ScoreSmarter Blog

Expert Guides & Study Tips

In-depth articles to help you choose the right prep course, build an effective study plan, and maximize your MCAT or LSAT score.

ACT7 min read

ACT Score Percentiles 2026: What Colleges Are Looking For

Understanding ACT percentiles helps you set realistic college admissions goals. Here's what your composite score means and what competitive scores look like.

Feb 14, 2026
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ACT7 min read

How to Choose an ACT Prep Course in 2026

With dozens of ACT prep options available, choosing the right one matters. Here's a practical framework based on your score goals and learning style.

Feb 14, 2026
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GMAT8 min read

GRE vs GMAT for MBA: Which Should You Take in 2026?

Most business schools accept both the GRE and GMAT. Here's how to decide which test better serves your MBA application.

Feb 14, 2026
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GMAT7 min read

How to Choose GMAT Prep in 2026: Focus Edition Guide

The GMAT Focus Edition changed the test significantly. Here's how to choose prep that's updated for the current format.

Feb 14, 2026
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GMAT8 min read

GMAT Score Percentiles 2026: What Business Schools Expect

Understanding GMAT Focus Edition percentiles helps you set realistic MBA admissions goals. Here's what competitive scores look like by school tier.

Feb 14, 2026
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GRE10 min read

GRE 8-Week Study Plan: A Realistic Timeline

An 8-week GRE study plan that balances Verbal, Quant, and AWA preparation. Designed for students who can dedicate 15–20 hours per week.

Feb 14, 2026
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GRE7 min read

How to Choose GRE Prep in 2026: What to Prioritize

The GRE prep market offers many options. Here's how to choose based on your target field, score goals, and learning style.

Feb 14, 2026
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GRE8 min read

GRE Score Percentiles 2026: What Graduate Programs Expect

Understanding GRE percentiles helps you set realistic goals for graduate school admissions. Here's what competitive scores look like across different fields.

Feb 14, 2026
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SAT8 min read

Digital SAT Tips: Strategies for the New Format

The digital SAT is a different test than the paper version. Here are specific strategies for the adaptive format, built-in tools, and time management.

Feb 14, 2026
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SAT7 min read

How to Choose SAT Prep in 2026: A Practical Guide

The SAT prep market has evolved with the digital SAT. Here's how to choose the right prep approach for the current test format.

Feb 14, 2026
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SAT7 min read

SAT Score Percentiles 2026: What Your Score Means for College Admissions

Understanding SAT percentiles helps you set realistic college admissions goals. Here's what competitive scores look like for different school tiers.

Feb 14, 2026
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ACT9 min read

ACT vs SAT: Which Test Should You Take in 2026?

ACT or SAT? The tests are accepted equally by colleges, but they test different skills. Here's how to decide which one plays to your strengths.

Feb 14, 2026
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MCAT8 min read

Best Free MCAT Resources in 2026: A Curated Guide

You don't need to spend thousands to prepare for the MCAT. Here are the best free resources available, organized by how to use them effectively.

Feb 14, 2026
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DAT7 min read

Best Free DAT Resources in 2026

Free DAT resources are more limited than MCAT or LSAT, but there are still valuable options. Here's what's available and how to use it.

Feb 14, 2026
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DAT8 min read

DAT Self-Study vs Prep Course: Making the Right Choice

Should you self-study for the DAT or invest in a prep course? Here's an honest look at both approaches for pre-dental students.

Feb 14, 2026
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MCAT8 min read

MCAT Score Percentiles Explained: What Your Score Actually Means

Understanding MCAT percentiles helps you set realistic goals and evaluate where you stand. Here's a clear breakdown of what scores mean for medical school admissions.

Feb 14, 2026
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LSAT8 min read

LSAT Score Percentiles Explained: What Law Schools Actually Want

Understanding LSAT percentiles helps you set realistic goals and target the right law schools. Here's what your score means in the context of admissions.

Feb 14, 2026
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MCAT10 min read

MCAT Self-Study vs Prep Course: An Honest Comparison

Should you self-study for the MCAT or invest in a prep course? We compare both approaches honestly, including when each makes sense and what the data shows.

Feb 14, 2026
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DAT8 min read

How to Choose a DAT Prep Course: A Practical Guide

The DAT prep market is smaller than MCAT or LSAT, but choosing the right course still matters. Here's what to look for.

Feb 14, 2026
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MCAT9 min read

How to Choose an MCAT Prep Course: What Actually Matters

Not every MCAT course is right for every student. Here's a framework for evaluating prep courses based on your learning style, budget, and goals.

