Tristina Bryant, Author at 91ÁÔĆć /blog/author/tristinabryant/ Prep for Success Sat, 28 Feb 2026 07:12:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://assets.testinnovators.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/favicon-85x85.png Tristina Bryant, Author at 91ÁÔĆć /blog/author/tristinabryant/ 32 32 When Should You Take the ACT or SAT? /blog/when-should-you-take-act-sat/ Wed, 24 Dec 2025 05:07:00 +0000 /?p=1029 The ACT and SAT are the two main entrance exams that colleges and universities use in the admissions process. Your ACT and SAT scores are just one of the many components of your college application, so it is important to plan ahead.

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The ACT and SAT are the two main entrance exams that colleges and universities use in the admissions process. Your ACT and SAT scores are just one of the many components of your college application, but it is important to plan ahead and set yourself up for success. Make sure that you give yourself enough time to do the best you can, which includes planning to take the test more than once—we recommend students prepare to take the exam at least twice. In general, we suggest giving yourself at least six months to prepare and plan for your first test date.

You should prepare to take the ACT or SAT at least once during your junior year, preferably in the fall or spring. This gives you the opportunity to decide whether you’d like to take the test again in the fall of your senior year, the latest you can take the test to meet application deadlines. If you are planning to apply as an early decision applicant, it is best to finish testing in the spring of your junior year.

When should you start preparing? In short, it’s always best to start sooner rather than later. We recommend starting preparation in the spring of your sophomore year or the summer before your junior year (depending on when you plan to test). Preparing well before your first scheduled test date will give you time to improve and will help alleviate stress.

It is important to note that SAT and ACT dates may be subject to cancellations. Be sure to check the and websites to stay up to date with current test scheduling.

The SAT is offered seven times a year, generally in the following months:

  • August
  • October
  • November
  • December
  • March
  • May
  • June

*For specific dates, we recommend checking the College Board’s .Ěý

The ACT is offered seven times a year, generally in the following months:

  • September
  • October
  • December
  • February
  • April
  • June
  • July

*For specific dates, we recommend checking the ACT’s .

Ready to get started? Check out 91ÁÔĆć’ test prep offerings at /act/ and /sat/.Ěý

ACT
SAT
PSAT

Originally published on May 18, 2021. Updated on December 23, 2025.Ěý

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]]> Gearing Up For Independent School Admissions: Advice from Experts /blog/gearing-up-independent-school-admissions/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 21:29:00 +0000 /?p=997 The admissions process for independent schools is complex—there is a lot of information to take in, and deadlines arrive quicker than you know it! Check out these expert tips as you kick off the search for your dream school.

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The admissions process for independent schools is complex—there is a lot of information to take in, and deadlines arrive quicker than you’d expect! We interviewed school admissions experts to get their tips and advice on how to best navigate the process. Check out these expert tips as you kick off the search for your dream school!

1. Make your school list.

Crafting your school list is one of the first steps that admissions experts recommend. When coming up with your list of schools, make sure the schools are a good fit for you and your family. Consider important factors like distance from home, student body size, class offerings, and extracurricular activities. Experts recommend looking beyond the most popular schools—there may be a hidden gem that you’re overlooking.

When making your school list, start with a bigger index, then spend time this summer researching each school. This will help you narrow down your list before the admissions process starts in the fall. Exploring school websites and getting in touch with school admissions counselors will help you learn more about each of the schools you’re interested in.

Pro Tip: We’ve created to help you craft your school list. Feel free to download a copy and make it your own!

2. Engage in school events.

After you’ve narrowed down your school list based on your preliminary research, attending school events is a great way to continue exploring the schools you want to apply to. Open houses, student-led tours, and meetings with coaches are just a few of the many ways to get involved and determine if a school is a good fit for you. Some schools host virtual open houses that you can attend from the comfort of your own home.

Before each event, take some time to write down a few questions you have about the school. After each event, take a few minutes to reflect on how things went. You may even come up with follow-up questions to ask the admissions office.

Pro Tip from the Experts: Reach out to the program directors for extracurriculars you’re interested in and develop a connection with them. This will put you on their radar!

3. Fill out a preliminary application.

For schools that you are particularly excited about and definitely plan to apply to, you can display your interest by filling out a preliminary application. The preliminary application puts you in touch with the school’s recruitment team and qualifies you for the next steps in the application process if the school sees fit. You usually fill out a preliminary application using an online platform, such as Ravenna or SAO, as a step before your admissions interview.Ěý

4. Engage in extracurricular activities and pursue your passions!

In addition to your academic performance, schools want to know who you are outside of school. Admissions counselors look for well-rounded individuals who can contribute to their school communities in diverse and meaningful ways. Finding an activity that you’re passionate about and staying committed to it speaks volumes about who you are as a person. Extracurricular leadership goes a long way!

