Blog by Ivy Tutors Network

The world of Advanced Placement (AP) exams is evolving, and one of the exciting developments is the recent introduction of digital AP exams. Let's dive into how digital AP exams work and what you should keep in mind.

The thing that differentiates The Walker School from other independent schools in the area is that there is a nice healthy intersection of academic challenge and balance of wellness and the whole child experience. Director of Admissions, Katherine Harrison, thinks of Walker as a family school.

The Test for Admission to Catholic High Schools, or TACHS, is the exam used for admission to the Catholic High Schools of New York. It is given once a year in November. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the TACHS exam and how best to prepare for it!

While smaller than its counterpart, the University of Toronto, McGill University boasts an impressive global reputation. Renowned for its world-leading courses in area studies, medicine, and law, it stands as one of the few institutions that allow graduates to easily practice in Canada, the US, France, or the UK. Notably, its comparative legal department is regarded as one of the best in the world.

The SHSAT Discovery Program is a summer course for students from low-income households who scored just below the cut-off scores on the SHSAT. These 3-5 week programs give students the opportunity to make up for their missing points and show that they are prepared for the academic rigors of the Specialized High Schools.

How should you prepare to ace the ACT Reading section? In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know, including 11 tips, to earn a top score!

As a parent or educator, one of your primary goals is to help your students learn effectively. However, not all students are able to learn effectively, especially when they are stressed or anxious. Stress can greatly impact a student’s ability to learn, as it hinders their access to higher functioning parts of their brain. In order to facilitate better learning in such students, it is important to find ways to lower their stress levels. One tool that has been found to be effective in this is active listening.

Interviews can be one of the most important pieces of the admission process. In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know private school interviews, and how you and your child can take advantage of this opportunity to engage directly with the schools you are applying to.

The Regents Exams are statewide standardized tests in core high school subjects. The English Language Arts (ELA) exam tests students on the key skills of reading comprehension, textual analysis, and argument-based writing in order to assess their readiness for college and a professional career. The exam is required of all students enrolled in high schools in the state of New York.

When it comes to world universities, Oxford is a monolith.  It’s older than the Aztec Empire, older than the Black Death, and still one of the most prestigious universities in the world.  Luckily, they are also very interested in American students, especially at the undergraduate level.

Founded in 1993, Beacon is a small, alternative high school that has since grown to become one of the most highly regarded public schools in the city. However, it is also increasingly competitive to get into. In this article, we'll tell you why Beacon is great and what you need to do to maximize you chances of admission.

Second only to Oxford in age in the English-speaking world, Cambridge University is widely considered to be one of the best universities in the world.  Created when a group of professors left Oxford out of frustration, Cambridge has shaped the world’s intellectual progress for nearly 800 years!

It’s hard to imagine any place that is more emblematic of Scotland than St. Andrews. Nestled between the North Sea and some of the world’s greatest golf courses, the University is one of the oldest in the English-speaking world, and one of the most highly regarded. The alma mater of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the University of St. Andrews is one of the most popular universities for American students to earn a degree overseas

Due to increased competition and opaque entrance requirements at top US universities, more and more American students are looking overseas to pursue their education. In this article, we'll answer all your pressing questions about studying abroad, including how to increase your chances of admission at a foreign university.

This year’s public school admissions season presented several unique challenges. In this article, we’ll let you know the key insights from this year’s admissions results, as well as some tips and strategies to stay ahead of the game.

Want to learn more about public high school in NYC? Overwhelmed by the options or confused by how it works? Check out this article for an overview of the admissions process and how you can prepare for a successful outcome!

How should you prepare to ace the ACT English section? In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know, including over 15 tips, to earn a top score!

The ACT is one of two standardized tests that is commonly used for college admissions (with the SAT serving as an alternative). While some schools have recently waived the test as a requirement, the ACT remains one of the primary pieces of evidence that colleges use to determine which students are accepted. For this reason, a high score can open up many options to a high schooler that they may not otherwise receive, including admissions and scholarships. This test is fairly rigorous, and an understanding of what it covers and its structure are instrumental in receiving the score you want. This guide will serve as an overview of the test and will give you some of the tips required to succeed.

