You might not know the math you think you know! This week, in my series teaching you to beat the SAT math paradox, I’m showing you how to recognize systems of linear equations…even in disguise. If you can spot these subtle systems, you can solve problems quickly and easily that might otherwise have stumped you.
The SAT's 5th, Experimental Section
Um….WHAT 5th section of the SAT?? If this blog post’s title alone is threatening to give you a panic attack (or if it’s not, but you still want to find out what the 5th section means for you), take a deep breath. This post’s got all the info you need to take the section in stride.
Why Your SAT/ACT Score Was Lower Than Your Practice Tests (And What to Do about it)
A student wrote to me with a concern that affects a LOT of high schoolers taking the SAT or ACT: what to do when your test score doesn't measure up to your practice scores. In this blog post I give her (and you) my tried and true two-step technique for turning this disappointing situation around!
How to Recognize a Linear Equation on the SAT (Baby Algebra Pt. 2)
In the second post of my new series upgrading your baby Algebra skills to the level that will let you nail ALL of the possible points on the SAT, we’re covering the foundation: what are linear equations, anyway, and what do they actually mean? Need answers? Read on!
How to Answer SAT Paired Passage Questions
Most students have a totally misguided approach to double passage questions on the SAT Reading section. And it costs them MAJOR points. This post explains what you’re probably doing wrong—and how to get it right.
The Hardest Math on the SAT and ACT (Baby Algebra Pt. 1)
There’s this paradox I’ve noticed: it’s never the hardest math that stands between my students and the scores they need to get into their dream schools. As strange as it might sound…it’s usually the EASIEST math. Why is that? And what can YOU do to prevent this math paradox from hurting your score? In this post, I’m explaining how to level up your “baby Algebra” with the help of my article series on the subject.
How to Study for the ACT Science Section
The Science section of the ACT can be one of the trickiest for students to master. That’s NOT the same thing as the “hardest” to master, though! This section is a matter of strategy, not cramming content into your brain. This post is your one-stop guide to the ONLY tricks you need to learn to land that high score in the Science section.
What You Need to Know for the ACT Reading Section
The next ACT sitting (September 10) approaches. How’s YOUR Reading score looking? If you’d like to make some improvement, you’ve still got time—and with this comprehensive guide to strategies for this fast-moving section, you’ll also have the know-how.
Your SAT Reading Study Guide
The first SAT of the new school year is almost here: August 27. But you’ve still got enough time to make some serious gains in your SAT Reading section—if you start working on your strategy in a focused way right now, that is. This post is a comprehensive guide to ALL of the types of questions that show up on the SAT Reading, as well as my key tactics for answering each of them.
How To Return to Test Prep after a Break
Breaks from studying are necessary, but getting back in the groove after one can feel like a real obstacle. Here’s how to find the momentum you’ve lost.
How to Use Your Summer Vacation to Get into College
Worried about how to make the most of those crucial summers during the college process, sophomore through junior year? Worry no more—this post lays out a road map to what you need to keep your eye on.
When Should You Take a Break from Test Prep?
New SAT and ACT dates means that college applicants don’t have the enforced summer break that they used to. This makes testing-timeline decisions EVEN MORE COMPLICATED (hey, thanks!). I’m breaking down the factors you need to consider to keep your sanity (and maybe even plan that break in there after all).
Does the class of 2022 need the SAT or ACT?
The class of 2021 has had their college process upended by Covid-19—including schools going temporarily (or even permanently) test-optional. But what about the class of 2022? If you’re a current Junior, you probably have some questions about testing and college applications in the age of coronavirus—and lucky for you, I’ve got expert answers.
SAT and ACT Test Dates, 2022-2023
If you’re a high school sophomore or junior wondering when you should sign up for your first standardized test sitting, look no further: this post lists out all ACT and SAT test dates for the 2022-23 season. Whether you’re an international student or one based in America, whether you’re taking the SAT or the ACT, this post has got the dates you need, as well as info on how to register for each test.
Perfectionism Hurts Your ACT Score
Perfectionism will cost you points on every section of the ACT. Let me show you how, so I can show you how important it is to avoid this tricky mindset problem.
Top 5 Ways the SAT and ACT Math Sections Try to Trick You
Time and again, I see very smart students make the same types of missteps on the SAT and ACT Math. That’s because the test-makers ARE sometimes trying to trip you up. This post reveals the five most common, trickiest stumbling blocks that the ACT or SAT Math section might throw your way…as well as the strategies you’ll use to clear those obstacles from your path so you can reach that stellar score.
When You Wake Up Sick or Distracted on Test Day
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.
Answering SAT Evidence Questions
Evidence Questions can account for up to a THIRD of the questions on the SAT reading section. That’s a lot of points in the balance—not to mention that this question type can be quite tricky and time-consuming to answer if you don’t have a strategy. Fortunately, once you read this blog post, you will have one!
When Should I Schedule My First ACT? 2022 Edition
Timing is KEY when it comes to the ACT: take it too soon and you might not have completed all the high school coursework you need for the test—but take it too late and you might be risking a low score with no chance to re-take it. Plus, the way the ACT is administered has changed recently, so the scheduling calculus is different in 2022 from previous years. Don’t worry, though: I’ve got your back with this step-by-step guide to figuring out what test dates are right for YOU.
When to Take Your First SAT in 2022
Figuring out when exactly you need to take your first SAT (and the second, and….) can be a real headache. The timing question is made even thornier by the fact that the SAT has changed quite a bit over the past few years—and many of those changes impact testing timelines. This post gets you up to date on all of those factors that impact SAT scheduling, and then helps you figure out what that means for YOUR SAT schedule in 2022.
