Peterson's Blog

AUGUST 5, 2025

History of Standardized Tests in the United States Since 1926, the SAT has been the go-to test for assessing college readiness. In 1959, the ACT was introduced to the standardized testing sphere for college admissions. Since then, this test has expanded and has been adopted by many schools.

ACT

Peterson's Blog

JANUARY 14, 2025

Unlock Students Potential: Introducing Our New Classic Learning Test Prep (CLT Prep)getting them closer to a score highlighting their college admissions strengths. What is the CLT Test? With its popularity, were excited to offer this CLT test prep to Petersons subscribers. Why Petersons for CLT Prep?

Test Prep

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

won’t require standardized test scores. The rise of the best test optional colleges is changing the game, giving students new ways to stand out in the admissions process. If you have test anxiety, decided to skip the SAT or ACT, or didn’t quite hit the scores you hoped for, you’re not out of luck.

Testing

Peterson's Blog

MAY 28, 2025

Picture this: Your student is embarking on a crucial academic journey, perhaps a demanding test prep adventure. They might repeatedly try to step over it, stumbling, feeling frustrated, and seeing their standardized test scores stagnate. They’re making good student progress, gaining ground, and feeling the momentum.

Test Prep

Peterson's Blog

DECEMBER 23, 2024

CLEP and DSST are credit-by-exam tests, meaning that if you show your knowledge of the given subject, you can earn college credit by taking an exam if your university accepts CLEP or DSST for credit. Both exams are standardized tests that measure your knowledge of certain subjects by scoring satisfactorily on the exam.

Test Prep

Top Tier Admissions

JULY 8, 2025

Regardless, I’m proud of my students for pushing through some of the toughest test prep materials out there in preparations for the exam.” On July 7 th , this year’s test takers received their scores. Follow us on Instagram @toptieradmissions and subscribe to our blog for expert advice and admissions insights.

Standardized Testing

Top Tier Admissions

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Renewed Interest in Test Scores For the first time since 2021, more applicants submitted test scores than did not, despite widespread test-optional policies. This trend signals a growing perception of the value of standardized testing, as students aim to bolster their applications.

Applications

Georgia Tech Admissions Blog

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

This week we welcome Senior Assistant Director for International Admission, Sara Riggs, to the blog. Standardized test scores are high on the perceived value list for students who are applying to college, but those of us who are reviewing your application place less emphasis on this one metric than students often assume.

Testing

Peterson's Blog

JANUARY 16, 2025

As one of the first high school standardized tests a student takes, the PSAT can set the stage for teenagers’ expectations of themselves and future exams. The test is a critical milestone for expressing academic and college readiness; your students’ confidence on test day often reflects how well-prepared they are.

PSAT

HelloCollege

JANUARY 21, 2025

When planning for college , standardized test scores still stand out as one of the most important factors in applying to college. Many private ACT and SAT tutoring companies offer packages to best suit your test prep needs. But one of the most common questions is, “How much does ACT/SAT tutoring cost?”

ACT

Marks Education

JULY 16, 2025

While this blog is primarily geared towards independent high schools or well-resourced public schools in terms of counselor availability, we hope that all students can walk away from this blog with a sense of how your guidance counselor can help you submit a successful college application and reduce stress.

Applications

Marks Education

APRIL 25, 2025

The Marks Difference Results Meet Our Team History Services Admissions Guidance Standardized Test Preparation Academic Tutoring AP Exam Preparation Transfer Graduate/Professional Admissions College Essay and Application Help Group Tutoring SAT & ACT® Test Prep Courses Students Middle School High School College/Graduate International Resources (..)

Academic Tutors

AdmissionSight

MAY 8, 2025

If youve taken the PSAT recently, youve already experienced the new format, which is administered on a laptop or tablet at testing centers or schools, instead of the traditional paper and pencil. From a test prep perspective, its easy to see why many students feel the digital SAT is a bit more approachable than the old paper version.

SAT

HelloCollege

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Taking a practice test for both can help determine which suits you best. For a complete breakdown of each test and suggestions on which to pick, visit our blog post: Should I Take the SAT or ACT? The best way to raise your score is not test-dependent. A big part of taking the SAT is learning the ins and outs of the test.

ACT

Marks Education

MAY 5, 2025

The Marks Difference Results Meet Our Team History Services Admissions Guidance Standardized Test Preparation Academic Tutoring AP Exam Preparation Transfer Graduate/Professional Admissions College Essay and Application Help Group Tutoring SAT & ACT® Test Prep Courses Students Middle School High School College/Graduate International Resources (..)

Academic Tutors

AdmissionSight

JUNE 5, 2025

The answer is yes: MIT combines your highest section scores across all test dates to create your best possible total. Knowing this can help you plan smarter and ease some test-day pressure. In this blog, youll learn precisely how MITs superscoring works, what scores you should aim for, and simple tips to boost your chances.

Test Prep

HelloCollege

JULY 31, 2025

Use Quality Practice Materials Official practice exams : Available in the Bluebook app, these tests mirror the real SAT experience. Other resources : Here at HelloCollege , we offer targeted exercises and strategy workshops, as well as one-on-one test prep tutoring. A healthy mind and body are essential for peak performance.

SAT

HelloCollege

JANUARY 28, 2025

Since standardized tests play a crucial role in the college applications process and is one of the most important factors in college admissions , figuring out how to study for the SAT and ACT can feel overwhelming. In this blog post, Ill answer all these questions and share tips to help you succeed. And how long does it take?

