91ÁÔĆć, Author at 91ÁÔĆć /blog/author/testinnovators/ Prep for Success Thu, 26 Mar 2026 07:55:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://assets.testinnovators.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/favicon-85x85.png 91ÁÔĆć, Author at 91ÁÔĆć /blog/author/testinnovators/ 32 32 Applying to Independent Schools: Spring Newsletter /blog/applying-to-independent-schools-spring-newsletter/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:46:46 +0000 /?p=8996 Spring is here, which means it's time to start thinking about applying to independent and private schools! Our May to-do list will help guide you through the beginning of the process.

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With the academic year winding down, many families are assessing whether or not their child’s current school is meeting their needs and expectations. If your family is exploring independent and private school options, then it’s time to start planning for the 2026-2027 school year application process!

Applying to independent schools can be daunting, and there are some important first steps that you should take as you begin the process. We’re here to help guide you through them with a May to-do list:

  1. Research schools
  2. Understand the admissions process
  3. Take a diagnostic testĚý
  4. Plan for the cost
  5. Visit schools (if possible)

Read more below!Ěý

Applying to independent schools is a complex process, but with careful planning and diligent execution, you will find the right school. The 91ÁÔĆć admissions coaching team is here to help guide your family through each phase of this process. If you’d like to learn more about working with an admissions coach, you can schedule a free consultation.Ěý

Stay tuned for more information and resources throughout the year! The 91ÁÔĆć team is here to help your family every step of the way.

Spring To Do List:

1. Research Schools

The first step you should take when applying to independent schools is simple: research! The is a great place to start.Ěý

Create a list of potential schools that align with your child’s academic goals, interests, and values. Consider factors such as location, size, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and diversity.Ěý

Visit school websites, attend open houses, and talk to current students and alumni to understand what each school is like.Ěý

Tip: When creating your initial school list, make sure to consider several different types of schools, such as day and boarding, and co-ed and single-gender. Look beyond the ‘popular’ schools in your area. There may be a school that surprises you!Ěý

2. Understand the Admissions Process

Each school has its own admissions process, so it’s important to know the requirements and deadlines for each school on your list. Typically, the admissions process involves submitting an application, school transcripts, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations, as well as attending an interview and visiting the school. Some schools may require additional materials, such as essays or creative projects. Ěý

Here is a timeline of the admissions process to independent schools that outlines the major steps.

3. Take a Diagnostic Test

The admissions process to many independent and private schools involves taking a standardized test. The most common tests are the ISEE, SSAT, and HSPT. Check the testing requirements for the schools on your list to determine which test your child needs to take. Students typically take the test in the fall, and you’ll want to give yourself a 4-6 month runway, so now is the time to start preparing. Creating a test prep study plan is a good way to keep yourself on track. 

The first step is to have your child take a full-length diagnostic test, so that they can familiarize themselves with the format, content, and question types on the exam. After that, you can make a plan for practice, so that you have plenty of time to get ready for test day.

4. Plan for the Cost

Attending an independent school can be expensive, so it’s important to plan ahead for the costs involved. Research the tuition and fees for each school on your list, as well as other expenses, including textbooks, transportation, and extracurricular activities.Ěý

Creating a budget will help you determine which schools are within your financial reach, and financial planning can help you prepare for the costs of sending your child to an independent school. Look into options such as 529 savings plans, which offer tax benefits and can be used for qualified education expenses, as well as scholarships and grants. Consider meeting with a financial advisor to help you navigate your options and make informed decisions about your financial future.

5. Visit Schools If Possible

If you can, visit the schools on your list to get a better sense of the community, meet teachers and students, and to ask any questions you may have. If in-person visits aren’t possible, attend virtual tours and events to get a feel for each school. Keep notes on each school you visit to help you make an informed decision when it comes time to apply.

Start preparing today!

HSPT
Webinars

Originally published on May 9, 2023. Updated on March 2, 2026.

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]]> Applying to Independent Schools: January Newsletter /blog/applying-to-independent-schools-january-newsletter/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:22:36 +0000 /?p=8211 Welcome to a new year! With many deadlines fast approaching, it's important to make sure you've completed all the necessary steps to submit your applications with confidence.

