With the ACT transitioning to a new format where the science section is optional, a lot of students are wondering whether it’s worth taking at all. Let’s be honest: many students hate the science section. It’s confusing, stressful, and adds extra time to an already long test.

So what is the science section, anyway?
The name is a little misleading. It’s not primarily about testing your science knowledge. It’s more about interpreting data: charts, graphs, and tables that come with short science-related passages. There are a few knowledge-based questions on the current version, and the ACT says they’ll be adding more in the future. But overall, it’s more about critical thinking and data analysis than memorizing facts.

Do colleges care if I skip it?
Right now, we’re not totally sure. Some colleges have said they recommend submitting a science score, but most haven’t made a clear statement yet. If you’re in Florida and going for the Bright Futures scholarship, then yes – you must take it. A...

Every so often, I work with a student who makes a huge jump in their SAT or ACT score. What sets these students apart? It’s not just natural ability—it’s the right combination of effort, strategy, and mindset.

One of the biggest factors is building a strong foundation in reading, grammar, and math. The students who see the biggest improvements take the time to review the math concepts they learned years ago, making sure they’re fresh. Since many schools don’t explicitly teach grammar, high scorers often have to learn those rules from scratch. Putting in the time to strengthen these foundational skills makes a huge difference.

Time is another major factor. I hear plenty of reasons why students struggle to fit test prep into their busy schedules, and I understand that students are very busy. But the students who see the biggest increases make the choice to prioritize test prep. They dedicate time to study techniques, take full-length practice tests, and review concepts. The effort they...

Start Early and Plan Ahead

Last-minute test-taking can be stressful. Instead of relying on a single test date, plan to take the SAT or ACT two to three times, leaving room for retakes if needed. This approach reduces pressure and allows for steady improvement. You’ll also be more comfortable with the exam after you’ve taken it once.

Relax the Night Before

Last minute cramming is ineffective for these tests, so focus on staying relaxed. Avoid staying up late, watching stressful content, or doing anything that could overstimulate your mind. Instead, unwind with a calming activity and set yourself up for a restful night.

Get Plenty of Sleep

A well-rested mind is crucial for optimal performance. Go to bed early, giving yourself time to relax before falling asleep. Avoid overstimulating entertainment the night before the test (so no TikTok, scary movies, etc.) Waking up refreshed will help you stay sharp and focused.

Prepare and Practice Consistently

Start studying at least 6 to 12 w...

A strong vocabulary lays the groundwork for excellent reading comprehension skills, which are essential for boosting your standardized test scores. Building a solid vocabulary is a gradual process, so it’s best to start as early as possible.

Read, Read, Read

In my experience, the best way to enhance your vocabulary is through reading rather than by memorizing long lists of words and definitions. Learning vocabulary in context helps you understand a word’s nuances and makes it easier to recall.

What Should You Read?

Choose reading materials that interest you but also challenge your current reading level. For fiction, consider reading classic literature by authors like Charles Dickens, Edith Wharton, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Jane Austen, or Ernest Hemingway.

For non-fiction, quality periodicals such as The New York Times, Time Magazine, or The Atlantic offer excellent opportunities to strengthen your vocabulary.

How to Memorize Vocabulary

While reading, make it a habit to pause whenev...

Did you know that mastering a handful of grammar rules can significantly impact your SAT or
ACT score? Many students struggle with these concepts, and schools aren’t preparing them
with everything they need for standardized testing. But here’s the good news: grammar is one of
the easiest and quickest areas for students to improve with practice and the right strategies!

I recommend learning all the grammar rules that may be tested and studying them on a
nearly-daily basis until everything is memorized (then transitioning to a weekly review to keep
things fresh). Practicing with real, official tests is also key.

Grammar Topics to Memorize:

● Commas
● Semicolons
● Colons
● Dashes
● Apostrophes
● Subject-verb agreement
● Verb tense
● Pronouns
● Modifiers
● Parallel structure
● Prepositions
● Transitions

Grammar knowledge is tested as part of the SAT Reading & Writing section and the ACT
English section. With proper preparation, this is typically the easiest section to improve on very
quickly. The key is studyin...

