ACT & SAT

Why You Should Take The Optional Writing Test on the ACT / SAT

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Not too long ago, the essay portion of the SAT was mandatory, but now—like the ACT—it’s optional. Some students are hesitant to take the writing tests—it’s additional time, effort, and money, so why bother with an optional writing test? Well, there are many benefits you can earn if you do well! Colleges May Require the …

ACT & SAT

Why You Should Consider Taking The PreACT

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

In 2016, around 1.5 million high school students sat the ACT test, a number that has jumped in recent years to rival the 1.7 million that took the SAT. While the latter is traditionally a bit more popular for students, the ACT plays to different strengths and utilizes a different scoring system, both of which …

ACT & SAT

What You Need To Know About The PreACT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Students have been told to take the PSAT for several years and was often used as a primer for both the ACT and SAT, even though the testing formats are different. Now, however, students can take the PreACT to prepare for the ACT test. Allows For Early Practice Taking the PreACT is a great way to …

ACT & SAT

Avoid These ACT/SAT Exam Day Mistakes

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to taking either the ACT or the SAT (or both), you should take advantage of every kind of preparation. Studying, taking practice tests, and attending review sessions are a few excellent ways to prepare, but there are other, subtler things that can also help—especially when it comes to the big day itself. …

ACT & SAT

Managing Test Anxiety for the ACT / SAT

By Julia WassonLast updated on December 22, 2022

Researchers estimate that between 10 and 40 percent of all students experience some test anxiety. According to Morgan Grotewiel, Ph.D., Adjunct Faculty in the University of Missouri-St. Louis Department of Counseling and Family Therapy, “Test-anxious people perceive testing situations as personally threatening, and they respond with intense emotional reactions.” This can range from little more …

ACT & SAT

Should I Take the ACT or the SAT?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

As you well know, there are two major college entrance exams—the ACT and the SAT. Some students take one over the other based on where they live (certain areas of America seem to have a different preference), and others simply take both. But if you’re asking yourself the question: which should I take? Ask yourself …

ACT & SAT

PSA: What Your PSAT Score Tells You and What It Means For You

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

Approximately 3.6 million high school sophomores and juniors take the PSAT (preliminary SAT) each year. In addition to qualifying students for National Merit Scholarships, the test is also an indicator for college entrance exam preparedness. The test is administered each year in mid-October and score reports come out in December. The PSAT is meant to …

ACT & SAT

10 Tips to Help You Score Your Best on College Entrance Exams

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 13, 2025

The ACT and SAT aren’t tests where you can memorize and regurgitate the content. College entrance exams require specific techniques and preparation if you want to earn a top score. These 10 simple tips will help you score your best on the ACT or SAT. 1. Keep your cool. With adequate preparation, you can have …

ACT & SAT

Pros and Cons: Taking Both the ACT and SAT

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Typically, a student will take either the ACT or the SAT as their college entrance exam. However, a growing trend shows that more and more high schools students are taking both tests. Are you considering taking one or both the ACT or SAT? If you’re thinking about the latter, here are some ACT or SAT …

ACT & SAT

When Should Students Take the ACT / SAT?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

Now, I know what you might be thinking. Students generally take the ACT or SAT in the spring of their junior year. Why should you consider taking it earlier than that, or multiple times? The truth of the matter is that you are almost guaranteed to increase your score by taking the test a second …