SAT Archives - 91ÁÔÆæ /blog/category/sat/ Prep for Success Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:05:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://assets.testinnovators.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/favicon-85x85.png SAT Archives - 91ÁÔÆæ /blog/category/sat/ 32 32 How to Study for the SAT in One Month /blog/sat-prep-one-month/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:28:46 +0000 /?p=19488 One month is enough time to make a real difference on the SAT, but only if you use that time well. Here’s how to be strategic and make the most of your remaining weeks. Start With a Practice Test Before you do anything else, take a full-length practice test. Every student starts with a different […]

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One month is enough time to make a real difference on the SAT, but only if you use that time well. Here’s how to be strategic and make the most of your remaining weeks.

Start With a Practice Test

Before you do anything else, take a full-length practice test. Every student starts with a different set of strengths and weaknesses. A practice test shows you exactly what you need to work on so you can focus your time where it will actually make a difference to your score, rather than spending hours covering things you already know.Ìý

Dig Into Your Performance Data

Your practice test results are only useful if you understand what they’re telling you. Spend some time with them before jumping into studying. Where are you losing points? Are there specific question types that consistently trip you up, or whole content areas where your accuracy drops? Look for patterns.

If you’re using 91ÁÔÆæ, here’s how to get the most out of your practice test results:

Start With the Big Picture

Head over to your analysis tab and look at your overview. Here you’ll see the total score, your section scores, and which Module 2 you took for each section. (The SAT is an adaptive test, and your performance on Module 1 determines whether you get an easier or harder Module 2.) If you landed in Module 2 Easy, your focus should be on solidifying core content and filling gaps in the fundamentals. If you managed to unlock Module 2 Hard, you’re already in solid shape on the basics, so your energy is better spent refining advanced concepts and working on skills like pacing.

91ÁÔÆæ SAT Score Report Overview

Review Each Module

For each module, you can see how you did by question difficulty, and type, and how you spent your time. Make note of what you did well and what you need to improve.

91ÁÔÆæ SAT Score Report Module Summary

Go Question by Question

Review every question you missed, skipped, or flagged. Read the answer explanation carefully. If you still don’t understand, open up the Wild Zebra widget in the bottom left-hand corner and talk through the problem.ÌýÌý

As you work through your practice test results, you’ll find links to targeted follow-up exercises for each question so you can practice the question types you struggled with. 91ÁÔÆæ has 1,700+ practice questions covering every question type on the SAT.

91ÁÔÆæ Score Report Question Review

Make a Study Schedule

Once you know what to work on, create a manageable, consistent study plan that you can stick to. A month goes faster than you think, and having a plan keeps you from wasting time.

Start by blocking out your practice test days, then work backwards to fill in your study sessions:

  • Practice tests: Block out one to two longer sessions per week for a full-length practice test and review.
  • Targeted practice: Fill the days in between your practice tests with shorter, focused sessions of 30 to 60 minutes. Use 91ÁÔÆæ’ practice questions to zero in on the specific content areas and question types you need to work on most.

Consistent short study sessions will serve you better than sporadic long ones. The goal is steady progress without burnout.

Go After the Quick Wins First

One month isn’t enough time to overhaul everything. However, you can make significant progress if you’re deliberate about where you spend your energy. Identify the areas with the biggest potential payoff for you and go after those first.

Every student’s weak spots are different, but two areas tend to offer the fastest returns for almost everyone who hasn’t mastered them yet:

  • Grammar and punctuation. The SAT’s Standard English Conventions questions follow predictable rules. If you know those rules, these questions are quick and easy to answer. Check out our Guide to SAT Grammar and Punctuation for a solid overview.
  • Desmos. The built-in graphing calculator can save you a lot of time and help you solve problems you might otherwise get stuck on. Learn how to use it, but know that you won’t be able to use it for every problem.

Consider a Class or Workshop

If you know you work best with structure and accountability, a live prep class might be the best fit for you. 91ÁÔÆæ offers intensive summer classes and workshops designed for students on a tighter timeline. Learn more here.

Take Practice Tests Throughout the Month

Aim to take one to two full-length practice tests per week as your test date approaches. Each test shows you how you’re improving and helps you build your stamina and confidence.

After each test, review your performance data carefully (not just your score), study the questions you missed, and follow up with targeted practice on those areas. Understanding what you missed and why is more important than your score on any practice test.Ìý

Plan to take at least one of your practice tests in , College Board’s official testing app. Make sure Bluebook works on the device you plan to use on test day, and get familiar with the look and feel of the interface. If you’ve been using 91ÁÔÆæ, you might notice that Bluebook feels a little easier. That’s intentional: we make our practice tests a bit more difficult so you’re prepared for the hardest questions on test day. Read more about our approach here.

