SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

Hannah Muniz

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

Recent Posts

ACT Registration Dates and Deadlines (2023, 2024)

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Posted by Hannah Muniz | Dec 3, 2023 12:00:00 PM

ACT Logistics

To ensure you have a solid ACT study plan, you must first familiarize yourself with ACT registration dates. What and when are the most important ACT deadlines? How can knowing these deadlines benefit you as a test taker?

In this article, we go over upcoming ACT registration dates and examine the general patterns of ACT registration deadlines. We also discuss the differences in deadlines for late registration, standby registration, and changes to your test reservation before wrapping up with a look at how you can use ACT deadlines to your advantage.

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Can You Take the ACT Test Online?

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Posted by Hannah Muniz | Nov 20, 2023 1:00:00 PM

ACT General Info, ACT Logistics

The ACT is an important college admissions test that has traditionally been administered on paper. But according to a press release by ACT, Inc., more and more students will soon be able to take the ACT in an online, computer-based format. So can you take the ACT online, or not?

Below, we go over who can (and will soon be able to!) take the ACT test online, what this computer ACT looks like, and the pros and cons of both the computer and paper versions of the ACT.

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What Are Good SAT Scores for Colleges? 101 Schools + Advice

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Posted by Hannah Muniz | Nov 8, 2023 12:00:00 PM

SAT/ACT Score Target

As you apply to college, it's important to understand how high of an SAT score you will need to aim for on test day. This raises the question: what are good SAT scores for colleges? And not just any colleges, but your colleges specifically?

In this article, we'll examine the SAT scores needed for college and how these scores can vary due to differences in factors such as school prestige and competitiveness. We'll then show you how to look for average SAT scores for colleges and how to set your own SAT goal score.

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PSAT Score Range: Where Do You Rank?

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Posted by Hannah Muniz | Nov 1, 2023 12:00:00 PM

PSAT Info and Strategies

Although the PSAT and SAT share many similarities, their score ranges are actually pretty different. Unlike the SAT score range, which has a maximum score of 1600, the PSAT score range only goes up to 1520. But why? What are the score ranges for each PSAT section? Also, can you use the PSAT scoring scale to predict your SAT score?

In this article, we'll go over the current PSAT score range and PSAT score distribution. We'll then compare PSAT score ranges with SAT score ranges before concluding with a list of estimated PSAT score cutoffs for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

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What Is the PSAT Test? Everything You Need to Know

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Posted by Hannah Muniz | Oct 29, 2023 12:00:00 PM

PSAT Info and Strategies

Most students know what the SAT is, but what is the PSAT? Sure, it's got "SAT" in its name, but is the PSAT actually connected to the SAT? More importantly, how does the PSAT test work and what is its purpose?

In this article, we'll answer your most pressing question: what is the PSAT test? We'll start by explaining the meaning of PSAT and why students typically elect to take it. We'll then go over the logistics of the test and how PSAT scoring works. Finally, we'll finish with a brief discussion about how important PSAT scores actually are for students.

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5 Tips for Writing the Perfect Rice Essay Supplement

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Posted by Hannah Muniz | Oct 19, 2023 12:30:00 PM

College Essays

Rice University is one of the top 20 universities in the nation, and to get in, you need more than just awesome grades and test scores—you need a compelling Rice essay. The Rice application requires several essays depending on the school you're applying to at the university. So what should you write about for each Rice essay to make your application as strong as it can be?

We'll explain what the Rice supplement is and go over the Rice University essay prompts you'll see on your application. Then, we'll give you expert tips on how to answer each essay prompt so you'll have an even better shot at getting accepted to this prestigious university!

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How to Write a Diversity Essay: 4 Key Tips

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Posted by Hannah Muniz | Oct 18, 2023 12:00:00 PM

College Essays

If you're applying to college, you've probably heard the phrase "diversity essay" once or twice. This type of essay is a little different from your typical "Why this college?" essay. Instead of focusing on why you've chosen a certain school, you'll write about your background, values, community, and experiences—basically, what makes you special.

In this guide, I explain what a diversity college essay is, what schools are looking for in this essay, and what you can do to ensure your diversity essay stands out.

