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.
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.
Should I Take the ACT or the SAT in 2022?
When it comes to choosing between taking the SAT and the ACT, you obviously want to pick the one that’s going to help you shine the most on your college applications. But how do you figure THAT out?! This post clarifies the ways that this question has changed in recent years, AND the three key steps you should take to decide which test is right for you.
How to Cram for the ACT
If you’re sweating bullets before your rapidly-approaching ACT, never fear! This last-minute study plan is here to save you time, sanity, and points by telling you EXACTLY what to study. The five question types I’ve highlighted here get you a lot of bang for your studying buck on the ACT…and so are exactly what you should focus on in the week or so left before your exam, whether you’ve already been studying hard or hardly studying.
ACT English Grammar Guide
Which grammar rules, exactly, do you need to master in order to grab that perfect score on the ACT English section? This week’s post brings you just the wheat and none of the chaff: the 19 essential parts of grammar that the ACT English will test you on.
Should You Guess on the SAT and ACT? (And If So, How?)
If you’ve taken a few SAT or ACT practice tests (or even a round or two of the actual test), you may have found yourself running out of time on a section or two. What should you do when you don’t have time to actually think through those last few questions? Will it help or harm your score to guess—and if you should guess, what are the smartest strategies for doing so? This week’s post has got you covered.
Does the Class of 2023 Need to Take the SAT or ACT?
Lots of things looked different for the 2020-21 college application cycle—including the fact that many more colleges than usual went Test Blind (didn't accept SAT/ACT scores) or Test Optional (allowed applicants to opt out of submitting scores). But will these COVID-specific policies still be in effect next year? If you’re in the class of 2023, read on for answers to this question, and my specific advice to rising Juniors on this front.
How Does the New ACT Superscore Report Affect You?
In April, the ACT introduced a new report that students can use to send their ACT Superscores to colleges. What is Superscoring, anyways—and what does the new reporting method mean for YOUR college application?
SAT and ACT Test Dates 2020-2021
To plan a successful 2020-2021 college application cycle (read: to get into that dream school in 2021), you need to start making a testing plan now. So here’s your complete ACT and SAT testing calendar for 2020-2021—every test date with information about which tests (ACT, SAT, and SAT II Subject Tests) are available, registration deadlines, and score availability dates. Get planning!
ACT Section Retesting: What You Need To Know
The rules for ACT retesting have changed—and it’s major! Let me walk you through what’s changing and when—and what it means for your testing timeline and strategy.
ACT vs SAT I vs SAT II: What's the Difference?
We may be test ninjas here at Ivy Lounge, but everyone has to start with the basics! This post will get you up to speed on the crucial foundational knowledge about the ACT, SAT I, and SAT II—so you can get on your way to an overall testing strategy!
Understanding The Curve: Don't Pray For An Easy Test
Think an easy test means you can expect the score you want? Not necessarily. In fact, an easy test can make it harder to get the score you need! Let me explain.
The ACT’s New Extended Time Policies: What You Need To Know
The ACT is changing its policy on timing for National Extended Time students. I’m walking you through exactly what this means for you if it affects you—how it changes your test day and whether it changes your test choice.
New ACT (& SAT) Dates: What They Mean For You!
New test dates are here, and this week I'm focusing on what this new development means for your ACT planning. Don't be caught off guard! There's a competitive advantage here for those who know how to find it.
Stepping Up Your Math Confidence: The Girls' Guide to Fearless SAT & ACT Math
High school girls often lack confidence in their math abilities, and that can do serious damage. Here are my top tips for firing yourself up for fearless math!
6 Easy Steps to Get Into College
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Whether you’re about to begin your Junior year of high school or you’re only a Sophomore or Freshman and have considerably more time, I want to give you a quick landscape of the major steps to get into college that you need to take.
My intention here is that if you know what the crucial milestones are, you can methodically work to knock them off your list one at a time and not be a total anxiety-ridden stress case! I’ve gone ahead and listed them in chronological order, though some steps may be ongoing and thus overlap with other steps.
Moreover, I’ve tried my best to provide an ideal timeline of when you should be doing each step and about how long it takes. Keep in mind that “ideal timelines” may of course vary depending on where you are right now and your personal strengths and weaknesses. With my private clients, I can tailor this process to the perfectly bespoke little black dress of college admissions prep timelines—go here for an Ace the Test: Game Plan. However, if I do not know you personally, realize that you may have to adjust the dates just a modicum to apply perfectly to you.
