The ACT Essay: A Brand New Assignment Blog Post

Beginning this September, the ACT Writing Test essay assignment will have a new purpose, format, and scoring. But is it the impossibly difficult task that students fear it to be?…

7 Strategies for Success on the New ACT Essay Blog Post

As the Director of Curriculum at Compass, I have specific advice that I would offer to students preparing to take the new ACT Essay: #1 Breathe Seriously. Just breathe. You…

The New SAT Essay: First Look Blog Post

The new SAT essay basics The new SAT essay is a 50-minute, optional component of the redesigned SAT, which will be introduced on the March 5th, 2016 test date. According to…

The New SAT Essay: First Look Blog Post

The new SAT essay basics The new SAT essay is a 50-minute, optional component of the redesigned SAT, which will be introduced on the March 5th, 2016 test date. According to…

National Merit Semifinalist Cutoffs Class of 2026 Blog Post

September 10, 2025 Congratulations to Commended Students and Semifinalists! You can use the cutoffs below to determine your status. Many schools have not yet received their Semifinalist lists. Commended lists...

SAT vs. ACT: Which test is your test? Blog Post

The first choice students need to make is whether to prepare for the SAT or ACT. Both tests are equally accepted for college admission and either can be an excellent...

Follow Compass’s 2025 Conference Circuit Blog Post

Several times a year Independent Educational Consultants (IECs), high school college counselors, and college admissions officers gather for regional and national conferences to share best practices, get updates on the...

Accommodations Requests: SAT vs. ACT Blog Post

To view the below information in a webinar format, click here. College Board and ACT offer a variety of testing accommodations for students with disabilities. Two of the most common...

ACT and SAT Testing Dates Blog Post

A little advanced planning can go a long way when it comes to admission testing. One of the first steps in designing the most effective test prep plan is to...