SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

Laura Registrato

Laura has over a decade of teaching experience at leading universities and scored a perfect score on the SAT.

Recent Posts

SAT Essay Examples for the 6 Types of Essay Prompts

There's a persistent myth about the SAT Essay: the idea that you can't prepare content because you don't see the prompt until the day of the test. This is a myth because, in order to be standardized, the test has to require the same complexity of argument in every SAT essay question: yes or no, this or that, what causes what.

And since all these arguments are very simple, almost every SAT essay argument can be boiled down to one of the 6 we list here. In addition to that, though, we also explain how to argue each one, and give you sample support for both sides of every argument. Read on for the inside scoop on this important aspect of the SAT.

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The Complete Guide to ACT Grammar Rules

Even though the English language is complex, ACT English tests a specific set of grammar rules. Furthermore, it tests these rules the same way, over and over again.

In this complete guide, we've compiled the comprehensive list of ACT English grammar rules you need to know to ace the ACT English section. If you master all these rules and practice them with realistic ACT questions, you'll have a huge advantage on the English section.

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The Complete Guide to SAT Grammar Rules

Even though the English language is complex, the SAT tests a specific set of grammar rules. Furthermore, it tests these rules the same way, over and over again.

In this complete guide, we've compiled a comprehensive list of SAT grammar rules you need to know to ace the SAT Writing and Language section. If you master all these rules and practice them with realistic questions, you'll have a huge advantage on SAT Writing and Language.

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Is the ACT Easier Than the SAT?

Because all US colleges accept scores from either the ACT or SAT, picking the test on which you’ll perform better is critical to your admission chances. But when parents and students ask whether the ACT is easier than the SAT, it can be hard to give a good answer. You might not know how the tests compare with each other or which one you're more likely to do better on.

There are differences between the SAT and ACT that can make one or the other legitimately easier or harder for test takers. So how do you know whether the SAT or ACT is easier for you? Keep reading to learn the eight key factors that'll help you determine whether the ACT or SAT is easier.

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ACT Vocabulary | Words You Must Know

Many students are confused about ACT vocabulary and what types of words they need to know. Is ACT vocab similar to SAT vocab? What's the best way to study ACT vocabulary?

In this article, we break down exactly how the ACT tests vocabulary, go over the words it tests most often, and give you tips on how to approach vocabulary on the Reading and English sections. As a bonus, we also offer a list of our top 15 ACT words and a free study sheet of our top 150 ACT words!

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How You Can Pick the Best SAT Test Locations

It may seem like there's not a lot you can do, besides studying, to improve your mental state on the day of the SAT. But there are a few key things that can make a huge difference, and one of them is where you take the test.

Why does what SAT test center you choose matter so much? Well, your brain can only focus on math, reading, and writing when everything else is out of the way, and a lot of things that can get in the way have to do with logistics and environment.

In this article, we'll discuss the two ways of finding convenient locations for taking the SAT.

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Q&A: How and Why Should I Keep Track of Time on the SAT or ACT?

If you want to do well on the SAT or ACT, keeping track of time and how many questions you have left is extremely important. 

Sections are 35-60 minutes long on the ACT and 25-65 minutes long on the SAT. One of the leading reasons students perform poorly on either test is that they run out of time. And one of the leading reasons students run out of time is not because they're not aware of how much time is left.

We'll go over the best way to keep track of time on the SAT/ACT in this article, including what timekeeping devices are and are not permitted on test day.

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The New Enhanced ACT Writing Test (2016): Complete Guide

Did you know that the ACT Writing Test changed dramatically in Fall 2015? You might not, because people haven't talked about it much, but it changed the ACT and possibly standardized testing in general. It's scored based on all of the old ACT's criteria, but also on a number of new concepts.

We've written the most comprehensive guide available on the new ACT Writing section. Keep reading to find out how you can prepare for and ace this new test.

 

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How to Choose the Best ACT Test Locations

We all want to max out brainpower on the day of the ACT. But what can help, besides studying? One factor worth considering is where you take the test. You want a place that allows you to focus completely on the test without other anxieties, concerns or discomfort.

And guess where a lot of test-day anxieties, concerns and discomfort can come from? That's right, they can be direct results of choosing a distracting or inconvenient testing center. In this article, we give you all the information you need to make the right decision about which of all ACT test centers to choose

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What are the differences between the SAT and ACT?

Are you curious about what the differences between the SAT and ACT are?  If you want a summary, click here to see quickly whether you would be better at the SAT or ACT.  But if you want the nitty gritty details about the differences, read on below!

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Using PrepScholar to Boost Academic Motivation

Many parents have experienced the frustration of high schoolers who seem academically unmotivated. We think we're a great answer to that problem—read on to find out why.

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Will I do better on the SAT or the ACT?

Many students wonder whether they'll do better on the ACT or SAT -- after all it's important to put the best foot forward.  Here we show you how to figure out which one you're better on.

 

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PrepScholar Works Well for Top Scorers

Wondering how to get the last few points that could get you into your dream school? PrepScholar has innovative and exclusive features that can be your best friends come test day.

 

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The 3 Sources of SAT Anxiety (and how to manage them)

Standardized testing is always stressful, but there are few tests more nerve-wracking than the SAT. See the main reasons why the test freaks students out and what to do about it.  ACT and SAT anxiety and worry can be conquered, and we show you how.

 

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Why PrepScholar is Great for Busy Students

Are you a busy student with no extra time for SAT prep, but know it’s important for your college apps? Check out PrepScholar’s unique program that automatically gives you the lessons and practice you need based on your performance.  

 


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