How to prepare for the ACT exam / test day

It’s 8:00 AM. Saturday. The day you have been both waiting for and dreading over the past few months. ACT Test day.

Although you will certainly be feeling the pressure, remember that today is the day you get to show what you know. It isn’t the time to cram the formula for volume of a cylinder at the breakfast table, or frantically try to learn the exact definition of “superfluous.” Today you have to relax and be confident that you are ready to show this test who is boss! Make sure to stay confident, and facilitate your test day experience by using the following tips:

1. Make sure that you pack a bag with the following items the night before your test: a printed copy of your admission ticket, your ID (issued by your school or the government), a calculator (make sure you check and make sure your calculator is permitted here: http://www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/calculator.html TI-89 calculators, for example, are not!), several No. 2 sharpened pencils…not mechanical pencils!, snacks and Gatorade or water for breaks, a sweatshirt or light jacket in case you get cold, and a watch so that you can keep track of your timing.

2. GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP ON THE NIGHTS LEADING UP TO THE TEST. This is absolutely key! Don’t sleep 4 hours on the Thursday night and then 12 hours on the Friday night before your test. Stay consistent, and know how much sleep you need and what works best by taking your diagnostics under real conditions. This means figuring out if you perform better with 8 hours of sleep or 10 hours of sleep.

3. Eat a good dinner the night before (think carbo-loading with whole grain pastas and other foods that will keep your energy up the next morning), making sure to drink lots of water the night before, and try to eat a protein-rich breakfast that morning. Go easy on the caffeine (but have a little if you typically drink coffee or tea in the mornings), and don’t drink too many liquids the morning of the test.

4. Get up early. Don’t rush through breakfast. Give yourself time to have a relaxed morning so that you don’t have a huge adrenaline rush before the test even begins.

5. Review a few of your notes or vocabulary to get yourself in the “testing mindset.” This doesn’t mean learn all that last minute information, but rather remind yourself of what you already know.

6. Dress in comfortable clothing that won’t distract you. This is not the correct or appropriate venue for those tight jeans or a scratchy wool sweater.

7. Don’t be late. Check in at your test center BEFORE 8 AM. Make sure that you go to the appropriate test center (check your registration).

8. Choosing your seat: sit somewhere you won’t be distracted. In general, stay away from doors that people will enter and exit to go to the bathroom or drafty windows. It is often best to choose a seat where you cannot see any other students, such as in the front row.

Now sit back, relax and have a great test! You’ll do fantastic.

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If you’re looking for any test prep or private tutoring, feel free to get in touch directly at (800) 501-7737.
Thank you Beryl Manning-Geist for writing this post and helping students prepare for the SAT, ACT and more!

Should you take the SAT or ACT exam? Which is better for you…

Article about whether you should take the SAT or ACT exam:

College admissions tests can be overwhelming, but choosing the test (SAT vs. ACT) that best suits you puts you on the path to success early on. While the SAT is historically regarded as the typical admissions test, the ACT is quickly gaining ground and becoming an important part of your college application. For many schools in the Midwest and the South, this test is even the standard for admissions. As you consider your testing options, it is important to determine what kind of student does well on the ACT. This guide should help identify if the ACT is the test for you!

About the ACT Exam:

First off, it’s important to understand what the ACT is all about. There are 4 sections to the test: English, Math, Reading, and Science, and there is also an optional writing section that some schools require. The test takes approximately 3 hours to complete, or 3.5 hours if you choose to complete the writing component. The SAT, meanwhile, takes just under 4 hours. If you tend to get restless during tests or lose focus, the ACT may be a better test for you, because the test has more breaks and a shorter run-time.

In addition to the testing length, the character of each test differs. Although both tests evaluate similar skills and knowledge bases, particularly in math, the ACT tends to ask questions in a more straight-forward manner. The test writers are not trying to trick you in the same way the SAT writers may try. Because of this difference in each test’s style, improving your score on the ACT often involves reviewing concepts, while much SAT prep focuses on test-taking strategies. If you prefer straight-forward questions rather than nuanced or “trick you” questions, the ACT is probably your best bet. That being said, the ACT does tend to focus on grammar (think, “what is wrong with this sentence” type of questions), while the SAT emphasizes vocabulary. You may choose your test based on your strengths in these areas.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of the ACT is its science section. At first, many students are fearful of this section, but it is important to realize that very little prior knowledge is required! The science section mostly tests your ability to make connections, use reasoning, and employ basic skills like using information in tables or graphs to answer questions.

