How Early Prep Helps Educators Set Students up for Success
We all know that cramming before a test is not the best strategy for success, especially when it comes to admissions tests like the SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, ACT, and SAT. So, when should students start preparing? Short answer: early. Longer answer: at least six to eight months before test day.
Some students excel at standardized tests with minimal preparation. Most students, however, need thorough exposure and targeted practice to maximize their scores.
How do you determine the amount of preparation your student requires?
The first step is to administer a full-length practice test. This diagnostic test serves two purposes. First, it familiarizes students with the content, structure, and difficulty of the test. Test-related anxiety and lack of confidence often stem from ‘fear of the unknown.’ Therefore, becoming comfortable with the test is a critical component of preparation.
Second, the diagnostic practice test provides critical information about which areas need improvement. Identifying specific areas for improvement, such as a question subtype or test-taking skill, will allow students to focus on the most impactful practice. And of course, the earlier students start preparing, the more time they’ll have to improve in those areas.
An early start decreases stress and increases retention.
An early start can also help alleviate some of the pressure and anxiety that accompany test day and the weeks leading up to it. Stress hinders memory recall, so lowering students’ stress levels can improve their performance. Going into an exam after months of prep is less stressful than testing with limited or no preparation. Practice tests have been shown to defend memory against the negative effects of stress. Repeated testing also improves memory retention because the process of recalling information strengthens neural connections more than simply studying or reviewing material.
Overall, preparing early reduces the stress that comes with high-stakes tests, gives students time to improve their test scores, and subsequently gives educators time to help their students as effectively as possible.
Test Innovators supports students and educators.
The Test Innovators online platform provides students with a personalized, data-driven preparation experience that includes full-length practice tests with detailed scoring and analysis and additional practice tailored to each student’s needs.
Educators can view practice test results, assign homework, and track their students’ progress. Our tools make it easy for educators to monitor and support students, so that you can ensure every student is prepared and confident for test day.
Contact us today at sales@testinnovators.com to learn more about how we can support you and your students!
Originally published on February 2, 2018. Updated on January 27, 2022.