Step #1: SAT I or ACT
Unless you are specifically researching colleges that don’t require standardized tests, you are going to have to take either the SAT I Reasoning Test or the ACT. (To find out which one, either go here or click on the cute teal pop-up in the bottom right of your screen.)
SKILLS NEEDED:
You are going to need to brush up on your math, grammar, reading comprehension, vocab and essay-writing abilities for both tests.
For the ACT, you should also brush up on interpreting charts and graphs and basic scientific method facts for the Science section. (NOTE: If you’re currently a Sophomore, you’ll need this skill too, regardless of which test you take, since you’ll be choosing between the ACT and the Revised SAT.)
IDEAL TIMELINE:
August before Junior year, if not before: Start reviewing content weekly.
January/February of Junior year: Focus on taking mock and practice tests (between 4-6) and going over them.
March/April of Junior year: Take first SAT/ACT for real.
May: SAT attempt #2
June: ACT attempt #2
Fall of Senior year: Attempt #3 if needed.
Step #2: SAT II Subject Tests (Depends on School)
Depending on the schools on your college short list, you may be off the hook for SAT II Subject Tests. Or, if you are applying to Harvard, you may need 3 of them! Each college has its specifications, so make sure you do your research and write them down. (Need help? An Ace the Test: Game Plan will do it for you!)
IDEAL TIMELINE:
May/June of Sophomore year: If you are taking any classes that would aptly prepare you for a Subject Test, go ahead and take it. Give yourself about 2 months’ study time, and pick the test date that is as close to your final exam for the class as possible.
June of Junior year: Take another 1-2 Subject Tests in subjects that correlate to classes you are taking.
Fall of Senior year: If you still need to take more subject tests or improve a score, take them after you have secured the SAT I or ACT score you desire.
Step #3: College Visits
You want to make sure you get a feel for the type of academic environments ideal to your growth and development before you craft your entire testing timeline around them!
IDEAL TIMELINE:
June/July between Sophomore and Junior years: Try to do some of your college visits at this time to set your testing targets and complete all your requirements in a mellow, stress-free manner.
June/July between Junior and Senior years: Do the rest of your college visits at this time.
Step #4: College Application Process: The Activity List
This is where you break-down all of your passions, interests, community involvements, leadership positions, extra-curricular activities, jobs, volunteerism, sports, and talents so that the people in the admissions office know a) what you have to bring to the table at their institution and b) how exactly you’ve spent your time the past four years. This is where you have the ability to explain some odd-ball hobbies and interests that make you YOU (competitive Pokemon, anyone?). This is also where you get to demonstrate the actual number of hours you have devoted to your passions and the depth to which you have ventured to explore them.
IDEAL TIMELINE:
July/August between Junior and Senior years: Start keeping a running tab of your activities, denoting the description, length of time you were involved, hours per week, leadership positions and notable accomplishments.
November 1st: This is the beginning of early decision application deadlines.
January 1st: Most regular decision deadlines are due around this time.
Step #5: College Application Process: Common App Essay
Formerly called the Personal Statement, you’ll use this essay for the Common App but can tweak it for applications that are NOT on the Common App, too. This is the main college entrance essay you will write that will give the readers in your dream school’s admissions office a glimpse into you, your hopes and dreams, your mind, your life, your accomplishments, your character, and your essence. All in under 650 impeccably-written words! Have fun!
IDEAL TIMELINE:
July/August between Junior and Senior years: Start brainstorming and ideally have your first draft done before school starts.
November 1st: This is the beginning of early decision application deadlines.
January 1st: Most regular decision deadlines are due around this time.
Step #6: College Application Process: Supplemental Essays (Depends on School)
As delineated by the admission requirements of your particular dream schools, you very well may have additional “essays” to write and include in your application. I say “essays” with quotation marks, because some are incredibly brief, like describing yourself in 5 words. Stanford University has a supplemental essay like that. In fact, Stanford has 10 supplemental essays! (Don’t worry, they’re not all mammoth.)
IDEAL TIMELINE:
August 1st: The Common App opens. You will be able to look up your list of colleges and compile all the supplemental essays you have to write. Please plan ahead before you start typing away – can one essay for one school be marginally tweaked and reused for another supplemental essay? Let’s be a little pragmatic, shall we?
November 1st: This is the beginning of early decision application deadlines.
January 1st: Most regular decision deadlines are due around this time.
So, yes, this DOES seem like a lot, and you may be wondering how I dared to claim these were “6 Easy-Peasy Steps”… But seriously, if you take a long-range look at these, there are a few tests, a few trips, and a few essays that just need to happen at a few designated times. If you start doing what you can during Sophomore year and the beginning of Junior year, you will be sitting very pretty by the time those acceptance letters start rolling in.