Don't Overdo It in the Final Days

As you get close to test day, resist the urge to cram. The last few days before the SAT are for light review, not heavy studying. Trust the work you’ve been doing and prioritize sleep so you can walk into the test well-rested.

Check out our post on What to Do the Week Before the SAT for a detailed guide to tapering well.

Put Your Study Plan Into Action

You know what to work on. Now it’s time to do the work. 91ÁÔÆæ has 1,700+ targeted practice questions and full-length practice tests to help you make the most of your remaining weeks.

Explore SAT Practice

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

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]]> What to Do the Night Before the SAT or ACT /blog/night-before-sat-act/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:22:10 +0000 /?p=19122 The night before the SAT or ACT is not a time for studying. Your preparation is behind you. What you do tonight won’t change what you know, but it can absolutely affect how you feel and perform tomorrow. Here’s how to spend the evening well. Don’t Try to Cram The SAT and ACT reward skills […]

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The night before the SAT or ACT is not a time for studying. Your preparation is behind you. What you do tonight won’t change what you know, but it can absolutely affect how you feel and perform tomorrow.

Here’s how to spend the evening well.

Don't Try to Cram

The SAT and ACT reward skills built over time, not last-minute memorization. A late-night cramming session is more likely to leave you tired and anxious than it is to boost your score.

If you’ve been studying consistently, trust the work you’ve already done. If you feel like you need to do something, a short, focused review of one or two question types is fine. Avoid taking a full-length practice test or any attempt to rework your approach to an entire section.

You are much better off completing a few practice problems in an area where you feel confident and then stepping away. That way you’ll wrap up your prep feeling sharp rather than overwhelmed.

Pack Your Bag Tonight

Don’t leave this for the morning. Gather everything you need now.

For the SAT, make sure you have:

  • Your photo ID
  • Your SAT admission ticket from Bluebook (printed)
  • Your fully charged testing device (laptop or tablet with the Bluebook app installed)
  • Your College Board login information
  • A charger for your testing device (bring it just in case)
  • Pencils or pens
  • A permitted calculator with fresh batteries
  • Snacks and water for the break

See the College Board’s for the complete and current list of what to bring.

For the ACT, make sure you have:

  • Your photo ID
  • Your ACT admission ticket (printed)
  • Several sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers
  • If you’re taking the computer-based ACT, your fully charged laptop, charger, and any required login information
  • A permitted calculator with fresh batteries
  • Snacks and water for the break
  • A simple analog watch (no smartwatches, no watches with alarms)

See ACT’s for the complete and current list of what to bring.

Plan Your Morning

Look up your test center address tonight and figure out how long it will take to get there. Build in extra time, just in case you encounter weekend traffic or construction delays.

Set your alarm (and a backup), lay out your clothes, and decide what you’re having for breakfast. Stick with something familiar. Tomorrow is not the morning to try a new food or skip a meal.

It's Normal to Feel Nervous

Some nervousness before a big test is completely normal. It means the test matters to you, and a little adrenaline can actually help you stay focused and sharp once you sit down.

If anxiety is making it hard to settle down tonight, try stepping away from screens, taking a few slow deep breaths, or doing something that you enjoy. You don’t need to feel perfectly calm to perform well tomorrow. You just need to rest.

For more on managing test anxiety in the moment (including what to do when nerves show up once the test begins), read our guide to managing test anxiety on test day.

Relax

You’ve put in the work, and you’ve earned a relaxing evening.

Do something you genuinely enjoy that has nothing to do with the SAT or ACT. Watch a favorite show, take a short walk, cook a good dinner, or call a friend. You’ll approach the test feeling more refreshed and ready.

A note for parents: The way you approach tonight matters too. If your student picks up on your stress or feels pressure to perform, it can make it harder for them to relax. The most helpful thing you can do is keep the evening normal and calm. A good meal, a calm house, and an early bedtime go a long way.

Go to Bed Early

A rested brain reads faster, retains information better, and makes fewer careless errors than a tired one. No amount of last-minute studying can make up for a poor night’s sleep.

Wind down, put your phone away, and go to bed at a reasonable hour. You’ve worked hard to get here. Tomorrow is about showing what you already know. Good luck!

Taking the test again, or preparing for a future date?

91ÁÔÆæ has full-length practice tests and thousands of additional targeted practice questions to help you put your best foot forward.Ìý

Explore SAT Practice
Explore ACT Practice

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

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]]> What to Do the Week Before the SAT /blog/sat-prep-final-week/ Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:04:11 +0000 /?p=18952 You might feel pressure to do more in the final week. But if you’ve been preparing consistently, you don’t need to ramp up the pace. You’ve already put in the work.

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This post is for students who have been preparing for the SAT and are one week away from the test.ÌýÌý

Haven’t started studying yet? Here’s what to do if you only have one week left.

