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.
young-female-student-focused-on-reading-a-book-in-thumb.webp
Expert Advice
Essays
25 Aug 2022
3
min read

What is the best way to write a really unique essay?

How do you write College Essays and make them really strong and unique? Find out what the College Admissions Experts have to say.

young-woman-studying-at-desk-in-classroom-thumb.webp
SAT
22 Aug 2022
9
min read

Sending SAT Scores: It's essential to understand the SAT score reporting policy

The SAT Score Choice policy has some important fine print. Visit to learn more about sending SAT scores and how to avoid common mistakes.

teenage-girl-taking-an-exam-in-classroom-thumb.webp
College Applications
Expert Advice
12 Aug 2022
5
min read

Early Admissions: How does it work and how should I approach it?

There seem to be many different forms of early admissions, can you clarify them for me? What factors should I use to determine whether early admissions is right

thoughtful-young-woman-studying-at-desk-indoors-thumb.webp
SSAT & ISEE
11 Aug 2022
1
min read

The SSAT: A look at the test's format, structure, and question types

Learn about the SSAT format, structure, and question types. Access links to SSAT information and resources.

thoughtful-young-woman-studying-at-desk-indoors-thumb.webp
PSAT
09 Aug 2022
2
min read

PSAT Score Reports - When & How to Get PSAT Scores

Waiting for your PSAT results? Learn when and how to get your PSAT scores. Access additional information online once you have your PSAT results.

young-female-student-focused-on-reading-a-book-in-thumb.webp
SAT
21 Jun 2022
0
min read

SAT Test Day - What to bring on test day

Information on what you can and cannot bring to the SAT on test day, as well as suggestions that will help you perform at your best.

young-woman-studying-at-desk-in-classroom-thumb.webp
ACT
Preparing for College
13 Jun 2022
2
min read

Junior Year ACT Testing Timeline

Prepare for the ACT with our expert act tutors. Individualized, 1-on-1 act test prep with StudyPoint.

young-female-student-focused-on-reading-a-book-in-600x400.webp
SAT
09 Jun 2022
1
min read

SAT Registration - The Basics

Overview of the SAT registration options and process. Find links to late registration and standby testing info, as well as free SAT resources.

teenage-student-studies-at-desk-in-classroom-thumb.webp
SAT
College Applications
02 Jun 2022
6
min read

SAT Score Choice: Understanding how Score Choice affects your child's college applications

Unsure whether or not to take advantage of the SAT's Score Choice policy? Learn what score choice means for your child's college applications.

young-adults-studying-together-at-a-cafe-table-thumb.webp
College Applications
29 May 2022
3
min read

Early Action Vs. Early Decision

Confused by early application options? Learn the difference between early action and early decision and what they mean for your child's college applications.

completing-examination-form-with-pencil-on-white-s-thumb.webp
SAT
25 May 2022
9
min read

Canceling SAT Scores

If your child feels like the SAT didn't go well, you have options. Visit to learn more about cancelling your SAT scores before they go to colleges.

woman-writes-in-notebook-at-wooden-desk-thumb.webp
SAT
ACT
17 May 2022
3
min read

Retake the SAT & ACT: The Benefits of Testing Multiple Times

Not sure whether you should retake the SAT or ACT? Learn why it makes sense for most students to take the exam a second time.

A large, historic stone building featuring Gothic architecture, pointed arch windows, a turret, and a cross on the roof peak, surrounded by green trees under a cloudy sky.
College Profiles
North

Villanova, PA

Villanova

Discover Villanova University near Philadelphia, offering top academics, strong research, and a 98% NCAA graduation rate across six distinguished colleges.

View profile
Bright pink and reddish roses bloom in the foreground with a historic gray stone collegiate building and tower in the background on a sunny day.
College Profiles
South

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Tech

Explore Virginia Tech, a top public research university in Blacksburg, VA, offering leading programs in engineering, architecture, business, and sciences.

View profile
A large crowd gathered in front of Wait Chapel at Wake Forest University, with trees in the foreground covered in rolls of white toilet paper.
College Profiles
South

Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest

Discover Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC—11:1 student-faculty ratio, 250+ organizations, 97% grad success, and 85% study abroad participation.

View profile
A daytime wide shot of a campus with red brick buildings, green trees, and a tall clock tower under a clear blue sky.
College Profiles
West

Pullman, WA

Washington State University

Explore Washington State University in Pullman, WA—renowned for research, diverse programs, hands-on learning, and a vibrant campus community.

View profile
Exterior view of a historic castle-like stone building with towers, an arched entrance, and flags on top, surrounded by green lawns and red brick pathways.
College Profiles
Midwest

St. Louis, MO

Washington University

Discover Washington University in St. Louis—prestigious academics, diverse programs, vibrant campus life, and strong research in a collaborative environment.

View profile
A pond or wetland area surrounded by dense green trees and tall reeds under a partly cloudy sky.
College Profiles
North

Wellesley, MA

Wellesley

Discover Wellesley College, a top women’s liberal arts school in Massachusetts offering rigorous academics, diverse majors, and a strong alumnae network.

View profile
A view of a college campus green featuring historic brownstone and red-brick buildings under a blue sky with scattered white clouds.
College Profiles
North

Middletown, CT

Wesleyan

Discover Wesleyan University in Connecticut—offering 47 majors, 1,000+ courses, an open curriculum, and a vibrant, inclusive campus community.

View profile
A large multi-story stone building stands before a grassy lawn, with a tall, castle-like stone chapel nestled among lush green trees on a hill in the background.
College Profiles
North

West Point, NY

West Point

Discover West Point, a top U.S. Military Academy in New York offering rigorous academics, leadership training, and preparation for Army officer service.

View profile
A large historic brick building with a central cupola and multiple chimneys is viewed behind a white picket fence and bare tree branches.
College Profiles
South

Williamsburg, VA

William and Mary

Discover William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA—historic campus, rigorous academics, small classes, diverse programs, and strong student-faculty community.

View profile
College Profiles
North

Williamstown, MA

Williams College

Discover Williams College in Massachusetts—top-ranked liberal arts, small classes, all-grant financial aid, vibrant campus life, and stunning Berkshires setting.

View profile
A brick academic building with white-framed windows and a central green door, framed by autumn foliage including trees with yellow and orange leaves and red bushes.
College Profiles
North

Worcester, MA

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Discover Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a top STEM university offering hands-on learning, strong career outcomes, and a vibrant campus life.

View profile
A stone Gothic-style tower rises behind lush green trees, with a large decorative clock face visible near the top.
College Profiles
North

New Haven, CT

Yale

Discover Yale University in New Haven, CT—an Ivy League leader offering top academic programs, renowned faculty, and a vibrant, supportive campus community.

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