Anitah Kiombe, Author at 91ÁÔĆć /blog/author/anitahkiombe/ Prep for Success Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:23:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://assets.testinnovators.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/favicon-85x85.png Anitah Kiombe, Author at 91ÁÔĆć /blog/author/anitahkiombe/ 32 32 Applying to Independent Schools: Advice From Parents /blog/applying-to-independent-private-schools-advice-from-parents/ Fri, 02 May 2025 20:00:00 +0000 /?p=7876 Our Director of Admissions, Laurie, recently sat down with four parents who went through the admissions process last year to understand what it’s like for students and their families. Check out their advice to others who are navigating the admissions process.

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The process of applying to independent and private schools can be challenging to navigate. It involves many moving parts, including school visits, interviews, and entrance exams. Our Director of Admissions, Laurie Geromini, recently sat down with four parents who went through the admissions process last year to understand what it’s like for students and their families. Check out their advice to others who are navigating their admissions journey.

1. Focus on finding the right fit.

When deciding where to apply, it’s important to start the process early so that you have time to explore your options and create a list of schools. Some parents recommend providing your student with a guided list of schools and allowing them to select the options that feel like a good fit. Avoid pushing your student to apply to schools that they dislike, even if those schools are high on your personal list.

Other parents emphasize the importance of matching a school’s environment to the student’s interests. One parent shared, “We wanted to get our daughter a high-caliber education that was flexible. We knew [she] needed flexibility and a creative outlet.” That need ultimately guided their list and final decision.

2. Attend as many admissions events as possible.

Families should make an effort to attend multiple admissions events. Schools take note of families who demonstrate genuine interest. Arriving early for on-campus events allows you the opportunity to observe how current students interact with peers and the faculty–insight that can influence your decision. One parent suggested “[taking] relevant family members to visit so that you can get different perspectives.”

3. Give yourself plenty of time to practice for the ISEE and SSAT.

Entrance exams can be a stressful part of the admissions process. Students should identify areas for improvement and create a study schedule by working backwards from test day. Parents recommended using 91ÁÔĆć because it generates a Personalized Prep Plan for students. They can take full-length practice tests and work on targeted practice exercises tailored to their needs. One parent noted, “[Their daughter’s] test prep and her last test scores were really great, and that was a testament to 91ÁÔĆć.”

Keep in mind that students can take the ISEE and SSAT more than once. In fact, many parents recommend taking each test at least twice. Even if entrance exams are optional for the schools you are applying to, it’s still a good idea to take at least one–you can always choose not to send the scores if they aren’t as strong as you’d like.

4. Be transparent in your essays and parent statements.

When writing essays, students should carefully read the prompt, follow directions, and focus on being authentic. Schools want to get to know the real student behind the application. Avoid reusing the same essay for multiple schools, as doing so can result in responses that don’t fully address the prompt. This may signal a lack of effort or interest to the schools you’re applying to.

In parent statements, honesty and realism go a long way. While highlighting your student’s strengths is important, sharing areas for growth can be equally meaningful. Reflecting on how a school’s particular offerings could support your child’s development adds depth to your statement. One parent suggested strengthening the statement by referencing specific aspects of the school: “Go through [the] school’s website so you can know exactly what you’re interested in. Stay tuned with their posts and find areas that align with your interests.”

5. Prepare for the interview.

Parents recommend helping students practice common interview questions so that they feel confident and prepared. Questions like “What subjects do you excel in?” or “What kind of activities do you like to do outside of school?” are customary and give students a chance to express themselves. Another helpful strategy is to try a “reverse interview”, where the student asks the parent questions and the parent answers as if they were the student. This encourages students to practice giving thoughtful, detailed responses.

Final Thoughts

Applying to independent and private schools can be a long and uncertain process, but it can also be deeply rewarding. While parents play an important role in guiding and supporting students, it’s equally important that students take ownership of the ±č°ů´Çł¦±đ˛ő˛ő.Ěý

The parent panel summed it up best: “the amount of work you put into the process will determine what kind of school you will end up going to. ¶Ů´Ç˛Ô’t underestimate the effort required to accomplish what you want to.”Ěý

Parent Evening: The Independent School Admissions Process

Get expert advice and information about every step of the admissions process from parents who went through it all last year.

Start preparing today!

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Originally published on December 7, 2022. Updated on May 2, 2025.Ěý

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]]> Admissions Interview Dos and ¶Ů´Ç˛Ô’ts /blog/tips-independent-private-school-interview/ Fri, 02 May 2025 19:18:00 +0000 /?p=7560 The interview is one of the most important parts of the admissions process to independent and private schools. It’s your opportunity to show the school who you are beyond your application and to demonstrate why you would be a good addition to their community. Below are some dos and don’ts to help parents and students navigate the interview.

