I spent four years as a test-prep tutor, working with students on all aspects of the ACT and SAT. When I started out, I knew how to take the tests, but I wasn't that good at teaching them. Over the years, however, I've learned a lot about how to be an effective teacher, and it's largely not about the kinds of tips and tricks you might expect.
How to Teach the ACT: A Guide for Tutors and Parents

A 750 on an SAT Subject Test sounds like an amazing score, right? Not necessarily! Interpreting scores on the Subject Tests is more complex than it is on the general SAT. For example, an excellent score on the Literature Subject Test might look very different from an excellent score on the Korean with Listening Test.
Let's take a look at the average scores for each SAT Subject Test, and go over what they mean as you choose which tests to take.
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.
What Colors Make Turquoise? How to Create the Perfect Turquoise Color

Turquoise: it’s a color you see brightening up nature, fashion, and interior decorating. But where do you start if you want to create your own turquoise color? What colors make turquoise?
With a basic understanding of color theory, you can produce a turquoise color for paintings and projects of your own! This article will answer your questions about how to make turquoise and teach you how to make turquoise colors yourself. We’ll give you:
- A brief guide to how to make turquoise
- A scientific answer to the question, “What is turquoise?”
- The cultural meanings and significance of turquoise
- An explanation of three ways to make turquoise
- Three tips for getting the right shade of turquoise
There’s a lot to learn here, so let’s get going!
The SAT Subject Tests are a chance for you to show where you have specialized knowledge. With these tests, you can indicate to colleges which subjects interest you and which you've taken the time to get to know well.
With that being said, how can you decide which SAT Subject Test to take? First, let's take a look at all the SAT Subject Tests from which you can choose.
What's a good Subject Test score? This might sound like a straightforward question, but it's actually a little more complicated. What makes a good score varies by SAT Subject Test as the number of test takers differs from test to test. For instance, in 2017 more than 140,000 students took the Math Level II Test, more than 48,000 students took the Literature Test, and only 453 took the Modern Hebrew Test.
As you'll see below, most good scores for SAT Subject Tests are in the 700s, but there are other factors to consider as you set your target scores. Let's take a look at the average scores and percentiles so you can know what a good score is for each individual SAT Subject Test.
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.
You might have heard of something called the SAT II (or SAT 2) and wondered what it could be. A secret, harder version of the SAT, perhaps? The reality is less dramatic: the SAT II is just an old name for the SAT Subject Tests.
This guide will explain what the SAT II was and outline the differences between the SAT 1 vs SAT 2.
SAT Subject Test Math 1 vs Math 2: Which Should I Take?

If you're considering taking SAT Subject Tests and math is a strong subject for you, you'll need to decide which SAT Subject Test in math to take. There are two Math SAT Subject Tests: Math 1 and Math 2 (also written as Math Level 1 and Math Level 2, or Math I and Math II).
Math 2 is meant for students with more high school math coursework and covers a broader range of topics than Math 1 does. Other than that, the two tests are pretty similar: both have 50 multiple-choice questions and a 60-minute time limit.
In this article, I'll go over what's covered in Math 1, what's covered in Math 2, their similarities and differences, whether Math 1 is easier than Math 2, and how to choose which Subject Test to take.
The Ultimate SAT Literature Subject Test Study Guide

The SAT Subject Test in Literature, formerly known as the SAT II Literature Exam, is one of the most popular Subject Tests. This might be because you don't necessarily need specialized knowledge, such as foreign language fluency, to do well on it. However, it also has a reputation for being a fairly difficult test.
Luckily, I—800-scoring sorceress of the SAT Literature Subject Test—am here to take you through all the particulars of the exam. We'll go through whether the exam is right for you, its format and content, its question styles, study hacks, practice resources, and test-day tips. Let's get the magic started!
Decisions, decisions! Not only do you have to make up your mind about which Subject Tests to take, you also have to decide how many Subject Tests to take. In this guide we'll look at the most important considerations when signing up for Subject Tests so you can be confident about your choice.
How to Set Up Solitaire With Cards: 5 Variations

Solitaire is a favorite game for anyone with access to a computer or a phone and a few minutes to spare. It's one of the most popular one person card games around! But long before electronic versions were invented, solitaire was played with cards, and it's still possible to play the game in the original old school way. But what if you're not sure how to set up solitaire with cards? We're here to help!
Read this guide to learn:
- How to set up solitaire with cards
- How do you play solitaire
- How many rows in solitaire you need to set up the game
- How to set up other popular versions of solitaire
Just as with most essays, the major secret to excelling on the SAT essay is to pre-plan the examples and evidence you want to use.
"But wait!" I hear you cry. "Can you do that on the new SAT essay? Isn’t the point of the essay that you’re supposed to be using information from the passage in your answer, which you don’t know about ahead of time?"
The answer: Yes and no. While the specifics of each example will obviously change, depending on the passage, the types of examples you choose to discuss (and the way you explain each example builds the author’s argument) can be defined, and thus prepared for, ahead of time.
In this article, we give you 6 good SAT essay examples you’ll be able to find in nearly every prompt the SAT throws at you. By assembling a collection of these reliable types of evidence that can be used to answer most prompts, you'll cut down on planning time and significantly increase the amount you can write, making you able to walk into every SAT essay confident in your abilities.
The Ultimate SAT Spanish Subject Test Study Guide

Applying to highly selective schools often means submitting SAT Subject Test scores along with your regular SAT or ACT scores. Si español es pan comido para usted, then taking the SAT Spanish Subject Test is a great way to fulfill part of the subject test requirement.
Read this guide to learn more about what's on the SAT Spanish Subject Test and whether or not you should take it. We'll go over format, test content, where to find good practice material, and tips to help you when studying and taking the test.
After you take the SAT Subject Tests, you probably want to find out your results right away. You'll have to be a little patient, though, as you might need to wait between two and six weeks to get your SAT Subject Test scores.
We've compiled the exact score delivery dates below. We also offer tips on how to track down your scores and what to do after you get them. Read on to find out just when you'll get your SAT Subject Test scores.