Is The ACT Still Important?
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…
Read MoreACT Timing With Breaks
Mastering timing is an extremely important strategy for succeeding on any standardized test, and the ACT is no different. But forget those horror stories of grueling half-day testing; the ACT is doing its part to banish leg cramps and assuage anxieties with its new, streamlined format. ] Today’s ACT is much less exhausting; while you still need to build your testing endurance and understand the timing, it’s not a 5-hour…
Read MoreBreaking Down the ACT: What You Need to Know
The ACT has long been one of the most recognized college admissions tests in the United States. For students aiming to stand out in competitive applicant pools, understanding what the ACT covers and how it is structured is the first step toward success. While strategy and practice matter, the foundation of strong performance is a clear understanding of what the test looks like, how it is scored, and how each…
Read MoreTest-Taking Strategies for Students
SHARK TANK – “Episode 716” – A college student from Las Vegas, NV who earned a perfect SAT score wants to expand his business to help others increase their test scores, but can he deliver a perfect pitch to the Sharks? Husband and wife exercise enthusiasts from Jenison, MI believe they have created the ideal sports bra that women have long been looking for; two millennials from Denver, CO want…
Read MoreDigital SAT vs. Digital ACT: Which One Is Right for You?
In the past, students choosing between the SAT and the ACT had to factor in different question types, essay requirements, and even regional preferences. Now that both tests have gone digital, many of the old distinctions have shifted or disappeared entirely. But that doesn’t mean the SAT and ACT are identical. In fact, as testing organizations have embraced adaptive technology and redesigned their formats, key differences have emerged. Whether you’re…
Read MoreStandardized Testing Pros and Cons
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…
Read MoreWhat SAT Score Do You Need for the Ivy League?
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…
Read MoreThe ACT Format Explained: Your Guide to Test Day Confidence
If you want to be an expert at anything, you need to know your subject inside and out. If you want to be a doctor, you have to know everything about human anatomy, from the Achilles tendon to the zygomatic arch. A chef doesn’t just follow recipes; they understand flavor profiles, ingredient interactions, and cooking techniques. No matter the field, deep knowledge is what transforms someone from a beginner into…
Read MoreSAT Preparation for Beginners
Taking the SAT is a rite of passage for high school students– and it’s a rite you get to prepare for. However, the timing of that preparation can be really important. Start too early, and it’s a long, drawn out, painful process that ultimately isn’t that helpful. Start too late, and you don’t have time to develop strategies or learn how to take the test. Whether you’re a student just…
Read MoreThe Smart Student’s Guide to SAT Self-Study
If you’re planning on taking the SAT this year, it’s time to start studying. For many students, that means buying the official SAT prep book, working through it, and hoping for the best. For some of them, this works… but for many, it’s actually quite ineffective. And that’s not for you. You aren’t going to settle for an ineffective study plan! If you’re here, that shows you’re already being proactive…
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