For many students, the Reading test is the most difficult part of the SAT–there’s a lot to read, a bunch of questions to answer, and very little time to do so. However, there are things you can do to make this section of the exam easier to complete. To ace, the SAT Reading test, choose the reading style that’s best for you, complete the passages in the order of your…

After finishing nearly three hours of tough multiple-choice tests, you might be tempted to skip writing the optional ACT Essay. But, don’t do this–most competitive colleges and universities will want to see an Essay score. Plus, we’ve got some tips to make writing the Essay a breeze. You’ll get a great score if you follow these ACT essay tips – do some preparation before you start writing, make sure to…

Every year, countless students don’t finish the SAT in time. While time will always be an issue on the exam—keeping up your pace is one of its primary challenges—there are plenty of things you can do to lessen the time crunch. I’ve drawn up a list of them for you here. If you want to beat the clock on exam day, take a bunch of practice tests beforehand, wear a wristwatch,…

Asking for letters of recommendation from your teachers seems like a pretty simple and straightforward task—but there are plenty of things to keep in mind before you ask for letter of recommendation help. Be sure to keep in touch with your favorite teachers, and come application time, be sure to give them plenty of advance notice, and provide them with all the information and materials they need, to write you…

Even if Math is your least-favorite subject, you can still ace the ACT Math test, through hard work and the right problem-solving strategies. To ace the Math test, you need to memorize important equations and formulas, problem-solve step-by-step with pencil and paper, prioritize your time, and take lots of practice tests before exam day. More details on these Math test strategies below. For even more expert help on the Math…

If you haven’t taken the ACT before, you might be a bit nervous about the Science test. After all, science is a tough subject for many, especially for more left-brained types. Nor is Science a subject that’s tested on the more well-known SAT. But, there’s no reason to panic: you can ace the Science test if you brush up on your logic, data interpretation skills, and some basic Science concepts…

Even if English is your least-favorite class, there’s no reason to sweat the ACT English test, the first part of the exam and the second-longest. Just follow the tips and tricks listed below, and you’ll be well on your way to a 36! If you want to ace the ACT English test, brush up on the rules of grammar, answer questions in paragraph-by-paragraph chunks, and use answer choices as clues…

Many students dread the ACT Reading test. The Reading test requires you to read four 600-800 word passages, and answer 40 questions, in a breakneck 35 minutes. It’s a challenge—but the good news is, there are strategies to make this part of the exam a lot more doable. To boost your Reading test score, complete the passages in your order of strength, take notes as you read, and consider skimming…

Need a letter of recommendation for your college applications? Not sure whom to ask, or how? No worries—getting a good letter of recommendation comes down to a few simple steps. For the best possible letter of recommendation, choose a teacher who knows you well and can write something positive about you, and give them all materials they need and plenty of time to write the letter. More advice for getting…

Your grades and standardized test scores are set by now, so the personal statement is your last chance to add something new to your college applications. An effective personal statement is well-written, avoids cliches, tells a story about you that shows the admissions committee who you are, and brags a little—but doesn’t show off. I’ve compiled a list of personal statement ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ to help you as you work your…