Meet Iyad
Meet Iyad
We are excited to introduce Iyad, one of our 2021 scholars. Through hard work and determination, Iyad increased his SSAT score by 66 percentile points!
Iyad is especially interested in mathematics, chemistry, physics, geography, and kinesiology. He also has a passion for learning languages and speaks English, Amharic, Arabic, and Spanish.
Outside of school, Iyad likes baking, reading, and writing poetry. He also likes to solve complex Rubik’s cubes, including the 7 by 7 cube and the mirror cube. Iyad also enjoys athletics, especially swimming, tennis, and basketball.
Preparation
Iyad explained that the combination of Test Innovators’ practice tests, practice exercises, and “extremely useful videos” helped him study effectively for the SSAT. He used the Test Innovators platform to identify areas of weakness and then completed targeted practice exercises to improve those areas.
If he were to prepare for the test again, Iyad said would use his time more efficiently by focusing more on full-length practice tests. During his preparation, he found that taking full-length tests was “the most effective way to study.”
Advice for Students
Iyad’s advice for other students is to try not to stress out, even though preparing for and taking admissions tests is a stressful process. He said, “I was stressed myself,” but encouraged students to remember that “it’s all going to pass by… Study as much as you can, but don’t study too much. Just take it easy, relax, and have fun. Don’t stress too much about it.”
New School
Iyad is currently in 10th grade at Greenhill School, the seventh most sought-after school in 2021. Iyad chose to attend Greenhill because the school’s courses and electives were a good fit for his areas of interest. Above all, he said, “I feel like it’s a place where I can thrive and succeed.”
Test Innovators is Here to Help
Test Innovators is committed to helping students get into their top-choice schools. We help students prepare for the ISEE and SSAT, so that they can put their best foot forward on test day. Our online platform provides each student with the most impactful practice, teaching them test-taking skills and helping them build confidence.
Test Innovators also helps students and families prepare for other aspects of the admissions process to independent schools. Our online Admissions Prep course includes interactive videos and exercises to help families understand how schools evaluate prospective students, prepare for the student and parent interviews, and craft excellent essays.
