Prepmedians Blog

Tag: Test Prep

  • Prepmedians Reviews

    Prepmedians Reviews

    Prepmedians Reviews

    Are you searching for Prepmedians Reviews to answer the question “Is Prepmedians worth it?” We’ve got you covered!

    We pride ourselves in our amazing Prepsters who have not only CRUSHED their SATs/ACTs but also fallen in love with learning. They have discovered how capable they truly are. They will carry this confidence into all that they will accomplish in their incredible lives.

    Below, check out real Prepmedians reviews from Prepsters!

    Be sure to watch the videos linked below each Prepster! Prepmedians is the only test prep company on the market with actual video reviews from students, so check them out!

    Then, claim your dream SAT/ACT score here!

    Prepmedians ACT Reviews

    Casey Simpson (increased 25 percentile points on the ACT, scored 34 on the ACT, 36 on ACT Reading)

    Screen Shot 2024-03-04 at 4.32.03 PM   “Prepmedians helped me so much prepare for the ACT and eventually get a 34 on it. Reading was my worst section originally. But after practice, it became the section I got a 36 on. Thank you, Prepmedians!”    
    5 stars        

    Note: Although you may recognize Casey as a famous actor from Nickelodeon’s Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn, he is NOT acting here! He truly used Prepmedians to CRUSH his ACT, and now he is enrolled at Duke University. He enthusiastically volunteered to make this video review for us and was not paid for doing so.

    Watch Video Review!

    Casey’s Prepmedians Review:

    “What do you call a kid who goes from a 74th-percentile ACT score to a 99th-percentile ACT score? A Prepster!

    Prepmedians helped me so much prepare for the ACT and eventually get a 34 on it. Reading was my worst section originally. But after practice, it became the section I got a 36 on. Thank you, Prepmedians!

    If you want to prepare for the ACT or SAT, want to crush the test, and want to watch some funny videos too, then Prepmedians is a great, great resource for you to use.

    And that is a Fire Fact.”

    Emma (increased 5 points on the ACT, scored 34)

    emma   “Luckily on test day, my score, which was stuck at a 29, was able to improve to a 34, and that was thanks to Prepmedians.”    
    5 stars        

    Watch Video Review!

    Emma’s Prepmedians Review:

    “When I started studying for the ACT, my score was staying stuck at a 29. I tried book after book, and nothing was helping to improve my score.

    However, I found Prepmedians on TikTok, and I decided to give it a shot. I found that their videos were fun and enjoyable to watch, and studying became so much easier because I enjoyed doing it.

    Luckily on test day, my score, which was stuck at a 29, was able to improve to a 34, and that was thanks to Prepmedians.”

    Twainia (increased 10 points on the ACT English)

    twainia   “Prepmedians truly helped me improve my ACT English score by 10 points from a 16 to a 26!”    
    5 stars        

    Watch Video Review!

    Twainia’s Prepmedians Review:

    “Prepmedians truly helped me improve my ACT English score by 10 points from a 16 to a 26!

    I used Prepmedians to finally understand content that I did not understand before. There were many grammar rules that they went over that I never really understood in school, especially as an immigrant, but now I finally understand.

    While watching the videos, unlike school, I was actually willing to watch without feeling tired because they have truly hilarious and great videos. I really felt warm watching the videos too because I truly felt like there were people who supported me through a screen. One more thing: “Believe in yourself because I certainly do.”

    Connor (increased 3 points on the ACT, scored 35)

    Connor 35   “I 100% recommend Prepmedians. My ACT score has increased from a 32 to a 35 in fewer than 4 weeks through the skill-building videos and practice questions!”    
    5 stars        

    Watch Video Review!

    Connor’s Prepmedians Review:

    “I 100% recommend Prepmedians. My ACT score has increased from a 32 to a 35 in fewer than 4 weeks through the skill-building videos and practice questions!

    Prepmedians has made learning fun and extremely effective.”

    Ruchita (increased 9 points on the ACT English, scored 33)

    ruchita   “Prepmedians is simply the best test preparation company! They’ve helped me increase my score by 9 points on the ACT English section!”    
    5 stars        

    Watch Video Review!

