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 tall stone tower with arched windows stands against a clear blue sky, flanked by bare tree branches on the left, green pine trees in the center, and a vibrant red autumn tree on the right.
College Profiles
North

Philadelphia, PA

St. Joseph’s University

Discover Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia—offering 270+ programs, hands-on learning, and a vibrant campus community rooted in Jesuit values.

View profile
A large multi-story red brick building with a clock tower and slate roof stands behind a cobblestone courtyard under a partly cloudy blue sky.
College Profiles
North

Canton, NY

St. Lawrence

Discover St. Lawrence University: 48 majors, 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 94% job placement, vibrant campus life, and strong alumni support in New York.

View profile
Exterior view of the Charles B. Wang Center with gray geometric architecture, a red-framed glass entrance, and a tall metallic sculptural tower in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
College Profiles
North

Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook

Discover SUNY Stony Brook, New York’s top public university, offering 300+ programs, renowned research, expert faculty, and a vibrant campus community.

View profile
Students relaxing on a green lawn in front of a large historic stone college building with a central cupola under a clear blue sky.
College Profiles
North

Swarthmore, PA

Swarthmore

Discover Swarthmore College, a top liberal arts school in Pennsylvania offering 40+ majors, a renowned Honors Program, and Tri-College Consortium access.

View profile
A historic stone building featuring a prominent round tower is illuminated by warm orange lights at night, with dark tree silhouettes visible in the foreground.
College Profiles
North

Syracuse, NY

Syracuse

Explore Syracuse University in New York—offering 200+ majors, top programs in communications, business, and engineering, and a vibrant campus community.

View profile
Red banners featuring the Temple University 'T' logo hang over a city street intersection at Norris St and Broad St.
College Profiles
North

Philadelphia, PA

Temple

Explore Temple University in Philadelphia—offering 500+ programs, diverse campus life, top-ranked academics, and strong career connections in a vibrant city.

View profile
Exterior view of a large stadium featuring a maroon scoreboard with the letters "ATM" and American flags lining the upper rim at sunset.
College Profiles
West

College Station, TX

Texas A&M

Discover Texas A&M University in College Station—renowned for research, diverse programs, strong traditions, and a vibrant campus life for students.

View profile
A Pembroke Welsh Corgi wearing a purple and white jersey sits on a green field in front of two people.
College Profiles
West

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Christian

Discover Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX—offering diverse programs, small classes, NCAA Division I sports, and a vibrant, inclusive campus community.

View profile
A black and white photograph of a large Gothic-style stone church with a tall bell tower and pointed spires, framed by silhouetted tree branches and a flag pole.
College Profiles
North

Hartford, CT

Trinity

Discover Trinity College in Hartford, CT—renowned for rigorous academics, vibrant campus life, diverse majors, strong civic engagement, and accessible financial aid.

View profile
Two people walk along a snow-covered brick pathway between college buildings under an overcast sky.
College Profiles
North

Medford, MA

Tufts

Discover Tufts University in Massachusetts—renowned for rigorous academics, research, global focus, and vibrant campus life for diverse, engaged students.

View profile
A large historic brick building featuring a classical columned portico and triangular pediment, viewed across a lawn and parking lot with trees on either side.
College Profiles
South

New Orleans, LA

Tulane

Explore Tulane University in New Orleans—renowned for rigorous academics, research, vibrant campus life, and strong public service commitment.

View profile
A view of Sather Tower (The Campanile) at UC Berkeley framed by surrounding trees and buildings under a clear blue sky.
College Profiles
West

Berkeley, CA

UC Berkeley

Discover UC Berkeley, a top-ranked public research university in California offering diverse programs, renowned faculty, and vibrant campus life.

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