Trust the Work You’ve Already Done

You might feel pressure to do more in the final week. But if you’ve been preparing consistently, you don’t need to ramp up the pace. You’ve already put in the work.

Look back at your practice tests and progress so far. Remind yourself where you started and how far you’ve come. Identify one or two areas that are still costing you points and focus exclusively on them.

Lighten Up Your Study Schedule

Elite athletes often train less hard before a major competition to ensure they are well-rested and fresh. The final week of SAT preparation should look more like tapering before a competition than intensive training.

It’s normal to feel nervous, but avoid the temptation to dramatically increase your workload. Cramming in four full practice tests and completely reworking your pacing strategy is more likely to lead to burnout than real progress.

Instead, use this week for light, targeted review on the specific question types or content areas that still trip you up.

If it helps alleviate stress, take one more practice test early in the week. As you know by now, practice tests are the key to preparation, but they are also mentally draining. Avoid taking a practice test within 48 hours of test day so you feel energized and sharp.Ìý

Don’t panic if your score fluctuates. Small score differences between practice tests are common. This is especially true if you’re switching platforms, because each system is a little different. For example, if you take your first 91ÁÔÆæ practice this week and it feels harder than the Bluebook practice tests, that’s intentional. Our practice tests are designed to push your skills a little further so that the real SAT feels more manageable.

Don’t Study the Night Before the SAT

The SAT rewards long-term studying and skill development. You’ve already done that work. Your job now is to rest so you’re ready to focus and show what you know.

Instead of cramming the night before, get ready for the next day. Pack everything you need for the test center, charge your testing device, and make sure you know where you’re going and how long it will take to get there. Then, relax. Watch a movie, read a book, or spend time with friends. Be sure to go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep.

A Few Resources for the Final Week

SAT Practice Materials

If you need a final set of high-quality problems to sharpen your skills, 91ÁÔÆæ has 1,700+ targeted practice questions, along with full-length practice tests.

Target Your SAT Weaknesses

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

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]]> How to Study for the SAT With One Week Left (If You Haven’t Started Studying) /blog/sat-study-plan-one-week/ Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:04:07 +0000 /?p=18943 If you have one week left before the SAT and haven’t studied yet, here’s the truth: you’re not going to transform your score in just a few days. However, even in one week, there are a few smart steps you can take to walk into the testing center feeling more confident and prepared to perform at your best.

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This guide is for students who haven’t started studying yet and have just one week left. If you’ve already been preparing, your strategy for your final week should look different.Ìý

Set Realistic Expectations

If you have one week left before the SAT and haven’t studied yet, here’s the truth: you’re not going to transform your score in just a few days.

That might be perfectly fine depending on your goals and where you are starting from. You might walk out of the testing room with a score you’re happy with. But don’t expect to go from a 1250 to a 1500 in a week.

The SAT rewards long-term skill development, not last-minute cramming. However, even in one week, there are a few smart steps you can take to walk into the testing center feeling more confident and prepared to perform at your best.

If You Only Do One Thing This Week: Download the Bluebook App and Take a Full-Length Practice Test

Bluebook is the official testing platform used for the SAT, and becoming familiar with it before test day can make a big difference. , make sure it works on your device, and take one of the practice tests.

The practice test will help you:

  • Get comfortable with the digital format and interface
  • See how the computer adaptive format works
  • Practice using the built-in Desmos calculator
  • Familiarize yourself with the question types

The practice test will show you where you’re most likely to lose points. That information will help you decide where to focus the rest of your limited study time.

If You Have Time for Two Things: Take One Practice Test and Do Targeted Practice

After taking the practice test, review your results and identify where you’re losing points.

With only a week left, you won’t be able to fix everything. Instead, choose one or two question types where improvement is realistic in a short amount of time. A few hours of focused practice can make a difference if you concentrate on the right areas.

Once you identify your priorities, focus your practice there rather than jumping between unrelated topics.

To make the most of your remaining time, consider the 91ÁÔÆæ Scholar Package. It provides a full-length practice test and 1,700+ targeted questions, an ideal combination for focused, last-minute prep.

Focus on the Fastest Score Gains

When time is limited, it helps to focus on areas where improvement tends to happen quickly.

Reading & Writing: Prioritize Standard English Conventions and Transitions

Standard English Conventions questions test grammar and punctuation rules that can be reviewed relatively quickly. Similarly, Transitions questions depend on knowing a limited set of transition words.

Reviewing these areas is one of the fastest ways to gain points.

For a deeper breakdown, see our guides to SAT Grammar and Punctuation and SAT Transitions.

Math: Get Comfortable Using Desmos

During the math section, you’ll have access to the Desmos graphing calculator. Learning how to use it effectively can save significant time on the test.

The more comfortable you are with Desmos before test day, the more efficiently you’ll be able to work through the Math section.