Overall, if you tend to be the type of student who works harder in school than your peers and does better in difficult classes, the ACT is for you. If you consider yourself to be more intuitive with strong reasoning skills, but not always the best work ethic, the SAT might be a better test. In general, however, it is important to recognize that with hard work in school and in your test preparation, you can succeed in the college admissions process.

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This post on the ACT exam was written by Beryl Manning-Geist; she’s part of the SAT private tutoring and ACT private tutoring team at Top Test Prep. To learn more about how to prepare for either exam, simply call Top Test Prep at 1-800-501-7737.

What ACT Score Do I Need? The Magic Number

More and more, colleges are beginning to consider students holistically. Admissions committees acknowledge and reward a breadth of interests, like athletic achievement, artistic endeavors, or other activities. Your application includes a variety of information: personal statements, academic records, and recommendations all play important roles. In light of this, you may wonder how important are your ACT scores? The answer: they are crucial. Although there may not be a huge difference between a 34 and a 35 in an admission officer’s eyes, there is a big difference between a 25 and a 35. You must, with few exceptions, score within a certain range to attend the nation’s best colleges.

So what is a good ACT score? It largely depends where you want to go! The nation’s most elite colleges, like Williams College, Yale, or Stanford, all have average ACT composites of 30-34. This means that only 25% of students scored below 30, and 25% of students scored above 34 at these schools.

Interested in schools like Washington and Lee, Georgetown, or University of Virginia? You’ll want to score between 28 and 31 or 32.

Lastly, make sure that you score comparably in all sections! It may raise a few eyebrows if you score 35 on your science, English, and reading sections, but earn a 25 on your math. Make sure to work on your weaknesses so that you earn a similar score on each section. This will demonstrate that you are a well-rounded student prepared to succeed in many different disciplines.

Keep in mind that these numbers do not secure an offer of admissions. You could score a 36 on the ACT, but if you have a few bad grades that you can’t explain, or you haven’t participated in any activities in high school, you still might not get an offer! Ideally, colleges are looking to confirm that your standardized testing complements your grades. Are you a straight-A student with a 33 on your ACT and a few strong extracurricular activities? You are well situated for the admissions process!
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This article was written by Beryl Manning-Geist, who is on the admissions counseling expert team at Top Test Prep. For more information on ACT Prep and Tutoring, contact (800) 501-Prep today.

How to Prepare for the SAT and ACT during Christmas Break

If you’re studying for the SAT and ACT, you can easily use the Christmas break to prepare wisely.

Here are three quick tips to help you prepare for both the SAT and ACT exams during your vacation.

(1) Practice at least 1 hour a day during the week. Split your time between Math, Reading and Writing for the SAT (15-20 minutes each) and the same for the ACT.
(2) Do at least 2 practice exams per week, with at least 2 days separated from each exam. Use the middle day between your exam as a time to review every problem you missed.
(3) Prepare your SAT vocabulary questions by using sentences filled with Christmas spirit (Don’t laugh! This works as a great memory device). For example… Santa’s rotund figure was an impediment to crawling down the constricted chimney. Have fun preparing for the SAT vocab with these sentence…

Last, but not least…consider getting an ACT private tutor or SAT private tutor during your break. Give us a call if you need help preparing for these exams! (800) 501-Prep.

ACT Exam Test Dates, 2011-2012

The Top Test Prep team has compiled a list of ACT exam test dates. Hope they help you get prepared for the ACT!

Here they are…ACT test dates, Registration Closes, Late Registration Closes
22-Oct-11, 16-Sep-11, 30-Sep-11
10-Dec-11, 4-Nov-11, 18-Nov-11
11-Feb-12, 13-Jan-12, 20-Jan-12
14-Apr-12, 9-Mar-12, 23-Mar-12
9-June-12, 4-May-12, 8-May-12

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The ACT exam is coming up. Get prepared with the best…ACT private tutoring, give us a call at 1-800-501-7737.