    Ruchita’s Prepmedians Review:

    “Prepmedians is simply the best test preparation company! They’ve helped me increase my score by 9 points on the ACT English section!

    My score went from a 24 to a 33 after two weeks of using Prepmedians daily! I was beyond excited to see a huge amount of growth all because of the awesome Prepmedians.com’s brilliant platform.

    I’m more than grateful to have them as a part of my high school journey. They will always hold a special place in my heart. Prepmedians are my superheroes!”

    Other ACT Prepsters!

    act 7 points act lizzie 35 act composite 33
    act vaishnavi act 30 to 32 act night before

    Prepmedians SAT Reviews

    Sarah (scored a 1580)

    sarah   “I scored a 1580 on the SAT because I used Prepmedians!”    
    5 stars        

    Watch Video Review!

    Sarah’s Prepmedians Review:

    “I scored a 1580 on the SAT because I used Prepmedians!

    My Prepmedians lesson plan showed me exactly what I had to accomplish each week, so I could focus my mental energy on learning and building test-taking confidence.

    The videos are not only fun to watch but they’re also educational!

    Plus, the customer service is so fast and helpful.

    I’ve got nothing but the warmest of feelings towards Prepmedians given all that they’ve done for me.

    Thank you, thank you, thank you.“

    Alyssa (increased 350 points on the SAT, scored a 1450)

    alyssa   “My SAT score went up 350 points! It went from an 1100 to a 1450, which is insane to me!”    
    5 stars        

    Watch Video Review!

    Alyssa’s Prepmedians Review:

    “My SAT score went up 350 points! It went from an 1100 to a 1450, which is insane to me!

    Prepmedians has saved my SAT score.

    They present the information in such a logical and clear way. It really makes sense in my brain.

    Plus it’s entertaining.

    I am eternally grateful. They are incredible!”

    Abrahim (increased 220 points on the SAT, scored 1490)

    Abrahim   “Using Prepmedians for a single month, I saw an increase of more than 200 points on my SAT score, and I scored a 1490 on the August 27th SAT exam.”    
    5 stars        

    Watch Video Review!

    Abrahim’s Prepmedians Review:

    “Using Prepmedians for a single month, I saw an increase of more than 200 points on my SAT score, and I scored a 1490 on the August 27th SAT exam.

    Over the past year or so, I’ve gone through SAT practice books, and I’ve answered hundreds of SAT practice questions, but none of these materials helped me get the really difficult concepts to really stick.

    One day I came across Prepmedians on my ForYouPage, and I decided to check it out. Prepmedians not only presents all the difficult topics that I couldn’t understand but they also have a comedic aspect in their videos and in their explanations that helps me make connections during the test like, for example, an acronym or a joke.

    I think getting Prepmedians was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

    John (increased 250 points on the SAT)

    john   “Prepmedians covers 100% of what’s on the SAT, which helped me boost my SAT score by 250 points”    
    5 stars        

    Watch Video Review!

    John’s Prepmedians Review:

    “Who needs to cheat on the SAT when there’s Prepmedians? Prepmedians covers 100% of what’s on the SAT, which helped me boost my SAT score by 250 points! It helped a lot, especially with grammar. Prepmedians “

    Kevin (increased 110 points on the SAT, scored a 1460)

    Kevin   “Prepmedians’ tips and strategies not only helped my score a lot but also gave me the confidence I needed to score a 1460.”    
    5 stars        

    Watch Video Review!

    Kevin’s Prepmedians Review:

    “Going into the SAT, I wasn’t sure how it would go. But as soon as I got to the Reading and Writing section, I felt more confident because of Prepmedians.

    Prepmedians’ tips and strategies not only helped my score a lot but also gave me the confidence I needed to score a 1460.

    What sets them apart from other organizations is the fact that you actually enjoy your time studying for the SAT with them.”

    Other SAT Prepsters!

    sat logan sat kate sat 1500 josh
    sat james biser sat tanish patel sat maya

    More Kind Words

    sat michael duke thank you incredible platform 17 years school

    Check out MANY more Prepmedians reviews here!

  • Juniors: How Soon Is Too Soon to Be Done with Testing?

    Juniors: How Soon Is Too Soon to Be Done with Testing?

