Junior High Tests

So many things happen in junior high—you’re introduced to rushing to a different class every hour, learning how to open a lock that never seems to work and mingling with different kids from the ones you’ve played with since kindergarten. Now you’re also expected to learn how to take on a more mature role as far as studying goes since tests have also changed. They’ve gotten more difficult.

Junior high tests begin to require more in-depth memorization and a real thought process. Students are expected to be able to retain information and apply it to real life situations when it comes to testing. See below for study strategies.

The major exams that junior high students will have to face are statewide tests. Every state, except for Iowa and Nebraska, has statewide testing programs and even requires passing scores to advance to the next grade level in some states. Though these tests measure students’ basic educational skills such as mathematics, English and reading, they also play a large part in evaluating the teaching effectiveness of both teachers and school districts.

Some additional junior high tests you may take include high school entrance exams, including the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT), Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) and Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). Contact your school guidance counselor to determine if you will have to take any of these exams.

SSAT

The SSAT evaluates whether students meet the criteria for success in competitive secondary schools by testing students’ skill level in core subject areas. Two 150 minute versions of the test are available, all measuring math, verbal and reading comprehension abilities along with one unscored section.

SSAT Test Dates

January 7, 2006
February 4, 2006
March 4, 2006
April 22, 2006
June 10, 2006

To register, contact SSAT registration online or call (609) 683-4440. Ask your school guidance counselor for help if you have any questions at all.

ISEE

The ISEE is used to determine admission to private high schools by measuring students’ abilities in key subject areas. Three versions of the three hour standardized test are given, analyzing students’ mathematics, verbal and writing skills. The ISEE lower level is given to students in the fourth and fifth grades, the middle level is given to students in the sixth and seventh grades and the upper level is given to students between the eighth and 11th grades.

Junior high students are not typically prepared well enough at their level to write thorough and well thought-out essays. Some extra time may have to be spent tweaking their writing skills. Contact a freelance proofreader today to ensure a high score on this portion of the exam (link to www.kdlady.com).

ISEE test dates vary from state to state. For specific test dates and registration information, visit www.erbtest.org, or call 1-800-446-0320 to receive a mail-in registration form.

SHSAT

The SHSAT is strictly given to New York residents in the eighth and ninth grades. Visit www.nycenet.edu for more information.

Study Strategies

Since middle school testing begins to significantly differ from elementary school testing, the transition can be an abrupt one. However, there are many ways to prepare for this change and develop good study habits in the process. First of all, students should gather all materials needed to study for the test, including notes, quizzes, textbooks, etc. Having all this information at your disposal will help to minimize time when referring from one study aid to the next.

Students should use this time to develop a study style as well. Whether it be alone, with friends or parents or creating flashcards, experiment with different study methods to find out which works best for you. Some students will find they can’t concentrate on their personal needs when working with other students while others may find it helps to get answers to questions not thought of.

Ask teachers for study suggestions. They realize students are focusing on studying for possibly the first time and have great recommendations for ways to absorb information best. Teachers may even tell you which areas to concentrate on. Who wants to spend 30 minutes studying for a section in which only one question was asked?

As usual, get a good night’s rest and eat a good breakfast in the morning. Studies have shown that these two strategies alone should significantly improve your alertness and ability to recall information.

On the actual test, be sure to listen and read the instructions well. You don’t want to make a stupid mistake because you rushed through the directions. You shouldn’t have to worry about this if you pace yourself on the exam. Using THE SILENT TIMER™ when studying and taking practice tests will help you feel more comfortable when it comes to the actual test. You will have already figured out how many minutes per question you may spend, saving you time and stress. You also don’t want to be left scribbling answers when the bell rings with unanswered questions.

Lastly, don’t forget to review your answers when you’re finished if you have time.