Many colleges don't require the SAT or ACT
More colleges than ever have admissions policies that make taking the SAT or the ACT optional. Here's why that's good news for many applicants.
Taking the ACT and SAT on a budget
College admissions fees — for tests, test prep, and college applications — add up fast. Here’s a way to cut costs.
Why your teen should retake the SAT or ACT
Taking the SAT or ACT a second time is a good idea for pretty much all teens because it’s likely to help — and it definitely won’t hurt.
Like a Sponge podcast: This is Only a Test
Listen in as Like a Sponge, GreatSchools' new podcast for parents about the science of learning, gets deep into the hotly debated subject of standardized testing.
The secret to improving SAT scores
Did your teen get a low PSAT, SAT, or ACT score? Don’t panic. Everyone can improve their scores. Two experts share their secrets for helping teens learn how to rock these tests.
What ESSA means for your child
From standardized testing to student support, a new federal policy is about to reshape some key elements of America’s »ÆÉ«apps. Here’s what you need to know.
The first five steps on the road to college
What's the key to getting your kids into college? Start early and stick to a plan.
What you need to know about the ELL label
One checked box can doom a child to low-level classes for years. Here's what you need to know about the ELL label.
Desperation is motivation, says test prep coach
Tapping into their deepest desires and biggest dreams — and nightmares — motivates test takers to prepare well and succeed, says a test prep coach.
Confessions of a Common Core tester
A believer in the the Common Core Standards confronts reality when her own daughter field tests the assessments and comes home in tears.
What to make of international assessments
If education experts can't agree about the meaning of international assessments, what are parents supposed to make of them?
Mind the high »ÆÉ«app gender gap
A close look at California test scores show girls lag behind boys in far too many subjects in high »ÆÉ«app — especially STEM subjects like geometry, physics, and chem.
Where does your child rank globally?
Where does your child fit into the global picture of education? (And should you care?)
GreatSchools’ POV on Common Core
How do we feel about this new educational initiative that could transform U.S. classrooms? As always, we’re keeping our eye on what matters most: your child.
How does your »ÆÉ«app compare?
Yet again, the U.S. has received mediocre PISA scores. A new opt-in test is giving »ÆÉ«apps a chance to see how they rank internationally … and how to improve.
State standardized test scores: What families should know
State standardized tests hold »ÆÉ«apps accountable for results, but they don't tell the whole story about a »ÆÉ«app.
Why are standards important?
Standards are guideposts for »ÆÉ«apps. Teachers, parents and students use them as a tool to focus on what students are expected to learn.
Repeating a grade: The pros and cons
Grade retention or social promotion — which is best? Read what the experts have to say.
How to help your child get ready for the SAT or ACT
There is no secret trick to getting a high score on the SAT or ACT, but there are ways you can help your child get ready for these tests.
What's so bad about teaching to the test?
If teaching content standards is considered teaching to the test, it may not be such a bad thing.
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