AP classes offer exciting academic challenges, chances for deep discussion, and college benefits. Deciding whether to enroll in AP classes and how many to take is a big decision for high school students. When deciding, it’s important for students to remain honest about what they can and can’t handle.
What are Advanced Placement Classes?
Advanced Placement classes, commonly shortened to AP classes, are college-level classes offered to high school students. These courses help students prepare for, and adjust to, the rigors of higher education prior to graduating high school. Upon completion, students typically sit for the AP exam in their chosen subject to earn college credits and advanced placement.
AP classes are administered by The College Board and cover various subject areas. Students have the option to take courses based on personal interests or to fulfill college prerequisite requirements. While these courses are free for high school students, they must pay to take the corresponding AP exam.
Who Can Take AP Classes?
Any high school or high school aged student interested in AP classes can take them. However, each high school has different requirements for when students can enroll in AP classes. Some high schools allow students to take AP classes as early as 9th grade.
Others may have recommended prerequisites students must complete, or rules students must meet prior to enrolling in AP classes.
AP classes and coursework can be accessed online for homeschooled, independent study, or online learners. These options make AP classes accessible to high school aged virtual or homeschooled students. They may also provide access to more program options beyond what’s offered to traditional high school students.
Homeschooled students can self-study for most AP Exams. However, we highly recommend taking the corresponding course before taking the exam. Independent study or online students interested in taking an AP Exam must find a local high school or testing center.
Students can ask a counselor if their school or center administers the corresponding AP Exam.
2 Things to Consider Regarding AP Classes
Deciding if, how many, and when to take AP classes are huge decisions for high school students. Like all choices, deciding to take AP classes has pros and cons. Understanding each allows students to make an informed decision related to their academic career.
When making a choice, it’s important for students to remain honest about what they can and cannot handle. AP classes come with time constraints which may conflict with extracurriculars. This could lead to burnout and stress which may negatively impact focus and performance.
Some students may want to take more than one AP class to maximize the number of college credits earned. Keep in mind, AP classes are typically weighted which could raise or lower a student’s current high school GPA. This impact could be worsened if a student struggles with AP workloads.
We recommend starting with one AP class to experience and adjust to the demands of AP courses. If students believe they can handle multiple AP classes the following year, we encourage them to try. As wonderful as AP scores can be for college applications, academics are not the only aspect colleges consider.
Colleges consider extracurriculars, clubs, volunteer opportunities, and other application aspects alongside academics. Having a well-rounded application with positive scores in regular classes is preferred to academic heavy applications with low scores.
4 Benefits of AP Classes
AP classes come with a variety of benefits in high school and college. They can help students discover new passions, test out of introductory level college courses, and increase high school GPAs.
Exposure to Higher-Level Learning
AP classes let students experience college-level education prior to enrolling. This exposure helps students adjust to the pacing, workload, and expectations of college courses. It also helps students strengthen existing critical thinking, research, academic writing, and time management skills.
These courses provide an academic challenge for students and an opportunity to deepen their connection with the material.
Discover Your Academic Passions
The College Board offers 38 AP courses across disciplines such as Arts, World Languages and Culture, and History. Students can choose courses to complete prerequisite classes prior to starting college or based on personal interests. AP courses expose students to more subject matter and learning opportunities than high school curriculums.
This exposure simulates the variety of majors and fields of studies available to college students. It can allow students to discover new fields of interests or delve deeper into existing interests. Regardless of why students choose specific courses, each course provides invaluable student experience, discussion, and skills.
Earn College Credits & Advanced Placement
Course credits are a recognition of a student’s academic accomplishment. Advanced placement shows a student’s mastery over elementary topics and concepts related to a specific subject. Earning advanced placement for college allows students to test out of introductory level courses.
To earn advanced placement or college credits, students must take and pass the corresponding AP Exam. AP exams are graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with scores 3 and above being preferred results. AP exam scores indicate to colleges how qualified a test taker is to receive college credit.
Each college or university has its own policies regarding AP credit. Most colleges and universities use qualifying AP Exam scores to grant course credit, advanced placement, or both. Earning a qualifying AP exam score can help save time, money, and get a head start on college credits.
Stand Out from Other Applicants
High school students who passed their AP classes have demonstrated their ability to excel in and adjust to rigorous courseloads. Research shows students with AP experience have an increased probability of college success and completion on time. Even students with low AP Exam scores are predicted to have better college outcomes than freshman peers without AP experience.
Taking an AP class increases a student’s chances of being accepted into their dream college. Completing AP courses and earning high AP exam scores can qualify students for additional scholarships.
Prepare AP Exams with 宝博体育
At 宝博体育 Education, we understand the difference having high AP Exam scores can make. We also understand how overwhelming it can feel when preparing for multiple AP Exams at the same time. Our AP Exam Experts as well as customized Exam Prep and AP Bootcamp curriculums can help ease this strain.