    You Juniors Out There…

    Prepping for the SAT or the ACT over the summer has become a rite of passage of sorts for risings juniors. Once school starts again, however, the timeline can get a little unclear. What if you did pretty well on the first set of exams from September or October? Are you done? Or should you try and get a better score with all the time you have left?

    It’s pretty common to think along the lines of, “I just grinded so much over the summer… And I am pretty busy now that school is starting… I don’t want to have to think about testing anymore, can’t I be done?”. While this is a common question, the answer really depends on what your circumstances are. Obviously, we all want to be done with standardized testing as soon as possible. However, prepping early does not necessarily translate into being done early.

    For Seniors

    You want to be done with standardized testing by October. Period. Otherwise you are going to have to simultaneously deal with getting good grades, writing applications, and preparing for the tests. You’re going to burn out very quickly this way and stretching yourself so thin will inevitably lead to lower quality across the board. I don’t mean to be this harsh to the seniors out there, but you really should try and get it done before it’s too late.

    And Back to Juniors

    The situation for juniors is actually almost the exact opposite. Instead of worrying about finishing testing early, you should put thought into whether or not you would be short-changing yourself out of a higher score.

    I get it – test prep sucks and is super frustrating. You are juggling AP classes, sports practices, rehearsals, club meetings, etc. Having to think about test prep on top of all that is the last thing we all want to do. If you manage to hit a 1500/34+ early in your junior year, it’s probably worth it to step away and focus on everything else on your plate.

    In fact, if you’re scoring 1550/35+, please for your own sake be happy and move on. It’s honestly not worth it to neglect other areas for that perfect score, there really isn’t that much of a difference. If you’re taking economics, you’ll be familiar with the term “diminishing returns”. In this context, at the range of a 1550/35+ score, the benefit gained from getting a perfect score is less than the effort you put in – basically it’s not worth it.

    But if you’re like most people, your scores are probably not as good as what you can get after another few months of prep. In addition, junior year is a big step up intellectually from sophomore year, you’ll learn and grow and naturally be able to perform better on the SAT or ACT. Many students will do decently or mediocre in the early testing junior year stage, and then at the beginning improve quite significantly.

    Wrapping it up

    It’s up to you and the colleges you apply to. If your scores are within range of what they are asking for and you’re satisfied with your performance, you’re probably all set. If not, you have plenty of time throughout the year as well as the summer.

    And finally, let me recommend what I believe is the most effective, most efficient test prep resource out there – Prepmedians. Prepmedians teaches SAT and ACT test prep through sketch comedy, music, rap, and more. Check us out today!

    And lastly, we have an article on “Should I Retake the ACT/SAT?”, so check that out too!

  • Tips and Tricks for Each ACT Section

    Tips and Tricks for Each ACT Section

    ACT English Tips

    1: Choose the Most Concise Answer

    ACT English questions tend to test grammar rules and sentence structure in the most straightforward, logical way. So try to find the choice that provides all of the necessary information for the sentence to make grammatical sense…and nothing extra. The main goal of this is for the sentence to be clear and concise while being grammatically correct! One of our Prepmedians videos One KISS Is All It Takes covers this exact rule in more detail!

    2: Be Careful With “No Change” Answers

    Almost all the grammar questions have the option of “No Change.” This is a dangerous choice because if you aren’t aware of more obscure grammar rules, you might be tempted to choose it even when the sentence can be fixed. It is really important to double-check all other answers before settling on “No Change” as the correct choice. The best way to check all the options is to read the sentence with each option and decide. But “No Change” really is the correct answer around ~25% of the time, so don’t second-guess yourself if you are sure there isn’t an error. There are more strategies that can be found at prepmedians.com

    ACT Math Tips

    3: Pay Attention to Diagrams

    A lot of math questions tend to be accompanied with diagrams. It’s important to pay attention to these figures, as they tend to summarize all the details of the question while giving clues about which answer choices are the most logical. If a problem asks you to figure out an angle, for example, and some of the choices are acute while others are obtuse, you will be able to eliminate at least a couple of these answers just by looking at the diagram because they are drawn to scale (unless otherwise noted). If an answer is not supported by the diagram, it’s usually safe to cross it out. Even when diagrams are not part of the questions, you will be able to draw diagrams by yourself based on the details.

