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.
Do you *have* to take the SAT or ACT?
So, if you’re following the ever-changing news about the ways that colleges are adapting their admissions for Covid-19, you may be seeing that quite a few schools have gone “test optional.” But what does that REALLY mean? And does it mean you can skip test prep entirely? Let me explain.
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.
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!
What's New on the Common App?: 2023-2024 edition
Can you feel the magic in the air? Today’s the day that the Common App officially opens for business! Some applicants may not realize that the Common App has changed since last year. Don't sweat if that's you—this week's free blog post is here to explain what's different, and how those differences should affect YOUR approach to the application.
How to Answer the Common App Question about COVID in 2023
The 2020-2021 Common Application features a brand-new question about your experience during the global COVID-19 pandemic. How do you approach that question? What should you say about your pandemic experience…and what SHOULDN’T you say? I’m breaking it down for 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?
How to get extended time on the SAT or ACT (if you really need it!)
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.
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.
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?
What to Know about the New, Digital SAT
BIG changes are underfoot for the SAT: the College Board just announced that the test will have gone completely digital by 2024. But what exactly does this mean for the composition of the test, its difficulty, and for YOU as a future SAT taker? This post explains it all in simple English.
New Changes to the Common App for 2021-2022!
The Common App is changing in some important ways for the 2021-2022 college application season. In this post, I break down every one of those changes for you. If you're a class of '22 high schooler (or beyond), this is your one-stop guide to the coming year's Common App.
Does the Class of 2023 Need to Take the SAT or ACT?
Lots of things looked different for the 2020-21 college application cycle—including the fact that many more colleges than usual went Test Blind (didn't accept SAT/ACT scores) or Test Optional (allowed applicants to opt out of submitting scores). But will these COVID-specific policies still be in effect next year? If you’re in the class of 2023, read on for answers to this question, and my specific advice to rising Juniors on this front.
How Does the New ACT Superscore Report Affect You?
In April, the ACT introduced a new report that students can use to send their ACT Superscores to colleges. What is Superscoring, anyways—and what does the new reporting method mean for YOUR college application?
How to Choose Which College to Attend After You're Accepted
College Decision Day is just around the corner. If you’re a high school senior who got into more than one of your dream schools, committing to just one of them in early May might be a stressful prospect! But I’m here to take the pressure off. In this post, I spell out exactly what your next steps are for making this crucial choice.
Class of 2022: How Do the Cancelled SAT II Subject Tests Affect You?
If you’re in the class of 2022 or after, you’re probably wondering how the College Board’s decision to discontinue the SAT II Subject Tests affects your test prep. I’m breaking it down for you with expert analysis of several different situations you might find yourself in.
Are APs the New SAT IIs?
So now that the SAT II Subject Tests have been permanently discontinued by the College Board…what takes their place? How does this change your college application and your test-prep planning? Concerned parents asked me these questions over and over again at a recent speaking gig, and I’m sharing my answers with you.
College Process News: SAT II and SAT Essay Discontinued
As of January 2021, the College Board has discontinued the optional SAT essay section and the SAT II Subject Tests for US students. How will these major changes affect test prep and the competitive college process for YOU? I’m breaking it down.
How to go from deferred to accepted in five easy steps: COVID Edition
If you’ve been deferred from your early decision dream school, it can feel like you’re just waiting. But actually, there’s a LOT you can do to go from deferred to accepted…yes, even with most travel and face-to-face contact ruled out by Covid-19! Here’s what you need to know NOW to go from deferred to accepted in five easy steps.
Do you have to write the essay on the SAT or ACT?
Do you have to write the essay on the ACT or SAT? I’m usually here to tell you that skipping something you COULD use as an opportunity to shine is a mistake…but maybe not this time. Read on to find out if you’re one of the lucky ones who really CAN forget about writing the SAT Essay section or the ACT Writing component.