We create customized plans for each student based on their individual strengths and weaknesses. Students can work through practice exams to build their confidence and familiarity with each exam. We help students focus on one subject at a time and develop healthy study habits for balancing multiple subjects.
Our AP Boot Camps offer 50-hour and 80-hour customized programs designed to help maximize a student’s AP scores. We know how hard every student has worked in their AP classes. Let us help make sure this effort counts.
Next Steps
AP classes can be beneficial for students interested in preparing for college workloads prior to high school graduation. They strengthen existing technical skills, pose an academic challenge, and expose students to more topics offered to high school students. They also help students to understand the expectations of college-level education.
We believe every student in AP classes deserves to make the most of their AP exam scores. Our Exam Experts are ready to provide support, tips and tricks for success, and individualized attention.
Ready to help your student ace their AP exam? Call us at (888) 312-3814 or submit this form to learn more.
Why Standardized Tests are Important Even for Test-Blind Schools
ACT, AP, PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, TEST PREPEven with the extension of test-optional policies, students can benefit from taking standardized tests. Earning high scores on tests such as the PSAT/NMSQT®, SAT®, or ACT® could help students fund their education. This could minimize the need to rely on student loans, which must be repaid.
Many students use standardized test tutoring as a resource to help improve their final test scores. Standardized test tutoring helps students monitor their progress, implement test-taking strategies, receive customized feedback, and more. To better understand the benefits of standardized test tutoring, we need to understand how standardized testing works.
What are Standardized Tests and What Do They Measure?
Standardized tests require each test taker to answer a selection of questions from a common question bank. They are scored in a consistent manner to measure and compare the performance of students across the country. These exams can offer a mix of true-false questions, short-answer questions, essay questions, and multiple-choice questions.
Common types of standardized tests include AP® exams, PSAT/NSMQT, the SAT, and the ACT.
AP exams measure how well high school students have mastered introductory level college material for a specific course. The PSAT/NMSQT measures how prepared students are for the SAT. It may also identify students qualified for the National Merit Scholarship and an additional $300 million in scholarships.
The SAT and ACT measure how well students have retained material covered throughout high school. They also gauge each student’s ability to adapt to and solve unfamiliar, complex topics. Traditionally, this served as an indicator of how prepared students are for higher education.
As test-optional and test-blind policies extend to more colleges, many students and parents wonder…
Why are Standardized Tests So Important?
Earning high scores on standardized tests could minimize or eliminate the need for student loans. They could also help students save time and money by earning college credits prior to high school graduation. High test scores may also help a student’s college application stand out from the competition.
AP Exams
Taking and passing an AP exam can strengthen a student’s college application by showcasing their mastery of college content. It exposes students to an introductory level college course and helps them develop skills to be successful in college. While these courses are free, students pay a small fee to take the corresponding exam.
Passing an AP exam benefits students by:
PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and ACT
In 2023, the average college student graduated with $35,000 in student loan debt. Earning high scores on the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and ACT may qualify students for a wide range of scholarships. Having access to a wider range of scholarships can benefit students applying to test-optional or test-blind schools.
As students qualify for more scholarships, they have more avenues to fund their education. Whether the scholarship is a full-ride or partial, these funds serve as free money for students.
Earning high scores on standardized tests is beneficial when applying to competitive schools with test-optional policies. These scores can help an applicant stand out from the competition and increase their chances of being accepted. For the class of 2026:
Why is it Important to Prep for Standardized Tests?
Standardized tests primarily focus on the collective. These tests do not account for individual strengths, weaknesses, or other factors which may negatively impact performance. They take a one-size-fits-all approach to education which inaccurately reflects each student’s capabilities.
Standardized test tutoring can…
Provide an Individualized Approach to Test Prep
Standardized test tutoring offers a customized approach to standardized content. Tutors can tailor the pace of their sessions to match the student’s strengths and weaknesses. This helps students progress through the material at a comfortable pace without compromising their progress.
With a tutor, students can receive individualized feedback to assess their current performance and measure their progress. Tutors help students develop test taking strategies to increase their final score. Tutors teach students narrow answers using the process of elimination, prioritizing questions based on difficulty, and effectively managing their time.
Create an Immersive, Low-Stress Learning Environment
Tutors can create a pressure-free environment for students to ask questions and work through the content. Tutors can also create immersive learning environments, so students can experience test-day simulations. Undergoing test-day simulations can reduce test day anxiety and optimize student performance.
Teach Students Transferable Skills
Tutors help students enhance their critical thinking, analytic reasoning, and reading comprehension to dig deeper into test material. Working with a tutor can help high school students create healthy study habits. These strategies and habits can be refined in college to improve a student’s academic performance and productivity.
