SSAT, SAT, TACHS, and Regents — serves a specific purpose and holds significance in the
educational journey of students. Here's an overview of the purpose and significance of
each test:
SSAT / ISEE (Secondary School Admission Test):
Purpose:
The SSAT is a standardized test used for admission to private middle and high schools. It
assesses a student's verbal, math, and reading skills to provide an objective measure of
academic
ability.
Significance:
SSAT scores are an essential component of the admission process for many private schools. High
scores can enhance a student's chances of gaining admission to their desired school.
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test):
Purpose:
The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It
assesses a student's readiness for college and is designed to provide colleges with a common
data point for comparing applicants.
Significance:
SAT scores are a key factor in college admissions. They are considered along with other elements
like high school GPA, extracurricular activities and recommendation letters. A strong SAT score
can improve a student's competitiveness in the college application process.
TACHS (Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools):
Purpose:
TACHS is a standardized test used for admission to Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of
New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens. It assesses a student's abilities in language,
reading,
mathematics and reasoning.
Significance:
TACHS scores are a crucial part of the admission process for Catholic high schools. They help
schools evaluate the academic preparedness of prospective students and make informed admission
decisions.
Regents/state test Examinations:
Purpose:
Regents Examinations are standardized tests administered by the New York State Education
Department. They assess students' knowledge and understanding of specific subjects taught in
high school.
Significance:
Regents Examinations are required for high school graduation in New York. They ensure that
students have met the state's educational standards in various subjects. Additionally, Regents
scores may be considered by colleges during the admissions process.
In short, each of these tests serves as an important tool for educational institutions to
evaluate students' academic abilities and make informed decisions regarding admissions or graduation
requirements. As a result, preparation for these tests is crucial for students aiming to excel in
their educational pursuits and gain admission to their desired schools or colleges.
SAT Test
SNR's SAT prep program provides various formats, including one-on-one tutoring, small group
sessions, workshops, or structured classes. The goal is to enhance students' familiarity with the
test format, improve their skills and increase their confidence in tackling the SAT exam.
Here's an overview of SNR's program:
Diagnostic Assessment:
- Initial assessment to gauge the student's strengths and weaknesses.
- Identifying areas that need improvement.
Subject Review and Instruction:
- Math: Review of math concepts tested on the SAT, including algebra,
geometry, trigonometry and data analysis.
- Reading: Strategies for reading comprehension, analysis of passages and
identifying main ideas.
- Writing and Language: Grammar rules, sentence structure and passage
analysis.
Test-Taking Strategies:
- Time management techniques for each section.
- Practice in eliminating answer choices and making educated guesses.
- Strategies for tackling different question types and formats.
Practice Tests and Review:
- Multiple full-length practice tests under timed conditions.
- Reviewing answers and discussing mistakes to understand patterns and
improve.
Individualized Instruction:
- Tailoring the program to address individual strengths and weaknesses.
- Providing additional support where needed.
- Familiarizing students with the computer-based SAT format (if applicable).
Progress Monitoring and Feedback:
- Regular assessments to track progress.
- Providing feedback on performance and areas that need further attention.
ACT Test
The ACT test is designed for the 10th, 11th and/or 12th grade levels to
provide schools and districts with the data necessary to position students for success
after high school.
The ACT comprises four multiple-choice tests – English, mathematics, reading,
and science – along with an optional writing test. These tests aim to evaluate
skills essential for success in postsecondary education, skills typically acquired
during secondary education. Each of the four multiple-choice tests is scored on a
scale of 1 to 36, and the Composite score is the rounded average of these four
test scores.
English:
- Examinees take on the role of a writer making decisions to revise and edit
a text.
- The test includes short texts and essays in various genres, presenting
different rhetorical situations.
- Passage selection is based on its appropriateness for assessing writing
and language skills, as well as its relevance to students' interests and
experiences.
Math:
- Mathematics test Gauges skills acquired through grade 11 coursework.
- Emphasizing major content areas essential for success in entry-level
college mathematics courses.
- The test assumes knowledge of basic formulas and computational skills,
but doesn't require recall of complex formulas or extensive computation.
