SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

Ashley Robinson

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Recent Posts

200+ Other Words For Said: Synonyms to Spice up Your Writing

One of the words that comes up most commonly in various types of writing, from fiction to academic writing, is the word “said.” Any time a writer is referencing the words or thoughts expressed by another person, whether that be thoughts expressed verbally or in writing, an appropriate way to introduce--or attribute--that person’s thoughts is with the phrase “said.” 

But if you’re incorporating a lot of quotations in your writing, you might find yourself repeating  the word “said” a lot. Repeating the same phrase in a piece of writing can start to feel monotonous, which is why incorporating synonyms or an oft-used word or phrase can make your writing more interesting and accurate. But here’s some good news: there are tons of other words for “said” out there for you to use! 

To help you build a repertoire of words to replace “said,” we’re going to do the following in this article: 

  • Explain the importance of using word variety and avoiding repetition of the same word in your writing
  • Explain when to use “said” and when not to use “said” 
  • Provide a comprehensive list of alternative words for “said,” organized into categories based on emotion and intention

Ready to check out some synonyms for “said”? Then let’s get going!


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How Much Do ACT Prep Classes Cost? An Expert Comparison

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Posted by Ashley Robinson

ACT

It’s important for you to do well on the ACT, but doing well can involve additional ACT prep costs. But the truth is that additional ACT test prep—whether it’s in the form of study guidebooks, ACT prep courses, or one-on-one ACT tutoring—can raise your score quite a bit. If you’re trying to get into a competitive school, having a high ACT score is a critical part of your application.

Answering the question “how much does ACT prep cost” can be pretty tricky...but we’re here to help. In this article, we’re going to answer that question and give you an ACT prep cost comparison. Then we’ll walk you through the different types of prep and how much ACT prep classes cost, explain the positives and negatives of each, then give you some tips for choosing the right type of ACT prep for you.

So let’s jump in!

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The 5 Fundamental Sagittarius Traits You Need to Know

Sagittarians, our winter-born, free spirit friends! They're lucky, honest, and ever-so-slightly reckless. What's not to love?

If you're reading this right now, you're either a Sagittarius yourself or you're researching the traits of someone specific, like a friend, partner, or co-worker. Or, maybe you're just curious? Whatever the reason you're reading up on Sagittarius characteristics, we're here to better help you understand this zodiac sign better.

In this article, we're going to break down everything you need to know about the traits of the Sagittarius sign, including:

  • Answering the question, "What is a Sagittarius?"
  • Giving you 5 key Sagittarius traits
  • Discussing how Sagittariuses work in relationships
  • Providing tips for how to get along with Sagittariuses, no matter your sign

There's a lot to cover, so let's get started!

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A Complete Guide to the PCAT: Scores, Practice, and More

MCAT, GRE, GMAT...there seem to be a million different tests to get into graduate school, and the PCAT is one of them. Students who want to go to pharmacy school are often required to take the PCAT exam as part of their admissions packet.

But what is the PCAT, exactly? What’s the format of the exam? And what kind of PCAT scores do you need to get into pharmacy school?

Well, fear not! We’ve put together an expert introduction to the PCAT exam. In this article, we’ll cover:

  • The unique features of the PCAT
  • An overview of PCAT registration
  • What to expect when taking the test
  • The typical PCAT scores required for pharmacy programs

Having a good understanding of the PCAT can save you a lot of trouble later, so read on!

 

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The 8 Key Leo Traits: Your Guide to the August Zodiac Sign

What do Demi Lovato, Barack Obama, and J.K. Rowling all have in common? They're all Leos, according to astrological zodiac signs! These people also exhibit some of the Leo zodiac sign's strongest traits, including being gifted, persevering leaders.

But there's more to being a Leo than having leadership qualities! In our crash course on understanding and relating to the people in your life (or yourself!) who fall under the Leo sign, we'll cover the following:

  • Explain what a Leo is
  • Define eight key Leo traits, including the sign's strengths and weaknesses
  • Describe Leo characteristics in romantic, platonic, and professional relationships
  • Give you advice for being the best Leo you can be
  • Give others tips for relating to the Leos in their lives

Now, let's get to know this August zodiac sign!