The tips and tricks students learn during standardized test tutoring can help students optimize time spent studying in college.
In Summary…
Standardized test tutoring can play a vital role in a student’s academic pursuits and save students time and money. Test tutoring can help students optimize their test scores, increase their eligibility for various scholarships, and improve their confidence. It creates a safe space for students to progress through the content at a steady pace without compromising their comprehension.
Working with a tutor helps students monitor their progress and implement customized feedback into their test taking strategy. This individualized attention combined with an immersive learning environment can build a student’s confidence and improve their overall performance. This can minimize test day anxiety and optimize their performance.
Standardized test tutoring can help students develop healthy study habits as well as develop valuable transferable skills such as:
The benefits of test tutoring can impact students in high school, college, and beyond. Standardized test tutoring can serve as a vital stepping stone for academic success and minimal financial burdens. It can empower students to take an active approach toward their education and unlock a world of opportunities.
Ready to get a head start preparing for an AP exam, the PSAT/NMSQT, the digital SAT, or the ACT? Visit our website to learn more or complete and submit this form to request more information.
Digital SAT Prep: What You Need to Know Before Test Day
SAT, Test PrepPreparing for the digital SAT® requires students to familiarize themselves with exam content and the testing application. Since we discussed exam content in previous blog posts, this post covers the items required for the new digital format. We’ll also answer some common concerns to better prepare students and parents for Digital SAT prep and exam day.
Digital SAT Prep Before Exam Week
Bluebook is the official digital SAT testing application. In it, students can work through sample questions, take full-length SAT practice tests, and review their performance on practice tests. Students can review detailed explanations for incorrect answers on practice tests within Bluebook and download PDFs of each practice test.
Bluebook will also be used to administer the SAT on exam day. As such, we encourage students to use the application as much as possible during test prep. This helps students confidently use Bluebook’s unique features and tools as well as navigate the application prior to test day.
Step 1: Secure a Personal Testing Device
Students are allowed to use personal devices such as Macs, iPads, and Windows devices on test day. Students cannot use a personal Chromebook or cell phone to take the digital SAT. Prior to test day, students can download the Bluebook application onto their device, sign in, and take practice exams.
While students can access the exam on a personal device, they cannot take the digital SAT at home. Students must take the exam at a testing facility on specific dates.
Before we get too ahead of ourselves, let’s address a concern some students and parents may have regarding devices.
What if I Don’t Have a Personal Device?
Students without access to personal devices or who only have access to a personal Chromebook have 3 options:
Students who borrow a device from a friend or family member will need to verify it meets the following requirements:
Students who use Chromebooks as a personal device cannot use it for the digital SAT. Students can only run Bluebook on a school-managed Chromebook. These Chromebooks can be issued through a student’s school or by request with the College Board.
Students interested in borrowing a device with the College Board must:
Students taking the digital SAT with a laptop cannot use an external keyboard during the exam. However, students taking the digital SAT on a tablet or iPad are allowed to use external keyboards during the exam. External mice are allowed for laptop, tablet, and school-managed Chromebook users during the exam.
Step 2: Practice Using Tools Embedded within Bluebook
Students will need their College Board username and password to sign in to Bluebook. Having this information allows students to access Bluebook on any device compatible with the application. This gives students the flexibility to practice at school, in a public library, at home, or on a friend’s device.
Bluebook has several useful tools embedded within its software for students to access throughout the exam. Students can access a reference sheet and graphing calculator within Bluebook throughout the Math section. In the Reading and Writing section, students can use Annotate to highlight texts or leave notes throughout the passage.
In both exam sections, students can:
The Bluebook application was designed to work with a variety of assistive technologies (AT) to better serve students with disabilities. We encourage students to complete practice tests using their preferred AT to test its compatibility with Bluebook.
Digital SAT Prep During Exam Week
Five days prior to test day, students can obtain their admission ticket and complete their exam setup in Bluebook. Students without access to a borrowed device can complete their exam setup the morning of their test. However, they must complete Step 3 prior to the test day.
Step 3: Obtain an SAT Admission Ticket
Without an SAT admission ticket, students cannot enter the testing center to take their SAT. Accessing a student’s SAT admission ticket can be done through the College Board website. Students can sign in to My SAT, find “My Upcoming Tests,” and select “Print Your Admission Ticket.”
Students can print a physical copy of their admission ticket, take a screenshot, or email a copy to themselves. This ticket will contain the test date, test center address, a message to the students, and student information. Please make sure the student information is correct prior to their test day.
Step 4: Complete Exam Setup in Bluebook
This step can be completed before or on the morning of the SAT depending on a student’s access to their testing device. Students who complete this step the morning of their exam should arrive 30 minutes before their exam starts. This gives students ample time to complete their exam setup before the exam begins.
