---
title: Online SAT / ACT Prep Blog by PrepScholar | Dora Seigel
description: As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography.
---
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## Choose Your Test
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## Dora Seigel
As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography.
### Recent Posts
## [How to Cram for the ACT: 10-Day, 4-Point Prep Plan](https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-cram-plan)
Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | June 20, 2024
[ACT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/act)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-cram-plan)
If you’ve found this article, I assume it’s crunch time, and your ACT test date is in the next couple weeks. **If you do not fall into this category** (you have a bit of time—one month or more—before your test date), you can still read this guide for some study strategies, but **I recommend you take advantage of all the time you have by spreading your ACT preparation out.** Don't wait until the last 10 days to cram.
Though quality matters in your ACT prep, quantity is also important: you have to invest a lot of time if you want to see big improvements. You can make a lot of progress in 10 days, but **you need to dedicate the necessary time to improve your ACT score.** In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to raise your score by up to four points in just 10 days.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-cram-plan)
---
## [PSAT Score Needed for National Merit Scholars (2026)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/psat-score-needed-for-national-merit-scholarship)
Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | November 14, 2023
[PSAT Info and Strategies](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/psat-info-and-strategies)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/psat-score-needed-for-national-merit-scholarship)
Each year about 1.6 million juniors take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in the hopes of qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
But what score do you actually need to earn Semifinalist distinction? In this guide, we'll tell you what PSAT/NMSQT score you need in order to qualify for Semifinalist status in your state and potentially move on to win a National Merit scholarship.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/psat-score-needed-for-national-merit-scholarship)
---
## [How Long Does It Take to Send SAT Scores?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-send-sat-scores)
Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | November 2, 2023
[SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-send-sat-scores)
If you're applying to college, **you need to know the answer to one question: how long does it take to send SAT scores?** Knowing this will help you plan when you will take your SAT.
You want to make sure that whenever you take the SAT, you have time to get that score sent to your target schools before the deadline. When is your last opportunity to take the SAT if you're applying Early Decision or Early Action? When is your last opportunity to take the SAT if you're applying Regular Decision? And do score reports work differently for the digital SAT? I'll answer these questions and more in this short article.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-send-sat-scores)
---
## [51 Great Medical Programs for High School Students + Advice](https://blog.prepscholar.com/medical-programs-for-high-school-students)
Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | September 8, 2023
[Extracurriculars](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/extracurriculars)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/medical-programs-for-high-school-students)
Thinking about a career in medicine? I highly recommend trying out some medical experiences in high school before committing to a [pre-med track](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-pre-med-requirements-majors). Many of my high school friends who hoped to go into medicine ended up [changing their major during college](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-major) when the pre-med courses got too difficult.
**Doing a medical internship, summer program, or community service project in high school can help you decide if medicine is the right track for you** before you waste time and money going pre-med in college. This guide will explain what experiences are open to you as a high school student, what those experiences involve, and how you will benefit from them.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/medical-programs-for-high-school-students)
---
## [What Do Colleges Look For in Admissions? Why Are the SAT/ACT Important?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-do-colleges-look-for)
Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | May 28, 2023
[College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-do-colleges-look-for)
Applying to college soon? Curious about what colleges are looking for in applicants, especially when it comes to SAT or ACT scores? Not sure how you stack up against other applicants at your dream school?
If you feel like you have more questions than answers about what colleges look for in admissions, you're note alone. The college admissions process can be very confusing, and it's easy to feel lost and frustrated. In this article, we'll tell you what colleges look for in admissions and how to make your application the best it can be. We'll cover:
- What colleges look for in applicants
- Why SAT and ACT test scores are important
- How understanding college admissions criteria can help your own college admissions process
Let's dive in!
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-do-colleges-look-for)
---
## [The Best IB History Notes and Study Guide for SL/HL](https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-best-ib-history-notes-and-study-guide-sl-hl)
Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | April 14, 2023
[International Baccalaureate (IB)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/international-baccalaureate-ib)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-best-ib-history-notes-and-study-guide-sl-hl)
If you want to do well on the IB History exam, you'll need to have a solid set of notes to study from. This can be difficult though if you're missing notes or feel like some of your own notes don't cover certain topics in enough depth. Luckily, we're here to help! We've **assembled the best FREE online IB History notes into this complete study guide.**
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-best-ib-history-notes-and-study-guide-sl-hl)
---
## [When Do IB Results and Scores Come Out?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/when-do-ib-results-and-scores-come-out)
Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | April 11, 2023
[International Baccalaureate (IB)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/international-baccalaureate-ib)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/when-do-ib-results-and-scores-come-out)
You're in an IB Diploma Programme or a few IB classes, and you've tirelessly worked all year (or two years) studying for your SLs and HLs. You sat for the exams, where you probably developed carpal tunnel syndrome. And you can relate a little too well to [this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWMBKZgbO6U), but you're hoping you did a bit better on your IB exams.
