91 Prep for Success Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:08:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://assets.testinnovators.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/favicon-85x85.png 91 32 32 What To Expect on the ACT Writing Test (2026) /blog/act-writing/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:03:19 +0000 /?p=2191 The ACT Writing Test is the final, optional section of the ACT. If you decide to take it, you’ll have 40 minutes to write one essay. You’ll be given a description of a complex issue followed by three different perspectives on that issue. You’ll be asked to state your own perspective (you may adopt one […]

The post What To Expect on the ACT Writing Test (2026) appeared first on 91.

]]>

The ACT Writing Test is the final, optional section of the ACT. If you decide to take it, you’ll have 40 minutes to write one essay.

You’ll be given a description of a complex issue followed by three different perspectives on that issue. You’ll be asked to state your own perspective (you may adopt one of the three provided or introduce one of your own) and analyze how it relates to at least one of the other perspectives offered.

There is no right or wrong answer. ACT is not evaluating you on which perspective you choose; it is evaluating you on how well you articulate and support your argument. Your goal is to produce a well-reasoned, clearly organized essay.

Unlike the other sections of the ACT, the Writing Test has not changed as part of the 2025/2026 enhancements.

Sample ACT writing prompt from 91' free sample test.
Example of an ACT Writing prompt from 91' free sample test.

How is the ACT Writing Test Scored?

The ACT Writing score is reported on a scale of 2–12, and is not part of the ACT Composite score. However, if you take the ACT Writing Test, you’ll also receive an English Language Arts (ELA) score that reflects your performance across English, Reading, and Writing. You can learn more about how the ELA score is calculated .

The Four Writing Domains

Your essay is scored across four writing domains, each on a scale of 2–12. Your overall writing score is the rounded average of the four.

Ideas and Analysis: You’ll be evaluated on how well you understood the issue in the prompt, how meaningfully you engaged with multiple perspectives, and whether your ideas were relevant to the topic.

Development and Support: You’ll be evaluated on how effectively you developed and supported your argument, backed your ideas with examples, and explored the implications of your thinking.

Organization: You’ll be evaluated on how clearly you structured your essay, whether the relationship between your ideas was easy to follow, and how effectively you guided the reader through your argument.

Language Use and Conventions: You’ll be evaluated on how effectively you used grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and mechanics to express your ideas and establish an appropriate style and tone.

ACT has published sample essays on their website to illustrate what strong and weak responses look like. Visit the to understand what they’re looking for.

How is the Writing Test Graded on the Paper ACT?

If you take the ACT Writing Test on paper, you’ll handwrite your essay. Two trained readers will read your essay and each assign a score from 1–6 for the four writing domains. The two scores for each domain are added together, giving you a domain score between 2–12. Your overall writing score is the rounded average of the four domain scores.

Note: If the two readers disagree by more than one point on any domain, a third reader will step in to resolve the discrepancy.

How is the Writing Test Graded on the Online ACT?

If you take the ACT Writing Test on the computer, you’ll type your essay, which will be scored by, ACT’s automated scoring engine. CRASE first evaluates your essay to determine whether it can assign a score with high confidence. If it can, it will assign a score of 2–12 for each domain. If it cannot, your essay will be sent to human readers. A random sample of all essays are also reviewed by human readers as part of ACT’s quality assurance process.

Note: State, district, and international ACT administrations pair one human reader with CRASE.

Do I Have to Take the ACT Writing Test?

No, unless you are required to for graduation or are applying to a school or program that requires it.

As of spring 2026, only a handful of colleges in the United States require or encourage ACT Writing. Requirements can change from year to year, so check directly with any schools, programs, or scholarships you’re applying to.

Some states, districts, or schools also require the ACT Writing Test for graduation. If you are taking the ACT through your school, check with your counselor to find out whether your test will include the Writing section.

If You Decide to Take It, Don't Take Science the Same Day

The enhanced ACT has two optional sections: Science and Writing. When you register, you can choose to add Science, Writing, or both.