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The interview is one of the most important parts of the admissions process to independent and private schools. It’s your opportunity to show the school who you are beyond your application and to demonstrate why you would be a good addition to their community. Below are some dos and don’ts to help parents and students navigate the interview process with ease.Ěý

Before the Interview

1. Do your research.

Do: Before the interview, parents and students should research the school. What kind of academic programs does it offer? How do these programs align with your goals and interests? Do they have a sports team or other extracurriculars that excite you? During the interview, it’s important to mention specific offerings that interest you. This not only shows the school that you have done your homework, but it also helps them understand how you might fit into their community.ĚýĚý

¶Ů´Ç˛Ô’t: ¶Ů´Ç˛Ô’t miss chances to interact with the school beforehand. Attend as many admissions events as possible, including open houses, sporting events, performances, and other school functions. These events offer great opportunities to meet teachers, coaches, program directors, and current students, giving you a better sense of the school culture in action.

2. Know what to expect.

Do: Understanding the structure of the interview can help calm your nerves. Find out how long the interview will be, who you will be speaking with, whether student and parent interviews are combined or separate, and whether a campus tour is included.

¶Ů´Ç˛Ô’t: If the school doesn’t provide this information, don’t hesitate to contact the school’s admissions team and ask. Not reaching out for clarification can only disadvantage you.

3. Practice common questions.

Do: Practicing with a trusted adult helps you prepare to speak confidently about yourself. It also allows you to get comfortable explaining your answers with reasons and examples. For instance, instead of saying “I like math,” you might say “I like math because I enjoy solving problems and figuring out patterns.”

¶Ů´Ç˛Ô’t: Try not to practice solely with a parent. Students often take practice interviews more seriously with a teacher, mentor, or another adult who is slightly removed from the ±č°ů´Çł¦±đ˛ő˛ő.Ěý

4. Brainstorm a few things you want to share.

Do: Choose two or three things you’d like the interviewer to know about you. These could be interests, accomplishments, or personality traits that show off who you are. If they don’t come up naturally in the conversation, you’ll likely have a chance to share them at the end when asked if there’s anything else you’d like to add.

¶Ů´Ç˛Ô’t: Avoid over-preparing or memorizing responses. That can come across as rehearsed and inauthentic. It’s fine to jot down key points, but try to keep your delivery natural.

5. Come up with questions to ask.

Do: After researching the school, write down at least three thoughtful questions to ask. Some examples are:

  • “What kind of academic support is available if I struggle with a subject?”ĚýĚý
  • “How do students typically get involved in extracurriculars?”

Asking insightful questions displays your genuine interest.Ěý

¶Ů´Ç˛Ô’t: ¶Ů´Ç˛Ô’t ask questions that can be answered on the school’s website. Questions like, “Do you have a football team?” or “How many students are enrolled in the school?” can make it seem like you have not done your research.

The Day of the Interview

1. Be mindful of your outward behavior.

Do: Nonverbal cues like smiling, making eye contact, and offering a handshake, show confidence and respect. Schools observe how you interact with everyone you meet, so remember to be courteous and professional at all times.

¶Ů´Ç˛Ô’t: Try not to let your nerves take over. Avoiding eye contact or nodding instead of speaking can come across as disengaged or impolite. Interviewers understand nerves–they work with students every day–so just be yourself!

2. Be inquisitive.

Do: Remember, the interview is a two-way conversation. It’s just as much your chance to learn about the school as it is their chance to learn about you. ¶Ů´Ç˛Ô’t be afraid to ask questions during the interview.

¶Ů´Ç˛Ô’t: Avoid asking about college placement, especially if your student is still years away from applying. This can signal that you’re focused solely on the end result, rather than the student’s full educational journey. Also, avoid questions that sound skeptical or critical. These may raise concerns about your level of interest.

3. Be transparent.

Do: Parents should be honest about any academic accommodations their student might need. If you anticipate needing financial assistance, ask about that too, as it is better to be open from the start.Ěý

¶Ů´Ç˛Ô’t: Avoid overselling your child. Trust that your student’s personality and achievements will speak for themselves. Instead, use the parent interview to add depth and context. You could highlight recent accomplishments, or share background your child may not have mentioned.Ěý

After the Interview

Send a thank you note.

After the interview, have your student send a thank-you email or card to the admissions team. This small gesture goes a long way and can leave a lasting impression.

