The StudyPoint Blog

Clear answers for every test, deadline, and decision

Guides for parents and students on the SAT, ACT, PSAT, private school entrance exams, and college admissions.

Browse by topic

Choose one or more topics

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
completing-examination-form-with-pencil-on-white-s-600x400.webp
SSAT & ISEE
03 Nov 2024
1
min read

SSAT Registration: How to register for the SSAT

SSAT registration options include online and mail/fax registration. Learn how to register and view regular and late SSAT registration deadlines.

thoughtful-young-woman-studying-at-desk-indoors-thumb.webp
College Selection
11 Oct 2024
3
min read

College Search for Student-Athletes: Initial Steps

A student athlete needs to approach the college search process differently than other students. Learn how to find the best academic, athletic, and social college match.

close-up-of-a-student-writing-with-a-pen-in-a-brig-thumb.webp
Preparing for College
04 Oct 2024
3
min read

Testing Accommodations: A How-to Guide

If your child receives special accommodations in school, he or she is likely entitled to special testing accommodations for the SAT, ACT, & PSAT. Learn what you need to do.

young-woman-studying-with-laptop-and-notebooks-thumb.webp
Expert Advice
Preparing for College
02 Oct 2024
2
min read

Summer Vacation for Incoming Juniors: What action should I take?

Many say the junior year is the most important for college admissions. What should students do over the summer to help prepare for this year?

students-studying-during-a-class-at-school-600x400.webp
Expert Advice
College Selection
03 Sep 2024
2
min read

College Visits: What should I ask?

When doing College Visits, what questions should you ask? What should you look for?

thoughtful-young-woman-studying-at-desk-indoors-600x400.webp
ACT
28 Aug 2024
4
min read

Upcoming ACT Test Changes: What's Changing and When?

Changes are coming to the ACT in 2025 and 2026! Read on for specifics about what the changes will entail and when the changes will be implemented.

young-adults-studying-together-at-a-cafe-table-thumb.webp
ACT
19 Aug 2024
1
min read

ACT Registration Fees

Learn how to register for the ACT. Access free information and resources on taking and succeeding on the ACT. Download a free ACT Practice Test.

students-studying-during-a-class-at-school-thumb.webp
Supporting Your Student
16 Aug 2024
1
min read

Tutoring results = happier parents

Every week, I hear great stories about how our tutoring helps kids improve academically or score higher on admissions tests. While I try not to use our blog as a forum for patting ourselves on the back, it is fun and gratifying to hear from satisfied customers, like these:

students-studying-together-in-a-classroom-2-thumb.webp
AP Classes
12 Aug 2024
3
min read

AP Classes: To take or not to take?

For success in college admissions, there is no “magic number” of AP classes; it will depend on the individual student. Keep in mind though, that colleges will

teen-girl-reading-in-a-library-stacking-books-thumb.webp
SAT
ACT
11 Jul 2024
3
min read

SAT vs. ACT: Key differences between the SAT and ACT

Today's students can choose between these two college entrance exams. Learn how the SAT and ACT differ and which test may be the best fit for your student.

students-studying-during-a-class-at-school-thumb.webp
ACT
06 Jul 2024
2
min read

Overview of the ACT Reading Section

The ACT Info Center provides an overview of the ACT Reading section and the ACT in general. Access free resources and a free ACT Practice Test.

students-studying-during-a-class-at-school-thumb.webp
ACT
10 Jun 2024
2
min read

ACT Science

The ACT tests science skills in a unique way. Learn more about the ACT science test, access free resources, and download an ACT Practice Test.

A serene creek winds through a lush, green arboretum with dense trees and a small arched wooden footbridge in the background, illuminated by sunlight filtering through the canopy.
College Profiles
West

Davis, CA

UC Davis

Explore UC Davis, a top public research university in California known for academic excellence, diverse programs, and a leading veterinary medicine school.

View profile
A group of cyclists racing on a paved road under a bright sky, with motion blur indicating high speed.
College Profiles
West

Irvine, CA

UC Irvine

Discover UC Irvine, a top public research university in Southern California offering diverse programs, innovative research, and a vibrant, inclusive campus life.

