Extended time can seem like something of a mystery…but having coached several students who REALLY needed it to successful accommodation of their needs by both testing bodies, I’m here to tell you that there are concrete ways to get what you need…if you REALLY need it. Just don’t wait ‘til junior year to get the process going.
My Top Strategy for Overcoming SAT and ACT Test Anxiety
If you’re stressed about studying for the SAT or ACT because you don’t even know where to begin, that’s understandable! And I’m here to help. In this post, I lay out a strategy that will help you find the motivation and calm you need to get started on your studying plan—no matter what kind of student you are.
Can You Cram for the SAT or ACT?
Cramming doesn't work: the human brain just doesn't work that way. But that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of the time you have left...even if there's not as much of it as you might like!
How to Beat Test Anxiety: Tips for Perfectionists AND Slackers
Test anxiety can make it hard to get the SAT or ACT score you deserve on test day…or even make it hard to do the work that will get you the score you’re capable of! With these expert strategies that have worked for my students, I’ll help you get out of your own way.
Punctuation on the ACT and SAT: What You Need to Know
This post takes you on a stroll through punctuation town! What punctuation rules are absolute need-to-knows for the SAT and ACT? Read on!
How to Overcome Test Anxiety on the SAT or ACT
What is test anxiety? How can it impact your SAT or ACT score? And most importantly…HOW DO YOU SLAY IT and get the scores your preparation deserves? Not to worry: expert advice on how to conquer test anxiety is just a click away.
When should you submit your SAT or ACT scores to a test optional school?
Should you submit your SAT or ACT scores to that test-optional school? Will they help you or hurt you? This is a particularly tricky question, and I’m here to walk you through three methods for making a strategic decision.
Inequalities on the SAT and ACT (Baby Algebra Pt. 6)
We’ve reached the end of our baby Algebra upgrade series at long last! In this final post, I’m showing you a trick that upgrades your baby Algebra skills and scores you points on the SAT. (Hint: it involves inequalities!) And you definitely haven’t learned this trick in math class—or in any of your test-prep books!
Self Care during the Long Haul of 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.
Inequalities and Absolute Values (Baby Algebra Pt. 5)
We’re starting to wind up our baby Algebra upgrades, but before we do, don’t forget about Inequalities and Absolute Values! Lots of people do—but not the SAT Math test makers, so listen up.
How Many Solutions Does a System of Linear Equations Have? (Baby Algebra Pt. 4)
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this Baby Algebra series! Now that you’re working with linear equations and systems of linear equations, I’m going to teach you a little shortcut to solving—or even skip having to solve!—some of the problems the SAT will throw at you on this topic.
Does the Class of 2024 Need to Take the SAT or ACT?
So many parts of “normal” got put on hold during COVID, and college admissions were no exception. Many students in the high school classes of 2022 and 2023 got into college without taking the SAT or ACT because a lot colleges temporarily switched to Test Optional or Test Blind admissions. But now that the world has mostly opened back up again after the pandemic, does the Class of 2024 need to take standardized tests as part of their college admissions journey?
How to Recognize Systems of Linear Equations (Baby Algebra Pt. 3)
You might not know the math you think you know! This week, in my series teaching you to beat the SAT math paradox, I’m showing you how to recognize systems of linear equations…even in disguise. If you can spot these subtle systems, you can solve problems quickly and easily that might otherwise have stumped you.
The SAT's 5th, Experimental Section
Um….WHAT 5th section of the SAT?? If this blog post’s title alone is threatening to give you a panic attack (or if it’s not, but you still want to find out what the 5th section means for you), take a deep breath. This post’s got all the info you need to take the section in stride.
Why Your SAT/ACT Score Was Lower Than Your Practice Tests (And What to Do about it)
A student wrote to me with a concern that affects a LOT of high schoolers taking the SAT or ACT: what to do when your test score doesn't measure up to your practice scores. In this blog post I give her (and you) my tried and true two-step technique for turning this disappointing situation around!
How to Recognize a Linear Equation on the SAT (Baby Algebra Pt. 2)
In the second post of my new series upgrading your baby Algebra skills to the level that will let you nail ALL of the possible points on the SAT, we’re covering the foundation: what are linear equations, anyway, and what do they actually mean? Need answers? Read on!
How to Answer SAT Paired Passage Questions
Most students have a totally misguided approach to double passage questions on the SAT Reading section. And it costs them MAJOR points. This post explains what you’re probably doing wrong—and how to get it right.
The Hardest Math on the SAT and ACT (Baby Algebra Pt. 1)
There’s this paradox I’ve noticed: it’s never the hardest math that stands between my students and the scores they need to get into their dream schools. As strange as it might sound…it’s usually the EASIEST math. Why is that? And what can YOU do to prevent this math paradox from hurting your score? In this post, I’m explaining how to level up your “baby Algebra” with the help of my article series on the subject.
How to Study for the ACT Science Section
The Science section of the ACT can be one of the trickiest for students to master. That’s NOT the same thing as the “hardest” to master, though! This section is a matter of strategy, not cramming content into your brain. This post is your one-stop guide to the ONLY tricks you need to learn to land that high score in the Science section.
What You Need to Know for the ACT Reading Section
The next ACT sitting (September 10) approaches. How’s YOUR Reading score looking? If you’d like to make some improvement, you’ve still got time—and with this comprehensive guide to strategies for this fast-moving section, you’ll also have the know-how.
