Knowledge Base

Expert insights on test preparation, admissions, and academic success — for high-achieving students and parents navigating the changing landscape.

Parent ResourcesSAT & ACTStudy Strategies

Why Practice Tests Alone Don’t Raise SAT and ACT Scores

Official practice tests released by College Board and the ACT Education Corporation are regarded as the best resources. While they are valuable, only taking practice tests is by far NOT the best strategy: here's why.

10 min read Read More
AdmissionsParent Resources

College Rankings: How are colleges and universities ranked and does it matter?

If you've spent any time researching colleges, you've almost certainly encountered the *U.S. News & World Report* Best Colleges rankings. Maybe you've also seen [Niche](https://www.niche.com), [Forbes...

4 min readRead More
Parent ResourcesSAT & ACTStudy Strategies

Test Anxiety - How to Recognize It, How to Manage It

How standardized testing contributes to test anxiety and strategies to ameliorate it.

6 min readRead More
SAT & ACT

Extended Time on the ACT (2026)

What is it? How does it work? How do I apply for extended time on the ACT?

7 min readRead More
Parent Resources

Why SAT Reading is hard for your child (and how to help)

Does your child "hate reading" and struggle with the reading sections of the SAT? It's more common than you think. Here are some nuances to understanding why it's difficult and how you can help them.

4 min readRead More
Admissions

Coping with the Pressure of College Expectations as a High Schooler

If you're looking for advice on your situation, you likely have a lot of people who care about you in your life. That's great! That also, however, means a lot of opinions directed to you on what path you should take for, and during college. How do you cope with those pressures, and how do you stay true to yourself throughout?

5 min readRead More
Admissions

AP Scores 2026: Do they really matter? Do I have to send them?

How much do AP scores matter in 2026 for college admissions and beyond?

3 min readRead More
SAT & ACT

Does the SAT really predict college success in 2026-2027?

The short answer is that it is a good proxy, but here's why.

8 min readRead More
SAT & ACT

SAT vs. ACT (2026): Which Should You Take?

The SAT and ACT are the two main standardized tests used for college admissions in the United States. Learn about pacing, math comfort, reading style, and whether a student benefits from the ACT’s structure or the SAT’s digital adaptive format.

6 min readRead More
SAT & ACT

Extended Time on the SAT (2026): How do I get it?

Learn who qualifies for SAT extended time, how to apply, what changes on test day, and how to make the most of accommodations.

6min readRead More
SAT & ACTStudy Strategies

The Score You Didn’t Want — and What Comes Next

You studied. You practiced. You put in real hours, and you walked into that testing center believing — or at least hoping — that the work would show up on the page. Then the score came back, and it wasn't what you expected. Now what?

15 min readRead More
Admissions

Building a College List: Beyond the Rankings

Rankings don’t tell the whole story. Here’s how to build a college list that actually matches your goals.

9 min readRead More
SAT & ACT

SAT Math: The 10 Most Commonly Tested Concepts

Our data shows that a small number of math concepts appear on nearly every SAT.

10 min readRead More
Parent Resources

A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your Student Through Test Prep

Test preparation can be stressful for the whole family. Learn how to provide the right support without adding pressure.

9 min readRead More
Study Strategies

The Science of Effective Test Preparation

Not all study methods are created equal. Research shows that certain strategies dramatically outperform others.

5 min readRead More
Admissions

Test-Optional Doesn’t Mean Test-Blind: Why Scores Still Matter

Many colleges say test scores are optional, but the data tells a more nuanced story.

4 min readRead More
SAT & ACT

Understanding the Digital SAT: What Changed and What It Means for You

The SAT went digital in 2024, bringing significant changes to format, timing, and content. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare effectively.

5 min readRead More

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