SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

Dr. Fred Zhang

Fred is co-founder of PrepScholar. He scored a perfect score on the SAT and is passionate about sharing information with aspiring students. Fred graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor's in Mathematics and a PhD in Economics.

Recent Posts

Should You Take the New SAT or Old SAT? An Expert Guide

You might have heard over the last year that a new version of the SAT is coming out in spring of 2016. You might have a choice between taking the current old SAT or the new SAT—depending on when you time your test. You're probably wondering, "when should I take the SAT?" Well, here's our definitive guide.

Note: The old SAT is no longer available. If you took the previous version and aren't sure whether to take the new one, check out our guides to deciding, depending on whether you got a high score or a low one,

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New 2016 SAT vs Old SAT: Changes You Must Know

In 2016, the SAT changed drastically from the old SAT. In terms of content, no other SAT changes in the past few decades have been this dramatic. If you're familiar with the old SAT, here's what you must know to do well on the 2016 version of the SAT.

Update: The SAT is now fully digital. As such, much of the information in this article is no longer relevant. You can learn more aboutthe digital SAT changes here.

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How to Improve Your SAT Score by 100 Points in a Month

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Posted by Dr. Fred Zhang

SAT

Preparing for the SAT a second or third time is common. Back when I studied for the SAT, the first couple of strategies and study approaches I tried didn't actually work. It took me a few times before I finally found the method that bumped up my SAT score 200 points to a perfect score.

If you're retaking the SAT and want to ensure you improve this time around, this guide will show you how to do just that!

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How SAT Practice Got Me a Perfect Score

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Posted by Dr. Fred Zhang

SAT

Can taking official SAT practice tests improve your SAT score dramatically? It can if you do it right. Most students practice the SAT incorrectly and are then surprised when their scores don’t increase. I myself essentially practiced my way to a perfect SAT score, and I’m convinced you can do it, too!

I've developed an SAT practice method that has worked for thousands of students—and I'll describe it right here.

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How Long Before the SAT Should You Prep? 4 Key Tips

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Posted by Dr. Fred Zhang

SAT

I get this question from students a lot, and it's definitely an important one: how long before the SAT should you begin preparing for it? Moreover, how long is too long (you won't remember the material)? And how long is too short (you won't have enough time to study)?

You'll need to know how to answer these questions if you wish to study effectively. Our four most important tips will help you determine when you should start studying for the SAT.

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What to Do With a Low SAT/ACT Score

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Posted by Dr. Fred Zhang

ACT, SAT

You got your SAT/ACT score back, and it isn't what you'd hoped it'd be. Even though the SAT and ACT are each just a few hours long, the score you get often counts for a third or more of college admissions and can therefore have a big impact on your future.

The fact that you're looking for solutions is a good first step. It's important, now more than ever, not to freak out and to instead calmly plan the best steps forward. In this article, we go over our top four tips for what to do with a low SAT or ACT score.

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Do PSAT Scores Predict SAT Scores? What's a Good PSAT Score?

The PSAT is the first exposure many students have to college entrance exams. Because the two tests are so similar, the PSAT is very good at predicting how you'll do on the SAT. In this article, we explain the most accurate way to use your PSAT score to predict your future SAT score.

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Calculators on the SAT: Tips from Experts

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Posted by Dr. Fred Zhang

SAT

Calculators are allowed on the SAT, and not using them correctly can put you far behind. SAT experts Fred Zhang and Allen Cheng discuss which tips and strategies worked for them in getting perfect scores.

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Which Measures IQ Better, ACT or SAT? What Does That Mean for Which to Take?

Does the ACT or SAT measure intelligence better? What does this mean about which test you should take?

One way to define IQ is the ability to solve problems based on given information. Here, we look at whether the ACT or SAT is more related to IQ (spoiler: there is an answer!) and what this means for your test-taking strategy.

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SAT Test Dates 2016 - 2017

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Posted by Dr. Fred Zhang

SAT

If you're looking for SAT test dates for 2016-17, look no further! The 2016-17 SAT testing year marks the first full year of the redesigned SAT, which shifted the scoring scale from 2400 to 1600 and introduced a combined Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score.

Continue reading to get info on all official 2016-17 SAT test dates, registration deadlines, and score release dates. We also offer tons of tips on how to find the best SAT test date for you!

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SAT Test Dates 2015 - 2016

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Posted by Dr. Fred Zhang

SAT

We present information about SAT test dates for the 2015-2016 school year here. We also link to our top articles that you must read before deciding on a test date.

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SAT / ACT Study Guide: Schedule and Plan for One Year or More

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Posted by Dr. Fred Zhang

ACT, SAT

You're serious about studying for the SAT. You have a year or more to study, and you want to put a real effort into it.

Is studying this much worth it? What are the payoffs? And most importantly, what's the best way to study for the SAT / ACT on the year-or-more level? This post answers those questions!

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How to Find the Best Credit Card for You

Trying to choose the right credit card can get overwhelming fast. There are tons of options, and every company claims to offer the best one. How can you sort through the jargon and find the best card for your personal finances?

I believe that to choose the right card, you need to understand yourself as a consumer. How can you get started down the road of financial self-discovery? First, take my personal finance quiz below.

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What Is Net Worth? Complete Guide

If you’ve ever analyzed your personal finances, you may have come across the term “net worth.” Simply put, your net worth is what you have minus what you owe.

While net worth is a useful way to evaluate your financial situation, it also has some major flaws. Let’s define the concept of net worth, and then look at some key adjustments you can make to assess your finances and plan for the future even better.

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ACT Score Ranges: Understand Your Score vs. Class Grades

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Posted by Dr. Fred Zhang

ACT

 

Are you wondering what the highest and lowest possible scores you can get on the ACT are? And, once you receive your score, what does it mean? Many people find it difficult to understand their ACT score because the exam doesn't use the same kinds of grades your classes do. In this guide, we've converted ACT scores into class grades to make them easier for you to understand.

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