The Experts' Corner

Anxiety and executive functioning are deeply intertwined. Students with strong EF skills are more resilient to academic stress, while those who struggle to master EF skills often feel overwhelmed. In this article from expert educational psychologist Jed Applerouth, PhD, discover how key skills like planning and organization can help students manage anxiety, regain control, and achieve academic success with confidence.

Your PSAT scores are in! Now what? In our latest post, we answer students’ top questions about PSAT scores, from understanding the scoring breakdown to using results for SAT or ACT prep. Discover insights on National Merit recognition and learn practical ways to turn your PSAT baseline into meaningful progress.

Big changes are coming to AP exams, and staying informed is key! Whether you’ll be testing fully digital, hybrid, or on paper, understanding the new setups in College Board’s Bluebook app can give you an edge. This guide covers what’s new—from digital practice tips to picking the right calculator. Get ready to approach AP season with confidence by learning what to expect and how to prepare for success!

If you’re a high school or college student, it’s time to make a plan for final exams and end of semester projects. It’s important to be intentional about your end-of-semester plan because it can be easy to go into Thanksgiving Break feeling like there is plenty of time (it is still mid-November!) and then realize that it is very suddenly December as soon as you return to school. Here’s how you can make sure you stay on track and prepared for the end of the semester before it creeps up on you.

Students are going to continue to seek out tools to help them work faster, more efficiently, and at a higher level. AI is starting to provide some of that assistance. Though most students could utilize AI, students with learning differences have the potential to benefit most from this technology.

Worried about test anxiety with the new digital SAT, ACT, or AP exams? Don’t be! This post breaks down how students can overcome test stress by mastering the digital format and building self-regulation skills. Discover practical tips for staying calm, focused, and confident to achieve your best performance on test day.

Standardized tests can be tough for students with learning differences like ADHD or dyslexia—but with the right approach, they can overcome any challenge. In this article, we share our top strategies for empowering students, fostering strengths, and helping them gain confidence in their unique learning journey.

The digital SAT may be shorter, but its adaptive structure and weighted questions mean not all SAT questions are created equal. Thanks to our team’s careful analysis of score data and exclusive conversations with test designers, we reveal insights you won’t find anywhere else—showing how the test’s easiest questions and Student-Produced Responses carry more weight than harder ones. Learn how to maximize your score by focusing on what truly matters.

With private school applications on the horizon, now’s the time to plan for the SSAT or ISEE. Learn key timelines for testing and retesting, whether to take paper or computer formats, and what recent changes might mean for the future of both tests.

Ready to ace this school year? The first month of school is perfect time to fine-tune your organization skills. Discover practical tips to keep your notes, assignments, and schedules in order, setting you up for success all year long. Future you will thank you!

Planning for education in America isn't just about learning; it's about money, too. With soaring tuition costs and student debt at staggering levels, is the investment truly worth it? This month, we're exploring the financial realities, the potential returns, and whether prestige really pays off in today's landscape.

Overwhelmed by SAT and ACT prep? Don’t overlook the PSAT! Often dismissed, this low-pressure test can be your secret weapon for success. From understanding digital testing formats to establishing a baseline score, the PSAT is more than just practice—it’s a strategic entry point to mastering the SAT or ACT.

Last month, Johns Hopkins made headlines by reinstating admissions testing requirements, joining other elite schools in reversing test-optional policies. As this trend continues, Jed Applerouth considers what it means for future applicants.

AP courses are no joke. They are also usually a student’s first experience with college-level material and work. But they’re also an opportunity for high school students to start exploring subjects that interest them at a deeper level, possibly setting themselves up for courses at university. Whether you’re a seasoned

It’s always crucial for students to strategically plan their AP exam preparation. Understanding the schedule, exploring resources like the Applerouth AP Handbook, and adopting a focused study strategy will ensure success. Good luck!

The ACT is gearing up for significant changes with a shorter, digital format debuting in 2025. While specifics continue to emerge, here’s what we know so far about the updates themselves, as well as how they might impact students' testing strategies and preparation.

Wondering how to navigate the SSAT and ISEE? In this article, we reveal essential insights to help you guide your student through their first high-stakes test. Discover key differences, prep tips, and strategies that will set your child up for success.

As students face the beginning of a new school year, it's crucial to help them view new academic challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats. By fostering a success-focused mindset, planning ahead, and modeling calm resilience, parents can guide their children in managing stress, building confidence, and developing into well-rounded, adaptive individuals.

Beginning in spring 2025, the ACT will introduce a shorter, 2-hour test, making the Science section optional—a significant departure from the test’s roots. This change aims to compete with the digital SAT and provide students with more time per question, reducing potential fatigue and time-pressure. The new test will debut in an online format, potentially accelerating the ACT's transition to a broader adoption of digital assessments.

Transitioning to a private school? Discover essential tips to navigate this change smoothly and set yourself up for success. From staying organized and engaging with faculty to embracing hands-on learning and making the most of available resources, our guide will ensure you're well-prepared. Don't miss out on these valuable insights!

Kids might not think much of being glued to their phones all summer, but too much unregulated screen time has a cost. Phones (and their apps!) can distract from boredom and introspection, stifling creativity and self-awareness. This month, Jed Applerouth, Ph.D. explores the value of encouraging screen-free activities and modelling healthy device habits to foster deeper engagement and self-reflection.

Summer's in full swing, with students enjoying jobs, internships, and beach days, but the new school year is approaching quickly! Consistent, small efforts over the summer to maintain learning (and even level up!) can yield great results next year. Check out expert Applerouth tutor Kali’s best advice for how to make the most of your summer!

Now’s the time for rising Juniors to craft their test prep plans. Expert tutor Matthew Kiesner shares his advice for students beginning their testing journey – starting with a practice test!

Navigating course selection and wondering “How many AP classes should I take?" We have the answers! Consider your school's offerings, aim for a schedule you can commit to, and explore our AP Handbook for insights and strategies to ace your AP journey.

We know that, as IECs, you know your students best. We love that you have your eyes on them (and their goals) and can make sound and helpful suggestions to students and their families. In that spirit, here’s how Applerouth can help when students may need a little more substance in the remaining weeks of their summer.