A strong vocabulary lays the groundwork for excellent reading comprehension skills, which are essential for boosting your standardized test scores. Building a solid vocabulary is a gradual process, so it’s best to start as early as possible.

Read, Read, Read

In my experience, the best way to enhance your vocabulary is through reading rather than by memorizing long lists of words and definitions. Learning vocabulary in context helps you understand a word’s nuances and makes it easier to recall.

What Should You Read?

Choose reading materials that interest you but also challenge your current reading level. For fiction, consider reading classic literature by authors like Charles Dickens, Edith Wharton, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Jane Austen, or Ernest Hemingway.

For non-fiction, quality periodicals such as The New York Times, Time Magazine, or The Atlantic offer excellent opportunities to strengthen your vocabulary.

How to Memorize Vocabulary

While reading, make it a habit to...

Experience Matters

Is your potential tutor committed full-time, or is this a side job? Many large test prep companies hire tutors with little to no experience, provide them with a script, and send them off after minimal training. A tutor with years of experience brings invaluable insights, tailored strategies, and refined teaching methods.

Specialization Counts

Is your tutor a dedicated SAT/ACT specialist, or do they simply tack on these tests to general math or English tutoring? Specialists in SAT and ACT preparation often achieve better results because they understand the unique demands of these tests—such as pacing, question types, and strategic approaches. Look for someone whose expertise is focused specifically on these exams.

Big vs Small Companies

While large test prep companies may seem appealing, keep in mind that a significant portion of their fee goes to the company itself, not the tutor—often only 20-30% goes to the instructor. This can lead talented tutors...

As summer ends, many students are beginning their standardized test preparation, choosing between the SAT and ACT. Since the SAT went digital, I've noticed a surge in students opting for it—many without even taking diagnostic tests. This is a significant mistake for many.

Diagnostic Testing Matters

Choosing the right test is crucial for successful preparation. While the SAT and ACT share similarities, students often perform better on one due to differences in format, pacing, and content.

Diagnostic Testing is Quick and Valuable

Investing a few hours in diagnostic testing (less than 3 hours for a combo test or about 5 hours for separate full-length tests) can provide essential insights into which test suits you best.

Choosing the Wrong Test is Costly

This year, I've seen a record number of students switch from the SAT to the ACT after realizing the SAT wasn’t right for them. Starting with the wrong test wastes time, money, and effort.

The ACT's Advantage

Currently, the...

Every year since it’s been in existence, the August SAT date fills up extremely quickly in many areas. It’s important to act quickly to secure a spot (October may fill up quickly as well).

Why does it fill up so quickly?

I assume the reason is the scarcity of testing centers. I suspect schools do not want to open their doors in August, before school officially begins in many areas.

When does registration open up?

The College Board does not tell us, and it’s not an easily predictable date. Last year was the earliest so far, in mid-May.

What can I do to secure my spot?

I recommend frequently checking the registration page, beginning now (at least once per day). Make sure your details are already filled out in your account, so you don’t take too long during registration (and risk losing your spot). You can skip all of the optional questions asking about academic history. Here is the registration page: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/dates-deadlines

Once...