As if ACT and SAT reading passages are not difficult enough, the test makers like to select passages that contain multiple viewpoints to confuse the average high school reader. The more opinions a passage contains, the more likely students are going to misinterpret the author’s viewpoint, which is often the main idea. So how do […]
ACT and SAT Math Tips: Fractional Exponents
The ACT and SAT use exponents and roots on the tests to assess your ability to manipulate expressions. Most students think, “No problem! That’s why I have a fancy schmancy calculator!” but the test makers often use your calculator against you. The questions they serve up will likely involve variables so that your calculator is […]
ACT and SAT Writing Tips: Repetitively Redundant Expressions
Redundancy, in which unnecessary repetition detracts from a sentence, can occur on both the English test of the ACT and the Writing & Language section of the SAT. One type of redundant phrase you may encounter happens when a word is used to modify another word that is defined by the first word. Did you […]
ACT and SAT Reading Tips: The Author’s Attitude
As a teenager, you’ve probably been told you have a bad attitude at least once. It’s a rite of passage in these years of immense physiological change and social and parental pressure. But do you know how to recognize a negative attitude on the ACT or SAT?
ACT and SAT Math Tips: How to Conquer Complex Fractions
You’ve probably been leaning on your calculator for so long that you’ve forgotten what a complex fraction even is. The ACT and SAT like to reach way back into your math history to gather concepts you learned in elementary school (remainders, anyone?). The more years that have passed since you mastered an operation, the more […]
ACT and SAT Writing Tips: Misplaced Modifiers
Today’s blog focuses on a great time-saving secret in the ACT English and SAT Writing section: misplaced modifiers in introductory clauses. Once you learn how to spot these frequent errors, you can quickly pinpoint the correct answer choice. Let’s get started. Can you spot the error in the following sentence? Weighing in at two and […]
ACT and SAT Math Tips: Sequences
There are three main types of sequence questions on the ACT and SAT: Those that require the use of formulas to solve arithmetic or geometric sequences. Those that ask you to compute a small-numbered term (such as the 8th term or less). Those that assess your ability to discover a repetitive pattern in order to […]
ACT English and SAT Writing Tips: Parallel Prepositions
The use of prepositions in a series must either be used by all members of a series or by only the first member of the series in order to be considered parallel. Both of the following sentences are correct: You can succeed on the SAT by reading, by studying, and by taking a prep class. […]
How to Set a Realistic Target ACT or SAT Score
When we teach courses, we hand out a student profile which asks students about their testing experience and expectations. One of the questions prompts them to list their target score. So many of the responses are the same: 25 on the ACT and 1200 on the SAT. When we ask why they want these scores, […]
How is the ACT Scored and What’s on My ACT Student Report?
One of the most nerve-wracking things about applying to college is taking standardized tests. The ACT can stress anyone out! And waiting to get your scores can be even more stressful than taking the tests in the first place. Once you get your scores, though, it’s all about deciphering exactly what all those numbers, percentiles, and […]