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.
Though it takes more effort, the research shows that more difficult retrieval of information, when successful, is better for long term memory than easier retrieval.
So, if you are taking a difficult test like an admissions test, the best way to prepare is to take several practice tests. In between each practice test, it’s important to analyze your results and review the material you didn’t know. Learn more about the three steps of test preparation.
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 wrote about here.
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Scott Duddy is the Director of Admissions and Enrollment at Dexter Southfield and the former Associate Director of Secondary School Counseling at The Fessenden School in Newton, MA. As a dedicated educator with over ten years of admissions and teaching experience, he actively engaged with students and families to understand...
Cardigan Mountain School is one of many schools across the country that uses Test Innovators to help their students prepare for their next step. They recently shared the story of why they chose Test Innovators as the best partner to help their students achieve success on the SSAT.
You took the ISEE, but when you get your scores back, they aren’t what you were hoping for. So you wonder, “Can I take the test again?” Yes, you can retake the ISEE. There are three testing seasons in every 12-month admission cycle, and you can take the test once...
Time management is one of the keys to success on the ISEE/SSAT. Attempting timed sections can be less daunting with our simple time management strategy:
We are delighted to introduce Roger, one of our 2023 scholars. Through hard work and perseverance, Roger increased his ISEE score by 3%, scoring in the 99th percentile overall!
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?
We are excited to introduce Owen, one of our 2021 scholars. Owen’s hard work and determination enabled him to score in the 91st percentile on the ISEE!
