CogAT test: Should you attempt it or not?

CogAT or The Cognitive Ability Test is an aptitude test that assesses students on their reasoning skills with three types of questions- verbal, non-verbal and quantitative. CogAT tests are generally based on a curriculum that is higher than what the student is studying in class. This helps identify students who are gifted with reasoning skills and the results of the CogAT test will help your child get into various gifted programs.

Difference Between a CogAT and an IQ test

A CogAT is often thought of as a mere IQ test. However, this is not the case. The two are entirely different. While an IQ test is based on questions that judge how intelligent a student is, the CogAT is based on questions that determine the critical thinking abilities of a student. On one hand, an IQ test examines a child’s general knowledge and on the other, CogAT is a detailed test that adds a psychological touch while assessing the students.

Importance of CogAT Practice test

Before you get cracking to prepare your child for the CogAT, here are some important things you should know about:

The scores of a CogAT will not have an effect on your child’s school results. A cognitive assessment test is a review of a child’s ability to apply their knowledge and expertise in solving questions. The questions on the test will be entirely different from what your child is used to answering in the usual school tests.

Thus, it is important that you take practice tests before they sit for the final one. A practice test’s main goal is to get your child used to with the question pattern of the CogAT test so they don't feel like a deer in the headlights on the final day.

Many parents fail to recognize the importance of CogAT practice tests. The practice tests have a huge impact on the child’s psyche. The child will be familiarized with the question pattern, the time they need to spend on each question, the quality of the answers they need to provide, how to utilize their break and much more. All of this will affect their final score positively.

Practice tests help improve the final score.

Taking practice tests is a huge part of your preparation process for a CogAT. While most schools often discourage taking practice tests as they believe that it offers an unfair advantage, it is vital for your child’s final score that they sit for these tests.

Practicing for the test papers that are designed similar to the final question paper will help your child test their abilities and apply their brains to find out possible solutions to the asked questions, before the D-day. And as it’s said, ‘Practice makes a man perfect!’

While your child is appearing for the practice test, ensure that he is given an environment similar to the exam hall. Since practice tests also allot the same time as on the final day, it will help them improve on their time management skills. This will also introduce them to the pressure and make them aware of their ability to perform in that pressure.

Preparation for a CogAT practice test

One of the best ways to prepare for a CogAT practice test is to go through the various guides that are available in the market. Pick the best available with detailed information and updated questions from the previous years. You will also get a practice test book when you apply for a practice test. This book will have the same type of questions as the test and will further help your child understand certain basic answering techniques. You can also seek help from experts or tutors to gain the desired edge over others. An online tutor  will be able to provide professional knowledge to your child for the preparation of a CogAT practice test and the CogAT.

It is highly advised that you let your child appear for the CogAT exam as it will help you recognize your child’s capability and superiority over the other children of the same age. Once you are aware of their strengths and weaknesses, you will be able to push them for better opportunities, so that they can emerge as a winner in their professional life.