Preparing for the GMAT, LSAT or SAT is a challenge. A new company, Knewton.com, is trying to make the process simpler and more enjoyable for students.

Why is Knewton one of the best ways to study for an exam?

First off, everything is online, which means you can study when and where is most convenient for you. As busy college students, convenience is incredibly important.

Secondly, Knewton employs the “industry’s most experienced and dynamic GMAT teachers, LSAT teachers, and test experts” in order to ensure the quality of their programs. Who can argue with learning from the best teachers in the industry? These teachers offer live, online video classes that are available on demand, so once again it fits into your busy schedule. Read the rest of this entry »

I try to be a self-regulated learner. Self-regulated learners often do better on tests and assignments. They learn better and retain what they have learned longer. But what is a self-regulated learner?

A self-regulated learner is someone who takes charge of their own learning. A good example of a self-regulated learner is when a baby learns to sit up on his own. Nobody is sitting there, encouraging the baby and quizzing him on how to sit; he just does it himself. He is self-motivated and teaches himself how to do it. Another example is making a mock-exam before a test and quizzing yourself. Nobody told you to do that, but if you do, you will probably learn more from it and remember the material better than if you just went to a review session. Read the rest of this entry »

This time of year is one that induces stress in both high school and college students alike. Exams are around the corner, with that comes the late nights and loss of social life. I am here to give you some advice from my college experience. Recharge your batteries. 

Something can be said about the benefits of studying 72 hours in five days, but when does it become too much? Studying is an important part of getting good grades, but what use is working your brain to the nub when you are too tired to recall the information you have learned. Read the rest of this entry »

I remember sitting in a huge high school auditorium, nervously watching my teacher pass out scantrons. Everyone had at least two #2 pencils and several layers of clothes to take on and off, depending on when the A/C kicked in. We weren’t allowed to leave the room for any reason because it might allow us to cheat. We were taking a test in high school that could possibly get us college credit hours. It was nerve wracking!

I took my first College Board AP test when I was in 10th grade. I was terrified! I couldn’t eat the day before and during the exam. I couldn’t sleep. I was trembling throughout the exam. It was bad.

Recently, College Board announced plans to extend this terror to 8th graders. The test would be called RediStep and allow these middle school students to earn college credit through a test. However, due to the economic condition of many schools across the nation, the plan was postponed until 2010.  Read the rest of this entry »

Whether its college or high school finals, IB Testing, AP Testing, or any other testing that is held during the tail end of school, the beginning of May signifies a long month for me and a number of other students. For me specifically, its IB testing.

IB testing encompasses the entire month of May with tests starting next Monday, the fourth, and lasting through May 22. Of course, just my luck, I have tests on the opening day all through May until the 22nd. I will be taking Psychology HL, Physics HL, English HL, Calculus SL, and Spanish SL. Throw in the AP Calculus test and I’m sure you can see I have quite the busy month ahead of me! Read the rest of this entry »

Whether you’re preparing for the SAT, ACT, or both- these are some good tips to apply for healthy preparation.

1. Number 2 Pencils- Be sure to bring PLENTY of them, too! Although the testing site may say they provide you with pencils if you forget them, don’t count on the pencils being the greatest! Be sure also to bring plain wood number 2s because the use of mechanical pencils is not allowed on standardized tests.

2. Calculator- Although calculators are not REQUIRED they come in handy when more complicated math problems come up on either test. Graphing calculators are allowed, but be sure to double check on the test’s website if your calculator make/model is allowed or not. Be sure, if using a graphing calculator, to throw in some extra batteries or change them the night before. Would hate to remember your calculator then have it die half way through a problem on the test! Or bring a back up calculator if you don’t have batteries or won’t have time to get any.

3. Snacks and Water- Although you aren’t allowed to eat or drink while the test is taking place, there are small breaks between sections, giving you time to not only stretch, but also a little time to munch! Keeping your metabolism up will help you stay awake and alert so that you will be able to address each question to the best of your ability!

4. Admissions Ticket- Whether you register online or by mail for the test, you should receive an admissions ticket telling you details such as time and location and date of your test and other rules. Be sure to bring this paper along because it shows proof of registration and is required at the beginning of your test or else you won’t be allowed in. Also be sure to bring a current photo ID, they require this also with the admissions ticket.

5. Yourself!- Be sure the night before you get a good night’s sleep, don’t stay up late cramming last minute facts into your head on some scientific theory that may not even show up on the test. Eat a good breakfast the morning of and pump yourself up by listening to your favorite song!

It seems more students are taking than ACT college entrance exam than the SAT. The test has grown in popularity, as 1.42 million high school graduates took the ACT this past year. The average score was 21.1 out of a possible 36.

Comparing the two college entrance tests there are many similarities. SAT tests critical reading, writing and math; while the ACT tests reading, math, english, science and an optional writing portion. The cost for the SAT is $45 and the ACT $46 (with writing). The SAT takes twenty minutes longer at 3 hours, 45 minutes; the ACT takes 3 hours, 25 minutes.

Watch this video from ABC affiliate WSYR to learn more, and help determine which test is most appropriate for you.