How to prepare for the SSAT or ISEE with just one week

If you’re trying to get ready for the ISEE or SSAT in a week or less, keep your study plan as simple as possible. You are not going to be able to learn hundreds of vocabulary words or new math concepts in a few days, so it’s best to focus on general strategies and techniques.

Here are some tips for last-minute test preparation:

1. Take a full-length practice test—or two!

The most important thing that you can do right now is to expose yourself to as many parts of the test as possible. Take a full-length ISEE or SSAT practice test, timed, to see the different types of questions you will encounter, as well as how much time you have on each section. Review your answers in order to see how to approach the questions on each section of the test. If you have time: take another test and repeat the process.

2. Review general test-taking strategies

Learn some general strategies for time management and process of elimination, then implement these techniques on some practice questions. Get comfortable with pacing yourself, eliminating answers, and making educated guesses.

3. Get everything ready

It’s not going to help you the morning of the test if you’re trying to find pencils or print your registration. Review all the materials you will need to bring to the test and gather them a day or two ahead of time. Have your snacks and bottled water all ready to go before the test morning! Minimize your test anxiety by controlling what you can.

4. Don’t overdo it

Rather than cramming the week of the test, focus on reviewing strategies and content for a manageable amount of time each day (30-90 minutes, depending on your stamina.) Focus on how much you have already learned, and make sure you know each type of question that will be on the test.

Remember: this test is only one part of your school application, so, while it’s important, try to keep a sense of perspective. At this point, a little review will go a long way!