    4: Plug In Answers and Numbers

    If a question asks you to solve for x, simply plug each answer choice back into the original equation and see which one works. This will tell you which answer choice is the correct one without having to really solve the problem!
    For numbers, you’ll choose random numbers to plug into algebraic variables. This strategy lets you analyze the problem using real numbers instead of unknowns, and works best for questions with multiple variables. This could be useful when you are looking at the range of a function or inequalities.

    When solving really obvious questions, these strategies might slow you down instead of helping. So make sure you don’t waste your time using this strategy in questions you already know the answer for!

    ACT Reading Tips

    5: Start With Your Strengths

    The ACT Reading section is always structured the same way with four topic areas in the same order. Each topic corresponds to a passage or pair of passages.
    – Prose fiction/literary narrative
    – Social science
    – Humanities
    – Natural science

    If you have already taken practice tests and know the order of efficiency within the topics, start by reading the passage that correspond to the topic area in which you are most comfortable. The main purpose of this is to start with the topic you are able to read fast and analyze so you are not giving yourself a chance to get questions for that passage wrong. This way, you can get the questions that are easiest for you out of the way first and won’t risk running out of time before you have a chance to answer others.

    6: Skim Passages

    For some students, it might be manageable to read passages normally and still have enough time to finish the section, but you have to be a really quick and thorough reader in order to pull this off. The best strategy for most people is to skim the passages instead. In order to skim effectively, read the introduction and conclusion paragraphs as well as the first and last sentences of every body paragraph. This will give you a good overview of the main ideas and allow you to answer most questions. When you get to detail questions, you can then reread specific parts of the passage if necessary.

    ACT Science Tips

    7: Do the Conflicting Viewpoints Section Last

    The conflicting viewpoints passage on ACT Science is usually the most time consuming for students. In case you’re not familiar with it, this part of the section asks you to read two or three passages that detail different viewpoints on a scientific issue. You’ll then answer questions about these viewpoints and how they relate to one another. Since this is more reading-intensive and can eat up a lot of time, it’s best to save this part for last so that you don’t end up missing other questions in the section that will be quicker and easier for you to answer.

    8: Rely On Visuals

    The ACT Science section has a lot of unfamiliar terminology and facts that make it seem overwhelming. The best way to attack those passages is to ignore the unfamiliar terms and go straight for the graphs, which should provide enough information for you to answer the majority of the questions you’re faced with. Most of the information you’re given is just extra stuff thrown in there to make this section seem more difficult than it really is. In reality, the science section is more about logical reasoning and data interpretation than it is about actually knowing any science. As long as you can read the graphs, you’ll be fine!

    Find out more detailed tips and strategies that can be used to excel in the test at Prepmedians

  • Test Prep During Holidays

    Test Prep During Holidays

    You know what they say – it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

    Whether you’re full of holiday cheer or feeling a bit Grinchy, there’s no denying that November and December are always busy. There’s family, travel, shopping, feasting, and festivities all competing for a finite amount of focus and attention. It is in these moments that it can be easy for you to take their eyes off the ball when it comes to keeping pace with test prep goals.

    Sure, distractions will abound this holiday season (just like any other year). That said, by planning, setting realistic expectations, and making smart choices you can ensure that you still work towards improved scores this winter and spring.

    Schedule

    The schedule is one of the most important test prep tools there is. No matter the time of year, test day looms large as the ultimate target for the entire test prep experience. Regardless of the season, it is less stressful to plan for conflicts ahead of time than scramble to make up for lost time.
    While the holiday times are meant to be with family and enjoy the time, it is also a really great time to prepare for the SAT or ACT. It is the time with no school homework or stress. So make a schedule to separate your test prep and family time to make the best out of your free time. A planned schedule would allow you to be ready for the upcoming test while also giving you the time to spend some quality time with family.

    Plan Ahead

    If you know you are usually visiting families or on vacation during the holidays, plan out what your game plan is for your test. It is not necessary that you have to study even if you are travelling. But planning out how you are going to make up for the time lost would save you a ton of stress later on. Prepmedians.com is a useful website that would help you through the test prep process without requiring you to be present for tutoring or carry a ton of prep books. You can access these lessons from anywhere, allowing you to be entertained and ready for the upcoming test without any commitment!

