So many parts of “normal” got put on hold during COVID, and college admissions were no exception. Many students in the high school classes of 2022 and 2023 got into college without taking the SAT or ACT because a lot colleges temporarily switched to Test Optional or Test Blind admissions. But now that the world has mostly opened back up again after the pandemic, does the Class of 2024 need to take standardized tests as part of their college admissions journey?
How to Recognize Systems of Linear Equations (Baby Algebra Pt. 3)
You might not know the math you think you know! This week, in my series teaching you to beat the SAT math paradox, I’m showing you how to recognize systems of linear equations…even in disguise. If you can spot these subtle systems, you can solve problems quickly and easily that might otherwise have stumped you.
The SAT's 5th, Experimental Section
Um….WHAT 5th section of the SAT?? If this blog post’s title alone is threatening to give you a panic attack (or if it’s not, but you still want to find out what the 5th section means for you), take a deep breath. This post’s got all the info you need to take the section in stride.
Why Your SAT/ACT Score Was Lower Than Your Practice Tests (And What to Do about it)
A student wrote to me with a concern that affects a LOT of high schoolers taking the SAT or ACT: what to do when your test score doesn't measure up to your practice scores. In this blog post I give her (and you) my tried and true two-step technique for turning this disappointing situation around!
How to Recognize a Linear Equation on the SAT (Baby Algebra Pt. 2)
In the second post of my new series upgrading your baby Algebra skills to the level that will let you nail ALL of the possible points on the SAT, we’re covering the foundation: what are linear equations, anyway, and what do they actually mean? Need answers? Read on!
How to Answer SAT Paired Passage Questions
Most students have a totally misguided approach to double passage questions on the SAT Reading section. And it costs them MAJOR points. This post explains what you’re probably doing wrong—and how to get it right.
The Hardest Math on the SAT and ACT (Baby Algebra Pt. 1)
There’s this paradox I’ve noticed: it’s never the hardest math that stands between my students and the scores they need to get into their dream schools. As strange as it might sound…it’s usually the EASIEST math. Why is that? And what can YOU do to prevent this math paradox from hurting your score? In this post, I’m explaining how to level up your “baby Algebra” with the help of my article series on the subject.
How to Study for the ACT Science Section
The Science section of the ACT can be one of the trickiest for students to master. That’s NOT the same thing as the “hardest” to master, though! This section is a matter of strategy, not cramming content into your brain. This post is your one-stop guide to the ONLY tricks you need to learn to land that high score in the Science section.
What You Need to Know for the ACT Reading Section
The next ACT sitting (September 10) approaches. How’s YOUR Reading score looking? If you’d like to make some improvement, you’ve still got time—and with this comprehensive guide to strategies for this fast-moving section, you’ll also have the know-how.
Your SAT Reading Study Guide
The first SAT of the new school year is almost here: August 27. But you’ve still got enough time to make some serious gains in your SAT Reading section—if you start working on your strategy in a focused way right now, that is. This post is a comprehensive guide to ALL of the types of questions that show up on the SAT Reading, as well as my key tactics for answering each of them.
How to Avoid Summer Burnout
Summer burnout can sap your energy and break your college prep momentum. What is it? How do you avoid it? Let me help.
Common App Updates, 2022-2023
It’s almost that time of year again: the Common App opens August 1! And, as usual, a few things have changed about this very important tool, which allows you to apply to hundreds of colleges with the click of a button. This post gives you a rundown of how the App has changed since last admissions season.
How to Decide Which Colleges to Apply to
Before you start applying to colleges, you need to figure out which ones you’re applying TO. Sounds simple, right? But there are so many factors to consider that making a college list can seem a daunting task. Don’t worry! This week I’m giving you a straightforward five-step guide to drafting your list of dream schools….so you can start working on getting INTO them.
How To Return to Test Prep after a Break
Breaks from studying are necessary, but getting back in the groove after one can feel like a real obstacle. Here’s how to find the momentum you’ve lost.
The QAS and TIR: Find Out Which Questions You Got Wrong on the SAT and ACT
If you’re planning to retake the SAT or ACT, the logical place to start studying is whatever question types you got wrong the first time you took the test. But your College Board report only shows you your score and your percentile ranking. How do you find out which questions you missed—so that you can nail them next time? Enter the SAT’s Question and Answer Service and the ACT’s Test Information Release.
How to Use Your Summer Vacation to Get into College
Worried about how to make the most of those crucial summers during the college process, sophomore through junior year? Worry no more—this post lays out a road map to what you need to keep your eye on.
When Should You Take a Break from Test Prep?
New SAT and ACT dates means that college applicants don’t have the enforced summer break that they used to. This makes testing-timeline decisions EVEN MORE COMPLICATED (hey, thanks!). I’m breaking down the factors you need to consider to keep your sanity (and maybe even plan that break in there after all).
Does the class of 2022 need the SAT or ACT?
The class of 2021 has had their college process upended by Covid-19—including schools going temporarily (or even permanently) test-optional. But what about the class of 2022? If you’re a current Junior, you probably have some questions about testing and college applications in the age of coronavirus—and lucky for you, I’ve got expert answers.
SAT and ACT Test Dates, 2022-2023
If you’re a high school sophomore or junior wondering when you should sign up for your first standardized test sitting, look no further: this post lists out all ACT and SAT test dates for the 2022-23 season. Whether you’re an international student or one based in America, whether you’re taking the SAT or the ACT, this post has got the dates you need, as well as info on how to register for each test.
Perfectionism Hurts Your ACT Score
Perfectionism will cost you points on every section of the ACT. Let me show you how, so I can show you how important it is to avoid this tricky mindset problem.
