Navigating financial aid can feel overwhelming, but did you know there are smart ways to maximize your aid without spending extra hours filling out applications or hunting for scholarships? These “financial aid hacks” help students and parents unlock more money with minimal effort. 1. Double-Check Your FAFSA Early Filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the …
5 Ways Parents Can Make the Most of Black Friday for Their Student’s Future
Black Friday isn’t just about snagging the latest gadgets—it’s also the perfect time to invest in your student’s education. From tutoring packages to tech tools that make learning more efficient, parents can make smart purchases that pay off long after the holiday season. Here are five ways to take advantage of Black Friday for your student’s future. 1. Invest in …
Procrastination: How to Beat It (Even When You Don’t Feel Motivated)
We’ve all been there — staring at a pile of notes, a blank Google Doc, or a study plan we swear we’ll start tomorrow. Procrastination is one of the biggest obstacles students face, especially when it comes to preparing for big tests like the SAT, ACT, or AP exams. The good news? You don’t need endless motivation to get things …
KNOW‑vember: Free Resources for SAT and ACT Preparation
November is the ideal month to get ahead on SAT and ACT preparation. At Curvebreakers Test Prep, we call it KNOW‑vember — a dedicated time for students and families to access free events, webinars, and resources that make planning for the upcoming test season clear and manageable. What is KNOW‑vember? KNOW‑vember is designed to help students and families make informed …
Test Prep Tutor: When Your Teen Might Need Extra Help
As a parent, it’s natural to want your teen to succeed academically. Standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or AP exams can feel overwhelming, and sometimes classroom instruction alone isn’t enough. That’s where a test prep tutor can make a real difference. But how do you know when your teen might need that extra support? Here are some key signs …
Score Reports: How to Read and Understand Your SAT and ACT Results
Receiving your SAT or ACT score reports can be exciting—but also a little confusing. Both tests provide detailed reports that break down your performance across sections, skills, and content areas. Understanding what each number and category means is key to planning your next steps, improving your scores, and making informed college application decisions. This guide will help you make sense …
Curvebreakers recently quoted in The Wall Street Journal
Curvebreakers’ owner Nicholas LaPoma was quoted in an article published on October 7th, 2025 by The Wall Street Journal about the pressures of high school admissions testing. The article follows two parents who hired a Brooklyn-based consultant to help their son through the high school admissions process, which has become extremely competitive with some families spending thousands to gain an …
Spaced Repetition: How to Remember More in Less Time
Studying for the SAT, ACT, Regents, or AP exams often feels like a race against the clock. Students spend hours reviewing material, only to forget it days later. The problem isn’t always effort—it’s the way the brain processes and stores information. That’s where spaced repetition comes in. What Is Spaced Repetition? Spaced repetition is a scientifically backed learning technique that …
Why Practice Tests Matter More Than You Think
When students start preparing for the SAT, ACT, or Regents exams, many focus on flashcards, review books, or tutoring sessions. While those tools are helpful, there’s one preparation strategy that consistently makes the biggest difference: taking full-length practice tests. At Curvebreakers, we’ve seen firsthand how practice tests transform student performance — not just by improving scores, but also by boosting …
Balance Sports and Academics Without Falling Behind
Fall is one of the busiest times of year for high school students. Between the excitement of football games, soccer practices, cross-country meets, and the start of a new academic year, it can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. For student-athletes, the challenge is clear: how do you balance sports and academics without letting one suffer? The …