Does a High SAT or ACT Score Guarantee College Admission? A Parent’s Guide

One of the most commonly asked questions we get from parents is, “Does a High SAT or ACT Score Guarantee College Admission?  In college admissions, like most things in life, nothing is guaranteed. SAT or ACT scores are weighted very heavily—more heavily than anything else—but even they don’t guarantee acceptance to a particular college. In […]

How to Help Your Child Reduce Stress or Anxiety Before the SAT or ACT

In this blog, we will break down exactly how you can help your child reduce stress or anxiety before the SAT or ACT. Picture this: your child is sitting at the kitchen table, staring at a practice SAT or ACT question. Their pencil is gripped like a weapon, their brows are furrowed, and the anxiety […]

Should You Retake the SAT or ACT? Pros, Cons, and Strategies 

You studied. You prepped. You walked into the test center with confidence, sat down, and took the SAT or ACT like a champ. Now, the scores are in. Maybe they’re great, maybe they’re fine, or maybe they’re…not exactly Ivy League material. The big question is: should you take the SAT or ACT again? Here’s the […]

Can AI Help You Prepare for Standardized Tests?

Artificial intelligence is everywhere—from recommending your next Netflix binge to driving cars. But can AI help you prepare for standardized tests? Let’s break down the experience of using it for test prep and find out. Using AI for Test Prep Personalized Study Plans AI-driven platforms can analyze your strengths and weaknesses, and create custom study […]

The Psychology of High-Test Scorers: What Sets Them Apart

Some people walk into a test, nail every question, and walk out like they just completed a casual crossword puzzle. What is that? Are they genetically gifted? Do they possess superhuman memory? Not quite. High-test scorers aren’t born—they’re trained, and their psychology is that of professionals. Let’s break down the mindset, habits, and strategies that […]

How Important Are GRE Scores for Graduate School Admissions?

In the competition for graduate school admissions, how important are GRE scores? Are they a game-changer or just another part of your application? The answer can vary depending on your program, target schools, and how strong the rest of your application is, but generally speaking, GRE scores are extremely important and weighed more heavily by […]

What is Superscoring and How Can It Benefit Your Child?

If your child is gearing up for the SAT or ACT, you’ve probably heard the term “superscoring” floating around. But what is superscoring, and how can it benefit your child’s college admissions chances? Superscoring on the SAT is where colleges, on their own, take the highest score for each section from multiple tests, piecing together […]

Self-Study vs. Professional GRE Coaching: Pros and Cons

If you’re preparing for the GRE, should you go it alone or hire a professional tutor? Below, let’s explore the pros and cons of “Self-Study vs. Professional GRE Coaching.” Self-Study Preparing on your own for the GRE means taking full control of your practice. You set your own pace, design your own study plan, and […]

The Habits of Students Who Scored a 36 on the ACT

What does it take to score a perfect 36 on the ACT? Some say it’s raw talent. Others think luck is involved, but the truth is that perfection isn’t accidental. Luck has nothing to do with it. Scoring a coveted 36 is the natural result of having razor-sharp test-taking mechanics and a mastery of the […]

What ACT Score Do You Need for Ivy League Schools?

If you’re a student dreaming of attending an Ivy League university, you might be wondering what ACT composite score is needed. Standardized tests like the ACT are a crucial component of the admissions process, and often weighed more heavily than all four years of high school grades combined, because they provide a level playing field […]

GRE Test Section # of Questions Timing
Analytical Writing 1 essay prompt 30 minutes
Verbal Reasoning Section 1: 12 questions
Section 2: 15 questions
Section 1: 18 minutes
Section 2: 23 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning Section 1: 12 questions
Section 2: 15 questions
Section 1: 21 minutes
Section 2: 26 minutes
Total Exam Time
1 hour, 58 minutes not counting breaks between sections
SAT Test Section # of Questions Timing
Reading and Writing 1st module: 27 questions
2nd module: 27 questions
1st module: 32 minutes
2nd module: 32 minutes
Math 1st module: 22 questions
2nd module: 22 questions
1st module: 35 minutes
2nd module: 35 minutes

Total Exam Time

2 hours, 14 minutes not counting breaks between sections

REQUIRED CORE SECTIONS
ACT Test Section # of Questions Timing
English 50 (40 Scored) 35 minutes
Math 45 (41 Scored) 50 minutes
Reading 36 (27 Scored) 40 minutes
Core Total Exam Time: 2 Hours, 5 Minutes
OPTIONAL ADD-ON SECTIONS
ACT Test Section # of Questions Timing
Science (Optional) 40 (34 Scored) 40 minutes
Writing (Optional) 1 Essay 40 minutes
With Science Added: 2 Hours, 45 Minutes, With Science + Writing: 3 Hours, 25 Minutes