Steps to Improve Your SAT and ACT Scores

Here are some helpful tips to improve your SAT and ACT exam scores and overall performance:

First note: If it’s possible, find a reputable private test preparatory service early in your high school years to assist you in reaching your testing potential. General guidelines for test preparation include the following.

(1) Take several mock ACT/SAT exams. Using actual test questions from The Real ACT Prep Guide and The Official SAT Study Guide will help you improve your scores. Actual test questions are always better for your SAT and ACT prep. In fact, Top Test Prep’s curriculum is based the premise that students always do better when practicing with previously administered SAT and ACT exams. Think like the test makers do! Students should be cautious of other companies who use their interpretations of SAT and ACT questions.

(2) Some sections are more challenging. Recognize that SAT math questions become more difficult as you go through each section. If you can’t answer the last few questions in a section, devote your time to reviewing questions from the beginning and the middle.

(3) Read questions carefully to avoid misinterpreting them.

(4) Make calculated guesses. Avoid random guessing in the multiple choice section of the SAT which will penalize you for incorrect answers. However, if you can eliminate at least one answer as incorrect however, it is in your best interest to guess.

(5) Retake the SAT or ACT if your score is not indicative of your true ability.

Conclusion
Like many things in life, the ACT and SAT have their flaws. However, they aren’t disappearing in the short term, and your performance on them could have a major impact on the academic strength of the college that you attend. Start the test preparation process as soon as you enter high school.

David Dickson is a counselor with Top Test Prep, which offers private SAT tutoring and private ACT tutoring with admissions experts who can help you gain admission to your top schools. Call (800) 501-Prep to learn more about SAT and ACT Prep.

Summer Test Prep Tips

Three Tips for Summer Test Prep Success

Top Test Prep’s team hopes you’re staying cool in this summer heat. We’d like to share three tips with you to stay prepared this summer – for fall grades and academic success. Also, you’ll find our Specials for the Month of June.

Tip #1: Read one more book per week.

Reading one more book per week can keep your mind charged and ready for the fall season. Additionally, we’ve seen that students in our programs who read one book per week (outside of class) do much better on their exams. Every major standardized exam has a reading and writing section. Pick any topic and keep adding books to your library. You’ll learn so much and could become an expert amongst your peers.

Tip #2: Start a peer study group.

Studying with others and setting serious goals with your peers can absolutely improve your grades and test scores. If you’re preparing for an exam this summer, set some goals with your buddies and study together.

Tip #3: Take 15 minutes every day to share what you’re learning with your mom, dad, brothers or sisters!

Parents have been through tests before from the SAT/ACT all the way through the LSAT, MCAT, GRE and more. Your parents are fantastic resources to share your learning experiences with. Take 15 minutes a day to sit down and tell your parents about what you’re learning. Believe me, my father has been an absolutely fantastic source of knowledge and I always strive to learn from his example.

I hope these tips help you in preparing this summer, and we’d love to be part of your test prep and academic success.

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Top Test Prep’s June 2011 Specials of the Month:

*In-Home Tutoring
Get 3 hours Free with any new signup. Choose your program and call (800) 501-Prep to get signed up.

*Online Tutoring
Get a Free HD Flip Camera with a 25 or 40 hour new signup ($125 value)
Contact Top Test Prep to learn more…or call us today at (800) 501-Prep.

Top Test Prep‘s team looks forward to helping your family this summer!

Summer Programs for Students | SAT | ACT Exam Prep

We've just released our new summer programs for SAT and ACT exam prep.  If your son or daughter is preparing to take either the SAT or ACT, or perhaps you'd like them to review the Advanced Algebra and Advanced Writing this summer, check out our summer programs!

Summer Program options:
SAT Academy:  $1195 (4 weeks)
ACT Academy:  $1195  (4 weeks)
Advanced Algebra Program: $595 (2 week program)
Advanced Writing Program: $595 (2 week program)
Or, all four combined…$2350

Summer Program includes:
Interactive lessons; the best instructors; books, and customized lesson plan.

