Test Prep Workshop

Chris Ryan '87 presented to over 100 Archmere families on the best ways to prepare for primarily the SATs and ACTs.  He discussed the importance of a growth mindset to believe that you can continually improve through hard work and repetition.  He also shared the concept of Neuroplasticity, or the ability to rewire the brain and improve your learning and perceived intelligence.  Chris preached the smart isn't something you are or aren't, it is something you achieve.  It's this mindset with developed cognitive skills that will lead to success in testing.  And in ALL other areas - sports, arts, work, and other areas.  Some of his other recommendations are spaced repitition with an awareness of false fluency, short and frequent academic workouts that introduce you to the tests, reading outside of the classroom, and reviewing things like business spreadsheets to better understand graphs and data.  Practice tests will familiarize you with the tests and combined with a growth mindset assist in building confidence.  

Remember, you can't learn to juggle without dropping the balls.  Learn from failures or incorrect answers promotes a growth mindset.  We are always improving, if we desire to.

Click here to download Chris Ryan's presentation.