The ACT Science section is the 4th section of the ACT. This section focuses on testing skills such as data interpretation, the ability to draw conclusions, and a general understanding of the scientific process. With a short timeframe and an often punishing curve, the ACT science can be a tricky test to master, but guided practice and an understanding of the structure of the test can allow anyone to achieve their desired score in this section.

Independent school expert Linda Talton answers all our questions about the most recent admissions cycle, which proved to be particularly competitive for high school applicants. What happened, what factors were involved, and how can we prepare to ensure the best outcomes for our students?

NYC Tutoring Company expands geographic footprint and doubles down on providing best-in-class test prep through acquisition of Atlanta-based Test Prep Company

Taking the ACT but worried about the math? In this article, we'll tell you everything you need know about the ACT math section, as well as our top tips for getting a TOP score!

Not sure how to interpret your PSAT scores? Check out this article for a full explanation of what your PSAT scores really mean!

If you are applying to independent schools, the weeks when you receive your decision letters will serve as the culmination of all of the mental, physical, and emotional labor that you have invested in the admission process thus far. In this article, we'll tell you about the different types of letters you may receive and how navigate this exciting time!

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is a standardized test sponsored by both the College Board, who write and administer it, and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Here's what you need to know!

In 2022, the College Board announced that they will be transitioning the SAT to an exclusively digital exam. This means that students will take the exam on the computer instead of a paper test. In this article, we'll tell you what's changing on the new SAT and how students can best prepare for it.

If you're looking for information about the SAT scores, or are wondering how your own scores stack up against those of other test takers, you've come to the right place. The following guide is designed to give you all of the information you need about the SAT and its scoring process.

The SAT Superscore is a way of combining a student's scores from multiple test dates to give them their highest possible overall score. In this article, we will explain how the SAT Superscore works, how it differs from other score options, and how you can use it to optimize your college application package.

SAT Math may seem daunting, but it’s very possible to score well. Understanding what’s on the test, how it works, and what you need to know are the first steps to success. Here’s our guide for everything you will need to know to achieve your goals on the Math sections of the SAT.

The SAT is an entrance exam issued by the College Board, and is the test used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The purpose of the SAT is to measure a student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with a shared data point to compare applicants. In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about the SAT, including how best to prepare for it!

How exactly is the SSAT scored? Find out in this SSAT Scoring Guide!

As a parent, we desperately want the best for our children’s future. So when it comes to their education, it’s normal to focus heavily on future outcomes + goals. While this comes from a well-intentioned and loving place, this approach is missing one of the most important ingredients of a ripe learning environment: mindfulness.

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is a private school admissions test. It is administered at three levels: elementary, middle and upper. In this article, we'll tell you absolutely everything you need to know about the SSAT and how to study for it.

Private school in NYC is expensive. The good news: not only does financial aid at independent schools exist, but it is also accessible to about 25 to 30 percent of families at most schools you will be applying to. In this article, we’ve outlined the essential information you need to know about private school financial aid in order to hep you make an informed decision about your child’s educational future.

Hunter College High School is one of the top-ranked public high schools in the United States. In this article, we will give you a brief overview of the school, an outline of the requirements for admission and the admissions process, and tips for getting in.

Hunter College High School offers an exceptional academic opportunity to New York City students. The admission process for eligible students includes an entrance exam. In this article, we'll tell everything you need to know about the exam and how best to prepare for it.

In addition to strong academics, Catholic high schools in New York offer students religious education and experiences, opportunities for service, and college coursework through partnerships with local Catholic universities. There are currently 43 Catholic high schools in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island under the Archdiocese of New York, and 15 under the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens. Here are the top-rated ones!

The SHSAT is the doorway to getting into Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech and 5 other fantastic, free NYC public schools!

Catholic schools come in many shapes and sizes. In this article, we will introduce you to the different types of Catholic schools, how they differ from each other, and what you need to know to apply.