Practicing for the Interview Webinar

Laurie Geromini, Director of Placement and Lead Admissions Coach, gives tips to help you rock your interviews.

Start preparing today!

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SAT

Originally published on November 2, 2022. Updated on May 2, 2025.Ěý

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]]> ISEE Vocabulary: How to Ace the Verbal Reasoning Section /blog/isee-vocabulary-verbal-reasoning/ Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:33:00 +0000 /?p=8122 The Verbal Reasoning section of the ISEE consists of two types of questions: synonym questions and sentence completion questions. Both require a strong vocabulary, so the best way to prepare is to learn as many new words as possible.Ěý The most effective way to expand your vocabulary is to establish a consistent study routine. Below […]

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The Verbal Reasoning section of the ISEE consists of two types of questions: synonym questions and sentence completion questions. Both require a strong vocabulary, so the best way to prepare is to learn as many new words as possible.Ěý

The most effective way to expand your vocabulary is to establish a consistent study routine. Below are some tips to help you build your “word toolbox” and to ultimately help you succeed on the Verbal Reasoning section.

Ěý

Start EarlyĚý

The ISEE may include words you don’t typically use or read, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with as many words as possible before the test. Since learning new words can take time, it’s best to start early so you have ample opportunity to learn and practice new words and their definitions.

Ěý

Complete Verbal PracticeĚý

Taking practice tests is the best way to familiarize yourself with the ISEE, and the same applies to the Verbal Reasoning section. Practice tests are an excellent way to improve your word recognition in a timed setting.Ěý

After completing a practice test, take some time to review your results. Identify any words that you had trouble with, and create a list including each word and its definition. Review the list and rewrite any words you struggle to remember. Handwriting helps reinforce memory more effectively than typing!

Another resource that we recommend trying out are our . They are designed to help students build vocabulary, offering a variety of study modes and tools, making it a convenient and engaging way to learn and review material.

Ěý

Study Flashcards RoutinelyĚý

One of the most effective ways to learn new words is to make flashcards. Write the word on one side and the definition on the other, ensuring that each card only contains one word and its definition. You can practice by looking at the word and recalling the definition, or by looking at the definition and recalling the word.Ěý

For words that you find more difficult to memorize, create a separate stack and review those words more often. Practice with your flashcards for 5-10 minutes each day. Shorter, more frequent practice sessions are more effective than longer, less frequent ones.Ěý

Pro Tip: Have a family member or friend quiz you on your flashcards!

Ěý

Incorporate Words Into Your Vocabulary

After learning a new word, try to apply it in your everyday life! Using new words, especially those that are hard to remember, is a highly effective way to practice. Find a way to describe your environment with some of these new words, or write out a sentence that includes the words. You can also record yourself using the words so that you can become familiar with their sounds in context.

Ěý

Use Mnemonics

Mnemonic (nuh·maa·nik) devices are techniques used to memorize new words. They can be images, formulas, rhymes, associations, patterns of letters—anything other than the word itself–that will help you recall the word. Mnemonics make it easier to learn and retain new vocabulary.

Below are a few examples of mnemonics:

Vocab Word Definition Mnemonic Word in a Sentence
Align
To straighten, to line up, or to put in order
I aligned my toys by putting them in a line from the shortest to the tallest.
The grandfather made sure to align the two pieces of wood before screwing them together.
Elongate
To lengthen, to extend
Can you elongate the word vocab to vocabulary?
Stretching after you exercise is a great way to elongate your muscles and increase flexibility.
Illuminate
To brighten, to flash, to light up
When Harry Potter wanted to illuminate his surroundings in the Forbidden Forest, he used the spell “Lumos.”
The car’s headlights illuminated the dark road as we drove home on a snowy night.

Ěý

Learn Root Words

A root word is the core part of a word that carries its primary meaning and cannot be broken down into smaller meaningful parts. Understanding root words can help you deduce the meaning of a larger word that you may not know. Below is a list of common root words that can help you deduce the meanings of unfamiliar words:

Word Root Meaning SSAT Vocab Words
ante
before
antebellum
anti
against
antagonist, antiseptic
auto
self
automatic, autocratic
bene
good, well
benevolent, beneficial
chron
time
chronic, chronology
contra
against
contradiction
dict
to speak
dictate, verdict
ex
out, away
extract, exclude, expel
inter
between
intermediate, interject
ject
throw
project, interject
jud
judge
unprejudiced, prejudice
mal
bad
malicious
multi
many
multiple
per
through
persevere
sect, sec
to cut
seclude
struct
to build
construct
trans
across
transitory, transport

Preparing for the ISEE Verbal Reasoning section can be a rewarding process. It not only helps expand your vocabulary, but it can also improve your performance on the ISEE Reading section. Take the time to find an approach that works for you, and it will pay off!

