SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

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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When Should You Take the SAT or ACT? Best Test Dates

The college admissions process is a long one, encompassing most of a student's high school career. One of the most important parts, the SAT or ACT standardized test, is also one of the most challenging. But you can really benefit from early planning and deciding ahead of time when you should take it.

It's always a good idea to begin early, but to decide on specific test dates, you'll need to factor in circumstances like your personal schedule, your admissions deadlines, and the classes you're currently taking. All of these make a big difference in when it’s best for you to take the SAT or ACT.

In this guide, we'll debunk a common myth about the best time to take the test, discuss the most important factors for determining when you should take the SAT or ACT, and go over the best testing plan for most high school students.

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SAT Test Dates 2017-2018


When trying to plan an SAT study schedule, you must first know when exactly you'll be taking the SAT. In this article, we give you all SAT test dates, deadlines, and score release dates for the 2017-2018 testing year. We also provide you with our top four tips for helping you choose the best SAT test date for your schedule.

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Will Your SAT Photo ID Work? Learn the SAT ID Requirements

 

One of the most important things to remember on SAT test day is to take your photo ID with you to the test center.  If you don't have an appropriate photo ID with you, you may not be allowed to take the SAT! But how do you know what types of IDs will work? What should you do if you don't have a photo ID?

In this article, I'll answer these questions and explain all of the SAT ID requirements so you can make sure to arrive on test day with an acceptable ID in hand.

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SAT Security Protocols: What to Expect on Test Day

The security of standardized testing materials is critical in preserving the relevance and fairness of the test as a whole. Since so many students around the world take the SAT, it can be difficult to prevent leaks, but the College Board does have many measures in place to keep confidential questions from being released to the public. In this article, I'll go over the specifics of the SAT security measures, explain the most recent breaches in test security, and review what all of this means for you. 

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How to Upload the Perfect SAT Picture: 10 Key Requirements

 

If you're planning to take the SAT, you need to upload a photo of yourself when you register online. Do you know the photo requirements? Did you know that if your picture doesn't meet the SAT photo requirements, you may not be allowed to take the SAT on test day?

In this article, I'll thoroughly explain how to make sure that you use an appropriate SAT picture. Also, I'll let you know how to upload your photo, and finally, I'll give you some important tips to remember so you don't have any unforeseen issues test day.

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Should You Send Old or New SAT Scores? Expert Guide

If you've taken the old SAT and the redesigned SAT, you may be wondering which scores you should send to colleges. Should you send all your scores? Should you just send your results from the test with the highest average section scores?

In this article, I'll explain the factors to consider when determining whether you should send old or new SAT scores.

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The 11 Best SAT Snacks to Help You Get Through the Test

Snacks are one of the most overlooked yet most necessary parts of your SAT planning. Snacks can be an energy fueler, helping you to power through the SAT. However, the wrong snacks can be energy drainers, making you crash during the marathon that is the SAT. In this guide, I’ll talk about the importance of snacks, what makes a good snack and provide 11 SAT snack options. I’ll also let you know what snacks to avoid.

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Can You Write in the SAT Booklet?

After you take the SAT, your score will be determined by the little bubbles you fill in on your scantron sheet - a sheet where there’s no place to show your work.

It’s normal (even important) to want to take notes and work through problems. Since you won't receive any extra scratch paper in the testing room, your SAT booklet is the place to do it. Here, I’ll go over what, how, and even why you should write in your test booklet. That little stack of paper might end up more helpful than you expected.

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How Should You Spend the Night Before the SAT?

The night before the SAT can be stressful, to say the least. Maybe you’re not sure about the best way to prepare yourself during these final hours - all you know is that you want to do the best you can on the exam.

Well, we’ve made it easy (and stress-free) for you to do what you need to do the night before the test. Here, I’ll lay out everything you should and shouldn’t do before you head to bed in order to ensure your best possible score. Follow these tips - including everything from logistical concerns to exam prep strategies - to wake up confident, refreshed, and ready.

Let’s get started!

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SAT Make-Up Exam on February 20? Here's What to Do

Winter has come in the form of Storm Jonas, affecting much of the East Coast. Governors of Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Washington DC declared a state of emergency, and hundreds of SAT test centers closed.

Did YOUR January 23rd SAT test center get closed because of the storm? How do you maximize your score up until your February 20 makeup exam? Find out here.

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New SAT Prep Guidelines Now That the Old SAT Is Over

Did you hear?  The old SAT was given for the final time on January 23rd, 2016.  What does that mean for students still studying for the SAT?  We'll discuss the implications of the old SAT sunset and what you need to do for new SAT prep!

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Are You Accused of Cheating on the SAT/ACT? What To Do

Have you been falsely accused of cheating on the SAT or ACT? What can you do if you're accused of cheating at the test center? What can you do if you're accused of cheating after you get your score? How can you fight it if they have evidence against you? Will you not get into any colleges? What are the best and worst case scenarios? I'll answer all of these questions below.

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Class of 2017: New SAT or Old SAT? (Updated)

The Class of 2017 is in a tough spot on the SAT.  Should you take the new SAT or old SAT?  If you take the new SAT, you would be the guinea pigs for a totally new system; if you take the old one, you have a tighter schedule.  How does it break down?

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Missing SAT Scores: How to Check SAT Scores

I don’t know what the number one most stressful college application drama is, but a list of the top three has got to include missing SAT scores. You’ve invested time, energy, and maybe even a little of your sanity into reaching your SAT goal, so it’s totally reasonable to be rattled by this kind of curveball.

But before you panic, read this article to troubleshoot some of the most common reasons that SAT scores go missing. I will talk about what to do if you yourself can't find your scores, as well as what to do if the college you're applying to says your scores are missing.

Either way, most likely, you’re looking at a pretty simple problem with a pretty painless solution.

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