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Check out our recent articles below:
Could SAT/ACT Scores Return for UC STEM Admissions?
/Students planning to apply to STEM majors at University of California campuses should be paying close attention to a developing conversation within the UC system.
In May 2025, a group of University of California faculty members proposed reinstating SAT or ACT math score requirements for students applying to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors beginning with the 2027 admissions cycle. Their proposal stems from concerns that increasing numbers of students are entering college with significant gaps in math preparation, making it more difficult to succeed in demanding STEM coursework.
Support for the proposal has continued to grow. As of June 3, 2026, more than 1,300 faculty members and supporters have signed the letter advocating for the change. You can review the full proposal at ucstudentsuccess.org.
The faculty argue that SAT and ACT math scores provide a useful measure of a student's readiness for college-level STEM programs. They are also calling for greater faculty involvement in setting admissions standards and for regular reviews of admissions criteria to ensure they accurately predict student success.
What Does This Mean for Current High School Students?
At this point, nothing has changed officially. The University of California system remains test-optional, and the proposal has not been adopted as UC policy.
However, students graduating in 2027 who are considering STEM majors at UC campuses should prepare for the possibility that admissions requirements could evolve before they submit their applications.
For that reason, Seven Points Prep strongly recommends that STEM-bound students take either the SAT or ACT. Having a qualifying test score available provides flexibility and ensures you are prepared if testing requirements are reinstated or if scores become an optional component of the admissions process.
Historically, the last SAT and ACT testing dates accepted by UC campuses have been in December of the application year. In recent admissions cycles, UC application deadlines have fallen between November 30 and December 2.
Our Recommendation
The college admissions landscape continues to change rapidly. Students who keep their options open are often in the strongest position when application season arrives.
If you are a current high school student interested in engineering, computer science, biological sciences, mathematics, or another STEM field, now is a good time to develop a testing and admissions strategy that aligns with your college goals.
SPP Supports Test Prep
Not sure whether your student should take the SAT, the ACT, or both? Wondering how potential changes in college admissions policies could affect your application strategy?
The Seven Points Prep team can help! The earlier you plan, the more options you'll have when it's time to apply.
Schedule a Test Prep Consultation to start a personalized SAT/ACT preparation plan!
Schedule a College Admissions Consultation to discuss college lists, admissions strategy, STEM competitiveness, and application timelines.
Learn more about SPP’s SAT & ACT Test Prep and College Admissions Counseling.
SPP SAT & ACT Test-Day Guide
/Prepare Like an Athlete. Perform Like a Champion.
At SPP, we view the SAT and ACT as mental endurance events—just like a big game, tournament, or performance. Success on test day comes from preparation, confidence, stamina, and smart routines. Follow this guide to help you feel calm, focused, and ready to perform your best.
The Day Before the Test
The day before a big exam is best spent resting and allowing your brain to integrate all of the knowledge and strategies you’ve been building over time. Trust your preparation.
Pack Your Bag Early
Make sure you have:
A valid photo ID
Your favorite writing utensil(s)
A calculator with fresh batteries (change them this day!)
Water
One or two healthy snacks
Protein is especially important for brain power and sustained energy.
SAT Students: Complete Your Digital Setup
Students will receive an email from College Board with instructions to complete testing setup. This should be completed Friday or earlier.
You can learn more here:
https://blog.collegeboard.org/how-get-your-sat-admission-ticket
Technology Check
Before bed, confirm that your testing device is:
fully charged
updated
test-ready
Make sure:
the Bluebook app is installed
you know your College Board username and password
you feel comfortable using Desmos
Take Time to “Fill Your Cup”
Friday afternoon and evening are best spent relaxing and getting a good night’s rest. Think as this as your Savasana in yoga-a chance to incorporate all of your knowledge
We encourage students to do at least one activity that helps them recharge:
spending time with friends or family
going outside
watching a favorite show
reading
exercising
listening to music
Students have been working hard—not just for the SAT or ACT, but also for AP exams, finals, and the many demands of spring semester.
SPP Reminder
No new shoes on game day.
