��Vlog: Test Prep Blog

7 Insider Tips to Help High School Underclassmen Succeed in AP Courses

2026-04-25T03:47:42.252322-04:00

As a sophomore juggling three Advanced Placement (AP) courses, I understand the difficulty of managing these upper-level classes as a high school underclassman. AP courses are an extra time and resource commitment, especially for underclassmen taking them as electives. APs can be doubly challenging for ninth and 10^th graders still adjusting to the rigor of traditional high school coursework. Many new high schoolers also feel intimidated taking classes with students two or three grade levels above them. However, succeeding in an AP course is doable with proper preparation, even as a freshman or sophomore. Here are seven tips I’ve learned through experience.

1. Don’t worry about the moniker

AP courses may be glorified by teachers and parents, but they range from truly difficult to somewhat easy courses. Some APs like Human Geography and Psychology are relatively easier compared to others and are perfectly manageable for underclassmen. Others like World History are already embedded in the honors sequence for most freshmen and sophomores. AP classes require hard work and dedication, no doubt, but the label itself is nothing to be afraid of.

2. Choose courses that suit your interests

Since taking AP courses isn’t expected as an underclassman, you have flexibility in choosing classes tailored to you as an individual. As a ninth grader, I took AP Environmental Science and loved it! Despite being known as a less rigorous AP option, the class opened up extracurricular opportunities and showed me what an AP course looks and feels like. Colleges appreciate seeing your personality reflected in your class schedule, and you’ll learn material more easily if you’re genuinely interested in it.

3. Swap contact info with your classmates

We all forget due dates or miss notes sometimes, but in an AP class, staying on track and meeting deadlines are essential. Unlike upperclassmen, underclassmen may not have friends in their AP courses to rely on in a pinch. Shy students may be reluctant to swap numbers with upperclassmen or text them with a question, but asking is ultimately worthwhile, so don’t be afraid to reach out.

4. Develop strong relationships with your teachers

As an underclassman, it’s crucial to maintain positive relationships with your AP subject teachers. APs are not the class to slack off in! Grading is almost always subjective, so friendly interactions with a teacher go a long way in ensuring academic success. These teachers can also serve as a source for future recommendations. Impressing an AP teacher as an underclassman is no small task, and since they usually teach advanced classes, you may have a chance to take another course with them in the future to further build your relationship.

5. Take advantage of class resources

Especially in an AP course, you should take advantage of any and all materials provided by your teacher. AP instructors want you to succeed, and most go above and beyond in creating helpful charts, guides, and packets that focus your studying where it’s most needed. I understand how annoying it can be to fill out organizer after organizer, but doing them will pay off by test time.

6. Focus on broader concepts

In my experience, the AP curriculum values developing a framework of analysis and understanding general topics more than memorizing insignificant details. Having a firm grasp of the material is important, but it’s most critical to use whatever information you remember to structure free responses and eliminate wrong choices. Obsessing over small details won’t help you score a 4 or 5 on your AP exam, but understanding the foundation of each unit will.

7. Prioritize your time

When choosing a more demanding high school schedule, you must learn to manage your time wisely and efficiently. Although AP courses vary in time commitment (History or Science APs generally require the most preparation at home), taking any AP involves putting in effort outside school hours. Balancing extracurriculars, APs, and regular classes can be difficult for upperclassmen, let alone 14- or 15-year-olds. You may have to choose which tasks to focus on, but to succeed in an AP, it’s essential to accept the consequences of your schedule and budget your energy where it matters most.

Taking an Advanced Placement course as a high school underclassman may seem intimidating, but success is possible. By developing good relationships in class, organizing your time and workload, and being open to the experience, you can get familiar with college-level learning and be prepared to take even more AP courses in the future to enhance your high school résumé.

Find even more tips for AP courses, high school academics, and more with Our Best Advice for Homework, Studying, and Tests.

5 of the Best Apps to Help You Study for Standardized Tests

2026-04-25T03:47:42.247382-04:00

Spring is here, and with the nice weather comes testing season! As the days grow longer and the temperatures warm up, many high school juniors and seniors will begin to prepare for a plethora of state-mandated tests and the infamous SAT and ACT. Though this will be a challenging task, there are many ways to increase your odds of achieving high scores, including fun apps to study with. Apps alone won’t be enough preparation, so it’s important to continue to pay attention in class, take official College Board practice tests, and focus on your areas of improvement. But if you’re looking for a quick, convenient, supplemental study source, these are the apps you want on your phone.

1. Khan Academy

If there’s one app on this list that you choose to download, let it be this one. Khan Academy offers personalized SAT practice based on the results of your previous SAT, PSAT, and PSAT/NMSQT. Simply link your College Board account to your Khan Academy account and start practicing. As you complete modules, the app reconfigures your areas of improvement to ensure you’re being challenged. Overall, this app has a clean, organized look that makes SAT prep easy—and free!

