Does anyone know how placement tests work in schools like Andover and Exeter? For placement in math and language how is that tested? This is after admission. Thank You!
These may answer some of your questions.
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I can’t speak to Andover or Exeter, but my kid’s placement test wasn’t particularly stressful. He did math and language tests. He went into it with the attitude that the goal was just to place him in the right class - it wasn’t something that he was stressed about acing. It shouldn’t be something anyone feels pressure about. Also, once he got to school, there was some shuffling around the first week or so as teachers assessed kids in class.
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Advide: do not spend time studying for these in an effort to place higher. Take the tests and don’t stress about it.
I’ll add that no matter where you place after the test, do your best to trust the process. I can say from experience with our two kids that PA is very good at this. Both kids thought they were under-placed, but before long (call it 5 weeks in) they realized they were at the correct level for them.
Anecdotally, after the fact more kids drop level than go up a level.
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Hi
I cannot speak for the Andover or Exeter placement test, but at our school students are sent online math and language tests that they self select based on their past math/language level. The school looks at the test, previous class level, grade/comments. And re: math the test scoring.
They are then placed in a level class that is usually correct, however, there is time for students to move up or down as needed at the start of the year. If your student is coming from a school that has not been as rigorous as the new boarding school they may be moved to a lower level.
The school wants the students to learn and be successful. Having a strong foundation in math and language is key for harder level classes. I do not suggest learning for the placement test as it will not be an accurate account of your child’s ability which will hinder them as the work and thinking picks up.
The test should be low stress. Your child only takes the placement test after they are accepted and enrolled. Your child is in now; it is only about getting your child the best placement to support their learning.
Hope that helps, good luck.
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At our school, too, this was the case. It was deliberate – it’s harder to jump off the slow train and catch up with the fast one than to jump off the fast one and wait for the slow one to get there.
Overall, BS are quite good at both placement and subsequent adjustments. It makes sense – they are getting students from many different programs/paths every year and need to get everyone up to speed as quickly as possible.
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Do you know if it’s online or inperson especially if you live far away?
I’ve never heard of these tests being done in person, but maybe others have. Our son did his in his bedroom and he could do it at any time before the deadline. They are not analogous to the SSATs or other standardized tests.
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I think they are always online; however, for final foreign language placement my daughter did meet with the teacher at orientation.
+1 to @DroidsLookingFor on the testing! First week at Andover: Mom! This math is ridiculous — I’ve already taken this!
Week 3: oh wow this picked up!
Week 5: Oh crap. Gotta go to office hours!
Do NOT worry. Take the test and move in. They know how to place kids!
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Our school did these in person during orientation. There was a Saturday date in June for local students.
The schedule was arranged so that you could switch classes withour changing your whole schedule.
Again, no pressure!
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