For many parents, applying to private school can be a daunting process. If your child is preschool-aged and older, admissions can seem even more taxing on top of an already busy school schedule. The most important step you can take to destress the admissions process is to plan ahead and stay organized. With that in mind, take the first step by reviewing this list of everything you need to know about private school admissions.

Much dreaded and oft misunderstood, the college essay is an essential component of your admissions package – and for good reason. The college essay (or personal statement) is your opportunity to speak directly to the admissions committee in your own voice. It allows you to communicate what is most important and integral to YOU, and in doing so, what makes you different from the other applicants.

New York City has 9 specialized public high schools designed to serve students who excel in academics and/or the arts. Due to their specialized nature, these high schools have selective admissions processes that involve either an admissions test, an artistic portfolio, or audition. If you’re currently in middle school and live in NYC, it’s a great time to start thinking ahead about your high school plans, and whether applying to one of these specialized high schools makes sense for you.

SHSAT ELA practice can be daunting. We know what you’re thinking. How can I possibly read and understand all these complex passages with words I’ve never seen before – under a time limit too! While the SHSAT is certainly difficult, it’s not impossible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to practice and prepare yourself for the ELA section of SHSAT.

Universities now base over 50% of admissions on the application essays. We’ll help you crack the code.

A productive summer will pay dividends in your personal, professional, and academic development. This guide is tailored specifically for you to maximize your summer. After all, keeping your mind engaged is critical to avoid "summer slide." Here's some advice on how to evaluate and choose the best summer opportunity for you...

You might be worried if you fail an AP exam (where failing is receiving a score less than 3), but don’t worry! Passing an AP exam has many benefits: you may receive college credit, it may help you win an AP Scholars award, and it may add to a larger picture of your academic success that can help you get into colleges. Failing an AP exam won’t grant you these advantages, but doesn’t carry any additional weight beyond that. You can certainly still get into colleges, however, you may need to take additional courses once you attend university than you would have with a passing AP score. It’s also worth noting that a failing AP score is evidence that you likely have not grasped the course material, and is an opportunity for you to rethink your study habits.

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is the exam used by most private schools to evaluate candidates for admission. Here's what you need to know...

Thinking about independent schools, boarding schools, or switching from one private school to another? You need to think about and prepare for the SSAT or ISEE.

The AP English Language and Composition exam, offered each year in May by the College Board, test students ability to critically analyze texts and write cogent, evidence-based essays in which they present claims and arguments. The texts studied for AP Lang are non-fiction, whereas those for the AP Literature exam are fictional. AP Lang is rigorous and demanding, requiring both strong critical reading and essay-writing skills. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the AP Lang exam, and the best tips and strategies for cruising to a 5!

The AP US History Exam (or APUSH) covers the rich American story from the Native Americans to the present day. The exam contains a multiple-choice section, short and long essay questions, and one document-based question. Students must be able to recall specific historical facts, as well as form arguments about significant developments in the nation’s history. You have made it to May, so you know the course to be intense. But, there is good news! You can nail the AP US History exam by following a few basic study habits that are fun, low stress, and interactive.

The AP Chemistry exam is a difficult 3 hour and 15 minute test that requires a mastery of chemistry concepts as well as a strong baseline understanding of Algebra. It covers the scientific principles outlined in the AP Chemistry course units, and expects students to be able to solve problems related to topics such as atomic/molecular structure and properties, intermolecular forces, kinetics, thermodynamics and acids and bases as well as several others. With practice, however, even the most difficult topics become manageable, and with the right preparation, the exam can be easily conquered for a great score!

It can be difficult to keep track of all the moving parts and deadlines required for the public high school admissions process. Fortunately, we’re here to help! Ivy Tutors Network has put together a handy timeline to help you know what happens when. We’ve also included some suggestion for what you can do now to start preparing. Enjoy!