App features

Official College Board practice tests
Instructional videos to accompany practice problems and topics
Advice, articles, and test-taking tips/strategies
Optional essay portion: Write a practice essay and receive free feedback for when you have to write the real thing
Study schedule: App asks you to create a practice schedule so you’re practicing enough leading up to your test date

2. Ready4SAT

Developed by the College Board, Ready4SAT provides students with custom practice questions based on a small diagnostic test prior to downloading the app. Similar to Khan Academy, Ready4SAT also provides video lessons, articles, and testing strategies to make studying more efficient and less stressful. However, some features are not available upon downloading due to necessary in-app purchases.

App features

Custom content review/explanations
Virtual flashcards
Official practice tests
Question of the Day: Exposes you to SAT content on a daily basis without being overwhelming

3. SAT: Practice, Prep, Flashcards

Though it may seem redundant to explain the title, this app offers basic practice questions, (though not official College Board content) tests, and flashcards. But what’s especially helpful about the Practice, Prep, Flashcards app is that it offers timed sections so you can practice your pacing and figure out how much time you need to accurately respond to the questions. Tons of students find the timing of the SAT to be confining, but with a little practice, you’ll be comfortable when the timer begins on the official test.

App features

Roundup of results from tests and timed section averages
Specific SAT concepts with levels from easiest to hardest
Explanations for all answers with an option to learn the concept before practicing
Question of the Day: Ensures you’ll practice each day, even if it’s for just five minutes

4. Math Brain Booster Games

Moving away from the all-encompassing apps, let's focus on numbers. Though I would give up my left kidney to avoid having to do math, Math Brain Booster Games makes concepts such as basic math and the heart of algebra approachable. I recommend this app primarily for quick daily practice, as more complex problems don’t have in-depth explanations with step-by-step instructions. Though many of the problems the app covers are simple arithmetic questions, honing these skills can save a lot of time on the real test when you have to tackle a difficult question that requires a little more brain power.

App features

Training modes and different levels of difficulty
Timed practice
In-app schedule for next session with reminders
Compete with friends and share your progress and points earned

5. Edison Calendar

Though this isn’t really a test prep app, it’s a productivity one that will ensure you’re using your prep apps on a regular basis while juggling your other commitments. Personally, I find it very difficult to study for standardized tests on top of schoolwork and activities, so having a digital planner makes life easier. Edison Calendar helps break down your overall goals into smaller tasks so that you actually achieve them instead of getting overwhelmed and avoiding them. Goals can be set weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly. Based on which you choose each day, you’ll have to fulfill a mini-goal that contributes to your overall goal.

App features

Break down goals into subdivisions
Place a time frame on when to complete tasks
Color coding and customizable organization
Clean and minimalistic layout

There you have it—five of the best apps to help you study for standardized tests. Though I focused on SAT prep, these apps are universal and great tools for general studying. Be sure to create a study regimen and stick to it; repetition and exposure are key to knowing the content and feeling comfortable on test day. Continue to put in the hard work both on your own and in class, and you’ll see the fruits of your labor when you receive your scores.

Looking for other ways to spice up your test prep? Check out our article on Easy Ways to Make Studying for Standardized Tests Fun.

Unlocking the SAT: 3 Keys to Easily Boost Your Scores

2026-04-25T03:47:42.243887-04:00

With many colleges and universities declaring themselves test-optional and emphasizing a holistic approach to reviewing applications, it may seem like the SAT is falling out of fashion. But so long as US higher education relies on a core curriculum, standardized tests like the SAT and ACT will continue to serve a purpose. SAT scores provide an easy-to-assess benchmark that admission officers can use to infer an applicant’s readiness for introductory college courses. Scoring well on the SAT could help an applicant stand out and solidly demonstrate their proficiency. It also gives first-generation students access to universities they might otherwise seem out of reach.

One of the biggest deterrents to the SAT for students is the misconception that you can’t study for it; you may feel like there’s no way to significantly improve your scores on this potentially life-changing exam. This doubt might stem from thinking that the Verbal sections are too subjective to practice for, or maybe you just don’t have a head for math. The hopeful truth is that consistent and thoughtful preparation using SAT-like questions can help anyone improve. Here are some key tips on successful test prep strategies to optimize your scores.

1. Start with a practice test

The essential first step is taking a full-length, timed, and scored practice test, especially since practice exams are in a digital format and the SAT is officially going digital this year. Then practice with additional exam-like questions and thoughtfully review your answers and methods, even when you get a question correct. Such practice will not only expose you to the content of the SAT but will help you feel more at home sitting for the exam itself, which can greatly decrease your test-day anxiety and issues like second-guessing or poor time management.