If you decide to take both optional sections, we recommend doing them on separate test dates. The ACT is already a long test, and the Writing section comes last. The essay also requires a different kind of mental effort than the multiple-choice sections that precede it. After three multiple-choice sections, you’ll have more focus and energy for the essay than you would after four.

Your Guide to the Enhanced ACT

This post is part of our comprehensive series on the 2025/2026 ACT updates. Explore our guides for every section of the new test:

Enhanced ACT Practice

Get ready for the new ACT format with 10 full-length practice tests. Try a free sample test today.

Explore ACT 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.

Originally published on February 11, 2020. Updated on April 13, 2026.

The post What To Expect on the ACT Writing Test (2026) appeared first on 91.

]]> 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 […]

The post How to Study for the SAT in One Month appeared first on 91.

]]>

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.

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 91, 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.

91 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.

91 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.

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. 91 has 1,700+ practice questions covering every question type on the SAT.

91 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 91’ 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. 91 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.

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 91, 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. 91 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.

The post How to Study for the SAT in One Month appeared first on 91.

]]> The ACT Embedded Field Test, Explained /blog/act-field-test/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:36:35 +0000 /?p=19395 Most major standardized tests include unscored questions as part of the test development process. Depending on the test, these may be called experimental questions, pretest questions, or something else entirely. The ACT calls them field-test questions. Field-test questions are future test questions in their final stage of review. Before ACT can use a question on […]

The post The ACT Embedded Field Test, Explained appeared first on 91.

]]>

Most major standardized tests include unscored questions as part of the test development process. Depending on the test, these may be called experimental questions, pretest questions, or something else entirely. The ACT calls them field-test questions.

Field-test questions are future test questions in their final stage of review. Before ACT can use a question on an official test, it needs to verify that the question is fair, that it measures what it’s intended to measure, and that its difficulty is properly calibrated. The most reliable way to do that is to administer the question to real students under real testing conditions.

On the legacy ACT, the field test was its own standalone section at the end of the exam. Because students knew it didn’t count toward their scores, many students didn’t take it as seriously as the rest of the test. That made it difficult for ACT to collect reliable data on future questions.

The enhanced ACT solved this by embedding field-test questions directly into each section of the test. This change helped shorten the overall test by eliminating the 5th section. More importantly, students now have no way of knowing which questions are part of the field test, so every question gets the same effort and attention, giving ACT more reliable data on new questions.

How Many Field-Test Questions Are There?

The core ACT includes 23 field-test questions overall. If you are taking the optional Science section, the total is 29.

The number of field-test questions varies by section. Here’s the breakdown:

  • English: 10 field-test questions (1–2 passages)
  • Math: 4 field-test questions
  • Reading: 9 field-test questions (1 passage)
  • Science: 6 field-test questions (1 passage)

Can I Tell Which Questions Are Part of the Field Test?

No. Field-test questions are designed to be indistinguishable from operational questions. There is no label, no formatting difference, and no other signal that a question is unscored. From a student’s perspective, every question looks the same.

It’s worth noting that although ACT initially indicated that field-test questions would not appear as the first or last question in a section, that guidance no longer appears in ACT’s published materials. Some older prep resources may still reference it and advise students to complete the first and last passage on the English, Reading, and Science sections first. There’s no harm in following this pattern, but students should still treat every question as operational and avoid skipping any passage entirely.

Can I Skip a Passage to Save Time?

No. It’s not worth the risk.

In theory, you could skip an entire passage on Reading or Science without affecting your score if you guessed the right passage to skip. But in practice, you have no way of knowing which passage to skip. Skipping a passage on the assumption that it might be the field test is a gamble that isn’t worth taking. If you guess wrong, you’ve left a significant portion of the questions that do count unanswered.

The safest approach is to treat every passage and every question as if it counts. Because as far as you know, it does.

How Should I Approach the ACT Field Test?

The embedded field test doesn’t change how you should approach the ACT. You can’t identify field-test questions, and trying to guess which questions are unscored isn’t a productive use of your time or energy. Just take the test.

