At the National Test Prep Association's annual conference, the College Board and ACT each took the stage to walk through updates. The slides were about features and release dates. But the most useful information was in the room's reaction to them, and in the questions the presenters couldn't quite answer yet. For anyone who advises families through testing, here are the key takeaways.

Paper or digital ACT? Your student says one thing, ACT's website says another, and a friend swears her daughter got scored more harshly online. We looked at the actual data so you don't have to.

Most colleges superscore the SAT – but not all do. Here's which schools use your student's best single-sitting composite, and what that means for their testing plan.

Not all colleges superscore the ACT – and the gap between your student's superscore and best single-sitting composite can cost them. Here's what you need to know.

Introducing North Avenue Scholars: a monthly membership model for families who believe consistent, expert support – not last-minute scrambling – is the real competitive advantage in college admissions.

Confused by the Enhanced ACT (September 2025)? Learn how to register, compare paper vs online testing, navigate optional Science and Writing, find seats, and use My Answer Key to boost scores with an expert ACT tutor at North Avenue Education.

Independent research is becoming one of the most compelling ways students stand out in selective college admissions. We’ve partnered with Lumiere Education, a highly vetted research mentorship program connecting students with PhD researchers from top universities. Learn why we recommend Lumiere – and how to explore whether it’s a strong fit for your student.

Learn why starting SAT or ACT test prep with a full-length diagnostic practice test gives you a true baseline score, clarifies which exam fits you, and makes your study plan smarter.

Learn how to master digital SAT Math with algebra, advanced math, geometry, and data skills, smart Desmos use, and time-saving strategies – plus guidance on score reports, study plans, and when to seek out the help of a personalized 1:1 SAT tutor.

Learn how to master SAT Reading on the digital SAT with expert strategies for Craft & Structure and Information & Ideas question types, pacing tips, Bluebook practice, and tutoring to build comprehension, confidence, and scores.

Master SAT Writing with crisp grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric strategies. Learn to predict answers, prefer concise choices, and review mistakes with official practice. Read on to explore these insights and more in Part 2 of our series on everything you need to score well on the SAT.

Discover expert SAT Reading strategies from our team of seasoned tutors. Learn how personalized, high-level SAT tutoring builds critical reading skills, boosts comprehension, and maximizes test-day confidence for top-tier college admissions success.

Access the new Class of 2026 National Merit PSAT/NMSQT cutoff scores, with expert analysis of West Coast trends — and tips for students targeting Semifinalist status.

Learn how to get better at writing essays with timed writing practice: use timed writing prompts, timed writing examples, and apply timed writing tips to prepare, run a timed write, and craft a timed essay.

Learn when PSAT scores come out in 2025, how National Merit works, and the best PSAT study tips, classes, and tutoring to prepare.

Discover why taking the ACT Science section is crucial, even though it’s now optional, and see how it impacts college admissions and your future.

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.

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

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.

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.

Understanding PSAT and PSAT 10 scores helps juniors and sophomores gauge SAT readiness, consider ACT options, and plan effective prep.

The ACT is evolving, and the updates rolling out in 2025 will bring some exciting and impactful changes. If you’re planning to take the test soon, here’s everything you need to know about what’s new, how it will affect your prep, and what you can do to stay ahead.

Navigating the SAT can be challenging for any student, but for those with learning differences, the hurdles can feel even more daunting.