Regardless of when students complete this step, students are responsible for installing the exam setup on their device. About a week prior to the exam, a “start exam setup” button will appear in the Bluebook application. Students can click this button to install the official digital SAT exam onto their device.
Preparing for Test Day
We have created an SAT checklist to ensure students bring everything they need for a successful day of testing. We have divided this list into mandatory and optional items.
What Do You Need to Bring to the SAT?
Students must bring the following items to the testing center on exam day:
Students using a school-issued device or College Board device may pick them up at the testing center.
What Can You Bring to the SAT?
These items are not mandatory to take the SAT, however they can improve a student’s overall comfort and SAT experience:
Digital SAT Prep with 宝博体育 Education
宝博体育 Education’s Digital SAT prep program was designed by content experts with decades of experience writing test prep curriculum. This curriculum is customized by our expert tutors to suit each student’s needs and help them reach their goals. Students receive continuous feedback as they work through sample questions and practice tests.
Our tutors teach students the best ways to use the tools embedded in Bluebook to optimize their test scores. This includes learning to annotate content, narrowing incorrect answers, marking questions for later review, and more.
Next Steps
Preparing to take the digital SAT may seem overwhelming, but it can be broken down into smaller steps. Before their exam, students should secure a testing device and familiarize themselves with Bluebook. Students can also work with tutors to better understand test material and ways to use the tools within Bluebook.
The week of the exam, students should take a screenshot or print a copy of their SAT admission ticket. Students can complete their Bluebook exam setup five days before or the morning of their exam. We recommend reviewing the checklist in this article the morning of the SAT to ensure students are prepared for testing.
Want to learn more about the digital SAT? Call us at (888) 312-3814 or submit this form for more information.
Should You Prepare for the SAT In-Person or Online?
SAT, TEST PREPIn the past, the SAT® was administered on-site at local high schools or testing centers. Students would arrive early on Saturday mornings and spend around three hours bubbling in their answers on a scantron. Once complete, students would wait about two weeks to receive their test scores.
By spring 2024, the digital SAT will be the new normal and students will submit their answers digitally. This influx of technology in education and online tutoring opportunities have caused students to reconsider available test prep methods.
Is it better for students to prepare for their SAT in-person or online? The answer to this question varies based on a variety of factors. Before delving into this question, let’s briefly cover the rationale behind the new digital SAT format.
About the Digital SAT
Since 2020, schools have pushed for and created more online learning opportunities for students. During this time, the College Board researched ways the SAT can be adapted to meet the evolving demands of education. After extensive research, design changes, and thorough pretesting, the digital SAT’s new format was created.
With this new format came changes in course content and adjusted timeframes for each section. We covered this topic in-depth in a previous blog, however, some major changes include:
Who Should Prepare for the Digital SAT?
SATs are administered between March and June, in August, and between October and December. At 宝博体育, we encourage students to finalize their SAT scores by the fall of their junior year. However, we understand this timing may not work for every student.
With this in mind, we recommend the class of 2024 and class of 2025 prepare for the traditional SAT. We encourage students in the class of 2025 finalize their SAT scores by December 2023. This can alleviate stress by providing extra time to work on college essays and preparing for AP exams.
How to Prepare for the SAT
Students have the option to prepare for their SAT online or in-person. We strongly recommend students choose the study method best suited to their personal schedule and learning style. This allows students to make the most of their test prep and optimize their test scores.
In-Person SAT Prep
In-person SAT prep provides an immersive experience for students preparing to take their SAT. It provides a designated time, space, and an encouraging atmosphere for students to focus on test prep. It also provides structured schedules and allows students to receive instantaneous feedback from their teacher or tutor.
In-person test prep holds students accountable, surrounds them with other students striving toward the same goal, and increases productivity. This can improve student participation, engagement, and increase retention.
In-person SAT prep works best for students who:
Online SAT Prep
At 宝博体育, our online SAT prep program combines flexible locations with set class times. Students can receive instant feedback and live instruction from our tutors. We offer small group sizes to ensure each student receives individualized attention to maximize each session.
Online test prep works best for students who:
Which Method is Best?
The answer to this question depends on a student’s individual needs, barriers, and learning style. When trying to decide which method works best, consider:
Regardless of the method students choose, in-person and online SAT test prep will prepare students for the same goal. How students prepare for the upcoming SAT should align with their lives, so they can focus only on test prep.
Flexible SAT Test Prep with 宝博体育
Whether our students are in-person or online, 宝博体育 Education is committed to helping them reach their academic potential. Our SAT Prep services begin with an SAT diagnostic test to determine each student’s current strengths and weaknesses. Our expert tutors use this information to create an SAT prep program tailored to each student’s needs.
Our tutoring sessions are conducted in small groups to allow each student ample attention from our instructors. Each instructor at 宝博体育 is a subject matter expert who undergoes training to stay informed on SAT policy changes. In addition, our experts teach students test taking tips and strategies to improve their chances for success.
