day more easily. To learn more about the benefits of long-term studying, check out 3 Reasons to Start Studying Now.
It’s important to assess your skills regularly by taking practice tests. Practice tests not only help you track your progress but also identify areas where you need further practice.
2-3 Months Out
Practice tests: one test every other week or every week
Targeted practice: 30-45 mins three to four times per week
If you’ve already started practicing, increase the frequency of your practice tests to every other week or every week depending on your performance and goals. This will help with your timing and stamina as you approach test day. If you’re just getting started with your preparations, don’t panic! Following a sample schedule like the one above will put you on the right track.
During this phase, pay close attention to your performance analytics from each practice test. Identify patterns of strength and weakness, and adjust your study plan accordingly to allocate more time to the topics that you struggle with most.
1 Month Out
Practice tests: one test every week
Targeted practice: 45-60 mins three to four times per week
With just a month to go, it’s crunch time! Whether you’re a seasoned studier or just beginning to dip your toes into test preparation, your focus should be on fine-tuning your skills and honing your test-taking strategies. We suggest ramping up your practice test frequency to once a week to stay focused during the final stretch.
Use these practice tests not only to gauge your progress but also to simulate the test day experience in its entirety. Practice your time management skills and focus on building your endurance. Review each practice test thoroughly, analyzing your mistakes and identifying areas for improvement.
In addition to practice tests, incorporate targeted review sessions to reinforce weak areas and solidify your strengths. We recommend incorporating 45-60 minute study sessions between your practice tests.
<2 Weeks Out
Practice tests: one test one week before test day
Targeted practice: 60 mins three to four times per week
As you enter the final stretch before test day, focus on fine-tuning your skills and further building your confidence. Take one final practice test to assess your readiness and identify any last-minute areas for improvement. Use this test as an opportunity to simulate the test-day experience and practice implementing your strategies under pressure.
In the days leading up to the test, prioritize self-care and relaxation to ensure that you’re mentally and physically prepared. Review key concepts and strategies, but avoid cramming or overloading yourself with new information. Trust in the preparation you’ve done and approach test day with confidence and positivity!
Wondering how you can best prepare yourself the day before your test? Check out our advice on What to Do 24 Hours Before Your Test!
By creating a study plan, you can maximize your preparation and increase your chances of success on test day. Remember to stay focused, stay disciplined, and stay positive throughout your journey. With dedication and perseverance, we know you can achieve your goals. Good luck!
