We’re pleased to announce that we’ll be posting even more OLSAT practice questions throughout the coming weeks as families prepare for the upcoming OLSAT and the highly competitive New York City Gifted and Talented Program admissions process.
Interest in gifted education programs continues to grow, and even back in 2011, parents were reporting record levels of competition for seats in both districtwide and citywide gifted programs. Many families who had never previously considered public school options were exploring gifted programs because of the unique academic opportunities available through New York City’s advanced learning pathways.
As testing dates approach, one of the most common questions parents ask is, “When should we start preparing?” The answer is simple: earlier is usually better.
Young children benefit most from short, consistent practice sessions rather than intensive cramming right before the test. Spending just 10 to 15 minutes a day working on listening skills, verbal reasoning, pattern recognition, vocabulary, and problem-solving can help children become more comfortable with the types of questions they may encounter.
At TestingMom, our goal has never been to teach children answers to specific questions. Instead, we focus on helping children develop the underlying thinking skills measured by assessments like the OLSAT. Familiarity with question formats can reduce anxiety and allow children to demonstrate their abilities more confidently on test day.
Important NYC Testing Information (2011)
At the time, the New York City Department of Education posted the following guidance:
- Private school and current pre-K students would be notified of their OLSAT testing date by the Department of Education in mid-December.
- Public school students would receive notification from their school.
Based on parent reports from previous years, notification timelines varied considerably. Some families received notice two weeks before testing, while others were notified only a few days in advance. In some cases, parents reported receiving information the day before the exam.
What Parents Can Do While Waiting
If your child is preparing for gifted testing, consider focusing on:
- Listening carefully to multi-step directions
- Building vocabulary through reading and conversation
- Practicing visual patterns and analogies
- Developing attention and focus skills
- Learning how to stay calm when faced with unfamiliar questions
- Encouraging confidence and a positive attitude toward testing
Remember that gifted assessments measure reasoning and problem-solving abilities, not simply what a child has memorized. The goal is to help children feel comfortable demonstrating what they already know.
As we move closer to testing season, we’ll continue adding new OLSAT-style practice questions and resources to help families prepare. Check back frequently for updates, additional practice activities, and tips for supporting your child throughout the gifted testing process.
Good luck to all the families preparing for this year’s admissions season!
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