    Be Realistic

    It is not necessary that you have to cram everything you need to know for the test. Few weeks of break is not the only time for you to prep for the test. Don’t stress yourself into studying for the test by taking away your time with your family or a vacation. Keep in mind, you can prepare for tests without sacrificing time with your family if you just plan ahead.

  • Need to Know Math Formulas for ACT

    Need to Know Math Formulas for ACT

    Pre-Algebra / Elementary Algebra

    1. Average = Sum of values / Number of values

    Used to calculate the mean value of a given set of numbers.
    For example: (10 + 12 + 14 + 16) / 4 = 13

    2. Probability = Target outcomes / Total outcomes

    Used to calculate the chances of something occurring from a set of possible outcomes.
    For example: A jar contains five blue marbles, five red marbles, and ten white marbles. What is the probability of picking a red marble at random?
    5 / 20 = .25 or 25%

    3. Quadratic Formula:

    Screen Shot 2019-08-23 at 3.49.12 PM

    Used for determining the x-intercepts of a quadratic (parabolic) equation.

    Intermediate Algebra / Coordinate Geometry

    4. Distance Formula:

    Screen Shot 2019-08-23 at 3.55.27 PM

    Used to calculate the distance between two points on a coordinate plane.
    For example: Find the distance between points (6, 6) and (2, 3)
    d=√(6 – 2)² + (6 – 3)²
    d=√(4)² + (3)²
    d=√16 + 3
    d=√25
    d = 5

    5. Slope Formula: Slope =

    Screen Shot 2019-08-23 at 3.56.17 PM

    Used to calculate the slope (angle) of a line that connects two points on a plane.
    For example: Coordinates = (-2, -1) (4, 3)
    s = 3 – (-1) / 4 – (-2)
    s = 4 / 6
    s = 2 / 3

    6. Slope Intercept: y=mx+b

    Formula that defines a line on a plane, given a known slope and y-intercept.
    For example: Slope = 2, Intercept point (0,3)
    y = 2x+3

    7. Midpoint Formula:

    Screen Shot 2019-08-23 at 3.56.49 PM

    Used to calculate the midpoint between two points on a plane.
    For example: Find the midpoint between (-1, 2) and (3, -6)
    (-1 + 3) / 2, (2 + -6) / 2
    2 / 2, -4 / 2
    Midpoint (1, -2)

    Plane Geometry

    8. Area of Triangle: area = (1/2) (base) (height)

    Used to calculate the total area within a triangle based on the lengths of the sides.
    For example: Base = 5, Height = 8
    a = 1/2 (5)(8)
    a = 1/2 (40)
    a = 20

    9. Pythagorean Theorem: a²+b²=c²

    Used to calculate the length of an unknown side of a right triangle, given two sides are known.
    For example: a = 3, b = 4
    c² = 3² + 4²
    c² = 9 + 16
    c² = 25
    c = √25
    c = 5

    10. Area of Rectangle: area = length x width

    Used to calculate the total area within a rectangle shape.
    For example: length = 5, width = 2
    a = 5 x 2
    a = 10

    11. Area of Parallelogram: area = base x height

    Used to calculate the total area within a parallelogram.
    For example: base = 6, height = 12
    a = 6 x 12
    a = 72

    12. Area of Circle: π * r²

    Used to calculate the total area within a circle.
    For example: radius = 4
    a = π x 4²
    a = π x 16
    a = 50.24

    13. Circumference of Circle: circumference = 2π * r

    Used to calculate the length of the outline of a circle.
    For example: radius = 7
    c = 2π x 7
    c = 43.98

    Trigonometry

    14. Sine (SOH): Sine = opposite / hypotenuse

    For example: opposite = 2.8, hypotenuse = 4.9
    s = 2.8 / 4.9
    s = 0.57

    15. Cosine (CAH): Cosine = adjacent / hypotenuse

    For example: adjacent = 11, hypotenuse = 13
    c = 11 / 13
    c = 0.85

    16. Tangent (TOA): Tangent = opposite / adjacent

    For example: opposite = 15, adjacent = 8
    t = 15 / 8
    t = 1.87

  • Key to Studying Successfully

    Key to Studying Successfully

    Get Rid of Distractions

    Studying can’t be accomplished if there are distractions around you. I suggest unplugging and finding a workspace where you can concentrate. Turn off your phone or set it aside in order to avoid picking it up and losing valuable study time. If you need the internet for research, try using apps like Anti-Social and FocusWriter to keep you from logging on to social media. It seems impossible to go without checking Instagram or Twitter every 10 minutes, but knowing the math formulas during your test is worth it!

