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Standardized Test Prep

LTLS provides standardized test prep for the ISEE, SSAT, PSAT, SAT, and ACT. At LTLS, we have a unique approach to test prep. We seek to support students’ intellectual and emotional growth by building foundational skills and instilling a sense of confidence around standardized testing. We focus on building self-esteem and relieving test anxiety by emphasizing study skills, time management, and organizational strategies.

Our tutors take a holistic approach to best meet the individual needs of your student. If you are ready to register for our test prep services, please fill out our intake form for PSAT, ACT and SAT here. To register for SSAT and ISEE test prep, please fill out the SSAT/ISEE intake form. After completing the form, you will be paired with our test prep tutor(s) within approximately 1-2 business days.

If you’re unsure which test to take, want to know where your starting point is, or want to get familiar with the test through practice, we offer proctored mock tests throughout the year. Contact us to find out more.

SSAT/ISEE

The Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) and Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) are standardized tests that are required by most independent schools. Both of the tests measure a student’s performance in verbal, math, and reading comprehension skills, and scores are included with the application. Our tutors provide content review, tips and tricks, and focus on reducing stress so that students feel more confident and ready for test day. To register for SSAT or ISEE test prep services, please fill out our intake form.

SSAT/ISEE Questions

Typically, SSAT/ISEE test prep includes eight sessions in order to become acquainted with the structure of the test, learn test-taking strategies, and dive into the specific content covered on these tests. If your student only needs a preview of the test and its approach, we suggest four sessions in total, but we will work with you to customize services based on student need.

Students benefit from having their own books, and there are many options from which to choose. We recommend using the Princeton Review’s, Cracking the SSAT and ISEE, because the book offers content breakdown, specific drills, and practice tests. Tutors show students how to navigate the materials and direct them towards helpful exercises to practice in between sessions. If you have already purchased a different SSAT or ISEE test prep book, we will work with what you have. We are flexible!

Some independent schools prefer one test over the other. This information can be found in their admissions website. Fifth grade students taking the ISEE will take the lower level test, whereas fifth grade students taking the SSAT will take the middle level test. The ISEE does not penalize students for incorrect answers and offers four multiple choice answer options for each question. The middle and upper level SSAT tests, on the other hand, deduct 0.25 points for an incorrect answer and offer five multiple choice answer options. There are also some minor formatting and content differences. If your student is applying to a school that accepts both ISEE and SSAT and you are deciding between the two, we are happy to discuss the benefits of each.

ISEE SSAT
5th grade – takes lower level test 5th grade – takes middle level test
no penalty for incorrect answers 0.25 penalty for incorrect answers (middle and upper)
4 multiple choice answers 5 multiple choice answers

ACT & SAT

The ACT and SAT are standardized exams that many colleges use in their entrance process. While the test is only one part of a college application, for many students, it is an important piece. We recognize that the most crucial part of preparing for these tests is the reading, writing and math content students learn in school; however, learning about how to take the test is also critical. Our test-prep tutors are specifically trained in how to approach each test. In addition to content support, all of our students receive a comprehensive overview of testing strategies as well as a variety of services that best fit each student’s unique needs as outlined below. If you are unsure about the best approach for your student, please also indicate that on the intake form.

Tiers

  • Review the overall structure of the test timing and common content.
  • Receive a comprehensive overview of test-taking strategies.
  • Focus attention on specific questions.

Perfect for students who are seeking some last minute help, have very specific content needs, or desire a brief refresher before their next test.

  • Identify specific topics within sections of the test that students find most challenging.
  • Receive personalized instruction and homework on the desired areas of focus.
  • Receive an overview of testing strategies and skills for individual sections.

Perfect for students who have identified a specific area or section they would like to improve and have more time to dedicate to test prep.

Our suggested format, since it works best for most student needs:

  • A general structure of four sessions of math and four sessions of English with tutors specializing in each content area.
  • Diagnostic test to identify focus areas (if student does not have prior test score reports).
  • Personalized curriculum based on diagnostic test results.
  • Weekly homework tailored to the needs of the student.
  • In-depth overview of all sections of the test.
  • Option for a practice test prior to actual test.

Perfect for students who have not done significant test prep, would benefit from a comprehensive overview of the test, and are willing to dedicate time outside of sessions to improving their scores.