View profile
A sunny outdoor view of Royce Hall at UCLA with its twin towers, Romanesque architecture, and brick facade, set against a blue sky with green lawns and trees where people are walking.
College Profiles
West

Los Angeles, CA

UCLA

Discover UCLA, a top public research university in Los Angeles offering diverse programs, vibrant campus life, and a global student community.

View profile
Geisel Library at UC San Diego against a clear blue sky, showcasing its brutalist architecture with tiered glass floors supported by angled concrete pillars.
College Profiles
West

La Jolla, CA

UC San Diego

Discover UC San Diego, a top-ranked public research university in La Jolla, CA, offering diverse programs, innovative research, and a unique college system.

View profile
Vibrant pink and orange bougainvillea flowers and green leaves against a clear blue sky.
College Profiles
West

Santa Barbara, CA

UC Santa Barbara

Discover UC Santa Barbara, a top public research university offering diverse programs, renowned faculty, and a vibrant coastal campus in California.

View profile
Aerial dusk view of the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus, featuring prominent high-rise buildings and surrounding landscape under a sunset sky.
College Profiles
North

Amherst, MA

UMass Amherst

Explore UMass Amherst, a top public research university in Massachusetts offering diverse programs, vibrant campus life, and Five College Consortium access.

View profile
A straight multi-lane street lined with green trees and a street sign reading "Stadium Dr" under a bright, sunny sky.
College Profiles
South

Tuscaloosa, AL

University of Alabama

Explore the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa—offering 200+ majors, top-ranked academics, vibrant campus life, and leading research opportunities.

View profile
A historic university building covered in autumn-colored ivy and surrounded by trees under warm sunlight.
College Profiles
Midwest

Chicago, IL

University of Chicago

Discover the University of Chicago—prestigious private research university offering rigorous academics, renowned faculty, and diverse urban opportunities.

View profile
A large stone building with red tile roofs and a dome stands on a grassy field, with a mountain range in the background.
College Profiles
West

Boulder, CO

University of Colorado

Discover the University of Colorado Boulder—top public research university offering diverse degrees, innovative programs, and a vibrant campus community.

View profile
Exterior view at night of the illuminated glass entrance to the UConn Stamford campus building, showing tables and chairs inside the lit lobby.
College Profiles
North

Storrs, CT

University of Connecticut

Discover the University of Connecticut, a top public research university offering diverse programs, vibrant campus life, and strong research opportunities.

View profile
Daytime exterior view of the University of Delaware campus featuring Memorial Hall with white columns and a cupola, a green lawn with a brick and stone fountain, and red-brick academic buildings under a clear blue sky.
College Profiles
North

Newark, DE

University of Delaware

Discover the University of Delaware in Newark—top-ranked research, diverse programs, vibrant campus life, and strong experiential learning opportunities.

View profile
A tall brick bell tower viewed from below against a cloudy sky, with palm trees framing the sides.
College Profiles
South

Gainesville, FL

University of Florida

Discover the University of Florida in Gainesville—offering 300+ degree programs, top research, vibrant campus life, and strong student support.

View profile
Parent reading a StudyPoint guide to college entrance exams on a laptop

Free guides for every step

Checklists, timelines, and in-depth guides to help your family plan ahead, from first test to final application.

Featured guide

StudyPoint's Parent's Guide to College Admissions

A timeline, key test dates, and the basics of the PSAT, SAT, and ACT, so your child starts the college search on the right foot.

Stay ahead of every deadline

Test dates, registration reminders, and new guides matched to your student's grade.

Your student's grade helps us send what's relevant to their year.

Thanks for subscribing. Look out for test dates and new guides in your inbox.
Something went wrong. Please check your email address and try again.
Students sitting side by side with notebooks and a laptop

Research colleges with confidence

Browse StudyPoint's College Profiles by location, size, setting, and more. Each profile covers admissions requirements, deadlines, and the SAT and ACT scores of admitted students.

Browse college profiles

Average score gains for StudyPoint students

Smiling student with arms crossed in a sunlit room

124+

avg. SAT® score increase

Explore SAT tutoring

+3.9

avg. ACT composite

Explore ACT tutoring