Your first Digital SAT, 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.
What matters most on a college application...if you're going test-optional?
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.
The Digital PSAT/NMSQT: Everything You Need to Know
The PSAT is now completely digital, in order to better reflect the new, Digital SAT. But the format isn’t the only thing that’s different for this new version of the test. Read on to learn how the timing of the test has changed, as well as what’s being tested.
SAT and ACT: Strategy vs. Content Sections
Knowing which sections of the ACT and SAT are content sections and which are strategy sections will help you target your test prep, hit your score goals, and open the door to that dream school!
Math Etiquette VI: Math...Vocabulary?
Math is all numbers, right? Nope. Reading is fundamental—even when we're talking the fundamentals of math, like we do in math etiquette. In this last post of my “Math Etiquette” series, I’ll gloss some key terms for you!
The Best Way to Save Time on the ACT Science Section
If you want to complete all the questions in the ACT Science Section, you’ve got to move fast: you’ve got about 52 seconds per question, to be exact. That can be intimidating, especially if you’re an anxious test-taker, or not a “science person.” But fret not: this week I’m bringing you my special “Castle Method”—a strategy tailored to this particular section that will help you answer its questions quickly AND accurately.
The Best Strategy for SAT and ACT “Big Picture” Reading Questions
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!
Math Etiquette V: Divide and Conquer
Division doesn't have to get you down—not when you do it the math etiquette way! Here are three ways of understanding division that will let you take on No Calculator Math (or any math section!) with confidence and accuracy.
Multiplication to Know for SAT No-Calculator Math (Math Etiquette IV)
Yes, I have favorite multiplication tricks. And after you realize how much time and how many errors they can save you on the SAT and ACT, so will you!
Affirmative Action Supreme Court Decision: Does the Class of 2025 Have to Take the SAT or ACT?
You’ve surely heard the huge college admissions news by now: no more race-conscious affirmative action. Considering this change, should the Class of 2025 and younger plan on taking the SAT and ACT?
5 Pieces of Info You Need to Create Your SAT/ACT Study Strategy
This post will take you from the basics to some advanced test-prep moves! I’m walking you through the five pieces of information you need for a winning test-prep strategy—and how to put them together into a plan that will open doors at your dream schools.
What to Do if You Didn't Take the June ACT
The June ACT date used to be an absolute must-take. Over the past few years, shifts in the testing schedule have changed that…for SOME students. Which juniors are probably fine if they skipped the June 10 ACT, and what should you do if you’ve already opted to sit it out? Read on to find out.
Fractions on the SAT and ACT (Math Etiquette III)
Sure, you know how to cross-multiply (or, uh...do you?). But do you really GET fractions? Save time, stress, and effort on the SAT and ACT with my fraction guide.
“Vocab in Context” Questions on the SAT and ACT
Vocab in Context Questions pop up on several sections of the SAT AND 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.
2023-24 SAT and ACT Test Dates
When can you take the SAT, Digital SAT, and ACT in academic year 2023-24? I’m so glad you asked! Here are all the test dates, as well as registration deadlines, score release dates, and info on how to register.
Why the U.S. Class of 2025 Needs to Start Their Test Prep NOW
I’m not one to scare-monger, but current sophomores living in the US and US Territories are in a very special situation—and most of them need to get their test prep going very, very soon. Read on to find out why that is—and how to get your SAT, ACT, or Digital SAT timeline moving at the right clip.
How to Know if You Should 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.
Complete Guide to Superscoring on the SAT and ACT
What’s a “super score”? If you’re applying to colleges—or especially if you’re a parent of someone who is—you need to know how this scoring system works and how it affects your college applications. I’m breaking down the details of super scoring on the SAT and ACT in this week’s post!
What to Learn for the SAT No-Calculator Math Section (Math Etiquette I)
What's math etiquette? Well, like social etiquette, it helps you navigate problems confidently and gracefully...except these problems are math problems! It's also a crucial part of getting prepared for the new SAT No-Calculator Math section. Here's the run-down.
How to Break Down Every SAT and ACT Section
Struggling to stay calm as you prep for the SAT or ACT? Test prep expert Kristina Semos shows you how to make a big-picture study plan for a given exam section—and walks you through two detailed examples, study plans for the ACT Science and SAT No-Calculator Math Sections.
