Reply to Prepping for aptitude/iq tests

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Just a word of caution, if you're preparing a child for the WISC, and they mention to the evaluator that they've seen similar questions before, some (possibly all) providers may consider the results invalid.

In my experience, aside from helping the child become familiar with the format of tests like the CogAT or NNAT, scores generally don’t shift dramatically with prep. You might get more value by focusing on general test-taking strategies, things like staying calm and following directions carefully.[/quote]

I do t understand the connection between “providers will invalidate the score if they find that you’re familiar with the type of questions” and “you can’t really increase your score by prepping”.

[/quote]

The WISC is a clinical tool used by psychologists, often for diagnostic purposes (e.g., identifying learning differences, ADHD, or cognitive profiles), not just for giftedness. It's administered one-on-one by a trained evaluator.

The CogAT, on the other hand, is typically used in school settings to screen for giftedness and is usually administered in groups.

Both tests can reveal high cognitive ability or "giftedness," but the WISC carries much higher stakes in a diagnostic or clinical context.

Bottom Line
WISC: Used by psychologists for diagnosis and deeper assessment; prepping is discouraged and can invalidate results.

CogAT/NNAT: Used for school-based gifted placement; light familiarization is fine, and test strategies can be helpful.

Prepping for the WISC doesn’t guarantee higher scores, and it introduces the risk of invalidation if the evaluator suspects or learns of it.

[/quote]

I think it’s really terrible and certainly unethical for parents to be prepping small children for any elementary school test.

Terrible! [/quote]

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