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How To Prepare Students For The International School Entrance Test

Manju Nair
Feb 22, 2023
Schools, Learning
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School entrance exams are an important part of the admissions process that can often determine a student's success. These exams provide schools with an objective measure of a student's academic abilities, and can help to identify students who have the potential to excel. Additionally, entrance exams can help schools make well-informed decisions about which students to accept and which to reject. By assessing a student's aptitude and academic performance, schools can make more informed decisions about their primary school admission process.

Although school entrance exams can be an invaluable tool for schools, to assess a student’s capability but they can also be stressful for students if they are not prepared well. Below we will share tips on how students can prepare for admission exams:

 

Tips On Preparing For School Admission Exams

Primary school entrance exams can be a stressful time for both parents and their children. Here are 10 tips to help you and your child prepare for the entrance exams.

1. Get familiar with the exam format: Make sure you understand the format of the exam your child will be taking. Research the exam pattern you’re taking and understand how it’s structured. This will help you and your child prepare more effectively.

2. Create a study schedule: Develop a study schedule that includes time for reviewing material, practicing test-taking strategies, and taking breaks. Also, your study schedule should include studying at least 3-4 hours every day so that you are not stressed a day before the school admission test.

3. Practice with past papers: Find past papers or practice exams and use them to familiarize your child with the types of questions they may encounter on the exam.

4. Work on time management: Encourage your child to practice answering questions under timed conditions to build their confidence and improve their time management skills.

5. Build vocabulary and comprehension skills: Reading regularly can help build vocabulary and comprehension skills, which are essential for success on entrance exams.

6. Practice mental math: Mental math skills are important for many entrance exams. Encourage your child to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in their head.

7. Develop problem-solving skills: Many school admission exams include problem-solving questions. Practice these types of questions with your child to help them develop their problem-solving skills.

8. Encourage healthy habits: Make sure your child is getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and getting plenty of exercise. These habits can help them stay focused and alert during the exam.

9. Manage test anxiety: Help your child manage test anxiety by talking to them about their fears and teaching them relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization.

10. Celebrate progress: Encourage your child and celebrate their progress throughout the study process to build their confidence and motivation.

Everything You Need To Know About The Isee Versus The Ssat Tests, So You Can Make Sure You Situate Your Student For Success

The ISEE and SSAT are two widely used tests for students seeking admission to private and independent international school. The ISEE is the Independent School Entrance Exam, and the SSAT is the Secondary School Admission Test. Both tests measure a student's critical thinking and problem-solving skills, but there are some key differences between the two.

1. Age/Grade Levels: The ISEE is designed for students in grades 5-12, while the SSAT is designed for students in grades 3-11. Both tests have different versions based on grade levels. The SSAT has three levels: Elementary Level for students in grades 3 and 4, Middle Level for students in grades 5–7, and Upper Level for students in grades 8–11. The ISEE also has three levels, with slightly different separations: Lower Level for students in grades 4 and 5, Middle Level for grades 6 and 7, and Upper Level for students in grades 8 and above.

2. Duration and Format - The ISEE is a 2 hr 40 mins exam with four sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics. The SSAT is a 2-hour 50 mins exam with three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension. The ISEE has a higher level of difficulty than the SSAT, and it is more often used for admissions to high school-level programs.

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Section

# of Questions

Allotted Time

Verbal Reasoning

40

20

Quantitative Reasoning

37

35

Reading Comprehension

36

35

Essay

1

30

Total

161

2 hours 40 minutes

 

Section

Number of Questions

Time Allotted

Writing Sample

1

25 minutes

Quantitative Reasoning I

25

30 minutes

Reading

40

40 minutes

Verbal

60

30 minutes

Quantitative Reasoning II

25

30 minutes

Experimental

16

15 minutes

Total

167

2 hours and 50 minutes

 

3. Scoring and guessing system - The ISEE offers four answer options for each question, whereas the SSAT offers five. The major difference in scoring, however, is that on the SSAT, students lose one-fourth of a point for each incorrect response. On the ISEE, however, an incorrect response does not increase or decrease a person's raw score. Due to the format's tendency for guessing, students should always fill in the blanks on the ISEE, even if they are short of time. On the SSAT, however, students must rule out at least one answer choice before they can guess. When it comes to final grading, the SSAT compares a student to other students using conventional percentiles. On the other hand, Percentiles are turned into stanines (a nine-point scaled score) by the ISEE 

4. Registration period - Every month of the year, the SSAT offers test dates, and you can take it as many times as you'd like. The ISEE, in comparison, only allows you to take it once during each of its three annual exam periods.

