Our HSPT study guide offers a comprehensive overview of the High School Placement Test, detailing its structure, scoring system, and providing effective strategies to help 8th-grade students prepare confidently for this critical exam.

High school students often ask us about the difference between IB (International Baccalaureate) and AP (Advanced Placement) exams. In this post, we guide you through the key differences between AP and IB courses, IB vs AP exams, and address common questions, such as whether IB classes are harder than AP classes, or whether IB or AP is the better fit for you.

Meet Ben. Now in his eighth year with North Avenue Education, Ben tutors a wide range of subjects, including the SAT and ACT, AP History and Social Sciences, and graduate exams like the LSAT, GRE, and GMAT. He is passionate about teaching and finds it especially rewarding to watch students grasp elusive concepts - whether a theme in U.S. History, the properties of exponents, or how to identify necessary and sufficient conditions in logic – and apply them independently in new contexts.

Wondering if you can retake the SAT or ACT? Learn how many times you can take the SAT/ACT, the costs of retaking, and strategies to improve your score. Get answers on retesting policies, college score reporting, and prep tips for success.

Meet Casey. Casey specializes in science tutoring and SAT/ACT prep, drawing on extensive teaching experience to adapt to each student’s needs with patience and empathy. They build confidence and self-sufficiency by identifying strengths, addressing challenges, and making learning engaging – even sparking a passion for subjects students once disliked!

Every May, the College Board oversees high school students nationwide taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams. These assessments gauge students' grasp of college-level coursework and provide an opportunity to earn college credit. It's essential to stay updated on the 2025 AP Exam schedule to ensure you're well-prepared for the test day. Below is the complete timeline of AP exam dates in 2025 and essential AP Exam study tips to enhance performance.

Learn what changed with the April 2025 ACT launch, how students were affected, and how to best prepare for the new digital, streamlined format.

Building stress tolerance is key to academic success. This post explores how students can develop resilience under pressure – and how study skills coaching can support that growth.

Every May, thousands of students worldwide take the International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, a rigorous series of assessments that test students' mastery of college-level coursework. To excel in these exams, it's crucial to stay updated on the IB exam dates 2025. Below, we present the full IB exam schedule 2025 and provide essential study tips to enhance your performance.

Explore our essential guide to AP tests, including AP exam dates, preparation tips, AP test benefits, scoring insights, and how to register – empowering students to succeed on Advanced Placement exams and earn college credit.

This blog post serves as a one-stop guide to help students, families, and counselors understand what ACT’s My Answer Key includes, who can access it, why it’s such a powerful study tool, and how to order it – step by step.

Ensure a stress-free ACT test day with this comprehensive checklist. Learn what to bring, what to avoid, and essential test-day tips to help you perform at your best.

Master AP exams with expert study strategies, time management tips, and test-day preparation. Learn how to self-study effectively and maximize your college credit opportunities.

Explore the 2025 ACT test changes, including superscoring policy updates, university admissions implications, and content rebalancing. Get expert advice tailored for students and educators to navigate these enhancements effectively.

Through rigorous hiring, ongoing development, and long-term retention, we ensure students receive exceptional, personalized instruction from dedicated mentors who foster confidence and academic success.

Meet Riley. Riley is a seasoned educator with a master’s degree in English and over a decade of experience teaching and tutoring writing, critical reading, and standardized test preparation. Boasting extensive experience coaching SAT, ACT, and SSAT, Riley excels at helping students hone their analytical and time-management skills for success on test day. His patient, tailored approach ensures each student gains confidence and mastery in tackling complex material.

Meet Aster. A recent Physics graduate from Reed College, Aster boasts over 3,000 hours of professional tutoring experience, specializing in SAT/ACT test prep as well as AP Calculus and IB Physics. They bring a deep understanding of test formats and advanced subject material to yield an individualized approach to tutoring sessions. Aster’s teaching philosophy emphasizes clarity, compassion, and mutual collaboration to help students succeed in school and beyond.

Maximize your AP exam success with strategic study tips, test-day strategies, and expert tutoring. Learn how preparation, resources, and time management can boost your scores!

A compelling card or letter serves as a follow-up to an application, reinforcing a student’s interest in an institution and reminding admissions officers of their strengths. This guide outlines key components, structure, and expert tips to help students craft an impactful letter that enhances their application.

Meet Chandler. A dynamic educator with over a decade of experience, Chandler specializes in helping students master science concepts and develop effective study skills. With a background in executive function coaching for neurodiverse learners, Chandler combines a passion for STEM with personalized strategies to help students stay organized, focused, and engaged.

Learn how to interpret SSAT scores with our expert guide, covering scaled scores, percentiles, and actionable steps to help your student succeed in admissions.

The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a critical admissions component for Catholic high schools. This guide offers insights into the test structure, scoring, preparation tips, and resources to help your child excel confidently on test day.

Meet Maria. With a deep understanding of both foundational and advanced mathematical concepts, Maria is skilled at simplifying complex problems and making them accessible to students. She tailors her tutoring approach to meet the unique needs of each student, helping them build confidence and improve their skills. Whether working through fundamental concepts or preparing for more advanced topics, Maria is dedicated to providing clear and patient guidance to support student success.