Why are practice tests such a critical piece of preparation?
The American Psychological Association defines the testing effect as the psychological finding that retention is better when taking a test compared to restudying the same material. The testing effect, also called retrieval practice, indicates that practice tests are a more effective learning tool than restudying the material.
Though it takes more effort, the research shows that more difficult retrieval of information, when successful, is better for long term memory than easier retrieval.
So, if you are taking a difficult test like an admissions test, the best way to prepare is to take several practice tests. In between each practice test, it’s important to analyze your results and review the material you didn’t know. Learn more about the three steps of test preparation.
The first study on this concept was published in 1917, and since then there have been multiple follow-up studies on similar concepts, including a 2016 study that we wrote about here.
At-home testing for admissions exams makes it convenient for students to take these important tests. At-home tests are administered online via a securely monitored remote proctoring program. The structure and content of the at-home version is the same as the traditional paper test, but the means by which you take...
Since the January 7th test last weekend, we've been hearing this question a lot: where are my SSAT scores? Although we do not have access to your scores, we can definitely help answer a few questions.
We are delighted to introduce Bella, one of our 2024 scholars. Through dedication and perseverance, Bella was able to increase her ISEE score by over 9%, scoring in the 99th percentile overall!
If you took the SSAT really early in the year, you'll want to make sure you can use those scores to apply to schools this year. Or you may decide for any number of reasons not to apply this year at all. Can you use this year’s scores for next...
We all know that cramming before a test is not the best strategy for success, especially when it comes to admissions tests like the SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, ACT, and SAT. So, when should students start preparing? Short answer: early. Longer answer: at least six to eight months before test day.
Some students...
This year, some K-12 independent schools have made test scores an optional part of their applications. However, new at-home testing options for two of the most widely-used admissions exams, the ISEE and SSAT, have made testing feasible once again.
The SSAT has three sections: Verbal, Reading, and Quantitative. When we looked at our practice test data from this past year, we noticed that five states—Massachusetts, New Jersey, California, Florida, and Washington—attained the highest scores on these sections, but there were variations between each state's particular strengths.
The Character Skills Snapshot (CSS) is a tool developed by The Enrollment Management Association, the same company that creates the SSAT. Students in grades 6 through 12 take the CSS for admission to participating independent schools. Check with your prospective schools to see if they require the CSS.
We’re excited to introduce Daibi, one of our 2023 Independent School Tuition Scholars. Daibi improved his score on the SSAT by 11%, putting him in the 99th percentile overall!