Test day is not the time to try new routines, foods, or strategies.
The Morning Of
Fuel Your Brain
Eat a high-protein, high-fiber breakfast.
Hydrate consistently.
Wake Up Your Body
Move for about 20 minutes:
walk
stretch
jog
light workout
Physical movement improves focus, mood, and mental endurance.
Dress Smart
Wear comfortable clothes.
Dress in light layers in case the testing room is cold.
Arrive Early
We recommend arriving early to allow time for:
parking
check-in
getting settled
Doors typically:
open around 7:45 AM
close around 8:00 AM
Plan to arrive between 7:30–7:45 AM.
Warm Up Your Brain
Before entering the building, do a quick mental warm-up:
complete a few practice problems
review notes
work through only a couple questions in Test Innovators or your SAT Study Guide
This helps activate your test-day mindset before the exam begins.
Leave These Behind
Do not bring:
smart watches
fitness trackers
phones into the testing room
Leave them at home or in your car if possible.
During the Test
Think Like an Athlete
The SAT and ACT are about:
focus
pacing
resilience
endurance
Not perfection.
Key SPP Strategies
Keep an eye on remaining time without obsessing over it.
Always answer every question.
Make educated guesses when needed.
Use positive self-talk:
“I’m prepared.”
“One question at a time.”
“Stay steady.”
If You Feel Overwhelmed
Pause for a quick reset:
Close your eyes.
Take two slow, mindful breaths.
Refocus and continue.
During Breaks
Reset your brain and body:
walk around
stretch
shake out tension
do a few jumping jacks if needed
Movement helps improve stamina and concentration.
SAT Packing List
Bring:
Printed admissions ticket
Driver’s license or school-issued ID
Fully charged, test-approved laptop or tablet
Bluebook app already installed
Test-approved calculator
Healthy snack(s)
Water bottle
Pens or pencils for scratch work
College Board username and password
ACT Packing List
Bring:
Printed admissions ticket
Driver’s license or school-issued ID
Three #2 pencils with erasers
Test-approved calculator
Timing watch (non-beeping only)
Healthy snack(s)
Water bottle
After the Test
Approximate Finish Times
SAT: around 11:30 AM
ACT: around 12:30 PM
Then…
Go enjoy your post-test activity. Seriously.
You just completed a major mental performance event.
Score Release
Scores are usually available online within about two weeks.
Not satisfied with your score? Wondering if you should retest or try to super score? Book a Post Test Consult with one of our SPP Test Prep Experts!
Final SPP Advice
Practice Like It’s Real
Leading up to test day:
practice under real testing conditions
build a consistent test-day routine
prepare materials in advance
focus on strategy and endurance—not perfection
Confidence comes from repetition and preparation.
Remember:
You do not need to be perfect.
You need to stay calm, focused, and consistent.
That’s how strong test-day performances happen.
Need help preparing for the test? Consult one of our SAT/ ACT Experts!
Didn’t like your score? That can happen to even the most prepared student. We are here to help! Book a Post Test Consult to talk through your score and create a game plan for scoring better on the next test.
7 Expert-Approved College Admissions Hacks Every High School Student Should Know
/Applying to college can feel overwhelming. Between choosing schools, writing essays, taking standardized tests, and meeting deadlines, it's easy to feel like you're missing something important.
The good news? College admissions isn't about being perfect—it's about being strategic.
Here are seven expert-approved admissions tips that can help students build stronger applications and reduce stress along the way.
1. Start Earlier Than You Think You Need To
One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting until senior year to think seriously about college admissions.
Strong applications are built over time through:
Consistent academic effort
Meaningful extracurricular involvement
Strong relationships with teachers
Thoughtful planning
The earlier you begin exploring colleges and preparing for admissions, the more options you'll have.
2. Focus on Depth, Not Quantity
Admissions officers aren't impressed by a long list of activities if your involvement is superficial.
Instead of joining every club possible, focus on a few activities you genuinely enjoy and pursue leadership opportunities when possible.
Colleges love to see:
Commitment
Growth
Leadership
Impact
3. Build Relationships with Teachers
Strong recommendation letters can make a difference.
