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.
Why the Class of 2026 Needs to Start Their Test Prep NOW
The Class of 2026 is in a unique position when it comes to the ACT. In fact, current juniors need to start their test prep journey NOW, in fall of 2024. Read on to learn why.
ACT Changes: What Do They Mean for YOU? (Pt 3)
The ACT is changing in 2025-26. What should current Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen do about that? The final installment of our three-part series on the coming ACT overhaul gives you specific instructions according to your class year.
What's Staying the Same on the New ACT? (Pt 2)
The ACT is changing in big ways come 2025-26. But some things are staying the same. This post breaks down the 5 ways the ACT won't be changing. Part 2 of a 3-part series!
New ACT: The 8 Things that Will Change in 2025-26 (Pt 1)
Did you know that the ACT is about to undergo a massive transformation? To be specific, eight elements of this major standardized test will change in 2025-26. What’s going to be different? Read on to find out.
Avoid These Two ACT English Grammar Mistakes
Save Time on the ACT Science Section with this Trick
If you want to answer all the questions in the ACT Science Section, you’ve got to move really fast: you’ve got about 52 seconds per question, to be exact. But fret not: this week I’m bringing you my special “Castle Method”—a strategy tailored to this particular section that will help you answer its questions quickly AND accurately.
Does Cramming Work for the Digital SAT or ACT?
Cramming doesn't work: the human brain just doesn't work that way. But that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of the time you have left...even if there's not as much of it as you might like!
Digital SAT and ACT: How Long Should You Study?
So…how long does it take to study for the DSAT or ACT? The answer to that question is anything but one-size-fits-all. So if you want to know how long it might take YOU to prep for the Digital SAT or ACT and nail your target score, consider these factors.
Which do colleges like better—ACT or Digital SAT?
Given how much time goes into prepping for standardized tests, you want to make sure you’re taking the right test to begin with. So which one gives you a bigger advantage in college admissions—the Digital SAT or the ACT?
Do Elite Colleges Require a Perfect SAT/ACT Score?
If you want to get into an elite college, you need a perfect SAT or ACT score…..right? Actually, this week’s post explains why a perfect score is NOT always required for admission to Harvard, Stanford, or Yale….and how you should be using your college prep time instead of cramming for that 1600 or 36.
SAT and ACT: Ten Day-of Tips
It’s totally normal to feel nervous on the day that you wake up to finally take the SAT or ACT. But it’s also totally possible to then calm yourself down so you can actually attain the score you’ve been studying so hard for. Here are my ten expert pointers for a Test Day morning that sets you up for success.
ACT Add/Delete a Sentence Questions
If the ACT is your test of choice, you’ll have to navigate quite a few questions about language, grammar, and writing. In this post, I spotlight one type of question that always appears on the test—the “add/delete a sentence” question—and spell out my failsafe tactic for figuring out the right answer. If you’re hunting for a quick and easy way to rack up points, read on!
How to Answer ACT Paired Passage Questions
“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.
How to Use Diagnostic Testing for the Digital SAT and ACT
You might already know that you need to take a diagnostic test in order to set up a successful test-prep process. But did you know that HOW you take it really matters? I’m explaining what to do and what NOT to do in order to get the best results from your diagnostic SAT or ACT test.
National Merit Scholar Finalist? You Can Still Take Either the SAT or 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.
Answering the ACT "Fork" Question
The "fork question" is my term for a particular question form on the ACT that can waste your time and induce unnecessary errors...unless you see it coming. Read on for the lowdown on how to conquer this tricky question type.
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.
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.
