ACT & SAT

Student Survival Guide: A Breakdown of the ACT

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

Since you were in junior high, you’ve heard whispers of The Tests. Spoken of by everyone from teachers to guidance counselors to nagging parents, the ACT and SAT enter your life years before you even want to think about it. Suddenly, around your sophomore year of high school, the pressure starts to rise. You see …

ACT & SAT

The Ultimate SAT Breakdown Guide

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

Test-makers are constantly advancing standardized tests. Most of the time it’s just changing certain questions or adding new content to update current tests. And then sometimes you get the complete overhaul of a test, such as what they’ve done to the SAT. Before we breakdown each SAT section, let’s look at how it has changed …

ACT & SAT

Why You Should Take The Optional Writing Test on the ACT / SAT

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Not too long ago, the essay portion of the SAT was mandatory, but now—like the ACT—it’s optional. Some students are hesitant to take the writing tests—it’s additional time, effort, and money, so why bother with an optional writing test? Well, there are many benefits you can earn if you do well! Colleges May Require the …

ACT & SAT

Why You Should Consider Taking The PreACT

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

In 2016, around 1.5 million high school students sat the ACT test, a number that has jumped in recent years to rival the 1.7 million that took the SAT. While the latter is traditionally a bit more popular for students, the ACT plays to different strengths and utilizes a different scoring system, both of which …

ACT & SAT

What You Need To Know About The PreACT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Students have been told to take the PSAT for several years and was often used as a primer for both the ACT and SAT, even though the testing formats are different. Now, however, students can take the PreACT to prepare for the ACT test. Allows For Early Practice Taking the PreACT is a great way to …

ACT & SAT

Avoid These ACT/SAT Exam Day Mistakes

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to taking either the ACT or the SAT (or both), you should take advantage of every kind of preparation. Studying, taking practice tests, and attending review sessions are a few excellent ways to prepare, but there are other, subtler things that can also help—especially when it comes to the big day itself. …

ACT & SAT

Managing Test Anxiety for the ACT / SAT

By Julia WassonLast updated on December 22, 2022

Researchers estimate that between 10 and 40 percent of all students experience some test anxiety. According to Morgan Grotewiel, Ph.D., Adjunct Faculty in the University of Missouri-St. Louis Department of Counseling and Family Therapy, “Test-anxious people perceive testing situations as personally threatening, and they respond with intense emotional reactions.” This can range from little more …

ACT & SAT

Should I Take the ACT or the SAT?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

As you well know, there are two major college entrance exams—the ACT and the SAT. Some students take one over the other based on where they live (certain areas of America seem to have a different preference), and others simply take both. But if you’re asking yourself the question: which should I take? Ask yourself …

ACT & SAT

PSA: What Your PSAT Score Tells You and What It Means For You

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

Approximately 3.6 million high school sophomores and juniors take the PSAT (preliminary SAT) each year. In addition to qualifying students for National Merit Scholarships, the test is also an indicator for college entrance exam preparedness. The test is administered each year in mid-October and score reports come out in December. The PSAT is meant to …

ACT & SAT

Ten Tips to Help You Score Your Best on College Entrance Exams

By Julia WassonLast updated on December 22, 2022

How you approach the ACT or SAT is nearly as important as how much content knowledge you’ve gained. If you’re unprepared for the challenges of the test, you won’t do your best work. To help you out, we’ve pulled together some of our favorite simple tips that can give you a chance for the best …