The JATP: How to Prepare

How Can I Prepare?

The JATP is not a "coachable" test. Rather, the evaluation is designed to give schools a glimpse into your student's critical thinking and problem solving skills. Tutoring and coaching are not ethical forms of preparation for this type of test. But, rest assured, there are still some things you can do as a parent to help your child on this aspect of admissions:

- Make sure your child has a good night's sleep the night before the test

- Give your child a hearty breakfast the day of the test

- Try not to stress about the JATP. Children feed off their parents' energy, emotions, and anxiety. Try to de-emphasize the "magnitude" of the JATP and instead, tell your child exactly what the process will be like--a conversation and experience with a new friend who will guide your child through discussions, activities, and puzzles. 

- Remember that the JATP is merely one aspect of the entire admissions portfolio. Feel free to discuss with each school how the JATP will be used in the application process. Recognize that each school has its own guidelines for admissions, including observations, interviews, and past school performances. 

- Please, please, please reschedule the JATP testing date if your child is sick, ill, overly tired, or otherwise inconvenienced. You want this snapshot to offer the most accurate description of your child's thinking and reasoning. The member psychologists are understanding and accommodating. Especially if you start the process early, you have more "wiggle room" should something come up on testing day. 

- Take the time to understand the score summary and schedule a post-test appointment with your chosen psychologists (for an additional fee) for more detailed feedback.