PSAT
Sep 7, 2026
The PSAT Is More Than Practice: Understanding National Merit Recognition
For most students, the PSAT is a practice run for the SAT. But for academically strong juniors, the October PSAT/NMSQT can carry considerably more significance. It is also the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program, a prestigious academic award and scholarship opportunity.
Aug 22, 2026
The PSAT Is Coming: What Should Your Student Be Doing Now?
Every October, the PSAT brings up a familiar question from parents of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors: How seriously should my student prepare for this test? The answer depends greatly on your student’s grade level. One of the biggest mistakes families can make is assuming that “test prep” should look the same for every high school student.
Aug 14, 2026
SAT & PSAT Practice Just Got an Update: What Parents Should Know
If your student is preparing for the SAT or PSAT, there are some important updates to the College Board’s digital practice resources—including hundreds of newly released SAT questions, updated difficulty ratings for existing questions, and a brand-new PSAT practice test now available in the Bluebook App. For families, these changes are a good reminder that effective test preparation isn’t simply about completing as many practice questions as possible. Which questions students practice—and what they learn from them—matters.
Aug 9, 2026
Can You Really Be A Bad Test Taker?
It’s a phrase parents and educators hear all the time: “I’m just a bad test taker.” Often, the student saying it has plenty of evidence to back up the claim. But in reality, “bad test taker” is often less a diagnosis and more a catch-all phrase for a number of specific challenges—many of which can be identified and improved with the right preparation.
Jul 21, 2026
Why Today's Best Tutoring Happens Online
For many parents, the idea of online tutoring can initially feel unfamiliar. Will my student stay engaged? Will the tutor be able to explain difficult concepts? Is it really as effective as meeting face-to-face?
Jun 30, 2026
Test-Optional Doesn't Mean Test-Irrelevant
Whether your child is entering high school this fall or preparing to submit college applications as a senior, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: standardized testing is playing a larger role in college admissions once again.
May 9, 2026
Why Vocabulary Matters on the SAT, ACT, HSPT, and ISEE
When families think about standardized test preparation, they often focus on math formulas, grammar rules, and timing strategies. However, one of the most important — and often overlooked — components of success is vocabulary. Strong vocabulary skills influence nearly every section of tests like the SAT, ACT, HSPT, and ISEE.
Apr 24, 2026
TEST DAY READY: The Ultimate SAT & ACT Checklist for Parents & Students
After weeks (or months!) of preparation, test day is finally here. While your student’s knowledge and skills matter, being fully prepared logistically can make a huge difference in performance and confidence. To help your student walk in calm, confident, and ready to succeed, here’s your complete SAT & ACT Test Day Checklist.
Apr 3, 2026
Test Day Troubles: How to Prepare for and Manage Test Day Issues
Test day is stressful enough without unexpected surprises, but even the most prepared students can encounter technical glitches, timing issues, or test-day disruptions on the SAT or ACT. The good news? Most problems are preventable—and when they’re not, students who are prepared know exactly how to respond.
Feb 25, 2026
Why Your Student Should Take a Practice SAT on the Bluebook App — Featuring NEW SAT Practice Test #11
As colleges continue to evaluate test scores as part of admissions and scholarship decisions, it’s more important than ever for students to practice under real testing conditions. The best way to do that? Taking a full-length digital SAT practice test using the Bluebook™ app, the same platform students will use on the official test day.
Jan 18, 2026
How Can Our Free ACT Diagnostic & Detailed Score Report Help you Make Better Decisions?
The winter of junior year is a pivotal moment in your student’s college-planning journey — and standardized testing plays a big role. One of the most strategic steps your student can take is to complete a baseline diagnostic practice ACT test. This isn’t just another homework assignment. A diagnostic ACT is a powerful planning tool that helps students understand where they are now, reduce uncertainty, and build a smart, confidence-boosting path toward Test Day success.
Jan 5, 2026
Test Anxiety: How Parents Can Help Their Student Stay Calm, Confident, and Ready
If your student feels nervous before major exams like the ACT or SAT, they are certainly not alone. Test anxiety is incredibly common, especially with high-stakes testing and college admissions pressure. The good news is that anxiety is not a sign your student isn’t capable—and it’s something we can actively manage with the right strategies. We work with students every day who know the material but struggle to demonstrate it on test day.