Was the March 2024 SAT Tougher?
While the March 6th, 2024 SAT that Christian Brother Academy (CBA) administered was reported to be in-line with the difficulty level of practice materials released by the College Board, the March 9th exam has sparked discussion in academic circles due to reports that it was more challenging than those materials. Test-takers of the March 9th […]
Are Standardized Tests Making a Comeback in College Admissions?
The SAT and ACT, long-standing pillars of college admissions in the United States, have staged a remarkable comeback amidst a landscape of uncertainty and change. After a period of widespread test-optional policies adopted by universities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tide seems to be shifting back towards standardized testing. Institutions such as Dartmouth […]
The Teenage Brain: Impacts on Learning
The teenage brain is complex. This crucial period of growth continues to develop into the mid-20s. Much like toddlers, teenagers undergo significant growth spurts, physically, cognitively, and emotionally. During this time, they often exhibit an attitude of “I know what I’m doing,” which can lead to learning challenges. One change in the teenage brain involves […]
Students Find This Year’s PSAT Easier Than the Paper-and-Pencil Test
The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) has long been regarded as a pivotal step in the college admissions process. Every year, students across the United States eagerly anticipate this standardized test as a practice run for the SAT and, in junior year, a chance to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. However, recent reports indicate […]
Students Find This Year’s PSAT Easier Than the Paper-and-Pencil Test
The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) has long been regarded as a pivotal step in the college admissions process. Every year, students across the United States eagerly anticipate this standardized test as a practice run for the SAT and, in junior year, a chance to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. However, recent reports indicate […]
December: Your Last Opportunity for the Paper and Pencil SAT
As December approaches, high school students across the United States are gearing up for one final opportunity to take the paper and pencil version of the SAT. This iconic standardized test, administered by the College Board, has been a staple in the college admissions process for decades. With this December SAT being one of the […]
Is an SAT/ACT class or private lessons better for my child?
Parents often ask whether I recommend class or private lessons for their child. There are 3 (or 4) criteria to consider. (1) What is the student’s PSAT/SAT/ACT baseline score? If the student’s score is too low, the class will move too quickly. If the student’s score is too high, the class will run too slowly. […]
The Importance of Mock Tests for the SAT and ACT
Students can find out whether SAT or ACT is better by taking a mock test of each. While mock tests are official, released tests, taking one does not count towards college admissions. Oftentimes, parents want to use the PSAT to compare to the ACT, but the PSAT is out of 1520, not 1600, and is […]
Last Session – SAT
Do the following for a week leading up to the big test so your body has time to adjust: Sleep at least 8 hours per night for at least a week. Use any means necessary to get to bed by 10:45 and wake up by 6:45. This will give you the rest you need. Also—the […]
Challenging The New Digital SAT
Last weekend I had the opportunity to present at the National Test Prep Association, alongside such esteemed colleagues as Mike Bergin of Chariot Learning in Rochester, NY, Amy Seeley of Seeley Test Pros in Cleveland, Ohio, and Janet Godwin, CEO of ACT, Inc. At the conference, Angela DelBrocco, Executive Director of SAT Program Management and […]