5. Get started with test prep.

Many schools require entrance exams, such as the SSAT and ISEE, as part of their application. Admissions experts recommend starting your test prep in the spring or summer prior to the admissions season. Getting an early start on preparation will give you time to improve and get comfortable with the test. Additionally, doing the bulk of your practice in the summer will help ensure that test prep doesn’t conflict with the busy school season in the fall. Get started with your and prep today!

Watch the full expert videos on our “Expert Advice on the Independent School Admissions Process” page!

Originally published on August 11, 2021. Updated on December 23, 2025.Ěý

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]]> 4 Summer Test Prep Tips for the SSAT and ISEE /blog/summer-test-prep-tips/ Fri, 19 Dec 2025 03:51:00 +0000 /?p=1021 It is important to make sure students stay academically engaged during the break. Preparing for the SSAT and ISEE over summer break is a great way to get a jump start on prep and stay academically engaged. Check out our top four tips for summer test prep.

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Summer is right around the corner, and with it, some much-needed time off! While rest and relaxation are certainly the top priority, it is important to ensure students stay academically engaged during the break. Preparing for the SSAT and ISEE over summer break is a great way to get a jump-start on prep and stay academically engaged. Check out our top four tips for summer test prep.

1. Take a Mock Test.

Kick off your summer by taking a mock test! Mock tests are fully proctored exams that simulate test day conditions. Knowing what to expect will help you feel more comfortable and prepared on test day. 91ÁÔĆć offers pre-recorded proctor videos in our Video Courses (, ) that can be used alongside our prep materials to simulate test day.

Pro Tip: We recommend taking two to three practice tests during summer break–about one each month. Block out specific dates to take mock tests, and ensure that you give yourself enough time to complete the test in one sitting.

2. Make a Plan.

After taking a mock test, do an in-depth review of your results and design a study plan.

  1. First, determine your target scores for the schools you are interested in applying to. Our online platform will show your practice test scores in the context of your target schools by displaying the typical score ranges for each school. KeepingĚý target scores in mind while you practice is a great way to measure your progress and have a goal to strive toward. It is important to remember, however, that scores are just one component of the application—there are several other factors that schools consider during the admissions process.
  2. Next, target specific topics and question types you need to work on by completing additional practice questions and watching strategy videos. In between practice tests, plan to practice two to three times a week in 45-90 minute sessions. Frequent, shorter practice sessions are better than a few, lengthy sessions.
  3. Finally, take another practice test to track your progress and repeat! Check out “The 3 Steps to a Successful Test Prep Plan” to learn more about the preparation process.

Pro Tip: Avoid burnout! Ensure that your plan is sustainable so that you don’t get test-prep fatigue. It’s important to schedule ample breaks in between study sessions to give your brain time to relax and reset. One strategy to prevent burnout is to focus on one section of the test at a time. After reviewing and practicing one section, move on to the next.

3. Study Vocab.

Summer is a great time to practice vocabulary words. Studying vocab will be especially helpful for the verbal section, but it will also help with the reading and writing sections. Practicing vocabulary words for just 10 to 15 minutes each day can be tremendously helpful. For challenging words, it can be helpful to draw a picture to depict the word’s meaning or use the word in a sentence. Be sure to study root words, too. Knowing the root of an unfamiliar word can help you figure out its meaning.

Pro Tip: Make a deck of flashcards, so you can study on the go! Our and include a “300 Words to Know” list to help you get a jump-start.

4. Read, Read, and Read Some More.

The benefits of reading cannot be emphasized enough. Having strong reading skills is integral to successful test-taking. Reading will, of course, help you prepare for the reading section, but it will also prove beneficial on the verbal and writing sections. We recommend making your way through your school’s summer reading list, if they have one available!

Pro Tip: Reading is a great, relaxing way to spend your downtime between practice sessions.

Ěý

Get your summer studying started with 91ÁÔĆć!Ěý

Originally published on June 03, 2021. Updated on December 18, 2025.Ěý

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]]> How to Send Your ISEE Score Report to Schools /blog/how-to-send-isee-scores/ Mon, 25 Nov 2024 23:25:00 +0000 /?p=1098 There are a few different opportunities for you to send your score report—while registering for the ISEE, before taking the test, and after receiving your score report. The easiest way to access, manage, and send scores is through your ERB parent account.

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If you’re feeling confused about how to send your ISEE scores to schools, we’re here to simplify. The easiest way to access, manage, and send scores is through your .

There are a few different opportunities for you to send your score report—while registering for the ISEE, before taking the test, and after receiving your score report.

Selecting Score Recipients While Registering and Before Testing

When you register for your test, you’ll input your student’s registration information and select the date and format of the exam you want to take. . The third section will be the “Score Recipient ” section as reflected in the screenshot below:

(Credit: ERBLEARN.ORG)

If you choose to add your score recipients during registration, you can search for schools using the school’s name or member code.