ACT

HelloCollege

MARCH 13, 2025

For a full breakdown of each test, information on scoring, and tips on making a decision between the two, visit our blog post, Should I Take the SAT or ACT? Key Takeaway: Evaluate Yourself by Simulating Both Tests My personal advice is as follows: You should take one full SAT at home and score it.

ACT

Marks Education

JUNE 2, 2025

In an age of grade inflation and large application pools, colleges value standardized achievement metrics in addition to more holistic measures such as essays. If youre considering standardized test prep options, our class might be just right for you. Our solution to that stress? Who are Our SAT/ACT Classes Right for?

Test Prep

Top Tier Admissions

APRIL 16, 2025

Unlike the ACT or SAT which can be easily retaken, AP exams are offered just once a year, making the annual test dates especially important. For a breakdown of this years schedule (which runs May 5 th through May 16 th ) and changes, see our recent blog 2025 AP Exam Schedule: Digital Expansion and Content Changes.

Transition

Top Tier Admissions

APRIL 9, 2025

TOP TIERS STANDARDIZED TESTING RESOURCE TIMELINE STEP 1: If youre unsure whether the ACT or the SAT is your stronger test, jump into our free SAT vs. ACT Diagnostic tool to see your results! STEP 2: If youve taken a full-length practice ACT and SAT, use our score converter to help determine your stronger test.

ACT

Top Tier Admissions

MAY 7, 2025

crush the act At Top Tier Admissions, we specialize in building personalized test strategies that align with your students strengthsand your familys college goals. SAT choice Keeping close tabs on testing dates and versions ACT Tutoring Hit your target score with our renowned ACT tutors. Reach out anytime.

ACT

Peterson's Blog

MARCH 11, 2025

Thats where the concept of Credit by Exam (CLEP tests, DSST, AP, etc.) CLEP exams stand for College Level Examination Program, a collection of standardized tests that measure your knowledge of specific subjects via tests for credit. comes into play.

Test Prep

Top Tier Admissions

JULY 1, 2025

With the launch of the digital SAT in March 2024 and the more recent updates to the ACT in April 2025 (both of which introduced significant changes to test formats) the standardized testing landscape is more uncertain than ever. Colleges that are “test optional” in policy are often “test preferred” in practice.

ACT

Admissions Mom

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

We have always considered work or family responsibilities as valuable ways of spending ones time… (I summarized the entire statement in an Instagram post linked here and in a blog post linked here if youd like to read the entire documentwhich you should.) If you maintain a blog, that counts too. So dont be afraid to mix it up.

Extracurricular

Peterson's Blog

JULY 29, 2025

This blog offers a detailed, 3-month ACT study plan designed to enhance your preparation. We’re a test prep company dedicated to boosting your standardized test scores so that you can conquer any test confidently! Subscribe today to supercharge your ACT test prep online. Adaptive learning.

ACT

Peterson's Blog

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

DSST testing population refers to the population that takes the DANTES Subject Standardized Test or DSST. DSST exams help individuals earn college credits by testing them on information they are familiar with.

Testing

DC College Counseling

JUNE 20, 2025

Between scoops of your favorite frozen treat, keep an eye out for upcoming blog posts on colleges with surprising quirks and hidden strengths – perfect for adding punch to those “Why Us?” Of course, in today’s era of standardized testing, some parents worry that their kids will be learning how to milk cows instead of how to ace the SAT.

Accommodations

Peterson's Blog

APRIL 1, 2025

When it comes to standardized test prep, where do you even start? Fret not; youve been testing your whole education. While a standardized test like the ACT is significant, the tools you need to demolish test-day stress are within reach with an ACT practice test online.

ACT

Peterson's Blog

MARCH 27, 2025

Speaking as the author of this blog post, this course is undoubtedly exactly what I would have wanted as a teen. The videos make it easy to follow, and the information a teen needs is all in one convenient place.

High School

Peterson's Blog

JANUARY 28, 2025

Introducing our new PSAT Preparation Course crafted to give students a solid foundation for one of their first high school standardized tests. What Is the PSAT Test? Empower learners to achieve higher PSAT scores, build confidence, and highlight their strengths for college admissions and scholarships!

PSAT

Admissions Mom

MAY 14, 2025

EXPLORE THE WORLD OF ADMISSIONS: Read some college admissions websites and blogs. Or, as this Georgia Tech blog says, find what makes you happy, and do it. READ BOOKS: Seriously, reading is the best way to write well, write deeply, have good interviews, and be prepared to do your standardized testing.

Letters of Recommendation

Top Tier Admissions

AUGUST 26, 2024

Johns Hopkins University will reintroduce standardized testing requirements beginning with those seeking admission for the fall 2026 semester to the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences or the Whiting School of Engineering. Most recently, Stanford University announced it would once again require students to submit test scores.

Standardized Testing

Top Tier Admissions

JUNE 4, 2024

In this ever-changing college admissions landscape, the role of standardized testing remains a hot topic (and source of confusion). Understanding how these tests fit into the broader admissions process can help demystify their purpose and highlight strategies you can use to enhance your applications.

Standardized Testing

Top Tier Admissions

MAY 20, 2024

Test-flexible? Test-blind? Test-neutral? Test-recommended? Test-aware? While many universities have announced post-pandemic admissions policies that re-instate mandatory standardized test scores, there is still no consensus. SAT Tutoring Expert one-on-one guidance to boost your score.

Standardized Testing

Peterson's Blog

OCTOBER 23, 2024

Standardized tests, like the SAT and ACT, are used to determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. In this blog, we will cover the current data on scores year after year, factors associated with the changes, and how to best approach these standardized tests in light of recent data.

ACT