Whether your student is preparing for the HSPT, ISEE, SAT, or ACT, getting started early—with the right tools—can make all the difference. If your student is launching their prep now, there is a powerful, student-friendly self-prep platform: Propel, which provides math and grammar review and practice. Propel is a flexible, adaptive, and perfect platform for building skills on your student's schedule and over time. Let’s kick off their prep with a strong foundation!
🎙️Listen to this conversation on Self Prep for the SAT and ACT on the Tests and the Rest podcast.
Why Start Test Prep Now?
Many families wait until a few weeks before a test to begin serious prep, but:
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Students get familiarity with test style, timing, and content before high pressure begins
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Gaps in foundational skills (especially in math and grammar) can be identified and addressed early
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A gradual ramp-up reduces burnout and allows for steady progress
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Self‑prep tools allow affordable, flexible coverage of core concepts without overwhelming time demands
Propel is described as an “amazing math and grammar tool for individuals doing self‑study for standardized tests.” This can serve as the backbone of a self‑paced, adaptive test prep routine.
How Propel for Math and Grammar Helps
Here’s what makes them a compelling choice:
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Adaptive practice & AI curation: It tailors math and grammar problems to the student’s ability and adjusts as they improve.
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Spacing & interleaving built in: Students don’t repeatedly do the same kind of problem in a row—practice is mixed to improve retention and transfer.
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Immediate feedback/explanations: Mistakes are not left unexplained—students get just-in-time help.
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No multiple choice math: Students must actively generate answers (not guess) to build deeper understanding.
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Scalable to many tests: Propel supports HSPT, ISEE, SAT, ACT, and more.
The tools combine deliberate practice, spaced repetition, adaptive challenge, and explanations to build strong test‑taking skills.
Sample 8‑Week Self‑Prep Plan (for SAT/ACT)
Below is a rough “skeleton” plan. Adjust depending on your student’s starting point, target test date, and weekly availability.
| Week | Focus | Math Propel Target | Grammar Propel Target | Practice Test / Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baseline & Diagnostics | Take a full math diagnostic; begin targeted work on weak topics | Take grammar diagnostic; review common error types | Full SAT or ACT practice test (untimed, open) |
| 2 | Core Fundamentals A | Work on algebra / linear equations / ratios (foundation) | Sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, punctuation | Time a math section for pacing practice |
| 3 | Core Fundamentals B | Focus on geometry / coordinate geometry / basic stats | Pronouns, modifiers, verb tense | Time an English section, review missed items |
| 4 | Intermediate Topics A | Functions, exponents, manipulation of expressions | Parallelism, idioms, transitions | Full timed math + English test |
| 5 | Intermediate Topics B | Quadratics, radicals, systems | Clauses, modifiers, agreement | Timed sections; analyze error patterns |
| 6 | Advanced Topics / Mixed Practice | Polynomials, complex numbers, harder problem sets | Sentence combining, rhetorical skills | Full test, timed, simulate test day |
| 7 | Test Strategy & Weak Points | Mixed drills & review hardest problem types | Mixed grammar + reading drills | Full test, focus on pacing & endurance |
| 8 | Final Review & Simulated Exam | Light review, error log focus | Final grammar polishing | Two full timed tests, one on weekend, one midweek |
Tips while using the plan:
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Begin every session with 5–10 minutes reviewing past mistakes (error log)
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Don’t skip timed practice — pacing is a huge part of success
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Make testing conditions real: quiet room, limited breaks, no aids
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Use “bad‑weather days” (light schedule) for reading, vocabulary, or reviewing concepts
Tips & Habits for Sustained Success
These habits help your student stay consistent and avoid burnout:
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Short, frequent sessions (30–50 minutes) > long marathons
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Set weekly goals (e.g. “finish 100 math problems,” “review 3 grammar topics”)
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Use an error log — for each problem missed, note why it was wrong and how to avoid it
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Periodic full-length mock tests — gauge growth and adjust plan
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Incentives / rewards — e.g. after 5 consecutive days of prep, take a fun break
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Parental check-ins — brief weekly meeting: “What went well? What’s next?”
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Maintain balance — keep time for rest, reading for pleasure, physical activity
Parents’ To‑Do Checklist
Here’s what you, as a parent, can do to support the journey:
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Have your student take diagnostic tests (math + English) to establish a baseline
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Help them sign up for Propel Math or Grammar and get familiar with the interface
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Review the 8‑week plan and adjust to your calendar
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Create a regular schedule (e.g. Mon–Fri practice, weekend full test)
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Provide a distraction‑free space and necessary supplies (notebook, timer, etc.)
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Encourage reflection: have them write down one “win” and one “challenge” each week
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Monitor progress periodically; if growth stalls, consider supplementary tutoring
Questions You May Be Asking
Q: Which test should my student focus on — SAT or ACT?
A: A good first step is to have your student take a full SAT and full ACT under timed conditions and compare the scores. Use whichever test shows stronger performance (or potential with effort). We can offer guidance on deciding between SAT and ACT.
Q: What about HSPT or ISEE?
A: Many of the foundational math and grammar skills overlap. Propel for math already supports ISEE math prep, using diagnostics to pinpoint any “test-specific” gaps (e.g. specialized vocabulary, unique question styles).
Q: Will self‑prep be enough, or will we need a tutor or class later?
A: Self‑prep tools are excellent for building foundational mastery and consistent practice. If your student is already above-average, these tools may be sufficient. If growth begins to plateau, you could layer in periodic tutoring or enrolled courses focusing on strategy and test nuances.
Final Thoughts & Encouragement
The commitment to starting early — even if it’s just 2–3 consistent practice sessions per week to begin — can set the pace for substantial growth over months. Propel math and grammar provide structure, adaptability, feedback, and efficiency, making them powerful allies in your student’s prep journey.
🙋 Questions? We’re Here to Help!
📞 Cleveland: 216-965-5162
📞 Cincinnati: 513-754-2240
📧 Email us at info@leaprogram.com
📝 For individualized advice for your student, complete the HSPT/ISEE Planning Request Form or ACT/SAT Planning Request Form