SAT Scaling: What to do when your SAT score doesn’t make sense

First, what is scaling? Scaling is a form of grading that is not based strictly on the percentage of correct answers (the way a typical school exam is graded). It is a process in which a raw score, or the number of questions a student answers correctly, is converted into a numerical value, for the SAT a number between 200-800. …

How much does your SAT/ACT score matter?

A lot has changed in the last 20 years when it comes to applying for colleges: SAT/ACT tests continue to evolve; teacher recommendations aren’t the differentiator they once were; and now more than ever, we accept that a student’s abilities can’t be measured solely through GPA and SAT/ACT scores. So, where does that leave college-bound students in 2018? To help …

ACT vs SAT

ACT vs. SAT: Six Differences Between the Two Tests The ACT and SAT are both recognized in the US as standardized tests for college admission. The exam measures the proficiency of high school students in several critical areas. These are Mathematics, Science, English, and Reading Comprehension. They might also include an essay writing section; however, it will not have any …

Why Taking Practice Tests Will Increase Your Score

Taking one SAT seems boring enough, right? So why would you want to take one, two, or even eight more? Well, as it turns out, there are plenty of reasons you should. Whether you’re gearing up to take the SAT or the ACT, you’re probably wondering what the best way to prepare is. Rather than trying to tackle a ton …

5 Biggest Differences Between the SAT and ACT Explained

1.Timing Possibly the most important difference between the two tests is timing. In short, you get less time per question on the ACT. Check this out: As you can see, you get much less time to complete any one question on the ACT. One of the most important examples is on the Reading tests. On the SAT you get 13 …

The SAT’s Latest Efforts to Prevent Cheating

In late February, the College Board (makers of the SAT), announced it would be taking additional steps to crack down on cheating. Organized efforts to buy your way to a better score have become big business globally, and after a slew of cheating-related cancellations in 2016 the College Board is hopeful their latest round of security updates will help keep …

SAT vs. ACT Reading Tests

In the last few years, both the SAT and the ACT have revised their sections designed to test reading comprehension. Although both tests are intended to measure a student’s ability to interact with text and “read between the lines” there exist subtle-yet-significant differences between how each approaches the task. Because these differences can impact what tactics will be most successful …

Avoid SAT Test Prep Scams

There’s a lot at stake when it comes to standardized test scores, including college admissions and access to scholarships. With what may feel like the entire future on the line, it’s no wonder many parents and students are willing to do whatever it takes to help raise test scores and potentially open doors. And while there are many legitimate test …

SAT II Subject Tests

Who in their right mind would choose to sign up for extra standardized tests? In the case of the SAT II Subject Tests, the answer is lots of students, for lots of different reasons. What are the SAT II Subject Tests? The SAT II Subject Tests are an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding in specific subjects. While AP tests measure …

What To Do if You’re Accused of Cheating on the SAT

For an SAT-test taker, it’s a worst-case scenario no one wants to encounter: having your test flagged for possible cheating.  Each year, roughly 2500 students are informed that their scores are considered suspicious.  Knowing what to do if your legitimately-earned numbers are flagged can be the difference between keeping your scores and starting from scratch. Why You Were Flagged Being …