Practice tests
Dates in fall of 2021 will be announced as they are determined.
Additional practice tests will be scheduled according to demand.
Each test takes about three hours and costs $200 and will be held at Thai’s. The fee covers the proctoring of the test, snacks at the test and quick results of the test. We've created each test based on the feedback of prior students, so it is unique and accurate. We are also the only company I know of that lets you KEEP and USE the test to study from (instead of simply relaying a score). We recommend taking a practice test for two main reasons:
1: The Experience: The standardized tests are long and are similar to running a marathon, they take preparation. Taking a practice test on a Sunday morning is not fun, but it will make the real test so much less intimidating. It also gives students the opportunity to put test-taking skills they’ve been learning into action.
2: The Results: The results of the practice test will be used to guide further study. A student may have done very well in math or poorly in time management: no matter the results, the test itself will be a powerful tool in helping the student and their tutor to increase the value of their time together. We are the only company I know if that uses the practice test to study from, rather than just a score.
REGISTRATION FOR THE ISEE IS PLANNED TO OPEN AUGUST FIRST. Please check the website to get the test dates you want. Again, I recommend registering for the test twice: once before the last day of November and once after. Also: please refer to the ERB website: www.erblearn.org – there is a wealth of information about the test and the way it is graded. We also encourage you to contact the company directly with further questions.
If you want to sign your child up for the practice test, please send me an email including your child’s full name, and their grade.
We’ll meet downstairs in the main lobby and I’ll walk everyone upstairs together. Please bring a snack, bottle of water and watch. Also, please inform your child who is going to pick them up and equip them with that person’s phone number to call with a 30 minute warning.
Timing for ISEE:
· Please arrive at 10 am sharp, as we will start promptly. I’ll meet everyone in the bottom floor lobby
· The test should take about 3 hours (30 minutes shorter for lower level kids).
· We will call you before the last portion of the test, the essay, to tell you they will be finished in 30 minutes.
· Expect this call between 12:30 and 1:00 and plan to arrive to pick them up 30 minutes later.
· Please make sure your child has the number where you can be reached.
Timing for SSAT:
• Total time is about 3 hours.
• We’ll call you with a 30 minute warning.
Timing for HSPT:
• Total time is about 2.5 hours.
• We’ll call you with a 30 minute warning - expect to pick up between 12:30 and 1 pm
Timing for ACT/SAT:
• Total time is about 3 hours and 20 min without the essay, and 4 hours and 20 min with the essay.
• We’ll call you about an hour before the test is over. Expect to pick up between 1 and 1:30
• Bring a calculator - not a phone!
What to Bring:
· Please bring at least 3 pencils, an eraser and two pens and a check for $200 made out to abacus LLC
· The essay portion of the ISEE must be written in blue or black ink. The best erasable pen I’ve seen is the Pilot Frixion. It is worth checking out for the essay!
· A watch, a bottle of water and a snack
· Please also bring a sweater or sweatshirt.
This is a long test and it is important to go to bed early and eat breakfast before you come. We want to create the most ideal atmosphere for your child to do her or his best.
We will keep all the tests to score them. We will get the test to your respective tutors who will review the test with your student. An approximate score will be included – please know we cannot accurately foreshadow your child’s future score – it is useful as a guide to help them study. For more information on how the ISEE is scored, review the information on www.erblearn.org I recommend looking at Understanding the Individualized Student Report and Appendix A: ISEE Content and Specifications.