What Not to Do This Week

With only a week left, it’s important to avoid panic and stress. At this point, it’s about doing the best you can based on where you are right now. Remember, you can take the test again if you don’t get the score you want. Giving yourself more time to prepare next time can make a real difference. So this week:

  • Don’t try to fix everything. The SAT tests a wide range of skills built over many years. Instead of trying to review everything, focus on a small number of areas where improvement is realistic in a short time.
  • Don’t take practice tests every day. Practice tests are extremely valuable, but they’re also mentally demanding. Taking multiple full-length tests in a short period of time often leads to burnout rather than improvement. Limit yourself to one or two practice tests during the week before the test. Use the rest of your study time for targeted practice and review.
  • Don’t stay up late cramming. Sleep matters. A tired brain makes more careless mistakes, struggles with reading comprehension, and processes information more slowly. Getting enough rest in the days leading up to the SAT is more important than that late-night study session.

The Night Before the Test

The night before the SAT, your focus should shift away from studying. Take a few simple steps to make the next morning go smoothly:

  • Get a good night’s sleep. A rested brain performs better than a tired one.
  • Pack what you need. Make sure you have your ID, admission ticket, and testing device ready.
  • Know your route. Check where the testing center is and how long it will take to get there.
  • Eat normally. Stick with foods you’re used to rather than trying something new.

Then relax. Read a book or watch a movie, and go to bed.

You can’t change everything in a week. But you can familiarize yourself with the test format and reduce surprises on test day. Showing up calm, rested, and prepared will help you perform at your best.

Have more than a week before the SAT?

Give yourself time to build skills and confidence.

Explore SAT Practice Options

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

The post How to Study for the SAT With One Week Left (If You Haven’t Started Studying) appeared first on 91ÁÔÆæ.

]]> Test Prep Tips: How to Improve Your Pacing /blog/how-to-improve-test-pacing/ Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:37:57 +0000 /?p=18595 Have you ever felt the stomach-dropping realization that you have five questions left and only two minutes on the clock? For some students, time is the biggest challenge on tests like the SAT, ACT, ISEE, and SSAT. Perhaps you’ve studied the content, and you understand all of the concepts. But the moment the clock starts […]

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Have you ever felt the stomach-dropping realization that you have five questions left and only two minutes on the clock?

For some students, time is the biggest challenge on tests like the SAT, ACT, ISEE, and SSAT.

Perhaps you’ve studied the content, and you understand all of the concepts. But the moment the clock starts ticking down in the testing room, your pacing falls apart and anxiety kicks in. Maybe you didn’t finish a section, but you’re confident you could have answered those last few questions correctly with just a few more minutes. If this sounds familiar, time may be the ceiling on your score.

The good news is that pacing is a skill. It’s something you can improve with the right strategies and deliberate practice. Simply telling yourself to “go faster†isn’t a strategy that holds up under pressure.

To help you break through your own scoring ceiling, let’s look at practical ways to take control of the clock.

Study Your Timing Patterns

You can’t fix what you haven’t measured. Before you try to speed up, you need to understand where and how you’re spending your time.

After every practice test, look past the number of correct and incorrect questions and pay attention to how long you spent on each question.

If you’re using the 91ÁÔÆæ platform, you can review the timing graph at the bottom of each section summary. You can also see how long you spent on each individual question compared to the average response time in the question-by-question results.

Here’s what to look for:

1. Any Long Bars on the Timing Graph

These are the questions that took significantly longer than average. Even if you answered correctly, ask yourself why it took so long.ÌýÌý

  • Did you reread the prompt multiple times?
  • Did you try a method that required extra steps?
  • Did you get stuck before switching strategies?
  • Did you freeze or blank out for a moment?

2. Performance Trends

Are you consistently slow on specific question types or content areas, like geometry or reading inference questions? Do certain types of reading passages slow you down? A consistent pattern may indicate that you need to do some focused content review.

A quick note: some question types naturally take longer than others. That’s why comparing your time to the average response time is helpful. It gives you context.

Ultimately, even if you got a question right, taking too long may still cost you points elsewhere in the section. Accuracy without efficiency can hold you back.

If you notice that certain problem types consistently slow you down, look for alternative methods. For example, could you:

  • Plug in numbers instead of solving algebraically?
  • Eliminate answer choices more strategically?
  • Answer some questions while reading a passage instead of waiting until the end?

When you practice new methods, don’t worry about speed at first. Focus on learning the process correctly. Efficiency comes with familiarity.

Don’t Be Afraid to Skip Questions

Your fundamental goal is simple: answer as many questions correctly as possible.Ìý

This goal sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you’re mid-test, especially when you’re staring at a question you feel like you should be able to solve. That pressure can keep you stuck longer than you realize.Ìý

If you hit a wall, make a decision. Flag the question and move on. You can always return to it later if time allows.