Experience Matters

Is your potential tutor committed full-time, or is this a side job? Many large test prep companies hire tutors with little to no experience, provide them with a script, and send them off after minimal training. A tutor with years of experience brings invaluable insights, tailored strategies, and refined teaching methods.

Specialization Counts

Is your tutor a dedicated SAT/ACT specialist, or do they simply tack on these tests to general math or English tutoring? Specialists in SAT and ACT preparation often achieve better results because they understand the unique demands of these tests—such as pacing, question types, and strategic approaches. Look for someone whose expertise is focused specifically on these exams.

Big vs Small Companies

While large test prep companies may seem appealing, keep in mind that a significant portion of their fee goes to the company itself, not the tutor—often only 20-30% goes to the instructor. This can lead talented tutors to seek bet...

As summer ends, many students are beginning their standardized test preparation, choosing between the SAT and ACT. Since the SAT went digital, I've noticed a surge in students opting for it—many without even taking diagnostic tests. This is a significant mistake for many.

Diagnostic Testing Matters

Choosing the right test is crucial for successful preparation. While the SAT and ACT share similarities, students often perform better on one due to differences in format, pacing, and content.

Diagnostic Testing is Quick and Valuable

Investing a few hours in diagnostic testing (less than 3 hours for a combo test or about 5 hours for separate full-length tests) can provide essential insights into which test suits you best.

Choosing the Wrong Test is Costly

This year, I've seen a record number of students switch from the SAT to the ACT after realizing the SAT wasn’t right for them. Starting with the wrong test wastes time, money, and effort.

The ACT's Advantage

Currently, the College B...

The ACT has announced significant changes to its testing format, offering students the option to take the exam digitally. This shift will eventually make the test permanently shorter and slower-paced. Here are the key highlights of these changes:

Upcoming Changes:

• April 2025: Students can opt for the new version of the digital ACT on national test dates.
• The digital test will be shorter and will exclude the science section from the composite score.
• The science section will be optional
• April 2025 to September 2025: Students will have the choice between the new digital test and the current paper version of the test.
• September 2025: Both the digital and paper versions will transition to the newer format
• The ACT will continue to offer both digital and paper formats of the new test

What Isn’t Changing?

• The scoring scale will remain the same, ranging from 1 to 36.
• The writing (essay) section will remain optional.
• The core content of the exam will remain substantially unchang...

Summer is an ideal time to invest in test preparation, as you are free from the stresses and rigors of the school year and can focus your energies into increasing your score. Here are some tips for summer prep:

1. Take two diagnostic tests

It’s important to choose the right test. I suggest taking two full length tests, using official materials (one SAT and one ACT on separate days). Compare your scores to see which test you scored better on. It’s generally better to choose one test and focus all of your attention on it rather than splitting your time between both the SAT and ACT.

2. Create a study plan

Gather materials and past official tests and source quality materials to aid in your studies. For the SAT in particular, be careful to use the official practice tests wisely, as you only have access to 6 (as of the writing of this blog post); I see a lot of students using them up too quickly, who then have no reliable way of measuring their progress. Schedule time to study, take p...

I’ve been getting questions from parents and students about the possibility of the ACT going digital, following the SAT’s recent transition. The ACT has been available only as a digital test for international students (anyone outside the US) for several years. Recently, there is an option in certain centers to take a digital ACT, but (for now) the US-based ACT is primarily a paper based exam.

The computer based ACT and the paper based ACT are the same outside of the format. They have the same number of questions, the same timing, and the same scoring. Both formats will be accepted and given equal weight by colleges. 

Should you take the digital ACT if it is available in your area? It really depends on what you feel most comfortable with. My recommendation is to take both versions of the test and see which one you felt better with. The ACT has sample tests in both the digital and paper format on their website and in their official prep guide.

Will the ACT eventually move to ...