AABL / NYC Independent Schools (historical/analog) Exam Survival Guide

Audience: K–1 private/independent admissions (NYC); schools may reference AABL-style tasks or local screening

Must-do

• Language: vocabulary, listening comprehension, following directions.
• Early Literacy: phonological awareness (rhyme, beginning sounds), emergent writing.
• Quant/Spatial: counting, comparing sets, shapes, position words.
• Nonverbal Reasoning: picture analogies, pattern completion.

Top traps

• Treating pictures as “guess the word” vs listening to relationships.
• Counting without one-to-one touch.
• Ignoring positional words (above/below/next to).
• Getting stuck on one hard item (time is short).

Quick checks

• Rhyme pairs (cat/hat; sun/pen = no).
• “Show 9” with counters, then “How many to make 10?”
• Place the sticker above the circle and next to the square.
• Complete a simple picture analogy (wing:bird :: fin:fish).

You will make

• Rhyme & Sound Wheels.
• Ten-Frame Cards.
• Positional Word Mats.
• Analogy Picture Cards.

Last-48h

• 5 min sounds/rhymes + 5 min counting games.
• 10 analogy/pattern items (no pressure).
• Practice 2-step and 3-step directions.
• Early bedtime; light breakfast.

Speed tactics

• Listen first; repeat instruction back.
• Touch-count; check work by recounting.
• If unsure, pick and move; keep mood positive.

Day-of plan

• 3-minute cozy warm-up (read a page; count to 20; name 3 shapes).
• Friendly, unrushed pace; smile & encourage effort.