Start preparing today!

HSPT
PSAT
ACT
SAT

Originally published on December 29, 2022. Updated on April 4, 2025.Ěý

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]]> How Long Is the ISEE? /blog/how-long-is-the-isee/ Fri, 28 Mar 2025 19:15:00 +0000 /?p=8152 The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is an admissions exam used by private and independent schools as part of the admissions ±č°ů´Çł¦±đ˛ő˛ő.Ěý The ISEE is separated into different testing levels: Upper, Middle, Lower, and Primary. The level you’ll need to take is determined by the grade to which you’re applying for admission, not by your […]

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The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is an admissions exam used by private and independent schools as part of the admissions ±č°ů´Çł¦±đ˛ő˛ő.Ěý

The ISEE is separated into different testing levels: Upper, Middle, Lower, and Primary. The level you’ll need to take is determined by the grade to which you’re applying for admission, not by your current grade level.Ěý

The ISEE can be taken online or on paper. Both formats have the same number of questions and identical timing for each test level.

The length of the ISEE varies by test level. Check out the timing and number of questions for each level below!

Upper and Middle Levels

Students applying to grades 9-12 take the Upper Level, and students applying to grades 7-8 take the Middle Level.Ěý

For both levels, the test is a total of 2 hours and 50 minutes, including two breaks, and consists of five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and the Essay.

SECTION NUMBER OF QUESTIONS TIME
Verbal Reasoning
40 questions
20 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning
37 questions
35 minutes
Break
—
5-10 minutes
Reading Comprehension
36 questions
35 minutes
Mathematics Achievement
47 questions
40 minutes
Break
—
5-10 minutes
Essay
1 prompt
30 minutes
TOTAL
160 questions + 1 essay prompt
2 hours and 50 minutes

Lower Level

Students applying to grades 5-6 take the Lower Level. The Lower Level test lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes, including two breaks, and consists of five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and the Essay.Ěý

Below is a breakdown of the Lower Level ISEE:

SECTION NUMBER OF QUESTIONS TIME
Verbal Reasoning
34 questions
20 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning
38 questions
35 minutes
Break
—
5-10 minutes
Reading Comprehension
25 questions
25 minutes
Mathematics Achievement
30 questions
30 minutes
Break
—
5-10 minutes
Essay
1 prompt
30 minutes
TOTAL
127 questions + 1 essay prompt
2 hours and 30 minutes

Primary Level

Students applying to grades 2-4 take the Primary Level. The structure and timing of the Primary Level ISEE varies by grade level.

Primary Level 4:

The Primary Level 4 test is taken by students applying to fourth grade. It lasts a total of 65 minutes, including one break, and consists of two sections: Reading Comprehension and Mathematics.

Below is a breakdown of the Primary Level 4 ISEE:

SECTION NUMBER OF QUESTIONS TIME
Reading Comprehension
28 questions
30 minutes
Break
—
5-10 minutes
Mathematics
28 questions
30 minutes
TOTAL
56 questions
70 minutes

Primary Level 3:

The Primary Level 3 test is taken by students applying to third grade. It lasts a total of 59 minutes, including one break, and consists of two sections: Reading Comprehension and Mathematics.

Below is a breakdown of the Primary Level 3 ISEE:

SECTION NUMBER OF QUESTIONS TIME
Reading Comprehension
24 questions
28 minutes
Break
—
5-10 minutes
Mathematics
24 questions
26 minutes
TOTAL
48 questions
64 minutes

Primary Level 2:

The Primary Level 2 test is taken by students applying to second grade. It lasts a total of 58 minutes, including one break, and consists of three sections: Auditory Comprehension, Reading, and Mathematics.

Below is a breakdown of the Primary Level 2 ISEE:

SECTION NUMBER OF QUESTIONS TIME
Auditory Comprehension
6 questions
7 minutes
Reading
18 questions
20 minutes
Break
—
5-10 minutes
Mathematics
24 questions
26 minutes
TOTAL
48 questions
63 minutes

The best way to familiarize yourself with the ISEE is to take a full-length practice test!Ěý

Take an today!

Start preparing today!

HSPT
PSAT
ACT
SAT

Originally published on December 22, 2022. Updated on March 28, 2025. 