2. Create your own study schedule

Your performance on practice tests will give you a sense of how ready you already are for the SAT, both in terms of content you may need to learn or review any of the exam’s timing and format. You can then tailor your study schedule to the amount of improvement you’d like to see before test day. As a general rule, plan to spend three to six months practicing for half an hour to an hour a day during the week. If this doesn’t work for you, adjust it to your schedule—maybe with fewer days but longer sessions. Taking another full-length practice test every two to three weeks is the most effective way to gauge your progress.

3. Don’t just answer questions—explain them

When it comes to SAT preparation materials, previously administered tests are undeniably the best free resource you can use. They provide a means of benchmarking progress, and their questions are basically what you can expect on exam day. You should approach these questions thoughtfully; official practice tests include short explanations, but most students will find more value in explaining the right and wrong answers for themselves—often alongside peers or teachers.

The best SAT practice involves actively learning through answering, so any tool worth spending money on should prioritize questions over passive learning, like long videos or chapters of content review. Worthwhile paid tools should include explanatory feedback beyond what could be found in previously administered tests. For example, UWorld’s online preparation for the SAT is designed to test the same content as the exam and follows each question with a comprehensive explanation that applies both to the question at hand and to similar questions you may see in the future.

While some colleges may be declaring test scores optional, college admission is still extremely competitive, and strong SAT scores can help you stand out from the pack. If you’re still unsure about whether to take the exam, bear in mind that you don’t need to submit scores you’re not pleased with. And if you give yourself time to take the exam more than once, you can submit your highest scores from each section. In short, high scores can only help your application, but no scores won’t hinder it. With effective practice and a proactive study schedule, you can earn test scores that can help you get into your dream schools.

DYK another major benefit of taking the SAT is potentially winning money for college? Check out How to Win Scholarships With Your SAT Scores to learn more!

4 Smart, Responsible Ways to Incorporate AI and ChatGPT in Test Prep

2026-04-25T03:47:42.239581-04:00

Regardless of your age or field of study, excelling as a student requires considerable time and energy—especially when it comes to test prep. Course content must be reviewed to ensure it’s fully understood and easily recalled. There’s a wide variety of tools available to help with exam prep, including time management programs, sample tests to familiarize yourself with the test format, and courses that present content and strategy relevant to the upcoming exam. But today’s students can also enhance their test prep by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence. From providing personalized flashcards to serving as a virtual tutor, AI offers a host of resources to better prepare for exams. Here are a few resourceful ways you can incorporate AI into your study sessions.

1. Generate sample questions

Sample questions are a critical component of test prep because they allow you to become familiar with an exam’s content and format, which can help reduce anxiety on test day. You’ll also get a feel for the concepts the exam will focus on and identify knowledge gaps that could impact your performance. You can use AI-driven tools to generate sample exam questions! Natural language processing (NLP) models can analyze study materials to develop an understanding of the topics then generate questions on those topics within the exam’s format and level of difficulty.

For example, if you use OpenAI’s NLP tool, ChatGPT, to prepare sample exam questions on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, it produces results such as:

“In Romeo and Juliet, what role does fate play in the tragic events that unfold? Provide examples from the play to support your answer.”
“Analyze the character development of Juliet throughout the play. How does she evolve from an obedient daughter to a strong-willed young woman?”
“Explore the motif of light and darkness in Romeo and Juliet. How is this imagery used to convey the themes of love, fate, and conflict?”

ChatGPT can also be used to develop multiple-choice questions. When asked to provide a multiple-choice question for a final exam in first-year college chemistry, ChatGPT responded with: “Which of the following elements has the highest electronegativity value? A) Carbon; B) Oxygen; C) Fluorine; D) Nitrogen.”

When provided with sample test questions from another source, generative AI programs like ChatGPT can be trained to prepare additional questions in the same format. Adaptive learning platforms also select sample questions in a personalized way that can further enhance your studying by tracking your progress to identify strengths and weaknesses, then providing questions focused on the areas you’re struggling in. By shifting the focus of exam prep in this way, adaptive learning platforms increase both impact and efficiency.

2. Engage with AI-driven tutors

The most advanced adaptive learning platforms provide students with AI-powered tutor bots that go beyond grading responses to evaluate the depth of a student’s learning. Announced in March 2023, Quizlet’s Q-Chat platform uses AI to assess students’ conceptual understanding rather than simply informing students if they’ve provided a correct answer. Q-Chat is the first fully adaptive tutor bot to leverage ChatGPT.

