How to Prepare Your Child for the School Entrance Test

By Adriana Noton

Whether your child is planning to attend high school or a private school, they are likely to have to take an entrance test. ISEE and SSATs are mandatory for students who want to attend private schools in the US. Schools are essentially looking to assess a child's reasoning skills, reading comprehension, language, and math skills for before they permit a child acceptance into the school. It is essential that parents be supportive in what they can do to help their child prepare for a school entrance test.

The following is a list of tips on preparing your child for the school entrance test:

1. If you have extra money, consider hiring a tutor, especially a tutor for an area that your child may be having difficulties. There are tutors in such areas as reading, math, English, and the sciences. A tutor will give your child that extra bit of help so that he or she is ready on the day of the exam.

2. There are many online websites that offer free testing exercises and free online tutoring classes on nearly every topic. These sites are very useful when preparing for an entrance test.

3. It is important to be aware that entrance tests do not allow students to use calculators, so your child needs to have strong math skills prior to taking the test. There are many books and online sites that offer math skill preparation exercises so that a child can practice for the test.

4. It is important that you encourage your child to read. They have to be aware of the importance of reading a variety of books such as history books, science books, biographies and much more. Consider acquiring a pocket dictionary such as an electronic dictionary to help them with difficult words. Reading also helps them get a better understanding of grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, sentence structure and more.

5. Encourage your child to write and edit their own work. This will help them develop strong spelling, grammar, and vocabulary skills. When using a computer, spell check is a helpful tool. As well, get your child to read their writing aloud to pick up on their mistakes. Your child should be in the habit of proofreading. Acquire a Grammar manual to help your child develop strong grammar skills.

6. Help your child by acquiring sample entrance tests that he or she can take to practice for the real exam. It will also help reduce anxiety about actually taking the real test.

7. When your child prepares for the entrance test, make sure that preparing does not consist of memorizing. If the child understands the fundamentals, than he or she will do better. It is also a better way to learn and what they learn will be remembered.

If you want to get your child into a quality school, you have to make sure that he or she is properly prepared. As well, private schools are very competitive so the child needs to gain a competitive edge over the other applicants. You should be supportive and positive as he or she prepares for the test. Preparing children now will prepare them for a successful educational future, which includes college and university. - 30531

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