Score At The Top Blog

Parents and students often ask us: Is taking the SAT or ACT without studying okay? Isn’t it good practice for next time?

Our answer is always the same: No! Test day is not the time to show up blind. Even if you plan on taking the test numerous times and even if you feel confident in your testing ability, it’s just not worth the risk.

Topics: ACT, ACT/SAT, SAT

Many students wonder if they should prepare for the PSAT, which, by virtue of its name, is a “preliminary” or practice test. Certainly, if you are taking it in your freshman or sophomore year, the main goal is to get a feel for the test and an approximation of how you might perform on the SAT. These “baseline” scores can help you set your college admission goals and give you an indication of how much more you may need to prep for the SAT or ACT. In junior year, however, the PSAT/NMSQ holds more weight, because that score is the best predictor of your junior SAT score. In addition, your performance may qualify you for National Merit Scholarship recognition, can provide a scholarship for college and make you a standout on your college applications.

Topics: Test-Prep, PSAT

So, you’ve decided that the ACT is your test. You prefer its straightforward approach, and sense that you can handle the quicker pace, and the math and science knowledge it requires. Now it’s time to start prepping! You might want to begin by taking a look at our Ultimate Guide to Preparing for College Entrance Exams which gives several tips for getting the most out of your prepping.

Topics: ACT, ACT/SAT, Test-Prep, Tips

Now that you’ve decided to tackle and conquer the SAT as part of your college admissions game plan, it’s time to start preparing and practicing. You’ll find lots of great overall information and advice for preparing for standardized tests in our Ultimate Guide to Preparing for College Entrance Exams. For instance, you will want to create a consistent practice schedule, set realistic goals, and make sure to take plenty of official practice tests in test-like conditions that are timed and completed in one sitting.

Beyond that, you will want to focus on learning and practicing strategies specific to the SAT. While the SAT allows more time per section than the ACT, it is also known for being the more confusing test. With practice, however, you will gain familiarity with the test, learn to decipher the questions, and discover the methods that work best for you. Here are some of the best prep tips from our experts to help you get ready to take the SAT confidently and successfully.

Topics: Test-Prep, SAT

We get it. The mere mention of standardized tests might make you cringe and shudder. You’ve got enough to do with schoolwork and extracurricular activities – how will you find time to prepare for college entrance exams that may determine your future?

Take a deep breath, wipe the sweat off your brow, and let us reassure you that you can do it with a solid preparation plan – and successfully achieve your goals. While no two students are alike, you can find a path and process that will prepare you to do your best.

Topics: ACT, Test-Prep, PSAT, SAT

In the wake of a “year like no other,” the numbers are starting to trickle in and we’re learning more about how the widely implemented test-optional policies affected admissions. Already, the data bear out what we’ve been telling our students all along: it’s in your best interest to submit a competitive score in the optimal range of your top-choice school. Here are our top three reasons for this advice:

Topics: College Admission, ACT/SAT, Test Optional

For most high school juniors, spring semester is a busy season filled with events and exams. Often, students are beginning to make college plans that include scheduling the SAT and/or ACT, even in this “test-optional” era. The process of registering for one of these tests is easy enough: go to CollegeBoard.org or ACT.org, and click on the test registration link. Answer a few questions, ask for mom and dad’s credit card, and you’re all set. However, before you register for a test date, a few words of wisdom….

Topics: ACT, ACT/SAT, Test-Prep

Your extracurricular activities play a significant role on your college application. In fact, for most selective colleges, they’re the next most important factor after your academic record and test scores. And without test scores, your activities play an even greater role!

Topics: College Admission, Extracurricular Activities

Students who took the October PSATs have had their results for a few weeks, and while that’s mostly good, there’s also some bad and ugly involved. Before we explain, here’s some germane information.

Topics: PSAT, College Board, SAT

When your GPA is NOT your GPA

Topics: AP Exams, College Admission, AICE, ib