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.

The official seal of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), featuring a circular bronze plaque with an artisan holding a hammer at an anvil and a scholar reading a book, surrounded by the text "MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY", "SCIENCE AND ARTS", "1861", and "MENS ET MANUS".
College Profiles
North

Cambridge, MA

MIT

Discover MIT, a top-ranked research university in Cambridge, MA, offering innovative programs in science, engineering, and technology since 1861.

View profile
A tall Gothic-style brownstone tower rises above a green campus lawn, surrounded by lush green trees and a red-leaved tree in the foreground under a clear blue sky.
College Profiles
North

South Hadley, MA

Mount Holyoke

Discover Mount Holyoke College, a top liberal arts school in Massachusetts offering 50+ majors, a diverse community, and a historic 800-acre campus.

View profile
A brick sign reading "Northeastern University" in the foreground with the Krentzman Quadrangle and main university building under a cloudy sky in the background.
College Profiles
North

Boston, MA

Northeastern

Discover Northeastern University in Boston, offering top-ranked programs, global co-op experiences, and innovative research in a vibrant urban setting.

View profile
A modern glass and steel building behind a row of green trees with a body of bright turquoise water in the foreground.
College Profiles
Midwest

Evanston, IL

Northwestern

Discover Northwestern University in Evanston, IL—renowned for rigorous academics, innovative research, and diverse experiential learning opportunities.

View profile
A daytime exterior shot of the Main Building at the University of Notre Dame featuring its iconic golden dome under a clear blue sky, surrounded by green lawns, trees with early autumn foliage, and a blue and gold "ND" banner on the facade.
College Profiles
Midwest

Notre Dame, IN

Notre Dame

Discover the University of Notre Dame—top Catholic research university in Indiana, offering rigorous academics, vibrant campus life, and strong traditions.

View profile
Low-angle shot of the tall red brick NYU Law building against a bright blue sky, featuring rows of large windows and purple NYU banners hanging from the exterior.
College Profiles
North

New York, NY

NYU

Explore New York University (NYU), a top private research university in NYC offering 270+ programs, global campuses, and renowned schools like Tisch and Stern.

View profile
Low-angle view of a multi-story building with a Gothic-revival or Brutalist precast concrete facade, vertical window mullions, and surrounding trees and shrubs.
College Profiles
Midwest

Oberlin, OH

Oberlin

Discover Oberlin College, a top Midwest liberal arts school with a renowned Conservatory, diverse programs, and a commitment to inclusion and sustainability.

View profile
Exterior view of the Stanley and Mary W. Johnson Student Center at Occidental College, featuring Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with a distinctive bell tower, arched colonnade, tile roof, and surrounding greenery.
College Profiles
West

Los Angeles, CA

Occidental

Explore Occidental College in Los Angeles—renowned for rigorous academics, small classes, diverse programs, and hands-on research in a vibrant urban setting.

View profile
A low-angle, eye-level shot capturing the corner perspective of a modern multi-story glass and steel building featuring uniform vertical windows with sunshades against a pale sky.
College Profiles
Midwest

Columbus, OH

Ohio State

Explore Ohio State University-Columbus, a top public research institution offering diverse programs, vibrant campus life, and innovative student opportunities.

View profile
A brick building with a white clock tower, framed by green trees and leaves under a bright sky.
College Profiles
Midwest

Athens, OH

Ohio University

Ohio University in Athens, Ohio offers diverse programs, vibrant campus life, research opportunities, and a strong focus on sustainability and student success.

View profile
Old Main at Penn State University illuminated at dusk against a blue twilight sky, flanked by trees.
College Profiles
North

University Park, PA

Penn State

Discover Penn State, a top-ranked public research university with 20+ campuses, $1.44B in research, global alumni, and strong career outcomes.

View profile
A large concrete sign reading "Pepperdine University" stands on a grassy lawn with trees and hills in the background.
College Profiles
West

Malibu, CA

Pepperdine

Discover Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA—private Christian university offering diverse programs, small classes, and global opportunities on a scenic campus.

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