Top 5 Mistakes Students Make on the SAT

And How to Avoid Them

Ignoring the Digital SAT Format

The SAT has shifted to a digital format, yet many students still prepare as if it’s the old paper-based test. Familiarise yourself with the adaptive nature of the exam, practice with official digital tools, and get comfortable navigating the online interface.

Not Managing Time Effectively

Rushing through questions or spending too much time on a single problem can cost you valuable points. Practice pacing strategies, take timed practice tests, and learn when to move on from a tough question to maximize your score.

Skipping the Detailed Score Report

Your SAT score report isn’t just a number—it provides insights into your strengths and weaknesses. Use it to refine your study plan, identify which sections need improvement, and target specific question types in your prep.

Relying Only on Memorization

Many students think they can memorize formulas and vocabulary to ace the SAT. However, the test focuses more on problem-solving and critical thinking. Develop a deep understanding of concepts, practice application-based questions, and focus on strategy.

Not Practicing with Official SAT Questions

Third-party prep materials can be helpful, but nothing beats official SAT questions from the College Board. Incorporate them into your practice routine to get an accurate feel for the test and improve your performance with real test-like questions.

How to get into an IVY league School

Becoming the perfect candidate

Take Rigorous Courses (AP, IB, Honors)

Ivy League schools look for students who challenge themselves academically, and these courses demonstrate your ability to handle college-level work. Excelling in AP and IB classes not only boosts your transcript but also shows your willingness to go beyond the basics. 

Maintain a High GPA

While a perfect GPA isn’t always required, most Ivy League admits have an unweighted GPA of 3.9 or higher. However, a slightly lower GPA can be balanced out with a challenging course. Admissions officers look at both your grades and the difficulty of your classes, so a rigorous AP/IB curriculum can make up for a few A-minuses.

Achieve Top Standardized Test Scores

While many Ivy League schools have adopted test-optional policies, competitive SAT (1500+) or ACT (34+) scores still strengthen an application. 

Build Strong Extracurriculars with a Focus

Rather than participating in numerous clubs with minimal engagement, concentrate on cultivating a distinct expertise—an exceptional accomplishment in a specific field, whether it be research, entrepreneurship, athletics, or the arts. Demonstrating leadership, excelling in national or international competitions, and spearheading unique personal projects will set you apart in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Craft a Unique and Personal Essay

Ivy League schools receive thousands of applications from students with excellent grades and test scores, so your essay is your chance to stand out. A well-crafted personal statement should tell a meaningful story about your passions, challenges, and aspirations.

Secure Strong Recommendation Letters

A compelling letter of recommendation can offer a nuanced perspective on your character, intellect, and contributions beyond grades and test scores. The most impactful letters come from teachers or mentors who have witnessed your growth, resilience, and leadership firsthand. A strong recommendation should not merely affirm your academic excellence but also highlight your curiosity, initiative, and the unique qualities that set you apart in a competitive landscape.

Parent’s Role in Test Prep Success: A Comprehensive Guide

Test preparation is a significant milestone in your child’s academic journey, often fraught with challenges and stress. As a parent, your involvement can be a game-changer, transforming this demanding process into an empowering experience for your child. Here’s an in-depth look at how you can actively contribute to their success, ensuring they are well-prepared and confident when test day arrives.

Create a Positive Learning Environment:

The right environment can significantly impact your child’s ability to focus and absorb information. Designate a quiet, distraction-free study space equipped with all the essentials—study materials, stationery, and adequate lighting. Consistency in routines, such as set study hours, can instill discipline and foster productivity.

Keep the area clutter-free and personalize it with motivational quotes or a vision board to inspire your child.

Be an Encourager, Not a Critic:

Your child needs support, not stress. Celebrate even small victories, whether it’s mastering a challenging topic or completing a practice test. Words of encouragement like, “I’m proud of how hard you’re working,” can work wonders. When setbacks occur, remind them of their past achievements and their potential to overcome challenges.

Positive reinforcement helps build resilience and fosters a growth mindset, essential for long-term success.

Help Them Manage Time Wisely:

Effective time management is the cornerstone of test prep success. Collaborate with your child to create a realistic study schedule that balances study sessions, breaks, and extracurricular activities. Teach them to prioritize tasks and set achievable daily goals to maintain steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Use tools like planners or digital apps to track study hours and ensure they’re staying on course.