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]]> How Long Are My ISEE Scores Valid? /blog/how-long-are-isee-scores-valid/ Fri, 14 Jun 2024 20:30:41 +0000 /?p=8388 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 to find out how long […]

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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 to find out how long ISEE scores are valid for.

Short answer: Most schools require ISEE scores from the current testing season.
However, some schools may accept scores from previous testing seasons, so it’s important to check with the schools that you’ll be applying to.

The testing season begins on August 1st and ends on July 31st. So if you apply to schools in January 2025, you will need to take the ISEE sometime between August 2024 and January 2025. This means that test scores from before August 2024 most likely won’t be valid.

Long answer: You don’t want to use your old test scores anyway!
You learn so much throughout the school year, and as a result, your scores from last year aren’t actually representative of what you know now. If you did well on the ISEE last year, then you’ll likely do well again this year. And if your scores last year weren’t quite what you wanted, then you’ll have a chance to redeem yourself this year.

Also, keep in mind that there are different levels of the ISEE, and the level you need to take may change. Check out our to find out which level of the ISEE you need to take.

As you plan to take the ISEE, make sure you’re taking the test in the same testing year in which you are applying. But if you’re ever unsure about whether you can use the scores you have, it’s best to check in with the admissions office at whichever schools you’re applying to.

Originally published on October 31, 2018. Updated on June 14th, 2024.

Start preparing today!

HSPT
PSAT
ACT
SAT

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]]> Meet Beau /blog/meet-beau/ /blog/meet-beau/#respond Tue, 01 Nov 2022 17:01:00 +0000 /?p=6902 We are pleased to introduce Beau, one of our 2022 scholars. Through focus and consistency, Beau increased his ISEE score by 18 points, scoring in the 88th percentile!

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Meet Beau

We are pleased to introduce Beau, one of our 2022 scholars. Through focus and consistency, Beau increased his ISEE score by 18 points, scoring in the 88th percentile!

In school, Beau excels in math. He also enjoys science because it can lead to interesting opportunities. Outside of school, Beau is very social and enjoys spending quality time with his friends. He also loves traveling with his family. Recently, Beau and his family took a cross-country vacation from Montana to Florida during which they went ziplining, rode ATVs, and spent time at the beach. When he isn’t with friends or family, you can find Beau on the football field.

Preparation

The first two times Beau took the ISEE, he didn’t get the scores he was hoping for. When he prepared to take the test again, Beau decided to use 91ÁÔĆć. He took practice tests on the 91ÁÔĆć platform frequently. Beau found that simulating the test day experience with a “trial run” test really helped him improve his time management.

In the verbal reasoning section, learning prefixes and suffixes was really beneficial for Beau. He also focused on expanding his vocabulary by learning a few new words each day. In the math section, honing in on his time management really helped increase his score.

Advice for Students

Beau’s advice for other students is to “use time wisely.” When he first took the ISEE, he spent too much time on a few of the difficult questions, which caused him to run out of time at the end of each section. Running out of time and thus not being able to attempt every question had a tremendous impact on his scores. In addition to focusing on improving time management,Ěý Beau also advised other students to trust themselves and to invest in resources and tools “to help you be the best you can be.”Ěý

Advice for Parents

Beau’s mother, Lisa, advises other parents to make sure their children have quiet, dedicated time to study. Lisa explained that consistent, frequent practice is key. Lisa also recommends that parents check in with their children to make sure there are no content gaps that need to be addressed. She said, “The first go around, I relied on a tutor, [so] I didn’t know he was having issues with vocabulary. Had I known that, maybe we would have done a little more self-study [with 91ÁÔĆć] during the initial testing.”

New School

Beau is a 9th grader at Ensworth High School in Nashville, Tennessee. He chose the school for its noteworthy football program. Beau also values Ensworth’s academic rigor and interactive environment. The Harkness table, one of Beau’s favorite teaching methods, is an academic round table in which students sit at a circular table while learning. Through the Harkness method, teachers present lessons that invite student participation as opposed to more traditional, static teaching methods. Beau also loves the variety of physical activities offered by the school, such as the “Dance for Athletes” class.

91ÁÔĆć is Here to Help

91ÁÔĆć is committed to helping students get into their top-choice schools. We help students prepare for the SSAT and ISEE, so that they can do their best on test day. Our online practice platform provides each student with a personalized experience, teaching them test-taking skills and helping them build confidence.Ěý

91ÁÔĆć also helps students and families prepare for other aspects of the admissions process to independent and private schools. Our online Admissions Assist course includes interactive videos and exercises to help families through every step of the admissions process, from researching schools to navigating the waitlist and everything in between.

Start preparing today!