Tutor bots can be especially helpful for language exams since these platforms listen to a student’s speech and use AI to evaluate it. They can score and guide students on pronunciation, vocabulary, clarity of speech, and overall accuracy. Duolingo is an example of a platform that uses AI to help students master languages. Its chatbot serves as a conversation partner to help you learn vocabulary as well as language rules. Duolingo also leverages AI to track progress and personalize practice sessions based on the user's level of proficiency and progress.

3. Create content summaries

Content summaries can be extremely helpful for students, allowing you to quickly identify key topics and assess your knowledge. Summaries also break down course material into blocks of information that are less intimidating to review and internalize. Once a simple content summary is prepared, you can improve recall and retention by fleshing out the summary from memory. Just cut and paste your notes into a ChatGPT prompt requesting a content summary. The amount of information provided in the summary can be fine-tuned by requesting a “basic summary,” “detailed summary,” or “one-page summary.” If the response reveals you need to focus on certain content, you can ask it to expand on a specific topic to include more information from your notes.

4. Get help with practice essays

Essays are often a component of exams, especially in college, and writing practice essays on key topics from the course material is a common way to prepare. AI can be used in a number of ways to assist with essay-question practice—though it should never be used to write your actual assignments for you. But you can use ChatGPT to generate essay outlines on virtually any topic to give you a head start on writing by identifying the key components you should consider. You can even generate outlines based on your own notes. After you’ve written some practice essays, AI platforms can critique them too. ChatGPT can provide feedback on an essay’s structure and organization, transition and cohesion, language and style, and the way in which your ideas were developed. Just copy and paste your essay, then ask it to analyze it for you based on what you’ll be graded on.

While AI can play a great role in supporting test prep, you shouldn’t rely on it as your only tool. AI platforms are not infallible, and many struggle with providing reliable content on current events and developments. Students who want to get the most out of their test prep should heed this warning that ChatGPT provided when asked how AI can assist with studying:

“The role of AI is to supplement and enhance the learning experience, providing additional resources and opportunities for practice. It should be used in conjunction with other exam preparation techniques, such as content review, active learning, and practice with authentic exam materials.”

Supplement your AI test prep with additional resources in Our Best Advice for Homework, Studying, and Tests!

The 5 Most Significant Changes Coming to the SAT in 2024

2026-04-25T03:47:42.235593-04:00

Starting in March 2024, US students will take the new digital SAT on their computers and tablets for the first time. With most competitive colleges still using test scores in the admission process, students can demonstrate their readiness for college-level work by submitting strong SAT scores. You also may be able to win significant merit-based scholarships tied to your SAT performance. But with the new digital format, what are some of the most significant changes to the exam?

1. It will have adaptive sections

The paper-based SAT took over three hours to complete because students must tackle questions from a wide range of difficulties. The new digital SAT will be streamlined, taking only a little over two hours to finish because it will be “section adaptive.” This means every student will start with a module of moderate difficulty. Those who perform well will go on to a more challenging second module, but those who don’t will see an easier second section—which will affect scoring since the modules are weighted differently. It’s important for students to try their very best on every question since each one will have a significant impact on their score and will determine which module they'll move on to. Fortunately, the shorter test time should make endurance less of an issue.

2. Reading and Writing passages will be shorter

While the current SAT has a few longer passages accompanied by several questions, each Reading and Writing text in the SAT will now feature a single question and be no longer than 150 words. Having several shorter passages tests students on a wider variety of literary genres, including drama, humanities, and poetry. Many students may find it easier to focus on the reading material since it is broken up into smaller chunks instead of longer, hard-to-follow sections.

3. It will feature new question formats

Despite the shorter length of the SAT, there will still be plenty there to assess students’ critical-thinking skills, including new types of questions. Some of the new formats include:

Textual Evidence: Students will be asked to determine what findings would support or undermine a hypothesis.
Inference: Students must select an option that would most logically complete a selection of text.
Rhetorical Synthesis: After a series of bulleted notes, students must determine what choice best uses information from the text to accomplish a specific goal.

4. A calculator will be available throughout the Math sections

On the paper SAT, there’s a non-calculator Mathematics section. Most students I‘ve talked with are excited to learn that they’ll be able to use a calculator throughout the digital SAT. Although you’re still permitted to bring a calculator of your own, the SAT online program has a powerful graphing calculator by Desmos that you can use at any point during the Math section. This calculator will be especially helpful with problems about systems of equations, graphing parabolas, and graphing circles. Test takers will still be given scrap paper at testing centers, since writing out one’s work is an excellent strategy for arriving at a correct answer.

5. Limited accurate SAT prep materials are available

With so many changes to the SAT, many of the current prep books and practice tests will be dated, so you’ll need to look in the right place. The College Board has made four digital SAT practice tests and one digital PSAT practice test through their Bluebook application. Barron’s also offers a free eBook with Digital SAT practice materials along with helpful articles and tips. You can supplement these free resources with updated preparation books like Barron’s Digital SAT Study Guide Premium and guidance from an experienced tutor. Additionally, you should work on bolstering your overall academic skills by taking rigorous courses, studying vocabulary, and reading independently, which will all help you prepare for the material covered on the SAT.

