Mark Greenstein of Ivy Bound offers test day hints to Ivy Bound students taking the SAT or ACT.

Students who do well on their fourth SAT but whose prior SAT scores were mediocre earn acceptances based on their higher score. Too many students "under-test," and it leaves them bereft of a score they could have used to gain admission.

How should I consider a “School Day” SAT or ACT?

The SAT is a huge admissions helper for ambitious minority students. At most universities, the SAT is also a significant helper to their parents in the form of scholarships. The SAT is primarily a test of skills, among them reasoning skills. Boosting those skills is what we do best at Ivy Bound, and we are here to help you towards that goal.

Your math score, science score, writing scores and more can enhance your profile among college admission teams, and can set you apart from the thousands of students who are also fighting for a seat at orientation. That means that it's critical to think about taking the SAT or ACT more than once.

The benefit of early SAT preparation has never been higher. Students who get down to the business of college planning well before the usual "crunch time" have a heaping advantage in the college admissions game and will likely have more educational options as they investigate college programs. Traditionally, guidance counselors meet with students in January or February of their 11th grade year (usually after the seniors have finished their January applications). By this time, a large percentage of junior year grades are in, and many students have missed out on taking courses that could burnish their college resumes.

Was your test cancelled? Mark Greenstein explains what you can do next.

What can you do when your actual SAT Score is below your best practice test score?

Mark Greenstein explains why you should still take the SAT & ACT essays.

Though many colleges are going "optional", a student who CAN post a score that's above the college's median should test. A score that helps you is better than a "no-score", so unless you have a 4.0 (a perfect GPA) a good ACT or SAT is increasing your chances for admission and increasing your PARENTS' chances for scholarship

Students preparing to attend college can often get confused by the test-optional policies at certain college and universities. When a student takes the SAT or ACT, it becomes a question how college admission boards use those scores to determine whether a student is considered a worthy candidate.