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.
The Mathematics Achievement (MA) section of the ISEE Test is intended to reflect curriculum related questions, in contrast to the Quantitative Reasoning section which is intended to measure students’ reasoning abilities.
As a general rule, we recommend starting your SSAT prep six to four months before your test date.
So if you are planning to take the test in November, then you should take a diagnostic practice test sometime between May and July.
Greg Jones is in his 34th year in education. Currently, he’s in his 8th year as Director of Enrollment Management and Admissions at Epiphany School in Seattle.
The experimental section is the shortest section of the test: only 15 minutes and 16 questions total. Unlike the other SSAT sections, the experimental section has a mix of question types: six verbal, five reading, and five quantitative. While you want to answer every question and try your hardest, don’t...
While every student is different, the number one cause of test anxiety is not knowing what to expect. High-stakes exams like the ISEE, SSAT, SAT, and ACT are significantly different than in-school assessment tests that students regularly take, so the strategies for taking these tests are different too. This might...
As a general rule, we recommend starting your ISEE prep six to four months before your test date.
This means that if you plan to take the test in November, then you should take a diagnostic practice test sometime between May and July.
We are delighted to introduce Alisha, one of our 2022 scholars. Through hard work and perseverance, Alisha increased her SSAT score by 21 points, scoring in the 96th percentile overall!
We are more than halfway through January and (depending where you are) days are short, skies are grey, and temperatures are low. All of this combines to make it the perfect time of year to curl up inside with a blanket and a good book.
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!
