The ACT has long been a staple of the American college admissions landscape. For decades, students across the nation have prepared to take this standardized exam, hoping their scores will open doors to higher education. Yet, despite its longstanding prominence, the ACT increasingly faces scrutiny about its relevance, fairness, and ability to measure the skills most essential for today’s learners. This exam, once seen as a reliable gauge of academic readiness, is now criticized for being out of step with modern educational values and inequities in access. This article explores…

The American College Testing (ACT) exam has long stood as one of the foremost standardized tests for college admissions across the United States. For decades, millions of students have relied on the ACT to showcase their academic abilities, competing for limited spots in prestigious colleges and universities. Yet, as education evolves, so too must the tools that evaluate it. In 2024, the ACT organization announced a comprehensive update to the exam set to take effect in 2025. These changes represent a fundamental shift not only in how the test is…

When the ACT was introduced in 1959 as a competitor to the SAT, it set itself apart not just through its structure, but also its philosophy. It was designed to assess what students had actually learned in school, rather than their abstract reasoning or aptitude. One of the most unusual and revolutionary elements of the test was the inclusion of a dedicated Science section—something its rival, the SAT, never attempted. This Science section was intended to measure students’ scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and data interpretation rather than raw memorization of…

For many high school students, the ACT plays a pivotal role in shaping their academic futures. As a standardized test used in college admissions across the United States and beyond, the ACT does more than just assign a number to your performance. It reflects how well you’ve absorbed key academic skills and how ready you are for college-level learning. But once the test is over and the anxiety dissipates, another challenge often arises—understanding what your ACT score report is really telling you. This first part in our three-part series dissects…

The ACT English test is a crucial component of the ACT exam that evaluates your grasp of written English and your ability to revise and edit passages effectively. For many students, the English section is both a challenge and an opportunity – because it tests a variety of language skills under a strict time limit. To excel, you need to understand the test’s format, the types of questions it includes, and the skills it measures. This article will take a deep dive into what exactly is on the ACT English…

 If you are a high school student preparing for college, chances are the ACT is on your radar. This standardized test plays a significant role in college admissions across the United States, influencing not only which schools you may attend but also your eligibility for scholarships and advanced placement. Despite its importance, many students approach the ACT with uncertainty or misconceptions. What exactly is this test measuring? How is it structured? And why does it matter so much? In this comprehensive article, we will explore the essence of the ACT,…

 Understanding the roots of these exams provides clarity about their purpose and what they measure today. The SAT was first introduced in 1926 by the College Board, designed as a standardized measure to help colleges evaluate students beyond their high school transcripts. Its early focus was on general aptitude and intelligence, but over time it shifted toward assessing critical thinking and knowledge in reading, writing, and math. The test has evolved through multiple revisions, aiming to better align with high school curricula and the skills needed for college success. The…

  The journey to college admissions often hinges on performance in standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. These exams can significantly influence admission decisions, scholarship opportunities, and ultimately shape students’ futures. However, succeeding on these tests requires more than just raw academic ability—it demands strategic planning, early preparation, and emotional readiness. Counselors stand at the frontline of this endeavor, wielding the capacity to guide students through the intricate landscape of test readiness. In this article, we will explore the foundational elements counselors must address in helping students prepare for…

When it comes to college admissions in the United States, the SAT and ACT are two of the most influential standardized tests students encounter. These exams play a pivotal role in college acceptance decisions and often impact scholarship eligibility. Yet, many students and families feel overwhelmed by the preparation journey. To navigate this process effectively, it is essential first to understand the nuances of each test and the types of preparation resources available. This first article in our series provides a thorough exploration of the SAT and ACT, highlighting their…

In the realm of American standardized testing, the PSAT often goes unnoticed or underappreciated. It’s easy to overlook the significance of a test that doesn’t directly influence college admissions. Yet, beneath its seemingly modest exterior, the PSAT carries considerable weight. For high school students navigating the labyrinth of academic expectations, scholarships, and college preparation, understanding the PSAT can unlock unique advantages. Far from being a mere warm-up for the SAT, the PSAT plays an important role in academic planning, skill-building, and potentially opening the gateway to scholarship opportunities like the…