If you’re stressed about studying for the SAT or ACT because you don’t even know where to begin, that’s understandable! And I’m here to help. In this post, I lay out a strategy that will help you find the motivation and calm you need to get started on your studying plan—no matter what kind of student you are.
The Best Digital SAT Sentence Completion Hack
One of the places on the SAT where a lot of students lose points (and/or time) is on "sentence completion" vocab questions. There's a very common mistake that most test-takers make on such problems. Today’s blog post teaches you how to avoid it…and the very effective strategy you should use instead!
The Best Strategy for Double Passages on the ACT
“Paired passages” are a type of question in the ACT Reading section that asks you about two rather than just one passage. And paired passages can take up WAY more of your precious test-day time than they should!…Unless you go in with the right strategy, that is. Click through for a breakdown of the wrong AND the right way to approach this common question type.
SAT and ACT Test Dates, 2025-26
When can you take the SAT and ACT during the school year that spans fall 2025 through spring 2026? I’ve collected all of those dates for you right here, as well as info on how to register and when scores will be released.
Sick or Out of it during the SAT or ACT?
No matter how much you've studied for the SAT or ACT, sometimes unlucky things happen when you sit down to take the test. Whether you wake up sick or distracted on test day, here's how you can best prepare yourself for the unexpected when it happens to you.
College in Scotland & Ireland: What SAT/ACT Scores Do You Need?
If you’re an American who can see yourself attending in college in Ireland or Scotland…this post is for you. It explains the testing requirements for U.S. high schoolers who might want to apply to seven of those countries’ top universities, from Trinity to University of Edinburgh.
How to get extended time on the Digital SAT or ACT
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.
How to Use Digital SAT Practice Tests
Real SAT practice tests are a finite resource. Let me explain why that matters…and how to make the most of the valuable practice tests you have!
Americans Applying to English Colleges: Standardized Testing Guide
Are you a U.S. student thinking about going to college across the pond? I’ve got you covered, mate. This post summarizes the test scores American students need in order to get into six top U.K. universities.
Does "Test Optional" Mean You Can Skip the SAT or ACT?
Many colleges went “test-optional” during COVID. But the winds have shifted since then. Can you get away with skipping the SAT/ACT entirely…and still get into your colleges of choice? Let’s find out.
List of Math Topics on the Digital SAT
The math that the Digital SAT tests you on is NOT necessarily the math that you’ve learned most recently or prominently in high school. So, even students who have excelled in their sophomore and junior year math classes need to seriously strategize in order to snag that dream score. But never fear: in this post, I’ve broken down every math topic on the SAT….AND how many questions you’ll have on each topic.
Where Should Queer and Trans Students Go to College?
With big political changes afoot at the national and state levels, what can LGBTQ high schoolers do to secure a safer future for themselves? College offers some options there. This post breaks down how to use university to place yourself in a more queer- and trans-friendly environment.
SAT and ACT Requirements for U.S. Students Applying to Canadian Universities
Are you a U.S. student curious about applying to schools like the University of Toronto, McGill, or UBC? Test prep expert Kristina Semos breaks down the latest standardized testing requirements for eight top Canadian universities, including whether submitting your SAT or ACT scores is necessary or optional if you're an American applicant.
The New ACT: Section-by-Section Updates
The first practice test for the new ACT just dropped. And it reveals a LOT of things we didn’t know about the new test. Read on for a section-by-section breakdown of what will be different come February/July.
Why Junior Spring Matters to College Admissions
Junior spring is hectic, I know! You might be tempted to let your academics slide as you focus on test prep...but wait! Let me explain why you need to keep your eye on your school books, not just your prep books.
Returning to Test Prep after a Break: 5-Step Plan
Whether it’s winter vacation or a family weekend away, everyone has to take breaks from test prep sometimes. But getting back to your desk after time away can feel like a real drag. Here’s how to regain the momentum you’ve lost.
Early decision: advice if you didn't get accepted (and if you did!)
Early Decisions are about to come out. No matter what happens, you've got next steps. Let me tell you what they are.
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.
ACT Math Study Guide
What’s on the ACT Math section? The ACT website provides one answer to that question…but it’s a slightly confusing one. It isn’t always clear what content is covered under the broad terms they use, like “Algebra.” That’s why I’ve come up with my own system for categorizing every single math topic that the ACT can test you on. Whether you’re taking the 2024 version of the test or the new, revised 2025 version, this post will save you lots of time by helping you figure out exactly what to study and what to skip.
How to find the right standardized testing tutor for you
How can you tell whether your ACT or Digital SAT tutor is the right one for you? This article breaks down the two main types of tutor, and the ten qualities your tutor should have (no matter which “type” you pick).
