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-thumb.webp
ACT
13 Apr 2022
2
min read

Overview of the ACT Science Section

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.

teenage-student-studies-at-desk-in-classroom-thumb.webp
PSAT
12 Apr 2022
4
min read

Developing a PSAT Strategy

Learn about the PSAT test format, structure, and question types. Access links to information about PSAT results and National Merit Scholarship qualifications.

young-adults-studying-together-at-a-cafe-table-thumb.webp
SAT
Preparing for College
12 Feb 2022
9
min read

Junior Year SAT Testing Timeline

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

teenage-student-studies-at-desk-in-classroom-600x400.webp
SAT
10 Feb 2022
1
min read

SAT Cancellation - What to do if the weather is looking grim

The SAT could be cancelled/postponed because of weather or other local emergencies. Learn about SAT cancellation policies and notification procedures.

teen-girl-reading-in-a-library-stacking-books-thumb.webp
PSAT
12 Jan 2022
3
min read

Why the PSAT Matters

Learn about the PSAT test format, structure, and question types. Access links to information about PSAT results and National Merit Scholarship qualifications.

focused-young-girl-writing-in-a-sunny-classroom-600x400.webp
Expert Advice
College Selection
02 Nov 2021
2
min read

What are the most important factors to consider in choosing between small, medium and big schools?

How important is the size of a school? See what College Admissions Experts say are the most important factors to consider in choosing between small and big schools?

woman-studying-books-with-a-tablet-computer-600x400.webp
SSAT & ISEE
21 Sep 2021
1
min read

SSAT Test Day

Be prepared for SSAT test day! Access a list of items to bring with you on SSAT test day.

woman-writes-in-notebook-at-wooden-desk-thumb.webp
SAT
08 Sep 2021
2
min read

SAT History - The evolution of the SAT

Overview of the history of the SAT, including the changes made to the test in March 2005. Find links to SAT format and question info and test dates.

completing-examination-form-with-pencil-on-white-s-thumb.webp
PSAT
16 Aug 2021
1
min read

PSAT Registration - The Basics

Overview of the PSAT registration process. Find links to PSAT test dates and test information, including details about test format, questions, and scoring.

teenage-student-studies-at-desk-in-classroom-thumb.webp
College Applications
Preparing for College
14 Aug 2021
3
min read

High School Student Leadership: How to Stand Out in Your College Applications

Taking on leadership roles in high school is a great way to distinguish yourself from other college applicants. Learn when and how to pursue leadership roles.

teen-girl-reading-in-a-library-stacking-books-600x400.webp
PSAT
03 Aug 2021
1
min read

PSAT Score Range

Find information about the PSAT score range, and access additional information about the PSAT test, format, and question types.

woman-writes-in-notebook-at-wooden-desk-thumb.webp
ACT
19 Jul 2021
2
min read

ACT Scoring - How ACT Test Scoring Works

The ACT has a unique scoring structure that is different than many of the exams students take in school. It also differs significantly from the SAT.

A black-and-white photo of the historic iron arch at the entrance of the University of Georgia, surrounded by trees and topped with globe lights, with prominent lens flares across the frame.
College Profiles
South

Athens, GA

University of Georgia

Discover the University of Georgia in Athens—top-ranked academics, diverse programs, vibrant campus life, and strong research and leadership opportunities.

View profile
Aerial view of a snowy university campus at sunrise, featuring red-brick buildings with white roofs and a prominent quad leading to a distant domed building.
College Profiles
Midwest

Champaign, IL

University of Illinois

Discover the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign—top-ranked public research, 250+ programs, diverse campus, and leading facilities for student success.

View profile
A low-angle view of the University of Iowa Old Capitol building with its golden dome under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds, alongside a stone building on the right and green trees.
College Profiles
Midwest

Iowa City, IA

University of Iowa

Discover the University of Iowa, a top public research university in Iowa City, offering acclaimed programs in writing, health sciences, engineering, and business.

View profile
An aerial dusk view of a university campus roundabout and a large brick building with illuminated windows, surrounded by glowing streetlights and light trails from moving cars.
College Profiles
North

College Park, MD

University of Maryland

Discover the University of Maryland, a top public research university near Washington, D.C., offering diverse programs, innovation, and vibrant campus life.

View profile
Aerial view of the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami, surrounded by palm trees, flags, and campus greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
College Profiles
South

Coral Gables, FL

University of Miami

Discover the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL—renowned for top programs, diverse campus life, research, and hands-on learning opportunities.

View profile
A view through a stone-arched Gothic corridor looking out toward a sunny courtyard with trees and a building in the background.
College Profiles
Midwest

Ann Arbor, MI

University of Michigan

Discover the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor: top-ranked public research university offering 275+ degree programs, diverse campus life, and global opportunities.

View profile
A stone university building framed by colorful autumn foliage, including bright yellow ginkgo leaves and vibrant red and orange maple leaves, with a large red banner hanging on the facade.
College Profiles
Midwest

Minneapolis, MN

University of Minnesota

Discover the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, a top public research university offering diverse programs, vibrant campus life, and strong industry connections.

View profile
Aerial view of a university campus at sunset, featuring a prominent brick clock tower surrounded by academic buildings and trees bathed in golden light.
College Profiles
South

Chapel Hill, NC

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Discover the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—top-ranked public university offering diverse programs, vibrant campus life, and renowned research.

View profile
Nighttime exterior view of Snyder Hall, featuring a light-colored multi-story facade, warm interior lighting, and a prominent semi-circular two-story portico with white columns at the entrance.
College Profiles
West

Greeley, CO

University of Northern Colorado

Discover the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, offering diverse programs, expert faculty, hands-on learning, and a vibrant campus community.

View profile
Exterior view of a historic red brick building with ornate architectural details, arched windows, and a turret-like tower against a pale sky.
College Profiles
North

Philadelphia, PA

University of Pennsylvania

Discover the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League leader in academics, research, and innovation, offering diverse programs and a vibrant campus in Philadelphia.

View profile
The upper portion of the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh against a gradient sunset sky ranging from orange near the horizon to light blue at the top.
College Profiles
North

Pittsburgh, PA

University of Pittsburgh

Discover the University of Pittsburgh, a top public research university offering diverse programs, innovative research, and vibrant campus life in Pennsylvania.

View profile
A brick collegiate Gothic-style building with a central bell tower, surrounded by green lawns and walkways under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
College Profiles
South

Richmond, VA

University of Richmond

Discover the University of Richmond: small class sizes, dedicated faculty, strong outcomes, vibrant campus life, NCAA Division I sports, and top value.

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