IF canceling your scores is really necessary, it can save your application! But how do you cancel your SAT scores? Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough, for use in emergencies only!
How to Beat Test Anxiety: Tips for Perfectionists AND Slackers
Test anxiety can make it hard to get the SAT or ACT score you deserve on test day…or even make it hard to do the work that will get you the score you’re capable of! With these expert strategies that have worked for my students, I’ll help you get out of your own way.
Digital SAT (dSAT), SAT, or ACT?
The digital SAT is coming—and by March 2024, it will be the only test available for most or all test-takers. What does that mean for YOU? Which class years will be offered the paper vs. the digital test? And if you fall into the latter camp, would you be better off taking the ACT instead? This week's blog post is here to answer all these questions, and to offer a decision-making timeline for current Sophomores, who have a unique decision to make between the paper vs. paperless tests.
How to Answer Transition Word Questions on the SAT and ACT
A few posts ago, I gave you the most complete transition word guide you’ll ever find—and in this one, I break down my two techniques for acing the questions that test that knowledge!
Punctuation on the ACT and SAT: What You Need to Know
This post takes you on a stroll through punctuation town! What punctuation rules are absolute need-to-knows for the SAT and ACT? Read on!
How to Overcome Test Anxiety on the SAT or ACT
What is test anxiety? How can it impact your SAT or ACT score? And most importantly…HOW DO YOU SLAY IT and get the scores your preparation deserves? Not to worry: expert advice on how to conquer test anxiety is just a click away.
What To Do During Junior Spring (So You Get Into College Later!)
Junior spring is hectic, I know! You might be tempted to let your academics slide as you focus on test prep...but wait! Let me explain why you need to keep your eye on your school books, not just your prep books.
New Year's Reflections to Help You Get into College in 2023
Winter break is a time high school students pause to rest and reflect…but the college process waits for no one. These are some questions to reflect on to keep your eye on the prize in the year ahead in YOUR college process—no matter where you are in high school! (There’s also a special message in here for juniors, who are really in the thick of it right now.)
What to Do If You Get in Early Decision (and if You Don't)
Early Decisions are about to come out. No matter what happens, you've got next steps. Let me tell you what they are.
When should you submit your SAT or ACT scores to a test optional school?
Should you submit your SAT or ACT scores to that test-optional school? Will they help you or hurt you? This is a particularly tricky question, and I’m here to walk you through three methods for making a strategic decision.
10 Mistakes to Avoid in Marketing Yourself to Colleges
Some of these ideas are crazy...but they're all real! Here's what NOT to do when you're trying to impress colleges.
Inequalities on the SAT and ACT (Baby Algebra Pt. 6)
We’ve reached the end of our baby Algebra upgrade series at long last! In this final post, I’m showing you a trick that upgrades your baby Algebra skills and scores you points on the SAT. (Hint: it involves inequalities!) And you definitely haven’t learned this trick in math class—or in any of your test-prep books!
Self Care during the Long Haul of 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.
Inequalities and Absolute Values (Baby Algebra Pt. 5)
We’re starting to wind up our baby Algebra upgrades, but before we do, don’t forget about Inequalities and Absolute Values! Lots of people do—but not the SAT Math test makers, so listen up.
How to Make Your College Application Coherent with an Organizing Principle
So you know you need an Organizing Principle to show your dream school who you are…but how do you find yours? Especially on your own? I’m giving you a road map to articulating the hidden sense of self that will help you show colleges who you are.
How Many Solutions Does a System of Linear Equations Have? (Baby Algebra Pt. 4)
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this Baby Algebra series! Now that you’re working with linear equations and systems of linear equations, I’m going to teach you a little shortcut to solving—or even skip having to solve!—some of the problems the SAT will throw at you on this topic.
Does the Class of 2024 Need to Take the SAT or ACT?
So many parts of “normal” got put on hold during COVID, and college admissions were no exception. Many students in the high school classes of 2022 and 2023 got into college without taking the SAT or ACT because a lot colleges temporarily switched to Test Optional or Test Blind admissions. But now that the world has mostly opened back up again after the pandemic, does the Class of 2024 need to take standardized tests as part of their college admissions journey?
How to Recognize Systems of Linear Equations (Baby Algebra Pt. 3)
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!
