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.
teenage-girl-taking-an-exam-in-classroom-thumb.webp
ACT
14 May 2024
10
min read

ACT Math

Visit to learn more about the ACT math section. You can access information on the test, sample questions, and a Free ACT Practice Test.

young-woman-studying-at-desk-in-classroom-thumb.webp
ACT
15 Apr 2024
1
min read

How to Get Your ACT Score Report

Visit for information on how to get your ACT score, as well as a detailed explanation of how to read and interpret your ACT score information report.

young-woman-studying-with-laptop-and-notebooks-thumb.webp
Preparing for College
29 Feb 2024
5
min read

Junior Summer: What to Do the Summer After Junior Year

Wondering what your child should be doing to get ready for senior year? Read our guide to junior summer activities!

young-woman-studying-with-laptop-and-notebooks-600x400.webp
SAT
25 Feb 2024
3
min read

What Are Good SAT Scores?

Wondering whether your SAT scores are good enough? Find out what good SAT scores are and how your scores compare to those of students at several popular colleges.

young-female-student-focused-on-reading-a-book-in-thumb.webp
College Selection
Expert Advice
20 Feb 2024
3
min read

What is the most important factor in selecting a school?

What is the most important factor in selecting a school? See what our College Admissions Experts have to say.

young-woman-studying-with-laptop-and-notebooks-thumb.webp
ACT
09 Feb 2024
9
min read

ACT Writing Test: What is it and should your child take it?

The ACT Writing test is an optional section of the ACT. Learn about this section of the exam and how to assess whether your child should take it.

woman-studying-books-with-a-tablet-computer-thumb.webp
ACT
26 Jan 2024
2
min read

PreACT

Find basic information about the PLAN test, including details about PLAN test length, question types, and scoring.

woman-writes-in-notebook-at-wooden-desk-thumb.webp
Guidance Counselors
22 Jan 2024
4
min read

Getting to Know Your School Counselor

Learn why students should begin working with a guidance counselor during sophomore year to get a head start on college applications.

young-woman-studying-at-desk-in-classroom-600x400.webp
Preparing for College
Expert Advice
07 Dec 2023
5
min read

How should I prioritize my extra-curricular activities?

What do College Admissions Experts say is most important when choosing extracurricular activities why applying to college?

focused-young-girl-writing-in-a-sunny-classroom-600x400.webp
College Applications
Expert Advice
16 Nov 2023
6
min read

What impresses Admissions Officers most in an application?

What impresses Admissions Officers most in an college application? Grades? Essays? Extra-curriculars? Find out what our College Admissions Experts say.

young-child-learning-and-studying-together-indoors-thumb.webp
ACT
14 Nov 2023
1
min read

The ACT Test: Format, Timing & Question Types

General information about the ACT and its format. Learn about the questions types and how the test is structured. Access a Free ACT Practice Test

teen-girl-reading-in-a-library-stacking-books-thumb.webp
College Applications
Expert Advice
24 Oct 2023
4
min read

College Admissions Interviews: What to be prepared for?

How do I prepare for a College Interview? What questions should I be ready for? See what our College Admissions Experts have to say.

Low-angle, close-up shot of the Duke University Chapel tower during sunset, showing its Gothic architecture, stone masonry, tall stained-glass windows, and intricate spires illuminated by warm golden light against a clear pale sky.
College Profiles
South

Durham, NC

Duke

Discover Duke University in Durham, NC—renowned for rigorous academics, innovative research, vibrant campus life, and a diverse, supportive community.

View profile
A brick pathway leads to Showalter Hall, a historic brick building on the campus of Eastern Washington University, surrounded by bare trees and green lawns under an overcast sky.
College Profiles
West

Cheney, WA

Eastern Washington University

Explore Eastern Washington University—offering 90+ programs, affordable tuition, strong career support, and hands-on learning in a vibrant campus setting.

View profile
A large two-story brick building with arched windows and a central entrance, situated on a green lawn with trees and a paved walkway under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
College Profiles
South

Elon, NC

Elon

Explore Elon University in North Carolina—renowned for experiential learning, small classes, global programs, and strong student-faculty mentoring.

View profile
Exterior view of a building with a red-tiled roof and light-colored stone walls, featuring arched windows and decorative round inlays, framed by bright orange autumn foliage on the right.
College Profiles
South

Atlanta, GA

Emory

Explore Emory University in Atlanta—prestigious academics, diverse programs, vibrant campus life, and strong research partnerships, including the CDC.

View profile
A decorative wooden village sign for Fordham, featuring carved figures of a horse and rider on top, set against a backdrop of trees and sky.
College Profiles
North

Bronx, NY

Fordham

Discover Fordham University in NYC—private Jesuit education, diverse programs, vibrant campuses, strong alumni network, and a focus on ethical leadership.

View profile
College Profiles
North

Lancaster, PA

Franklin and Marshall

Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA offers rigorous academics, 9:1 student-faculty ratio, hands-on learning, scholarships, and full-need financial aid.

View profile
Street-level view of colorful row houses in the foreground with the historic Gothic-style Healy Hall and its clock tower on the Georgetown University campus in the background under an overcast sky.
College Profiles
North

Washington, DC

Georgetown

Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. offers top-ranked programs, diverse campus life, and unmatched access to internships and global opportunities.

View profile
A symmetrical red brick building with a tall central tower stands at the end of a brick pathway, surrounded by a green grassy courtyard and lush trees under an overcast sky.
College Profiles
North

Washington, DC

George Washington

George Washington University in Washington, D.C. offers top programs in international affairs, business, and public health with strong internship opportunities.

View profile
A multi-story red brick building with a central tower and arched windows, viewed behind bare winter trees and a staircase leading up to the main entrance.
College Profiles
South

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Tech

Explore Georgia Tech, a top public research university in Atlanta offering renowned programs in engineering, computing, business, and sciences.

View profile
Exterior view of the historic brick Hamilton Theater building, featuring large arched windows, white double doors at the entrance, and vertical blue banners flanking the doorway.
College Profiles
North

Clinton, NY

Hamilton

Explore Hamilton College in Clinton, NY—renowned for its open curriculum, 50+ majors, hands-on research, and inclusive, student-centered campus experience.

View profile
A daytime view of the brick buildings of Harvard University across a snowy bank and the Charles River under a clear blue sky.
College Profiles
North

Cambridge, MA

Harvard

Discover Harvard College—America’s oldest university—offering top academics, diverse majors, renowned faculty, and vibrant campus life in Cambridge, MA.

View profile
A curved stone sign reading "HARVEY MUDD COLLEGE" on a grassy lawn with a modern building and foliage in the background under a clear blue sky.
College Profiles
West

Claremont, CA

Harvey Mudd

Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA offers top STEM programs, hands-on learning, and a collaborative community for students seeking academic excellence.

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