CogAT Grades 9-12 study plan

Diagnose baseline accuracy in verbal and quantitative reasoning by completing a timed 30-question mixed set (15 verbal, 15 quantitative) and recording per-domain scores.

Classify every missed verbal item into one of four error types: vocabulary gap, analogy relationship error, sentence-completion logic error, or passage-inference error.

Classify every missed quantitative item into one of four error types: arithmetic slip, algebra setup error, geometry/spatial error, or data-interpretation error.

Build a personal error log spreadsheet with columns for date, domain, item type, error category, and correction note.

Set a target score for each domain based on the diagnostic and write it at the top of the error log.

Memorize and apply 60 high-frequency verbal analogy relationship types (synonym, antonym, part-to-whole, cause-effect, degree, function, category) by writing two original example pairs for each type.

Solve 40 sentence-completion items by first predicting the missing word before reading the answer choices, and record prediction accuracy.

Drill 30 quantitative comparison items, practicing the four core tactics: plug in numbers, simplify both sides, use zero/one/negative edge cases, and avoid unnecessary calculation.

Review every error-log entry from week 1 and rewrite the correction note in your own words without looking at the original explanation.

Complete a 20-minute timed verbal set and a 20-minute timed quantitative set, then compare accuracy to the week 1 baseline.

Analyze 25 short reading passages by identifying the main conclusion, the supporting evidence, and the author's tone in three sentences or fewer per passage.

Solve 30 quantitative word problems by translating each into an equation before calculating, and check each equation against the answer choices.

Practice 20 number-series and pattern-completion items, writing the underlying rule for each series in words.

Reclassify any error-log item whose error category changed after deeper review, and note why the original classification was wrong.

Complete a 40-question mixed verbal and quantitative set under a 50-minute time limit and log the score.

Review weeks 1-3 error logs and identify the three most frequent error categories across verbal and quantitative domains.

Complete a full-length timed practice test covering all three domains and record section-by-section scores and timing.

Introduce nonverbal reasoning by solving 30 figure-classification and figure-analogy items, writing the visual rule for each.

Compare nonverbal accuracy to verbal and quantitative accuracy to decide how much time to shift toward domain 3 in weeks 5-8.

Update the study schedule for weeks 5-8 based on the full-length test results.

Solve 60 nonverbal items covering figure analogies, figure classification, and paper-folding/transformation, writing the transformation rule for each item.

Practice 25 quantitative items that involve spatial or geometric reasoning, such as cube counting, net folding, and rotation, and log each error.

Build a set of 10 hand-drawn transformation flashcards (rotation, reflection, translation, scaling) and use them for daily warm-ups.

Re-time a 20-quantitative-item set to confirm that accuracy holds under a faster pace.

Review the week 4 revision plan and mark which goals have been met.

Solve 50 nonverbal series and matrix items, identifying the changing attribute (shape, size, shading, position, number) in each.

Complete 30 verbal items under strict timing to maintain verbal skills while nonverbal is emphasized.

Practice 20 verbal analogy items that rely on precise vocabulary by writing a one-sentence definition for every unknown word encountered.

Reclassify all nonverbal errors from weeks 4-5 into attribute-based categories (shape, position, shading, count, rotation).

Complete a 30-minute mixed nonverbal and verbal set and log the score.

Complete two full-length timed practice tests on separate days and record all section scores.

For each full-length test, review every incorrect answer and assign it to a domain and error category in the master error log.

Drill the three weakest error categories with 15 targeted items each.

Practice pacing by completing one section with five minutes remaining and using the extra time to review flagged items.

Reduce the error log to a one-page 'top 10 mistakes' summary for final review.

Review the top-10 mistakes summary daily and rewrite each correction from memory.

Complete one final full-length timed practice test under test-day conditions (same time of day, no interruptions).

Verify that each domain score meets or exceeds the target set in week 1, and note any domain still below target.

Finalize test-day logistics: confirm test location or platform, required materials, and a timing strategy for each section.

Write a short post-test reflection plan describing how to review results and what to practice if a retake is needed.