On a test like the ACT, your goal is to answer as many questions correctly as possible. If you get stuck on a question, skip it and come back later. Time is better spent securing easier points first. To learn how to build pacing skills in practice, see our guide to improving your pacing.

Your Guide to the Enhanced ACT

This post is part of our comprehensive series on the 2025/2026 ACT updates. Explore our guides for every section of the new test:

Online ACT Prep

Get ready for the enhanced ACT with 10 full-length practice tests and 1,650+ targeted practice questions.

Start Practicing

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 The ACT Embedded Field Test, Explained appeared first on 91.

]]> What To Expect on the Enhanced ACT Science Test (2026) /blog/act-science/ Tue, 17 Mar 2026 21:45:05 +0000 /?p=19155 The ACT Science Test is an optional section of the ACT. Students who choose to take it are assessed on their ability to interpret scientific information, reason with data, and apply scientific knowledge in context. The test is passage-based and draws on content from a range of scientific disciplines, including biology, and chemistry, physics. Students […]

The post What To Expect on the Enhanced ACT Science Test (2026) appeared first on 91.

]]>

The ACT Science Test is an optional section of the ACT. Students who choose to take it are assessed on their ability to interpret scientific information, reason with data, and apply scientific knowledge in context. The test is passage-based and draws on content from a range of scientific disciplines, including biology, and chemistry, physics.

Students have 40 minutes to answer 40 total questions.

Example of an ACT Science question from 91' free sample practice test

ACT Science Passages

Passages Types and Formats

The ACT Science Test consists of six operational passages (scored) and one field test passage (unscored). There are three distinct passage formats, each of which emphasizes different aspects of scientific reasoning.

Passage Formats

  • Data Representation (DR) passages present scientific data primarily through tables, graphs, or charts.
  • Research Summaries (RS) passages describe one or more scientific investigations, including experimental design, hypotheses, and results.
  • Conflicting Viewpoints (CV) passages present a scientific topic alongside two or more competing explanations or models.

ACT Science Passage Format Breakdown

  • Total passages: 7
  • Operational (scored) passages: 6
    • 2 Data Representation | 10–12 questions total
    • 3 Research Summaries | 16–20 questions total
    • 1 Conflicting Viewpoints | 6–7 questions total
  • Field test (unscored) passages: 1
    • 1 passage from any of the 3 format categories | 6 questions total

ACT Scientific Content Areas

The ACT Science Test draws from four primary scientific disciplines. Students will always see at least one passage from each discipline on test day.

  • Biology and life science: 2 operational passages
  • Physics: 1–2 operational passages
  • Chemistry: 1–2 operational passages
  • Earth and space science: 1–2 operational passages

The field test passage can fall into any of these content categories. On test day, the maximum number of passages that students will see from a single discipline is three for life science and two for all other content areas.

In addition, up to 3 passages per test incorporate a focus onEngineering and Design Thinking, meaning the passage centers on applying science to real-world problems. These passages can overlap with any of the primary disciplines above.

ACT Science Reporting Categories

ACT Science questions are organized into three reporting categories that reflect the transferable science skills students need for college and career readiness. The Science Test is designed to reward careful reading and reasoning, not memorization. Most questions can therefore be answered using only the information provided in the passage. A small number of questions (5–8 per test) do require some basic scientific background knowledge, but nothing beyond what students encounter in standard high school coursework.

Interpretation of Data (IOD)

Interpretation of Data questions assess students’ ability to read, analyze, and draw conclusions from scientific data presented in tables, graphs, and diagrams. Students can expect 13–17 operational questions in this category.

Data Representation passages are the primary home of Interpretation of Data questions, though students will also encounter these questions in Research Summaries passages.

