If you’ve taken a few SAT or ACT practice tests (or even a round or two of the actual test), you may have found yourself running out of time on a section or two. What should you do when you don’t have time to actually think through those last few questions? Will it help or harm your score to guess—and if you should guess, what are the smartest strategies for doing so? Read on.
2026 Guide to Superscoring on the Digital SAT and ACT
What’s a “Superscore”? If you’re applying to colleges—or if you’re a parent of someone who is—it’s essential you understand how this scoring system works and how it affects your college applications. I’m breaking down the details of super scoring on the Digital SAT and Enhanced ACT in this post!
What SAT/ACT Score Do I Need?
Everyone should be aiming for a perfect score on the SAT/ACT, right? Not necessarily. It’s a way better strategy to aim for a target score calculated to get you into YOUR specific dream schools. Use this post to calculate yours!
7 Tips for Using Your Summer to Get into College
Worried about how to make the most of those crucial summers during the college process, sophomore through junior year? Worry no more—this post lays out a road map to what you need to keep your eye on.
SAT and ACT Dates, 2026-2027
When can you take the SAT or ACT in academic year 2026-27? And when will scores be released? Here’s the full list of dates.
Don’t Fall for These Top Two ACT Grammar Errors
Nervous about the SAT or ACT?
What is test anxiety? How can it impact your SAT or ACT score? And most importantly…how do you get out from under its yoke and get the scores your hard work deserves? Not to worry: expert advice on how to conquer test anxiety is just a click away.
Score Choice: What It Is and How to Use It
Score Choice can be confusing…especially for parents who didn’t have it as part of their own college process! So what is Score Choice and how does it affect your decisions about your SAT and ACT scores and college applications? I’m laying out everything you need to know about Score Choice right here.
How Long Does It Take to Study for the SAT and ACT?
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.
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!
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.
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.
