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.
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 to Use Diagnostic Testing for the Digital SAT and ACT
You might already know that you need to take a diagnostic test in order to set up a successful test-prep process. But did you know that HOW you take it really matters? I’m explaining what to do and what NOT to do in order to get the best results from your diagnostic SAT or ACT test.
Top Grammar Terms to Know for the Digital SAT
There’s the English we speak when we’re hanging out with our friends….and then there’s the English that we learn in high school grammar courses….and THEN there’s the English that’s tested on the SAT. There are some important differences between the three! That’s why this week’s post rounds up over a dozen of the words that trip up SAT studiers the most, from deceptively familiar parts of speech to oddball words we almost never use aloud.
Overwhelmed by Junior Year? Here's What to Do.
Don't throw in the towel! Instead, muster your grit and learn to make time for schoolwork AND test prep.
Didn't Do Well on the SAT or ACT?
Did you just get back a not-so-hot test score on your ACT or SAT? Never fear. Kristina Semos is here…with a guide on how to recover and do better on your next one.
The Digital PSAT/NMSQT: Everything You Need to Know
The PSAT is now completely digital, in order to better reflect the new, Digital SAT. But the format isn’t the only thing that’s different for this new version of the test. Read on to learn how the timing of the test has changed, as well as what’s being tested.
What Should You Bring to the Digital SAT, SAT, or ACT?
You’ve studied for months, and now the big day is finally here: you’re about to take the Digital SAT, SAT or the ACT. But all of that hard prep work will be wasted effort if you show up to the testing room without the supplies you need to rock the test! Never fear: I’ve made you a checklist of the 7-9 essential items you should bring with you when you take the ACT or SAT, now with updated info on what you should bring to the Digital SAT, too.
SAT and ACT: Strategy vs. Content Sections
Knowing which sections of the ACT and SAT are content sections and which are strategy sections will help you target your test prep, hit your score goals, and open the door to that dream school!
Math Etiquette VI: Math...Vocabulary?
Math is all numbers, right? Nope. Reading is fundamental—even when we're talking the fundamentals of math, like we do in math etiquette. In this last post of my “Math Etiquette” series, I’ll gloss some key terms for you!
Your 5-Step Plan to Beat the Sophomore Slump
Feeling doomy and gloomy as you head in to tenth grade? With my five tips, you can turn Sophomore year from a bummer into an asset, AND start making yourself a better candidate for college down the line.
Math Etiquette V: Divide and Conquer
Division doesn't have to get you down—not when you do it the math etiquette way! Here are three ways of understanding division that will let you take on No Calculator Math (or any math section!) with confidence and accuracy.
Multiplication to Know for SAT No-Calculator Math (Math Etiquette IV)
Yes, I have favorite multiplication tricks. And after you realize how much time and how many errors they can save you on the SAT and ACT, so will you!
Affirmative Action Supreme Court Decision: Does the Class of 2025 Have to Take the SAT or ACT?
You’ve surely heard the huge college admissions news by now: no more race-conscious affirmative action. Considering this change, should the Class of 2025 and younger plan on taking the SAT and ACT?
5 Pieces of Info You Need to Create Your SAT/ACT Study Strategy
This post will take you from the basics to some advanced test-prep moves! I’m walking you through the five pieces of information you need for a winning test-prep strategy—and how to put them together into a plan that will open doors at your dream schools.
2023-24 SAT and ACT Test Dates
When can you take the SAT, Digital SAT, and ACT in academic year 2023-24? I’m so glad you asked! Here are all the test dates, as well as registration deadlines, score release dates, and info on how to register.
Which Facts to Memorize for the SAT No-Calculator Math (Math Etiquette II)
Part 2 of my Math Etiquette series gets down to brass tacks. It’s time for me to dish: exactly which math facts you need to memorize for the SAT and ACT.
Why the U.S. Class of 2025 Needs to Start Their Test Prep NOW
I’m not one to scare-monger, but current sophomores living in the US and US Territories are in a very special situation—and most of them need to get their test prep going very, very soon. Read on to find out why that is—and how to get your SAT, ACT, or Digital SAT timeline moving at the right clip.
How to Know if You Should Cancel Your SAT or ACT Score
There are new and helpful options for how to cancel your SAT or ACT score. But don’t get carried away, because there’s a really important question you should ask yourself before you take advantage of them: SHOULD you cancel your score? Let me walk you through the decision the way I’ve helped my students tackle it.