Skill Areas:

  • Locating and Understanding (LU): Questions ask students to identify specific data points and interpret features of scientific graphs (such as units, legends, axes, and table headings).
  • Inferring and Translating (IT): Questions ask students to look across one or more graphs and make sense of what the data show, whether that means spotting a relationship, making a comparison, or reframing the information in a new visual format.
  • Extending and Reevaluating (ER): Questions ask students to use trends in data to make predictions beyond what is directly shown.

Scientific Investigation (SIN)

Scientific Investigation questions assess students’ understanding of how scientific experiments and studies are designed and conducted. Students will see 6–11 operational questions in this category.

Research Summaries passages are the primary home of Scientific Investigation questions.

Skill Areas:

  • Locating and Comparing (LC): Questions ask students to find and compare information across one or more experiments.
  • Designing and Implementing (DI): Questions ask students to evaluate how an experiment was set up, including the choice of methods, tools, variables, and controls.
  • Extending and Implementing (EI): Questions ask students to think beyond the experiment at hand, predicting results of future experiments or identifying steps that could improve an experiment.
  • Engineering and Design (ED): Questions ask students to consider the practical challenges, goals, and tradeoffs involved in a scientific experiment or design problem. This is a new skill area on the enhanced ACT as of 2025.

Evaluating Scientific Arguments and Models with Evidence (EMI)

Evaluating Scientific Arguments and Models with Evidence questions assess students’ ability to judge the validity of scientific claims, evaluate competing models, and draw conclusions supported by evidence. Students will see 8–13 operational questions in this category.

Conflicting Viewpoints passages are the primary home of Evaluating Scientific Arguments and Models with Evidence questions, though students will also encounter these questions in both Research Summaries and Data Representation passages.

Skill Areas:

  • Inferences and Results: Evaluating and Extending (IE): Questions ask students to evaluate the strength of a scientific claim and support their conclusions with evidence.
  • Models: Understanding and Comparing (MU): Questions ask students to compare and contrast two or more scientific models. These questions only appear in Conflicting Viewpoints passages.
  • Models: Evaluating and Extending (ME): Questions ask students to evaluate competing models and use evidence to form predictions or hypotheses. These questions only appear in Conflicting Viewpoints passages.
  • Engineering and Design Thinking (ED): Questions ask students to evaluate whether a proposed solution works, consider alternatives, and identify what evidence supports or undermines a design’s effectiveness. This is a new skill area on the enhanced ACT as of 2025.

Should I Take the ACT Science Test?

Yes. We recommend taking the Science section at least once.

Check with your target schools first. Colleges and universities set their own policies on whether they require or consider the Science score. Since policies can change — especially in the years following a major update like the shift to the enhanced ACT — it is better to be prepared now than to have to retake the test later just to add the Science section.

A strong Science score is another data point in your favor. If you are applying to a STEM program, it is a meaningful way to demonstrate readiness. But even if you are not, it is a chance to show well-roundedness. The ACT Science Test rewards strong reading skills, so it may play to your strengths even if science is not your strongest subject.

Students who take the Science section will receive a STEM score, which is an average of their Science and Math scores. The Science section does not affect the composite score, which remains an average of English, Math, and Reading.

It builds on skills you are already developing. The Science Test rewards careful reading and logical reasoning, the same skills you are strengthening as you prepare for the Reading Test. Preparing for one naturally supports the other.

Your Guide to the Enhanced ACT

This post is part of our comprehensive series on the 2025/2026 ACT updates. Explore our guides for every section of the new test:

Sources

ACT. . February 2026.

ACT Science Practice

Get ready for the enhanced ACT Science Test with full-length practice tests and targeted practice questions.

Explore ACT 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 What To Expect on the Enhanced ACT Science Test (2026) appeared first on 91.

]]> 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 […]

The post What to Do the Night Before the SAT or ACT appeared first on 91.

]]>

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?

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

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.

The post What to Do the Night Before the SAT or ACT appeared first on 91.

]]> 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.

The post What to Do the Week Before the SAT appeared first on 91.

]]>

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

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.

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 91 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, 91 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.

The post What to Do the Week Before the SAT appeared first on 91.

]]> 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.

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

]]>

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.