Participate in class, ask questions, attend office hours when appropriate, and show genuine interest in learning.
Teachers write the strongest recommendations for students they actually know.
4. Visit Colleges Virtually or In Person
A college's website only tells part of the story.
Take advantage of:
Campus tours
Virtual information sessions
Student panels
Admissions webinars
These experiences help students determine whether a school is truly a good fit.
5. Keep a "Brag Sheet"
Throughout high school, maintain a document with:
Awards
Leadership roles
Volunteer work
Jobs and internships
Significant projects
This becomes incredibly useful when completing applications, writing essays, and requesting recommendations.
6. Don't Ignore Test Prep
Even with test-optional admissions, strong SAT or ACT scores can strengthen an application at many colleges and may help with scholarships.
Students should:
Take a diagnostic exam
Determine whether the SAT or ACT is a better fit
Create a realistic preparation plan
7. Tell Your Story
Admissions officers aren't looking for perfect students.
They're looking for students who:
Know themselves
Have goals
Contribute to their communities
Show growth and resilience
The strongest applications help colleges understand who you are beyond your grades and scores.
Final Thoughts
College admissions can feel complicated, but students don't need to navigate it alone. With thoughtful planning, strategic preparation, and a clear understanding of their strengths, students can create applications that truly reflect who they are.
At Seven Points Prep, we're committed to helping students build confidence and create admissions strategies that fit their goals.
Ready to Build Your College Admissions Strategy?
The college admissions process doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Whether you're just starting to explore colleges or preparing your application list, having a plan can make all the difference.
Have questions about your college admissions plan? Schedule a complimentary consultation and let our team help you build a roadmap to success.
Schedule a College Admissions Consultation to discuss college lists, admissions strategy, competitiveness, and application timelines.
Schedule a Test Prep Consultation to start a personalized SAT/ACT preparation plan!
Learn more about SPP’s SAT & ACT Test Prep and College Admissions Counseling.
10 College Essay Mistakes to Avoid
/Your college essay is one of the few parts of your application where admissions officers can hear your voice directly.
Unfortunately, many students make avoidable mistakes that weaken otherwise strong applications.
Here are ten common mistakes—and how to avoid them.
1. Writing What You Think Colleges Want to Hear
Students often try to sound impressive instead of authentic.
Admissions officers can usually tell.
Write about what genuinely matters to you.
2. Focusing Only on Accomplishments
Your activities list already covers your achievements.
The essay should reveal:
Personality
Perspective
Values
Growth
3. Being Too General
Vague statements don't leave a lasting impression.
Instead of: "Sports taught me important life lessons."
Show specific moments and examples.
4. Trying to Cover Your Entire Life Story
The essay isn't a biography.
Choose one experience, idea, or theme and explore it deeply.
5. Starting with a Dictionary Definition
Admissions officers read thousands of essays.
Openings like: "Webster's Dictionary defines leadership as..." have become clichés.
Start with a real moment instead.
6. Overusing Quotes
Your essay should showcase your voice—not someone else's.
Use quotes sparingly, if at all.
7. Writing Without Reflection
Many essays spend too much time describing events.
The strongest essays explain:
Why the experience mattered
What was learned
How the student changed
8. Trying Too Hard to Sound Smart
Complicated vocabulary doesn't impress admissions officers.
Clear, authentic writing is more effective.
9. Ignoring the Prompt
Make sure your essay actually answers the question being asked.
A beautifully written essay that misses the prompt can hurt an application.
10. Skipping Revision
First drafts are rarely final drafts.
Students should:
Revise multiple times
Read essays aloud
Ask trusted readers for feedback
Check grammar and spelling carefully
Final Thoughts
A great college essay isn't about perfection.
It's about helping admissions officers understand who you are, what matters to you, and how you've grown.
Avoid these common mistakes, focus on authenticity, and remember: your story is already interesting when it's told honestly.
Don't Let Avoidable Mistakes Hurt Your Application
Your essay is an opportunity to help colleges understand who you are beyond your grades and test scores. A thoughtful, authentic essay can make a lasting impression.
