Test Prep Archives - 91ÁÔĆć /blog/category/test-prep/ Prep for Success Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:10:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://assets.testinnovators.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/favicon-85x85.png Test Prep Archives - 91ÁÔĆć /blog/category/test-prep/ 32 32 Cardigan Mountain School & 91ÁÔĆć /blog/cardigan-mountain-school-testimonial/ Fri, 19 Dec 2025 21:42:00 +0000 /?p=2955 Cardigan Mountain School is one of many schools across the country that uses 91ÁÔĆć to help their students prepare for their next step. They recently shared the story of why they chose 91ÁÔĆć as the best partner to help their students achieve success on the SSAT.

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Cardigan Mountain School is one of many schools across the country that uses 91ÁÔĆć to help their students prepare for the next step in their educational careers. Cardigan Mountain recently shared the story of why they chose 91ÁÔĆć as the best partner to help their students achieve success on the SSAT.

Cardigan Mountain is a boarding and day school for boys in grades 6 through 9. Nestled next to a lake in the woods of western New Hampshire, Cardigan focuses on instilling compassion, integrity, respect, and courage in every aspect of their students’ education. When it comes to helping their students prepare for the next step in their educational careers, Cardigan ensures their students are ready for every part of the process, including standardized assessments such as the SSAT.

The Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) is used by many independent and private schools in the United States to evaluate candidates as part of their application process. The test includes questions and topics designed to assess students spanning multiple grade levels, which means it can be one of the most difficult standardized tests a student encounters. Because of this, preparation for the SSAT is an important part of the high school placement process.

Cardigan Mountain has worked with 91ÁÔĆć since 2017 to provide the highest quality SSAT practice tools to their students. Over the years, the partnership has grown as Cardigan and 91ÁÔĆć collaborated toĚý create the test prep program that best fits the needs of Cardigan’s students.Ěý

Kristin LeRoy, Cardigan Mountain’s Assistant Director of Secondary School Counseling & SSAT Coordinator, says that through using the 91ÁÔĆć platform, her students “become familiar with the content, the format of the tests.” She adds that “success for some of our students is just gaining the confidence they need to take these tests and feel good that there are going to be no surprises.”

Learn more about why Cardigan uses 91ÁÔĆć:

Ěý´Ú°ů´ÇłľĚýĚý´Ç˛ÔĚý.

Originally published on June 7, 2019. Updated on December 19, 2025.

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ISEE Time Management Strategy for Higher Scores /blog/isee-time-management-strategy-for-higher-scores/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 21:32:49 +0000 /?p=4190 On a fast-paced timed test like the ISEE, you need to be able to effectively manage your time in order to score as many points as possible. Since every question on the test is worth the same amount of points, here's our advice for maximizing your score:

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On a timed test like the ISEE, time management is key. Because every question on the test is worth the same number of points, it’s important to make sure that you have the opportunity to answer every question.Ěý

In summary:

  1. Don’t spend too much time on difficult questions.
    If you don’t know the answer, mark that question and come back to it later. Spending too much time on the hard questions means that you won’t have enough time to answer the easy questions.

  2. Quickly decide whether a question may or may not be worth your time.
    As soon as you read the question, decide whether you’re going to answer it now or move on and come back to it later.

  3. If you have extra time at the end, revisit the questions you left unanswered.
    After you’ve answered all the easy questions, go back to the hard questions you skipped. If you’re still not sure, narrow down the answer choices by eliminating the ones you know are wrong and then make your best guess. Check out ISEE Math guessing strategies here.

  4. Leave two minutes at the end to bubble in any incomplete answers.Ěý
    There is no wrong answer penalty on the ISEE, so make sure to answer every question!

Improving your time management skills takes practice, and the best way to practice is by taking practice tests! Be sure to try out this time management strategy the next time you take an ISEE practice test.Ěý

You can to improve your time management (and your scores)!Ěý

Originally published on June 13, 2017. Updated on January 7, 2025.

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Equitable Use of ISEE Scores /blog/equitable-use-of-isee-scores/ Thu, 05 Dec 2024 21:58:07 +0000 /?p=14926 Assessing students for admission into independent and private schools can be a challenge. The ISEE is just one component used when reviewing applicants. Find out if you're using the ISEE in a fair and unbiased way!

