Working with middle schoolers can be a challenge, but not if you have the right tools in your toolbox! If you are the parent of a seventh-grade student who is looking to take the CogAT in the near future, you have come to the right place! We’re here to help answer all your burning CogAT questions as well as give you some tips and tricks on how to help your seventh grader prepare.
What to Expect from the CogAT 7th Grade Test?
What to Expect from the CogAT 7th Grade Test?The CogAT is the common name for the Cognitive Ability Test and is used across the country to help determine if a child is ready for a gifted and talented program, an accelerated program, or an advanced program. There are 18 different levels of the CogAT that are given to students from kindergarten to grade 12. So, in short, the seventh grade CogAT is just a level of the CogAT that students commonly take in the seventh grade.
The one exciting thing about seventh grade is that you will have a choice as to which level your child takes. From kindergarten to sixth grade, there is pretty much one CogAT level per grade. Starting in seventh grade, however, you will have some choice. In the case of a seventh-grader or an eighth-grader, either student could take the CogAT 13 or 14. It all depends on the student and the program they are applying to. This is how the CogAT test for middle school and high school is. Both give the students and school some control over which level is taken.
Since both tests are structured the same, we’ll be touching on both the CogAT 13 and 14 in this article, but make sure that you check with your child’s school to find out which level they will actually be taking. Both tests take 90 minutes and contain 176 questions, so the general picture will be the same, but the level of difficulty won’t be.
How is the 7th Grade CogAT Test Structured?
The CogAT exam given to seventh-grade students is structured as any CogAT exam is. The exam is divided into three sections called batteries, and each battery is divided up into smaller sections. Below are the batteries and their sections:
Verbal battery
- Verbal classification
- Sentence completion
- Verbal analogies
The Verbal battery asked students about the relationships between words through its three sections. It will ask students to find the relationship between words, complete the blank space to match the relationship, and complete sentences with the word that fits the best.
Quantitative battery
- Number series
- Equation building
- Quantitative relationships
The Quantitative battery is viewed as the math portion of the test. However, it really tests the student’s ability to see relationships between numbers as opposed to traditional math like they might be learning in school. The only actual math that students will need to do in this section is basic equations containing addition and subtraction.
Nonverbal battery
- Figure classification
- Figure analysis
- Figure analogies
The final section of the CogAT is the nonverbal battery which is focused on visualizing relationships. This section uses shapes to test the student’s ability to envision change and the interactions between figures. It is a very abstract feeling section but is often one of the most fun parts of the CogAT to prepare for because it can feel like playing games.
Is the CogAT Test Required?
The CogAT test is not required of most students. The test is one of many options allowing students to test into more accelerated or advanced academic programs. Since these programs are optional, this means that the CogAT is also optional.
That being said, if your child is applying to a program and the only test accepted for admission is the CogAT, then your child will need to take the CogAT. The CogAT would be required in this instance, but this is not the norm. Most accelerated children’s programs will have a number of admissions tests that students can take, so just pick the test that will work best for your child.
How to Prepare for the CogAT 7th Grade Test?
CogAT test prep can feel a little overwhelming, so here are our favorite tips and tricks to help you assist your child in crushing their CogAT grade 7!
Don’t stress about CogAT scores
Saying not to stress about your child’s scores might seem counterintuitive, but it gets increasingly important as your child gets older. It is vital that you help them learn how to set healthy expectations for themself and not be too hard on them about scores as they head into high school. The pressure on them will only go up during high school and college, so try to make studying something they look forward to.
Practice every day
From using flashcards to playing games, there are so many ways you can help your child study every day. Make sure they take a few practice tests, but other than that, find study strategies that work for your child. Take some time to find a few free CogAT practice tests online or invest in a study guide. Then you will know what types of mental games will help them practice the skills they will need, and it will help teach your child that studying doesn’t have to be too stressful.
Set aside a space for studying
Setting aside a particular place in your home or in your child’s room can be really helpful for their studying. Make sure they have all the materials they will need within easy reach of their chair, so once they sit down and focus, they won’t have to leave to search for random objects. Having one location dedicated to studying can also help them get into the studying mindset a lot easier and potentially make it easier for you to help keep them focused too!
Use lots of practice questions
Practice questions are a great way to expose your child to every possible type of question they will see on the CogAT. It is crucial that they feel as comfortable as possible working through all these questions so that they feel confident when the test day arrives. Try adding one practice question to your morning or evening routine every day to ensure that your child is slowly processing all the different types of questions they might see on the CogAT.
Help your child learn self-care
Helping your child learn to eat right and take care of their body is essential to understanding how to study. If your child does not have enough food and water, no amount of studying will ever help their brain fully absorb and process the material you are covering. Make sure they get enough sleep and exercise regularly, as both will help improve their mental function.
Wrapping Things Up: What is CogAT Test for 7th Grade?
Overall, the CogAT is a significant test that you and your child will need to dedicate a decent amount of time to prepare for. Even with the size of the CogAT, it is important to help build up your child’s confidence both with the test and in themselves to help set them up for success in the future. The CogAT might be one extensive test, but it certainly won’t be your child’s last. We hope that our tips and tricks will have you well on your way to coach your child to success on their upcoming CogAT!
