SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

The Complete IB Chemistry Syllabus: SL and HL

IB Chemistry is tough. If you are reading this syllabus, I assume you are interested in potentially taking this course or you are currently enrolled in the course. In this article, I'll discuss every topic covered in IB Chemistry Standard Level and IB Chemistry Higher Level , the number of hours dedicated to each topic, and the practical work and assessments you’ll have to complete for the course. I’ll also explain the changes coming to IB Chemistry in August 2023.

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Every IB Biology Past Paper Available: Free and Official

When you take the IB Biology SL or HL exam, you'll probably be stressed out no matter what. But having seen a past paper beforehand will be a huge advantage: you'll know the format of the test and be used to the length and style of the test.

In this article, we'll get you familiar with the exam format by exposing you to IB Biology past papers. We'll also share strategies on how best to use these IB Biology tests for your own exam prep.

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The Best IB English Study Guide and Notes for SL/HL

Are you taking IB English and need some help with your studying? No need to reread all the books and poems you covered in class! This study guide is for IB English A students (students in IB English A: literature SL/HL, IB English A: language and literature SL/HL, or IB English literature and performance SL) who are looking for additional guidance on writing their commentaries or essays.

I've compiled this IB English study guide using the best free materials available for this class. Use it to supplement your classwork and help you prepare for exams throughout the school year.

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Every AP Biology Practice Test Available: Free and Official

Practice tests can help you get familiar with the structure of the AP Biology exam and feel more comfortable with the types of questions you'll be expected to answer on test day. Studying with practice tests can also give you insight into the specific struggles you might have with the material as presented on the AP test. You can then focus your studying appropriately to tackle these problems.

In this article, I'll list all the practice tests for AP Biology that you can find online and give you a few tips on how to use them effectively as study aids for both the AP test and any in-class tests you have throughout the school year.

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AP Bio Formula Sheet: What's on It and How to Use It

If you're going to be taking the AP Biology exam, we have some good news! During the AP test, you'll have access to a formula sheet full of useful equations and definitions. However, you'll need to have a good sense of what's on the AP Bio formula sheet and how to use it in order for it to be useful to you during the test.

That's where we come in! In this guide, we go over everything you need to know about the AP Bio reference sheet. We'll explain every equation and definition it includes, show you what the formula sheet looks like, go over important information it doesn't contain but that you should know, and give you tips on how to get the most out of it.

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What Is (and Isn't) on the AP Statistics Formula Sheet?

If you're going to be taking the AP Statistics exam, you're in luck! During the test, you'll have access to a formula sheet that has many useful equations. However, you need to know exactly what's on the AP Statistics formula sheet and how to use it before test day in order for it to be helpful.

In this guide, we go over everything you need to know about the newly-updated AP Stats formula sheet. We'll explain the exact equations that it includes, show you what the formula sheet looks like, go over a few important equations it doesn't contain, and give you tips on how to get the most out of it.

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The Complete IB Extended Essay Guide: Examples, Topics, and Ideas

IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum.

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How to Study for the Math Olympiad: AMC 10/AMC 12

Have you ever wondered what it would take to represent America at the International Math Olympiad? Or maybe you're a strong math student who is wondering what opportunities are available to you outside the classroom?

In this article, we'll answer all your Math Olympiad questions! We'll explain what it takes to qualify for the International Math Olympiad and how to ace the qualifying tests—the AMC 10 and AMC 12.

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What Are Test-Blind Colleges? Complete List and Explanation

Over the past several years, a rising number of US colleges have dropped SAT/ACT scores from their admissions requirements. Schools that no longer consider test scores for admissions at all are known as test-blind schools. If this sounds like new information to you, keep reading--there’s a lot to learn about test-blind admissions!

In this article, we’ll get you up to speed on test-blind admissions policies by covering the following: 

  • A breakdown of test-blind admissions means, and how it’s different from other policies, such as test optional
  • Three examples of test-blind schools
  • A list of all of the test-blind colleges you need to know about
  • Five pros and cons of applying to test-blind schools 

Keep reading to learn all about test-blind admissions (and how you should prepare for it!). 

 

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The 96 Best Test-Optional Schools in the US

If you want to get accepted into your dream school, you need to earn great test scores. But many colleges have recently made submitting SAT and ACT scores an optional piece of their application process. Yep, you read that right—at some schools, SAT and ACT scores are not required. 

So what does this mean for you? Should you still take the SAT or ACT if your top choice schools have gone test optional? We’ll explain how to handle the SAT/ACT when you’re applying to the best test optional schools in the US, including: 

  • What test optional means (and why so many top schools have gone test optional)
  • A list of all of the top 100 nationally ranked schools that are currently test optional
  • Four key factors you need to consider before deciding how to handle the SAT/ACT for your college admissions

That’s a lot to cover…so let’s get to it!

 

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What You Need to Know About the New Digital SAT

On January 25, 2022, the College Board announced that the SAT would undergo significant changes, including becoming a computer-based test instead of one you take with pencil and paper. What other changes did the SAT make, why did they make these changes, and when did these changes go into effect? This guide answers all those questions and more. 

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What Does Test Optional Really Mean?

Are one or more of the colleges you're interested in calling themselves test optional? What does test optional mean, and what does it mean for you? Read this guide to learn everything you need to know about test optional schools. We'll cover: the test optional college meaning and how it compares to other test policies, why more schools are becoming test optional, if test optional schools can really be fair when reviewing applications, and how to decide if you should submit your SAT or ACT scores to test optional colleges.

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The 7 Steps to Becoming a Doctor: A Complete Guide

Medicine is one of the most challenging yet rewarding fields a student can enter. But before you decide whether becoming a doctor is right for you, it's important that you know every step you'll have to take along the way.

Here, I'll walk you through exactly how to become a doctor, starting with high school. This career is definitely not for everyone—it requires huge investments of time, money, and effort—but if this path is right for you, this guide is what you should read to start preparing yourself early for a successful career as a doctor.

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How to Teach the SAT: Best Tips for Tutors and Parents

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Posted by Alex Heimbach

SAT

When I started working as a professional tutor, I was fresh out of college with few qualifications other than high test scores and some volunteer experience. I struggled with tutoring my first few students—I didn't feel comfortable giving them assignments and I struggled to figure out how best to use our lesson time.

But after years of tutoring, I became thoroughly familiar with the ins and outs of the whole process. I've drawn on my hard-earned knowledge to create this guide laying out the key steps to helping someone excel at the SAT so that you know where to start when tutoring your own student or child. A big part of being a great tutor is being properly prepared—these seven steps will set you on the right path to raising your student's score:

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Should You Drop A Class? Does It Look Bad? Why?

Are you struggling in a class or simply not enjoying it and wondering if you should drop it? Are you worried about how this might look to colleges and future employers? Should you drop a class?

Read this guide to learn about the benefits and drawbacks to dropping and how to decide whether or not you should drop a class.

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