Preparing for the ISEE & SSAT
If your student is preparing to take the ISEE/SSAT they may be overwhelmed. Exams in general are often stress inducing. This is especially true given the importance of the exams in placing your students in your first-choice elementary, junior high, or high school. Though these tests are difficult, there are a few tips that can help your student be as prepared as possible.
Don’t wait until the last minute to study. We have all crammed for exams before and we know that this approach leads to high stress and low results. Preparing for the exams in advance gives your student the time and space necessary to learn the materials and to be confident in their ability to do well. Ivy Link students typically begin preparing 4-6 months prior to their official exams.
Set a consistent study schedule. Study habits are an essential part of preparing for any test. Work out a daily or weekly schedule for your student to follow. Start slowly with thirty to forty minutes of studying at a time and work up to longer, more vigorous study sessions.
Timed practice tests are essential to effective test preparation. Full-length practice tests give your student a chance to experience the conditions of the exam in a controlled environment, and they prepare your student for the kinds of questions that may be asked on the exam. Again, this gives your student a boost of confidence while also reducing any surprises on the day of the actual exam. Register for a full-length diagnostic ISEE or SSAT with Ivy Link here.
Read as much as possible. Not every student loves reading. However, reading is the best way to build a student’s vocabulary and engage your student in the critical thinking skills that will help them score high on the exams.
Schedule the exam earlier than necessary. This allows the student enough time to take the exam more than once. Students are allowed to take the exam three times per test year, once per testing window. Scheduling the exam early allows your student the opportunity to take the exam more than once before applying to schools.
The list above is not intended to be comprehensive. They are just a few tips to help your student begin preparing for the exams. For expert tutoring and guidance on applying to private schools, contact Ivy Link or register for a full-length diagnostic today.