Get Involved Without Micromanaging

Finding the right level of involvement is crucial. While it’s important to stay informed about their progress, avoid overstepping to the point of micromanaging. Regular check-ins can help you monitor their performance and address any concerns while allowing your child to retain a sense of autonomy in their learning.

Empower them to take ownership of their preparation by encouraging independent problem-solving and decision-making.

Support Their Emotional Well-Being

Test prep often brings anxiety, which can hinder performance. Be a source of emotional support by fostering open communication. Let your child express their fears and frustrations without judgment. Watch for signs of burnout, such as irritability or withdrawal, and encourage activities that promote relaxation, like hobbies or light physical exercise.

Remember, a calm and reassured mind is more receptive to learning and performing under pressure.

Provide Access to Resources

Access to high-quality resources can make a significant difference in test preparation. Equip your child with practice tests, study guides, and reliable online tools. Consider enrolling them in professional tutoring programs like ReWiser, which offers expert-led guidance tailored to various test formats such as SAT, ACT, and AP exams.

With expert support, your child can focus on mastering test strategies and overcoming weak areas more effectively.

Important differences between A&AS Levels

Four important differences between A & AS Levels and why it matters.

Duration of Study:

A LEVELS

(Advanced Levels): Two full years of study.

AS LEVELS

(Advanced Subsidiary Levels): Usually a one-year course or the first half of the A Level syllabus.

Why it matters?

Time Management

A Levels require a greater time investment in your studies.

Depth of Content:

A LEVELS

Covers more advanced topics and requires greater critical thinking skills.

AS LEVELS

Covers fewer topics and offers a lighter workload in comparison, though still rigorous.

Why it matters?

Specialization vs. Breadth

A Levels allow for in-depth focus, making you an expert in specific fields, while AS Levels offer more flexibility in academic exploration.

University Recognition:

A LEVELS

Fully recognized by top universities worldwide as a key qualification for admission.

AS LEVELS

May not carry as much weight in applications, but they can still be used for some courses or to complement your other qualifications.

Why it matters?

For college applications.

If you're applying to highly competitive universities, completing full A Levels is often a requirement.

Seek Help When Needed:

A LEVELS

Require a full two-year commitment before taking the final exam. Unlike AS Levels, there is no option to drop the subject midway.

AS LEVELS

Offers flexibility, allowing students to take the exam at the end of the first year and decide whether to continue to A Level or not.

Why it matters?

Subject Exploration

AS Levels allow students to experiment with different subjects before fully committing.

How to Tackle IGCSE's Toughest Subjects: A Strategy Guide

The IGCSE curriculum can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can excel in even the toughest subjects. Here's a guide to help you stratergize:

Understand the Subject's Core Concepts:

Every subject has its own set of core concepts. Start by understanding the basics and building a strong foundation. This will make complex topics much easier to grasp later on.

Practice Regularly:

Subjects like Mathematics and Sciences require consistent practice. Regularly solve problems, take mock tests, and review past papers to improve problem-solving skills.

Break Down the Syllabus:

Divide your syllabus into smaller, manageable chunks. This will help you focus on one topic at a time and prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Seek Help When Needed:

Don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers, peers, or tutors. Sometimes a fresh perspective can make all the difference in understanding a tough concept.

Tackling tough subjects requires focus, practice, and persistence. With the right strategy, you’ll be able to navigate even the hardest IGCSE subjects with confidence!

Why You Need AP Test Practice

Mastering the AP exams isn’t just about knowing the material—it’s about knowing the test! Here’s why practice is key.

Simulate the Real Exam:

AP exams are timed and challenging. Practicing in an exam-style environment helps you manage time, stress, and performance under pressure.

Identify Weak Spots:

Mock tests show you exactly where you need to improve, so you can focus your efforts on what matters most with guided mentorship.

Perfect Your Strategy:

Learn how to approach different question types and avoid common mistakes with expert feedback.

3 common mistakes parents should avoid for IGCSE Success

Navigating your child’s IGCSE journey can be challenging. At Rewiser, we’ve identified specific pitfalls parents often encounter. Avoid these mistakes to help your child excel in their IGCSE exams!

Neglecting Core Subject Focus:

Mistake: Overlooking the importance of core subjects like Maths, English, and Science.

Solution: Ensure your child has a strong foundation in these subjects as they are crucial for IGCSE success and future academic pursuits.

Ignoring the Importance of Coursework:

Mistake: Focusing solely on exams and neglecting coursework.