If you choose to skip this section and wait to add your score recipients at a later time, you will press “OK” on the confirmation prompt (pictured below).

(Credit: ERBLEARN.ORG)

Tip:ĚýBecause you have the option to select score recipients after you’ve had the chance to see your scores, we generally recommend skipping this step and waiting to add your score recipients until after you’ve received your scores instead. We also recommend that students plan to take the ISEE twice (in case their first test doesn’t go as well as they’d hoped), so you’ll want to wait to send your scores until after you’ve seen both reports.

Accessing Your Scores After the Test

If you take the test on the computer, your scores will be available 3-5 days after testing. If you take the test on paper, your scores will be available within 5-10 days.

Once your scores become available, you’ll be able to access them in your parent dashboard. Click on the child you’d like to see a score report for, and then click on the “Registrations” tab. Under “Score Report” you’ll be able to view any scores that have been released.

Selecting Score Recipients After Testing

Once you’ve received your scores, you’ll be able to update your score recipients within your parent dashboard. In your dashboard, click on the name of the student you’d like to add score recipients for, and then under the title “Score Recipients” click on the green button that reads “+Update Score Recipients.”

(Credit: ERBLEARN.ORG)

If you’re satisfied with your child’s score and are ready to send your them off to schools, you’re one step closer to completing your application—congratulations! If you still believe there may be room to improve your scores, check out 91ÁÔĆć’Ěý.

Originally published on January 15, 2021. Updated on November 25, 2024.

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]]> How to Send Your SSAT Score Report to Schools /blog/how-to-send-ssat-scores/ Mon, 25 Nov 2024 23:08:00 +0000 /?p=1078 The SSAT score report is one component of the application process to independent schools. It is important to know how to send your score report to prospective schools so that you can make sure your scores arrive before the application deadline. There are a few different opportunities for you to send your score report—while registering for the SSAT, before taking the test, and after receiving your score report.

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If you’re taking the SSAT, it’s important to know how to send your score report to prospective schools so that you can make sure they arrive before the application deadline.

There are a few different opportunities for you to send your score report—while registering for the SSAT, before taking the test, and after receiving your score report.

Score Reporting During Registration

When you register for your test, you’ll designate whether or not your student needs accommodations and select the date and time of the test you want to take.. The third section will be the “Reporting” section as reflected in the screenshot below:

(Credit: SSAT.ORG)

You will be asked, “Would you like to add Score Recipients at this stage?” and given the option to click “No” or “Yes,” with “No” as the default option.

If you choose to select your score recipients during registration, select “Yes” when prompted with the screen below:

(Credit: SSAT.ORG)

You will be able to search for the school by name, or put in the corresponding school code. It’s important to note that once your score report is released, designated recipients cannot be canceled.

Tip: Because you have the option to select score recipients after you’ve had the chance to see your scores, we generally recommend selecting “No,” and instead waiting to add your score recipients until after you’ve received your scores. We also recommend that students plan to take the SSAT twice (in case their first test doesn’t go as well as they’d hoped), so you’ll want to wait to send your scores until after you’ve seen both reports.

Score Reporting Before Testing

You also have the option of adding and removing score recipients after you have registered for the test. You can do so within your parent/guardian account. It’s important to note that schools can only be removed or changed before scores are released.

Accessing Your Scores After the Test

If you take the SSAT at home, you will receive your scores on the Wednesday following your SSAT at Home test date.. If you take the computer-based test, you will receive scores on the Wednesday following the Sunday ending the scoring period. If you take a paper-based test, you can expect to receive your scores within two weeks after your test materials have been received by EMA.

There are three ways that you can receive your scores after taking the test:

  • Online Score Reporting – Free
  • Mail Delivery of Score Report – $30
  • FedEx Delivery of Score Report – $55 (U.S./Canada) / $110 (International)

Tip:ĚýBecause online score reporting is free, fast, and easily accessible via yourĚý, we recommend using this method to access your scores.

Score Reporting After Testing

If you have elected to send your scores after you’ve received your report, you can do so from the SSAT parent/guardian account dashboard. Keep in mind that scores can only be sent through the parent/guardian account, and not the student account.

From the dashboard, select “SSAT Scores.” This will take you to a list of your available scores.

(Credit: SSAT.ORG)

You will be able to select which score report you’d like to send by clicking on the “+” symbol.

(Credit: SSAT.ORG)

Use the search function to type in the name of the school or the school’s code, and press “Add” to add them as a score recipient. Be sure to triple check that the school(s) you’ve added are correct.

(Credit: SSAT.ORG)

On the confirmation page, confirm your selection by pressing “Yes, Share Scores.”

(Credit: SSAT.ORG)

If you’re satisfied with your scores and are ready to send your them off to schools—you’re one step closer to completing your application! If you think there’s room to improve your scores, check out 91ÁÔĆćĚý.

Originally published on January 18, 2021. Updated on November 25, 2024.

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