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 91 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 91.

]]> Applying to Independent Schools: Spring Newsletter /blog/applying-to-independent-schools-spring-newsletter/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:46:46 +0000 /?p=8996 Spring is here, which means it's time to start thinking about applying to independent and private schools! Our May to-do list will help guide you through the beginning of the process.

The post Applying to Independent Schools: Spring Newsletter appeared first on 91.

]]>

With the academic year winding down, many families are assessing whether or not their child’s current school is meeting their needs and expectations. If your family is exploring independent and private school options, then it’s time to start planning for the 2026-2027 school year application process!

Applying to independent schools can be daunting, and there are some important first steps that you should take as you begin the process. We’re here to help guide you through them with a May to-do list:

  1. Research schools
  2. Understand the admissions process
  3. Take a diagnostic test
  4. Plan for the cost
  5. Visit schools (if possible)

Read more below!

Applying to independent schools is a complex process, but with careful planning and diligent execution, you will find the right school. The 91 admissions coaching team is here to help guide your family through each phase of this process. If you’d like to learn more about working with an admissions coach, you can schedule a free consultation.

Stay tuned for more information and resources throughout the year! The 91 team is here to help your family every step of the way.

Spring To Do List:

1. Research Schools

The first step you should take when applying to independent schools is simple: research! The is a great place to start.

Create a list of potential schools that align with your child’s academic goals, interests, and values. Consider factors such as location, size, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and diversity.

Visit school websites, attend open houses, and talk to current students and alumni to understand what each school is like.

Tip: When creating your initial school list, make sure to consider several different types of schools, such as day and boarding, and co-ed and single-gender. Look beyond the ‘popular’ schools in your area. There may be a school that surprises you!

2. Understand the Admissions Process

Each school has its own admissions process, so it’s important to know the requirements and deadlines for each school on your list. Typically, the admissions process involves submitting an application, school transcripts, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations, as well as attending an interview and visiting the school. Some schools may require additional materials, such as essays or creative projects.

Here is a timeline of the admissions process to independent schools that outlines the major steps.

3. Take a Diagnostic Test

The admissions process to many independent and private schools involves taking a standardized test. The most common tests are the ISEE, SSAT, and HSPT. Check the testing requirements for the schools on your list to determine which test your child needs to take. Students typically take the test in the fall, and you’ll want to give yourself a 4-6 month runway, so now is the time to start preparing. Creating a test prep study plan is a good way to keep yourself on track. 

The first step is to have your child take a full-length diagnostic test, so that they can familiarize themselves with the format, content, and question types on the exam. After that, you can make a plan for practice, so that you have plenty of time to get ready for test day.

4. Plan for the Cost

Attending an independent school can be expensive, so it’s important to plan ahead for the costs involved. Research the tuition and fees for each school on your list, as well as other expenses, including textbooks, transportation, and extracurricular activities.

Creating a budget will help you determine which schools are within your financial reach, and financial planning can help you prepare for the costs of sending your child to an independent school. Look into options such as 529 savings plans, which offer tax benefits and can be used for qualified education expenses, as well as scholarships and grants. Consider meeting with a financial advisor to help you navigate your options and make informed decisions about your financial future.

5. Visit Schools If Possible

If you can, visit the schools on your list to get a better sense of the community, meet teachers and students, and to ask any questions you may have. If in-person visits aren’t possible, attend virtual tours and events to get a feel for each school. Keep notes on each school you visit to help you make an informed decision when it comes time to apply.

Start preparing today!

HSPT
Webinars

Originally published on May 9, 2023. Updated on March 2, 2026.

The post Applying to Independent Schools: Spring Newsletter appeared first on 91.

]]> What To Expect on the Enhanced ACT Math Test (2026) /blog/act-math/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:50:17 +0000 /?p=18755 The ACT Math section is the second required section of the enhanced ACT, immediately following English. Example of an ACT Math question from 91’ free sample practice test The ACT Math Section at a Glance You’ll have 50 minutes to answer 45 multiple-choice questions. The test is arranged by difficulty, meaning you’ll find the […]

The post What To Expect on the Enhanced ACT Math Test (2026) appeared first on 91.

