One of the most common mistakes that students make on the SSAT and ISEE is not reading the directions and questions carefully. While the sentence instructions may seem self-explanatory, they actually provide important information about how to approach the questions in that section. At the beginning of every section of the SSAT or ISEE, make sure that you read the section instructions carefully; nothing hurts more than missing a question because you haven’t read the instructions!
You should also be careful to read each individual question very carefully. Because the ISEE and SSAT are timed, it’s easy to rush through reading the questions, jumping right into solving them. However, students who read the questions too quickly often misread important information, miss part of the question, or misinterpret what the question is asking. On the SSAT and ISEE, every word counts!
Rather than rushing through the question, practice reading each question twice. The first time you read the question, ask yourself, “What is this question asking me?” The second time you read it, underline the important information to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
The SSAT is a very competitive test, and having a preparation plan is key to achieving the best scores that you are capable of. Here's our favorite strategy:
When you apply to independent schools, it’s important to make sure that the ISEE scores you submit are valid. If it’s been some time since you took the ISEE, then you may be unsure if you can use those scores or if you need to retake the exam. Keep reading...
The Test Innovators Video Course provides videos and resources that focus on both strategies and content to help you reach your testing goals. Consider these methods to making use of the Video Course:Start with the videos on Test-taking Strategies. This chapter includes all of the videos that will help you...
If your child will be taking the ISEE or SSAT this year, you’re probably busy researching the best way to help them prepare. There is a lot of information out there and it can be very overwhelming, so we want to help by offering our top 5 tips for parents....
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more tests were moving to a computerized format, and now, at-home testing has become a feasible alternative. Some tests, such as the ISEE and SSAT, are available at home, but what is the alternative for the benchmark mock testing that is commonly administered...
The Middle Level SSAT is taken by students applying to grades 6-8. It consists of six sections: Writing Sample, Quantitative 1, Reading, Verbal, Quantitative 2, and Experimental. The Experimental Section is not scored; rather, it is used to test new questions for future SSAT forms.
Just as with any game or sport, knowing the rules of a standardized test is a cornerstone of success. Students who go into a test without any kind of preparation are at a significant disadvantage: they'll be figuring out those rules as the clock ticks. That's why Eastside Catholic School...
The day before your scheduled SSAT, you should relax, read a book, perhaps exercise, and get plenty of sleep. In fact, you should prioritize sleep the entire week before the test, as those earlier nights’ sleep will be critical. On the morning of the test, wake up with ample time...
It is important to make sure students stay academically engaged during the break. Preparing for the SSAT and ISEE over summer break is a great way to get a jump start on prep and stay academically engaged. Check out our top four tips for summer test prep.
