Testing
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?
Jul 14, 2026
Grade Inflation: What Every Parent Should Know
Grades are higher than ever—but are they telling the whole story? For many parents, a report card filled with A's feels like reassurance that their student is on the path to college success. But over the past two decades, an important trend has changed how colleges interpret transcripts: grade inflation.
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 26, 2026
Why HSPT and ISEE Scores Matter More Than Many Families Realize
For many families, seventh grade feels “too early” to think seriously about high school admissions testing. However, in competitive private, Catholic, and independent school admissions, preparation often begins much earlier than parents expect. Tests such as the High School Placement Test (HSPT) and the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) can play a significant role in admissions decisions, academic placement, honors program eligibility, and scholarship opportunities.
May 14, 2026
How to Find an ACT Seat When Test Centers Are Full
If your student recently tried to register for the ACT and saw the dreaded “No Seats Available” message everywhere, they are definitely not alone. Across the country, popular ACT dates — especially summer and fall administrations — can fill quickly, leaving families scrambling to find a testing location.
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.
Mar 13, 2026
AP Exam Season Is Approaching: How Students Can Prepare for Success
As spring approaches, many high school students are preparing for Advanced Placement (AP) exams, which take place each May. These exams allow students to demonstrate mastery of college-level coursework and may earn them college credit, advanced placement, or both at many universities.
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.
Feb 14, 2026
529 Plans: A Smart Way to Stretch Your College Savings With Test Prep
There is no question that college costs continue to rise, so many families are turning to 529 college savings plans to prepare for future expenses. What many parents don’t realize is that recent changes to federal law now allow 529 funds to be used for SAT and ACT test prep and tutoring—a powerful way to stretch those college dollars even further.
Feb 12, 2026
The Big Shift: Colleges Are Reinstating Test Requirements
While the pandemic has long since passed, COVID-affected college admissions testing policies have slowly evolved. During the pandemic, most U.S. colleges and universities moved to test-optional policies because students could not easily access testing. After reviewing several years of admissions and academic performance data, many institutions are reinstating test requirements.