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.
How to Answer Meaning in Context Questions on the Digital SAT
There’s a type of SAT Reading and Writing question that a LOT of students get wrong, or spend way too much time on. Not you—because I’m going to teach you how to correctly answer Meaning in Context questions.
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?
The Two Best Transition Word Strategies for the Digital SAT & ACT
Last week, I brought you the complete list of transition words that show up on the ACT and Digital SAT. But once you’ve familiarized yourself with those words and their roles in sentences, how do you actually answer TEST QUESTIONS about them? This post breaks down my two techniques for acing the questions that test!
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.
How to Design a Sane College Process
Fights, confusion, stress—that's just what junior year is like, right? Nope! There's a better way. I promise. Let me show you what it can be like.
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!
New Year's Reflections for College Acceptance
A new year is a chance to pause, take stock, and course correct as you proceed joyfully towards your goals. This little New Year’s ritual offers you questions to ask yourself and words to take to heart—all designed to help you realize your college process goals, no matter where you are in that process right now.
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.
How to Protect Your Mental Health during Test Prep
You can't just cram for a standardized test! Nor can you grind your body and mind into the ground all of junior year and expect to still perform well on the SAT or ACT. Here are some of the top tips I give clients about the mindsets and habits that will keep you on pace for a strong finish.
5 Quick Brain Tricks to Improve Your SAT or ACT Score
Not sure how to prepare mentally before your next exam? Check out these 5 strategies that will boost your brainpower.
Test Anxiety Resource Library
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.
SAT Reading & Writing: Avoid Burnout with this Trick!
A lot of SAT-takers report getting to Module 2 of the Reading & Writing section…and feeling suddenly exhausted and distractible. Fortunately, I’ve developed a special hack to help you avoid the dreaded R&W crash.
Guide to Common App Resources
Those deadlines are looming and your stress level is rising. Don’t panic! This Common App resources roundup has got links that will help you answer any question, and overcome any hurdle, standing in the way of clicking “submit.”
The Most Important Parts of a Test-optional College Application
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.
ACT Experimental Questions: Use Them to Raise Your Score!
Did you know: not all questions on the ACT actually count towards your final score? While most students won’t do anything in particular with that fact, this post will help you use experimental Qs to increase your score.
