Meet Xavier

Meet Xavier

We are excited to introduce Xavier, one of our 2021 scholars. Xavier’s hard work and dedication enabled him to increase his SSAT score by 72 percent!

Xavier has a wide range of academic interests but is especially drawn to history. In particular, he enjoys studying ancient Egypt and Rome, as well as more recent events like the Civil Rights Movement. He also has an affinity for mathematics and a passion for reading, writing, and language arts. Additionally, he enjoys the hands-ons learning aspect of science classes and labs.

Outside of school, Xavier loves writing stories, especially in the historical fiction and fantasy genres. He is keen to continue exploring writing as an art form. He has a good sense of humor and enjoys getting to know people through conversation. Xavier is also an accomplished athlete—he plays football and basketball competitively.

Preparation

Like most students applying to the 9th grade, Xavier encountered a number of math concepts that he had not yet learned in school when he first took the SSAT. While he had a baseline understanding of some of these concepts, others were completely new to him. The Test Innovators platform helped him first identify what he needed to study. It then gave him the tools he needed to learn these new concepts. Finally, the full-length practice tests helped him apply these new concepts in the context of the SSAT. By the time he took the test again, Xavier had grown his understanding and expanded his knowledge, so that he could succeed on questions that he previously had not been able to answer.

Test Innovators also taught him valuable test-taking strategies. He learned how to look at the questions in a new light and avoid common pitfalls, especially on the reading comprehension section. For example, he learned that answer choices that are extremely narrow and specific are less likely to be correct. Keeping this strategy in mind helped him succeed on the test.

Advice for Students

Xavier advised other students who are preparing for the test to make good use of the resources that they are given. He emphasized the benefits of taking full-length practice tests. Xavier encouraged students to keep working hard even if they encounter difficulties along the way. He advised students to “always study and keep improving. Don’t let up on your studies when it comes to the SSAT, because the more you work at it, the more you’ll get better at it, and the more your scores will improve from what they used to be.”

New School

Xavier is currently in 9th grade at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey. He was drawn to the school’s beautiful campus, sense of community, and welcoming atmosphere. Two things in particular that stood out to Xavier are Lawrenceville’s strong football program and unique house system, which gives students a hub for life on campus where they can relax, socialize, and study together.

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.