Future college applicants concerned about these new changes should keep in mind that the exam is more student-friendly and that the ACT, the other major college admission test, will remain in its current format for the foreseeable future—so if you want a little more predictability, go for that exam. When high school juniors take the digital PSAT for the first time, many students will begin to feel more comfortable with this streamlined version. The digital SAT has been administered internationally since March 2023, and so far, my students generally like it better than the paper version. You have nothing to lose by trying the new SAT for yourself to see what you think. For many, it could be a big boon to their application and admission chances.

Not sure if the SAT or ACT is right for you? Get some great advice from experts who can help you decide!

Academic Compatibility: A Breakdown of the SAT and ACT to Help You Choose a Test

2026-04-25T03:47:42.232243-04:00

Please note that these comparisons are subject to change with the upcoming digital SAT format updates.

Even with the recent evolution of test-optional college admission, both the SAT and ACT are great ways to showcase your college readiness. A high SAT or ACT score can help show colleges that you’re ahead of your peers. There are some distinct differences between the SAT and ACT. Both tests consist of two English and Language sections, but after that, they differ greatly. Here’s what you should know about all the major sections of these two exams to help you choose which one to take.

English and Language sections

The two English and Writing sections of the SAT and ACT are similar, with both sections testing reading comprehension in one section and grammar in the other.

Reading comparison

The Reading section of the SAT really puts your comprehensive skills to the test, whereas the ACT’s Reading section is much shorter and quicker paced.

SAT section: 52 questions
Time for completion: 65 minutes
ACT section: 40 questions
Time for completion: 35 minutes

Writing comparison

The SAT similarly inverts length with a shorter Writing section to balance out its longer Reading section. On the other hand, the Writing section of the ACT has significantly more questions than it does for Reading.

SAT section: 44 questions
Time for completion: 35 minutes
ACT section: 75 questions
Time for completion: 45 minutes

The Math sections

As mentioned above, the SAT has two Math sections, whereas the ACT just has one—we’ll talk about its extra section soon. Both SAT Math sections can be mostly completed without any higher-level math knowledge (i.e., calculus, statistics, etc.), but it may help to know basic math concepts in each of these subjects for both tests.

SAT section: 20 questions (no calculator); 38 questions (with calculator)
Time for completion: 25 minutes; 55 minutes
ACT section: 60 questions (with calculator)
Time for completion: 60 minutes

(This portion of the SAT exam is due for big changes with the digital update.)

The ACT STEM section

One section the ACT has that the SAT doesn’t is the Science section. It consists of a variety of scientific fields, including but not limited to biology, chemistry, and physics. There are around six to seven passages with five to eight questions pertaining to each. Each passage (sometimes paired passages) will go over a specific scientific concept, and the questions will ask for an analysis of the passage(s). Ideally, the broader your base of scientific knowledge, the better equipped you’ll be for this section.

ACT section: 40 questions
Time for completion: 35 minutes

3 ways to determine test compatibility

The SAT and ACT each hold their own advantages and disadvantages, so there’s no “best” test—rather, it’s about what fits better for you. The best thing you could do is take practice tests to see which one you prefer. High school students are limited on time and usually only sit for the SAT or ACT—rarely both—so you’ll have to analyze the exams against three things: your personality, your colleges of interest, and your prospective major.

Most colleges take both exam scores, but some will have a preference to one of the two tests. Be sure to do some research and see if you can determine which will look better to the schools you’re applying to. It also makes more sense to take a certain test if it fits your major better. For example, if you’re going into a math-heavy major, it would be smarter to take the SAT as it’s 50% math. On the other hand, if you’re going into a more science-based major, it would make sense to take the ACT since it actually tests for science. Finally, you should assess your own personality when picking between the two tests. If you’re a fast test taker who really doesn’t want to spend time thinking for long periods on questions or triple-checking your work, the ACT will be better for you. If you think you can’t do math without a calculator, the ACT will also be better for you. Based on the layout of the test and the way you learn best, you can pretty accurately determine which test you’ll do best on.

Recent test-optional policies have certainly changed the game of higher education, but the SAT and ACT can still put you ahead of your peers when your college applications are being reviewed. Take a hard look at these distinct differences between the exams, take some practice tests, then put your all into studying for great scores.

Once you figure out which test is right for you, use our handy SAT and ACT Date Wheel to find a test date that fits into your busy student schedule.