When deciding which test to take, it's essential to consider the age and grade level of the student, the schools they are applying to, and the format and content of each test. By understanding the differences between the ISEE and SSAT tests and taking advantage of available resources, students can prepare effectively and increase their chances of success in the admissions process.

 

What is The Importance Of School Entrance Exams?

School entrance exams, such as the ISEE and SSAT, are an important part of the admissions process for international schools. These School enrolment tests are designed to assess a student's academic abilities and potential and provide schools with an objective measure of a student's readiness for their academic program.

There are several reasons why school entrance exams are important:

1. Objective Measure of Academic Abilities: School entrance exams provide an objective measure of a student's academic abilities, which can be used to compare applicants from different schools and backgrounds. This can help schools to identify students who are well-prepared for their academic program and who are likely to succeed.

2. Standardized Assessments: School entrance exams are standardized assessments that measure a student's performance against a common set of standards. This ensures that all applicants are evaluated based on the same criteria and that the admissions process is fair and unbiased.

3. Identifying Areas for Improvement: School entrance exams can also help to identify areas where a student may need additional support or improvement. This information can be used to develop a personalized academic plan that addresses the student's specific needs and helps them to succeed in their academic program.

 

What Role Do Entrance Exams Play in Private School Admissions?

School admission exams play a crucial role in private school admissions. They are used as a standardized measure of a student's academic ability and potential, and provide schools with an objective way to evaluate applicants from different schools and backgrounds.

Private schools use entrance exams as a way to identify students who are academically prepared for the rigor of their academic programs. These exams help schools to assess a student's skills in areas such as math, reading, and writing, as well as their critical thinking abilities.

Having said that, it should also be noted that for many private schools, entrance exams are not the only criteria for selecting students. Many schools also lay emphasis on how well the student answers during the interview round. Schools also focus on far more than academic abilities in admissions. For eg- Schools also take keen interest in student’s academic achievement, extracurricular activities, spark factor, character and social-emotional skills.

Conclusion

Entrance exams are an important part of the application process for many schools. They provide a way for admissions officers to assess the academic abilities of students and make sure that they are prepared to succeed. Entrance exams also give students the opportunity to show off their strengths and demonstrate their knowledge in specific subject areas. So students must keep the above tips in mind when preparing for entrance exams so that they can pass the exams with flying colours.

FAQs

How Do I Prepare For A School Entrance Test?

Preparing for a school entrance test can be an intimidating task. It requires dedication, hard work, and proper planning. To ensure you are ready to take on the challenge of the entrance exam, it is important to understand what type of questions will be asked, practice with sample tests and familiarize yourself with the test format. Additionally, it is essential to create a study plan that outlines the topics you need to cover and set aside enough time for studying. With these tips in mind, you can make sure you are well-prepared for your school entrance exam!

What is The Fees Of Bangalore International School?

The fee structure may vary depending on the grade level and nationality of the student. However, here is a general overview of the fee structure:

Admission Fees (One-time Fees):

● Registration fee: INR 500

● Admission fee: INR 80,000-85,000

Annual Fees:

● Tuition fee: INR 1,00,000 to INR 3,00,000 per annum depending on grade level

● Transportation fee (optional): INR 30,000 to INR 80,000 per annum depending on the distance of the residence from the school.

What Happens If You Fail An Entrance Exam?

If a student fails an entrance exam, it may impact their chances of being admitted to the school they are applying to. However, it is important to note that entrance exams are just one part of the admissions process, and schools may consider other factors when making admissions decisions.

In some cases, if a student does not perform well on the entrance exam, the school may offer them an opportunity to retake the exam or take a different type of exam. Some schools may also consider other factors, such as the student's academic record, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation, when making admissions decisions.

Can I Pass Entrance Exam Without Coaching?

Yes, it is possible to pass an entrance exam without coaching. While coaching can be helpful in preparing for an entrance exam, it is not a requirement for success.

How many times can you take a school entrance exam?

The number of times you can take a school entrance exam may vary depending on the school's policies. Some schools may allow students to take the exam multiple times, while others may have restrictions on the number of attempts allowed.

It is important to check with the school directly to determine their policies on entrance exam retakes. Some schools may only allow retakes under certain circumstances, such as if a student is ill or has a documented learning disability.

Keep in mind that retaking an entrance exam does not guarantee a higher score or acceptance into the school. It is important to prepare adequately for the exam and to approach it with a positive attitude and a clear mind.

Manju Nair

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