Preparing for an At-Home Test

At-home testing for admissions exams offers a convenient way for students to take these important tests. Administered online via a secure, remotely proctored platform, the at-home test mirrors the structure and content of the traditional paper version; however, the test taking experience itself is different, so your preparation should be, too. 

Here’s how to set yourself up for success if testing at-home:

1. Take Online Practice Tests

If you’re taking the test on the computer, the best way to prepare is to practice on a computer! While the test itself is the same, whether you take the paper or online version, navigating a digital test is a different experience. Becoming familiar with the online format can reduce anxiety and improve performance on test day.

Important: When practicing, make sure not to use any tools that you won’t be able to use on test day, such as calculators, dictionaries, cell phones, or the internet.

Explore practice tests for the ISEE and SSAT to start preparing.

2. Simulate Test Day Conditions

Whenever possible, practice in the environment where you will be taking the test, and make sure that you are using the same device. For example, if you are going to be taking the test in your home office with the family laptop, try to practice in that room with that device as often as possible. It’s important to be comfortable with the device you’ll be using on test day, and taking the test in a familiar environment will help ease your test-day nerves.

• Be sure that your device meets testing requirements: a computer or laptop with a webcam, speaker, and microphone.

3. Minimize Distractions

Create a focused environment by removing as many distractions as possible:

• No phones, music, food, or TV during practice
• Snacks are allowed only during breaks
• Practice under the same rules you’ll follow on test day (i.e. timed sections, breaks, etc.)

4. Practice Typing

While the majority of the test is multiple choice, the essay section must be typed.  Practicing typing can boost your confidence and help you use your time efficiently during the essay portion. As always, make sure to practice on the same computer you will be using on test day, so that you become comfortable with handling the device.

5. Use Your Tools

It is important to make the most of the tools available to you:

• Scratch paper is allowed. You can use it for solving math problems, outlining your essay, or brainstorming answers. Be sure that your workspace has enough room to write comfortably. 
• Built-in digital tools (depending on which test you are taking) may include:
  • Answer elimination
  • Question highlighting
  • Flagging questions to revisit later
  • DESMOS Calculator (SAT only)
  • Formula Sheet (SAT only)

Check which tools are available for your test, and practice using them ahead of time. 

Final Thoughts

At-home testing is a great alternative to in-person testing—but it requires the right preparation. Familiarizing yourself with the tools, environment, and format you’ll experience on test day can make all the difference. Our online platform provides students with materials and tools to prepare for the digital at-home test, as well as the traditional paper tests. Learn about what to expect for the ISEE at Home and the SSAT at Home here!