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 low-angle exterior view of a stone church with two tall spires and a green roof under a clear blue sky, partially obscured by green trees in the foreground.
College Profiles
North

Brunswick, ME

Bowdoin

Explore Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME—renowned for liberal arts, innovative programs, research, and a vibrant, inclusive campus community.

View profile
Aerial view of a university campus and surrounding residential area, showing campus buildings, roads, and a sports field.
College Profiles
North

Waltham, MA

Brandeis

Discover Brandeis University in Waltham, MA—renowned for research, social justice, diverse programs, experiential learning, and a vibrant campus community.

View profile
A modern brick and glass building on the Brigham Young University campus in Provo, Utah, partially obscured by bright pink blossoms, with the Wasatch Mountains and the white "Y" symbol in the background.
College Profiles
West

Provo, UT

Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah offers 180+ majors, affordable tuition, strong academics, and a values-based campus community for student success.

View profile
A wide shot of a large brick university building behind a green lawn with trees on either side, with a person standing on the lawn in the foreground.
College Profiles
North

Providence, RI

Brown

Explore Brown University in Providence, RI—an Ivy League leader with an Open Curriculum, diverse programs, and a collaborative, inclusive campus environment.

View profile
A modern multi-story brown brick building with large windows stands behind a small pond surrounded by grassy lawns, trees, and a brick pathway under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
College Profiles
North

Smithfield, RI

Bryant

Explore Bryant University in Rhode Island—innovative programs, top ROI, 98% career placement, Division I athletics, and vibrant campus life.

View profile
A stone sign reading "Bryn Mawr College" with a historic brick and shingle building and green trees in the background on a sunny day.
College Profiles
North

Bryn Mawr, PA

Bryn Mawr

Discover Bryn Mawr College, a top women’s liberal arts school in Pennsylvania offering rigorous academics, diverse majors, and Tri-College Consortium access.

View profile
A brick building with a white clock tower, featuring a large clock face and multiple arched and rectangular windows.
College Profiles
North

Lewisburg, PA

Bucknell

Bucknell University offers top-ranked liberal arts, engineering, and management programs, 93% career placement, and a $73K average starting salary.

View profile
Water fountain in front of the Gates-Theodore Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology with five dropper bottles in the foreground.
College Profiles
West

Pasadena, CA

California Institute of Technology

Discover Caltech, a top private research university in Pasadena, CA, renowned for science, engineering, low student-to-faculty ratio, and innovation.

View profile
Low-angle shot of a tall stone tower with large Gothic-style arched windows against a partly cloudy blue sky, partially framed by vibrant green leafy branches in the foreground.
College Profiles
Midwest

Northfield, MN

Carleton

Discover Carleton College in Minnesota—renowned for rigorous academics, small classes, 30+ majors, and a vibrant, supportive campus community.

View profile
A daytime view of a modern beige campus building with large windows under a bright blue sky, bordered by a green lawn and trees.
College Profiles
North

Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon

Discover Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA—renowned for top programs in computer science, engineering, business, arts, and research innovation.

View profile
Low-angle exterior view of a modern, curvaceous building with a shimmering silver and bronze metallic panel facade and large glass entrance windows under a clear blue sky.
College Profiles
Midwest

Cleveland, OH

Case Western

Discover Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH—renowned for research, experiential learning, diverse programs, and strong industry partnerships.

View profile
Aerial view of a college campus courtyard featuring a rectangular fountain, paved walkways, landscaped planters, large trees including one with reddish foliage, and people gathered in the distance.
College Profiles
West

Claremont, CA

Claremont McKenna

Claremont McKenna College in California offers rigorous academics, small classes, and leadership-focused programs within the Claremont Colleges consortium.

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