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As schools continue to evaluate the role of assessment in the admission process, it is more important than ever to focus on best practices for the equitable use of ISEE.Ěý

The events of the past few years have caused a seismic shift in many schools’ use of admission testing. For some schools, the limited access to admission testing during the pandemic led to test-blind or test-optional policies. For others, the concerns raised about fairness and equity in admission testing (informed by trends in higher education) led to the elimination of the use of admission testing in their process.Ěý

My experience as an admission professional of 30+ years informed my belief that admission assessment is critical in the independent school admission process; however, the assessment must be used carefully, thoughtfully, and within a comprehensive process that includes both objective and subjective measures.Ěý

Admission assessment is the one objective measure in an inherently subjective process that is difficult, if not impossible, to replace. If schools employ a “gateway” philosophy (i.e., look for reasons to admit a student) as opposed to a “gatekeeper” philosophy (i.e., look for reasons to deny admission to a student), admission assessment is a critical tool that enables them to enroll a diverse group of mission-appropriate students who will succeed in their school.

It is fair for admission professionals to ask “How can we ensure that our use of ISEE in our admission process is fair and unbiased? How can we actually look for reasons to admit a student and employ a gateway approach?”

Below are some key points of focus for any school’s admission committee on the equitable use of ISEE scores in your process:

  1. As we have already said, admission assessment is an objective measure in an inherently subjective process.. However, an ISEE test score should not be used as the sole determinant of an admission decision. Admission officials should consider ISEE scores along with multiple sources of information, including students’ coursework and grades, letters of recommendation from teachers, personal statements, interviews, and observations during school visits. These are important sources of insight for determining an applicant’s fit for a school.Ěý

  2. ISEE scores should also be considered within the overall context of the student’s application. How strong is the student’s current school? What opportunities for learning has the student had outside of their school community? Does the student have adults who support them in their educational journey? Questions such as these can bring important information to the forefront of an admission decision.Ěý

  3. Students applying to independent schools are often high achieving. Therefore, ĚýISEE norm groups are generally made up of competitive students.Ěý Admission teams must understand the overall range of ISEE scores. In addition, admission professionals and committee members should be familiar with the skills measured by the ISEE test. This allows them to weigh section scores as they consider a student’s fit with their school’s curriculum.Ěý

  4. The ISEE is designed to showcase a student’s strengths in different areas; each subscore measures a unique aspect of a student’s readiness for an independent school. A composite score, consisting of each subscore added together, lacks this information and should not be used. ERB advises that schools consider each subscore when evaluating a candidate’s fit for a school, rather than creating a less-illuminating composite score. Over time, attention to ISEE subscores allows admission officials to track how well those scores align with academic performance at their own school.

  5. Students may take the ISEE once per testing season (Fall, Winter, and Spring). Research on college admission supports the efficacy of “super scoring,” or using the best score from each section across multiple testing events. These higher subscores reflect that retaking the test is a predictor of successful outcomes. This practice can be applied to ISEE test scores and we recommend using the best subscores from each ISEE test taken.

ERB is embracing the future of admission assessment as part of an overall admission process focused on equity for all. Following these best practices regarding the use of ISEE in your process can help center equity in the admission committee discussions at your school.

For more information on how you can equitably use the ISEE as a part of your school’s admission process, read about ERB’s initiative.

Start preparing today!

ACT
SAT

Molly Green

Molly Moore Green is the Senior Director, Admission Programs for ERB. Previously, she worked for 32 years at Severn School in Maryland with responsibilities in all aspects of independent school management. Her roles at the school included Director of Alumni/Annual Giving, middle school English teacher, Director of Admissions/Financial Aid, Director of Summer Programs, Director of External Relations, Director of Advancement, and Director of Enrollment and Outreach, with many years of overall responsibility for the public relations, communication, admission/enrollment, and other revenue generating departments of the school. She believes in the power of data to help schools make better decisions on behalf of students.