宝博体育’s SAT prep services are available in-person and online, so students can choose the best method for them. Whether our students see us in person or virtually, they have full access to our customized curriculum and expert tutors.
Next Steps
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to preparing for the SAT. The method students choose should work with their learning style, schedules, and the method’s accessibility. Regardless of the method, we encourage students to use the resources available to them to prepare for the SAT.
The SAT is a challenging exam, so we recommend students start preparing as soon as possible.
Ready to receive a customized SAT prep curriculum and full access to our team of expert tutors? Get started today.
Holistic Reviews and College Admissions
COLLEGE ADMISSIONSThe college admissions process is undergoing changes to better reflect the diversity found in college communities. While academics still play an important role in the admissions process, more factors are being introduced. These holistic reviews aim to create additional and fair opportunities for college applicants to demonstrate strengths and potential beyond academics.
What are Holistic Reviews?
Holistic reviews, or holistic admission processes, are a college admissions selection process designed to consider the whole applicant. The College Board believes holistic reviews will better align the college application process with various aspects of the college experience. Traditionally, the college admissions process requires admissions officers to judge an applicant’s potential based on their academic performance.
Admissions officers use academics to predict an applicant’s potential to make meaningful contributions to their campus. The issue with the current selection process lies in its lack of diversity, fairness, and consideration for talents beyond academics. It also inaccurately represents the diversity of student organizations, clubs, groups, and athletics commonly found in college communities.
Holistic reviews consider academic and nonacademic experiences to paint a holistic picture of applicants as individuals. Nonacademic experiences can include volunteer work, community service, participation in school organizations or clubs, personal achievements, or work experience. These experiences can highlight different ways applicants can contribute to a college’s community and demonstrate interests beyond the classroom.
What Do Holistic Reviews Mean for College Admissions?
Performing holistic reviews provides more data points for admissions officers to consider during their selection process. They allow college applicants to showcase what makes them unique, their life goals, and dedication to their interests. Most importantly, they ensure a fair admissions process and help admissions officers ensure their campus maintains a diverse student body.
Holistic reviews create opportunities for college applicants to demonstrate different ways they can contribute to a college’s existing community. While some applicants may excel in academics, others may excel in athletics, leadership, music, or art. Utilizing a holistic review process expands a college’s selection criteria to provide equal opportunities for applicants to demonstrate their potential.
Building a Holistic College Application
The main purpose of a holistic admissions process is to present a well-rounded image of the applicant. It highlights academic accomplishments, demonstrated areas of interest, and allows admissions officers to learn about the applicant as an individual. This introduction should put an applicant’s best foot forward by showcasing their strengths, authenticity, character, and goals.
When creating a holistic college application, remember to:
Showcase Academic Achievement
Holistic reviews consider nonacademic and academic experiences. Applicants should strive to maintain a high GPA and challenge themselves to undergo more rigorous coursework. They can enroll in honors classes or Advanced Placement® (AP) classes to demonstrate their commitment to academic success.
Enrolling and performing well in more rigorous classes can also indicate a student’s potential success in higher education. This can help an application stand out from the competition.
Commit to Extracurricular Activities
Actively participating in extracurricular activities can demonstrate an applicant’s leadership abilities, passions beyond school, and dedication to their community. These activities can include being part of a high school sports team, volunteering, or joining a school club. Participating in an extracurricular activity can reflect an applicant’s interests, passions, and may even align with their personal goals.
Participating in extracurriculars is an excellent way to showcase time management skills and an student’s ability to take initiative. This can create a more memorable application and provide an advantage during the selection process.
Indirectly, this could imply that an applicant may enrich a college’s community by joining existing clubs, organizations, or teams. This allows colleges to continue traditions such as homecoming, indoor and outdoor sports events, food drives, or community service projects.
Earn High Standardized Test Scores
Much like maintaining a high GPA, scoring well on standardized tests such as the SAT® or ACT® demonstrates academic potential. More importantly, it demonstrates an applicant’s work ethic and their dedication to reaching their goals.
Showcase Areas of Demonstrated Interest
Colleges understand sending out acceptance letters does not guarantee a student will enroll. Applicants who explain why they chose to apply to a specific college may appear more likely to enroll. Applicants can demonstrate interest in their prospective college by:
Actively showing interest in prospective schools can leave a favorable impression on admissions counselors. It demonstrates an applicant’s commitment to attending their school and likelihood of enrolling.
Receive Glowing Recommendation Letters
Receiving positive recommendation letters from a teacher or coach can provide an outside perspective of an applicant’s personality. These letters allow admissions officers to learn about an applicant from someone who has worked closely with them for years. This can lend further credibility to an applicant’s achievements, character, and work ethic.
