Have you ever watched a quiz show, like Jeopardy, and wondered why some contestants just don’t seem to get any questions? It’s not always because they don’t know the answer- it’s because their buzzer skills are lacking. Maybe they buzz in too fast, or maybe they’re too slow. Whatever it is, they struggle- and it’s not for lack of knowledge, it’s for lack of skill.  You can think about the…

When colleges brag about their students’ high SAT scores, you usually see it expressed as a big number or as a percentile. Not percentage– percentile. And while you probably know that you want to be in a high percentile, the odds are good that you don’t actually know what that means. And that makes total sense, because we basically only ever talk about percentiles when we’re talking about test scores…

Did you know that the SAT used to have its own science test? In fact, the SAT used to have several optional subject tests, including tests in literature, foreign languages, advanced math– and yes, science. But as of 2021, these tests are gone, and it doesn’t look like they’re coming back. But that doesn’t mean there’s no science on the SAT. A knowledge of science– specifically how to interpret scientific…

If you’ve ever opened up your College Board account to retrieve your scores and not liked what you found… well, you’re not alone. About half of all SAT takers retake the exam, and there are a lot of benefits to doing so. In fact, taking the exam multiple times correlates with improved admission rates and higher test scores.  But, just like taking the test itself, you should approach taking and…

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…