Tag Archive for: Exams

Rachel Hodis

When to Start Preparing for High School Entrance Exams

When to start preparing for high school entrance exams

Applying to a competitive high school is a big academic milestone, and preparing early can make all the difference. So, when should you start studying for those high school entrance exams? We believe that the earlier you begin, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel on test day.

Why Fall Is the Best Time to Start

Most high school entrance exams take place between November and January, depending on the school and the type of test (like the SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, or TACHS). Starting in the fall, around September or October, gives students time to:

  • Build foundational skills in math, reading, and writing
  • Practice key test-taking strategies
  • Take full-length practice exams under realistic conditions
  • Identify and improve weak areas gradually
  • Avoid last-minute cramming and burnout

What to Expect on High School Entrance Exams

Most entrance exams cover:

  • Math (arithmetic, algebra, word problems, and geometry)
  • Reading comprehension
  • Verbal reasoning or vocabulary
  • Writing samples or essays (depending on the test)

Each test has its own format and scoring system, so it’s important to know which exam(s) your target schools require.

If you aren’t sure which exam to prepare for, our tutors can help you research and plan based on your school list.

Benefits of Starting Test Prep in the Fall

1.    Less Stress

When students feel rushed, they’re more likely to feel overwhelmed. Starting early allows students to make steady progress and build confidence.

2.    Better Results

Test prep is a skill-building process. The more time you have, the more opportunities you’ll get to improve your scores.

3.    More Balanced Schedule

Fall preparation lets you spread out your study time around other activities like sports, clubs, and regular schoolwork. It’s much easier to stay balanced when you’re not cramming at the last minute.

4.    Higher Confidence on Test Day

With practice comes familiarity, and with familiarity comes confidence. Starting in the fall helps students walk into the testing room feeling ready.

How Tutoring Can Help

High school entrance exams are different from regular school tests. They often include tricky wording, time pressure, and unfamiliar question types. That’s where working with a tutor can make a big difference.

At HLM, we offer:

  • Customized test prep plans based on the specific exam and student’s needs
  • Expert instruction in core subjects and test strategies
  • Regular practice tests and score tracking
  • Supportive, encouraging guidance every step of the way

Don’t Wait to Start

If your child is in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, and high school applications are on the horizon, now is the time to start preparing. Preparing in the fall gives you the space to learn, grow, and approach test day with confidence. Call us at (626) 227-1149 or email today to get started!

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Rachel Hodis

How to Deal With School Stress

How to deal with school stress

It’s the middle of the semester. Homework is piling up, sports are in full swing, extracurriculars are demanding more time, and somehow, there’s still a test tomorrow. Sound familiar?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Mid-semester stress is extremely common for students, especially when you’re juggling academics, athletics, clubs, part-time jobs, and everything else life throws your way. But don’t worry! There are ways to manage the chaos and take back control.

Here’s how to handle school stress in a healthy, productive way without burning out.

1. Acknowledge That It’s Okay to Feel Stressed

If you’re feeling the pressure, that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Stress is a normal response to a busy schedule and high expectations. It means you care about your responsibilities. The key is learning how to manage it so it doesn’t manage you.

2. Get Organized

When life feels overwhelming, organization can be your secret weapon. Try these steps:

  • Use a planner or digital calendar to map out your week.
  • Write down all your due dates, practices, games, meetings, and exams.
  • Break large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks.
  • Don’t forget to build in breaks, rest, and downtime!

Having a clear overview helps reduce the mental clutter and makes everything feel more doable.

3. Prioritize Your To-Do List

Not everything has to be done right now. Learn to prioritize by asking these questions:

  • What’s due soon?
  • What has the biggest impact on your grades or goals?
  • What can wait?

4. Ask for Help When You Need It

Whether you’re struggling with a class, falling behind on assignments, or feeling mentally drained, reaching out for help is a sign of strength.

