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Back to School, Back to Strategy: The Top Academic Trends to Watch
HIGH SCHOOLAs families prepare for a new academic year, the classroom landscape is undergoing rapid change. From AI tools shaping the way students learn, to debates over the role of smartphones in school, to increased attention on the cognitive skills…

15 Top Summer Programs for High School Students (2026 Guide)
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS, HIGH SCHOOLLast Updated: February 2026
Jump-To Glossary
How to Choose the Right Summer Program
Top 15 Summer Programs for High School Students
Pre-College Summer Programs for High School Students
Free Summer Programs for High School Students
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The Power of the Pause: Why Summer Is the Ideal Time for Academic Reflection
HIGH SCHOOLWith summer officially here, students and parents alike are taking a collective sigh of relief: the madness of the end of the school year is over. After months of packed schedules and extracurricular commitments, summer feels like a well-earned…

Decoding the AP Exam Score Grading System
AP, TEST PREPThe AP grading scale often surprises students and parents due to its unique structure. Unlike typical high school tests, AP exams are graded on a scale of one to five. These scores represent a weighted average of a student’s performance across…

Summer Checklist for High School Students
HIGH SCHOOLSummer break is the time to rest and recharge between school years. It’s important to enjoy summer activities, sun, friends, and family, but it’s also a great opportunity to prepare for the school year ahead. We’ve created a summer checklist…

Are Standardized Tests Still Required for College Admissions in 2025?
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS, TEST PREPAfter test-optional policies became the new norm in 2020, ACT® and SAT® requirements for college admissions have been a huge focus for high school students. Fast-forward five years, and the testing policies are once again changing. Some schools…

Can You Improve Your GPA in One Semester?
GPA, HIGH SCHOOLYour GPA is more than just a number: It’s a reflection of your grades and a big deal in college admissions and scholarship options. If you want to increase your GPA fast, the good news is it’s possible to improve your grades in one semester.
This…

3 Reasons You Should Take a Proctored Practice ACT or SAT Test
ACT, PSAT/NMSQT, TEST PREPIf you’re a high school sophomore, chances are you’re planning to take a practice ACT or SAT test. However, if you’re planning on taking that practice test on a home computer, think again. There are a few good reasons why setting aside…

Does High School Prepare You for the ACT and SAT?
ACT, HIGH SCHOOL, SAT, TEST PREPPreparing for the ACT® and SAT® can be overwhelming for students and parents. These tests are a chance for your child to show they’re ready for higher education. But understanding what these tests measure and how to prepare can be tough,…