Spending five minutes wrestling with one problem while three or four other questions sit unanswered is a losing trade. Even if you eventually solve the hard question, the opportunity cost may lower your overall score. (And yes, this basic principle is still true for an adaptive test like the SAT, even though scoring is more complex).Ìý

Remove the Pressure of the Clock

It sounds counterintuitive, but if you’re struggling with time management, one of the best things you can do is temporarily remove the clock.Ìý

Try this experiment: take a full practice test section untimed. Instead of setting a countdown timer, use a stopwatch and track how long it takes you to complete every question carefully and accurately.

If you’re using 91ÁÔÆæ, you can also try extended time (1.5x) or double time (2.0x) accommodations. That way, you’ll still collect timing data for each individual question. You can adjust timing accommodations by clicking your name in the upper-right corner and selecting “My Profile.†We’ve outlined the steps in this if you need additional guidance.

This exercise will help you diagnose what’s really happening:

  • If you struggle to answer questions or fully understand what they’re asking even with unlimited time, your primary issue may be content, not pacing. You may need to review concepts or become more familiar with certain question types.
  • If you lose focus or find your mind wandering, you may be dealing with an endurance issue. In that case, gradually build up to longer practice sessions until you can sustain focus for a full section or test.
  • If you finish comfortably when the clock isn’t pressuring you, test anxiety may be playing a significant role. The ticking clock can create stress that disrupts an otherwise strong performance. You can find more information and practical strategies in our Test Anxiety Resources Center.
  • If you could answer most questions correctly with just 10–15 extra minutes, pacing is likely the main issue. The good news is that this gives you a clear, measurable gap to close.

Close the Gap Gradually

Once you know how much extra time you need to comfortably finish a section, you can begin closing the gap. Instead of forcing yourself to jump immediately to official timing, reduce your buffer gradually until you can complete the section within the allotted time.

For example, let’s say you currently need 10 extra minutes to complete a section accurately:

  • Practice Test 1: Give yourself 10 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 2: Reduce the buffer to 8 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 3: Reduce it to 5 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 4: Reduce it to 2 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 5: Complete the section under official time constraints.

This gradual tapering allows you to build speed incrementally. Just as you would if you were training for an athletic event, increase intensity in controlled steps so your performance improves without breaking down.

By analyzing your performance data, experimenting without time pressure, and gradually tightening your timing, you shift from reacting to the clock to managing it.

Ready to Improve Your Pacing? Start Practicing Today.

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Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

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]]> SAT and ACT Informational Packet /blog/sat-act-informational-packet/ Tue, 27 Jan 2026 22:16:07 +0000 /?p=9631 91ÁÔÆæ can help students manage the SAT and ACT testing process by providing resources about the tests. We recommend creating an informational packet that you can give to your families as they start the testing process. Here’s a sample packet for inspiration. Please feel free to download and use it. Get a PDF of the […]

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91ÁÔÆæ can help students manage the SAT and ACT testing process by providing resources about the tests. We recommend creating an informational packet that you can give to your families as they start the testing process. Here’s a sample packet for inspiration. Please feel free to download and use it.

Originally published on August 23, 2023. Updated on January 27, 2026.Ìý

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]]> ACT and SAT Test Day /blog/act-sat-test-day/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:33:00 +0000 /?p=2258 Learn what you should do the day before and the day of the ACT and SAT, as well as what to bring and what not to bring to the test.

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The day is finally here. You have practiced, studied, and practiced some more. The last step is to make sure you are prepared in every capacity for test day.

The Day Before

The day before the test, it’s important to relax. Don’t try to cram in last-minute practice. Instead, take a walk or do some yoga! Exercise is a great way to relieve stress, and it will help you sleep better. It’s also important to gather everything you’ll need on test day the night before, that way you don’t forget anything and aren’t rushed the morning of. Finally, get a good night’s sleep. Sleep provides your brain with the necessary energy toÌý focus on test day.

The Day Of

It is very important to bring the following to the testing center:

  • Your admission ticket, which can be printed from your online account.
  • Photo identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, or school ID.
    • Your identification must be original, rather than a photocopy or electronic version. The first and last names must match the names on your ticket, and the photo must be clearly recognizable as you.
  • Four #2 pencils with good erasers.
  • A calculator. Double-check that your calculator is permitted. Also, be sure to put in new batteries, if applicable
  • A watch without an alarm.Ìý
    • If you don’t have a watch, that’s okay. The testing supervisor will announce when there are five minutes remaining for each test.
  • Water and a snack for the break.

What Not to Bring

It is just as important to know what not to bring to the testing center. This includes:

  • All electronics, other than a calculator.
  • Personal items, such as textbooks, notes, or pens.
  • Any other item not listed as something to bring.

