Why the U.S. Class of 2025 Needs to Start Their Test Prep NOW

I’m not one to scare-monger, but current sophomores living in the US and US Territories are in a very special situation—and most of them need to get their test prep going very, very soon. Read on to find out why that is—and how to get your SAT, ACT, or Digital SAT timeline moving at the right clip.

Complete Guide to Superscoring on the SAT and ACT

What’s a “super score”? If you’re applying to colleges—or especially if you’re a parent of someone who is—you need to know how this scoring system works and how it affects your college applications. I’m breaking down the details of super scoring on the SAT and ACT in this week’s post!

Nervous during the SAT and ACT? Stay Calm with Page Turn Zen

All the SAT and ACT prep in the world won’t matter if you get so nervous on exam day that you can’t remember what you’ve learned. That’s why I like to teach my SAT and ACT-taker clients this technique: Page Turn Zen. Read on for the deets on how this simple practice can help you stay calm—and increase your score by hundreds of points.

What to Learn for the SAT No-Calculator Math Section (Math Etiquette I)

What's math etiquette? Well, like social etiquette, it helps you navigate problems confidently and gracefully...except these problems are math problems! It's also a crucial part of getting prepared for the new SAT No-Calculator Math section. Here's the run-down.

How to Break Down Every SAT and ACT Section

Struggling to stay calm as you prep for the SAT or ACT? Test prep expert Kristina Semos shows you how to make a big-picture study plan for a given exam section—and walks you through two detailed examples, study plans for the ACT Science and SAT No-Calculator Math Sections.

How to get extended time on the SAT or ACT (if you really need it!)

Extended time can seem like something of a mystery…but having coached several students who REALLY needed it to successful accommodation of their needs by both testing bodies, I’m here to tell you that there are concrete ways to get what you need…if you REALLY need it. Just don’t wait ‘til junior year to get the process going.

My Top Strategy for Overcoming SAT and ACT Test Anxiety

If you’re stressed about studying for the SAT or ACT because you don’t even know where to begin, that’s understandable! And I’m here to help. In this post, I lay out a strategy that will help you find the motivation and calm you need to get started on your studying plan—no matter what kind of student you are.

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 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.

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.)

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.