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]]> /blog/meet-beau/feed/ 0 Meet Kartik /blog/meet-kartik/ /blog/meet-kartik/#respond Wed, 26 Oct 2022 16:49:00 +0000 /?p=6896 We are proud to introduce Kartik, one of our 2022 scholars. Kartik’s tenacity and focus allowed him to increase his ISEE score by 15 points, scoring in the 97th percentile!

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Meet Kartik

We are proud to introduce Kartik, one of our 2022 scholars. Kartik’s tenacity and focus allowed him to increase his ISEE score by 15 points, scoring in the 97th percentile!

Kartik has a wide range of interests, but he spends much of his time earning merit badges through his local Boy Scouts chapter. Kartik recently earned his environmental science badge. His goal is to achieve the Eagle Scout rank with his troop before he starts high school. Kartik also enjoys fishing and the calmness that accompanies this task. He’s hoping to earn the fishing, fly fishing, and water-and-fish management merit badges so that he can win the All Around Angler Award. Kartik’s other interests include fencing, playing guitar, and practicing the keyboard.

In school, Kartik excels in math. Despite having multiple avenues to solve them, he likes that math problems only have one answer. Additionally, Kartik enjoys science and is looking forward to taking chemistry because he aspires to be a chemical engineer.

Preparation

Kartik saw great improvement after preparing with 91ÁÔĆć, particularly in the math and reading sections. In math, he felt a bit rusty when it came to multiplying and dividing fractions but was able to relearn this concept by utilizing practice exercises. In reading, he improved on the point-of-view questions once he learned more about when to use quotation marks.Ěý

Kartik found that taking full-length practice tests on the 91ÁÔĆć platform helped familiarize him with the test’s structure and question types, which helped improve his time management. He explained that the format of the questions on the test is similar to those on the 91ÁÔĆć platform.

Lastly, Kartik found the scores data on the 91ÁÔĆć platform helpful in setting target scores that would make him a competitive applicant for The Kinkaid School. It was very motivating for Kartik to see his stanine scores increase as he continued to take practice tests and he could hone in on specific areas that needed improvement.

Advice for Students

Kartik advises other students to practice frequently. He said,”Even if [you’re] really good at one subject, like math, [you] shouldn’t relax on it. Although you’re really good, there’s probably going to be questions [on the test] that you don’t know.” He also suggests that students focus on improving their time management. One way Kartik improved his time management was by taking individual practice test sections. Lastly, he did the practice tests on paper because he took the actual test on paper, and he found this to be incredibly beneficial.Ěý

Advice for Parents

Kartik’s mother, Rahki, advises others to start the test preparation process early in order to avoid cramming. She also recommends practicing routinely in small segments to avoid burnout. Rahki found that frequent practice provided Kartik with a sense of comfort and familiarity with the questions, which decreased his test anxiety. She also felt that the time management tools and the interactive diagnostics on the 91ÁÔĆć platform were very insightful. Rahki found the graphs that indicate the specific question types Kartik needed to focus on incredibly helpful.Ěý

New School

Kartik is currently a 6th grader at The Kinkaid School in Texas. He has wanted to go to The Kinkaid School for as long as he can remember. In addition to its extensive academic and extracurricular offerings, Kartik was excited about the school’s requirement that students try different sports each semester. He looks forward to playing soccer, basketball, and baseball. Kartik also finds the school’s food options to be delicious.

91ÁÔĆć is Here to Help

91ÁÔĆć is committed to helping students get into their top-choice schools. We help students prepare for the SSAT and ISEE, so that they can do their best on test day. Our online practice platform provides each student with a personalized experience, teaching them test-taking skills and helping them build confidence.Ěý

91ÁÔĆć also helps students and families prepare for other aspects of the admissions process to independent and private schools. Our online Admissions Assist course includes interactive videos and exercises to help families through every step of the admissions process, from researching schools to navigating the waitlist and everything in between.

Start preparing today!

The post Meet Kartik appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> /blog/meet-kartik/feed/ 0 Meet Reagan /blog/meet-reagan/ /blog/meet-reagan/#respond Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:20:00 +0000 /?p=6876 We are excited to introduce Reagan, one of our 2022 scholars. Through persistence and hard work, Reagan increased her ISEE score by 38.5 points, scoring in the 76th percentile!

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Meet Reagan

We are excited to introduce Reagan, one of our 2022 scholars. Through persistence and hard work, Reagan increased her ISEE score by 38.5 points, scoring in the 76th percentile!

In school, Reagan is drawn to math and science because she appreciates logic. She finds that she understands math concepts fairly easily and does not have to memorize many things. Additionally, Reagan enjoys doing experiments in her science classes.