LaGuardia’s High School’s reputation precedes it: not only is it one of NYC’s 9 specialized high schools, it is also THE “Fame School.” Founded in 1936, LaGuardia boasts many notable artists and performers among its alumni, including Nicki Minaj, Ansel Elgort, Timothée Chalamet, and Jennifer Anniston. LaGuardia is truly unique in offering its students a first-rate high school education along with conservatory-style arts programs, not to mention the fact that it’s completely free to attend! Intrigued? Here’s what you need to know about LaGuardia and its application process.

Organelles and ATP and Evolution, oh my! We know how daunting AP Biology can seem. Preparing for the exam requires a tremendous amount of memorization, which in turn requires remarkable discipline. The information below is meant to help you create a framework for your studying, allowing you to break the exam down into digestible parts.

Clocking in at 3 hours, the AP Physics 1 Exam is a difficult test that requires a mastery of physics concepts as well as a strong baseline understanding of algebra and trigonometry. It covers the scientific principles outlined in the AP Physics 1 course units, and expects students to use algebra to solve problems related to Newtonian mechanics, energy, and several other topics. With practice, however, even the most difficult topics become manageable, and with the right preparation, the exam can be easily conquered for a great score!

Many students are unsure whether they should take the AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC exam. On the one hand, the AP Calculus BC exam can help you get more course credit going into college if you get a high score. On the other hand, the AP Calculus BC exam covers more material than the AB exam, and may be harder to get a high score on. So, just how hard is the AP Calculus BC exam? This guide will help you consider all the relevant factors when deciding which test to take.

With AP tests coming up this spring, many students are concerned about how best to prepare for exam day. Whether or not you are currently taking a calculus class at school, it is important to familiarize yourself with the specifics of the AP test: what content is covered, how it is formatted, and what approaches can help optimize your score. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to go into test day with confidence.

Staten Island Technical High School (SITHS) is a top-rated public magnet high school in NYC, and one of the 9 specialized high schools. For approximately 1330 students, Staten Island Tech offers a completely free college-preparatory education, including specialized courses in science and engineering. With amazing academics, a diverse student body, and exciting extracurriculars, SITHS is truly unique. Want to apply? Here’s what you need to know…

AP US Government and Politics is not only a manageable AP class, but also a formative one, giving students insight into the functioning of our government and political system. AP Gov is an excellent way to earn AP credit while also fulfilling many high schools’ civics requirements. Though generally considered an easier AP class, the questions asked on the exam are known to be tricky. Preparing the test requires specific and efficient studying tactics, as well as a familiarity with particularities of the questions themselves. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to achieve a great score on the AP Gov exam!

Founded in 2002, Queens High School for the Sciences is one of the 3 newer specialized high schools located on City College campuses. With small class sizes, a diverse student body, and devoted faculty, Queens High School provides both an intimate and intellectually rigorous educational experience. It’s also completely free to attend, making it a highly sought after option for NYC families. Want to apply? Here’s what you need to know…

The High School for Math, Science and Engineering is one of NYC’s 9 specialized high schools. Public and completely free to attend, HSMSE provides students with a first class education in the STEM fields, in addition to a rigorous and well rounded general academic program. The faculty are famous for their quality and dedication to teaching, and the student body (approximately 500) is one of the most diverse in the city, representing all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. In this article, we’ll tell you more about what makes HSMSE special, and what you need to know to get the chance to attend…

The AP World History exam is one of the longest APs (about 3 hours and 15 minutes), and requires a large breadth of knowledge. Although the exam covers historical events around the globe from the years 1200 to 2001, World History is less focused on the memorization of specific details than on the understanding of broad historical patterns, such as environmental changes, social movements, and technological advancements. With preparation, tenacity, and the right kind of practice, students can easily overcome the challenges presented by the AP World History exam, and learn valuable writing and critical thinking skills in the process!

The AP Psychology exam is one of the shortest AP exams (just two hours long), but can be a challenging test for students, as it contains highly specific theory and has a strong emphasis on vocabulary. Unlike other exams, the AP Psychology exam relies less on intuition and fluency, and more on specific content that students will need to memorize and recognize. Fortunately, with a little bit of preparation, the AP Psychology exam can be easily tackled for a great score.