    Don’t Wait Till the Last Minute

    You’ve heard this a million times, but it will save you from unnecessary stress in the long run. It’s not unusual for us to get busy and leave things until the last possible second, but studying in advance will ensure that you know the material better, you don’t cram too much all at once, and you won’t have a heart attack looking at how much you put off before your test.

    Use All Your Resources

    There are millions of study materials available that enough students don’t take advantage of. There are a lot of practice tests available to make yourself familiar and comfortable before the tests. Prepmedians is an entertaining and engaging platform that provides you with condensed review in the form of music and sketch comedy! This way you would not need to distract yourself from studying and look up memes to have a quick laugh. Rather you can do both at the same time!

    Listen to Music

    There’s so much music out there that pairs well with any type of studying. Listen to upbeat music if you want to keep yourself awake enough to review notes, or maybe listen to calming classical music in order to focus on reading. Some common study grind songs are “Angels” by Khalid; “Doo Wop (That Thing)” by Lauryn Hill; “True Colors” by the Weeknd; “Sad!” By XXXTentacion; “Unknown Brother” by the Black Keys; “Beautiful Girls” by Sean Kingston; and “Sound & Color” by Alabama Shakes. Listening to any kind of song that you like would help you not get distracted while studying.

    Learning is Worth Laughing For!

    Studying has a reputation for being painfully dull, so do anything you can to make the experience more bearable. Study with a partner or ask someone to quiz you on the material. Try studying with snacks. Or try studying for 30-minute intervals then reward yourself with a 10-minute Netflix break!

  • Creating A Study Vibes Playlist

    Creating A Study Vibes Playlist

    Before we begin, I’m going to take the time to insert yet another #ShamelessPlug. Check out my other article “Is Your Brain Hungry?” which outlines the best foods to eat to boost brain activity. See, that wasn’t too long to read now was it? Okay, let’s begin!

    Sure, there are plenty of ways to enhance your ability to focus, but a more enjoyable habit you can develop is simply listening to music. Listening to music can do a boat load of things for you including:

    • enhance efficiency (when performing tasks repetitively)
    • increase productivity
    • increase [mental] presence
    • stimulate creativity
    • improve mood due to release of dopamine

    If you’re struggling with productivity, or you’re unsure of what music to play in the background while you’re on Prepmedians studying for the SAT or ACT, consider these three different types of music to help you put your best foot forward.

    Classical

    So, there’s this theory called the “Mozart Effect” that claims that classical music can enhance brain activity, and can be used as a catalyst for improving health and well-being. Classical music is known to be very calming and relaxing, and therefore, it is also a huge stress reliever. Listening to classical music will not only help you study longer, but it will also help you retain more information. Try starting off with classical composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, etc. I personally love to listen to classical music, specifically Tchaikovsky, when studying because the absence of lyrics has proven to not be a distraction for me when I’m trying to focus.

    Movie Scores

    One of my favorite movie scores has to be from the movie Inception. And trust me, you’ll be surprised at how empowering cinematic music scores can be. Even when you’re just chipping away at a list of clerical tasks, an epic soundtrack in the background makes what you’re doing more exciting. I, myself, happen to be both a Marvel fanatic and a Star Wars fanatic. In fact, my ringtone is the Avengers Assemble Theme from the 2012 soundtrack and my message notification sound is Darth Vader. Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Yeah, having the same taste as a seven year old boy is probably questionable and lame. That’s fair. Heck, I probably agree! But, call it what you want, I really don’t care. That’s beyond the point I’m trying to make. The point is that movie soundtracks can make the most mundane tasks feel important by simply lifting your spirit and brightening your mood. This will give you that extra boost of motivation we all yearn for, thus improving your productivity and concentration.
    ## Video Games
    The same thing applies to video games. The general purpose for video games is to create an enhanced experience for all of your senses. Thus, the music within these games echoes the simulated, stressful hardships you’re subjecting yourself to which keeps you engaged. Consider fantasy, action-adventure games like The Legend of Zelda or first-person shooter games like the Halo franchise.

