Cultivating a Growth Mindset During Test Prep & Admissions. 

At Ascension Educational Services, we believe test prep isn’t just about scores—it’s about building confidence, resilience, and lasting skills for success. A growth mindset is one of the most powerful tools we can help students foster/

Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset believes that intelligence and ability aren’t fixed—they can be developed with effort, strategy, and feedback. This concept is essential during the often high-pressure process of preparing for exams like the ISEE, SSAT, SHSAT, or even early SAT prep.

With this mindset, thoughts like “I’m not good at math,” become “This is tough, but I can improve.” That mindset shift builds not just stronger test-takers, but stronger learners.

Why Growth Mindset Matters in Competitive Admissions

Students applying to selective schools often feel immense pressure to perform perfectly. This pressure can lead to perfectionistic tendencies, test anxiety, and fear of failure. 

But with a growth mindset, students:

• ✅ Learn from mistakes rather than fear them

• ✅ Become more willing to take academic risks

• ✅ Build stamina and grit through practice

• ✅ Improve their confidence AND their content knowledge

5 Ways Parents Can Cultivate a Growth Mindset

1) Praise the Process, Not the Outcome: Instead of saying “You’re so smart,” try: “I’m proud of how hard you worked on that reading section.” Focusing on effort, strategy, and progress helps reinforce the value of perseverance.

2) Normalize Mistakes: Let your child know that mistakes are expected and even necessary in the learning process. Share your own stories of learning from failure. Remind them: “Mistakes mean your brain is growing.”

3) Encourage Strategic Study Habits: Help your student plan ahead, reflect on what’s working, and make changes when needed. Growth mindset thrives when students have agency over their learning strategies.

4) Stay Solution-Oriented: When your child feels discouraged, help them shift from “I can’t” to “What can I try next?” Ask guiding questions like: “What part felt tricky?” or “What could you do differently tomorrow?”

5) Partner with the Right Support Team: Tutors and coaches who understand the power of mindset can make all the difference. At Ascension, our educators are trained to integrate emotional coaching, test-taking strategies, and personalized learning into every session.

Let’s Redefine Test Prep! Preparing for competitive schools doesn’t have to come at the cost of your child’s confidence or joy. When students believe they can grow, they do—and that’s when real transformation begins. 100% of our Students who follow their plan see notable increases in their scores! 

📩 Want to Learn More About how Ascension’s Customized Test Prep Plans build both Skill & Confidence? Contact us to schedule a free consultation and read some of our glowing Testimonials Now!