The High School of American Studies (HSAS), founded in 2002, is one of the newer specialized high schools, all of which require the SHSAT (Specialized High School Admissions Test) for admission. HSAS has a special emphasis on history, and with only 400 students, is also smaller than most of the specialized high schools. HSAS provides an amazing opportunity for students to attend a small, completely free high school with a unique curriculum focus. Here’s what you need to know to apply!

Many students are daunted by the long passages and tricky questions on the reading section of the SAT, and we totally get it! The reading comprehension is meant to be challenging, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you understand how it’s designed and what strategies you need to approach it. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of 5 essential things everyone should know about the SAT reading section. If you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to put your best foot forward on test day!

Brooklyn Latin High School, more commonly known as Brooklyn Latin, has many unique features that differentiate it from the other specialized high schools. In this article, we’ll tell you what makes Brooklyn Latin special, and what you need to know to get the chance to attend.

Brooklyn Tech is the largest of the NYC specialized high schools, with a particular emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Here's what you need to know to apply...

Bronx Science is one of the 8 specialized high schools of New York City for which you have to take the SHSAT (specialized high school admissions test). Bronx Science has produced eight Nobel Prize-winning alumni, more than any other secondary school in the country. Here's what you need to know about the admissions process...

Stuyvesant is a top rated, public high school in lower Manhattan, considered by many to be the “crown jewel” of the NYC public school system. With over 3000 students, Stuyvesant is known for its rigorous academics, unique course offerings, and exciting extracurriculars. It attracts both top students and top teachers. Here's what you need to know to get the chance to attend this amazing school...

With over 3,000 colleges and universities in the US, coming up with a list of schools can be a daunting task. How do I find the one that’s right for me? Here are some suggestions for ways to create the perfect college list – for YOU!

When it comes to preparing for the SHSAT, there’s a lot more than reviewing reading comprehension and math skills.

The SHSAT is open to all current eight grade or first-time ninth grade students who live in New York City. This 3-hour test is the only criterion for gaining entry into one of the nine specialized public schools, which are known for their academic rigor, top teachers, great courses offerings, and exciting extra-curricular opportunities. SHSAT registration opens up in the Fall of each year. Here’s what you need to know to get the chance to attend one of these amazing public high schools!

The SHSAT is offered just once a year for 8th or 9th graders in the Fall/Winter. Because you can only take the exam once, it’s absolutely essential to make sure everything runs smoothly. Based on the most common questions we receive from our students, here are the most important things you need to know going into SHSAT Test Day.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, many schools have remained test-optional, leaving students wondering whether or not it is worth their time and energy to prepare for an exam that is not, strictly speaking, necessary. The question remains: should I take the SAT or ACT? The answer depends on the individual, but for many students, it’s “yes.”

Kevin Newton (aneducationabroad.com) gives us the rundown on higher education overseas, and how to know if the international college experience is right for you...

High school admissions expert Katie Miller gives us the do's and don'ts for creating a strong and balanced list...

Executive functioning is the umbrella term for the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks at the same time. These skills are instinctive to some, but not at all for others. The good news is that our executive functioning is extremely malleable, and can be easily improved with practice.

Ivy Tutors Network’s founder, Lisa Speransky, recently sat down for an information-packed webinar with admissions experts, Katie Miller and Chantal Aflalo. The subject was “everything you need to know about New York City high school admissions.” Here’s what we learned...

As we near the start of the school year, there remain a number of questions around how public high school admissions will operate this fall. Here are some steps you can take right now to ensure your child is in a strong position going into this year.

We're here to take the anxiety out of your test prep journey. One way to ensure a stress-free SHSAT experience is to have a very strong command over the math formulas you'll need to know in order to solve the 57 math questions. We think that while you're practicing, you'll need this trusty cheat sheet!

Here are some tips to high school students who are considering a career in medicine, advice about initially making the decision to pursue medicine, and how to develop the skills necessary to be a medical student.

How do you balance having a fun-filled, stress-free summer with knowing that you’ll be prepared for 9th grade come September? Here are 5 things every rising 9th grader can try to incorporate into their summer.