    Nature

    Natural sounds are another way to boost your mood and focus. Why? Because they mask the distracting noises around you like people talking, eating, typing, etc. Enhance your cognitive function and concentration by listening to the soothing sounds of nature. I love rainy days, so listening to rainfall while studying creates an atmosphere that I enjoy which keeps me motivated.

    Remember that…

    Music is one of the very few things that connects us all. It’s a very cliché statement, but it’s true. Music is used in more ways beyond entertainment for ourselves. Music encourages us to be more productive and promotes our own creativity. All in all, music is beneficial to us because it helps with learning and improves our ability to process information.

    Click on the following link to get started on your Prepmedians journey and jam out to some music that stimulates brain activity while you’re at it wink wink.

  • Ways to Relieve Stress

    Ways to Relieve Stress

    We all know how stressful test prep can be. We have all been through it just thinking it is normal to be stressed during the process. While being stressed is nothing wrong, not handling it definitely is. You should find the key to the locked box called stress to help you be better prepared for tests in the short run and lead a healthy life in the long run.

    Meditate

    Meditation brings short-term stress relief as well as lasting stress management benefits. There are many different forms of meditation to try–each one is unique and brings its own appeal.You might develop a mantra that you repeat in your mind as you take slow deep breaths. Or, you might take a few minutes to practice mindfulness, which involves being in the moment. Simply pay attention to what you see, hear, taste, touch, and smell.

    Create Artwork

    Getting in touch with your creative side may have been easy for you during childhood, but if you’ve lost touch with your penchant for artwork, it’s not too late to pick it up again.
    If you aren’t into drawing or painting, consider coloring in a coloring book. Research consistently shows that coloring can have a meditative effect. Adult coloring books have risen in popularity and for good reason—coloring can be a great stress reliever. There are even a ton of apps where you can just color random pictures. While all this might seem too childish, you might unknowingly find yourself enjoying it.

    Make Time for Leisure Activities

    Leisure activities can be a wonderful way to relieve stress.Yet, many people feel as though their lives are too busy for hobbies, games, or extra fun. But building time for activities you enjoy into your schedule could be key to helping you feel your best. And when you feel better, you’ll perform better, which means leisure time may make your work time more efficient.
    Whether you find joy in caring for a garden, playing tennis for hours or you like making quilts, hobbies and leisure are key to living your best life.

    Practice Yoga

    Yoga combines physical movement, meditation, light exercise, and controlled breathing—all of which provide excellent stress relief. And while you’re likely to reap immediate benefits from a single yoga session, you’re likely to receive long-term benefits if you incorporate it into your life in a consistent way.
    There are a variety of apps like Breath2relax and Headspace that guide you through the process of yoga, saving you time of even stepping outside of your house to go to classes.

    Spend Time with Friends or Family… Even Your Dog Counts

    While this is not a new idea, it is true that just spending time with others takes your mind off of stressful things and lets you enjoy the present. Whether you go out with friends or just stay home with your family or take your dog out for a walk, just taking the time out and enjoying your surroundings will help you clear your head.

    Spending time with your family or friends would allow you to laugh and be happy. Laughter is a great stress reliever. Prepmedians provides you with the test prep videos that are entertaining and funny. It is meant for everyone to laugh while learning. Thus, Prepmedians is a way to relieve stress while learning!

  • ACT/SAT Checklist

    ACT/SAT Checklist

    What Do I Need?

    The keyword here is need. Think about all the supplies you need to enter your testing location, to do each section of the test, fill out the answer sheet, etc. Don’t worry about the things you want to bring just yet, we’ll get there in a second. Let’s begin!

