Standardized Testing: Preparing for Prep

If your child is one of the millions of students returning to the classroom this month, there’s a good chance that entrance exams – whether for private high school or college – are on your mind. Countless students enroll in test prep courses to improve their study habits and boost their scores, but many don’t spend enough time researching to identify the best test prep course to meet their needs. Planning for test preparation courses may seem like overkill, but it can save families time, aggravation, and even money in the long run.

For all of their well-documented faults, entrance exams are as important as ever, as they provide institutions with a common way to compare applicants. These tests are a headache for many because they are far outside the comfort zone of typical classroom tests. While that can make them intimidating, the good news is that the tests are also highly coachable. All standardized tests share core elements and rely on the same tricks– confusing questions, trap answers, insufficient time and a high-pressure environment— to trip up test takers. Through preparation and practice, the tests become second-nature and students with experience taking private high school entrance exams like the SSAT or ISEE often perform better on the PSAT, SAT and ACT college entrance exams.

Prep courses are essential to demystify the test, identify a student’s weaknesses and learn new study and test-taking tactics. To pick the course and format that fits your child best, there are many factors to consider:

How much help do we need? Some students naturally test well on standardized exams, while others need more preparation and guidance. A good way to determine your starting point is to take a diagnostic practice exam (available in many testing books) or take your classroom success in math, science and English into consideration.

How much can we spend? Test-prep courses vary in price, frequency and format. There are large- and small-group options and one-on-one tutors, and students can attend as frequently as desired, from multiple sessions per week to weekly or biweekly meetings. But when building your test prep budget, don’t forget the fees associated with sitting for each exam.

Who should we hire? There are test-prep services available for every budget and level of need. Many high schools offer classes through their counseling departments, and a little research will drum up local tutors and test prep centers. Many commercial vendors, such as The Princeton Review, also offer renowned courses.

Remember: when preparing for a standardized entrance exam, time is of the essence. Get started early, create a schedule for studying and practice tests, and stick to it!  Hard work will lead to increased confidence and better scores. To research your target schools and learn more about their standardized testing requirements, check out Private School Innovator’s (PSI) Private School Forum, September 29 in Needham, where more than 60 independent schools, ranging from elementary to high school, will have representatives available to speak with students and families.

Good luck!