Twice per week for two months prior to the test:

  • Diagnostic test to identify focus areas (if student does not have prior test score reports).
  • Dependent on the diagnostic test results, we suggest a general structure of one math session and one English session per week with tutors specializing in each content area.
  • Personalized curriculum based on diagnostic test results.
  • Weekly homework tailored to the needs of the student.
  • In-depth overview of all sections of the test.
  • Students will become acquainted with the structure and timing of the test.
  • Option for a practice test prior to the actual test.
  • Summary report for parents documenting sessions, student progress on assignments and homework, and results from proctored tests (if applicable).

Perfect for students who are experiencing test anxiety and will benefit from a more personalized breakdown, have notable gaps in their knowledge, or have diagnosed learning differences and want accommodation.

ACT/SAT Questions

In general, there is a trend towards de-emphasizing standardized tests, particularly for liberal arts colleges. However, the SAT and ACT are still relevant in the application process and success on the test is sometimes considered an indicator of college readiness. In preparing for the SAT or ACT, students are training for the test. This is not the same as studying for another class, because the approach to the test is different from almost any other test taken in school.

Still, standardized tests are only one piece of the college application. The college application is broken into five parts:

  • The application itself (including name, address, school and activity list)
  • Transcript (GPA, trends, difficulty of classes)
  • Personal statement/essay/writing sample
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Standardized tests (SAT, ACT, subject tests)

Our goal with every student is to help them improve their test scores and perform their personal best, but LTLS does not guarantee numbers. It is important to keep in mind that there are many factors that play into how well a person performs on standardized tests, and we work with students to set realistic expectations and help them achieve their goals. We also don’t specify what constitutes a “good” score, but instead we work with students to identify their target score based on factors including GPA, intended major, and target and reach schools. Our approach is to help students boost their scores through improved confidence, decreased stress, and advanced understanding and familiarity with the strategies and content. Other important factors that contribute to test performance include the student’s consistency in attending sessions and dedication to continuing work outside of tutoring.

There are many factors to consider when deciding which test is right for your student. The good news is that both tests are accepted by all US colleges and universities, so individuals may choose which test is right for them. Many students also take both tests (or at least practice tests) to see which one they prefer.

There are a few major differences between the ACT and SAT.

Timing:

  • The ACT is a faster-paced test. Overall,the test is 2 hours and 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes for the optional essay). This averages to 49 seconds per question.
  • The SAT is 3 hours long (plus 50 minutes for the optional essay), averaging 70 seconds per question. It is also often considered “trickier” because of the way questions are asked.

Content:

  • The ACT has a science section and only one math section. This test is scored on a scale of 1-36, and the overall score is an average score in each of the four sections: math, science, reading, and English.
  • The SAT does not have a science section, but it has two math sections (one with calculator and one without). SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, a summative combination of Math (200-800 points) and Evidence Based Reading and Writing (200-800 points).

If you need help deciding which test would be a better fit, we are happy to discuss this with you and dive deeper into the differences in tested content.

While there are endless resources for test prep materials, here are some options we recommend:

Our flexible and one-on-one tutoring approach at LTLS is especially helpful for students with accommodations. We seek to support students across the learning continuum rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach.

It is important to be aware that the process for gaining test accommodations is lengthy (7+ weeks) and should be started as soon as possible. The most common request is for extended time, and this needs to be submitted through the learning resource coordinator or school counselor at your high school. Students who already receive accommodations at school are not automatically granted accommodations for the test. Standardized test accommodations are also dependent on how recently a student has been evaluated and whether or not a student is routinely utilizing accommodations in the the school setting.

In general, we recommend taking the writing portion as a precaution. If students end up applying to schools that require the writing portion, it is best to have it completed so that retaking the test can be avoided.

The college application process can be a long one, and most students are balancing multiple priorities during their junior and senior year. We recommend that students take the ACT/SAT during the spring of their junior year so that they may retest again later on if necessary.

However, taking the test too early may not be a benefit. Most students will not learn the content they need, especially for the math sections, until junior year. Therefore, trying to take the test before concepts have been learned may negatively impact scores.

Keep in mind that the Seattle Public Schools administer the PSAT (Preliminary SAT) to sophomores and the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) to students in October of their junior year.

College application deadlines should also be factored into the testing timeline, especially if students are considering early admissions.

We recommend trying to avoid test prep when students are also in the middle of studying for AP exams and final exams if possible. Maintaining focus on test prep and minimizing stress in the process is important.

While our goal is to not overload the student with additional homework, in order to gain the maximum benefit from test prep, it is important to practice between sessions. When assigning homework, our tutors collaborate with the student to ensure it fits into their schedule and other demands.

LTLS partners with LB Kussick and Kussick College Coaching for guidance through the college application process. In addition, our tutors provide direct support for completing applications and the writing portion of college applications.