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Why the Interview is Important (And Why It’s Important to Prepare!) /blog/why-the-interview-is-important-and-why-its-important-to-prepare/ Fri, 27 Sep 2024 18:31:58 +0000 /?p=14118 The interview can be an intimidating part of applying to independent schools, but it's an incredibly important part of process. Being prepared will help you to interview with confidence!

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It’s no surprise that the interview is one of the most challenging parts of the admissions process to independent and private schools. It can be intimidating to talk about yourself under such a big spotlight!Ěý

But the interview is arguably one of the most important aspects of the admissions process—for both the family and the school—so you’ll want to make sure that you are prepared.

Why the Interview Is So Important

Paints a Complete Picture

The interview allows admission officers to gain a holistic view of the applicant. While academic records and test scores provide a quantitative snapshot of a student’s capabilities and achievements, the interview offers a qualitative perspective, revealing deeper insights into the student’s personality, interests, and potential fit within the school community.Ěý

Many students have talents and passions that are not reflected in their academic records. The interview can uncover these hidden strengths, whether they lie in the arts, sports, leadership, or other areas. Recognizing these attributes allows schools to build a diverse and dynamic student body.

Through conversations, students can express their passions, interests, and unique perspectives, offering a more complete picture than what written essays and letters of recommendations can provide.

Gauge for Academic Success

Interviews also allow admissions teams to assess a student’s ability to articulate thoughts clearly, listen actively, and engage in meaningful conversation. These skills are essential not only for academic success but also for participating in classroom discussions, group projects, and extracurricular activities.

Character Assessment

Character development is a cornerstone of many independent schools. Interviews provide a window into a student’s character, including their integrity, empathy, leadership potential, and resilience. These qualities are considered when determining how a student might contribute to the school community and benefit from the educational experience provided.

Self-Reflection

The interview process encourages students to reflect on their own experiences, goals, and aspirations. It pushes them to think about why they are interested in the particular school, what they hope to achieve, and how they plan to contribute. This self-reflection is valuable not only for the admissions process but also for the student’s personal growth. After all, this is the first time in their lives that they are taking responsibility for the direction of their learning!

Personal Connection

Interviews establish a personal connection between the applicant and the admissions team. This connection can be vital for students who may feel more comfortable and confident knowing that the school recognizes and values them as individuals, not just as numbers or statistics.

Parent/Guardian Participation

Finally, interviews often include a component where parents/guardians are involved. This helps the school understand the family’s educational values and expectations. It also provides parents/guardians an opportunity to ask questions and better understand the school’s philosophy and community.Ěý

Why It’s Important to Practice for the InterviewĚý

Calm Your Nerves

Even the most outgoing people find interviews nerve-wracking. The best way to calm your nerves is to practice. Make sure to practice your answers out loud, so that you can get comfortable with the way you deliver your response.ĚýĚý

Learn How to Provide Details

During an interview, it’s not enough to just answer the question. You want to make sure that you provide a reason for your answer, and this requires some practice. For example, if you’re asked, “What is your favorite subject in school?” it’s not a good idea to simply say, “I like science.” because it doesn’t help the interviewer get to know you. So make sure to include “because” whenever you respond. “I like science because…”Ěý

Get Comfortable Talking About Yourself

While it’s important to be humble, the interview is your opportunity to shine, so don’t be afraid to talk about your accomplishments! If you don’t practice talking about yourself, it can be easy to downplay your achievements and skills. You want to make sure the interviewer gets a true picture of who you are, and that requires you to talk about yourself.Ěý

Cover Important Points

It’s a good idea to think about a few things that you want to make sure you cover during the interview. These could be things that aren’t in your application or things that you want to expand on. It’s likely that you’ll have the chance to talk about these points in your responses, but in case you don’t, the interviewer will ask you at the end if there’s anything else you want to share. It’s helpful to practice talking about these important points, so that when the opportunity presents itself, you’ll be ready.Ěý

Demonstrate Interest

Coming prepared for your interviews signals to the school that you are a serious and engaged candidate. Make sure to research the school beforehand, so that you can talk about specific offerings at the school that interest you. After researching the school, come up with a few questions that you’d like to ask. Remember that the interview is also your chance to get to know the school better. 