How to Successfully Prepare for Mid-Year Exams in High School

2026-04-25T03:47:42.228444-04:00

The end of the first semester is fast approaching in many high schools across the nation, ushering in a wave of midterms and other cumulative exams for already stressed students. Many districts, including my own, have done away with a traditional midterms week, forcing students to balance studying and cumulative review with coursework, regularly scheduled testing, and extracurricular activities. Here are some suggestions to help you power through mid-year benchmarks while avoiding burnout.

Use your weekends wisely

As midterm dates approach, be sure to use your weekends productively. Some students may save studying and assignments for weekday evenings and find themselves tired, run down, and burnt out during school hours. If familial and extracurricular commitments allow, take time on the weekends to study for cumulative exams or get a head start on the coming week’s work. Weekends may be the only uninterrupted time you have to prepare for your tests, so take advantage!

Work backward through course material

In my experience, while studying for exams, it’s most important to review the topics and units you learned longest ago. Material from August, September, October, and November is likely foggier in your mind than more recent coursework. As earlier units typically require more time to review, try studying concepts from them first and work forward to more recent lessons.

Attend extra-help and review sessions

If your teachers offer them, attend extra-help and review sessions! Although they may require you to wake up early or stay late at school, opportunities for personal questions, guided review, and test preparation with a teacher are well worth your time. Furthermore, teachers often hint at or reveal topics covered by an exam during review, which is valuable knowledge to keep in mind as you study.

Prioritize your time and effort

The end of the semester can be an extremely busy time for high school students. If you’re swamped, you may have to prioritize major tests over more minor quizzes and assignments. When you’re under significant pressure and find yourself spending too much time on homework or reading, consider whether you’d be better served studying or completing another more important task. Likewise, honestly evaluate which exams you need to prepare most for and put those first, even if you have other, less difficult assessments as well.

Avoid last-minute cramming

Reviewing the night before an exam can keep concepts fresh in your mind, but it’s best to begin preparing well in advance of a cumulative exam, important test, or midterm. Studying over multiple days or weeks will ensure test topics enter your long-term memory rather than fading from your mind by the time you sit for the exam. On test day, you’ll be ready for success, armed with a thorough understanding of your subject matter.

Articulate concerns and conflicts

If your midterms are during the school day and you have classes before and after an exam, don’t hesitate to respectfully discuss scheduling concerns and conflicts with your teachers. In many cases, teachers are unaware of other departments’ testing schedules and are more than willing to move a test or quiz to accommodate their students. Teachers may also allow you to complete a test or assignment later if you explain your situation and ask for an accommodation.

During midterm season, high schoolers may feel overwhelmed by a wave of testing and exams to cope with. However, with some proper test prep, midterms provide you with an opportunity to raise your average, demonstrate your abilities as a student, and refresh your knowledge before finals, AP Exams, and state testing. Though success is never guaranteed, studying thoroughly and skillfully will place you in a position to ace your upcoming exams. Good luck!

The right atmosphere is one key to a great study session! Check out our Top 5 Ambience Playlists to Soundtrack Your Studies for great background music to help you concentrate.

3 Ways to Improve Your Test Prep for the New Digital SAT

2026-04-25T03:47:42.224389-04:00

Getting ready for the latest digital SAT changes requires a strategic and adaptive approach, meaning that your test prep will also have to change. Although the digital SAT isn’t much different from the paper-based test, it’s important to be prepared and familiar with the digital interface.

To feel absolutely ready for the exam, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with Bluebook, the app in which the digital SAT is administered; learn how to manage your time differently, as the digital SAT contains fewer questions; and make use of available resources. Let’s talk about each strategy a little more.

1. Develop familiarity with the digital format

Once you’ve registered for the SAT, you can download the Bluebook app on the device you plan to use for the digital exam. After it’s downloaded, you can log in with your College Board account and familiarize yourself with the platform before the test.

Practice tests are also available on the app, and it is highly recommended to take a practice test to learn the new formatting and get used to using the tools provided on the exam, such as the highlighting tool and the flagging feature to leave questions for review. Understanding how the platform works will help you feel more comfortable on test day and help relieve any nervousness or stress.

2. Manage your time well

No matter the format, taking the SAT means you have to be aware of time restrictions. The digital SAT may have fewer questions, but that also means a shorter time in which to complete them. To make sure you have a steady rhythm for time, it helps to practice questions in the areas you find difficult to build a greater understanding.

It’s also important to take multiple practice tests to make sure you can get through each section within the allotted time without feeling rushed. Make sure you have a steady pace when answering questions, and use strategies like timing yourself and answering easier questions first to help you understand what pace works best for you.

3. Use available study resources

Updated practice tests are available through the official Bluebook app, but Khan Academy has also redesigned its whole SAT platform to accommodate the digital version. For each of the Math and English sections, Khan Academy has units with videos, articles, practice questions, quizzes, and unit tests to check for understanding. It also has course challenges for the very end once you’ve finished studying all the units. Going through all these lessons—or at least the topics that are troubling you—will help you feel more confident for the upcoming exam, especially since they are designed specifically for the new format.

