If you’re a high school Senior (or younger), the Common App and Coalition App can save you a TON of time on your college applications. But what are the differences between these two options, exactly—and which is the better fit for YOU? This blog post brings you the answers.
What to Do if You Didn't Take the June ACT
The June ACT date used to be an absolute must-take. Over the past few years, shifts in the testing schedule have changed that…for SOME students. Which juniors are probably fine if they skipped the June 10 ACT, and what should you do if you’ve already opted to sit it out? Read on to find out.
Fractions on the SAT and ACT (Math Etiquette III)
Sure, you know how to cross-multiply (or, uh...do you?). But do you really GET fractions? Save time, stress, and effort on the SAT and ACT with my fraction guide.
“Vocab in Context” Questions on the SAT and ACT
Vocab in Context Questions pop up on several sections of the SAT AND the ACT. Learning how to answer them will net you a big point payoff. Follow these four simple steps to ace them…the Ivy Lounge way.
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.
What to Learn for the SAT No-Calculator Math Section (Math Etiquette I)
What's math etiquette? Well, like social etiquette, it helps you navigate problems confidently and gracefully...except these problems are math problems! It's also a crucial part of getting prepared for the new SAT No-Calculator Math section. Here's the run-down.
How to Break Down Every SAT and ACT Section
Struggling to stay calm as you prep for the SAT or ACT? Test prep expert Kristina Semos shows you how to make a big-picture study plan for a given exam section—and walks you through two detailed examples, study plans for the ACT Science and SAT No-Calculator Math Sections.
How to Choose the Right AP Classes for YOU
AP classes are exactly what your dream school wants to see on your transcript. Learn which ones will show off your skills best today:
The Digital SAT (dSAT): Everything You Need to Know!
The age of the new, Digital SAT is upon us (as of March 11, 2023)! This post is your one-stop guide to every question you have about the dSAT, from WHO will take the digital version WHEN, to WHAT will be on the test, to HOW you’ll take it.
How to Beat Test Anxiety: Tips for Perfectionists AND Slackers
Test anxiety can make it hard to get the SAT or ACT score you deserve on test day…or even make it hard to do the work that will get you the score you’re capable of! With these expert strategies that have worked for my students, I’ll help you get out of your own way.
Digital SAT (dSAT), SAT, or ACT?
The digital SAT is coming—and by March 2024, it will be the only test available for most or all test-takers. What does that mean for YOU? Which class years will be offered the paper vs. the digital test? And if you fall into the latter camp, would you be better off taking the ACT instead? This week's blog post is here to answer all these questions, and to offer a decision-making timeline for current Sophomores, who have a unique decision to make between the paper vs. paperless tests.
How to Answer Transition Word Questions on the SAT and ACT
A few posts ago, I gave you the most complete transition word guide you’ll ever find—and in this one, I break down my two techniques for acing the questions that test that knowledge!
Punctuation on the ACT and SAT: What You Need to Know
This post takes you on a stroll through punctuation town! What punctuation rules are absolute need-to-knows for the SAT and ACT? Read on!
New Year's Reflections to Help You Get into College in 2023
Winter break is a time high school students pause to rest and reflect…but the college process waits for no one. These are some questions to reflect on to keep your eye on the prize in the year ahead in YOUR college process—no matter where you are in high school! (There’s also a special message in here for juniors, who are really in the thick of it right now.)
Inequalities on the SAT and ACT (Baby Algebra Pt. 6)
We’ve reached the end of our baby Algebra upgrade series at long last! In this final post, I’m showing you a trick that upgrades your baby Algebra skills and scores you points on the SAT. (Hint: it involves inequalities!) And you definitely haven’t learned this trick in math class—or in any of your test-prep books!
Self Care during the Long Haul of Test Prep
You can't just cram for a standardized test! Nor can you grind your body and mind into the ground all of junior year and expect to still perform well on the SAT or ACT. Here are some of the top tips I give clients about the mindsets and habits that will keep you on pace for a strong finish.
Inequalities and Absolute Values (Baby Algebra Pt. 5)
We’re starting to wind up our baby Algebra upgrades, but before we do, don’t forget about Inequalities and Absolute Values! Lots of people do—but not the SAT Math test makers, so listen up.
How Many Solutions Does a System of Linear Equations Have? (Baby Algebra Pt. 4)
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this Baby Algebra series! Now that you’re working with linear equations and systems of linear equations, I’m going to teach you a little shortcut to solving—or even skip having to solve!—some of the problems the SAT will throw at you on this topic.