The interview is a critical element of the independent school admissions process, serving as a bridge between the applicant’s documented achievements and their personal story. It ensures that schools select students who are not only academically capable but also a good fit for their unique environment.Ěý

Preparing for the interview will ensure that you are able to put your best foot forward and show the school who you truly are, and it will give you the opportunity to make sure that the school is a good fit for you.

Start preparing today!

ACT
SAT

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Creating a Test Prep Study Plan: ISEE and SSAT /blog/creating-a-test-prep-study-plan-isee-ssat/ Tue, 18 Jun 2024 19:58:40 +0000 /?p=12323 Whether your test date is months away or next week, you may be wondering how to create a study plan that helps you maximize your time and achieve success on test day. Regardless of where you are in the preparation process, we’ve got you covered with a strategic roadmap that will guide you through the […]

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Whether your test date is months away or next week, you may be wondering how to create a study plan that helps you maximize your time and achieve success on test day. Regardless of where you are in the preparation process, we’ve got you covered with a strategic roadmap that will guide you through the process and help you ace your test with confidence.

No matter where you are in your preparation journey, follow this simple 3 step process:

Step 1. Take a practice test

  • Tip #1: For the first practice test, take the entire test in one sitting to get the most accurate diagnostics.
  • Tip #2: For subsequent practice tests, take another full-length test or complete specific test sections that need the most work.
  • Tip #3: Practice taking the test in the same format that you’ll have on test day (either on the computer or on paper).
  • Tip #4: Make sure the test is timed to simulate accurate testing conditions and to develop critical time management skills.
  • Tip #5: Treat these practice tests as dress rehearsals for the real deal, simulating testing conditions as closely as possible—that means no phones or other distractions (TV, music, food).

Step 2: Review your results

  • Tip #1: Identify areas for improvement by reviewing your performance by question subtype.

  • Tip #2: Evaluate your time management skills by reviewing your timing graph to see which questions you spent too much or too little time on.

  • Tip #3: Go through each section, question by question, to see your correct and incorrect answers.

    Ěý

  • Tip #4: Study the answer explanations for the questions you got wrong, skipped, or guessed on (even if you got them right).



Step 3. Complete targeted practice

  • Tip #1: Focus on the areas that need the most improvement first. The subtype review from the previous step will help with this!
  • Tip #2: Focus on only one section per study session.
  • Tip #3: Don’t forget to practice for the essay section. Even though the essay isn’t scored, it is the section that schools often value the most.

For more information on how to practice, check out The 3 Steps to a Successful Test Prep Plan.

Now that you know how to practice, let’s dive into creating a study plan based on how far out your test date is.Ěý

4-6 Months Out

Practice tests: one test every three to four weeksĚý
Targeted practice: 30-45 mins two to three times per week

At this stage, you have the luxury of time on your side, so use it wisely! With ample time before your test, it can be easy to fall into the procrastination trap. The best way to avoid this is to create a realistic study schedule and stick with it.Ěý

We recommend taking a practice test every 3-4 weeks, and then doing targeted practice 2-3 times per week in between. For these targeted practice sessions, aim to practice for 30-45 mins. Ěý

It’s important to pace yourself, so that you don’t get burned out. In addition to avoiding burn out, spacing out your study session promotes long-term learning. Long-term learning allows you to retain the information better, so that you can recall what you’ve learned on test day more easily. To learn more about the benefits of long-term studying, check out 3 Reasons to Start Studying Now.Ěý

It’s important to assess your skills regularly by taking practice tests. Practice tests not only help you track your progress but also identify areas where you need further practice.

2-3 Months Out

Practice tests: one test every other week or every week
Targeted practice: 30-45 mins three to four times per week

If you’ve already started practicing, increase the frequency of your practice tests to every other week or every week depending on your performance and goals. This will help with your timing and stamina as you approach test day. If you’re just getting started with your preparations, don’t panic! Following a sample schedule like the one above will put you on the right track.

During this phase, pay close attention to your performance analytics from each practice test. Identify patterns of strength and weakness, and adjust your study plan accordingly to allocate more time to the topics that you struggle with most.