 

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How Much Do SAT Prep Courses Cost?

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Posted by Ashley Robinson

SAT

If you’re going to do well on the SAT, you’ll probably need to invest in some additional study materials beyond what you’re given in school. (And some schools may not provide SAT study resources at all!) 

SAT test prep costs can include buying study materials and practice tests, one-on-one tutoring, and taking SAT study courses. It’s a good idea to start asking “how much does SAT prep cost” now so that you can budget for the SAT test prep service that’s right for you. After all, taking the SAT is a long and fairly involved process that you don’t want to take lightly!

But how much do SAT prep courses cost, exactly? In this article, we’re going to break down SAT prep cost and SAT coaching fees for self guided study, online programs, and one-on-one tutoring. That way you and your family can make sure your testing strategy fits within your budget. 

So let’s get started. 

 

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What Is the CPA Exam? A Complete Guide to the Test

Are you interested in becoming a certified public accountant? If so, you probably already know that there are several qualifications you need to have met before you can become licensed. Some of those—such as work experience—come with time and patience, but the biggest step towards licensure is to pass the CPA Exam. 

But what is the CPA Exam, exactly? And how do you pass it? Well, no worries because this is your complete guide to everything you need to know about taking (and passing) the CPA Exam. In this article, we’ll cover: 

  • What the CPA Exam is
  • Who should take the CPA Exam
  • The CPA Exam score release dates 
  • How to register for the CPA exam
  • Data on the CPA exam pass rate
  • An overview of the exam itself, including its format and question types

There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started!

 

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The Story of an Hour: Summary and Analysis

Imagine a world where women are fighting for unprecedented rights, the economic climate is unpredictable, and new developments in technology are made every year. While this world might sound like the present day, it also describes America in the 1890s

It was in this world that author Kate Chopin wrote and lived, and many of the issues of the period are reflected in her short story, “The Story of an Hour.” Now, over a century later, the story remains one of Kate Chopin’s most well-known works and continues to shed light on the internal struggle of women who have been denied autonomy.

In this guide to Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour,” we’ll discuss:

  • A brief history of Kate Chopin and America the 1890s
  • “The Story of an Hour” summary
  • Analysis of the key story elements in “The Story of an Hour,” including themes, characters, and symbols

By the end of this article, you’ll have an expert grasp on Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour.” So let’s get started!

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The 8 Different Types of Sharks, Explained

Sharks have been around for more than 450 million years, which means there’s a lot to know about the ocean’s most feared predators. While they’ve been the victims of bad press in recent years, it turns out that sharks are fascinating creatures with unique traits, qualities, and behaviors.

How many types of sharks are there? There are hundreds of species of sharks, and they all fit into eight distinct orders: Carcharhiniformes, Heterodontiformes, Hexanchiformes, Lamniformes, Orectolobiformes, Pristiophoriformes, Squaliformes, and Squatiniformes. 

In this article, we’ll discuss each of the eight orders of sharks, give you the distinguishing characteristics of each, and then teach you what makes all types of sharks different from other species of fish. Finally, we’ll give you a quick list of FAQs about sharks! 

So...let’s dive in. 


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The Best MTEL Practice Tests You Can Take

If you live in Massachusetts and have decided to pursue a career in public education, your first step will be to take the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL). 

But why do you have to take the MTEL exam? Well, the MTEL is necessary to achieve teaching licensure in Massachusetts. It is a fairly difficult and expensive exam, so you will definitely want to study for it!

Luckily, there are a number of practice tests online, of varying quality--so many, in fact, that it can be overwhelming just deciding where to begin. 

Never fear: here is everything you need to know about MTEL practice tests! We’re going to talk about: 

  • What the MTEL test is
  • Who should take the MTEL test 
  • An overview of the MTEL test 
  • A discussion of the available MTEL practice tests you can take 

There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started.