When she’s not studying, Reagan enjoys sports, particularly those done outdoors. Her favorite activities include surfing, snow-skiing in Lake Tahoe, and playing volleyball on her school team.

Preparation

Reagan started practicing with 91ÁÔĆć after the first time she took the ISEE. She found the practice questions on the 91ÁÔĆć platform to be similar to those she had encountered on the test. To prepare, she took a full-length practice test and used the interactive diagnostics to work her way through the easy, medium, and hard questions.

Reagan improved her time management through frequent practice. Her father said, “Those full practice tests really helped us on time management as well. She wasn’t finishing in the beginning, but by the end of doing multiple practice tests, she was finishing on time or with a few minutes to spare.”

For the Reading Comprehension section, Reagan learned to read the passages first and highlight important information. She would then read the questions and reference theĚý highlighted information before selecting an answer. In the math section, Reagan made sure to double-check her work to avoid mistakes.ĚýĚý

Advice for Students

Reagan advises other students to focus on improving their weakest skills. She would take a practice test every other week and do practice in the areas that need improvement in between each test. Reagan repeated this routine until test day. Because she had a non-traditional school schedule, Reagan would study for 45 minutes twice a day, which worked immensely well for her.

Advice for Parents

Reagan’s father, Mike, encourages other parents to use 91ÁÔĆć from the get go. He explained that other preparation resources were a waste of time, and that it wasn’t until Reagan started using 91ÁÔĆć that she really started to improve. He said, “91ÁÔĆć was a fantastic tool for us. It was flexible. It project-managed everything for you. It showed you the strengths and weaknesses and focus areas. It let [Reagan] really thrive in the test-taking environment.”Ěý

New School

Reagan is a 6th grader at Cary Academy in Cary, North Carolina. When she initially researched schools, she was drawn to Cary Academy’s academic program. She was also interested in joining the volleyball team.

91ÁÔĆć is Here to Help

91ÁÔĆć is committed to helping students get into their top-choice schools. We help students prepare for the SSAT and ISEE, so that they can do their best on test day. Our online practice platform provides each student with a personalized experience, teaching them test-taking skills and helping them build confidence.Ěý

91ÁÔĆć also helps students and families prepare for other aspects of the admissions process to independent and private schools. Our online Admissions Assist course includes interactive videos and exercises to help families through every step of the admissions process, from researching schools to navigating the waitlist and everything in between.

Start preparing today!

The post Meet Reagan appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> /blog/meet-reagan/feed/ 0 Meet Jolie /blog/meet-jolie/ /blog/meet-jolie/#respond Wed, 12 Oct 2022 15:35:00 +0000 /?p=6561 We are pleased to introduce Jolie, one of our 2022 scholars. Jolie’s focus and drive led her to increase her SSAT score by 16 points, scoring in the 82nd percentile!

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Meet Jolie

We are pleased to introduce Jolie, one of our 2022 scholars. Jolie’s focus and drive led her to increase her SSAT score by 16 points, scoring in the 82nd percentile!

In school, Jolie is especially drawn to math. At her previous school, Jolie took math courses as part of the Gifted and Talented program. While she finds math to be the most rigorous subject, she’s fascinated by the challenge.

In her free time, Jolie likes to fence. She has been fencing with the Peter Westbrook Foundation for the last four years. Jolie is also a member of TEAK Fellowship, which organizes weekly events for students. Through TEAK, Jolie has tried rock-climbing, camping, and many other team-building activities.

Preparation

When Jolie first started preparing for the SSAT, it was difficult for her to find her rhythm. But after establishing a routine, Jolie found practicing to be more manageable. On the 91ÁÔĆć practice platform, Jolie took practice tests frequently, which allowed her to monitor her performance and focus on areas of weakness.

Jolie improved the most in the Verbal section. She spent a lot of time learning new words and their definitions. She found that learning prefixes was especially helpful for guessing the meaning of words she didn’t know. In addition to vocabulary, Jolie learned test-taking techniques from 91ÁÔĆć that improved her time management. For instance, on the Reading section, she learned to look at the questions first before reading the passage. This strategy improved her time management because she was able to read the passage with the questions in mind.Ěý

Advice for Students

Jolie’s words of advice are simple: “Hard work really pays off.” Although she acknowledges that schools consider more factors than test scores, Jolie believes that students should still give the SSAT their best. She wished that she had not stressed over the test when she began to study because this only increased her anxiety. She also suggested relaxing before test day in order to avoid overthinking.