It’s important to prepare well to feel really confident about the digital SAT, and that starts with becoming familiarized and comfortable with the new platform you‘ll eventually take the test on. Keep in mind that practicing will help you find the rhythm of your testing pace and understand what areas you struggle with so you can improve before exam day. Stay focused and good luck!

You can make all this test prep pay off—literally. Learn How to Win Scholarships With Your SAT Scores here!

Important Questions to Ask Teachers for Digital SAT Test Prep

2026-04-25T03:47:42.220109-04:00

With the SAT moving to a fully online format and the ACT allowing for a choice between a digital and paper test in 2024, the state of standardized testing for high schoolers is more perplexing than ever. Nonetheless, the importance of these exams is still essential to college admission, with more and more colleges reverting from test-optional policies back to mandatory ones.

To help you maximize your test-taking abilities for a future exam, you should consult your teachers as a resource and learning tool. Here are some questions to ask them as you prep for the new digital SAT.

Digital SAT overview

While the SAT has switched to an all-digital format, the test still must be completed in person at a testing center—not at home. The new SAT is formatted as an adaptive test, meaning each module’s level of difficulty will adjust based on your performance in the previous module.

The overall duration of the digital SAT is approximately two hours and 14 minutes, making it shorter than the previous three-hour paper format. This reduction in test time aims to create a more streamlined testing experience. Here’s how the sections break down in the new digital format:

Mathematics: The Math section is relatively similar to the previous format, except now a calculator can be used for both 35-minute Math sections. In addition to your own handheld calculator, the College Board will provide you with an online calculator tool called Desmos. Based on your performance in the first section, the second Math section will adapt its difficulty level to your responses. A higher performance in the first Math section constitutes a harder second section and vice versa, which also affects scoring.
Reading and Writing: The Reading and Writing portions of the SAT have undergone more significant changes through the digital transition. Instead of separate sections for reading comprehension and grammar, there are now two 32-minute sections comprising both elements. Both sections require you to demonstrate reading comprehension and grammar in an adaptive format just like the Math portion. Additionally, there are no more long passages for these combined sections. Instead, each question will be accompanied by its own short passage.

SAT questions to ask your teachers

As much as you’d like to tackle this academic challenge on your own, I encourage you to use your resources and reach out for help. With the basics of the digital SAT covered, here are some questions you can ask your teachers to maximize your SAT study prep and scores:

How can I best manage the time crunch of the four SAT sections? You might be nervous about having less time to complete the test. When discussing this with your teachers, be sure to give special attention to the adaptability factor of each segment’s second section, as potentially harder questions can account for more challenging time constraints.
What grammar rules must I know for the SAT? This question is great to pose to any English and Language Arts teachers to maximize your performance in the Writing sections. To help your teachers generate the most effective answers, give them some of your writing samples to showcase which grammar topics you may struggle with.
What can I do to read faster and retain more throughout the SAT? With the new format eliminating long passages, the importance of reading takes on a new role. Instead of reading one passage and answering around a dozen questions about it, the new SAT requires you to read a new passage for every question. This makes fast reading and information retention essential for every minute of the Reading and Writing sections.
How should I balance my use of mental math, the Desmos calculator, and my own calculator? The balance between mental math and the calculator has always been an important factor in the SAT, but with the digital SAT allowing a calculator for both Math sections, this question becomes even harder to answer. The Desmos calculator has capabilities that many handheld calculators do not, especially with its easy graphing methods, but it lacks certain functions of handheld calculators such as nSolve. Additionally, incorrect calculator inputs can cost you points all over the test, emphasizing the benefits of figuring out a math problem on a piece of paper by hand.

Consulting teachers is a great avenue for SAT and ACT prep. With the lack of resources available due to the new online versions of these standardized tests, the consistency in teachers' advice is especially appealing. Nonetheless, a combination of tools for studying for the SAT, such as advice from teachers compounded with either study books or review courses, is still the most effective way to prepare.

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How to Be Smart About Test Prep Ahead of the Holidays

2026-04-25T03:47:42.215962-04:00

It’s that time of the year again. With Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks on the horizon, it’s easy to get distracted from school. Prioritizing studying before, during, and after any school break is key in keeping up with your coursework and not flunking any tests. Here are some strategies to try so you can manage your time as a student and still enjoy the holidays.

How to prioritize studying

It’s tempting to work on your easiest or shortest assignments just to get them done instead of focusing on bigger or more important tasks. It might make you feel more accomplished and convince you to take breaks early and often. But this is a form of procrastination, and it’s likely going to end with you staying up late, trying to finish the longest assignment the day before it is due.