You’ve Got This!

The last thing you need to remember on test day is to be confident! You have prepared for this day. You are ready. Now go show them what you know!

Ready to prep for the ACT or SAT?

ACT Test Prep
SAT Test Prep

Are you an educator? Contact us to chat about how we can work with you.

Originally published on March 11, 2020. Updated on January 6, 2026.

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]]> Is 91ÁÔÆæ Harder Than Bluebook? /blog/is-test-innovators-harder-than-bluebook/ Fri, 02 Jan 2026 23:21:18 +0000 /?p=18346 Yes. Many students find 91ÁÔÆæ SAT practice tests to be more challenging than College Board’s Bluebook practice tests. That’s intentional: our practice is designed to prepare you for the hardest questions you might see on test day so that the real SAT feels more manageable. Key takeaways: Harder practice tests reduce surprises and make […]

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Yes. Many students find 91ÁÔÆæ SAT practice tests to be more challenging than College Board’s Bluebook practice tests. That’s intentional: our practice is designed to prepare you for the hardest questions you might see on test day so that the real SAT feels more manageable.

Key takeaways:

  • Harder practice tests reduce surprises and make the actual SAT feel easier.
  • 91ÁÔÆæ SAT practice is designed to complement College Board’s Bluebook practice tests as part of a complete prep plan.
  • Don’t be discouraged if a 91ÁÔÆæ practice test feels harder. That’s expected.

Why Our Tests Are More Challenging

Our goal at 91ÁÔÆæ is simple: to help you feel prepared for whatever you see on test day. Because the SAT can vary in difficulty from one administration to the next, effective practice needs to anticipate the more challenging end of that spectrum. Otherwise, surprises are more likely on test day.

Many students were caught off guard by the first U.S. administration of the digital SAT in March 2024. The Math section, in particular, felt much more difficult than expected. Some students (especially those who had been scoring above 1400 on Bluebook practice tests) reported lower-than-expected scores on the official exam. (Read our analysis of student feedback from the March 2024 SAT.)

First administrations of new test formats can sometimes feel skewed one way or another. Since March 2024, College Board has released more Bluebook practice tests that better reflect the range of difficulty students may encounter on test day. 91ÁÔÆæ practice is designed to sit at the most challenging end of that range.

Why Harder Practice Is Beneficial

Athletes often train under conditions that are more demanding than competition. For example, elite endurance athletes train in high-altitude locations, such as the United States Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado, which sits more than 6,000 feet above sea level.

At altitude, the air is thinner, so the body has to work harder to complete the same workout. Training under those conditions helps athletes build endurance and efficiency, which can provide an advantage when they return to compete at lower elevations.

Think of harder SAT practice tests as altitude training. Practicing under tougher conditions builds endurance, sharpens time management, and helps you stay confident when questions get difficult. By the time you sit for the actual SAT, it’s easier to stay focused, manage your time, and keep your composure, even when you run into difficult questions.

Why Continued SAT Score Improvement Requires Increasingly Challenging Practice

Improving your SAT scores becomes harder as you move toward the top of the score range. Early gains often come from fixing broader gaps, but as you improve, further progress depends on precision, consistency, and the ability to handle the most difficult questions under time pressure.

91ÁÔÆæ practice is designed to support improvement at every level, including for students aiming for scores in the 1400s and 1500s. At that level, practice needs to be challenging. Otherwise, improvements can depend more on test-to-test luck than on skill development.

91ÁÔÆæ SAT Practice Is Designed to Complement Bluebook

Bluebook is College Board’s digital testing app. Before test day, students should , confirm it runs smoothly on their device, and take at least one official practice test. Doing this early helps avoid technical surprises and ensures the test-day experience feels familiar.

91ÁÔÆæ SAT practice is designed to complement Bluebook practice. Bluebook helps you get comfortable with the format and flow of the exam. 91ÁÔÆæ builds on that foundation by pushing you to improve further, with more challenging practice, as well as detailed feedback and analytics.

How to Use 91ÁÔÆæ and Bluebook Together

We encourage students to use both tools together as part of a complete prep plan:

  • Start with a Bluebook practice test to get familiar with the test format and interface and to confirm the app works on your device.
  • Use 91ÁÔÆæ for ongoing practice: take a practice test, review your results, complete targeted practice based on your performance, and repeat.
  • Sprinkle in Bluebook tests along the way to check in on progress and reinforce familiarity with the official testing experience. Save a few for the final weeks before test day to refresh that familiarity.

This approach helps you build comfort and confidence with the SAT while continuing to challenge yourself and improve.

