SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

Samantha Lindsay

Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar.

Recent Posts

The Ultimate AP Human Geography Study Guide

In your AP Human Geography class, you'll learn about the dynamics of societies around the world in economic, social, political, and environmental contexts. This course focuses a lot on ideas and models, along with terminology that defines the ways in which we've chosen to inhabit and change our surroundings.

This AP Human Geography study guide is designed to guide you through all the big concepts covered in the course, with an emphasis on cumulative preparation for the AP exam.

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The Best AP Human Geography Review Plan

Half the battle in reviewing for AP tests is knowing where to begin and how to structure your time. When it comes to the Human Geography class, how do you successfully switch from preparing for in-class tests to gearing up for the infamously difficult AP Human Geography exam?

In this complete AP Human Geography review, we give you a list of all the topics you'll see on test day, go through a step-by-step prep plan, and provide some helpful tips for acing this tricky exam.

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Ultimate Study Guide: SAT World History Subject Test

Subject Tests are required or recommended at the most competitive colleges because they provide a standardized measurement of your expertise in academic areas that interest you. If you're a history buff applying to very selective colleges, you might be considering the SAT Subject Test World History (aka the SAT 2 World History) as one of your options. This guide will help you figure out when to take the test, how the questions are formatted, and how you can study effectively.

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Is the ACT Hard? 9 Key Factors, Considered

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ACT

The ACT is a nerve-wracking test considering the impact scores can have on college admissions prospects. But how hard is the ACT, really? It's intimidating, sure, but it's not as difficult as it seems. The material on the ACT becomes much less challenging if you're familiar with the structure of the test and the way questions are asked.

In this article, I'll go over a few aspects of the ACT that tend to make it more or less difficult and provide essential tips on how to get past some of these obstacles and end up with a great score!

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Is the SAT Hard? Expert Analysis of 8 Key Factors

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SAT

A test that has so much influence over where you go to college is bound to be a bit scary—but how hard is the SAT, really? Despite its fearsome reputation, the SAT isn't as difficult as it seems.

Overcoming the difficulties of the SAT is a matter of spending enough time studying areas that are tough for you and practicing questions that you might find confusing at first glance. Whether or not you find the SAT hard initially, this guide will give you the tools you need to surmount the test's challenges and come out on top.

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SAT Subject Test Dates 2015 - 2016: How to Choose

If you're planning on applying to highly selective colleges, you may be required to take two or three SAT Subject Tests. Subject Tests are offered almost as many times throughout the year as the regular SAT. In this article, I'll go through the dates and registration deadlines and give you lists of the subjects that are offered on each date.

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How to Register for SAT Subject Tests: Step-by-Step Guide

You might be required or strongly encouraged to take SAT Subject Tests if you're applying to highly selective colleges. Thankfully, registering for SAT Subject Tests is just as easy as registering for the regular SAT. It might take a bit more planning to verify that the test you want is being offered on a certain test date, but otherwise the process is similar.

In this article, I’ll go through, step by step, how to register for Subject Tests so you don’t run into any confusion along the way.

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AP Exams vs SAT Subject Tests: What's More Important?

Many high-achieving students end up taking both SAT Subject Tests and AP Tests during their time in high school. SAT Subject Tests are required for admission to most competitive colleges, and AP Tests and coursework are encouraged. Is one more important than the other? In this article, I'll give details on how these two types of tests compare to each another and whether it's a good idea to take AP Tests and SAT Subject Tests in the same topic areas.

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The Ultimate SAT Biology Subject Test Study Guide

If you're applying to selective schools, you might have to submit SAT Subject Test scores along with your regular SAT (or ACT) scores. The Biology Subject Test (also called Biology SAT II) is a popular one because a vast majority of students take biology in high school, and most students find it less intimidating than chemistry or physics. This test can be a great way to fulfill your Subject Test requirements, especially if you plan on studying biology in college and want to show off your skills.

In this study guide, I'll give you all the background information you need to start studying for the Biology Subject Test as well as example questions, practice materials, and study tips to use along the way.

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Can You Retake AP Exams? Expert Guide

Most AP tests are very challenging, and scores don't always turn out the way you imagined they would. If you're concerned that you've forfeited any chance of getting college credit, can you retake an AP exam? In this article, I'll show you how you can bounce back from a low AP score to end up with college credits and AP Scholar Awards.

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The Best AP US History Review Guide

It's hard to know where to start with your AP US History review. It's one of the tougher APs based on the thinking skills it requires and the amount of content it covers. You can't just read over your notes and expect to get a high score on the final exam in May.

In this guide, we give you a basic outline of what's on the AP US History exam, provide study tips, and lay out a step-by-step prep plan that you can customize to your needs.

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The Best AP US Government Review: 5-Step Guide

AP US Government can be a fascinating class for students who are interested in how the American political system works and what factors led to its formation. While the exam is less difficult than many other AP exams, it's still important that you understand the types of questions and the most efficient ways to study for AP Government.

In this extensive AP Gov review guide, we'll go through sample test questions, list a step-by-step AP Government review process, and give you tips for making the most of your prep.

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What Is a GED? Should You Get One?

If you don't have a traditional high school diploma, you can still earn an equivalent credential by getting your GED. But what is a GED? What does GED stand for? Basically, a GED is a credential that can substitute for a high school diploma. Since most employers (and all colleges) will require you to have graduated from high school, it's usually a good idea to get a GED if you don't complete high school. Doing so helps to ensure that you'll have access to more opportunities later in life.

In this article, I'll go through the GED meaning, the advantages this credential can give you, and how to get your GED.

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What Is GPA? What Does GPA Mean?

Many students get very hung up on GPA in high school - is it high enough? Will it pass muster in college admissions? What does your GPA even mean?

In this article, I’ll go through what GPA is, what GPA means, and how it can help or hurt you in the college admissions process.

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The Hardest SAT Reading Questions Ever

If you're aiming for a really high SAT score, you'll need to learn how to beat the most difficult questions on every section of the test. Here, I'll go through a few of the most difficult reading questions I've seen on the SAT Reading and Writing section and how to solve them.

Why exactly are they so hard? How do you tackle them? How well will you do? Challenge yourself for that top score.

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