If you’re a high school student (or a parent helping one), you’ve probably asked yourself this: “Should I take the SAT or the ACT, and which one is harder?” It’s one of the most common questions we hear, along with Is SAT relevant in modern admissions ?, and it makes sense. ACT and SAT might look similar on the surface, but they feel very different once you start preparing. Some students say the ACT feels rushed, while others find the SAT a bit more analytical. Now, with t

Preparing for top colleges can be overwhelming — balancing SAT prep, essays, extracurriculars, and schoolwork. That’s why at IvyStrides, we encourage our students to use WOOP, a simple yet powerful framework to clarify goals and turn them into action. What is WOOP? WOOP is an acronym that stands for: Wish – What do you want to achieve? Outcome – What’s the best result if you succeed? Obstacle – What could get in the way? Plan – How will you overcome those obstacles? Developed

At IvyStrides, we’re not just focused on test scores — we help students tell powerful stories, overcome challenges, and showcase the kind...

Getting into your dream college doesn’t just take hard work — it takes smart work. That’s where SMART Goals come in. At IvyStrides, we...

How MoSCoW framework can supercharge your College Prep Getting into a top college isn’t just about working hard — it’s about working...

Did you take the SAT a few years ago and now need to retrieve your SAT scores for college, grad school, or job applications? Whether you took the SAT in 2025 or as far back as 2005, your scores may be archived by the College Board. While SAT scores older than 2005 are generally no longer retrievable, those from more recent years can still be obtained after paying an archival retrieval fee. At IvyStrides, we understand how frustrating it can be to locate your past SAT scores,

Quick Summary: SAT Cancellation Key Facts for 2026 Key Detail What You Need to Know Cancellation Deadline Thursday, 11:59 p.m. ET before your test day Cancellation Fee (before change deadline) $29 Cancellation Fee (after change deadline, by Thursday) $39 After Thursday 11:59 p.m. ET No refund available Refund Timeline 6–8 weeks after test date Phone Support (866) 756-7346 Where to Cancel College Board My SAT account Bottom line: If you cancel before Thursday at 11:59 p.m. ET

Quick Answer: How to Send SAT Scores Here's the short version: 1. Log in to your College Board account at collegeboard.org . 2. Go to the "Send Scores" section. 3. Search for colleges by name or 4-digit institution code . 4. Select the SAT test date(s) you want to send (use Score Choice if available). 5. Pay the fee ( $14 per report , or free if you selected colleges during registration). 6. Submit - colleges receive scores in 1–2 weeks (standard) or 2–4 business days (

The SAT Test day is already nerve-wracking. You’re dealing with performance pressure, timing anxiety, and a million “what ifs.” The last thing you want is to be sidelined by something as basic as a missing item. That’s why knowing exactly what to bring to the SAT exam and what not to get is just as critical as learning how to solve a linear equation or spot the main idea in a reading passage. At IvyStrides , we go way beyond the SAT syllabus. We don’t just prep for SAT exam

When preparing for the SAT, many students rely on traditional study habits: reading chapters, completing practice tests, and last-minute...

Wondering how many times you can take the SAT? The truth is there’s no limit- but retaking without a strategy won’t improve your score. This guide breaks down SAT retake rules for 2026, ideal number of attempts, superscoring, and how to plan smarter between tests. Learn when to retake, how to avoid score plateaus, and the exact strategy top scorers use to boost results on their next attempt.

SAT Prep - the Highest ROI Move for College Admissions College admissions are famously holistic. Top universities look at grades, course...

The term "good PSAT score" can mean different things depending on your grade and goals. A score that's impressive for a 10th grader might fall short for an 11th grader aiming for National Merit recognition. It gets even more confusing when comparing across different versions of the test, like PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT, since each has its own scoring scale and purpose. IvyStrides helps students decode what their PSAT score really means. In our programs, we prepare stud

If you’ve been practicing regularly but your SAT Reading score just won’t budge, you’re not alone. Many students hit a plateau, where no matter how many practice tests they take, their score stays stuck between 580–650. This isn’t because you’re unknowingly repeating the same study mistakes. This guide by IvyStrides is here to walk you through why your SAT reading score isn’t improving and precisely what to do about it. No fluff. Just a focused strategy that works for real s

If you’re planning to take the digital SAT test , you’re focused on scores, prep strategies, and deadlines. But there’s another piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked, what does the SAT Exam cost ? And with the SAT cost, we don't just mean the registration fee. We're also talking about paying extra for changing your test center, sending SAT scores to colleges at $15 each time , late registration surcharges, and more. If you're applying to multiple Ivy League schools

Understand all SAT Math topics for 2026 with this complete guide covering the full syllabus, key concepts, and difficulty levels. From algebra and advanced math to data analysis and geometry, learn what to expect on test day and how to prioritize your preparation. Whether you're aiming for a high score or building a strong foundation, this guide helps you focus on the most important topics and create an effective SAT Math study strategy.

Choosing between the ACT and SAT in 2026 is more strategic than ever. With the digital SAT, evolving ACT format, and changing college policies, understanding key differences in structure, timing, and scoring is essential. This guide breaks down both exams to help you pick the test that aligns with your strengths and maximizes your college admissions chances.

Running out of time before the SAT? This last-minute SAT guide shows you exactly how to boost your score in the final days with proven strategies, high-yield topics, and smart study plans. Learn what to focus on, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to maximize your performance even with limited prep time.

There's no shortage of SAT resources out there: books, flashcards, prep apps, Reddit threads, and YouTube hacks. Yet somehow, all this content often leads to one thing: overwhelm. That's because students aren't missing materials. They're missing a strategy . With the 2026 SAT now fully digital, test-taking strategies, timing, and formats have all changed. So why are so many SAT study guides still stuck in the past? That's where IvyStrides steps in. This isn't another list of

The SAT is the most widely accepted college admission test. No debate there. But understanding how long the SAT is matters just as much as anything else on your prep list. When you know the minutes allotted to each section, you can plan smarter practice, set realistic targets, and walk in with a clear pacing plan. This awareness keeps your energy steady and your focus tight across the test. If you're feeling overwhelmed by test logistics, you're not alone , check out our guid