How long does it really take to study for the Digital SAT or ACT? The answer to that question is anything but one-size-fits-all. So if you want to know how long it might take YOU to prep for the SAT or ACT and make it to your target score, consider these factors.
Do You Need a Perfect Score to Get Into a Top College?
If you want to get into an elite college, you need a perfect SAT or ACT score…..right? Actually, this week’s post explains why a perfect score is NOT always required for admission to Harvard, Stanford, or Yale….and how you should be using your college prep time instead of cramming for that 1600 or 36.
SAT and ACT: Ten Day-of Tips
It’s totally normal to feel nervous on the day that you wake up to finally take the SAT or ACT. But it’s also totally possible to then calm yourself down so you can actually get the score you deserve. Here are my ten expert pointers for a Test Day morning that sets you up for success.
How the Digital SAT is Scored
The Digital SAT is not scored the same way that the paper SAT was. Learn here about how the scoring system has changed….so you can work it to your advantage!
Changing from the SAT to the ACT? Here’s What to Learn
If you've given the SAT a try and it's just...not working out, how do you pivot efficiently to the ACT? This post breaks down ALL of the ACT material you’ll need to learn for the first time because it wasn’t on the SAT.
What to Study if You’re Switching from the ACT to the SAT
Switching from the ACT to the SAT? The transition doesn’t have to be a pain. Today’s post breaks down exactly which new strategies and content you need to learn so that you can ace your new test!
Which Is More Likely To Get You into College: the SAT or ACT?
Given how much time goes into prepping for standardized tests, you want to make sure you’re taking the right test to begin with. So which one gives you a bigger advantage in college admissions—the Digital SAT or the ACT?
Should You Switch from the SAT to the ACT (or ACT to SAT)?
When is it a good idea to jump ship from the Digital SAT to the ACT (or from the ACT to the SAT)….and when is it a BAD idea that will hurt your college chances? Today’s expert post helps you answer this question for YOUR particular situation.
The Two Most Important Punctuation Question Types on the SAT & ACT
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.
How to Answer Meaning in Context Questions on the Digital SAT
There’s a type of SAT Reading and Writing question that a LOT of students get wrong, or spend way too much time on. Not you—because I’m going to teach you how to correctly answer Meaning in Context questions.
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?
The Two Best Transition Word Strategies for the Digital SAT & ACT
Last week, I brought you the complete list of transition words that show up on the ACT and Digital SAT. But once you’ve familiarized yourself with those words and their roles in sentences, how do you actually answer TEST QUESTIONS about them? This post breaks down my two techniques for acing the questions that test!
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.
How to Design a Sane College Process
Fights, confusion, stress—that's just what junior year is like, right? Nope! There's a better way. I promise. Let me show you what it can be like.
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!
New Year's Reflections for College Acceptance
A new year is a chance to pause, take stock, and course correct as you proceed joyfully towards your goals. This little New Year’s ritual offers you questions to ask yourself and words to take to heart—all designed to help you realize your college process goals, no matter where you are in that process right now.
