The ACT is more than just a test—it’s a cornerstone of college admissions strategy in 2025. These philosophies explain why colleges weigh it so heavily, how superscoring works, and why smart preparation can open doors to scholarships, selective schools, and long-term opportunities.

Test-optional policies may be widespread, but SAT and ACT scores remain powerful tools in 2025. From selective admissions to scholarships and competitive STEM programs, strong test results can still set you apart. Discover where scores give you an edge this year.

Despite political headlines, international students should not be discouraged from pursuing higher education in the United States. As Ivy Bound Director Mark Greenstein points out, the academic, cultural, and career opportunities offered by U.S. universities remain unmatched. Leaders and policies may change, but America’s institutions continue to welcome learners from across the globe, valuing the diverse perspectives they bring.

Many colleges make the award automatic based on a combination of SAT (or ACT) and GPA. Merit-based scholarships range from $500 to $200,000. Our students seeking scholarships report an average award exceeding $70,000 over four years.

For all students studying for the SAT and ACT, we have some advice: Don’t wait to sign up! Whether it’s your target or practice test date, delaying until close to the deadline could get you shunted to a faraway test center. To avoid the unnecessary stress before test day, make sure to sign up well in advance.

Ivy Bound was originally founded with a desire to give students the best SAT test prep in the area. Since 2001, Mark Greenstein’s company has evolved into one of the premier test prep and tutoring firms in New England, helping students succeed on the ACT, AP Exams, Graduate School Exams and much more. While we guarantee SAT score increases, we also encourage students to strive for merit scholarships based on test performance.

This is a heads-up to the many students and their parents, who might be complacent about college prospects. Even in the past five years, admissions to the most competitive U.S. colleges have tightened further.

A parent will feel regretful when their child receives an unsatisfactory score on either the SAT or the ACT. Fewer scholarship opportunities, a smaller total amount of money available for awards, and the realization that "we could have prevented this."

Female to male college acceptance.Many colleges have a nearly 60-40 female and male ratio for undergraduate students. Learn how this trend affects college admissions. Ivy Bound tutoring and test prep courses can help get you get accepted to your dream school.  

When Should You Complete Your College Applications? Timing becomes crucial. Find out when the optimum time is to submit your college application.Find out when the optimum time is to submit your college application. Call now to find out how we can assist your student.

Should you visit a college campus you are applying to? Ivy Bound owner Mark Greenstein answers some of the most common questions parents and students have about campus visits. For over 20 years, Ivy Bound Test Prep and Academic Tutoring has helped students accomplish their academic goals. The academic admissions process is familiar territory for our tutors and staff. Call today to see how we can help.

Are you thinking about applying to a university early decision without submitting your ACT or SAT scores? Learn how the word "test optional" might deceive students and harm their chances of acceptance. Ivy Bound's Mark Greenstein presents the most up-to-date information on why you should submit your test scores to improve your chances of acceptance. Call today to learn how we can help your student

Mark Greenstein of Ivy Bound helps parents figure out how to get into college. He and his tutors are very good at helping students prepare for tests and do well in school. In this video, Mark talks about college essay tips and how a teen can make their submission standout.

Is your family trying to determine what looks good on college applications? SAT or ACT scores help students who want to get into good colleges, and this is especially true for African-Americans who want to go to top schools. But everybody needs something more. Mark Greenstein of Ivy Bound shows parents and students what makes a college application stand out.

Ivy Bound's Mark Greenstein helps students and parents assess the importance of APs, honors, IB, and challenging university classes for college admission. For SAT and ACT Prep, Ivy Bound's tailoring, its materials, and its talented tutors yield great results for students, over 140 point average SAT increases, and nearly 14 section-point ACT score increases.

The SAT is a huge admissions helper for ambitious minority students. At most universities, the SAT is also a significant helper to their parents in the form of scholarships. The SAT is primarily a test of skills, among them reasoning skills. Boosting those skills is what we do best at Ivy Bound, and we are here to help you towards that goal.

Ivy Bound's Mark Greenstein draws attention to the financial ramifications of need-based prizes, which, when used wisely, can benefit Asian Americans. Although a qualified financial counselor is advised in this situation, Mark's tips are a good place to start.

The big exception on admission to "test optional" colleges. These students need to show SAT scores WELL above the university’s published median. Students with few to no extracurricular activities that colleges appreciate need to show scores 100+ points above the published medians to feel good about admission to a given college.