profile

Over the Hurdle

Failed Twice? There’s Good News—and Smart Ways to Prep Next Time

Published about 1 month ago • 2 min read

Test-taking tips, free retakes, and how to get better—not just busier

Hey Reader,

Whether you’ve already taken your ILTS test or you're gearing up for your first attempt, this week is all about what happens when studying hard isn’t enough.

A lot of people go into these exams prepared—but not strategic.
Today, we’re fixing that.

Here’s what we’re covering in this issue:

  • The new ISBE policy that could save you $$$
  • Test-day mistakes to avoid (and how to prep smarter)
  • Real ways to use AI to think like the test
  • One subscriber’s win after changing how they studied
  • And what a “preliminary pass” actually means for your ILTS 290 score

AI in Action: Study Less, Score Smarter

AI isn’t just for generating practice questions (though it’s great at that). It’s a tool to help you train your brain to think like the test.

Here are 3 test-day tactics you can simulate with ChatGPT:

  1. Eliminate distractions:
    ​     “Give me 4 multiple choice questions where 2 answers seem right, but only one is clearly best. Explain why the others are wrong.”
    ​
  2. Understand distractors:
    ​     “Write one ILTS 290 question and explain why someone might choose the wrong answer. What thinking mistake is being made?”
    ​
  3. Speed and focus practice:
    ​     “Give me 5 ILTS-style questions I can answer in under 10 minutes. Show me which I got right or wrong and why.”

✅ Doing this daily—even for 15 minutes—prepares you to spot traps, stay calm, and work efficiently during the real exam.

ISBE News: Free Retakes Are Live

Big news (in case you did not already know) if you’ve taken an ILTS test twice since January 28, 2025 and haven’t passed yet:

You may qualify for a free retake. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Applies only to registrations after January 28, 2025
  • You must have taken the same test code twice and scored close to passing at least once
  • No special code needed—the system will automatically apply it
  • You can register for free within 12 months of your last score report
  • Missed test appointments do not count against your two tries

This could save you $100+—and give you another shot with a smarter plan in place.

Question of the Week

“I took the 290 exam in Illinois two weeks ago to begin student teaching in the fall. I got a preliminary pass—how accurate is that? And when will I get my official score?”

✅ A “Preliminary Pass” usually means you passed—congrats!
The ILTS rarely reverses that status.

📅 Official score reports are typically released 2–4 weeks after your test, depending on your content area and group release schedule.

So if you saw “pass” on screen, go ahead and breathe—you’re likely in the clear.

✨ Tiny Win of the Week

“I used to spend hours reviewing flashcards and getting nowhere. Once I started using AI to explain why certain answers were wrong, I finally passed. I wasn’t just memorizing—I was thinking through every choice like a teacher, not a test-taker.”
— N. Richardson, OTH Subscriber

👏🏾Let that be your reminder: better thinking = better scores.

​

You're closer than you think.

You’ll get the next issue next Sunday at 11 AM—with more strategies, more clarity, and more support.
And if there’s something you’re stuck on or want me to cover, hit reply and send your question my way. I might feature it in an upcoming issue.

—Tori J.
Founder, Over the Hurdle

​

Over the Hurdle

Clear the final hurdle. Pass your Illinois teacher exam faster and smarter.

Over the Hurdle helps future Illinois teachers pass their certification exams faster and smarter. Get quick, actionable study tips — including how to use AI tools — so you can finally clear the hurdle to becoming a licensed teacher. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Read more from Over the Hurdle
Image with bold heading: “Too Busy to Study?” and subheading: “Prep for the ILTS in under 1 hour a day.” Visual shows a busy teacher or parent multitasking with a planner and study materials. Highlights the newsletter’s tips on using AI for quick wins, wi

No Time? No Problem. How to Study for the ILTS in Under 1 Hour a Day Hey Reader, Study Shift: You’re Not Lazy—You’re Overloaded Let’s be real: If you’ve opened your study guide five times this week and closed it five minutes later—you’re not lacking discipline. You’re maxed out. Burnout doesn’t mean you’re unmotivated. It means your plate is already full. Between summer jobs, family, and maybe a class or two, “just make time” feels unrealistic. But here’s the shift: You don’t need 4 hours a...

6 days ago • 2 min read

Studying for the ILTS on a Budget: Free & Low-Cost Strategies That Actually Work. Hey Reader, Let’s be honest: These tests are expensive. You’re already paying for exam fees, retakes, prep books that barely help, and courses that cost more than your rent. Add bills, groceries, or childcare—and suddenly “just buy this program” is the most tone-deaf advice ever. But here’s the truth no one tells you: You don’t need hundreds of dollars to pass. You need a smart strategy, the right tools, and...

13 days ago • 2 min read

Can’t Get Hired After Graduation? How to Move Forward When You Haven’t Passed the ILTS Yet Hey Future Teacher, Let’s keep it real. You crossed the stage. You did everything they told you—except pass that one test. Now, instead of sending out resumes, you’re holding your diploma in one hand and frustration in the other. And meanwhile? Your peers are getting job offers. Signing contracts. Planning classroom themes. You’re refreshing your inbox, waiting on a new test date and wondering what the...

20 days ago • 2 min read