Best Methods for CATS Success

The CATS is a cognitive test for admission to some of the most prestigious private schools in Dallas and Houston. The tests used by the Collaborative Academic Testing Service (CATS) for private school admissions are the WPPSI and the WISC tests. Explore TestingMom’s best methods for CATS testing Success.

Tips from Testing Mom for Successful Test Preparation

• Listen closely! Remind your child to wait and listen to all instructions before starting any practice questions.

• Practice builds confidence! The more exposure your child has to the types of questions on the test, the more comfortable and self-assured they’ll be.

• Make it playful. Call it “Brain Games” or “Puzzle Time” instead of “test prep.” Kids learn better when they’re having fun!

• Always take a guess. There’s no penalty for wrong answers—encourage your child to eliminate wrong choices and make their best guess.

• Spot the trick answers. Teach your child to be careful of “distractors”—answers that seem right but aren’t.

• Practice staying focused. Work on avoiding distractions and staying on task—skills that matter just as much as knowing the answers.

• Find the right pace. Help your child strike a balance between accuracy and speed: don’t rush, but don’t get stuck on one question either.

• Breathe through anxiety. If your child feels nervous, show them breathing exercises and calming self-talk. Remember—research shows that a little stress can actually boost performance!

• Make the most of screen time. Kids love interactive learning, and with Digital Tutor—our online, game-based platform included in every TestingMom.com membership—they’ll stay engaged while building the skills they need.

Kids love to play games on your laptop or tablet, so you can feel confident letting your child practice as much as they like using the interactive questions we offer in Digital Tutor.  All interactive learning games are accessible on our site and come included with any TestingMom.com membership.

See if TestingMom.com supports your child’s test by your school district. If you don't see your child's school district listed, check with us! We have practice for other tests as well.