1 Month Out

Practice tests: one test every week
Targeted practice: 45-60 mins three to four times per week

With just a month to go, it’s crunch time! Whether you’re a seasoned studier or just beginning to dip your toes into test preparation, your focus should be on fine-tuning your skills and honing your test-taking strategies. We suggest ramping up your practice test frequency to once a week to stay focused during the final stretch.

Use these practice tests not only to gauge your progress but also to simulate the test day experience in its entirety. Practice your time management skills and focus on building your endurance. Review each practice test thoroughly, analyzing your mistakes and identifying areas for improvement.

In addition to practice tests, incorporate targeted review sessions to reinforce weak areas and solidify your strengths. We recommend incorporating 45-60 minute study sessions between your practice tests.

<2 Weeks Out

Practice tests: one test one week before test day
Targeted practice: 60 mins three to four times per week

Ssample Schedule <2 Weeks Out

As you enter the final stretch before test day, focus on fine-tuning your skills and further building your confidence. Take one final practice test to assess your readiness and identify any last-minute areas for improvement. Use this test as an opportunity to simulate the test-day experience and practice implementing your strategies under pressure.

In the days leading up to the test, prioritize self-care and relaxation to ensure that you’re mentally and physically prepared. Review key concepts and strategies, but avoid cramming or overloading yourself with new information. Trust in the preparation you’ve done and approach test day with confidence and positivity!

Wondering how you can best prepare yourself the day before your test? Check out our advice on What to Do 24 Hours Before Your Test!

By creating a study plan, you can maximize your preparation and increase your chances of success on test day. Remember to stay focused, stay disciplined, and stay positive throughout your journey. With dedication and perseverance, we know you can achieve your goals. Good luck!

Start practicing for your admissions tests today!

SAT
ACT

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91ÁÔĆć Partners With ERB, Publisher of the ISEE, to Become the Only Endorsed ISEE Prep Program /blog/test-innovators-only-endorsed-isee-prep/ Tue, 16 Jun 2020 22:19:00 +0000 /?p=1598 91ÁÔĆć and ERB, publisher of the ISEE, have teamed up to ensure that every student has access to high-quality test preparation tools. Our organizations believe in the importance of leveling the playing field for all test takers, decreasing test-related anxiety through familiarization, and empowering students to use test prep as a learning tool. Test […]

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91ÁÔĆć and ERB, publisher of the ISEE, have teamed up to ensure that every student has access to high-quality test preparation tools. Our organizations believe in the importance of leveling the playing field for all test takers, decreasing test-related anxiety through familiarization, and empowering students to use test prep as a learning tool.

91ÁÔĆć’ interactive platform features full-length practice tests with immediate scoring, time management feedback, a personalized prep plan, targeted practice exercises, skill-building videos, and more.

All students can now take ERB’s free What to Expect sample test on the 91ÁÔĆć platform. There are also three upgrade options that offer full-length ISEE practice tests and other valuable prep resources. Our Advanced Package includes a retired ISEE test from ERB. Check out all of ourĚý.

In support of our mission to create equitable opportunities for all, students with ISEE fee waivers will have free access to all of our online preparation resources. If you have a fee waiver, learnĚýto get free access to our platform.

In addition to supporting students directly, ISEE preparation resources are also available to schools and access organizations. Our Educator Tools empower teachers and tutors to analyze student performance and engagement, and to track their students’ progress over time.Ěý.

This partnership furthers 91ÁÔĆć’ mission to provide equitable opportunities to all students as they strive for their academic goals. Learn more about our partnership atĚý.

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The 3 Steps to a Successful Test Prep Plan /blog/3-steps-of-test-prep/ Wed, 20 May 2020 21:02:00 +0000 /?p=1754 Test preparation is an iterative process. Each practice test serves as a benchmark of progress and as a roadmap for what to work on next. Approach 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 task, test preparation is a process that requires time, dedication, and perseverance.

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Are you preparing for an admissions test? Follow our simple, 3-step plan to achieve test success!