Craft an Authentic Personal Essay
Personal essays allow applicants to flex their writing skills, showcase their voice, and indirectly introduce themselves to the admissions officers. This essay provides applicants the freedom to express their goals, personality, and genuine interest in the college of their choice. They can highlight strengths and passions which may not be reflected in their academic record.
Personal essays can also be an excellent place to highlight obstacles an applicant overcame to be where they are today. These essays should capture an applicant’s personality, history, excitement for higher education, and leave a memorable impression on admissions officers.
Elevate College Essays with 宝博体育
Preparing for college is a stressful time for most high school students. They’re preparing for upcoming standardized tests, juggling application deadlines, writing college essays, managing extracurriculars, and more. With so much to track, how can an applicant know if they’re highlighting their best qualities in their college essays?
宝博体育 Education’s College Essay program helps students take their personal statements to the next level. Our expert tutors provide customized support to help students write powerful and authentic personal essays. Upon program completion, our students will have:
Ready to elevate an upcoming personal essay? Get started today!
Next Steps
Holistic reviews are a way to expand the existing college admissions selection process. This process provides a holistic perspective of an applicant’s abilities rather than quantifying their ability based on an academic score. This can increase an applicant’s chances of being accepted by showcasing ways they can contribute to a college community.
In need of college admissions counseling or college essay services? Contact 宝博体育 today to get started.
Digital SAT Reading and Writing
SAT, TEST PREPThe SAT® is changing in spring 2024. While many aspects of the test will remain the same as the current paper-and-pencil SAT, there will also be some changes. Continue reading to learn more about the Digital SAT Reading and Writing section.
Digital SAT Reading and Writing Module Structure
The Digital SAT includes two reading and writing modules. Each module has 27 questions to be completed in 32 minutes, giving you an average of about 71 seconds per question. The first module will be a baseline module with a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Your performance on this baseline module will determine whether your second module is harder or easier than the first. If you’re placed into an easier module, your maximum score will be capped, so to earn a top score, you need to excel on that first module and tackle the hardest second module.
The reading and writing modules will follow a predicable structure. You’ll see questions grouped by type and then ordered by difficulty. For example, the first 7 or so questions will be questions that fall under the heading of “craft and structure.” Of those seven questions, you might have 3 that are words in context questions, which are very similar to the words in context questions on the current SAT reading and writing sections. Within those three words in context questions, they’ll appear in order of difficulty, from easiest to hardest. When you reach the next type of question, they’ll once again be ordered from easiest to hardest. This changes your strategy as you approach the reading and writing sections. On the paper and pencil test, the order of questions is unpredictable. When you can predict not only the order of question types but also the relative difficulty of question types, you can better maximize your time on the test.
Reading and Writing Learning Areas on the Digital SAT
The Digital SAT reading and writing section has different question types in each of the four main learning areas.
Craft and Structure
In the craft and structure domain, you’ll see three types of questions:
Words in context questions test your ability to define words based on context or to determine the best word choice for a given context. Text structure and purpose questions ask you to analyze how a text is put together, what its overall purpose is, and what the purpose of each individual component is. Cross-text connections questions ask you to analyze the relationship between two texts. These questions will make up the first six to eight questions on each module.
Information and Ideas
In the information and ideas domain, you’ll see three types of questions:
Central ideas and details questions focus on identifying main ideas and supporting details in a text. Command of evidence questions come in two forms: text evidence and quantitative evidence. Text evidence questions ask you to identify a piece of evidence – a finding from a study or a quote from a given work – support a particular claim. Quantitative evidence questions ask you to use information from a graph or table to support a claim. Finally, there are inferences questions, which ask you to dram a conclusion based on information in the text. The questions in this learning area will make up the next six to eight questions on the module.
Standard English Conventions
In the standard English conventions learning area, you’ll see two types of questions:
You don’t need to worry too much about the difference between these question types because this is the one learning area where the question types get mixed together. These questions will all test grammar, usage, and mechanics knowledge. You’re expected to identify and correct errors in a given text. The questions in this domain make up the next five to eight questions in the module.
Expression of Ideas
Finally, we have the expression of ideas learning area. Here you’ll find two types of questions:
Transition questions ask you to identify the best transition for a given context. Rhetorical synthesis questions are probably the most unfamiliar questions on the test. They offer a list of notes on a given topic and ask you to identify the statement that best uses those notes to accomplish a particular rhetorical goal. Questions in this learning area make up the final four to six questions in the module.
Digital SAT Reading and Writing Webinar
Watch our webinar below to learn more about the Digital SAT reading and writing module and try out some practice questions.
Want to learn more about Digital SAT changes? Visit our Digital SAT Resource Hub.
Digital SAT Math
SAT, TEST PREPThe SAT® is changing in spring 2024. While many aspects of the test will remain the same as the current paper-and-pencil SAT, there will also be some changes. Continue reading to learn more about the Digital SAT math section.
