The College Board SAT, a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States, is undergoing a significant transition from its traditional paper-based format to a digital format. Students now take the test on a computer rather than with pencil and paper. This shift to digital testing raises several important implications for students. For one, it requires them to adapt to new testing strategies and tools that may differ from what they are accustomed to with paper-based exams. Additionally, the move towards digital testing results from a broader trend towards incorporating technology into education and assessment methods.

Many families struggle to find the EXTRA time in their teen’s day for SAT prep when they have numerous extracurricular activities and regular studies to attend to. While we don’t recommend taking away sports, band, chorus, volunteer work and paid jobs, we do suggest that students carve out time for prep. Without a clear carve-out, SAT (or ACT) prep will fall to the demands of classes, extra-curricular activities, social activities, and sleep.

On average, our students increase their SAT scores by nearly 150 points!

What is the secret to our success rate? When it comes to the SAT, we have one simple answer to help students send the best scores to the colleges of their choice.

NOBODY should be delaying an SAT based on this rumor. That’s because “easier” does not mean BETTER. An easier-for-all SAT means Revised SAT scores will be artificially higher. But colleges will be wise to that. If 1400 is easier to attain on the Revised SAT, then colleges will need 1500 to be impressed.

When the SAT was “recentered” in March 1994, high recentered scores were not as impressive as prior scores that were 100 points lower. (Recentering added 110 – 120 points to mid-range scorers.) Colleges could tell the difference, and they certainly will know the difference if the scaling is skewed next year.

Many parents ask us if a student’s SAT prep should be delayed until he or she has completed Algebra 2 in school. The timing of when you study for the SAT is really important. Kids’ schedules, whether during sophomore or junior year, tend to get filled up later in the year. While schedules are more hectic in the spring, students also have more math knowledge under their belts than in winter or fall. So, what should students do?

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

The score, officially called the Environmental Context Dashboard, is calculated with several factors that take into account a student’s home conditions, their community and school system. Also factored in are the student’s local crime rate, poverty rate, if the student has only one parent, the families median income and more.

There is recourse, in mindset and action, for students who receive SAT scores that are below where they need for likely admission to their choice university.

The format of the SAT has changed in many ways, both good and bad, depending on a given student’s strengths. Designed to prepare students for higher education, the standardized test has evolved greatly over its 90-year existence.

Juniors who performed well on the most recent iteration of the SAT are in the unique position of having both a luxury and a responsibility. Both are discussed in this article.

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