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.
We’re thrilled to introduce Faris, one of our 2023 Independent School Tuition Scholars! Faris increased his SSAT score by 30 percentile points, earning him a spot in the 59th percentile overall!
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.
Due to the recent coronavirus outbreak, The Enrollment Management Association (EMA), makers of the SSAT, is taking preventative steps to ensure the safety of students, test center administrators and proctors, members, and employees. They are closing test centers in impacted areas and requiring a completed Travel Declaration from anyone entering...
Whether you’re an eager student or an anxious parent, we know just how intimidating applying to independent and private schools can be. Our Director of Placement, Laurie Geromini, sat down with two students who recently completed the process to learn more about their experiences, as well as the lessons and...
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.
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.
The beauty of a multiple-choice test like the SSAT is that you can be sure the correct answer is there! On every question, even if you aren’t sure how to find the correct answer, see if there are answer choices you know are wrong. Eliminate these and then make an...
The Elementary Level SSAT has two levels: Elementary Grade 3 for current 3rd graders applying to 4th grade, and Elementary Grade 4 for current 4th graders applying to 5th grade. Both levels consist of the same sections: Quantitative (math), Reading, Verbal, Writing Sample, and Experimental. The Experimental Section, which is...
You can now take the ISEE at home, making it safe and easy to take this important admissions test. Although the structure and content of the ISEE at home test is the same, the experience of taking the test at home is different from taking the test in person. Understanding...
