Test Innovators Blog

19May

4 Ways that Test Prep Reduces Test Anxiety

Test preparation is known to increase performance on high-stakes tests, but how does it help with test anxiety? Research has shown that exposure, habit formation, skills development, and online preparation are all effective methods to reduce test anxiety, and each method is linked to test preparation.

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17May

How to Prepare This Summer If Applying to Private Schools

Applying to private and independent schools can feel overwhelming, especially with all the steps involved; but with some careful planning and preparation, it can also be a rewarding journey. If you're preparing to apply this fall, here are four essential steps to take during the summer: 1. Do Your Research Before diving...

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17May

ACT and SAT Timing Tips

Timing is everything. This age-old saying is applicable to so many things, especially standardized testing. One of the main purposes of standardized tests is to compare a large group of students, and the timing restriction is a critical component of achieving that comparison. The clock may seem like an unforgiving...

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14May

The SSAT at Home: What to Expect

The SSAT at Home is the same test as the traditional SSAT— the only difference is that the test is administered on the computer rather than on paper. However, because the experience of taking a test at home on the computer is different from taking a test in person...

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02May

SSAT Test-Taking Strategies

The beauty of a multiple-choice test like the SSAT is that you can be sure the correct answer is there! On every question, even if you aren’t sure how to find the correct answer, see if there are answer choices you know are wrong. Eliminate these and then make an...

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02May

What Is the SSAT Experimental Section?

The experimental section is the shortest section of the test: only 15 minutes and 16 questions total. Unlike the other SSAT sections, the experimental section has a mix of question types: six verbal, five reading, and five quantitative. While you want to answer every question and try your hardest, don’t...

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02May

Applying to Independent Schools: Advice From Parents

Our Director of Admissions, Laurie, recently sat down with four parents who went through the admissions process last year to understand what it’s like for students and their families. Check out their advice to others who are navigating the admissions process.

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02May

Admissions Interview Dos and Don’ts

The interview is one of the most important parts of the admissions process to independent and private schools. It’s your opportunity to show the school who you are beyond your application and to demonstrate why you would be a good addition to their community. Below are some dos and don’ts...

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28Apr

How You Can Reduce Test Anxiety

Think of the last time you took a big test. What were you thinking about during the test? Did you feel good or bad during the exam? When thinking about the upcoming test, what are your thoughts and feelings about it? Have these thoughts and feelings motivated you to prepare...

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