There’s the English we speak when we’re hanging out with our friends….and then there’s the English that we learn in high school grammar courses….and THEN there’s the English that’s tested on the SAT. There are some important differences between the three! That’s why this week’s post rounds up over a dozen of the words that trip up SAT studiers the most, from deceptively familiar parts of speech to oddball words we almost never use aloud.
How to Cancel Your ACT Score
SHOULD you cancel is one question (and I’ve written about it!), but once you’re sure you want to, there’s another question: HOW do you cancel your ACT score? This post walks you through it step by step.
Overwhelmed by Junior Year? Here's What to Do.
Don't throw in the towel! Instead, muster your grit and learn to make time for schoolwork AND test prep.
Too Busy to Study for the ACT and SAT?
Even the most gung-ho high schoolers can struggle to find time for SAT and ACT study. This post explains the technique I use to find time in my clients’’ busy schedules to make sure they get the scores they want. The truth is, you DO have the power to make choices about how to spend your time!
Got a Low Score on a Practice SAT or ACT?
So you’re chugging towards your target score on the SAT or ACT…when suddenly, you bomb a practice test. What should you do? It’s more about what you SHOULDN’T do, and I’m laying it out for you in this post!
Get into Your #1 School with these Four New Year's Resolutions
Happy (almost) 2024! As we all look towards a bright new year, here are some resolutions that will move you towards a major goal: getting into your dream college.
Why "Study More" Isn't a Good SAT/ACT Study Strategy
"Study more!" is almost a reflex in parents during the college process. But standardized tests don't work that way.
Didn't Do Well on the SAT or ACT?
Did you just get back a not-so-hot test score on your ACT or SAT? Never fear. Kristina Semos is here…with a guide on how to recover and do better on your next one.
Master List: Defeating SAT and ACT Stress
Yes, we’re approaching the toughest stretch of test prep and college applications. No, that doesn't mean you should panic. Beat stress with these quick hits.
Beat Test Day Cold Feet
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.
What Should You Bring to the Digital SAT, SAT, or ACT?
You’ve studied for months, and now the big day is finally here: you’re about to take the Digital SAT, SAT or the ACT. But all of that hard prep work will be wasted effort if you show up to the testing room without the supplies you need to rock the test! Never fear: I’ve made you a checklist of the 7-9 essential items you should bring with you when you take the ACT or SAT, now with updated info on what you should bring to the Digital SAT, too.
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!
Your 5-Step Plan to Beat the Sophomore Slump
Feeling doomy and gloomy as you head in to tenth grade? With my five tips, you can turn Sophomore year from a bummer into an asset, AND start making yourself a better candidate for college down the line.
How to Write Your Common App Activities List
Everyone knows that the Activities List is a super important section of the Common App…so why do so many people waste the opportunity to maximize its impact? Let me show you how to avoid that pitfall with these six steps to a winning Activities List.
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.
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.
