Seniors: The Common App is open! Get expert guidance on your applications.

Category: SAT

How to Pace Yourself on the ACT and SAT

Monday, September 30, 2024

education concept - student with computer studying at school

IvyWise On-Demand: Don’t Call It a Comeback: The Return of Standardized Testing

Join IvyWise college admissions and test prep experts to learn about important changes in standardized testing, including:

Many selective universities, including Brown, Caltech, Dartmouth, Harvard, and Yale, will be returning to requiring test scores for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle Others, including Cornell, Johns Hopkins, and Stanford, will reinstate the requirement for the 2025-2026 cycle The Digital SAT is now being offered both in the U.S. and abroad The ACT recently announced changes to its test format and length Watch now

The SAT and ACT are the most often used exams for college admissions in the U.S., and given that they are standardized, they must be taken under strict time constraints. Students can struggle with the limited amount of time per question, leaving points on the table when they’re unable to finish certain sections. Simple pacing strategies, however, can help students improve their test performance and overall scores.

The SAT and ACT, rather than strictly measuring aptitude or knowledge, are essentially set up to also gauge how well students perform under pressure and implement test-taking strategies. Each section on

Read More »

Test Score Submit Rates for the Class of 2027

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

High school students prepare to take the digital SAT on school computers

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted the way higher education institutions review applications, with many colleges choosing to adopt a test-optional application review process. However, with record-breaking applicant pools and record-low admit rates, families are worried that test-optional may not really mean test-optional at all. Here is what we know, so far.  

Read More »

The SAT Math Test: Everything You Need to Know

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

IvyWise On-Demand: Standardized Testing in a Test-Optional Landscape

The standardized testing landscape has dramatically transformed over the past few years. While the majority of colleges and universities operated under test-optional or test-blind policies for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, some colleges, like Dartmouth and Yale, will be returning to requiring test scores for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. Join an IvyWise college admissions counselor and tutor to learn about what changes to the SAT mean for the college admissions landscape.

Watch now Does the thought of taking the SAT Math test intimidate you? If so, you’re not alone. Even students who do well in their high school math classes may feel anxious about the Math Section of the SAT. It’s important to keep in mind that you likely have already learned the math concepts that are on the test — it’s the presentation of these questions that may look different. Learning the structure of the SAT Math test and what concepts you will be tested on can help you plan your test prep strategy and feel more confident on exam day.

Read More »

What Is Superscoring and Which Colleges Superscore the SAT and ACT?

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Side view on diligent college girl studying using pc in computer class in library

For students who submit standardized test scores during the college admission process, superscoring offers a strategic advantage in showcasing their academic abilities. But what is superscoring and how does it work? Let’s take a deep dive into superscore policies and how they can enhance your college application.  

Read More »

A List of Testing Policies by School

Friday, February 16, 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic brought on numerous changes within the standardized testing industry, including the introduction of a new, entirely digital testing format and many colleges shifting to a test-optional admissions process for the 2020-21 admissions cycle.

Read More »

ACT and SAT Test Prep Resources

Thursday, January 4, 2024

High school student uses a laptop to research college options and build her college list.

February 10 will be here before we know it — the first ACT test date for 2024. And for U.S. students, the digital SAT makes its debut on March 9. At IvyWise, we advise students to start preparing for these tests early and to take multiple, timed practice tests in the weeks leading up to the actual testing date. 

Read More »

What Is a Good SAT Score?

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

The SAT may have changed a lot in recent years, including going digital-only for international students in 2023 and for the U.S. in 2024. But one thing hasn’t changed ­— a good SAT score will help you gain acceptance into the schools on your college list, even if they’re test-optional. Of course, standardized test scores are just one component of a strong college application, but they help provide a more comprehensive picture of your college readiness. If you’re preparing to take the SAT, keep reading to learn more about how the score is broken down, what’s considered a good score, and what the score range is for the middle 50% of enrolled students at some of the top universities in the U.S.

Read More »

SAT to ACT Score Conversion Chart

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Thoughtful hispanic female sit at home workplace hold financial documents look on pc screen check data. Serious young woman think on business offer compare terms conditions in paper letters and online

Want to see how your scores on the SAT compare to ACT? The College Board provides concordance tables so students and educators can see how SAT total scores compare to composite ACT scores. You can also use the SAT score conversion chart below if you’ve completed both tests and want to determine which score is better to submit to colleges. These tables

Read More »

Why SAT and ACT Scores Still Matter as Test-Optional Choices Rise

Friday, May 12, 2023

In the past several years, testing policies have varied wildly across the U.S. admissions landscape. While it was once a given that applicants would submit their test scores with their college applications, students now may be wondering whether it is still worthwhile to take the ACT or SAT exam. Keep reading to find out why it is in many applicants’ best interest to submit a standardized test score — even if the school does not require it.