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How to Register for the PSAT: 3 Simple Steps

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Posted by Hannah Muniz | Oct 11, 2023 11:00:00 AM

PSAT Info and Strategies

Every autumn, sophomores and juniors have the opportunity to take the PSAT. But how exactly does the PSAT registration process work? Does everyone have the same PSAT sign up date? What does it cost to take the PSAT?

Here, we'll teach you everything you need to know about PSAT registration. We'll start with a brief overview of how registration works and then go over the three key steps you need to take in order to register for the PSAT. We'll also touch on how to register if you're homeschooled or living outside the US before finishing with our top tips for ensuring a smooth PSAT registration process.

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3 Tips for Writing Stellar Georgia Tech Essays

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Posted by Hannah Muniz | Oct 10, 2023 12:00:00 PM

College Info, College Essays

Before you envision yourself getting settled in at Georgia Tech, you must get over the hurdle of writing the Georgia Tech essays. The Georgia Tech supplement requires you to write a short essay specifically for Georgia Tech. But what is the essay prompt? And what should you include in your Georgia Tech essay?

Keep reading to learn exactly what the Georgia Tech essay is, what kinds of topics you can write about (and what kinds of topics to avoid), and how to ensure you're submitting a quality essay.

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SAT and ACT Test Dates: Find Your Best 2023-2024 Testing Schedule

You know that you'll have to take the SAT or ACT and do well on it—but figuring out exactly when to take your exam can sometimes feel like the hardest part of the whole testing process. In this guide, we introduce all upcoming SAT and ACT dates for the 2023-2024 testing year and explain what factors you must consider before committing to a test date.

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Do Online SAT/ACT Classes Work? Is Online Test Prep Right for You?

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Posted by Hannah Muniz | May 30, 2023 5:00:00 PM

ACT General Info, SAT General Info

If you're thinking of hiring a private tutor or enrolling in a local class for your SAT or ACT studying, take a moment to consider whether an online prep class might be right for you.

To help you make an informed decision about your prep, we're providing you with a list of the six biggest pros and cons of online SAT and ACT classes. But first, what exactly is an online prep class and how does it work?

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When Is the March SAT? Should You Take It?

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Posted by Hannah Muniz | May 16, 2023 7:30:00 PM

SAT Logistics, SAT General Info

Ah, spring. While most students are already celebrating the coming end to the school year, others are busy studying for the March SAT. This raises a critical question: exactly who should take the March SAT? Should you? Or would another test date work better for you and your schedule?

Read on to learn when the upcoming March SAT is, when scores will be released online and to the colleges you choose, and the biggest pros and cons of this popular spring test date.

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College Waitlist: What Are Your Chances of Getting In?

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Posted by Hannah Muniz | May 3, 2023 12:00:00 PM

College Admissions

Getting waitlisted at a college certainly isn't a bad thing—your application was good enough to not get rejected!—but it's definitely an uncomfortable place to be. After all, when you're on the college waitlist, you don't know whether you'll be admitted or not, and that alone is anxiety-inducing.

Luckily, there are many things you can do to increase your odds of getting off a waitlist. In this article, we explain how the college waitlist works, what steps to take if you've been waitlisted, and how to raise your college waitlist chances so you can attend your dream school.

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The 6 Best CUNY Schools and What Makes Them Great

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Posted by Hannah Muniz | May 2, 2023 3:00:00 PM

College Info

Every year thousands of applicants apply for freshman admission to CUNY, a renowned university system based in New York City. Which are the best CUNY schools, though? Is there one best CUNY college that towers above all the others?

In this guide, we present our picks for the best CUNY schools and offer tips for finding the best CUNY college for you based on what you're looking for in a school. But first, what is CUNY exactly?

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SAT Score Range: 3 Steps to Understanding Your Score

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Posted by Hannah Muniz | Apr 19, 2023 12:00:00 PM

SAT General Info

Confused about the SAT score range? The 1600 point score range has been around since 2017 and consists of a combination of scores from three sections: Reading, Writing, and Math. But what do these numbers mean for you? And how can you use SAT score ranges to determine the scores you need for college?

First, we'll discuss the current SAT score range for the exam as a whole and for each SAT section and subsection. After that, we'll take a close look at how SAT scores are distributed among test takers, explain why colleges maintain different SAT score ranges, and teach you how to set your own SAT goal score.

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