Tracking your due dates is the most important step when it comes to weighing what homework to work on and when. The assignments with the closest due dates are the ones you have the least amount of time to complete, so prioritize those first. Here are some more tips to help you prioritize your assignments and test prep.

Start with complex tasks

In addition to prioritizing tasks with the closest due dates, working on your most complex assignments first is also important. They often take more time than you think, so completing work in chunks and eliminating these assignments from your workload early is key for managing your time effectively and accurately. Additionally, these assignments may require help from teachers or friends to understand them better, which will be difficult to ask for at the last minute.

Work during your free time early on

Although many people advocate for breaking up studying evenly over time, this strategy isn’t ideal during such eventful and busy times of the year like the holidays. Events may come up that you don’t want to regret missing, so working ahead of schedule is key. Getting schoolwork done and putting in some good study time in advance will not only allow you to attend more festive get-togethers but also make you feel more accomplished and prepared for your exams. Instead of leaving studying for the end of your breaks and being forced to cram, start studying earlier for long-term memorization of concepts.

Stay organized

Without constant reminders from teachers, it’s hard to keep track of all your assignments. Staying organized is key to making sure you don’t forget any assignments or an upcoming exam over your breaks. The most effective way to do this is to write down all your assignments in a planner as you get them. Write them down on the due dates to allow you to prioritize assignments and plan out work and study sessions, giving your planner a joint purpose.

How to prioritize your free time during break

The sad truth about holiday breaks is that you will not be able to take part in every activity you might want to with the limited time you have. This leads to the necessity to also prioritize what you want to do with your leisure time. Here are a couple tips to figure out what’s most important:

Focus on social activities: One of the best parts of the holidays is the festive events that bring people together. Holiday dinners, parties, fairs, and other gatherings often only happen once a year, so prioritize these interactive activities over more mind-wasting activities such as scrolling on your phone or lounging on the couch, which you can do every other day of the year.
Invest in yourself: The holidays can be stressful, so doing things that benefit you is also important. Fun or mindful activities can serve a joint purpose in protecting your mental health and facilitating personal growth, providing long-term benefits in the future. If you need some time alone to relax, take it.

As you can see, a variety of tools and strategies are needed in order to maximize your enjoyment of the holiday season and not fall behind on schoolwork or test prep. Prioritizing your studying, homework, and free time is essential whether you’re in high school or college. So track your due dates, don’t procrastinate, and keep yourself organized for success before and after your breaks. Happy holidays!

We have a lot more great advice where this came from! Learn how to give your schoolwork your all with Our Best Advice for Homework, Studying, and Tests.

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7 Insider Tips to Help High School Underclassmen Succeed in AP Courses

1. Don’t worry about the moniker

2. Choose courses that suit your interests

3. Swap contact info with your classmates

4. Develop strong relationships with your teachers

5. Take advantage of class resources

6. Focus on broader concepts

7. Prioritize your time

5 of the Best Apps to Help You Study for Standardized Tests

1. Khan Academy

App features

2. Ready4SAT

App features

3. SAT: Practice, Prep, Flashcards

App features

4. Math Brain Booster Games

App features

5. Edison Calendar

App features

Unlocking the SAT: 3 Keys to Easily Boost Your Scores

1. Start with a practice test

2. Create your own study schedule

3. Don’t just answer questions—explain them

4 Smart, Responsible Ways to Incorporate AI and ChatGPT in Test Prep

1. Generate sample questions

2. Engage with AI-driven tutors

3. Create content summaries

4. Get help with practice essays

The 5 Most Significant Changes Coming to the SAT in 2024

1. It will have adaptive sections

2. Reading and Writing passages will be shorter

3. It will feature new question formats

4. A calculator will be available throughout the Math sections

5. Limited accurate SAT prep materials are available

Academic Compatibility: A Breakdown of the SAT and ACT to Help You Choose a Test

English and Language sections

Reading comparison

Writing comparison

The Math sections

The ACT STEM section

3 ways to determine test compatibility

How to Successfully Prepare for Mid-Year Exams in High School

Use your weekends wisely

Work backward through course material

Attend extra-help and review sessions

Prioritize your time and effort

Avoid last-minute cramming

Articulate concerns and conflicts

3 Ways to Improve Your Test Prep for the New Digital SAT

1. Develop familiarity with the digital format

2. Manage your time well

3. Use available study resources

Important Questions to Ask Teachers for Digital SAT Test Prep

Digital SAT overview

SAT questions to ask your teachers

How to Be Smart About Test Prep Ahead of the Holidays

How to prioritize studying

Start with complex tasks

Work during your free time early on

Stay organized

How to prioritize your free time during break

��Vlog: Test Prep Blog