Advice for Parents

Jolie’s father encourages both parents and students to be patient with the test preparation process. He advised students to take practice tests from 91ÁÔĆć because that is the best way to prepare for test day.

He explained that it’s important for students to stay focused and to set goals. He compared test practice to basketball: “Practice more and more…Just like Steph Curry, [who] practiced more in the gym and started shooting three [pointers] from the back.”

He finishes by stating: “Anybody could do it. There’s no dumb or stupid people. Anybody can put in their time, work hard, and they can achieve [success].”Ěý

New School

Jolie is a 9th grader at Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She first learned about Dana Hall after receiving a recommendation from TEAK to apply to the school. After doing some more research, Jolie learned that Dana Hall is an all-girls school, which fascinated her. Although she hadn’t considered an all-girls school before, she was really drawn to this unique opportunity. Jolie was also excited that she could continue practicing fencing with the school’s fencing club.

91ÁÔĆć is Here to Help

91ÁÔĆć is committed to helping students get into their top-choice schools. We help students prepare for the SSAT and ISEE, so that they can do their best on test day. Our online practice platform provides each student with a personalized experience, teaching them test-taking skills and helping them build confidence.Ěý

91ÁÔĆć also helps students and families prepare for other aspects of the admissions process to independent and private schools. Our online Admissions Assist course includes interactive videos and exercises to help families through every step of the admissions process, from researching schools to navigating the waitlist and everything in between.

Start preparing today!

The post Meet Jolie appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> /blog/meet-jolie/feed/ 0 Meet Sonia /blog/meet-sonia/ /blog/meet-sonia/#respond Wed, 05 Oct 2022 16:14:00 +0000 /?p=6518 We are excited to introduce Sonia, one of our 2022 scholars. Through consistent practice and perseverance, Sonia increased her SSAT score by 17 points, scoring in the 87th percentile overall!

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Meet Sonia

We are excited to introduce Sonia, one of our 2022 scholars. Through consistent practice and perseverance, Sonia increased her SSAT score by 17 points, scoring in the 87th percentile overall!

In school, Sonia enjoys English because she’s an avid reader and audio-book listener. Her favorite books include The Giver by Lois Lowry and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Sonya also enjoys science because she loves to learn about animals.

In her spare time, Sonia plays tennis six days a week, either through her school’s team or her tennis club. When she’s not serving aces on the tennis court, Sonia enjoys spending time outdoors and creating art. Sonia also stays busy fostering kittens. She has fostered more than 30 kittens within the last 3-4 years.Ěý

Preparation

Sonia used the 91ÁÔĆć platform to prepare for the SSAT. She took several full-length practice tests. The practice questions helped her gain a thorough understanding of the actual test. Additionally, Sonia found simulating the testing environment while taking practice tests to be particularly beneficial.

In addition to taking practice tests, Sonia used the practice exercises to focus on subjects that needed improvement, particularly math. The interactive diagnostics on the 91ÁÔĆć platform provided helpful information on where she needed to improve and allowed her to hone in on specific areas of weakness, such as Algebra.Ěý

Advice for Students

Sonia explained that test preparation takes time and perseverance. She encouraged students to do practice tests frequently because she found that this improved her experience on test day and lessened any testing anxiety she had. She also recommended concentrating on weaker subjects and doing practice in these areas as much as possible.

Advice for Parents

Sonia’s mother, Lisa, advises parents not to give up and to trust the process. She recommends that parents encourage their children to practice routinely. She believes that consistency in test preparation lessens anxiety for children once they enter the real testing environment. She also believes that the similarity between 91ÁÔĆć’ practice tests and the actual test was critical to preparing Sonia. Lisa explained, “[91ÁÔĆć] was very similar to the format of the actual test. I think that was helpful for both my kids.”

New School

Sonia is currently a 9th grader at Durham Academy in North Carolina. She was drawn to the school’s smaller and more individualized classes. She’s looking forward to enrolling in the school’s Gothic literature class. She’s also excited to take part in after-school activities, such as the tennis team.Ěý

91ÁÔĆć is Here to Help

91ÁÔĆć is committed to helping students get into their top-choice schools. We help students prepare for the SSAT and ISEE, so that they can do their best on test day. Our online practice platform provides each student with a personalized experience, teaching them test-taking skills and helping them build confidence.Ěý

91ÁÔĆć also helps students and families prepare for other aspects of the admissions process to independent and private schools. Our online Admissions Assist course includes interactive videos and exercises to help families through every step of the admissions process, from researching schools to navigating the waitlist and everything in between.

Start preparing today!

The post Meet Sonia appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

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