Digital SAT Math Module Structure
The Digital SAT includes two math modules. Each module has 22 questions to be completed in 35 minutes. This gives you, on average, more than a minute and a half per question. The first module will be a baseline module with a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Your performance on this baseline module will determine whether your second module is harder or easier than the first. If you are placed into an easier module, your maximum score will be capped, so to earn a top score, you need to excel on that first module and tackle the hardest second module.
The math modules will follow a predictable structure. They will present you with the easiest questions first, giving you progressively harder questions until you reach the end. The reading and writing modules are different; they group questions first by learning area and then by difficulty. That’s not the case with the math modules: they mix all the different learning areas together so that the progresses from easy to hard.
Math Question Types on the Digital SAT
There are two types of questions on the math module. About 75% of questions are multiple choice and about 25% of the questions are student-generated response questions. If you’re familiar with the current paper-and-pencil SAT, this is the equivalent of the grid-in questions. While the current SAT lumps these questions together at the end of each math section, the Digital SAT math module mixes these student-generated response questions in among the multiple choice questions.
Math Learning Areas on the Digital SAT
There are four learning areas on the Digital SAT math modules: Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry and Trigonometry.
The majority of the questions on the test will be from those first two learning areas: Algebra and Advanced Math each make up about 35% of the test. The remaining questions are evenly roughly split between the other two learning areas.
Digital SAT Math Webinar
Watch our webinar below to learn more about the Digital SAT math module and try out some practice questions.
Want to learn more about Digital SAT changes? Visit our Digital SAT Resource Hub.
2 Things to Consider Before Taking AP Classes (+4 Benefits)
AP, TEST PREPAP classes offer exciting academic challenges, chances for deep discussion, and college benefits. Deciding whether to enroll in AP classes and how many to take is a big decision for high school students. When deciding, it’s important for students to remain honest about what they can and can’t handle.
What are Advanced Placement Classes?
Advanced Placement classes, commonly shortened to AP classes, are college-level classes offered to high school students. These courses help students prepare for, and adjust to, the rigors of higher education prior to graduating high school. Upon completion, students typically sit for the AP exam in their chosen subject to earn college credits and advanced placement.
AP classes are administered by The College Board and cover various subject areas. Students have the option to take courses based on personal interests or to fulfill college prerequisite requirements. While these courses are free for high school students, they must pay to take the corresponding AP exam.
Who Can Take AP Classes?
Any high school or high school aged student interested in AP classes can take them. However, each high school has different requirements for when students can enroll in AP classes. Some high schools allow students to take AP classes as early as 9th grade.
Others may have recommended prerequisites students must complete, or rules students must meet prior to enrolling in AP classes.
AP classes and coursework can be accessed online for homeschooled, independent study, or online learners. These options make AP classes accessible to high school aged virtual or homeschooled students. They may also provide access to more program options beyond what’s offered to traditional high school students.
Homeschooled students can self-study for most AP Exams. However, we highly recommend taking the corresponding course before taking the exam. Independent study or online students interested in taking an AP Exam must find a local high school or testing center.
Students can ask a counselor if their school or center administers the corresponding AP Exam.
2 Things to Consider Regarding AP Classes
Deciding if, how many, and when to take AP classes are huge decisions for high school students. Like all choices, deciding to take AP classes has pros and cons. Understanding each allows students to make an informed decision related to their academic career.
When making a choice, it’s important for students to remain honest about what they can and cannot handle. AP classes come with time constraints which may conflict with extracurriculars. This could lead to burnout and stress which may negatively impact focus and performance.
Some students may want to take more than one AP class to maximize the number of college credits earned. Keep in mind, AP classes are typically weighted which could raise or lower a student’s current high school GPA. This impact could be worsened if a student struggles with AP workloads.
We recommend starting with one AP class to experience and adjust to the demands of AP courses. If students believe they can handle multiple AP classes the following year, we encourage them to try. As wonderful as AP scores can be for college applications, academics are not the only aspect colleges consider.
Colleges consider extracurriculars, clubs, volunteer opportunities, and other application aspects alongside academics. Having a well-rounded application with positive scores in regular classes is preferred to academic heavy applications with low scores.
4 Benefits of AP Classes
AP classes come with a variety of benefits in high school and college. They can help students discover new passions, test out of introductory level college courses, and increase high school GPAs.
Exposure to Higher-Level Learning
AP classes let students experience college-level education prior to enrolling. This exposure helps students adjust to the pacing, workload, and expectations of college courses. It also helps students strengthen existing critical thinking, research, academic writing, and time management skills.
These courses provide an academic challenge for students and an opportunity to deepen their connection with the material.