  • Talk to your teachers if you’re feeling behind. They may offer extensions, extra help, or clarity.
  • Book a tutor for extra support in a subject you’re struggling with.
  • Lean on friends and family for emotional support, especially during stressful weeks.

At Hodis Learning and Music, we’re here to help students find balance, build confidence, and reduce academic stress through personalized tutoring.

5. Make Time for Self-Care

When you’re stretched thin, self-care is often the first thing to go. But it’s exactly what helps you stay sharp and focused.

  • Get enough sleep. No amount of caffeine can replace a good night’s rest.
  • Eat real meals. Your brain needs fuel, not just snacks and energy drinks.
  • Move your body. Even a 10-minute walk can reduce stress and boost your mood.
  • Unplug regularly. Take breaks from screens and social media to reset your mind.

Get Extra Support

If school stress is starting to feel unmanageable, don’t wait to ask for help. Our expert tutors at Hodis Learning & Music can provide personalized academic support, time management strategies, and a much-needed confidence boost for students of all ages.

Call us at (626) 227-1149 or email today and make the rest of the semester your strongest yet.

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Rachel Hodis

What to Do After a Bad Test

What to do after a bad test

We all know the feeling when you open a test or log into the grade book… only to see a score that makes your stomach drop. Whether it was a pop quiz that caught you off guard or a big exam you stayed up all night studying for, getting a poor grade can feel discouraging. But one bad test isn’t the end of the world.

In fact, a low test score can be a valuable learning experience and a turning point in your academic journey. Here’s what to do next:

1. Take a Deep Breath

First things first: don’t panic. One low grade does not mean you’re failing the class or that you’re “bad” at the subject. Even the most successful students have off days. What matters most is what you do next.

Give yourself a moment to feel disappointed if you need to, but don’t let that moment turn into self-doubt.

2. Review the Test Carefully

Once you’ve had a chance to process, go through your test with a clear head. You might need to ask your teacher to see your exam. As you’re reviewing it, keep these things in mind:

  • What kinds of mistakes did you make? Were they due to lack of preparation, misunderstanding the material, or test anxiety?
  • Were there questions you almost got right but made small errors on?
  • Are there patterns in the types of questions you missed (e.g., multiple choice, short answer, word problems)?

Understanding where things went wrong is the first step in doing better next time.

3. Meet with Your Teacher

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Teachers appreciate when students take initiative:

  • Schedule a time to go over your test together.
  • Ask for clarification on the questions you missed.
  • Find out if there are opportunities for partial credit, test corrections, or extra credit.

Meeting with your teacher shows that you care about your learning and can give you insights into how future tests might be structured.

4. Book a Tutor for Support

If you struggled with the material, a tutor can make a big difference. One-on-one support can help you:

  • Strengthen your understanding of difficult concepts.
  • Learn new study strategies.
  • Build confidence before your next exam.

At Hodis Learning & Music, our expert tutors work with students to turn challenges into strengths.

5. Look Ahead: Evaluate What’s Coming Up

Don’t let one test set the tone for the rest of the term. Take action now to get back on track:

  • Check your syllabus and grade breakdown to see how much the test counts.
  • List your upcoming assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • Set small goals for each one to rebuild your grade and momentum.

Tip: If your class allows retakes or has cumulative exams, doing well on future assessments can balance things out significantly.

6. Make a Study Plan

Now that you know what’s coming, create a realistic and consistent study plan:

  • Break study sessions into manageable chunks.
  • Use active study techniques like self-testing or doing practice problems.
  • Review past mistakes regularly to avoid repeating them.

Remember, consistency beats cramming every time. A tutor is not only great for reviewing and teaching material, but also keeping you accountable. Regular tutoring sessions can be a time for you to study and prepare.

Need help getting back on track?

Academic struggles are a normal part of learning. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out. HLM offers personalized tutoring to help students regain confidence and reach their goals. Learn more about our tutoring subjects here, or contact us today to learn more.

Call us at (626) 227-1149 or email today to get started!

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