You’ve probably heard classmates or teachers talk about what counts as a “good” SAT score. But the truth is, that number isn’t the same for everyone! It all depends on who you are and where you want to go to college. A score that’s competitive at one school might fall short at another. The real question isn’t what looks good on paper; it’s what score helps you achieve your goals.…

The SAT turns 100 next year! While it might seem hard to believe, given the modern version of the test students get today, the SAT predates sliced bread (1928), the ballpoint pen (1931), and TV (1927). And while the name is the same, the test has changed substantially in both its purpose and content areas. In order to understand where the test is going, it’s important to know its history–…

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,…

Pencils down, everyone! Where we’re going today… you won’t need them. That’s because today we’re going to explore the SAT format, and unlike the standardized tests of the past, the modern SAT is 100% digital. The paper-based version is officially gone, replaced by a streamlined experience that’s designed to be faster and more useful for you and the schools evaluating you. For students preparing to take the SAT for the…

When I first took the SAT around 20 years ago, I had no idea where that test would take me. And I’ll be honest, my first attempt was not spectacular! I had to put in a lot of effort to raise that score from average to perfect, which opened doors beyond anything I imagined. My SAT score was the key to competitive college admissions, nearly a quarter of a million…

One of the most important things to understand about the SAT is that it doesn’t just give schools an additional opportunity to see your academic performance; it also gives them a way to compare you to other students. What makes you a better choice over another student? Colleges have to ask themselves this question every time they choose someone to admit, and an SAT score in the top percentiles provides…

Nearly 2 million students took the SAT in 2024– will one of those students be you this year? If you’ve never taken the SAT before, it can seem like a daunting task. And if you have taken it before, you might already be dreading the re-take. If you’re taking the SAT in 2025, there’s a lot you’ll need to know. So don’t go in without preparing! From knowing what to…

If you’re preparing for the SAT, part of setting yourself up for success is understanding why you’re taking the test, and what you need the test to do for you. It’s not like you’re taking the SAT for fun, after all– you need a high score to help highlight how competitive of a student you are. If you put in the work to merit a place at a competitive institution,…

When you take a test at school, the scoring is typically pretty straightforward. Usually it’s just expressed as a simple percentage of the questions you got right. But SAT scoring is a little more complicated. After all, nobody ever says “I got an A on the SAT!” or “I got a 95% on my SAT!”  Most students know that the maximum score you can get on the SAT is a…

It really seems like everything is important for today’s students, doesn’t it? From extracurriculars to the ever-increasing challenge of schoolwork, you’re told from the first day of your first year that everything you do counts. And that includes your test scores! Not just your academic exams, but your standardized test scores. While it is true that many schools dropped SAT and ACT requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also…