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What Are Lightning Bugs? Are They Different From Fireflies?

If you're lucky, you've had the experience of sitting outside on a warm, summer night and watching lightning bugs blink all around you. It's a pretty magical feeling, and it's all thanks to little glowing bugs!

But what are lightning bugs, exactly? What makes them glow? And why do they only come out during the summer? This article will teach you everything you need to know about lightning bugs, and we'll answer the questions like:

  • What is a lightning bug?
  • What do lightning bugs eat?
  • Where do lightning bugs live?
  • Why do lightning bugs light up?
  • Which term is correct (firefly vs lightning bug)?

So let's go ahead and meet our glowy friends!

 

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Does Georgetown Superscore ACT Scores?

Does Georgetown superscore the ACT? Let’s cut to the chase: Georgetown University does not superscore the ACT, despite what you might read from online chat forums. But don’t despair! Even if you had your hopes set on a Georgetown superscore, you can still get into the school of your dreams.

As it turns out, there’s a lot to know about Georgetown’s admissions process. Once you understand what it takes to get into Georgetown, you can maximize your chances of receiving an acceptance letter!

In this crash course of all things Georgetown ACT, we’ll talk about:

  • What is superscoring?
  • Georgetown superscore policy & overall admissions requirements
  • General ACT standards
  • Plus, some tips on improving your overall ACT score!

Let’s jump in! 

 

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Is an Environmental Science Degree Right for You?

Are you searching for a major that’s dynamic and flexible, that connects you to the world around you, and gives you a sense of being a part of the solution to many of the Earth’s problems? You might want to think about becoming an environmental science major.

The good news is that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in environmental science are projected to grow 11% over the next ten years. Furthermore, the median income for environmental science-related fields in the United States is $71,130 per year, more than double the overall median US salary of $31,561.

In other words, there’s a lot of opportunity for you to take your love of the environment and turn it into a lucrative career!

An environmental science degree can be a good tool for breaking into an environmental field. That’s why we’ve compiled everything you need to know about the environmental science degree into this handy article. We’ll teach you what to expect from an environmental science major, go over the top programs in the nation, then show you what you can do with your environmental science degree after graduation. 

We’ve got a lot to talk about, so let’s get to it! 

 

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Is an Economics Major Right for You?

If you listen to the news, you’ve probably heard people talk quite a bit about “the economy,” which is the major focus of economics. While many people think of money, calculators, business people in suits when they hear the term, economics is actually a complex field of study...and it’s also something you can major in when you go to college! 

But what is economics, exactly? Everyone’s definition of economics varies, depending on their area of interest. It’s focused on money, yes, but its primary focus is how money is used and how it can change the world, for better or for worse. If you’re interested in commerce, financial systems, or even the history of Wall Street, economics might be a good major for you. 

In this article, we’re going to give you a general overview of majoring in economics. We’ll answer many common questions, including: 

  • What is the study of economics?
  • What is being an economics major like?
  • Which schools have the best economics programs?
  • What can you do with an economics degree?

Let’s dive in! 

 

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How to Become a Veterinarian: Key Steps and Qualities

It’s quite likely that your first encounter with a veterinarian happened when your pet was sick and needed a little extra care. That’s because a veterinarian’s primary job is to care for animals! Working with cute, cuddly critters is part of the appeal of the job--in fact, “veterinarian” is one of the most common responses from kids when they’re asked what they want to do when they grow up!

If you’re interested in becoming a vet, it’s a good idea to know quite a bit about the profession. In this article, we’ll talk about what vets do, what kinds of degrees and licenses they hold, how long it takes to become a vet, and what kinds of personal qualities it takes to succeed in the profession. We’ll also walk you through the process of becoming a vet step by step to help you prepare for your dream career. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including:

  • How long does it take to become a vet
  • How to decide whether becoming a veterinarian is right for you
  • What classes you should take in high school and college
  • How to pick a good undergraduate university and vet school
  • What vet school is like

So let’s get started!

 

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