Every fall, families find themselves in one of two patterns. Either the school year just sort of "happens to them," or they take the time to reset intentionally. An academic reset isn't about making drastic changes. It's about getting clear on priorities, building a solid structure, and making a few strategic decisions before momentum starts building in the wrong direction.

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.

Both the ACT and SAT have undergone major changes heading into 2025, with shorter test lengths, redesigned formats, and more flexible options. But which test is the better choice for you? Here’s how the ACT and SAT compare—and what to consider when deciding which one to take.

With the ACT rolling out a new format in 2025, students need updated strategies to succeed. From a shorter test length to an optional Science section, these changes will impact pacing, scoring, and prep methods. Here’s what you need to know—and how to adapt your study plan for the enhanced ACT.

Starting in 2025, the ACT will offer a new level of flexibility: the Science section is now optional. But should you take it? For STEM-focused students, the Science section can highlight analytical skills and boost applications. For others, skipping it may be the smarter choice. Here’s how to decide—and how Ivy Bound can help you prepare.

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.

By early July, a quiet comparison season begins. Parents scroll, students talk, and the question surfaces: "Are we doing enough this summer?" In competitive college admissions, "impressive" doesn't mean what many families think. It's not about a packed calendar—it's about depth, commitment, and strategic focus. This guide unpacks what admissions officers actually notice and how to build a summer that strengthens your application.

Every summer starts with good intentions. But by August, many families realize their student didn't regress dramatically—they just didn't move forward. In competitive academic environments, that quiet stagnation is a problem. Summer learning loss isn't about losing knowledge; it's about losing momentum. Academic skills require consistent practice to stay sharp. When that practice stops, the skills don't just pause—they begin to atrophy. This guide explores why summer slide happens and how families can prevent it with a sustainable, low-stress approach.

Most parents don't ask, "Is my child behind?" They ask something quieter: "Are we on track?" In today's varied educational landscape, that question is harder to answer than ever. Grades look solid. Teachers say things are "going well." But academic standards vary widely across schools, districts, and classrooms. What looks strong locally may not always translate into competitive readiness later. So how can you evaluate progress objectively—without panic, and without guesswork?

Every May, a familiar debate begins in households across the country: should summer be a time for total relaxation, or should the academic engine keep running? The answer, backed by decades of educational research, isn't an either/or proposition.

A quiet but persistent shift is occurring in high schools nationwide. Despite immense dedication, many Gen Z students feel perpetually behind. This isn't about capability—it's about timing.

In 2024, the ACT announced they would be making a series of “enhancements” to the test in the year to come. These changes go into effect for digital test-takers in April 2025. Students opting for paper tests will see the new version of the ACT beginning in September. School-issued state and district daytime testing will begin offering the updated ACT in spring 2026. 

Staying on top of test updates is the best way to know how to target your study efforts so that you’re as prepared as possible when test day rolls around..

A Guide For High Schools about the best SAT & ACT practices to set their students up for success on tests and during college admissions.

The College Board SAT, a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States, is undergoing a significant transition from its traditional paper-based format to a digital format. Students now take the test on a computer rather than with pencil and paper. This shift to digital testing raises several important implications for students. For one, it requires them to adapt to new testing strategies and tools that may differ from what they are accustomed to with paper-based exams. Additionally, the move towards digital testing results from a broader trend towards incorporating technology into education and assessment methods.

Many families struggle to find the EXTRA time in their teen’s day for SAT prep when they have numerous extracurricular activities and regular studies to attend to. While we don’t recommend taking away sports, band, chorus, volunteer work and paid jobs, we do suggest that students carve out time for prep. Without a clear carve-out, SAT (or ACT) prep will fall to the demands of classes, extra-curricular activities, social activities, and sleep.

What is a Tutoring Club?

A tutoring club is where serious students gather to get their work done AND have a tutor’s expertise when they are stuck.

Some tutoring clubs are more pro-active – they enlist a tutor to teach a certain agenda from scratch, or review a certain subject. High School tutoring clubs allow students to get help with difficult academic work, with semi-academic work, and with standardized test prep.

On average, our students increase their SAT scores by nearly 150 points!

What is the secret to our success rate? When it comes to the SAT, we have one simple answer to help students send the best scores to the colleges of their choice.

NOBODY should be delaying an SAT based on this rumor. That’s because “easier” does not mean BETTER. An easier-for-all SAT means Revised SAT scores will be artificially higher. But colleges will be wise to that. If 1400 is easier to attain on the Revised SAT, then colleges will need 1500 to be impressed.

When the SAT was “recentered” in March 1994, high recentered scores were not as impressive as prior scores that were 100 points lower. (Recentering added 110 – 120 points to mid-range scorers.) Colleges could tell the difference, and they certainly will know the difference if the scaling is skewed next year.

Many parents ask us if a student’s SAT prep should be delayed until he or she has completed Algebra 2 in school. The timing of when you study for the SAT is really important. Kids’ schedules, whether during sophomore or junior year, tend to get filled up later in the year. While schedules are more hectic in the spring, students also have more math knowledge under their belts than in winter or fall. So, what should students do?

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.