Don’t Be Discouraged if a 91ÁÔÆæ Practice Test Feels Harder

If a 91ÁÔÆæ practice test feels more challenging than expected, that’s intentional. The goal of practice isn’t comfort; it’s to help you build the skills and confidence you need to perform your best on test day.Ìý

Mistakes during practice are a normal and valuable part of the learning process. They show you where concepts aren’t fully solid yet, where timing breaks down, or where strategies need adjustment. When you make mistakes during practice, you’re less likely to repeat them when it matters.

We challenge you during practice so that you are well-equipped to do your best on the SAT. If our practice tests feel hard, don’t be discouraged. You’re doing the work that matters.

Are you ready for the SAT?

SAT Practice

The post Is 91ÁÔÆæ Harder Than Bluebook? appeared first on 91ÁÔÆæ.

]]> The College Journey: Campus Visits, the Application Essay, and Four Things to Know About Admissions /blog/college-journey-campusvisits-essay-admissions/ Wed, 31 Dec 2025 06:48:00 +0000 /?p=1788 Applying to college is no doubt an important step in life. However, the various components of college admissions can make the process feel overwhelming. The best thing to do is to make sure you have the information you need and to take it one step at a time.

The post The College Journey: Campus Visits, the Application Essay, and Four Things to Know About Admissions appeared first on 91ÁÔÆæ.

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Applying to college is undoubtedly an important step in life. However, the various components of college admissions can make the process feel overwhelming. The best thing to do is ensure you have the information you need and take it one step at a time.

Recently, we spoke with Keith Wilkerson, Founder and Lead Teacher for . Keith has over 21 years of experience in the college placement field and has counseled more than 7,000 families about their educational options. Here are Keith’s insights on how best to navigate this difficult but potentially life-changing process.

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How do you get started on the college search?

Students often make the mistake of starting the college search by trying to figure out who they need to be for colleges to take an interest in them, but the college search should begin with a solid understanding of who you are and who you are becoming. Consider what a college could offer that would allow you to move toward your future career. Think about the community that you will need around you to help you get through challenging times. How far away from home do you honestly want to be, and what type of weather makes you feel happiest? If you are honest with yourself about what you need to thrive, your search will be easier than if you spend your time chasing big name universities.

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What should you be looking for during a college visit?

When students visit a college, they should definitely do the standard information session and tour, but the college visit has only begun at that point. Wander around campus a bit if you can, and see what the campus is like outside of the pre-packaged spiel. Ask students what they enjoy about their school and what they would change. Eat in the student center or in a dining hall if you can (it’s good to get a sense of those spaces–you’ll be spending a lot of time there). The better your sense of all the components of the college culture, the better you will be able to determine if it is a right fit for you.

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What insider tips do you have for the essay portion of the application?

I always suggest that students start with the story that they want to tell instead of beginning with the prompts on the Common Application. What could you share about yourself that is so authentic to who you are as a person that no one else could tell the same story in the same way?Ìý

What are the four most important things for a parent to know about the admissions process?

  1. It’s never too early to start preparing to finance a college education for your child. Get advice from a professional to ensure that you are ready for the rapidly increasing cost of a college education.
  2. Polls show that students most often respect the voice of the college counselor over that of their parents when they are making decisions about applying to college, but please don’t use that as a reason to distance yourself from the process. As the resident experts on your children, they need you more than they might realize right now.
  3. Rigor counts just as much as grades. Just because your student wants to get As in classes, that doesn’t excuse taking an easy course load in school. Encourage your student to do their best in challenging classes so that they get the most that they can out of their high school experience and show colleges that they can handle a tough curriculum.
  4. Control the noise. You are going to get SO MUCH ADVICE when your child goes through the application process, and most of it will come from people who care deeply but know little. Your friend’s child’s favorite school won’t necessarily be a conducive fit for your child, and that one uncle who knows something about everything doesn’t have the best advice for how to prepare for the ACT. Determine who the core team will be that will make the decisions about how your family proceeds on the journey to college, and try your hardest to keep outside noise from distracting you from reaching your goal with as little stress as possible.

More About Keith

Keith Wilkerson is the Founder and Lead Teacher for CollegeThoughts, an organization with a student-minded team that is dedicated to demystifying the college application process, making the process more of a personal exploration than a stress-inducing enigma. A 1997 graduate of Princeton University, Keith holds a bachelor’s degree in Religion with a certificate of proficiency in African-American Studies. Prior to launching this business, Keith served for 18 years as the Senior Program Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Region for A Better Chance, offering middle and high school students opportunities for private education. His responsibilities included overseeing recruitment, placement, and support of A Better Chance participants in the Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia, as well as assisting in the design and planning of summer programming for A Better Chance Scholars. Keith has also worked with the College Advising Corps, serving as an Advising Manager, supervising and training a talented group of remote college advisers.

Want to learn more about CollegeThoughts? Visit or email info@collegethoughts.com

Ready to get started with your ACT and SAT prep?

