How to Build Confidence Before the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT

Confidence before the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT is not a mindset. It is not a personality trait, and it certainly is not a prerequisite for high performance. In standardized testing, confidence is a result—produced by watching a clean, professional method dismantle question after question, across every section and format. In this article, we share […]

The Top 8 Mistakes Parents Make With ACT Prep

Most parents mean well, but unfortunately, meaning well doesn’t guarantee effective ACT preparation. In fact, good intentions often pave the way to inefficient study plans, wasted money, and underwhelming results. In this article, we share “The Top 8 Mistakes Parents Make with ACT Prep.”  Standardized test prep is not intuitive. The ACT is not school, […]

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 […]

The SAT vs. ACT: Which Test is Right for You?

When it comes to college admissions, one of the biggest decisions students face is choosing between the SAT and ACT. Both tests are widely accepted by colleges and universities across the United States, and each has its own strengths and challenges. So how do you decide which test is the best fit for you? If […]

Waitlisted? Here’s How to Stay in the Game and Improve Your Chances

Getting waitlisted can feel discouraging, but it’s not the end of the road. Many students who are waitlisted still gain acceptance by staying proactive. Here’s what you should do if you’re waitlisted or haven’t heard back from a college yet. Follow Up with Key Contacts at the College Expressing your continued interest is crucial. Send […]

Ace Your College Interview – Stand Out and Impress

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Be ready to stand out and impress with your upcoming college interview with our top tips from our experienced staff. • Knowing Yourself Is Key Your interview is an important piece of your application package, since it provides helpful context to everything else and transforms you from someone on paper to a person in living […]

Why Test Prep is an Investment in Your Future

When it comes to college or graduate school admissions, there’s no shortcut to success. But one thing is certain: investing in professional test prep is one of the smartest moves you can make for your future. It’s not just about getting a good score—it’s about opening doors, securing lucrative scholarships or fellowships, and setting yourself […]

Graduate and Business School Admission Tips

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Top graduate and business schools in the United States are very tough to get into. According to Poets and Quants, The University of Chicago (Booth) accepts just 12 out of every 100 applicants; Stanford accepts only 8. These two MBA programs are the most selective in the U.S., but all reputable graduate and business schools […]

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

ACT Test Section # of Questions Timing
English 75 questions 45 minutes
Math 60 questions 60 minutes
Reading 40 questions 35 minutes
Science 40 questions 35 minutes
Writing (Optional) 1 prompt 40 minutes
Total Exam Time
3 hours, 35 minutes not counting breaks between sections