How will the SAT & ACT cancellations affect admissions requirements?
May 7, 2020 2:19:00 PM
Topics: College Planning, SAT & ACT, Parents and College Planning
Holiday Break To Do List
Dec 23, 2019 2:00:00 PM
Not the traditional list of shopping, wrapping gifts, baking traditional treats and preparations for winter break get-a-way. This is more of a reminder list to take advantage of some downtown over the holidays to be sure everything is on track for college planning. We’ve put together a quick list for both Seniors and Juniors.
Topics: College Planning, SAT & ACT, Parents and College Planning, Applying for Aid, FAFSA
Should I send schools my SAT scores?
Oct 10, 2018 11:33:00 AM
Test optional. Test Flexible. Test Blind. Over the past few years, many colleges have made changes in how your standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) play a role in their admission decision. What do these different terms mean for you as you plan to complete your college applications?
Topics: College Planning, SAT & ACT
SAT vs ACT: Which Should I Take?
Nov 28, 2017 3:45:00 PM
The SAT and ACT are standardized tests that allow colleges to compare you to other students. In some cases, schools are dropping these tests as a requirement for admissions but most schools still require one or the other. Some schools even use your test scores to evaluate whether or not you are eligible for a merit-based scholarship.
The ACT tends to be more popular with public schools and schools in the Midwest and South. The SAT is the more common requirement at private schools and colleges on the east and west coasts. The most important factor in determining which test you should take is which test the schools you are applying to require. Some students may end up having to take both tests.
Topics: SAT & ACT
SAT vs ACT. Which scores should I send to colleges?
Nov 9, 2017 3:21:00 PM
Did you take the SAT or ACT? Maybe you took both tests because you weren't sure which one was the right one for you or the colleges you were applying to had different requirements. Or maybe you only took one because you felt that you would perform better on that test. Regardless, if you took one test or both and you applied to a "test optional" school or to a school that accepts either type of test scores, you're probably battling with one question: "should I send in my scores or not?" Not to worry because you have a few different routes that you can pursue. We want you to get into your dream school, so take our advice if it feels right for you.
The SAT and ACT test a lot of the same content. But two of the major differences are that the ACT has a science section and the SAT has a math section that doesn't allow you to use a calculator. So, if you intend on being a biology or chemistry major, it may make sense to send in your ACT scores because you got tested in science (assuming you did well!). On the other hand, if you plan to go into mathematics related major, sending in your SAT scores might be the right choice for you.
Topics: SAT & ACT
10 tips on how to own! the SAT
Sep 30, 2014 11:12:00 AM
1. Prepare, prepare, prepare!
A typical approach is to try to cram in as much information as possible in the few weeks leading up to the test. This might result in a modest score increase but the best way to make sure you understand the types of questions you will be asked - and how you need to answer them - is to study a little bit each week for an entire year (or more, if you are feeling ambitious!).
Topics: SAT & ACT
Free tools to help you prepare for the SAT
Apr 18, 2012 10:09:00 AM
There are many free resources and tools that will help you prepare for the SAT.
Number2 -- This site allows you completely free access to study tools and practice SAT tests. The site offers stats to show how much you've studied, how your scores have improved and more.
ProProfs -- This website claims to be the most comprehensive site to help you prepare for the SAT. The site offers free all of the SAT prep study guides and tests.
College Board -- Many free tests and study materials for you to prepare. This site takes into account how you've answered and offers pinpointed techniques for you to follow to improve. The site also gives you details on how the tests work such as answering the question of "Can a calculator be used?"
Library -- Visit your local library to check out SAT prep books. You can check out these books free of charge and use them to study and prepare.
High School -- Your high school should have a list of tutoring or classes available for you. Speak to your counselor for options available to you. Depending on your area, you may have to pay a small fee for some tutoring. If you live in Rhode Island, your high school may offer a free class provided by the College Planning Center.

Take the time to study and review the free assistance available to you to make the best of your SAT experience.
Topics: SAT & ACT
SAT Crunch: Free tools that can help you maximize your score
Nov 17, 2011 3:50:00 PM
While some organizations offer college testing preparation classes that help you prepare for the SAT, not everyone can afford to pay for the service. However, proper preparation is still important for everyone. Even if you can't afford to pay for any of the classes, you can still use free resources available on the Internet or at your local library to help you prepare instead. These resources can work just as well as the classes that require a fee as long as you work hard.
Some of the free online tools (just Google "free SAT prep tools" for a host of sites to visit; if you live in RI, we recommend WaytoGoRI) and library books which you can use to help prepare for the SAT tests work as guides that walk you through the contents of the test and how it is administered. When you go into the test knowing what to expect, you will feel more comfortable. When you are comfortable in your surroundings, you are more likely to focus on the material and do better on the tests. The better you do on the tests, the better your chances of getting into the college of your choice after high school or getting merit based scholarships.
Taking a practice test or two can also help familiarize yourself with the test and help you do better. The questions found on the practice tests are not the exact same questions you will find on the actual test, but they can help you prepare for the SAT. The questions will be similar to the ones you will find on the actual test in format, but the questions and answers will be different. Taking more than one practice test provides you with the chance to become more familiar with the format of each section, thus increasing your comfort level.
Tip guides can also be a useful tool as you prepare for the SAT. None of the resources will give you the answers for the test, but they can help you understand how the test works. Reading through the tip guides will lead you through your preparations for test day, what you need to bring, what you should know and other useful information about the test. If you typically panic when it comes to testing time, you can even find tip sheets that help you learn to deal with test-taking anxiety so you can do the best you are capable of doing.
If you are struggling in specific areas covered on the tests, you can utilize different online tools, such as games and study guides. These tools help you prepare for the SAT and the various subjects covered within the test. Choose tools in the areas in which you often struggle so you can improve your chances of doing well in all of the areas of the test. While colleges will look at your individual scores from the test, having a strong overall score will help ensure that you can get into the college you want to go to.
While it may seem like a lot of work just to prepare for the SAT, the SAT is important to your future. Without it, you may not get into the school of your choice.
Topics: SAT & ACT