Reading over the list of topics included on the math section of the new SAT can seem like slogging through a knee-deep vat of jargon. Buried in that list is the phrase “understand the relationships between zeros and factors of polynomials.” Although it sounds like the sort of thing writers on a sci-fi show dump in to make a scene …
Factoring and FOIL-ing – Polynomials Techniques
When it comes to the mathematics portion of standardized tests there are at least two F-words that the test writers are actually hoping you’ll think of: “FOIL” and “factor”. In this post, we’ll take a look at these two important polynomial techniques and why they’re so useful. What are polynomials? Polynomials are algebraic terms that include a constant multiplied by a …
The Forgotten Power of Flashcards
In many ways, test prep has gone high-tech. There are practice tests online, apps to help you review vocabulary, and digital descriptions of the best way to study for each section. And yet, one of the most powerful ways to prepare for standardized tests is the same one that was probably used by your grandparents–flashcards. Why Flashcards? Physical flashcards offer …
What to do When You’re Wait listed
After months of wondering, it’s finally time for a verdict–were you accepted or rejected by the college of your dreams. Sometimes that long-anticipated envelope contains something between yes-and-no, though–the dreaded wait-listed letter. Here’s what you need to know when you’ve been put into the college-prep equivalent of purgatory. You’re Not Alone According to US New & World Report, roughly 10% …
Guessing on the New SAT
You’ve probably focused most of your test-prep time on increasing the chances that you’ll know the right answer to questions on the SAT. But what about when you don’t know the answer? Is it ok to guess? The answer is a resounding YES! In this post, we’ll look at how guessing on the new SAT works on the test and discuss …
Conquering Senioritis
Each year, shortly after second semester begins, millions of high school seniors are struck with a dangerous disease. High school diplomas and college acceptances are among the damage inflicted by this infection, and it’s a plague that’s unlikely to be irradiated anytime soon. It’s conquering senioritis. And while it’s the sort of epidemic that the CDC can’t possibly hope …
What To Do If Extreme Weather Impacts Your Test Date
While “neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night” will stop a determined mail carrier, Mother Nature can definitely wreak havoc with SAT testing. The recent Winter Storm Jonas that shut down schools up and down the east coast is a perfect example of how weather can interfere with test taking. Here’s a look at what you need …
Line Upon Line: Equations You Should Know for Lines
While the SAT math section includes a handful of useful formulas, all of these “freebies” are directly related to geometry. There remain a significant number of important equations that you’ll need to know on your own to successfully navigate the math section of the test. In this blog post, we’ll be looking at what equations you’ll need to know about …
What You Need to Know About FAFSA
FAFSA. If you’re a graduating senior you’ve no doubt heard this word thrown around, but you may not be clear exactly what it means. And while it may sound like an author that would show up on your AP reading lists (“Please compare and contrast the works of Kafka and FAFSA”) or a hot new Scandinavian dish (“Why, yes, I …
Test Anxiety Game Plan
According to the American Test Anxieties Association, 34-38% of students experience at least moderately-high anxiety when it comes to taking exams. Here are some strategies for keeping those test-day nerves in check when it comes to the SAT. The Night Before Practice Makes…Anxious It may be tempting to think sneaking in one more practice test or spending the evening drilling …