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Happy New Year! As we enter 2026, it’s time to focus on finishing and submitting your applications. Make sure you’ve completed all application items, and don’t forget to double-check the deadlines for each school that you’re applying to.ĚýĚý

Here’s your January To Do List:

  1. Finish and submit your applications.
  2. Submit financial aid applications and get started on your 2025 tax return.
  3. Send your ISEE/SSAT scores.
  4. Consider writing a first-choice letter.
  5. Wait patiently.

Read more below!

Keep up the good work. You’re almost there!

— The 91ÁÔĆć Team

January To Do List:

1. Finish and submit your applications.

Make sure you submit your applications before the deadline provided by the school. This will prevent any day-of scrambling for materials or accidentally missing a 5:00pm cutoff. Additionally, be mindful of the application due dates set by each of the individual schools that you’re applying to, as these can vary from school to school.Ěý

Check to ensure that you have completed all necessary application items, including your writing samples and graded essays. Remember that your recommendation writers and current school will need to submit your letters and transcripts directly to the schools that you are applying to. If you notice that any of these materials are still missing from your application, be sure to follow up with your writers or current school to confirm that everything will be submitted on time. The majority of schools will not accept additional materials after the deadline has passed, so start checking in now!

2.Ěý Submit financial aid applications and start your 2025 tax return.

If you are applying for financial aid, you will also need to finish and submit your financial aid applications. Double-check the due dates and requirements for each school—the deadline for the financial aid application is not always the same as the deadline for the admissions applications.Ěý

You will also want to get started on your 2025 taxes, as you will likely need to submit a completed tax return before April 15th.

3.Ěý Send your ISEE and/or SSAT scores.

Your score report will need to come directly from the official testing body.ĚýTo release your ISEE scores, you’ll need to . To release your SSAT scores, you’ll need to . If you took the ISEE and/or SSAT multiple times, send your strongest scores. Here’s more information on sending your ISEE scoresĚýand sending your SSAT scores.

4. Consider writing a first-choice letter.

Consider including a first-choice letter with your application to your top-choice school. While it’s not necessary, it can be helpful to demonstrate your interest if there is one school that rises to the top of your list.Ěý

You should only include a letter if your entire family agrees that the school is indeed your first choice and that you would definitely accept an offer of admission. You should only write one first-choice letter.

5. Wait patiently.

After applications are submitted, the admissions office will be very busy reviewing all of the applications and making decisions. Most schools release their decisions in March, so there will be several weeks of waiting. This can be the most difficult part of the application process! Do not reach out to the schools to check in or request an early decision. Do your best to sit back, relax, and wait patiently. Don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back for all of the hard work that you’ve put into this process!

ĚýMissed the December newsletter? Catch up here!

Start preparing today!

HSPT
PSAT
ACT
SAT

Originally published on January 10, 2022. Updated on January 7, 2026.

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]]> How to Build Your ACT Success Plan /blog/how-to-build-your-act-success-plan/ Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:57:00 +0000 /?p=3562 The ACT may seem like an overwhelming hurdle in your college application process. For years, it has been hyped up as one of the most important aspects of your application, and now that it's finally time to start preparing for the test, you may not be sure where to begin. However, your test prep process doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's our simple, three-step process to craft a fool-proof ACT success strategy.

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Standardized testing can seem like an overwhelming hurdle in your college application process. For years, ACT scoresĚý have been hyped up as one of the most important aspects of your application. Now that it’s finally time to start preparing for the test, you may not be sure where to begin. However, your test prep process doesn’t have to be stressful. . Here’s our simple, three-step process to craft a fool-proof ACT prep plan.

1. Take a diagnostic practice test

Taking a practice test will help you predict your overall score if you were to take the official test today. The process will also help you pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses in relation to taking that particular test and provide you with a benchmark you can return to and track your progress. In an in-depth review of your results, you will be able to see exactly what you need to work on within each section. Whether you’re running out of time while reading passages, spending too long on certain types of science questions, or needing to review algebraic concepts, taking a practice test will help make you aware of potential areas for improvement.

However, it is important to ensure that the practice tests you choose are accurate to the official test. You can take a 91ÁÔĆć practice test or find practice tests in prep books or all over the internet. Our system will provide you with critical diagnostic and timing feedback for free on our platform here.

2. Develop your overall strategy for score improvement

After you’ve taken a practice test, you’ll have a general idea of what your starting point is and how far you’ll need to go to reach your goals. The next step is to develop your strategy for success on the official test. Consider the following questions:

  • What target scores are you aiming for
    This may require researching the colleges you’re applying to to find out what kinds of scores they generally accept from their admissions’ candidates.Ěý are You can look up target ACT score ranges for the schools you’re interested in on
  • When will you take the exam, and how many times do you plan to take it?
    You can take the ACT up to twelve times total, but only six times per year. Be strategic about when you plan to take the test, giving yourself enough time to prepare on the front end, but also enough time afterwards to take it again if you score lower than you had aimed for.Ěý
  • Which areas do you need to work on the most?
    Which areas will you prioritize in terms of studying? You will want to hit all of them , but more than likely you will need to spend more time on certain sections than others, given your individual prep needs.Ěý
  • How much time will you invest per week?
    Do you have a year, or four months to prep? An hour a week over the course of a year or three hours a week over the course of four months will result in the same total number of hours you’ll spend studying. This question depends on how much time you have left before the official test, and how much practice you need to fit in before test day, based on your target scores.
  • Which resources will you use to prepare?
    Will you consult a tutor or take classes? Do you plan on purchasing prep books, or using online materials? How many practice tests do you plan to take before test day? Pick your resources early on, and make sure that you choose a system (or multiple systems) where you will find value from your investment.Ěý

Sometimes it helps to have a bit of guidance while thinking about your answers to these questions. Here at 91ÁÔĆć’ our expert tutors offer free consultations to help you develop your ACT strategy. !

3. Practice and improve

Once you have determined your plan for ACT success, your next task will be to put in the work. Improving your scores on the ACT requires dedication and consistency, and you cannot afford to put off your prep work until the last minute.

Stick to a routineĚý and hold yourself accountable, but remember that priorities will change as you improve and face new challenges. You should be adjusting and readjusting your strategy based on every practice test that you take, and re-determining your priorities based on your continual improvement in different areas. Mastered all of the math content? Time to improve your reading speed for reading passages. Mastered reading? Time to work on your time management in the science section.

Take your preparation one step at a time, and don’t get discouraged if you aren’t reaching your goals immediately or as quickly as you expected. Like any other difficult thing, test preparation is a process.

Ěý

Get started with a full-length ACT practice test today!Ěý

Originally published on January 12, 2018. Updated on January 4, 2026.

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]]> How to Retake the SSAT Like a Pro /blog/how-retake-ssat-like-pro/ Thu, 01 Jan 2026 23:15:00 +0000 /?p=3705 Retaking the SSAT can seem like a real pain. You’ve already taken the nearly three-hour test once — is it really worth it to give up a Saturday morning and countless nights studying just to take the same test again?

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Retaking the SSAT can seem like a real pain. You’ve already taken the three-hour test once—is it really worth it to give up a Saturday morning and countless nights studying just to take the same test again?

The truth is, the majority of students see higher overall scores byĚý taking the test more than once. Some claim this is because of “SSAT wisdom” —you now have prior knowledge of the test and are likely to do better your second time through. Don’t doubt your capacity for significant score improvement!

Evaluate Yourself

The first step in gaining “SSAT wisdom” is a critical self-evaluation after you’ve finished taking the test. Were there types of questions you didn’t recognize? Did you run out of time during any sections? Were certain sections harder than others? Did you score significantly better on some sections than others? Was it difficult to maintain focus throughout the test? Did you get hungry, bored, or find your mind wandering? Reflecting on your testing experience and identifying your strengths and weaknesses is crucial to improving your performance the next time you take the test.

Take Practice Tests

But what happens when you can’t clearly recall your testing experience? Perhaps, test day came and passed in a blur. You took it, and you saw your scores, but you have no clue which questions you answered right or wrong, or how you ended up ranking in the 43rd percentile (or 17th, 32nd, or 71st). What you do know is that you can do better. This is where SSAT practice tests come in. Taking will help you determineĚý which types of questions you’re struggling with and where you are making consistent mistakes.

Through practice tests and self-reflection, you will be able to determine your specific strengths and weaknesses and narrow in on a few specific areas of improvement. These focus areas could be anything from overall test-taking strategies, such as time management or an improved method of answer elimination, to growing more comfortable with advanced math concepts or vocabulary words. Honing in on one strategy or one section at a time will help you simplify your preparation process.ĚýĚý

Consider Tutoring

If you’re not sure about which areas to focus on, tutoring can be extremely helpful. If you think tutoring might be a beneficial tool, schedule a with one of our 91ÁÔĆć’ experts. During the consultation, a tutor will take a look at your initial test results and craft for you to best prepare for your next test. Beyond this initial consultation, you can work regularly with a tutor to practice strategies for success.

Once you’ve determined your plan for improvement, either with a tutor or on your own, it’s time to put these strategies to work with practice questions and tests. Since you’ve already taken the real test once, you now have the added bonus of knowing exactly what to expect on test day. Simulate this test-taking environment while practicing. Don’t take more breaks than you’re given on the official test, and work to build your endurance–having a clear head and precision focus for such a long time is one of the most challenging things about test day!

Take Care of Yourself

On the day before your retake, remember to prepare yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. Get a good night’s sleep the night before your test, eat a nutritiousĚý breakfast to help make sure you don’t lose steam, don’t cram or stress study, and more than anything else, have a positive attitude! Visualize success and you will achieve it.

Note: Check out our 5 Tips for Exam Day here!

Remember: schools don’t have to know how many times you’ve taken the test. You can choose to send your best scores, all your scores, or even no scores, if you decide you would rather apply again next year–all the power is in your hands.

!

Originally published on December 12, 2017. Updated on January 1, 2026.

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]]> What is the ISEE? /blog/what-is-the-isee/ Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:47:00 +0000 /?p=3948 The ISEE, which stands for the Independent School Entrance Exam, is an admissions exam published by ERB. Many independent and private schools in the United States use the ISEE to evaluate candidates as part of their admissions process.

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The ISEE, which stands for the Independent School Entrance Exam, is an admissions exam published by . Many independent and private schools in the United States use the ISEE to evaluate candidates as part of their admissions process.

Overview and Structure of the ISEE

There are several different levels of the ISEE. When determining which level of the test you need to take, keep in mind that it is dependent on the grade you are applying to rather than your current grade level.Ěý

  • The is for students applying to grades 9, 10, 11, or 12.
  • The is for students applying to grades 7 or 8.
  • The is for students applying to grades 5 or 6.
  • The is for students applying to grade 4.
  • The is for students applying to grade 3.
  • The Ěý is for students applying to grade 2.

The Upper, Middle, and Lower ISEE have five sections:Ěý

  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Math Achievement
  • EssayĚý

The Primary 3 and 4 ISEE have two sections:Ěý

  • Reading
  • MathematicsĚý

The Primary 2 ISEE has three sections:

  • Auditory Comprehension
  • Reading
  • MathematicsĚý

Each section has its own challenges. You can read our .

How is the ISEE scored?

The ISEE is scored normatively based on grade level, meaning a student’s individual performance is assessed in comparison to their peers. On each multiple-choice section, students receive a stanine score (1-9), which corresponds to a percentile range. It’s important to keep in mind that scores are dependent on the grade level rather than everyone who takes the test. For example, even though a student applying to 9th grade takes the same test as a student applying to 12th grade (the Upper Level), the former student will only be evaluated and compared to other students applying to the 9th grade rather than everyone taking the Upper Level ISEE.Ěý

Note: The Essay section is not scored. Instead, a copy of your essay is sent along with your score report to your selected schools.Ěý

Check out How is the ISEE Scored? for more information about scoring.

What makes the ISEE different from other tests?

Although other standardized school assessments may also be scored normatively, the ISEE is unique. Many students who score well on traditional assessments can find the ISEE challenging for two main reasons.

  1. The content on the ISEE is designed to assess students in multiple grades. For example, 8th graders take the same test as 11th graders (the Upper Level ISEE), so the content that is intended to challenge 11th graders will likely be unfamiliar to 8th graders. But remember, your scores are only compared to other students applying to the same grade!Ěý
  2. The students who take the ISEE are a high-performing group, which makes obtaining high percentile scores especially difficult. If you score in the 50th percentile, that means you are right in the middle of this very talented group!

How do you prepare for the ISEE?

Since the ISEE can be challenging, it’s important to prepare so that you can put your best foot forward on test day.

The most effective way to start preparing for the ISEE is to take a full-length practice test. This initial practice test will serve as a benchmarkĚý and identify areas you need to work on. Make sure that the practice test is accurate and provides normative scoring.Ěý Full-length practice tests also help you becomeĚý familiar with the test’s style, content, and difficulty, which helps reduce test-related anxiety.Ěý

After you take the initial diagnostic test, do an in-depth review of your results. Go through the test question by question and review the ones you skipped, guessed, or answered incorrectly. Read the answer explanation and make sure you understand how to tackle that question moving forward.Ěý

Next, perform targeted practice on the areas that need improvement until you are comfortable with those skills. Then, take another practice test and repeat the process! Continue with these steps until you achieve your target scores.

91ÁÔĆć is the only ISEE practice officially endorsed by ERB. All of our materials are vetted by ERB to ensure students have an authentic practice experience. Get started by taking a free sample test.

Get Started Today!

Originally published on October 16, 2017. Updated on January 1, 2026.

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]]> The Best Way to Prepare for the SSAT? Practice, Practice, Practice. /blog/prepare-for-the-ssat/ Wed, 31 Dec 2025 03:19:00 +0000 /?p=2514 Applying to independent schools can be daunting for students, families, and educators alike, and the testing component is no exception. When they begin the admissions process, few students have experience with high-stakes admissions tests. However, with the right preparation—including sufficient practice test opportunities—students can improve their test scores to help complete the picture of their academic journey and support their pursuit of acceptance into their top-choice schools.

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Applying to independent schools can be daunting for students, families, and educators alike, and the testing component is no exception. When they begin the admissions process, few students have experience with high-stakes admissions tests. However, with the right preparation—including sufficient practice test opportunities—students can improve their test scores to help complete the picture of their academic journey and support their pursuit of acceptance into their top-choice schools.

91ÁÔĆć and EMA

91ÁÔĆć is a certified content partner of the Enrollment Management Association (EMA), a non-profit organization that “provides professional development and strategic enrollment tools to more than 1,300 independent schools.” 91ÁÔĆć teamed up with EMA back in 2020 to provide official SSAT-developed content on the 91ÁÔĆć platform. The partnership serves the shared goal of increasing student familiarity, comfort, and confidence with the SSAT.

At 91ÁÔĆć, we believe that test-taking is a skill that can be taught and learned, and mastering this skill can open doors to endless opportunities. With the right tools, a personalized learning path, plenty of practice, and support throughout the process, every student can reach their highest potential.

Ěý

Helpful Guidelines to Share with Families

  1. Take a practice test.

This initial practice test serves as a benchmark, or diagnostic test, and is the jumping-off point for the preparation process. While we recommend that students take this test as early as possible, it is never too late.

No matter how close the official test date is, a practice test will help test-takers know what to expect and provide familiarity with:

  • Test Content
  • Question Types
  • DifficultyĚý
  • Section Instructions
  • Section Timing
  • SSAT Scoring
  1. Review practice test results.

Start by reviewing overall trends. Which sections went well, and where would you like to see improvement? Then, consider time management. Did you manage your time effectively in each section? Did you run out of time on any of the sections?

  1. Brush Up on Skills.

This is where the most important learning takes place! Review every question you answered incorrectly or skipped. Ensure you would know how to answer them correctly if you saw them again. This means that you should not only know why the correct answer is correct, but also why the incorrect answers (including the one you chose) are incorrect.

  1. Take another practice test, review, and repeat.

Review your test results, examine the questions you missed, and then take another practice test to gauge your progress and determine what areas may require additional focus.

Test preparation is an iterative process. Each practice test should serve as a benchmark of progress and a roadmap for what to work on next. Studying between practice tests promotes growth and improvement.

Ěý

How 91ÁÔĆć Can Help

91ÁÔĆć supports students through every step of the test prep process with authentic preparation materials, detailed reporting and analysis, and personalized recommendations for targeted practice work. Our guided, individualized practice helps alleviate anxiety, increase confidence, and ensure that student performance on test day is a true representation of what they know.

We support educators with tools to help maximize student success during practice and on test day. Our immediate, detailed results and analysis outline student progress, identify areas for improvement, and make it easy to differentiate instruction.

Students can now access 91ÁÔĆć practice content and official SSAT practice content side-by-side on the 91ÁÔĆć platform. This allows students to utilize all the 91ÁÔĆć features and tools as they practice, with personalized recommendations, full score reports, strategy videos, timing feedback, and more.

Originally published on January 21, 2020. Updated on December 30, 2025.Ěý

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]]> Why Test Taking Is Like Basketball /blog/why-test-taking-basketball/ Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:46:00 +0000 /?p=4489 The ability to successfully take tests will serve you throughout your life. From the ISEE and SSAT, to the LSAT and the GRE, success and upward mobility in life often comes down to the ability to perform well on tests.

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The ability to perform well on tests will serve you throughout your life. From the ISEE and SSAT, to the LSAT and the MCAT, success and upward mobility in life often come down to test-taking proficiency. At 91ÁÔĆć, our vision is based on one core belief: test-taking is a skill that can be learned.

However, not everyone shares this belief. Some students get discouraged early on and internalize the idea that they just aren’t good at taking tests. Not only is this a damaging outlook that often lasts beyond one’s academic career, but it is also not factually true. Being successful at test-taking means accurately demonstrating your knowledge on a subject. While it is true that some students have an innate talent for competitive tests, others find testing incredibly difficult. This doesn’t mean that they can’t learn how to succeed on tests.

In practice, test-taking is a skill like basketball. Some players start out with advantages like height, agility, or great hand-eye coordination. Some players have two left feet. But that doesn’t mean anyone who picks up a basketball can’t learn how to pass, make free-throws, and handle the ball effectively if they are dedicated to learning and improving.

“Limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” – Michael Jordan

Similar to basketball, success on standardized tests requires hard work and knowledge of the game, and it never hurts to have an experienced coach in your corner. We here at 91ÁÔĆć have been studying testing since 2012. Through helping over 150,000 students improve their performance on the , , PSAT, ACT, and SAT, we’ve developed data-informed materials, tools, and resources to help every student attain test success. Everyone can test-take because everyone has the capacity to learn.Ěý

Get started with your test prep today!

ACT
SAT
PSAT

Originally published on January 24, 2022. Updated on December 30, 2025.Ěý

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]]> Research shows practice tests defend memory against stress /blog/research-shows-practice-tests-defend-memory-against-stress/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 21:16:00 +0000 /?p=4362 In a study at Tufts University, 120 student participants learned a series of 30 words and images. They studied either by taking practice tests or by using the traditional study method of reading over the material to memorize it. They were then asked to recall what they had learned in a stressful scenario (in front of two judges, three peers, and a video camera) and in a less stressful scenario.

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Research shows that simulating the test-taking experience with practice tests can help protect memory against the negative effects of stress.

Ěý

In a , 120 student participants learned a series of 30 words and images. They studied using two different methods: a) by taking practice tests or b) by using the traditional study method of reading over the material to memorize it. They were then asked to recall what they had learned in a stressful scenario (in front of two judges, three peers, and a video camera) and in a less stressful scenario.

The students who prepared with practice tests (also known as retrieval practice) remembered more words overall than those who studied with traditional methods. Furthermore, while the traditional study group’s performance suffered in stressful situations, the students who studied with retrieval practice were able to remember their material regardless of whether the scenario was stressful.

Ěý

Beyond this study, the idea of simulation for preparation applies to any stressful scenario you may face in life.

“If you’re serious about doing well at something, practice it exactly how it will actually be. You want as close a simulation as possible,” states Brenna O’Neill, 91ÁÔĆć’ President and competitive runner. “Competitive runners will do a trial run in the weeks prior to their big race, simulating the distance, as well as the time of day. It is a different experience running at 7:00 a.m. rather than practicing at 2:00 p.m.”

Ěý

What about admissions tests?

Brenna says “For students, especially those who may have testing anxiety, it will be most important to do simulated practice. This normalizes the testing experience.”

With this in mind, if you’re preparing for an admissions test, make sure to use practice tests—the most efficient way to prepare for a stressful exam.

Ěý

Start your prep with 91ÁÔĆć today!

Get started with your prep by taking a full-length practice test!

ACT
SAT
PSAT

Originally published on April 15, 2021. Updated on December 22, 2025.Ěý

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]]> The ‘Testing Effect’ (and Why Practice Testing Is Key) /blog/testing-effect-practice-testing-key/ Sat, 20 Dec 2025 06:34:00 +0000 /?p=3898 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.

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Why are practice tests such a critical piece of preparation?

defines the ‘testing effect’ as the psychological finding that retention is more successful when taking a test than when restudying the same material for the equivalent amount of time.Ěý This phenomenon, also referred to as retrieval practice, indicates that practice tests are a more effective learning tool than purely reviewing the material. Research also shows that the more difficult the retrieval of information, the better it is for long-term memory and retention. So, if you are taking a difficult test like an admissions test, the best way to prepare is to take several practice tests. Between each practice test, it’s important to analyze your results and revisit the material you didn’t know. Learn more about the three steps of test preparation.

*Note: 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 discussed here.

Start preparing today!

HSPT
PSAT
ACT
SAT

Originally published on August 11, 2020. Updated on December 19, 2025.Ěý

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]]> Applying to Independent Schools: December Newsletter /blog/applying-to-independent-schools-december-newsletter/ Fri, 05 Dec 2025 23:51:24 +0000 /?p=7886 Hello there, and happy December! As we enter the final stretch of the 2026-2027 application season, it’s important to be mindful of the due dates that may be coming up. Deadlines vary from school to school, and while most applications are due in January, some schools have deadlines that are even earlier. Stay on top […]

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Hello there, and happy December! As we enter the final stretch of the 2026-2027 application season, it’s important to be mindful of the due dates that may be coming up. Deadlines vary from school to school, and while most applications are due in January, some schools have deadlines that are even earlier. Stay on top of your goals with this month’s to-do list!

Here’s your December To Do List:

  1. Write your application essays
  2. Finish your applications
  3. Check in with your recommendation writers
  4. Submit transcript requests to your current school
  5. Take the ISEE and/or SSAT
  6. Finish the fall term in good standing

Read more below!

Happy holidays and best wishes for the busy month ahead. Stay determined—you’re almost there!

— The 91ÁÔĆć Team

December To Do List:

1. Write your application essays.

If you’re applying to multiple schools, you’ll have several essays and short-answer questions to juggle. If you haven’t already started, now is the time! The application essays are the responsibility of the student, not the parents/guardians. While it is okay for an adult to review the writing and offer feedback, the application essay must be the student’s work, in the student’s own words.

Check out our for on-demand activities to help you craft compelling essays or our live for an interactive experience with an admissions writing expert.

2. Finish your applications.

To avoid any last-minute scrambling, we highly recommend completing the bulk of your applications this month. While some application materials, such as teacher recommendations and transcripts, will need to come directly from your current school, applicants are ultimately responsible for making sure the entire application is complete by the deadline. Therefore, it’s important to keep track of all of your application requirements and deadlines so that you can follow up with your school if there are any outstanding items at the end of the month.

If you are applying for financial aid, complete the initial application and prepare to get started on your 2025 taxes as soon as possible, as some schools require a completed tax return before April 15th.

3. Check in with your recommendation writers.

December is a busy time of year for everyone, including teachers! You can check in with your recommendation writers to make sure they are aware of the deadlines and have all the information they need to complete your letters. If possible, it’s best for the student to follow up in-person, but a kind email from a parent/guardian is also appropriate.

4. Submit transcript requests to your current school.

Transcripts will need to come directly from your current school. Make sure that you’ve completed and submitted the necessary requests for all of the schools that you’re applying to.

5. Take the ISEE and/or SSAT.

If you haven’t yet taken the test or if you weren’t happy with your first set of scores, you should take the test in December or early January. Wait to send your scores until you’ve had a chance to review them, provided there is enough time before your application deadlines. If you have taken the test multiple times, send your strongest scores.

6. Finish the fall term in good standing.

December is a very busy month, but it’s important for students to remain dedicated to their academics and committed to being good citizens at school, so that they can finish the fall term in good standing.Ěý

Ěý

Missed the November newsletter? Catch up here!

Start preparing today!

HSPT
PSAT
ACT
SAT

Originally published on December 7, 2022. Updated on December 5, 2025.

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