Are you consistently missing punctuation questions on the ACT English section or the Digital SAT Reading & Writing section? You’re not alone. In today’s post, I share two of my favorite punctuation hacks that help you instantly identify what the SAT or ACT is asking you to do. By simply looking at the answer choices, you can quickly determine what the question is testing.
When Is it a Good Idea to Cancel Your SAT or ACT Score?
There are new and helpful options for how to cancel your SAT or ACT score. But don’t get carried away, because there’s a really important question you should ask yourself before you take advantage of them: SHOULD you cancel your score? Let me walk you through the decision the way I’ve helped my students tackle it.
The Best Strategy for “Vocab in Context” on the ACT
Vocab in Context Questions pop up on several sections of the ACT. Learning how to answer them will net you a big point payoff. Follow these four simple steps to ace them…the Ivy Lounge way.
Worried You’re Taking the Wrong Test?
Your first Digital SAT or ACT sitting is coming and you're starting to freak out. I promise you: I've seen it before. Let me talk you through your test day cold feet.
Too Busy to Study for the ACT and SAT?
Even the most driven high schoolers can find it hard to make time for SAT and ACT prep. But what if I told you there’s a concrete technique you can use to find extra study time in your busy schedule—so you can hit the score you need?
Complete List of Transition Words on the ACT and Digital SAT - 2026 Update
Transition words account for a surprisingly high number of points on the SAT and ACT! But what are they and how do they work? Here’s the most complete guide to transition words you’ll find.
Can NMS Finalists Validate with the ACT?
If you’re a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship Program, you used to have the SAT forced on you. But these days, you can now validate your qualifying PSAT score with an ACT score! Let me explain how that impacts the testing decisions of high-achieving students.
SAT & ACT Punctuation Cheat Sheet
Punctuation is one of the most common weak spots for students taking the SAT and ACT! Which rules are absolute need-to-knows for the SAT and ACT? Read on!
Bad Score on the SAT or ACT? Here’s What to Do Next
Are you feeling bummed about a score you just received on your ACT or SAT? Here’s your guide on how to recover and do better on your next one.
How to Protect Your Mental Health during Test Prep
You can't just cram for a standardized test! Nor can you grind your body and mind into the ground all of junior year and expect to still perform well on the SAT or ACT. Here are some of the top tips I give clients about the mindsets and habits that will keep you on pace for a strong finish.
5 Quick Brain Tricks to Improve Your SAT or ACT Score
Not sure how to prepare mentally before your next exam? Check out these 5 strategies that will boost your brainpower.
Test Anxiety Resource Library
Yes, we’re approaching the toughest stretch of test prep and college applications. No, that doesn't mean you should panic. Beat stress with these quick hits.
SAT Reading & Writing: Avoid Burnout with this Trick!
A lot of SAT-takers report getting to Module 2 of the Reading & Writing section…and feeling suddenly exhausted and distractible. Fortunately, I’ve developed a special hack to help you avoid the dreaded R&W crash.
The Most Important Parts of a Test-optional College Application
So, you’re thinking about skipping the ACT or SAT because some (or even all!) of the schools on your list went test-optional during Covid-19. Before you actually commit to skipping, let’s take a look at how it affects the way the rest of your application is evaluated.
When to Submit SAT/ACT Scores to Test-Optional Colleges
Should you submit your SAT or ACT scores to that test-optional school? Will they help you or hurt you? This is a tricky question, but this blog post offers you three ways to make this important decision.
The Best Strategy for ACT "Fork" Questions
The "fork question" is my term for a particular question form on the ACT that can waste your time and induce unnecessary errors...unless you see it coming. Read on for the lowdown on how to conquer this tricky question type.
When Should You Take the Digital SAT and ACT? Four Timelines
Okay, so you know you need a Testing Timeline—but where do you start? I’ve got you covered. One of these four basic Testing Timelines should get (almost) every high school Junior on the path to SAT or ACT success!
Guide to Diagnostic Testing for the ACT & Digital SAT
You might already know that you need to take a diagnostic test in order to set up a successful test-prep process. But did you know that HOW you take it really matters? I’m explaining what to do and what NOT to do in order to get the best results from your diagnostic SAT or ACT test.
Improve Your SAT or ACT Score with the "Things to Remember" Hack
My students who make the most astounding improvements on the SAT or ACT have one thing in common. It's a simple study technique I call the "things to remember list," and I can teach it to you, too.
How to answer Big-Picture Questions on the ACT Reading
Both the SAT and ACT ask “big picture” reading questions, so lots of tutors and test prep companies try to prepare you to answer them. In this post, I’m reviewing the strategies that you’ve probably heard before…and sharing the simple and effective one that works for my students, which I bet you haven’t!