Before you hit submit, make sure you're avoiding the most common pitfalls that admissions officers see every year.
Want expert eyes on your essay before submission? Our admissions team can help you strengthen your writing while ensuring your voice remains front and center.
Schedule a Test Prep Consultation to start a personalized SAT/ACT preparation plan!
Schedule a College Admissions Consultation to discuss college lists, admissions strategy, competitiveness, and application timelines.
Learn more about SPP’s SAT & ACT Test Prep and College Admissions Counseling.
📚 Access to our free college admissions resources, including:
College essay examples
College admissions hacks
SAT & ACT planning resources
Admissions webinars
Free strategy consultation
College Essay Examples: What Makes a Great College Essay?
/Many students believe a college essay needs to tell an extraordinary story.
In reality, the best essays aren't always about extraordinary experiences—they're about meaningful reflection.
Let's look at what strong college essays often have in common.
Example Topic #1: A Part-Time Job
A student writes about working at a local coffee shop.
On the surface, this may seem ordinary.
What makes it compelling?
Lessons learned about responsibility
Interactions with customers
Developing confidence
Learning to manage competing priorities
The essay isn't really about coffee. It's about personal growth.
Example Topic #2: Learning from Failure
A student describes losing an election for student government.
Instead of focusing on disappointment, the essay explores:
Self-reflection
Resilience
Personal development
Future goals
Admissions officers appreciate honesty and maturity.
Example Topic #3: A Family Tradition
A student writes about cooking weekly meals with grandparents.
The essay highlights:
Family values
Cultural identity
Personal connection
Community
Small moments can reveal big insights.
What Strong Essays Have in Common
They Sound Like the Student
Admissions officers want authenticity.
A strong essay should sound like a thoughtful teenager—not a corporate executive.
They Focus on Reflection
The event itself matters less than what the student learned.
Ask yourself:
Why was this experience important?
How did it change me?
What does it reveal about my character?
They Show Growth
Great essays often demonstrate:
Curiosity
Resilience
Maturity
Self-awareness
What Admissions Officers Remember
After reading thousands of applications, admissions officers often remember essays that:
Feel genuine
Reveal personality
Tell a focused story
Offer meaningful reflection
Final Thoughts
The best college essays aren't about impressing admissions officers.
They're about helping admissions officers understand who you are.
A simple story told well is often far more powerful than an extraordinary story told poorly.
Ready to Start Your College Essay?
The best essays aren't written in a single sitting. They come from reflection, brainstorming, revision, and feedback.
If you're struggling to choose a topic or wondering whether your essay is telling the right story, you're not alone.
Need personalized feedback? Seven Points Prep offers one-on-one essay coaching designed to help students tell their stories with confidence and authenticity.
Schedule a College Admissions Consultation to discuss college lists, admissions strategy, competitiveness, and application timelines.
Schedule a Test Prep Consultation to start a personalized SAT/ACT preparation plan!
Learn more about SPP’s SAT & ACT Test Prep and College Admissions Counseling.
✍️ Get access to our free college essay resources, including:
Explore our free college essay resources, including:
College essay examples
Common essay mistakes guide
Admissions strategy tips
Free planning resources
SAT & ACT Test Week: How to Peak on Test Day
/For many students, the week before the SAT or ACT feels like the final stretch of a marathon. The good news? If you've been preparing consistently, your goal this week is not to learn everything. Your goal is to arrive on test day feeling confident, rested, and ready to perform.
At Seven Points Prep, we view standardized testing as a mental endurance event. Just like athletes taper their training before a competition, students should shift their focus during test week from intensive studying to maintaining energy, confidence, and consistency.
Monday–Wednesday: Stay Sharp
The first half of test week is a great time to keep your brain engaged without overloading it.
Focus on:
Reviewing key strategies and notes
Practicing a small number of representative questions
Revisiting common mistakes from previous practice tests
Refreshing formulas, grammar rules, and timing strategies
Avoid:
Taking multiple full-length practice tests
Learning entirely new concepts
Comparing your preparation to other students
Remember: confidence comes from recognizing how much you've already learned—not from cramming more information into the final days.