Solution: Help your child allocate sufficient time and effort to coursework, as it contributes significantly to the final grade in many IGCSE subjects.

Not Utilizing IGCSE-Specific Resources:

Mistake: Using general study materials instead of IGCSE-specific resources.

Solution: Invest in textbooks, guides, and online resources tailored specifically to the IGCSE curriculum to ensure relevant and effective study.

The Ultimate Exam Prep Hacks!

Here are 7 pro tips from our tutors at ReWiser to help you boost your scores in any exam!

Hack #1: Leverage Active Recall

Use flashcards to regularly test key concepts, strengthening memory retention.

Hack #2: Utilize Spaced Repetition

Review notes at increasing intervals—daily, weekly, monthly—to better embed information.

Hack #3: Optimize Your Study Environment

Choose a quiet, well-lit area and keep essential study materials close at hand.

Hack #4: Teach to Learn

Explain concepts to someone else to reinforce your understanding and uncover gaps.

Hack #5: Use Mnemonics and Visualization

Employ acronyms and sketches to simplify and remember complex information.

Hack #6: Practice with Past Exam Papers

Simulate real exam conditions at home to get a feel for question formats and time management.

Hack #7: Take Strategic Breaks

Use the 25-5 rule—study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break to refresh your mind.

Cracking the IB: 5 tips to nail your extended essay

Pick a Topic You’re Passionate About

The Extended Essay is a marathon, not a sprint. Choosing a topic you care about will keep you motivated throughout the journey.

Tip: Pick something that sparks your curiosity—it’ll make the research process much easier.

Narrow Down Your Research Question

A broad research question leads to vague answers. Focus on a specific angle to dive deeper and make your essay stronger.

Tip: Stay focused and avoid the temptation of covering too much in one go.

Plan Your Time Wisely

Procrastination is your worst enemy. Break your essay down into manageable chunks and set a timeline to complete each step.

Tip: Consistency is key—work on it a little bit each day.

Use Diverse Sources

Don’t rely on one type of resource. Books, journals, and credible online sources will make your essay more compelling.

Tip: A variety of ipsources strengthens your argument and shows depth in your research.

Edit Until It’s Perfect

Your first draft is just the beginning. Be ready to revise and fine-tune your essay multiple times for the best results.

Tip: A fresh perspective (or even a break) helps you catch mistakes you may have missed earlier.

5 Key tips to help choose the right AP courses

Choosing the right AP courses is a crucial decision that can shape your child’s academic journey and future college opportunities. As a parent, your guidance can help ensure they select courses that align with their strengths, interests, and goals. Here are 5 key points to consider that will help you navigate this process.

1. Assess Strengths and Interests

Start by evaluating your child’s strengths and passions. AP courses require dedication, so it’s important that your child chooses subjects they genuinely enjoy and excel in. If they’re strong in math, AP Calculus could be a good fit; if they love history, AP U.S. History might be ideal.

Parent Tip: Discuss your child’s favourite subjects to identify which AP courses match their interests and capabilities.

2. Align with Long-Term Goals

Consider how the AP courses fit into your child’s future academic and career plans. For example, STEM-oriented students might benefit from AP Biology or AP Physics, while those interested in humanities should consider AP English Literature or AP Art History.

Parent Tip: Talk about your child’s career aspirations and research which AP courses align with their goals.

3. Balance Rigour and Manageability

While challenging courses are beneficial, it’s important not to overload your child. Encourage them to choose a manageable number of AP courses that they can fully commit to, rather than taking on too many and risking burnout.

Parent Tip: Help your child create a balanced schedule that challenges them without overwhelming them.

4. Review College Credit Policies

Different colleges have varying policies on AP credits. Research the AP credit acceptance of colleges your child is interested in to ensure they’re choosing courses that will be beneficial in the college application process.

Parent Tip: Review college AP credit policies together to guide your child’s course selection.

5. Consult Teachers and Counsellors

Teachers and counsellors can provide valuable insights into which AP courses are right for your child based on their academic performance and readiness. Don’t hesitate to seek their advice.

Parent Tip: Meet with your child’s counsellor to discuss course recommendations and address any concerns.

Choosing the right AP courses involves considering your child’s strengths, interests, and long-term goals while ensuring a balanced workload. With thoughtful planning and guidance, you can help your child make decisions that will set them up for success in their academic journey and beyond.