As we start to analyze the results for our class of 2015/2016, some very clear trends are emerging that I would like to share with my readers.
- Students who started their private school admission test prep early (at least a year before they took the test, and no later than 9 months before the test date, did better than students who started with less than 6 months to go before their test date. An early start is key to a successful outcome!
- A slow and steady pace is what helps students retain the material. Students who have sporadic attendance, take time off for extended travel (more than 2 weeks) and take a month off (or longer) for summer camp, or who take breaks and stop and start their test prep program, have significantly lower scores than students who are more consistent. As with any new skill, practice makes perfect! Students who take more than a week or two off at a time do not retain the new skills they have been practicing, and tutoring becomes a series of one step forward and two steps back for them. We have to reteach what students have forgotten constantly, and it hampers our ability to move them forward. Regular weekly attendance is critical, in order for students to learn what they need to know to score high on the test.
- Fit is key in selecting schools for students. Be honest with yourself about what type of an environment is best for your child, and don’t try to shove the square peg into the round hole. The parents and students who gain the most from the process and have the best outcomes are those who select their schools carefully and thoughtfully, keeping in mind the interests, temperament, and strengths and weaknesses of their child.
- Families who do their homework have more success than those who do not! This sounds like common sense, but you would be surprised at how little research some families put into an investment that could total over $200,000 (or more) for a private school education for their child. The more you know about a school, the better able you will be to demonstrate why your child is a good fit for the school. Do your homework, it will pay off in the end!
- Make sure your child is prepared for the interview. First impressions are lasting ones, and the interview is often the only chance your child (and you) will have to meet with the admissions staff one-on-one. You only get one chance to convince the school that your child and your family are a good fit for the school, don’t blow it! Make sure you and your child practice for your interview, and you know what questions the schools are likely to ask, and most important of all – you have well thought out and insightful responses to these questions.
I will continue to share my thoughts on what we have learned from this year’s class of private school applicants, as we analyze the results and draw our conclusions.
Anne Yount Boston ISEE Prep 617-553-8083 www.bostoniseeprep.com - Test Prep for the ISEE & Latin School Exam Boston Tutoring Center 617-553-8083 www.bostontutoringcenter.com - Tutoring Grades K-12 Boston Private School Search 617-553-0540 www.bostonprivateschoolsearch.com - Your Resource for Private School Admissions Follow my Blog - http://privateschoolguru.com/blog/