Thursday: Final Check-In
By Thursday, your preparation should be largely complete.
Take a few minutes to:
Review your strategy sheets
Confirm your testing location and arrival time
Gather materials you'll need for test day
Make sure your calculator is working properly
SAT students should also:
Verify that Bluebook is installed and functioning correctly
Confirm that their testing device is fully updated
Practice using Desmos if needed
Make sure they know their College Board username and password
Friday: Recovery Day
The day before a big exam is best spent resting and allowing your brain to integrate all of the knowledge and strategies you've been building over time.
Think of Friday as your recovery day.
Prepare Your Materials
Pack your bag with:
Valid photo ID
Calculator with fresh batteries
Water bottle
Healthy snacks (protein is especially important for brain power)
Writing utensils
Admissions ticket (printed if required)
SAT students should complete any required College Board testing setup no later than Friday.
Fill Your Cup
Students often underestimate how important relaxation is before a major exam.
We encourage every student to spend part of Friday doing something that helps them recharge:
Spending time with friends or family
Going outside
Reading
Listening to music
Watching a favorite show
Exercising
Many students are balancing SAT or ACT preparation alongside AP exams, finals, athletics, and extracurricular commitments. Taking time to recharge is not being lazy—it's part of performing at your best.
Get Great Sleep
Aim for a normal bedtime and prioritize a full night's sleep.
One final reminder:
No new shoes on game day.
Test day is not the time to experiment with:
New foods
New study methods
New routines
New test strategies
Trust your preparation.
Test Day: The Quick Version
Fuel Your Brain
Eat a high-protein, high-fiber breakfast.
Hydrate consistently.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive between 7:30 and 7:45 AM.
Most testing sites:
Open doors around 7:45 AM
Close doors around 8:00 AM
Give yourself plenty of time for parking and check-in.
Warm Up Your Brain
Before entering the building:
Review a few notes
Complete a handful of practice problems
Look over strategy reminders
Just like athletes warm up before competition, students perform better when they activate their brains before testing begins.
During the Test
Remember:
Pace yourself
Keep an eye on the clock
Answer every question
Make educated guesses when necessary
If you feel overwhelmed:
Close your eyes.
Take two slow breaths.
Refocus on the next question.
One question at a time.
During Breaks
Move your body:
Walk
Stretch
Shake out tension
Mental endurance improves when your body stays engaged.
Trust the Work You've Done
By test week, the vast majority of your score has already been earned through months of preparation, practice, and learning.
Your job now is simple:
Stay healthy.
Stay confident.
Stay consistent.
And remember: the SAT and ACT are not measures of your worth. They are simply opportunities to demonstrate the skills you've worked hard to build.
Trust your preparation. We've got this.
SAT Packing List
Bring:
Printed admissions ticket
Driver’s license or school-issued ID
Fully charged, test-approved laptop or tablet
Bluebook app already installed
Test-approved calculator
Healthy snack(s)
Water bottle
Pens or pencils for scratch work
College Board username and password
ACT Packing List
Bring:
Printed admissions ticket
Driver’s license or school-issued ID
Three #2 pencils with erasers
Test-approved calculator
Timing watch (non-beeping only)
Healthy snack(s)
Water bottle
After the Test
Approximate Finish Times
SAT: around 11:30 AM
ACT: around 12:30 PM
Then…
Go enjoy your post-test activity. Seriously.
You just completed a major mental performance event.
Score Release
Scores are usually available online within about two weeks.
Not satisfied with your score? Wondering if you should retest or try to super score? Book a Post Test Consult with one of our SPP Test Prep Experts!
Final SPP Advice
Practice Like It’s Real
Leading up to test day:
practice under real testing conditions
build a consistent test-day routine
prepare materials in advance
focus on strategy and endurance—not perfection
Confidence comes from repetition and preparation.
Remember:
You do not need to be perfect.
You need to stay calm, focused, and consistent.
That’s how strong test-day performances happen.
