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.
While there are many reasons to be glad 2020 is behind us, there are some positive things from this past year to reflect on. Despite many challenges and obstacles, 2020 was a year of growing, learning, and giving. Below are some highlights of 2020.
Every year, Test Innovators gives out merit-based scholarships to help students access quality educational opportunities. We awarded six scholarships this year to students who demonstrated the most improvement on either the ISEE or the SSAT.
Here are a few foolproof methods to help alleviate stress during the test prep process. Reduce anxiety and tackle this challenge head-on. You got this!
Each year, Test Innovators provides merit-based scholarships to help students access quality educational opportunities. We awarded five scholarships this year to students who demonstrated the most improvement on either the ISEE or the SSAT.
Over the past seven years, Test Innovators has helped more than 100,000 students prepare for the SSAT and the ISEE—the admissions tests required by the most competitive independent schools in the country. Every year we review our data from thousands of test-takers to determine the most popular schools.Below are the 5...
The Middle and Upper Level SSAT exams include two separate Quantitative Reasoning sections. Both are 25 questions long and take 30 minutes to complete. The Elementary Level SSAT only includes one Quantitative Reasoning section, which is the first section of the test, takes 30 minutes to complete, and is 30...
The digital SAT is an adaptive test, which means that scoring is a lot more complicated than it used to be. Wondering how it works?Brenna O’Neill, President of Test Innovators, joined Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley on the Tests and the Rest podcast for an in-depth discussion on digital SAT scoring.
Yesterday evening our Director of Education Brenna O'Neill educated the masses on everything you need to know about the ISEE; from test content to the strategies you need to succeed on the official test. You can view the recording below:
