91ÁÔĆć Archives - 91ÁÔĆć /blog/category/test-innovators/ Prep for Success Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:08:50 +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 Archives - 91ÁÔĆć /blog/category/test-innovators/ 32 32 What To Expect on the ACT Writing Test (2026) /blog/act-writing/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:03:19 +0000 /?p=2191 The ACT Writing Test is the final, optional section of the ACT. If you decide to take it, you’ll have 40 minutes to write one essay. You’ll be given a description of a complex issue followed by three different perspectives on that issue. You’ll be asked to state your own perspective (you may adopt one […]

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The ACT Writing Test is the final, optional section of the ACT. If you decide to take it, you’ll have 40 minutes to write one essay.

You’ll be given a description of a complex issue followed by three different perspectives on that issue. You’ll be asked to state your own perspective (you may adopt one of the three provided or introduce one of your own) and analyze how it relates to at least one of the other perspectives offered.

There is no right or wrong answer. ACT is not evaluating you on which perspective you choose; it is evaluating you on how well you articulate and support your argument. Your goal is to produce a well-reasoned, clearly organized essay.

Unlike the other sections of the ACT, the Writing Test has not changed as part of the 2025/2026 enhancements.

Sample ACT writing prompt from 91ÁÔĆć' free sample test.
Example of an ACT Writing prompt from 91ÁÔĆć' free sample test.

How is the ACT Writing Test Scored?

The ACT Writing score is reported on a scale of 2–12, and is not part of the ACT Composite score. However, if you take the ACT Writing Test, you’ll also receive an English Language Arts (ELA) score that reflects your performance across English, Reading, and Writing. You can learn more about how the ELA score is calculated .

The Four Writing Domains

Your essay is scored across four writing domains, each on a scale of 2–12. Your overall writing score is the rounded average of the four.

Ideas and Analysis: You’ll be evaluated on how well you understood the issue in the prompt, how meaningfully you engaged with multiple perspectives, and whether your ideas were relevant to the topic.

Development and Support: You’ll be evaluated on how effectively you developed and supported your argument, backed your ideas with examples, and explored the implications of your thinking.

Organization: You’ll be evaluated on how clearly you structured your essay, whether the relationship between your ideas was easy to follow, and how effectively you guided the reader through your argument.

Language Use and Conventions: You’ll be evaluated on how effectively you used grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and mechanics to express your ideas and establish an appropriate style and tone.

ACT has published sample essays on their website to illustrate what strong and weak responses look like. Visit the to understand what they’re looking for.

How is the Writing Test Graded on the Paper ACT?

If you take the ACT Writing Test on paper, you’ll handwrite your essay. Two trained readers will read your essay and each assign a score from 1–6 for the four writing domains. The two scores for each domain are added together, giving you a domain score between 2–12. Your overall writing score is the rounded average of the four domain scores.

Note: If the two readers disagree by more than one point on any domain, a third reader will step in to resolve the discrepancy.

How is the Writing Test Graded on the Online ACT?

If you take the ACT Writing Test on the computer, you’ll type your essay, which will be scored by, ACT’s automated scoring engine. CRASE first evaluates your essay to determine whether it can assign a score with high confidence. If it can, it will assign a score of 2–12 for each domain. If it cannot, your essay will be sent to human readers. A random sample of all essays are also reviewed by human readers as part of ACT’s quality assurance process.

Note: State, district, and international ACT administrations pair one human reader with CRASE.

Do I Have to Take the ACT Writing Test?

No, unless you are required to for graduation or are applying to a school or program that requires it.

As of spring 2026, only a handful of colleges in the United States require or encourage ACT Writing. Requirements can change from year to year, so check directly with any schools, programs, or scholarships you’re applying to.

Some states, districts, or schools also require the ACT Writing Test for graduation. If you are taking the ACT through your school, check with your counselor to find out whether your test will include the Writing section.

If You Decide to Take It, Don't Take Science the Same Day

The enhanced ACT has two optional sections: Science and Writing. When you register, you can choose to add Science, Writing, or both.

If you decide to take both optional sections, we recommend doing them on separate test dates. The ACT is already a long test, and the Writing section comes last. The essay also requires a different kind of mental effort than the multiple-choice sections that precede it. After three multiple-choice sections, you’ll have more focus and energy for the essay than you would after four.

Your Guide to the Enhanced ACT

This post is part of our comprehensive series on the 2025/2026 ACT updates. Explore our guides for every section of the new test:

Enhanced ACT Practice

Get ready for the new ACT format with 10 full-length practice tests. Try a free sample test today.

Explore ACT Practice Options

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

Originally published on February 11, 2020. Updated on April 13, 2026.Ěý

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]]> Lev’s Story /blog/lev-testimonial/ Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:47:14 +0000 /?p=3051 Meet Lev Lev’s daughter, Lily, recently took the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT). According to Lev, Lily is a very driven and motivated student. Although she’s only 14 years old, she has a pretty solid understanding of what she wants to do and where she wants to go. This conviction led them to apply for […]

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Meet Lev

Lev’s daughter, Lily, recently took the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT). According to Lev, Lily is a very driven and motivated student. Although she’s only 14 years old, she has a pretty solid understanding of what she wants to do and where she wants to go. This conviction led them to apply for admission to a local private school. We sat down with Lev to learn more about their test-preparation process.

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The Challenge

Lily needed to achieve a high SSAT score in order to be a stand-out applicant at her school of choice–Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, New York. Given the highly competitive nature of Poly Prep’s admissions, Lev and Lily knew they needed the best test-preparation program possible to secure a spot.

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The Solution

During Lev’s extensive research on different test-prep companies, he came across 91ÁÔĆć. After looking into the practice materials and curriculum, he decided it was the right choice. His decision was further confirmed by a glowing recommendation from a friend of his daughter’s who had used 91ÁÔĆć the year prior.

Lev wanted to ensure that Lily was as prepared as possible for test day, so he set up a consultation with a 91ÁÔĆć tutor, Erin. Based on that initial conversation, he knew that he wanted Erin to work with Lily, despite her extremely busy schedule. He saw that Erin would not only be the perfect tutor to help teach Lily the test material, but more importantly, to give her the motivation and confidence boost she needed to succeed on the test. Lev was also impressed with Erin’s personality and professionalism. In fact, Lev was impressed with the credentials of all of the 91ÁÔĆć tutors, who had the degrees and experience that helped them stand out as exceptional instructors.

In his initial consultation with Erin, Lev learned more about the structure of the program. He liked that the one-on-one tutoring would be tailored to his daughter’s needs, and that Erin would maintain an open line of communication with him, providing a written follow-up after each lesson so that he could keep track of Lily’s progress.

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Preparation Process

Before starting her prep, Lily knew a lot of the content tested on the SSAT. She just needed extra help to really zero in on her weaknesses. The 91ÁÔĆć system identified where Lily needed improvement and encouraged her to concentrate her limited time on the most important areas. With only two to three months to prepare, this focus was critical.

Ultimately, Lily was successful both on the test and in securing a spot at Poly Prep. Lev states that “obviously, based on her progress reports, her test results, and her overall participation in extracurricular activities” she was accepted. However, he emphasizes that “none of that would’ve happened if she didn’t get where she needed to be as far as the test score.” He was “extremely pleased and satisfied with the results that [91ÁÔĆć] provided.” He also credits Erin’s work with Lily as a reason for her success.

Lev’s advice to other parents is to ensure that they find the absolute best program for their child. He shared that during his search, he was unable to “come across any real competitors for 91ÁÔĆć.” He praises 91ÁÔĆć for their all-inclusive packages, which include a user-friendly web portal, excellent practice tests, and tutoring programs. He says that “some sites might have filled in certain bits and pieces but not on an all-inclusive level.”

What stands out for Lev about 91ÁÔĆć is the structure the testing platform presents. It allows you to do “an in-depth analysis of the knowledge of the specific student and because you are successful in identifying the problem you’re getting so much closer to resolving that problem by addressing the specific needs of the student.” Different students will always have different needs, but 91ÁÔĆć is able to address every student’s needs through its personalized, data-driven approach. This approach is what Lev found most important in identifying the test-prep program for his daughter.

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How 91ÁÔĆć Can Help You

91ÁÔĆć is here to help you build test confidence through personalized practice. Cutting-edge analysis presents an in-depth view of results, reveals the competitiveness of scores, and provides detailed timing feedback. The system dynamically adapts by using insights from over 20 million questions answered to provide each student with individualized, targeted practice. With an emphasis on test-taking skills, 91ÁÔĆć teaches key strategies and helps students build the confidence they need to be successful on test day.Ěý

91ÁÔĆć has helped over 100,000 students improve their test scores to gain acceptance into schools with selective admissions processes. They offer prep for the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT), the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), the SAT, and the ACT. They also offer tutoring for all four tests.

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To watch Lev’s full video testimonial, please visit our testimonials page.

Get started with your test prep today!

HSPT
PSAT
ACT
SAT

Originally published on August 26, 2019. Updated on February 5, 2026.Ěý

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]]> Great Books for Building Vocabulary /blog/great-books-for-building-vocabulary/ Sat, 31 Jan 2026 04:52:00 +0000 /?p=3264 Although your child could cram lots of QuizletsĚý to learn new words quickly, the best way to build vocabulary is simply to read: read a lot, read often, read widely, and read for fun! Children who encounter new words in the context of a story more readily pick up on the meaning of the words. […]

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Although your child could cram lots of QuizletsĚý to learn new words quickly, the best way to build vocabulary is simply to read: read a lot, read often, read widely, and read for fun! Children who encounter new words in the context of a story more readily pick up on the meaning of the words. You can also have your child keep a word list as they read, adding to it every time they come across an unknown word.

But how to choose a book among the many, many examples? We’ve curated a list of our favorites that will entertain your child, while also enriching their vocabulary!

  1. The Book ThiefĚý by Markus Zuzak
  • Intended for middle school readers, this riveting adventure story follows a young girl who aids in protecting a Jewish child in Nazi Germany.
  • Sample vocabulary words:Ěý
    • AbhorrenceĚý
    • IllustriousĚý
    • RaucousĚý
    • SepticĚý
    • Traipse
  1. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
  • The well-loved tale of friendship between a girl, a pig, and a spider is best suited for 3rd-6th graders.
  • Sample vocabulary words:Ěý
    • Enchanted
    • FrolicĚý
    • PerspirationĚý
    • RuntĚý
    • Specimen
  1. Doctor De Soto by William Steig
  • For younger elementary students, a picture book can be a wonderful way to introduce new words while keeping the readers entertained! This charming tail (no pun intended…) of a mouse dentist includes some tricky new words!
  • Sample vocabulary words:Ěý
    • Extract
    • Hoist,Ěý
    • Misery
    • Particle
    • Quiver

4.To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

  • Another middle school classic, To Kill a Mockingbird offers a powerful coming-of-age story against the backdrop of racial tensions in 1930s Alabama.
  • Sample vocabulary words:Ěý
    • Arbitrate
    • Concede
    • Erratic
    • Tyrannical
    • Unsullied
  1. Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan Students from age 10 and up can embark on a mythological quest withĚý Percy Jackson, a young demigod who is fighting to prevent the end of the world with the help of his two best friends—have your child read the whole series, and watch their vocabulary grow!
  • Sample vocabulary words:Ěý
    • Impudence
    • Kowtow
    • Precariously
    • Pulverize
    • Vagrant

Originally published on November 1, 2018. Updated on January 30, 2026.Ěý

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]]> 4 Common Test-Day Mistakes To Avoid /blog/5-test-day-mistakes-to-avoid/ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:17:21 +0000 /?p=3394 It’s test day! After all of your preparation and practice, you’re finally here—your hard work is about to pay off.

But, you don’t want to make an easily-preventable error on test day. Here’s a list of common mistakes that you should be sure to avoid:

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It’s test day! After all of your preparation and practice, you’re finally here—your hard work is about to pay off.

However, you don’t want to make any easily-preventable errors. Here’s a list of common mistakes to avoid when taking the ISEE or SSAT:Ěý

  1. Forgetting Your Supplies

For the paper formats of both the ISEE and the SSAT, ensure you have at least three No.2 pencils and a good eraser to use during the test. Otherwise, you’ll want to have a computer or laptop you can access the online test on. Pack a water bottle and a snack (*in a clear plastic bag). It’s a long test, so you’ll want to be hydrated and energized. On that note, don’t forget to get enough sleep the night before, and eat a nutritious breakfast in the morning!

  1. Losing Track of Time

With the pressures of test day on your mind, it can be easy to lose track of time. Make sure to follow your time-management strategy, tackling easy questions first, then more difficult questions if time allows. Use the wall clock (or the timer on your testing platform, if applicable) to keep track of the remaining time on each section.

  1. Misreading Directions

Make sure that you read the directions carefully for each section, and for each question. Don’t assume that you know all the question types already—close reading ensures that you know exactly what each question is asking you to do.

  1. Not Showing Your Work

Don’t forget to use your scratch paper! For the essay, creating an outline before you start writing will help you organize your thoughts and craft a well-structured essay. For math problems, showing your work helps you avoid simple errors. Writing down as much of your process as possible will help you to succeed across all sections.

Get started with or practice today!

Get started with your test prep today!

Originally published on September 12, 2018. Updated on January 30, 2026.Ěý

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]]> ACT and SAT Test Day /blog/act-sat-test-day/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:33:00 +0000 /?p=2258 Learn what you should do the day before and the day of the ACT and SAT, as well as what to bring and what not to bring to the test.

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The day is finally here. You have practiced, studied, and practiced some more. The last step is to make sure you are prepared in every capacity for test day.

The Day Before

The day before the test, it’s important to relax. Don’t try to cram in last-minute practice. Instead, take a walk or do some yoga! Exercise is a great way to relieve stress, and it will help you sleep better. It’s also important to gather everything you’ll need on test day the night before, that way you don’t forget anything and aren’t rushed the morning of. Finally, get a good night’s sleep. Sleep provides your brain with the necessary energy toĚý focus on test day.

The Day Of

It is very important to bring the following to the testing center:

  • Your admission ticket, which can be printed from your online account.
  • Photo identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, or school ID.
    • Your identification must be original, rather than a photocopy or electronic version. The first and last names must match the names on your ticket, and the photo must be clearly recognizable as you.
  • Four #2 pencils with good erasers.
  • A calculator. Double-check that your calculator is permitted. Also, be sure to put in new batteries, if applicable
  • A watch without an alarm.Ěý
    • If you don’t have a watch, that’s okay. The testing supervisor will announce when there are five minutes remaining for each test.
  • Water and a snack for the break.

What Not to Bring

It is just as important to know what not to bring to the testing center. This includes:

  • All electronics, other than a calculator.
  • Personal items, such as textbooks, notes, or pens.
  • Any other item not listed as something to bring.

You’ve Got This!

The last thing you need to remember on test day is to be confident! You have prepared for this day. You are ready. Now go show them what you know!

Ready to prep for the ACT or SAT?

ACT Test Prep
SAT Test Prep

Are you an educator? Contact us to chat about how we can work with you.

Originally published on March 11, 2020. Updated on January 6, 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.

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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.

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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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]]> How to Help Your Child with Test Anxiety /blog/how-to-help-your-child-with-test-anxiety/ Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:29:00 +0000 /?p=2721 The school application process is tough: the applications, the deadlines, the interviews, and the lengthy exams can easily cause elevated levels of stress for both students and their parents. It's common (and completely normal) for students to feel anxious; however, we have provided some helpful tips for parents to keep in mind during the preparation process that may help reduce their students' test anxiety.

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The school application process can be a stressful experience for students and parents alike. With the pressure of interviews, deadlines, and high-stakes tests like the SSAT and ISEE, anxiety is common and completely normal.

At 91ÁÔĆć, we understand that strong scores require not just preparation, but also confidence. That’s why we’ve expanded our platform in 2025 to include test anxiety resources—including student guides, expert webinars, and practical tools to help your child stay calm and focused on test day.

Here are 9 practical tips to help reduce test anxiety and support your child every step of the way:

  1. Emphasize Progress Over Perfection

Instead of focusing on percentiles or rankings, encourage your student to track personal growth:

  • “What did you get right today that you didn’t last week?”
  • “Which section feels stronger after practice?”

Focusing on effort and improvement builds motivation and confidence.

  1. Model Calmness and Confidence

Children take emotional cues from their parents. If you demonstrateĚý calmness and positivity, they’re more likely to do the same. Remind them that one test does not define their future!

  1. Reframe Negative Self-Talk

Keep your ears out for anxious thoughts like “I’m going to fail” or “Everyone else is smarter.” Help your child turn those doubts into positive statements:

  • “I’ve prepared, and I will do my best.”
  • “I don’t need to be perfect—I just need to try.”
  1. Use Humor to Lighten the Mood

Laughter helps reduce tension. Listen to a funny podcast on the way to the test or tuck a silly note into their snack bag. It sets a lighter tone and helps ease nerves.

  1. Explore 91ÁÔĆć’ Resources

We offer tools specifically designed to help students manage their stress on test day:

  • Student anxiety guides
  • Parent webinars
  • Realistic test simulations

Visit to learn more.

  1. Practice Like It’s the Real Thing

Have your child take at least one full-length, timed practice test. This helps build endurance and reduce fear of the unknown.

  1. Teach Simple Relaxation Techniques

Offer quick strategies that your child can use if they get overwhelmed before or during the test:

  • Deep breathing (in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4)
  • Visualization (picturing a calm, confident self)
  1. Focus on What They Can Control

Help shift their mindset from “what if” to “what now.” They can control their prep, effort, and mindset—not the exact questions or outcome.Ěý

  1. Build in Breaks and Balance

Effective prep includes rest. Make sure your child has time for sleep, fun, and movement—especially in the days leading up to the test.

Final Thought

Test anxiety is real, but manageable. With the right mindset and support, your child can walk into test day feeling calm, prepared, and confident.

For more strategies and test-day tools, explore our resources at .

Get started with your test prep today!

ACT
SAT
PSAT

Originally published on December 04, 2019. Updated on December 30, 2025.Ěý

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]]> Kate’s Story /blog/kate-testimonial/ Tue, 30 Dec 2025 22:44:00 +0000 /?p=3031 Meet Kate and Brady Kate’s son, Brady, recently took the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) in hopes of gaining admission to Lakeside School for the start of 6th grade. Brady is a very strong student, but like many of his peers, the SSAT was a new challenge for him. To ensure he was best prepared, […]

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Meet Kate and Brady

Kate’s son, Brady, recently took the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) in hopes of gaining admission to Lakeside School for the start of 6th grade. Brady is a very strong student, but like many of his peers, the SSAT was a new challenge for him. To ensure he was best prepared, Kate researched test-preparation options to help Brady practice the material and learn the strategies needed to succeed.

Ěý

Kate and Brady’s SSAT Preparation

During her test-preparation search, Kate found a few options, but none were as comprehensive as 91ÁÔĆć. She was impressed by the full-length practice tests that mirrored the official test as well as the hundreds of additional practice exercises. More importantly, the easy-to-use online platform made it possible for Brady to practice independently and at his own pace. As Brady took practice tests, Kate liked being able to see how competitive his scores were for the schools he was applying to. After each practice test, Brady found the recommended practice exercises to be especially helpful because he knew exactly what to focus on during his practice in order to improve. In addition to using the online platform, Kate and Brady enlisted the support and guidance of a 91ÁÔĆć tutor, Matthew. Matthew’s patient and empathetic approach during their 1-on-1 sessions helped Brady build on his unique strengths, unlocking his full potential.

Ěý

Kate and Brady’s Success

In the end, all of Brady’s hard work and dedication paid off, and he was accepted to Lakeside School. He was able to confidently tackle the material that he hadn’t learned before, and his SSAT scores improved greatly from his first practice test to the actual test.

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How 91ÁÔĆć Can Help You

91ÁÔĆć is here to help you build test confidence through personalized practice. The cutting-edge analyses present an in-depth view of results, reveal the competitiveness of scores, and provide detailed timing feedback. The system dynamically adapts by using insights and data from over 20 million questions answered on the platform to provide each student with individualized, targeted practice. With an emphasis on test-taking skills, 91ÁÔĆć teaches key strategies and helps students build the confidence they need to be successful on test day.

91ÁÔĆć has helped over 100,000 students improve their test scores to gain acceptance into schools with selective admissions processes,Ěý and offers prep for the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT), the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), the SAT, and the ACT, as well as tutoring for all four tests.

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Originally published on October 31, 2019. Updated on December 30, 2025.Ěý

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]]> SSAT Math Strategies /blog/ssat-math-strategies/ Wed, 24 Dec 2025 01:50:00 +0000 /?p=2503 One of the most common mistakes on the SSAT is misreading a question, usually due to reading too quickly. Be sure to take a few extra seconds on every question to avoid careless errors.

Underline important information
Underline words and numbers indicating the quantities, relationships, and calculations (less than, twice, product, etc.) that you’ll need to answer the question. Words like “not” can be easily missed and completely change what you’re supposed to find in the question!

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Read Carefully

One of the most common mistakes on the SSAT is misreading a question, usually due to reading too quickly or skimming. Be sure to take a few extra seconds on every question to avoid careless errors.

  • Underline important information

Underline words and numbers indicating quantities, relationships, and calculations (less than, twice, product, etc.) that you’ll need to answer the question. Words like “not” can be easily missed and completely change what you’re supposed to find in the question!

  • Check that you answered the given question

After you finish solving each problem, look back at what the question asked you to find. Make sure your answer aligns with the question.

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Work Backwards

Take advantage of the fact that the SSAT gives you more information than just a question–it also provides you with answer choices, one of which must be correct!

For questions with an unknown quantity, you can substitute the answer choices for the unknown quantity to see which works in the equation. Always start with the middle answer choice to minimize the number of answers you have to substitute.

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Estimate

Estimation is a powerful tool for eliminating wrong answers. Before beginning to solve every question, ballpark what the right answer should be. Think about things like:Ěý

  • “Should it be positive or negative?”
  • “An integer or a fraction?”
  • “Bigger or smaller than the other numbers in the question?”

Sometimes the question will even include clues that you should estimate, such as “approximately” or “about,” but even without these words, always estimate first.

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Pick Values

Sometimes the math questions you see on the quantitative sections may seem very challenging to solve abstractly. The question may ask how an unknown quantity will change if it undergoes a couple of percent changes or ask you to solve for one variable in terms of others. In cases like these, it can be helpful to use actual numbers to determine the answer, rather than trying to solve algebraically.Ěý

For example, consider the following exercise:

SSAT Math Strategies Image 1

You can make up values to help make sense of the problem. If “x+y is divisible by 3”, choose two values that have a sum that is divisible by, such as “x=1” and “y=5”, for a total of 6. Then, substitute those values into each answer choice until you find the one that solves the problem. In this case, the correct answer is D because 2(1) + 2(5) = 12, which is divisible by 6.

Originally published on February 6, 2020. Updated on December 23, 2025.Ěý

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