Preparing for the SAT may feel like an extra stressor in an already packed high school schedule, but the exam offers meaningful advantages that can shape both your college path and your long-term goals. The fact is, there are a lot of benefits to taking this exam, beyond the ones you might expect! Even as many colleges maintain score-optional admissions policies, the SAT remains a powerful tool for students who…

Ever since the first university opened its doors to students (either the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco in 859 or the University of Bologna in Italy in 1088, depending on how you define it), some schools have had more prestigious name recognition than others. During the Enlightenment, it was the University of Paris. The UK has Oxford and Cambridge. In the United States, that prestige converged around eight specific schools…

Since its introduction in 1959, millions of hopeful college students have taken the ACT. Today, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic kickstarting test-optional policies, many students question whether or not the test is still worth taking. But honestly? The answer to that isn’t just a resounding yes, it’s “Yes, and it’s actually more important now than ever before.” With the rise of grade inflation, the increasing difficulty of college…

For decades, the SAT has been a major part of the college admissions process in the United States. Many students see it as a hurdle they must clear on the path to higher education, while parents and schools often treat it as a marker of academic readiness. Yet despite its long history and widespread use, the SAT has always been controversial. Critics argue that it creates unnecessary stress, reinforces inequality,…

Your second-to-last year of high school is full of obligations and opportunities, including standardized testing. Preparing for the SAT during your junior year can feel like a big task, but it’s one that pays off. Whether you’re aiming for competitive college admissions or merit-based scholarships, your SAT score is more than just a number; it’s a signal to colleges that you’re ready for the challenges ahead. The good news is…

If you’re a high school student in the US today, you’ve been taking standardized tests since you were in the third grade. Maybe you sometimes have nightmares about Scantron bubbles; maybe you relish finishing early and getting extra quiet reading time. However you feel about standardized testing, these tests are a big part of how both the American education system and the college admissions systems work. But these tests are…

Most people have heard about the Ivy League, at least in passing. These eight schools– Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University– are known for their highly selective admissions practices and excellent graduate outcomes.  But they aren’t the only selective schools with impeccable reputations in the US. In fact, the most selective top university in the US isn’t even…

If you’ve got your sights set on the Ivy League, you probably already know that expectations are beyond high. These schools are known for academic excellence, incredible opportunities outside of the classroom, a long list of successful alumni… and extremely selective acceptance rates. But one of the most common questions we hear is also one of the most important: what SAT score do you need to get in? The answer…

Getting into medical school isn’t easy! It takes a lot of hard work and careful preparation to gain the knowledge and skills you need to build a strong application and succeed on the MCAT. But, you can accelerate your journey and establish a strong foundation for medical school by making sure you take the right courses during your undergrad years. Every year, thousands of college students say that they’re “pre-med,”…

It’s been an odd few years for standardized testing. Between the challenges of the pandemic and universities dropping and then rapidly reinstating testing requirements, many students and families are wondering whether the SAT still holds weight. While some colleges have moved to test-optional admissions, the SAT continues to play a role in various parts of the college application process and beyond. So, how important is it to take the SAT…