]]>

The ACT Math section is the second required section of the enhanced ACT, immediately following English.

Example of an ACT Math question from 91' free sample test.
Example of an ACT Math question from 91' free sample practice test

The ACT Math Section at a Glance

You’ll have 50 minutes to answer 45 multiple-choice questions. The test is arranged by difficulty, meaning you’ll find the more straightforward questions at the beginning and the most complex problems toward the end.

Calculators are permitted as long as they adhere to the official . If you’re taking the ACT online, you’ll also have access to a built-in calculator within the testing platform.

Scored vs. Unscored Questions: While you’ll see 45 questions total, only 41 count toward your score. The remaining four are part of the Embedded Field Test, unscored questions that ACT is trying out for future exams. These questions are woven into the section and are impossible to spot. Because you won’t know which is which, you should approach every problem as if it were scored.

ACT Math Topics and Skills Tested

The enhanced ACT Math section tests the same content and skills as the legacy version, but the distribution of questions has shifted. The test is split into two primary reporting categories:

  • Preparing for Higher Mathematics (80%): This category covers the more advanced math typically taught in high school.
  • Integrating Essential Skills (20%): This category focuses on foundational concepts like ratios, percentages, and basic area or volume. These questions often require you to pull from multiple skill sets to solve a single problem.

Modeling: In addition to the categories above, at least 20% of the questions are also classified as Modeling. This isn’t a separate list of topics. It’s a secondary label for questions involving mathematical models.

Preparing for Higher Mathematics (PHM)

This category represents the bulk of the test, accounting for 80% of your scored questions. It is broken down into five subcategories that cover typical high school math topics:

  • Algebra: 17–20% (approximately 7-8 questions)
  • Functions: 17–20% (approximately 7-8 questions)
  • Geometry: 17–20% (approximately 7-8 questions)
  • Statistics and Probability: 12–15% (approximately 5-6 questions)
  • Number and Quantity: 10–12% (approximately 4-5 questions)

Integrating Essential Skills (IES)

This category focuses on foundational mathematics and accounts for 20% of your scored questions. These questions are designed to test your problem-solving depth rather than simple recall.

Modeling (MDL)

Modeling is a secondary classification that applies to at least 20% of the questions in the Math section. These items are woven into the categories above and involve mathematical representations of real-world scenarios. Because these questions are cross-coded, a single problem can belong to both PHM and MDL, or both IES and MDL.

What’s New on the Enhanced ACT Math Test?

The enhanced ACT Math section includes several structural updates designed to reduce the pacing pressure of the exam. The goal of these changes is to ensure the test measures your mathematical reasoning rather than your test-taking speed:

  • Fewer questions to answer, more time to think: By reducing the section to 45 questions in 50 minutes, you now have an average of 67 seconds per question (up from 60 seconds).
  • Fewer answer choices: Each math question now has 4 answer choices instead of 5 answer choices.
  • Fewer real-world context questions: The ACT has significantly reduced the number of word problems. You will see more questions that allow you to jump right into calculations, further reducing the reading burden on the section.

Your Guide to the Enhanced ACT

This post is part of our comprehensive series on the 2025/2026 ACT updates. Explore our guides for every section of the new test:

Sources

ACT. . February 2026.

ACT Math Practice

Get ready for the enhanced ACT Math Test with full-length practice tests and hundreds of dedicated ACT Math practice questions.

Explore ACT 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 What To Expect on the Enhanced ACT Math Test (2026) appeared first on 91.

]]> 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 […]

The post Test Prep Tips: How to Improve Your Pacing appeared first on 91.

]]>

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 91 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.

  • 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.

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.

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).

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.

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 91, 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.

HSPT
ACT
PSAT
SAT

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 Test Prep Tips: How to Improve Your Pacing appeared first on 91.

]]>