I hope this was able to ease some of your high school stress and help you plan. Remember that though I’m able to offer this one-size-fits-most information for free, you can get more tailor-made advice by working with me. And if you found this helpful, please do me a huge favor and pass it on to 3 of your friends!
Xo,
Kristina
The 4 Best Ways To Improve Your Vocab: Part IV
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Vocab Hack #4: Supplement With The Tried And True
The last installment of my 4-part Vocab Hack Series is a list of the more traditional tutor-approved methods for increasing vocabulary. These might not be as much fun as the other methods, but I would be remiss to leave them out. For your sanity, you probably only want to try one of them…
Try a Vocab-building book:
My favorite vocabulary book – if you are a fan of straight-up learning vocab – is Hotwords for the SAT by Barron’s. The reason I prescribe this book so often is that it manages to teach 500 SAT vocabulary words by “clumping” them together into 32 or so clusters of words.
The idea is that instead of learning 1 word + 1 definition (= 2 things to memorize) for every word you learn, you instead learn 1 definition + a group of 12+ words that have that basic definition.
Thus, to learn a dozen vocab words the old way, you’d need to learn 12 words + their 12 meanings = 24 things to remember. The Hotwords way, you would only need to remember the 12 words + 1 definition they all have in common = only 13 things to remember.
See how much time that saves? In addition, you will surely know some of the words in each cluster, so you end up using the words you know as an anchor to remember the other words that are new. Super easy peasy.
Try a Vocab-building website:
If you’re more into on-line stuff, there is a plethora of newly created resources out there, and I have known some students to have success with Quizlet. Check it out, and if that’s not your style, Google “vocab games” and you’ll surely find something else worthwhile.
Get back to Latin:
Latin roots, that is. You can find a standard list of roots, prefixes and suffixes in the back of most test-prep books, or for free if you Google. You will instinctively know several already, and the ones you know will anchor the new ones.
Flashcards:
And last but not least, for whatever reason, some students really love the feeling of completion that comes with flashcards. My advice? If you go this route, separate your cards into three piles: those you totally know already, those that might as well be Greek (or Japanese, if you, like me, ARE Greek), and those you kinda feel you should know but don’t.
- The first pile: place somewhere conspicuous in your room, like on your nightstand or near your desk. This makes it appear as if you are actively learning vocab words and the ‘rents tend to like this.
- The Greek pile: put back in the box and abandon on the bookshelf. If you get exceedingly bored of Dawson’s Creek, you can take these out at a later date.
- The middle-of-the-road pile is the low-hanging fruit that will take the least amount of effort to turn into usable knowledge. LEARN THESE FIRST. Then add them to the first pile of words you know.
And on that note, you should be all set to rapidly expand your vocab and rack up tons of extra point on the SAT and ACT! And remember, if you found this at all helpful, do me a HUGE favor and tell three of your friends!
Xo,
Kristina
The 4 Best Ways To Improve Your Vocab: Part III
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Vocab Hack #3: Watch Smarter TV and Movies
Let me tell you a little story. When I was your age, living in Dallas, Texas, I woke up one morning at the beginning of sophomore year and decided I wasn’t going to consume any culture that wasn’t “productive”. In fact, I was convinced most books, shows, and movies were designed to make the masses dumber, so I tried to steer clear of anything that could potentially compromise my life’s Grand Plan.
I spent the next three years driving my friends and classmates crazy, refusing to read fiction, watch TV or see mainstream movies. At the time, there were only two independent movie theatres in town – the UA Cine and the Inwood Theatre – and each only ever showed two movies concurrently. I think I saw everything from The Red Violin to Existenz and Happiness. Some were whoppers, but my self-righteousness persisted.
Jump cut to now. I happily watch the likes of Vampire Diaries, Revenge, The Mindy Project, Glee, even reruns of MIOBI. And I discovered something shocking: Not All TV Is Bad! In fact, you if must spend time in front of the “boob tube”, I have discovered the singular most vocabulary-boosting show that will quench your thirst for teen melodrama:
DAWSON’S CREEK.
I am soooo not joking here. After missing the show when it first aired out of intellectual snobbery, I recently decided to make up for lost time. First of all, I was shocked at how eloquent and self-expressive the main characters are. And just to test my hypothesis, I watched the majority of Season 2 with a pen and paper in hand only to discover that some episodes utilized up to 37 SAT-level vocabulary words! Not shabby for 43 minutes of indulgence.
So get thee to a Netflix account and introduce yourself to Dawson, Joey, Jen and Pacey!!