ACT
SAT

Originally published on June 2, 2020. Updated on December 30, 2025.Ìý

The post The College Journey: Campus Visits, the Application Essay, and Four Things to Know About Admissions appeared first on 91ÁÔÆæ.

]]> The College Journey: What Students Should Be Doing in Middle School to Prepare for College /blog/college-journey-middle-school/ Wed, 31 Dec 2025 06:35:00 +0000 /?p=1779 The college admissions process is one of the most important parts of your future, and one that you can start preparing for in middle school. To learn how, we spoke with Keith Wilkerson, Founder and Lead Teacher for College Thoughts. Keith has over 21 years of experience in the college placement field and has counseled more than 7,000 families about their educational options. Here is Keith’s advice on how to start preparing for college in middle school.

The post The College Journey: What Students Should Be Doing in Middle School to Prepare for College appeared first on 91ÁÔÆæ.

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The college admissions process is one of the most significant academic undertakings, so the earlier you can start to prepare, the better. To learn how, we spoke with Keith Wilkerson, Founder and Lead Teacher for . Keith has over 21 years of experience in the college placement field and has counseled more than 7,000 families about their educational options. Here is Keith’s advice on how to start preparing for college in middle school.

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What should you be doing in 6th grade to prepare for college?

  1. Read More! Reading Isn’t Optional.
    Often, when speaking with parents, I hear them say that their child just doesn’t enjoy reading as though reading is a choice. I wonder what they would say if their child told them that they didn’t enjoy bathing. There are some things that are non-negotiable, and reading is definitely one of them. High school and life beyond will be a tremendous struggle for students who don’t develop strong fundamental reading skills. Sometimes it just takes trying out a new author or genre to get into the reading groove!
  2. Answer Questions Completely.
    Text messaging has taught us how to answer questions with brevity, but in order to communicate effectively, students have to learn how to answer questions with the necessary details. For example, if someone asks if you play a sport, take the time to share which sport you play, how long you’ve been playing, as well as something that you are looking forward to about the next season, or information about the role or position that you play. Practicing this skill will help later on with parts of the college admissions’ process such as application essays and interviews.ÌýÌý

What should you be doing in 7th grade to prepare for college?

  1. The Future Is Now!
    Preparing for statewide testing and achieving a strong performance in 7th grade will shape the college journey. If you plan to apply to a competitive independent high school, scholastic aptitude will play a part in determining which high schools you could attend, and the high school that you attend will influence the colleges that you will consider. Setting an academic precedent in middle school will help you achieve your goals once you enter high school.ÌýÌý

What should you be doing in 8th grade to prepare for college?

  1. Prepare for High School. Transition isn’t Easy.
    Making the transition to high school is going to be difficult at times. The fact that you may be a strong student in your middle school program doesn’t automatically mean that you are going to hit the ground running when you get to high school. Taking a critical look at where you might be able to strengthen your skills—whether reviewing your algebra notes over the summer or taking some time to improve the quality of your writing—will help make your adjustment smoother.
  2. Don’t Celebrate Too Soon!
    When I played middle school basketball, my coach told us that people who celebrate scoring baskets often fail to actually win games. I know that you are proud of advancing from middle school to high school, but don’t ease off too much. There are miles to go in your journey to college, and it may be more prudent to save the money and energy from a big middle school graduation party and invest it in your high school success. As former President Barack Obama once said, “You know, sometimes I’ll go to an 8th-grade graduation and there’s all that pomp and circumstance and gowns and flowers…. An 8th-grade education doesn’t cut it today. Let’s give them a handshake and tell them to get their butts back in the library!â€

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Want to learn what students should be doing in high school to prepare for college? Check out this 91ÁÔÆæ’ blog post!

More About Keith

Keith Wilkerson is the Founder and Lead Teacher for CollegeThoughts, an organization with a student-minded team that is dedicated to demystifying the college application process, making the process more of a personal exploration than a stress-inducing enigma. A 1997 graduate of Princeton University, Keith holds a bachelor’s degree in Religion with a certificate of proficiency in African-American Studies. Prior to launching this business, Keith served for 18 years as the Senior Program Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Region for A Better Chance, offering middle and high school students opportunities for private education. His responsibilities included overseeing recruitment, placement and support of A Better Chance participants in the Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia as well as assisting in the design and planning of summer programming for A Better Chance Scholars. Keith also has worked with the College Advising Corps, serving as an Advising Manager, supervising and training a talented group of remote college advisers.

Want to learn more about CollegeThoughts? Visit or email info@collegethoughts.com

Ready to get started with your ACT and SAT prep?

ACT
SAT

Originally published on June 9, 2020. Updated on December 30, 2025.Ìý

The post The College Journey: What Students Should Be Doing in Middle School to Prepare for College appeared first on 91ÁÔÆæ.

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