If you’ve taken a few SAT or ACT practice tests (or even a round or two of the actual test), you may have found yourself running out of time on a section or two. What should you do when you don’t have time to actually think through those last few questions? Will it help or harm your score to guess—and if you should guess, what are the smartest strategies for doing so? This week’s post has got you covered.
The New ACT: Section-by-Section Updates
The first practice test for the new ACT just dropped. And it reveals a LOT of things we didn’t know about the new test. Read on for a section-by-section breakdown of what will be different come February/July.
Returning to Test Prep after a Break: 5-Step Plan
Whether it’s winter vacation or a family weekend away, everyone has to take breaks from test prep sometimes. But getting back to your desk after time away can feel like a real drag. Here’s how to regain the momentum you’ve lost.
Do you have to write the essay on the SAT or ACT?
Do you have to write the essay on the ACT or SAT? I’m usually here to tell you that skipping something you COULD use as an opportunity to shine is a mistake…but maybe not this time. Read on to find out if you’re one of the lucky ones who really CAN forget about writing the SAT Essay section or the ACT Writing component.
ACT Math Study Guide
What’s on the ACT Math section? The ACT website provides one answer to that question…but it’s a slightly confusing one. It isn’t always clear what content is covered under the broad terms they use, like “Algebra.” That’s why I’ve come up with my own system for categorizing every single math topic that the ACT can test you on. Whether you’re taking the 2024 version of the test or the new, revised 2025 version, this post will save you lots of time by helping you figure out exactly what to study and what to skip.
How to find the right standardized testing tutor for you
How can you tell whether your ACT or Digital SAT tutor is the right one for you? This article breaks down the two main types of tutor, and the ten qualities your tutor should have (no matter which “type” you pick).
Why the Class of 2026 Needs to Start Their Test Prep NOW
The Class of 2026 is in a unique position when it comes to the ACT. In fact, current juniors need to start their test prep journey NOW, in fall of 2024. Read on to learn why.
ACT Changes: What Do They Mean for YOU? (Pt 3)
The ACT is changing in 2025-26. What should current Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen do about that? The final installment of our three-part series on the coming ACT overhaul gives you specific instructions according to your class year.
Avoid These Two ACT English Grammar Mistakes
Save Time on the ACT Science Section with this Trick
If you want to answer all the questions in the ACT Science Section, you’ve got to move really fast: you’ve got about 52 seconds per question, to be exact. But fret not: this week I’m bringing you my special “Castle Method”—a strategy tailored to this particular section that will help you answer its questions quickly AND accurately.
Does Cramming Work for the Digital SAT or ACT?
Cramming doesn't work: the human brain just doesn't work that way. But that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of the time you have left...even if there's not as much of it as you might like!
Checklist: What to Bring to the Digital SAT
What helpful items should you bring with you to the DSAT to ensure you get the score you’ve worked so hard for? I’ve listed out the 9 must-brings, as well as 2 bonus items to consider too.
Digital SAT and ACT: How Long Should You Study?
So…how long does it take to study for the DSAT or ACT? The answer to that question is anything but one-size-fits-all. So if you want to know how long it might take YOU to prep for the Digital SAT or ACT and nail your target score, consider these factors.
Do Elite Colleges Require a Perfect SAT/ACT Score?
If you want to get into an elite college, you need a perfect SAT or ACT score…..right? Actually, this week’s post explains why a perfect score is NOT always required for admission to Harvard, Stanford, or Yale….and how you should be using your college prep time instead of cramming for that 1600 or 36.
Transition Words on the ACT and Digital SAT
Transition words are a big deal on the SAT and ACT! But what are they and how do they work? Here’s the most complete guide to transition words you’ll find.
4 Schedules for Taking the Digital SAT or ACT: 2024-25 Edition
Okay, so you know you need a Testing Timeline—but where do you start? I’ve got you covered. One of these four basic Testing Timelines should get (almost) every high school Junior on the path to SAT or ACT success!
ACT Add/Delete a Sentence Questions
If the ACT is your test of choice, you’ll have to navigate quite a few questions about language, grammar, and writing. In this post, I spotlight one type of question that always appears on the test—the “add/delete a sentence” question—and spell out my failsafe tactic for figuring out the right answer. If you’re hunting for a quick and easy way to rack up points, read on!
What Math Is on the Digital SAT?
The math that the Digital SAT tests you on is NOT necessarily the math that you’ve learned most recently or prominently in high school. So, even students who have excelled in their sophomore and junior year math classes need to seriously strategize in order to snag that dream score. But never fear: in this post, I’ve broken down every math topic on the SAT….AND how many questions you’ll have on each topic.
(How) Should You Study for the SAT/ACT in 9th and 10th Grade?
Most freshmen and sophomores do NOT need to study for the ACT and SAT! But if you're the kind of student who likes to get going ASAP, here's what you can do right now.
How to Answer ACT Paired Passage Questions
“Paired passages” are a type of question in the ACT Reading section that asks you about two rather than just one passage. And paired passages can take up WAY more of your precious test-day time than they should!…Unless you go in with the right strategy, that is. Click through for a breakdown of the wrong AND the right way to approach this common question type.