Feb 14, 2026
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DAT8 min read

DAT Score Percentiles: What Dental Schools Are Looking For

Understanding DAT percentiles helps you set realistic goals for dental school admissions. Here's what competitive scores look like by school tier.

Feb 14, 2026
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LSAT9 min read

LSAT Self-Study vs Prep Course: Which Approach Is Right for You?

Should you self-study for the LSAT or invest in a prep course? An honest look at both approaches, including when each makes sense.

Feb 14, 2026
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LSAT7 min read

Best Free LSAT Resources in 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Quality LSAT prep doesn't have to cost thousands. Here are the best free resources available and how to use them strategically.

Feb 14, 2026
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LSAT9 min read

How to Choose an LSAT Prep Course: What Actually Matters

The LSAT prep market is competitive and confusing. Here's a practical framework for choosing the right course based on your learning style, budget, and goals.

Feb 14, 2026
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ACT

ACT Score Percentiles Explained: What Your Score Really Means in 2026

Understanding ACT percentiles is crucial for setting realistic goals and choosing the right colleges. Here's what every score range means for your applications.

Feb 14, 2026
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SAT

Digital SAT Changes: Everything You Need to Know in 2026

The SAT has gone fully digital with an adaptive format. Here's what changed, what it means for your prep, and how to adapt your strategy.

Feb 14, 2026
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GMAT

GMAT Focus Edition: The Complete Guide for 2026

The GMAT Focus Edition replaced the classic GMAT with a shorter, more focused test. Here's everything you need to know about the new format.

Feb 14, 2026
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SAT

SAT Score Percentiles Explained: What Your Score Really Means in 2026

Understanding SAT percentiles helps you set realistic goals and target the right colleges. Here's a complete breakdown.

Feb 14, 2026
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GRE

GRE vs GMAT: Which Test Should You Take for Business School in 2026?

Most MBA programs accept both the GRE and GMAT. Here's how to decide which test gives you the best chance of admission.

Feb 14, 2026
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GRE

GRE Score Percentiles: What Graduate Schools Actually Want in 2026

GRE score expectations vary dramatically by program. Here's how to understand percentiles and set the right target for your field.

Feb 14, 2026
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GMAT

GMAT Score Percentiles: What MBA Programs Actually Expect in 2026

GMAT score expectations vary by program tier. Here's what your score means and what top MBA programs are looking for.

Feb 14, 2026
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ACT

ACT vs SAT: Which Test Should You Take in 2026?

The ACT and SAT are both accepted by every college, so which one should you choose? Here's how to decide based on your strengths.

Feb 14, 2026
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DAT10 min read

What DAT Score Do You Need for Dental School? 2026 Admissions Guide

A detailed breakdown of DAT score requirements for dental schools, including competitive scores by school tier, section breakdowns, and strategies to improve your score.

Feb 14, 2026
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DAT11 min read

Best DAT Prep Courses Ranked: Our Expert Picks for 2026

Our dental professional reviews and ranks the top 5 DAT prep courses based on technology, content quality, pedagogy, access period, and analytics.

Feb 14, 2026
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DAT14 min read

How to Study for the DAT: The Complete 2026 Guide

A comprehensive guide to DAT preparation covering study schedules, section strategies, resource recommendations, and score goals for dental school admission.

Feb 14, 2026
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GENERAL10 min read

MCAT vs LSAT: Which Test is Actually Harder?

A balanced comparison of the MCAT and LSAT. We analyze content difficulty, preparation time, scoring, and career implications — because understanding what each test demands helps you prepare smarter.

Feb 14, 2026
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MCAT15 min read

How to Study for the MCAT: Complete 2026 Guide

A practical, step-by-step guide to MCAT preparation. We break down study timelines, resource selection, section strategies, and common mistakes — so you can build a plan that fits how you actually learn.

Feb 14, 2026
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LSAT14 min read

LSAT Study Schedule: The 3-Month Plan for 170+

A week-by-week LSAT study plan for students targeting 170+. Covers Logic Games, Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and practice test strategy — adapt it to fit your schedule and starting point.

Feb 14, 2026
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MCAT12 min read

Is a MCAT Prep Course Worth It? A Honest Cost-Benefit Analysis

MCAT prep courses cost $1,000–$3,000+. Is the investment worth it? We analyze the data on score improvements, compare self-study vs structured courses, and help you think through the decision.

Feb 14, 2026
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