Summer Programs for Your Son or Daughter – http://eepurl.com/dnrA9

You can also call us directly at (800) 501-7737 to learn more.

Top Test Prep is proud to continue our tradition of private tutoring and test prep courses.  

How to Practice for the SAT/ACT Reading Section – Three Tips

Besides working with your tutor and reading SAT/ACT books, what is the best way for you to get a little extra practice in for the critical reading section? Even if you love reading on your own, preparing for the reading section of a test is just that – preparing for a test. Having a few different methods and plans of attack are essential so that you know what the test is looking for, and how you can conquer it. Here are three ways to practice on your own.

1. Read a sophisticated newspaper

General newspapers are written at an 8thgrade reading level. They are great for news and general audiences, but higher tier papers such as the Washington Post, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal contain more specialized vocabulary and articles are written in a wider range of styles. While the vocabulary can be a built-in practice mechanism, figuring out the main components of articles and quickly summarizing important points will help you practice retention. In a test, this translates into time saved – you can answer questions more quickly instead of continually re-skimming the reading passages.

2. Practice making your own questions

After practicing a few reading sections, you know that there is a system for how the test makers create questions. Try making your own questions when you read new material. Putting yourself in the place of a test creator will make you look at a text differently, and will help you read more carefully. Try this on a practice test where you can read, make questions, and then compare your questions to the ones actually asked after the text.

3. Summarize in bullets after reading

Finally, you can practice critical reading section by reading different texts and making a quick bullet summary of important points and questions. Do this after reading and without looking at the text again. Pulling out the critical details of the text will help you with your short-term memory, and show you where you have gaps in reading. Knowing those gaps will help you become a more discerning reader, and a better prepared SAT/ACT test taker.

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This post is titled, “How to practice for the SAT/ACT reading section - Three tips.” It was written by Marta Casey, a writer on Top Test Prep’s team.

To learn more about Top Test Prep’s programs, call (800) 501 – Prep.

SAT and ACT Summer Prep Programs

Here’s some information for students looking for SAT and ACT Summer prep programs.

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive SAT and ACT summer courses, contact Top Test Prep today at (800) 501-7737.

How Do SAT and ACT Test Scores Compare?

Many students want to know how their scores would compare between the SAT and ACT exams.

The SAT and ACT test prep team at Top Test Prep have prepared this helpful image for you to download in better understanding your SAT and ACT scores.

 

SAT-and-ACT-Scores

 

Getting to the Root of It – 5 Quick Steps to Learn a Little Latin and Greek

A few posts back, we talked about the benefits of Latin and Greek and how learning a little of either language can boost vocabulary scores and build a great base for pre-law or pre-med students. Every major standardized test you encounter will assess your vocabulary repertoire and comprehension in some way.

But few schools actually offer these languages, especially in high school. What can you do on your own to boost your vocabulary with Latin and Greek?

Here are five steps to get a grasp on ancient word roots. You can do this on your own or with a tutor.

1. Choose a vocabulary word to start with in English.

Let’s use the word “affirmation” from Top Test Prep’s 365 Most Frequently Tested Vocabulary Words.

2. Use an online dictionary to find the Latin or Greek word root.

A great dictionary for Latin and Greek derivatives is http://wordinfo.info/ – just go to the site, type in your word, and search.

The Latin root given is “firm.” The suffix, “ation” is listed as its own entry.

Open “firm” in a new tab. (Later, check out “ation.”)

3. Find the original meaning of the word root.

The original Latin meaning of “firm” is: “strong, firm; steadfast or unwavering in purpose, loyalty, or resolve.”

That makes sense, right? It might bring phrases to mind like, “A firm hand, firm resolve.” It might also make you think of "affirm, confirm" — which is exactly what this exercise hopes to do.

4. Make a list of the derivatives.

Based on word root “firm,” we see many derivatives: affirm, affirmable, affirmation, confirm, disaffirm, firm, firmament, infirm, infirmary, reaffirm, etc.

If you are a visual person or learn kinetically by writing things down, you might make a map or list of the derivatives. 

Memorizing lists of words can help on tests. But your brain will grasp and retain more words if they are hooked into a web of connections rather than as lone marks on a list.