    Admission Ticket

    Every time you register to take the test online, you should receive an email with your admission ticket attached. If not, contact them immediately! This ticket has all the important information needed to enter your testing location. The ticket shows your name, test center, and the test you’re taking; so, print this out ahead of time and make sure that this is in your bag! Without the admission ticket, you will not be allowed in.
    ## Photo ID
    An acceptable photo ID is not the selfie you took yesterday on baecation with your boo thang. Your driver’s license, state ID, passport, school-issued ID, or typically anything else that is government-issued are all examples of acceptable photo ID. At your testing location, your test proctor will use your photo ID to check your admission ticket to see if the names match. Therefore, similar to your admission ticket, you will not be allowed in without an acceptable photo ID.
    ## No. 2 Pencils
    The only writing utensil you can use to complete the test is a No. 2 pencil, so don’t even bother bringing in pens or other types of pencils. Make sure all of your pencils are freshly sharpened and bring at least four pencils (one for each subject test) or five if you’re doing the exam with the writing. This will also help you avoid constantly getting up and waste time sharpening your pencil.

    Side note: Also, make sure you have good erasers just in case you make mistakes. All errors have to be completely erased; otherwise, you risk affecting your score.

    Calculator

    A calculator is only allowed on one of the math sections of the SAT and the math section of the ACT. If you’re enrolled in a Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, or AP Statistics course, then you probably already have a TI-84 Plus calculator which is suitable for the test. I highly recommend that calculator along with any other scientific calculator or graphing calculator.

    What Else Can I Bring?

    The following items are nice to have but aren’t required for you to bring to the testing center come test day.

    Bag

    You have a couple options here. You can bring your backpack, a purse or crossover bag, or a drawstring. All are suitable bag options which will make it possible for you to keep everything you have organized and in one place. I would go for a drawstring simply because it is not too big and not too small.
    ## Snacks
    As you may know by now, there will be several 5-minute breaks throughout the tests during which you can chow down on some snacks. You cannot eat during the actual exam. That being said, use these breaks to your advantage and eat some snacks to sustain you and drink some water for optimal focus and concentration. Click here to read my other article that will help you determine snack foods to eat for memory-boosting powers.

    Do NOT Bring…

    • ANY electronic devices
    • Dictionaries
    • Cheat sheets/notebooks

    For having any of the items above in your possession, you risk being immediately dismissed from the exam and your scores will automatically be cancelled. No refunds. Now, I know you’re thinking “How am I supposed to contact family to let them know I’ve finished?” or something else along those lines. Well, I’m not going to lie to you, I brought my cell phone. Ooooo I’m such a rebel, right? No, actually I’m pretty lame on the highest of keys. Anyways, I can’t stop you from bringing your cell phone, but just know that it should remain on silent, rather, turned off during the test and left inside your coat pocket or bag. The last thing we want is for you to be suspected of cheating, or even worse, caught doing so. There aren’t too many thieves roaming the halls of high schools stealing cell phones on exam day, so no need to worry. Your phone will do just fine without you for a couple of hours, trust me.

    If you have a disability, make sure your testing accommodations have been approved ahead of time by the College Board’s (or ACT’s) services for students with disabilities.

    Now you have all the items you need to bring with you on test day and you know what not to bring. But, how should you prepare? The answer’s simple: Prepmedians! Get started today! 🙂

  • ACT And SAT Score Conversion

    ACT And SAT Score Conversion

    SAT to ACT Conversion

    Many students are better at the SAT than they are at the ACT and vice-versa, so if you take both tests, you’ll need to perform an SAT to ACT conversion to determine which score to send to your colleges. This chart was made based on the data from both the ACT and the SAT (collegeboard). This will give you an idea of which test you are better at based on the score.

    ACT SAT SAT RANGE
    36 1590 1570-1600
    35 1540 1530-1560
    34 1500 1490-1520
    33 1460 1450-1480
    32 1430 1420-1440
    31 1400 1390-1410
    30 1370 1360-1380
    29 1340 1330-1350
    28 1310 1300-1320
    27 1280 1260-1290
    26 1240 1230-1250
    25 1210 1200-1220
    24 1180 1160-1190
    23 1140 1130-1150
    22 1110 1100-1120
    21 1080 1060-1090
    20 1040 1030-1050
    19 1010 990-1020
    18 970 960-980
    17 930 920-950
    16 890 880-910
    15 850 830-870
    14 800 780-820
    13 760 730-770
    12 710 690-720
    11 670 650-680
    10 630 620-640
    9 590 590-610