**So when do you get your IB exam scores? How do you get your scores? What does your score mean?** I will answer all these questions and more in this article.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/when-do-ib-results-and-scores-come-out)
---
## [What Is NUMATS? Should You Participate?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-numats)
Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | February 4, 2023
[Early Achievers (7th/8th Grade)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/early-achievers-7th-8th-grade)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-numats)
In this guide, I'll be discussing the old [Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search Program,](https://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/program/numats) or NUMATS. **NUMATS provided advanced tests to younger students to find their academic strengths and weaknesses** and to suggested academic supplements to help these gifted students thrive.
As of 2022, NUMATS is no more. Northwestern has replaced NUMATS with the Northwestern Center for Talent Development. The Northwestern CTD offers the same above-level testing for students and and lots of summer programs, and it has expanded some of its other offerings as well. You'll be able to learn more about the [Northwestern CTD in our complete guide](https://blog.prepscholar.com/ctd-northwestern-worth-it).
But if you want to learn more about the legacy NUMATS program and get additional tips for making your Northwestern CTD application stand out...read on!
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-numats)
---
## [Complete List of Performing Arts Colleges in California](https://blog.prepscholar.com/performing-arts-colleges-in-california)
Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | February 1, 2023
[College Info](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-info)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/performing-arts-colleges-in-california)
If the stage calls your name, and you're interested in pursuing a degree in one of the performing arts (theatre/dance/music) in California, then this article is for you. **I've compiled a comprehensive list of all of the universities and conservatory programs in California that offer performing arts degrees** (Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate's).
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/performing-arts-colleges-in-california)
---
## [The Best SAT Math Practice Tests and Questions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/best-sat-math-practice-tests)
Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | December 23, 2022
[SAT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat-math)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/best-sat-math-practice-tests)
For SAT Math prep, no matter your strategy—whether you're doing self-study, taking a prep class, or working with a tutor—**you need to be working with real SAT Math practice materials.** The SAT Math test will be different from any other math test you've taken. You need to work with the real material to get used to the pacing and style of this unique test.
In this guide, I'll show you **where to find official SAT Math practice tests and questions,** and go over what materials to avoid.
This guide is fully updated for the digital SAT!
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/best-sat-math-practice-tests)
---
## [The 13 Best Performing Arts Colleges in the US](https://blog.prepscholar.com/best-performing-arts-colleges)
Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | October 18, 2022
[College Info](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-info)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/best-performing-arts-colleges)
Attending a performing arts college is a big decision—you're committing to focusing exclusively on your art for four years. Once you've made this choice, you need to find a school that'll allow you to accomplish your career goals.
In order to help you find the right school for you, **I've compiled a list of the best performing arts colleges in the US.** Keep reading to see what these are!
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/best-performing-arts-colleges)
---
## [7 Most Common Mistakes on ACT Math & How to Avoid Them](https://blog.prepscholar.com/most-common-act-math-mistakes)
Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | September 25, 2022
[ACT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/act-math)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/most-common-act-math-mistakes)
I've tutored many students on the ACT Math section, and they often found it frustrating. Some struggled because they considered themselves better English students and felt overwhelmed by the content and pacing of ACT Math. Others found that even though they considered themselves strong math students, they had a hard time getting the score they wanted in the ACT Math section. But all these students typically made the same types of mistakes.
In this article, I’ll go over the seven most common mistakes students make on the ACT Math section and how to avoid them.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/most-common-act-math-mistakes)
---
## [What Is the IB Curriculum? What Are IB Diploma Requirements?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/ib-curriculum-ib-diploma-requirements)
Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | July 17, 2022
[International Baccalaureate (IB)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/international-baccalaureate-ib)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/ib-curriculum-ib-diploma-requirements)
If you're reading this article, we assume you know a little bit about the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. If not, we encourage you to read [our introductory guide to what this program entails](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-ib-international-baccalaureate-program).As a brief refresher, the IB program was started in the 1960s and has become a rigorous, internationally recognized diploma program that students all around the world can earn to gain entry into the university of their choice.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/ib-curriculum-ib-diploma-requirements)
---
## [Which IB Courses Can I Take Online? Can I Get an Online IB Diploma?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/which-ib-courses-can-i-take-online-can-i-get-an-online-ib-diploma)
Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | July 9, 2022
[International Baccalaureate (IB)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/international-baccalaureate-ib)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/which-ib-courses-can-i-take-online-can-i-get-an-online-ib-diploma)
Wow, the world has changed a lot for us old folks who graduated high school in 2010. While you can't get your International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma online, **you *can* take several IB courses online if you are enrolled in an IB World School.**
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/which-ib-courses-can-i-take-online-can-i-get-an-online-ib-diploma)
---
## [Can You Take the SAT After High School? Expert Guide](https://blog.prepscholar.com/can-you-take-the-sat-after-high-school)
Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | June 25, 2022
[SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/can-you-take-the-sat-after-high-school)
While people associate the SAT with high school students, there are several reasons someone may need or want to take the SAT after high school. But can you take the SAT after high school? Absolutely! I took the SAT this past year as an adult and will be taking it again this May.
In this guide, I’ll cover the reasons you may want to take the SAT as an adult, how to register, how testing is different as an adult, and more advice.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/can-you-take-the-sat-after-high-school)
---
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### **[How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-act-score-by-a-36-full-scorer)**
[Get a 36 on ACT English](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-english-9-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer)
[Get a 36 on ACT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-math-8-strategies-by-a-perfect-scorer)
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