Blog
Is that a Good SAT or ACT Score?
When the SAT or ACT scores come out, we are often asked, “Is that a good SAT or ACT score?” This is a tough question to answer because “good” is very relative. Before we answer that question for a parent or student, we ask students to list their top schools and...
My SAT/ACT Scores Came Back… Now What?
You did it! You made it through the digital SAT or ACT and just got your test scores back. Before you get too excited about never seeing another SAT or ACT question for the rest of your life, consider the two scenarios below: Scenario 1: You received a 36 on the ACT...
When Should I Prepare for and Take the SAT or ACT? Part II
In the last blog, we talked about questions to consider when planning your SAT and ACT test dates and preparation for those tests during junior and senior year. You can check out those questions here. Now that you know what to consider, it's time to put that...
When Should I Prepare For and Take the SAT or ACT? Part I
Many students and parents ask when the SAT or ACT test should be taken and when test prep should start. There are many factors to consider and it can vary based on the student’s starting scores and goal score. Below are some things to consider. Take a practice test...
Do SAT Scores Matter to Colleges?
Four years ago, "test optional" became the buzz phrase surrounding the college application process. As colleges re-examined their standardized testing requirements due to COVID-19 restrictions, parents and students alike rallied around the opportunity to ditch those...
How to Use PSAT Scores for SAT Prep
The PSAT is a national standardized test administered to 10th and 11th graders. Created by the College Board in partnership with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), this test is designed to predict what you would score on the SAT without any test...
Why Take the SAT in a Test Optional World?
Since its inception in 1926, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) has encountered its fair share of controversy, from a lack of equity to skepticism regarding its validity in predicting a student's success in college. Over the past few years, more and more colleges have...
How to Request Accommodations for the SAT or ACT
You might be surprised at the number of accommodations available for standardized test takers. The long list includes familiar accommodations for students with learning disabilities, such as extended time and added breaks, as well as accommodations for students with...
Accepted! Choosing the Right College
Congratulations to all the seniors offered acceptance into more than one college! After celebrating your success and the hard work it took to get here, it's time to determine which school you'd like to attend. If you don't have an obvious top choice, compare each...
Advice for Class of 2025
The last few years have seen some major shifts in SAT/ACT testing and college admissions. Before the pandemic, over half of colleges required SAT or ACT scores. However, during the 2022-23 admission cycle, only 4% of colleges required SAT or ACT scores to apply. The...
The Not-So-Dreadful College Deferral List
The day you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. The return address label in the left corner of the envelope says it all, your college admissions letter is here. The contents of this letter is certain to reveal your next academic steps - or will it? When opening a...
Do SAT/ACT Scores Matter in a Test Optional World?
If standardized tests aren't your strength, have no fear! Many colleges will remain test optional the next few years. If you want to keep all your options open, plan to prepare for and do your best on either the SAT or ACT. The college admissions landscape has...
What’s Common about the College Application?
The college application process might seem straightforward at first; you gather all the information you need, complete the online application, and press the submit button. Unfortunately, it’s not that straightforward. Here’s what you need to know about the college...
Back to School for Juniors
By the time students reach junior year, they likely know their way around the building and can open a locker in five seconds flat. However, junior year has the reputation of being the most challenging year of high school for a reason. For one, this tends to be the...
Help with High School Entrance Test Prep
If you're considering private high school for your student, you're not alone. About 10% of high school students nationwide attend private school. When applying to private school, many admission departments require test scores to evaluate where a potential student...
Avoid Summer Learning Loss
Past researchers have identified a consistent trend of learning loss over the non-instructional summer months with a decline in academic achievement during summer months. They note a steeper decline for math than reading, and a greater learning loss for students in...
Test Prep for Grad School
Pursuing a career in the medical, teaching, or business fields? Don't trash those test prep books just yet! These professions, to name a few, often require testing for graduate admissions or licensure, and we can help! We have worked with many students as they...
SAT Changes on the Way
Beginning in 2024, US students can say goodbye to pencils and scantrons as CollegeBoard ushers in a new digital testing format with significant content and time changes. The class of 2025 and beyond will be affected by these changes. While we're not sure what it all...
Factoring Test Optional into Test Prep
As colleges decide to continue with test optional admissions or mandate test scores, students aren't sure what to expect when it comes to prepping for the SAT and ACT. Should they prep for the test and try their best, or not stress it if they can apply test optional?...
Setting New Year Goals
It’s 2022! Inevitably, every New Year brings discussion of resolutions. Many of us write a long list of resolutions to share with our friends and family. A quick scan of your Facebook news feed will reveal many of your friends’ goals for 2022. Unfortunately, according...