Junior year may sound intimidating, but there are steps all students can take to alleviate some of the anticipated anxiety and demands.

Those months preceding your senior year of high school are in many ways part of the final stretch of all your hard work. To alleviate some of the workload and stress heading into the school year and applications season, there are several actions you can take over the summer to relieve some of the workloads and set yourself up for success.

As an Ivy tutor, Tran leverages her craft of writing and storytelling to support students in their studies.So many young people dream of writing a book. What advice do you have for young people? It’s quite simple: Read. Then, write.

Play-based learning is a way to make learning engaging, fun, and creative for your little learner!

The key to creating the most compelling college application is to “thread a theme.” Not only does it sound poetic, it also works!

Colleges admissions officers are increasingly interested in accepting students who are 'mini experts.' Let's take a look at what that means.

Nervous about the 'free response prompt' on AP Lit? Don't be. We broke it down into manageable steps!

Pivot is one of the themes of 2020. But how has the College Admissions process pivoted this year?

Is your child's work disorganized? Are you tired of being the 'homework warden'? We understand! At our recent webinar, we discussed everything from how to foster motivation around schoolwork to developing good organization habits with Sue Groner and Shakir Stephen.

With the ongoing pandemic, the College Board has given schools three ways to administer their upcoming spring AP exams. Be sure to talk to your AP Coordinator to find out how your school is planning to conduct their exams.

Not sure whether the SAT or the ACT is the better test for you? No biggie. We've made you a cheat sheet to see for yourself!

Identifying your learning style can make you more efficient with your SAT and ACT test prep, so you can focus on the subject matter and strategies that will raise your score.

Mastering this common writing assignment will give you a leg up in high school and college English classes - and many other subjects.

We're an Award-Winning Tutoring Service!

There has never been a more important time for us to consider the needs of others.

Often seen as extra work, supplements are essential to your applications - and can even help you select the right school.

When it comes to excelling at math, some of the simplest steps are most effective - and often overlooked.

Learning why this formula “works” can help you understand math at a deeper level, building your skills for school and tests.

It can be hard to figure out what exactly colleges are looking for when considering applicants.

The key to beating the clock on the SAT and ACT Math sections is knowing what to expect.

For something that’s supposed to be simple and convenient, testing at-home can be surprisingly stressful.

Everyone feels stressed out about a test sometimes; it’s normal to be concerned when an outcome is unknown.

Part two of the essential guide to eliminating errors that trip up many test-takers.

By mastering both the “what” and “how” of ACT and SAT prep, you’ll maximize your chances of receiving your best score.

Part one of the essential guide to eliminating errors that trip up many test-takers.

Every day, a new development seems to squeeze testing out of the college admissions process.

By now, I am sure you’ve figured out the importance of a daily schedule.

Having trouble working with your child on their essay? We understand how you’re feeling.

With all of the changes caused by the pandemic, we could all use a bit of good news.

Try this: Name five things in your space right now. Breathe mindfully three times. Feel your feet. Doing better?

Do you ever stare out of the window in physics class, wondering what it will be like to go to college and never have to take science again? Or ...

You’ve mastered washing your hands to your favorite song twice. You’ve caught up on all your secret-pleasure YouTube dives and Netflix shows.

You’ve mastered washing your hands to your favorite song twice. You’ve caught up on all your secret-pleasure YouTube dives and Netflix shows.

Let's start with a dad joke.

We’ve been in the game for over 16 years, working with students just like you. Almost all students face time pressure...

“Help me! Vanderbilt came to my school and said they like social entrepreneurship. My essay’s about my family dinner. Should I change my essay?”

At last, it’s Summer!

Next step? Test Day.

Check the list--twice!--and make sure you're ready to take the SAT.

What's the difference? Which one is better for me? Let's break it down.

College essay: two words that strike fear in the minds of high schoolers across the nation. But they don’t have to.

Feel like you're losing the battle over screen time? Some practical tips win the war from one parent to another.

Let's talk about Middle School Math.