1. Take a full-length practice test!

The initial practice test serves as a diagnostic and is the jumping-off point for the preparation process. It’s best to take this test as early as possible, but it is never too late. No matter how close your test date is, a practice test will help you know what to expect and provide familiarity with the test’s style, difficulty, and content.
To get the most accurate diagnosis, you should take the test in an environment that simulates test day. Sit at a desk in a quiet area with no distractions (TV, food, other people, etc.) and follow the break schedule for the test. Check out the breakdown for the SSAT and ISEE and for the ACT and SAT.

2. Review practice test results.

Our scoring algorithm uses data from thousands of other students to deliver highly accurate scores. You will receive scaled scores, personal score ranges, and percentiles or stanines for each section. Additionally, section results will be broken down by difficulty and subtype and question-by-question time allotment.
The review process is possibly the most important step. Start with overall trends first. Which sections went well, and in which sections would you like to see improvement? Then, consider time management. Did you manage your time effectively on each section? Did you run out of time to answer all of the questions, or did you rush through the section?

3. Do targeted practice.

This is the step at which all of the learning takes place! After you have reflected on your test results, go back through the test and review every question you answered incorrectly or skipped. Read the answer explanation and make sure you know how to do that question if you were to see something similar again. Then, practice those specific question types until you feel confident with those skills.

Repeat!

Test preparation is an iterative process. Each practice test serves as a benchmark of progress and as a roadmap for what to work on next. Reviewing and studying between practice tests promotes growth and improvement. After you review your test results and practice the questions you missed, take another practice test to gauge your progress and determine what areas may require additional practice.

Approach 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 task, test preparation is a process that requires time, dedication, and perseverance.

Get started with your test prep today!

ACT
SAT

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

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How Good Is Your Time Management? Find Out With Our Detailed Analytics. /blog/test-innovators-time-management/ Tue, 25 Feb 2020 19:57:00 +0000 /?p=2175 Time management is an essential skill on standardized tests, like the SSAT, ISEE, ACT, and SAT. The timing restriction is one aspect of the test designed to challenge students, but with practice you can gain the skills and strategies to master it. To help students learn effective time management, 91ÁÔĆć provides a detailed timing graph for every section of the test. The timing graph shows how you allocated your time question by question.

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Time management is an essential skill on standardized tests, like the SSAT, ISEE, ACT, and SAT. The timing restriction is one aspect of the test designed to challenge students, but with practice you can gain the skills and strategies to master it.

91ÁÔĆć helps students prepare for every component of the test. Learning test-taking strategies and skills, especially effective time management, is an important part of preparing for the test.

To help students learn effective time management, 91ÁÔĆć provides a detailed timing graph for every section of the test. The timing graph shows how you allocated your time question by question. The graph also shows when you

  • went back to review a question
  • changed your answer
  • paused the section

The timing graph makes it easy to analyze your time management, so you can master this critical test-taking skill.

91ÁÔĆć also provides:

  • normative score reports, so you know exactly where you stand.
  • diagnostic tools that categorize questions by difficulty and subtype, so you can quickly identify and prioritize areas that need improvement.
  • a Personalized Prep Plan that provides recommendations for next steps based on your performance, so you know what to do next.

Get started with your test prep today!

ACT
SAT

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

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How to Succeed on the SSAT: Part II /blog/how-to-succeed-on-the-ssat-part-ii/ Wed, 17 Sep 2014 13:24:00 +0000 /?p=4120 The first thing to know for the Middle or Upper level SSAT is when to guess. You need to understand each question well enough to be able to cross off at least one answer choice. Otherwise, omit the question as there is a ÂĽ point guessing penalty.

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General Tips

When to Guess

The first thing to know for the Middle or Upper level SSAT isĚýwhen to guess. You need to understand each question well enough to be able to cross off at least one answer choice. Otherwise, omit the question as there is a ÂĽ point guessing penalty.

How to Bubble (if you’re taking the test on paper)

Bubble-in Separately

Unless you are running out of time in a section, we recommend bubbling in a whole page in your test booklet and THEN giving all your attention to properly bubbling in your answer sheet. You must give your whole attention to each number to ensure that you bubble-in the letter you have chosen for question 8 into the bubble for question 8, etc. In test prep weĚýagain and againĚýsee students who miss points by inaccurately bubbling. In fact, ALMOST ALL students do this at some point in prep: create good habits so you do not inaccurately bubble on the real exam!

