Being successful on the SAT and ACT is all about the preparation you put into it. While you probably know it's a myth to think you can't study for these tests, you might not realize that the reverse is true - studying is exceptionally important for doing well on the SAT or ACT.

That's why it's a really smart idea to prep for the SAT/ACT as a sophomore. Let's talk about why prep is so important for these tests, what you can do in 10th grade, and what your most helpful study schedule should look like over the school year and beyond.

First, when will you be taking the SAT or ACT?

Not again! Allegations of cheating swirl around the latest administration of the SAT on May 2. While recent scandals have sprung from Asian countries like China and South Korea, this one is centered on the U.S.-based test, which hundreds of thousands of students took at the beginning of May.

It seems that communication technology and time zone differences around the world have punched holes in the SAT's security. Let's take a look at what's unfolded in this investigation so far.

Did you make a weird error in filling out your multiple choice answer sheet that led to a dramatically reduced score? Was your essay scanned incorrectly? Hand Score Verification is a way for you to address and correct these mistakes without having to retake the test.

In this guide, I'll describe what SAT Hand Score Verification is, how it can help you, and how it might hurt.

"Writing, to me, is simply thinking through my fingers."

If Isaac Asimov were talking about the SAT Writing and Language section, he would probably add that he would have to think through his fingers fast. With 35 minutes for 44 multiple choice questions, you have to work quickly and efficiently to achieve a high score.

UPDATE: The Digital SAT no longer has a separate writing section. Get details on what to expect from the combined Reading and Writing in our complete guide.

Let's go over the Writing and Language section in detail so you know exactly what to expect.

Historical test dates for the SAT are important for many accurate records. However, the College Board at this point doesn't maintain an easy database of SAT dates for 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and so forth. We at PrepScholar have done the hard work to dig up the old records. See below!

All these tips apply equally to the SAT and the ACT, though for simplicity I'll mostly use the SAT for specific examples in this guide.

While the vast majority of articles on our blog are about immediate tips for the SAT/ACT test, from time to time we also feature some latest products we at PrepScholar are coming out with.  This time, we're announcing our new PrepScholar Tutor service.  It combines the affordability and customization of PrepScholar Automated Prep with varying levels of premium tutoring, giving you many advantages of each.

What are the best books for the SAT critical reading section (which used to be called the verbal section)?  Here we review a few of the top books that we feel helps students the most.  We discuss which skills you should be learning from books, and which you should instead be learning from flashcards or practice.  You can get these books online, or better yet from the library.

Math problems come in all shapes and sizes on the SAT, but only a few of them test geometry. If you've never taken a geometry class or feel it's not your strong suit, it may still be possible for you to get a high SAT math score.

This article will let you know how much geometry appears on the SAT and how well you can score with little or no previous knowledge of the subject. First, just how many of the math questions are going to ask you about shapes and angles? 

Did you recently get your SAT scores back and do, well, amazing? If you got above a 2200, you should proud – you’re in the top 2% of test scorers. In fact, you’re in the top 1% with a score of 2220 and up. (For the New SAT, any score higher than 1480 is likely to put you in the top 1%, but we will have to wait a few months for percentile data.)

But if you’re a perfectionist, you might be wondering, "Since I did so well, shouldn't I try to retake the SAT for a perfect 1600?" We will help you decide if an SAT retake is right for you.

Both the ACT and the SAT let you rush your score for an extra fee.  When is it worth it and when is it a waste of money?

The SAT is changing in March of 2016, so the class of 2017 is in a tough spot: how do you deal with the change?  One strategy is to just skip the SAT and instead do the ACT.  Is this strategy brilliant or brilliantly boneheaded?  Here we find out.

You can slow down the clock with SAT accommodations.

If you have a documented disability, or are just curious about what it takes to get SAT extra time, you may be wondering about the process of getting SAT accommodations. We’ll take you through the process step-by-step, and show you how to maximize your odds of getting accommodations.

If you’re taking the SAT and have a disability or other condition, you will want to read this guide!

I recently received a question from one of my students that I believe highlights a very common mistake:  "I find that on some sections I finish early and close the section ahead of time—does this mean I'm doing well on those sections?"  Here, I'll break down why this sometimes happens, and what it means for you.

One great way to insert some extra SAT prep into your daily routine is to do a free SAT Question of the Day. College Board and other websites offer a daily question online and on mobile devices to keep you practicing whenever and wherever you want.

In this article we’ll point you towards the best SAT Questions of the Day, both how to find them and how to use them effectively as you prep for the SAT.