5. Check any of the derivatives if you are unsure of the meaning.

For example, why is “infirm” a derivative of a word that means strong and steadfast? Looking up the prefix, “in,” we learn that “in” means “not.”

In + firm = infirm

Not + strong = not strong

 

Practice a few on your own – soon the prefixes and suffixes will be natural knowledge to you. You’ll know “anti” and “ante,” “tude” and “oid.” The process of this exercise is important: English word >> root meaning >> derivatives. Simply memorizing word roots will not connect them to your vocabulary. Hopefully doing a few of these exercises – especially with the harder vocabulary words you come across – will help not only with remembering the meaning of specific words, but with general vocabulary expansion.  Happy deriving!

The Best Way to Study for a Standardized Test

At the top of the New York Times website's "Most Popular" list last week was not a story about protests in Cairo, tiger mothers, or the President's State of the Union, but an article about the benefits of taking practice exams when studying for a standardized test. The article "To Really Learn, Quit Studying and Take a Test," reported on a study where participants were graded on knowledge retrieval using three different methods:

-Studying the relevant information many times over.
-Diagraming the information they needed to know.
-Reviewing the relevant informant, and then taking a practice test.  

A week later, the last group reported 50% greater retrieval of the information.

So should taking practice tests be the focus of your study regimen? Anecdotally, the study rings true to me. Whenever I approached a college exam or standardized test, my first goal was accumulating as many problem sets or practice tests as I could. Then I would go through, do them, and then review the answers I got wrong. There were two key benefits of this approach. One, I spent less time reviewing what I did know, while also staying sharp in the areas I was strongest. Two, it allowed me to develop a sense for the idiosyncrasies of each test. Every test has their particular methods and ways of going about posing different types of questions. Being able to identify and be comfortable with these idiosyncracies is a huge leg up on test dates.

However, I believe this method has its own set of problems. Referring to the other two study methods, the authors reported:

"These other methods not only are popular, the researchers reported; they also seem to give students the illusion that they know material better than they do."

In my experience, basing your study on practice tests can have a similar effect. I remember going into a standardized test where I had primarily studied using practice tests and expected it to be a breeze. Then the first six questions were nothing like what I had seen. My practice tests had given me a false sense of confidence!

My advice: practice tests are a great and underused method of studying. Start off your studying with a few of them to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Then spend time away from the test to develop your weaker areas. As you progress return to these tests to be able to objectively track your improvement. And most importantly, as test date approaches take practice tests in conditions as similar to the real environment as possible!

The Perfect SAT and ACT Exam Score (Challenge)

Top Test Prep’s Perfect SAT and ACT Score Challenge is here!  To find out about the Perfect SAT / ACT exam score, call (800) 501-Prep.

The Perfect SAT and ACT Score Challenge (TopTestPrep.com)

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Note, Contest rules: The Top Test Prep, Perfect Score Challenge is valid until September 21, 2011. The challenge included a scholarship over 4-years for 1 student.

The SAT vs. ACT Exam and Helpful Test Dates

Here’s a helpful information for students taking the SAT exam, ACT exam or if you’re trying to determine the difference between the two tests (SAT vs. ACT).

You can print this poster.

365 Most Frequently Tested Vocabulary Words

Included in this post are the 365 most common and frequently tested vocabulary words for tests such as the SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, SAT, ACT and GRE exams.

This vocabulary word list will help in your preparation for these exams.

This list was prepared by Admissions Expert and Founder of Top Test Prep, Ross Blankenship.

Most Frequently Tested Words, TopTestPrep.com

ACT 2010 – 2011: ACT Test Dates

The following is helpful information on when (test dates) the ACT exam will be administered.

September 11, 2010
October 23, 2010
December 11, 2010
February 12, 2011
April 9, 2011
June 11, 2011

You can bookmark the Top Test Prep blog to find out more about the ACT exam and how to prepare yourself for the test.

For more information on ACT tutoring, visit our main site.

Here’s a helpful video on the ACT exam and ACT Preparation.

The ACT Exam – Helpful Information about the ACT Exam

Here’s some helpful information on the ACT exam and everything you need to know about the ACT. If you’re applying to college and taking the ACT exam, definitely watch this video.