Reading:
- Assessing the ability to read closely, reason logically and integrate information from
multiple sources, the ACT reading test focuses on mutually supportive skills crucial for
studying written materials across various subject areas.
- Question types include determining main ideas, interpreting details, understanding sequences
of events, making comparisons, comprehending cause-effect relationships and analyzing claims
and evidence in arguments.
Science:
- Science test evaluates interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning and problem-solving
skills in the natural sciences.
- Featuring authentic scientific scenarios, the test covers biology, chemistry, Earth/space
sciences and physics.
- Questions require recognizing basic features and concepts, critically examining
relationships between information and conclusions and generalizing from given information to
draw conclusions or make predictions.
The optional ACT writing test is an essay test measuring writing skills taught in high school
English and entry-level college composition courses. It presents a complex issue with three
different perspectives and examinees must analyze the relationship between their own perspective
and one or more other perspectives, adopting one provided or introducing a different one.
Students Standardized Assement Test (SSAT)
The SSAT is a standardized test administered to students between 3rd – 11th grades.
The test measures math, reading, verbal and writing skills to ensure children possess the necessary
skills to be successful in a college preparatory program.
The test is administered in a multiple-choice format, with the exception of the writing sample.
There are three levels for the test.Each level is tailored to the respective grade ranges to assess
students' abilities effectively.
- Elementary : Grades 3 – 4 (for students testing for
grades 4 – 5)
- Middle : Grades 5 – 7 (for students testing for grades
6 – 8)
- Upper : Grades 8 – 11 (for students testing for grades
9 – 12)
Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT)
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is an exam taken by students in New York City
for admission to specialized high schools. These schools offer a challenging and rigorous curriculum
and are among the most prestigious public high schools in the city. Here's an overview of the SHSAT:
Test Structure:
Verbal Section :
- Reading Comprehension : Passages with multiple-choice questions assessing comprehension,
inference and analysis.
- Logical Reasoning : Questions evaluating logical thinking, inference and deduction.
Mathematics Section :
- Word Problems and Arithmetic : Assessing mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and
computation skills.
- Algebra and Geometry : Questions involving algebraic concepts and geometry.
Success on the SHSAT often requires diligent preparation, consistent practice and familiarity with
the exam format. We at SNR offers specialized SHSAT prep courses designed to equip students with the
necessary skills and strategies to perform well on the test and gain admission to the specialized
high schools in New York City.
Content Review :
We thoroughly review math concepts including algebra, geometry and arithmetic (Topic wise).
Practice with reading comprehension, logical reasoning and analyzing texts. We teach students how to
master the four types of questions on the SHSAT English Language Arts Section: global, detail,
inference and function.
Test-Taking Strategies : SNR Teaches Students
- Time management skills to answer questions within the allocated time.
- Strategies for eliminating answer choices and making educated guesses.
Practice Tests : At SNR we Take
- Regular practice tests simulating the SHSAT format.
- Analyze results to identify areas for improvement.
Essay Writing (for the Performance-Based Assessment) :
- Developing skills for the essay component as some of the requires it.
Catholic High School (TACHS) Test
The TACHS serves as the admissions test for Catholic high schools in the New York City area, first
implemented in the fall of 2004. This assessment enables schools to assess students' academic
capabilities, including their performance under pressure.
The TACHS (Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools) typically assesses students in areas such
as:
- Reading Skills: Reading comprehension is often
evaluated
to gauge a student's ability to understand and interpret written passages.
- Language:
This section may test grammar, vocabulary, and language usage.
- Mathematics:
Fundamental math skills, problem-solving and quantitative reasoning may be examined.
- Ability to Work Under Pressure:
Some questions or sections may be designed to assess how well students perform under time
constraints.
At SNR we review content from their coursework, practice time management,
and familiarize them with the test format. Additionally, We help students to
understand the specific content areas covered by the test and can help students
focus on their preparation efforts.
Hunter College High School (HCHS) Test
The HCHS Entrance Exam contains three sections: 50 multiple-choice English
Language Arts questions, a Writing Assignment and 30 multiple-choice
Mathematics questions (sample exam #1 contains 35 math questions). Each
multiple-choice question is followed by five possible answers: A, B, C, D,
or E.