Quantitative Sections

Write down and reread

When reading SSAT math problems, underline and write down important information. Write down your calculations. After you’ve decided on an answer, brieflyĚýrereadĚýthe problem before bubbling your answer.

Using Answer Choices

You will often use answer choices to solve the trickiest SSAT math problems. However, note how wrong answers choices are made by test writers: wrong answers are often common calculation errors or mistakes. For example, if a word problem requires 3 steps to complete, it is likely that after 2 steps, your partial answer will be one of the wrong answer choices. If you see it there and forget toĚýrereadĚýthe problem, you may pick it and move on!

Possible Solutions

Note that some tricky SSAT problems present a scenario and then ask you which of the answer choices is aĚýpossibleĚýsolution. The word POSSIBLE is important here because sometimes the correct answer is not necessarily the most obvious possible solution. The problem may simply not mention the obvious answer in its answer choices. So before you assume that there is an error with the exam or simply omit the question, check to see if you can find other, less obvious possible solutions.

Confidence and Creativity

Solving the most difficult math problems on any standardized test will likely require confidence, as some may appear foreign. Breathe and invite in your creativity. While creativity can harm you in Reading Comprehension (don’t be creative, just go back to the passage!), in math, creativity allows you to playfully approach unfamiliar problems. Depending on your experience, it is possible that there are SSAT math problems for which you do not “know the math” (for these, omit!). However, for many questions you may know enough math but be intimidated by a strange presentation, phrasing, or diagram. So for tricky math problems, until you give up and omit them, assume you know enough and approach them as puzzles. What could the question mean or be asking? How can you apply the concepts you know? Ěý Find all of our SSAT practice materials atĚýSSATpracticetest.com!

Get started with your test prep today!

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How to Succeed on the SSAT: Part I /blog/how-to-succeed-on-the-ssat-part-i/ Tue, 16 Sep 2014 20:31:00 +0000 /?p=4038 Reading Comprehension (RC) is about understanding what you are reading. You do not need outside information to do well on this section. You also do not need to be experienced in the topic of any given passage. Creativity may harm more than help. What you need to do is cover the answer choices and think up answers in your head based on the PASSAGE.

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Reading Comprehension Section

Cover Up Answer Choices

Reading Comprehension (RC) is about understanding what you are reading. You do not need outside information to do well on this section. You also do not need to be experienced in the topic of any given passage. Creativity may harm more than help. What you need to do is cover the answer choices and think up answers in your head based on the PASSAGE.ĚýThe passage contains your answers and you want to read the provided answers only when necessary.ĚýWhy? Because wrong answer choices are meant to be tricky! The biggest SSAT trick is:Ěýdo not let wrong answers trick you!ĚýIn non-math sections, this means you should (1) think up your answer before reading answers and (2) eliminate worse answer choices, whenever possible!

True/False

For the couple of RC question types that cannot be solved by covering answer choices (such as, “Which of the following is…” or “All of the following do…. EXCEPT”), solve by reading through the answer choices and marking each one true or false (T or F); students who do this accurately will be left with just one T or F among several of the opposite – this “odd one out” is your best answer.

Verbal Section

Synonyms

Read the capitalized word. If you have no idea what it means, omit the question. It is important that students do not spend too much time on the synonyms as the analogies will take more time (and can be easier because they offer more context). Synonyms can be done quickly but can be impossible when the vocabulary is unfamiliar. However, with time you can become familiar with enough words and word roots to significantly increase your score in this section. So, study vocabulary and read books that challenge you!

Analogies

Learn the different types of SSAT analogy relationships; synonyms, antonyms, greater/lesser, one of a type, etc. This will help your brain to understand and classify analogies as you come across them. Remember that your strategy is to make up a sentence for the question words that describesĚýtheir relationship. You then compare this relationship to the relationships between the answer choice words. Note that order matters:ĚýKitten is to catĚýis NOT the same relationship asĚýdog is to puppy.ĚýDon’t let SSAT analogies trick you!
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Find all of our SSAT practice materials atĚýSSATpracticetest.com!

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