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.
Taking the ISEE or SSAT test is only one step in preparing to apply to private high schools. Making a list of schools to apply to can be nearly as daunting as taking a test. Here are three important questions to ask yourself as you get started.
The SSAT’s analogies are one of the very hardest parts of the test, especially for first-time test takers. To perform well on the analogies section, students not only must be adept at finding relationships between concepts, but also must have a solid mastery of above-grade-level vocabulary.
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Scott Duddy is the Director of Admissions and Enrollment at Dexter Southfield and the former Associate Director of Secondary School Counseling at The Fessenden School in Newton, MA. As a dedicated educator with over ten years of admissions and teaching experience, he actively engaged with students and families to understand...
Meet Lev
Lev’s daughter Lily recently took the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT). According to Lev, Lily was very driven and motivated. Although she’s only 14 years old, she has a pretty good understanding of what she wants to do and where she wants to go. This conviction led them to...
We are excited to introduce Owen, one of our 2021 scholars. Owen’s hard work and determination enabled him to score in the 91st percentile on the ISEE!
Performance anxiety in the office, in the classroom, or on stage isn’t any different than performance anxiety is for an athlete or an executive presenting to their clients. The setting may be different, but the loss of memory, potential to choke, or the failure to implement the strategies or techniques...
What is a good score on the SSAT? That's a question we get asked a lot here at Test Innovators. Maybe you just got your score report back, or perhaps you've just taken a practice test and wonder whether or not your scores are acceptable.
Enhance your learning with Wild Zebra, a customizable AI teacher that is designed to help you improve areas of weakness. Now available with our ISEE practice platform!
The Middle Level SSAT is taken by students applying to grades 6-8. It consists of six sections: Writing Sample, Quantitative 1, Reading, Verbal, Quantitative 2, and Experimental. The Experimental Section is not scored; rather, it is used to test new questions for future SSAT forms.
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!