You must choose the best answer for each question. Students are given a
total of three hours to complete the examination, including the Writing Assignment.
In the Critical Reading portion, your reading comprehension is assessed. You
will answer questions about specific reading passages to show your ability
to understand, interpret and analyze a number of types of writing. You will
read five or six passages of varying lengths. Each is followed by multiple choice
questions about it. Every fifth line of each passage is numbered so that you
can find the part the question refers to. You are asked to read the passage and
answer the questions based on the content of the passage.
In the Writing Assignment section, students are asked to write either an
essay or a creative piece (up to two pages) to demonstrate the originality,
effectiveness, and use of detail in your writing. There is scrap paper in
the test booklet where you can jot down, outline thoughts or compose a draft
before writing the full assignment. Some years you are given a choice of topics;
other years, there is only one topic.
The Mathematics section tests your problem-solving ability. Students solve a
variety of problems, including multi-step ones involving: estimation;
computations with fractions, decimals, percents and integers (including
negative numbers), rules of divisibility, simple probability, rate, average,
ratio, time, money, area of shaded regions, perimeter, counting, visual and
numerical pattern recognition and three dimensional figures. The Math
sample test contains more items than the actual test will contain.
Regents Test
9th - 12th Grade :
- These exams are designed to assess high school students' knowledge and proficiency in various
subjects as part of the state's education requirements.
- Successful completion of specific Regents Exams is often a graduation requirement for high
school students in New York.
- New York State Education Department typically administers Regents Exams in subjects such as
English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Foreign Languages.
- These exams are intended to evaluate students' understanding of the subject matter and their
readiness for college and career.
State Test
3rd - 8th Grade :
New York State administered standardized tests for students in grades 3 through 8 in
English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. These tests were aligned with the
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and are typically conducted annually in the
spring. The tests were used to assess students' proficiency in these subjects and to
provide data for evaluating school and district performance.
How SNR helps :
We at SNR help students prepare for New York State tests by providing targeted
instruction, personalized support, and valuable resources. Here are some ways we can
assist students in preparing for these assessments:
- Assessment Familiarization:
Tutors can help students become familiar with the format, structure and types of questions
found on New York State tests. This includes reviewing past test papers and practicing with
sample questions.
- Content Review and Reinforcement:
WE review key concepts and content areas covered on the tests, ensuring that students have a
solid understanding of the material. They can also provide additional explanations,
examples and practice problems to reinforce learning.
- Skill Development: We help students develop important skills such as critical
thinking, problem-solving and analytical reasoning, which are essential for
success on standardized tests.
- Test-Taking Strategies: We teach students effective test-taking strategies such
as how to manage time wisely, eliminate incorrect answer choices and
approach different types of questions.
- Individualized Instruction: We tailor our nstruction to meet the individual needs
and learning styles of each student. This may involve identifying areas of weakness and
providing targeted support to address those areas.
- Practice and Feedback: We administer practice tests under timed conditions and provide
constructive feedback on students' performance. This feedback can help students identify areas
for improvement and track their progress over time.
We also offer encouragement, motivation, and support to help students feel more confident and
prepared for the tests. Positive reinforcement and praise can help boost students' self-esteem
and alleviate test anxiety.
- Communication with Parents and Teachers: We maintain open communication with parents and
teachers to ensure alignment between tutoring sessions and classroom instruction. This
collaborative approach can help maximize the effectiveness of the tutoring experience.
Advanced Placement (AP) Test
Advanced Placement (AP) exams are administered by the College Board and they are typically taken by
high school students who want to earn college credit.
- Including "AP" on your high school transcript signals to colleges that you possess
the drive to succeed.
- Taking the exam not only indicates your motivation but also showcases your
dedication to handling and successfully completing college-level coursework.
- Earning college credit through Advanced Placement (AP) exams provides the
flexibility to switch majors, explore a second degree, engage in study abroad
programs or pursue internships.
The College Board offers AP exams in a wide range of subjects, including but not limited
to:
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP Calculus
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics
- AP U.S. History
- AP World History
- AP Psychology
- AP Computer Science
- AP Spanish Language and Culture