SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

How to Cheat on the SAT

author image
Posted by Rebecca Safier

SAT

Disclaimer: we're not going to tell you how to cheat on the SAT. We do not advocate cheating by any means!

What we will tell you about, however, are some high-profile cheating scandals that have occurred in the recent past. While these scandals involved flagrant violations of ETS rules and regulations, we'll also reveal some little-known actions that can raise some red flags around your scores and jeopardize your chances of college admission.

But first, let's take a look at the scandals.

Read More

 

3 Key Strategies for SAT Passport to Advanced Math

author image
Posted by Vero Lecocq

SAT Math

Worried about exponents or coordinate geometry on the SAT? Never fear, this guide is here!

I'll explain everything you need to know about SAT Math's trickiest subject area: Passport to Advanced Math. This topic tests all the algebra skills you must have firmly in place before you move into the study of more complex math, including systems of equations, polynomials, and exponents. Of course, the questions are presented in a uniqely SAT way, so I'll walk you through exactly what you can expect from this subsection of SAT Math.

Read More

 

7th Grade ACT Prep: How to Ace the Exam

Even though there are plenty of other standardized tests for younger students like ACT Aspire or the PSAT, there are still many middle schoolers every year who take the ACT. 7th grade is definitely a bit earlier than most people take a college entrance exam, but it's possible you might have to take it as part of an academic talent search or want to take it to see what it's like.

Just as good 7th grade ACT scores are different from what good scores would be for juniors or seniors, though, 7th grade ACT prep is very different from high school ACT prep. Find out the best way to A-C-E the ACT in 7th grade in this article.

Read More

 

3 Great Options for Online Homeschooling Support

The magic of the internet has dramatically increased the resources available to the average homeschooler. Through online homeschooling resources, homeschools can supplement their existing coursework, parents can get curriculum support, and students with irregular schedules can stay enrolled in high school!

In this complete guide to online homeschool, we’ll introduce online homeschooling, discuss the pros and cons to online homeschool, and go over the types of online homeschool and the benefits and drawbacks to each type. We’ll also provide examples of each type of program!

Read More

 

New 2016 SAT: What's a Good Score?

The SAT underwent significant changes in 2016, so it's important to know how to set score goals based on the newest version of the test. The test is now out of 1600 points instead of 2400 (i.e., the maximum score on the old, pre-2016 SAT).

In this article, I’ll explain what a good score on the new SAT is and show you how to calculate an appropriate goal score for yourself based on where you're applying for college.

Read More

 

6 Top College Interview Tips: How to Prepare Effectively

Many of the top colleges either recommend or require interviews. To give yourself the best opportunity to make a good impression in your interviews, and to improve your chances of getting accepted to these schools, you should absolutely prepare for your interviews.

In this article, I'll explain exactly how prepare for a college interview, and I'll give you detailed college interview tips that should make you more comfortable and confident during the interview process.

Read More

 

ACT Test Security Protocols: What to Expect

author image

ACT

Standardized test materials must be kept under lock and key to ensure fairness and scoring accuracy during each administration. The ACT is no exception to this rule, and the organization has many regulations in place to prevent the distribution of confidential test questions to the public. In this article, I'll go through all of the ACT test security rules, what security breaches have occurred in recent years, and what this means for students in general. 

Read More

 

Taking the ACT in 7th Grade: Should You Do It?

It’s just a short while before school ends for the day. You settle in to enjoy a discussion about sea monkeys in your 7th grade Science class when all of a sudden, one of your classmates starts complaining about having to take the ACT. What is she talking about? Who would want to take the ACT in middle school, and who even cares about 7th grade ACT scores?

If you’re a parent, you may have heard or read about programs designed for early-achieving students. But it can be hard to figure out if those programs are for students who do well on the ACT, or if the students get to take the ACT if they do well in school.

Fear not—I’ll clear up the confusion in this article as I go over the pros and cons of taking the ACT in 7th grade and the programs you can get into with high 7th grade ACT scores.

Read More

 

What Is the SAT Experimental Section?

author image
Posted by Rebecca Safier

SAT

In many regards, College Board has made the SAT a lot more transparent. As of March 2016, the majority of the test has a very clear and consistent format - with one exception. In recent months, some students encountered an unexpected 20-minute experimental section at the end of their tests.

This guide will explain everything we know so far about this experimental section and how it differs from the experimental section on tests past. Read on to learn about this extra material and what it means for your test prep. 

Read More

 

Should You Take TOEFL or IELTS? 4 Factors to Consider

If you need to take an exam to prove your English language skills, the TOEFL and IELTS are two of the most popular options out there. But should you take TOEFL or IELTS? What is each test like? Do schools prefer one exam over the other? Which one will you get a higher score on?

Read this guide for a full breakdown of TOEFL vs. IELTS and answers to all these questions!

Read More

 

ACT Photo Requirements: How to Pick the Right Picture

author image
Posted by Justin Berkman

ACT

 

If you're planning to take the ACT, you need to have a picture of yourself on your admission ticket. Do you know the ACT photo requirements? Did you know that if your picture doesn't meet the requirements, you may not be allowed to take the ACT on test day?

In this article, I'll thoroughly explain how to make sure that you use an appropriate ACT picture. Also, I'll let you know how to upload your photo, and finally, I'll give you some important tips to remember to prevent any unanticipated problems on test day.

Read More

 

ACT Syllabus: What's on the Exam and How to Prep

Are you preparing for the ACT but aren't sure which topics the exam covers? We're here to help! This guide will give you an in-depth look at the ACT syllabus and explain exactly what you can expect to see on the test.

For each of the five ACT sections, I'll explain the format of the section, the types of questions you'll see, and the skills that section tests. Afterward, I'll also go over the top three tips you need to know when studying for the ACT to help you achieve your highest score.

Read More

 

SAT Syllabus: What's on the Exam and How to Prep

Are you taking the SAT soon but aren't sure what to expect? Not to worry! This guide will give you an in-depth look at the SAT syllabus and what to expect on the exam.

For each section of the SAT, I'll explain the format of the section, the types of questions you'll see, and the skills it tests. At the end of this guide, I'll also go over the top tips you need to know when preparing for the SAT to help you achieve your highest score.

This guide is fully updated for the digital SAT!

Read More

 

PSAT Test Dates 2017

Attention, 2017 juniors! Do you know when you’ll be taking the PSAT? Do you know the best way to prepare for the test?

This guide is for anyone planning to take the PSAT in the fall of 2017. We have the predicted PSAT test dates, along with some key study tips. To start, let’s discuss what you need to know about how your school will administer the PSAT.

Read More

 

New SAT Scoring Advantage

author image

SAT

While the new SAT is out of 1600 and the old SAT is out of 2400, the two aren't directly proportional; you can't just multiply your old SAT score by 2/3 and expect the result to be how you'd do on the new SAT.

The only way to know for sure how you'd do on the new test (besides taking the new SAT exam) is to use the College Board's data to convert your score from old to new SAT. To find out if you’d score higher on the new SAT and why that might be the case, read on!

Read More

 

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!