Top Test Prep’s ACT programs, (800) 501-Prep.

Private Tutors – Test Prep – Admissions Experts

Here’s our new tutoring and admissions expert, overview video. We hope our family, friends and fans enjoy!

TopTestPrep.com – SAT Vocabulary / Word of the Day

Here’s Top Test Prep’s SAT Vocabulary, Word of the Day -

Gaudy – adj. marked by conspicuous display; tastelessly showy

Find out more about Top Test Prep’s SAT Prep or ACT Prep, by calling (800) 501-Prep.

Summer SAT and ACT Prep

Top Test Prep’s summer SAT and ACT prep programs have started. If you’re preparing for the SAT or ACT this summer and need help, our test prep programs can help you improve your scores. Summer test prep doesn’t have to be difficult.

If you need help with the SAT and/or ACT exams, give us a call today at (800) 501-Prep or fill out our contact form.

This is the time to improve your test scores so that you can apply to the best colleges and universities.

Top Test Prep’s private tutoring and test prep programs continue to lead the field. Be part of the best program.

Should I take the SAT or ACT?

One of the most frequently asked questions at Top Test Prep is whether a student should take the SAT or ACT.

To answer this question, here are the differences between the SAT and ACT, and reasons why you should take one versus the other.

About the SAT:

The SAT is administered 7 times per year.

The SAT includes three critical reading sections, three math sections, three writing sections and one experimental section.

The SAT math section goes up to basic geometry and algebra II.

There is no science section on the SAT.

The SAT reading section includes sentence completions, short and long critical reading passages, and reading comprehension sections.

There is a penalty for wrong answers!

The highest combined score on the SAT is 2400, and the highest per section for the SAT is 800, including math, reading and writing.

Unless you’re enrolled in the SAT’s “Score Choice,” all of your scores will be reported to colleges.

About the ACT:

The ACT is administered 6 times per year.

The ACT includes four sections, including English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, and an optional writing test.

The ACT math goes no higher than trigonometry.

The ACT science section includes charts and experiments (theoretically, you don’t need a strong science core base before taking the test)

The ACT reading section includes four passages total.

The ACT English focuses on grammar and the ACT writing essay is similar to most standardized tests including the SAT’s essay prompt.

There is no penalty for wrong answers!

The highest combined score on the ACT is 36, and they’re averaged together for a composite score.

You can decide which schools receive your ACT scores.
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In general, we recommend taking the ACT exam over the SAT exam if your approach to problems is more straightforward. The ACT math and other sections are drier compared to the SAT, which requires a bit more reasoning and analysis. However, our SAT tutors know exactly how to give you in-depth strategies for the SAT test, as it does require more analytical thinking. Also, if you do better in school generally without having to work as hard, we always recommend taking the ACT.

We recommend taking the SAT versus the ACT exam if you have fewer issues with time management. The ACT exam requires more endurance, as students are required to do up to 60 questions in a short amount of time. Our ACT tutors can help you better understand the exam, and ways you can prepare.

If you’re unsure whether you should take either or both, you should take both tests. Your scores will likely be similar according to concordance table.

If you need help with SAT prep or ACT prep, give Top Test Prep a call at (800) 501-Prep and we’ll help you improve your scores.

SAT Vocabulary, Word of the Day

Here’s Top Test Prep’s SAT Vocabulary, Word of the Day -

Hackneyed – adj. repeated too often; over familiar through overuse

Find out more about Top Test Prep’s SAT Prep or ACT Prep, by calling (800) 501-Prep.

SAT Vocabulary – Word of the Day

Here’s Top Test Prep’s SAT Vocabulary, Word of the Day -

Facilitate – (verb) make easier;

Find out more about Top Test Prep’s SAT Tutoring or ACT Tutoring, by calling (800) 501-Prep.

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SAT Vocabulary – Word of the Day

Here’s Top Test Prep’s SAT Vocabulary, Word of the Day -

Effervescent – adj. marked by high spirits or excitement; bubbly and engaging

Find out more about Top Test Prep’s SAT Tutoring or ACT Tutoring, by calling (800) 501-Prep.