Test Prep
Programs to improve your child’s scores – and mindset.
OUR CUSTOM APPROACH
We consider each student as an individual, weighing their academic and extracurricular commitments as well as stress levels and family calendar in order to recommend an optimal timeline for practice tests and official exams. Now that so many students repeatedly sit for standardized tests, we help them navigate a strategic path to the best possible portfolio of scores.
SIMULATED TEST CONDITIONS
We emphasize the importance of strategically timed practice tests (currently conducted virtually). Full-length practice exams help students and tutors establish baseline numbers, further refine test strategies and target realistic score goals throughout the process. These experiences boost stamina and focus, generate continued motivation for improvement, and maximize performance.
For students with test accommodations, practice exams provide critical experience with requested and approved accommodations in a no-risk environment.
Please contact us to determine the optimal timing for practice tests.
GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS
Some students make rapid improvements, while others experience slower progress. Although we do not guarantee specific scores, we use performance trends on practice exams to help families align expectations as official test dates draw near.
Students who consistently complete homework typically experience more dramatic score improvements. If students do the work, commit to the process, and utilize their new test-taking techniques, they will start to see positive changes in their scores. Our tutors work hard to help students remain positive and focused on skill-building without losing perspective.
SAT/ACT
We help students make smart choices when planning for these standardized tests. This includes weighing the pros and cons of the SAT and ACT, especially in light of the growing number of test-optional schools, and utilizing practice exams to decide which tests to take and when. Academic planning for AP exams and finals is also considered.
We backward plan with students to build out session frequency and length as well as weekly homework expectations. A student typically meets once per week for 1.5-2 hours, with an additional 1.5-2 hours of weekly homework.
In order to build confidence and momentum, our educators partner with students to achieve realistic score goals. Students who prove they can meet their initial targets are encouraged to raise their scores even higher as time permits.
testing in the test-optional era
If you have a teen who is preparing for or thinking about applying to college, you are likely aware that some colleges and universities are test optional or even test blind when it comes to ACTs and SATs. But what does that mean? Should students with learning differences, test anxiety, or struggles with test-taking in general take these tests?
Annika Guy is the Director of Independent Study and SAT/ACT programming at Hayutin Education and a valued ChildNEXUS member. And while they know so much about test-optional and test-blind colleges and universities, they are here to tell us that it is a constantly changing landscape. We’ve definitely entered a new era of college acceptance processes and even the tests themselves have gone through some evolution over the last several years.
So if you and your teen are considering colleges, we now need to answer the question: to test or not to test?
ISEE
ISEE students are eligible to take the exam up to three times, sitting only once per testing season
(Fall: August – November, Winter: December – March, and Spring: April – July).
Our recommendations vary greatly depending on the student and start date of preparation, but we generally suggest one or two sittings, fall and/or winter. The spring testing season is typically irrelevant except for students applying after regular admissions deadlines.
Our comprehensive ISEE curriculum is updated annually to address any changes to the exam. Content, scope and overall rigor for all three levels of the test remain a key focus. Each student receives a custom path and timeline with carefully curated materials. Because our students must be prepared for computer-based testing, we focus heavily on digital content to better simulate a virtual test experience. On an as-needed basis, we also recommend supplemental materials for additional practice and skill building.
We provide students with a broad overview of the exam’s content and format with an eye on essential test strategies and skill building. As with all of our test prep programs, simulated practice exams help us establish a baseline performance and set the course for strategic score climbing. Most ISEE students commit to 1.5 to 2 hour sessions once per week with an additional 1.5-2 hours of weekly homework.
Because independent day school admissions has become increasingly competitive, we highly encourage our clients to cast a wide net of viable school options. Referrals for school placement consultants are available upon request. No matter what their scores, students who complete our program take with them valuable skills in timed writing, critical reading, math and general test taking strategies.
Please contact us to determine the optimal timing for your student’s custom test prep plan.
SSAT & HSPT
We also provide one-on-one test prep for students considering boarding and parochial schools. With additional programs available for the SSAT and HSPT, we can support students for all secondary school admissions tests requirements.
Most independent day schools still request the ISEE, but others now accept the SSAT. Fortunately for those students preparing for more than one placement exam, there is a good deal of crossover in terms of content and strategy between the ISEE, SSAT and HSPT exams. Our tutors also address distinct differences among these assessments.
To prepare for any initial exam type, the average student requires a minimum of 12-14 weeks of consistent weekly prep. With an additional handful of sessions, students successfully pivot from one exam type to another without losing valuable time. Sessions are typically scheduled for at least 1.5 hours per week, with an additional 1.5-2 hours of homework assigned per week.
Please contact us to formulate an individualized test prep plan for your student based on the schools your family is exploring.
Please contact us to determine the optimal timing for practice tests.
It is has been my absolute pleasure to recommend our families to Hayutin. I find they are big enough to be able to cover all of our families’ needs, yet small enough to be able to give each family 100% a personal touch. I know that when I recommend Amy and Matthew and their team, I never have to worry. Whether it is for ISEE testing or individual subject tutoring, I know our students will receive the very best.
– Beth Behar, Director of Admissions & School Placement at the Wise School
