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 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.
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:
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.
When you apply to independent schools, it’s important to make sure that the ISEE scores you submit are valid. If it’s been some time since you took the ISEE, then you may be unsure if you can use those scores or if you need to retake the exam. Keep reading...
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.
The first step in your SSAT prep is to take a full-length practice test. The initial practice test serves as a benchmark, or diagnostic test, and is the jumping-off point of the preparation process. We generally recommend taking this test as early as possible, but it is never too late.
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.
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...
Across our platform, students exhibit statistically significant increases in test percentile after every practice test. We see that our students don’t just improve by using our platform, but they improve consistently over time, further reinforcing that practice makes perfect.