Test-Optional Doesn’t Mean Test-Blind

While it is true that a fair number of schools have retained test-optional admissions for the upcoming application cycle, that doesn’t equate with being completely blind to applicants’ test scores. Instead, the role that SAT or ACT scores play in a student’s chance of admission has evolved: while scores are no longer a requirement at many colleges, that doesn’t mean that they won’t have an impact on students’ admissions odds. In fact, admissions officers are likely to look favorably upon applicants with compelling SAT or ACT scores. SAT and ACT scores that fall within or above your best-fit colleges’ desired score range will continue to

Read More »

Test Prep Tips for the ACT and SAT

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

When preparing for the ACT or SAT it’s important to develop an effective test prep strategy. From selecting the right test to setting score goals and creating a testing timeline, a good test prep plan can make all the difference in students’ performance on the ACT or SAT. Here are some test prep tips to help students prepare for the SAT or ACT.

Read More »

Test-Taking Strategies: How to Ace the College Test Prep

Monday, December 20, 2021

Exams like the SAT, ACT, PSAT and AP tests can all seem overwhelming at first. Being asked to complete an academic assessment is already stressful, and it’s even more challenging to perform well under timed conditions when the stakes are high.

The good news is that it’s possible to put most of your test-taking anxieties at ease and ace your college test prep. The secret to performing your best is taking advantage of tried-and-true test-taking strategies that will set every student up for success.

Read More »

How to Set Test Prep Goals for 2020

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Get a Head Start on Planning for the New Year

2020 college prep goals 600x260

With the new year right around the corner, now’s the time to start thinking about your test prep goals for 2020. Whether you’re a freshman who is just beginning to think about college, a sophomore gearing up to start test prep, or a junior who is already in the thick of it, there are concrete steps that you can take in 2020 to get closer to achieving your test prep goals.

Read More »

Colleges That Don’t Honor Score Choice

Monday, August 26, 2019

AdobeStock_146574132Learn How Score Choice Works and Which Schools Honor It

For high school students navigating the college application process, the back-to-school season is about a lot more than starting new classes. In addition to coursework, many students are preparing all of the components of their college applications, including submitting test scores.

Read More »

What’s on the SAT?

Monday, May 20, 2019

What's on the SATLearn About Every Kind of Question You Can Expect on the SAT

Performing well on standardized tests is about so much more than thinking quickly and bubbling in the answers. In order to really excel on exams, it is important to have a thorough understanding of exactly what the test will cover and review accordingly.

Read More »

Testing Accommodations for the SAT and ACT

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Testing AccommodationsLearn What Kind of Accommodations Are Available for the SAT & ACT

The SAT and ACT can feel overwhelming for any test taker, but for students with learning differences or disabilities there can be an additional piece to the testing puzzle: obtaining appropriate accommodations in order to have the best chance of reaching their goal score on test day.

Read More »

4 Standardized Testing Tips for International Students

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

International Study TipsStarting Early and Working Smart Can Help International Students Get Ahead on Standardized Tests

By Richard, IvyWise Master Tutor

When it comes to getting a great score on the ACT or SAT, the process of preparing and studying for the exam can seem quite complicated, especially if students are applying from abroad and aren’t familiar with the test. Instead of stressing out, know it can be done—as long as students learn about the exam and create a testing strategy.

Read More »

4 Easy to Overlook Tips for the ACT and SAT

Monday, February 25, 2019

2018 act redbook reviewAn Expert Tutor Breaks Down 4 ACT and SAT Tips That Many Students Overlook

By Richard, IvyWise Master Tutor

The college prep process can often be complicated, and the complexities of this journey can make it easy to overlook a few key tips that have a great record of helping students raise their ACT and SAT scores and pave the way toward long-term success.

Read More »

SAT vs. ACT: Which Exam Is “Better?”

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Student studying for the exam

A common question that families consider when their college-bound students are preparing for the SAT or ACT is “which test is better?” Or “are the ACT and SAT considered equally in the application review process?” There’s been a long-held myth that one test is favored over the other, however, that’s simply not the case.

Read More »

SAT Calculator Hacks From An Expert Tutor

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Candid shot of confident hardworking young businesswoman with curly hair sitting at her desk in white office, holding pen while doing accounts by herself, using calculator, laptop and digital tablet

By Priyam, IvyWise Master Tutor

It’s SAT and ACT season for college bound students, and many will go into these tests with a calculator in-hand. Make sure you know how – and when – to use it.

Read More »

Innovative Free Apps To Help You Step Up Your SAT and ACT Vocabulary

Friday, September 1, 2017

Happy handsome  young man with backpack sitting on stone near stairs and using smart phone in the city outdoors.  Student rests after college outdoors

By Megan, IvyWise Tutoring Manager

Expanding your vocabulary is important in high school, especially when preparing for the SAT or ACT, as they both have sections that will test your reading skills and your knowledge of certain words and their definitions. There are a number of free apps that students can use to enhance their vocabulary and make the most of their test prep.

Read More »

How Many Times Should I Take the SAT or ACT?

Monday, August 21, 2017

African American teenager studying

Junior year is a big testing year for college bound students, and as they prepare for the SAT or ACT many students might not be taking the test for the first time. It’s not uncommon for students to take the SAT or ACT multiple times, but how many times is too many?

Read More »

Sign Up for the IvyWise Newsletter
13298
 简体中文 »
close wechat qr code