Discover Your Academic Passions
The College Board offers 38 AP courses across disciplines such as Arts, World Languages and Culture, and History. Students can choose courses to complete prerequisite classes prior to starting college or based on personal interests. AP courses expose students to more subject matter and learning opportunities than high school curriculums.
This exposure simulates the variety of majors and fields of studies available to college students. It can allow students to discover new fields of interests or delve deeper into existing interests. Regardless of why students choose specific courses, each course provides invaluable student experience, discussion, and skills.
Earn College Credits & Advanced Placement
Course credits are a recognition of a student’s academic accomplishment. Advanced placement shows a student’s mastery over elementary topics and concepts related to a specific subject. Earning advanced placement for college allows students to test out of introductory level courses.
To earn advanced placement or college credits, students must take and pass the corresponding AP Exam. AP exams are graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with scores 3 and above being preferred results. AP exam scores indicate to colleges how qualified a test taker is to receive college credit.
Each college or university has its own policies regarding AP credit. Most colleges and universities use qualifying AP Exam scores to grant course credit, advanced placement, or both. Earning a qualifying AP exam score can help save time, money, and get a head start on college credits.
Stand Out from Other Applicants
High school students who passed their AP classes have demonstrated their ability to excel in and adjust to rigorous courseloads. Research shows students with AP experience have an increased probability of college success and completion on time. Even students with low AP Exam scores are predicted to have better college outcomes than freshman peers without AP experience.
Taking an AP class increases a student’s chances of being accepted into their dream college. Completing AP courses and earning high AP exam scores can qualify students for additional scholarships.
Prepare AP Exams with 宝博体育
At 宝博体育 Education, we understand the difference having high AP Exam scores can make. We also understand how overwhelming it can feel when preparing for multiple AP Exams at the same time. Our AP Exam Experts as well as customized Exam Prep and AP Bootcamp curriculums can help ease this strain.
We create customized plans for each student based on their individual strengths and weaknesses. Students can work through practice exams to build their confidence and familiarity with each exam. We help students focus on one subject at a time and develop healthy study habits for balancing multiple subjects.
Our AP Boot Camps offer 50-hour and 80-hour customized programs designed to help maximize a student’s AP scores. We know how hard every student has worked in their AP classes. Let us help make sure this effort counts.
Next Steps
AP classes can be beneficial for students interested in preparing for college workloads prior to high school graduation. They strengthen existing technical skills, pose an academic challenge, and expose students to more topics offered to high school students. They also help students to understand the expectations of college-level education.
We believe every student in AP classes deserves to make the most of their AP exam scores. Our Exam Experts are ready to provide support, tips and tricks for success, and individualized attention.
Ready to help your student ace their AP exam? Call us at (888) 312-3814 or submit this form to learn more.
The Digital PSAT®
SAT, TEST PREPYou’ve probably heard that the SAT® is going digital next spring. But did you know the PSAT® is also changing? Here’s everything you need to know about the digital PSAT.
Digital PSAT Timeline
The Class of 2025 will be the first group of students to take the digital PSAT in fall of 2023. This will be the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test®(NMSQT®) for the Class of 2025. Despite this, we recommend that these students finalize their SAT scores with the current paper-and-pencil test for several reasons. All students younger than this will take the digital PSAT/NMSQT and should prepare to take the digital version of the SAT.
What’s Changing?
Like the new SAT®, the main changes to the new PSAT is that it will be fully digital and it will be adaptive. Learn more about this and other content changes here.
Want to learn more? Visit our Digital SAT Resource Hub.
Digital SAT®: Ask the Expert
PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, TEST PREPIn our most recent webinar, we discussed the new digital SAT®, including the new test structure and timeline, what’s changing and what’s staying the same, who needs to prepare for the digital SAT, and what we’re doing at 宝博体育 to make sure students are ready. We received many questions from students and parents during the live event and we wanted to share the answers to a few of our favorites from our digital SAT experts. Take a look!
Will the PSAT® also be changing?
Yes, the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 8/9 will be digital in fall 2023. This is so that students who will be taking the SAT as juniors in the spring of 2024 have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new testing experience before taking the digital SAT.
Can students test at home?
No. Students will either test at school as part of school day testing or at a designated testing center. The SAT will not be administered remotely.
My son is currently a sophomore (class of 2025). What version of the test should he take?
We recommend students in the class of 2025 finalize their SAT score in fall of 2023 on the paper-and-pencil test. This way they’ll only have to prep for the current version of the test and will be free to focus on grades and AP® exams later in the year.
Will testing accommodations still be available?
Yes, students can still apply for testing accommodations. Some accommodations may be administered differently on digital tests than on paper-and-pencil tests. For example, instead of a human reader, you may need a screen reader.
Does 宝博体育 offer in-person coaching on the digital SAT?
Yes! We’re excited to start offering digital SAT prep services in April 2023.
Want to learn more about the digital SAT? Learn everyhting you need to know here.