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The Best AP Euro Test-Prep Book: A Comparison of Amsco, Princeton Review, and Barron's
Preparing for the AP European History exam requires more than just memorizing dates and names. It demands a deep understanding of complex historical themes, critical thinking skills, and the ability to analyze primary and secondary sources. Choosing the right test-prep book can make a significant difference in how effectively you study and how confident you feel on exam day.
Becky Koss
Mar 233 min read


The Best APUSH Test Prep Book (And Two Great Alternatives)
Students and parents ask me this question every year: What is the best APUSH test prep book? There are a lot of options out there, but after working with many AP U.S. History students, I’ve found that three books consistently stand out . Each one has a different strength, so the “best AP US History test prep book” really depends on how you plan to use it. Below are the three I recommend most often to use in our sessions and for independent homework: AMSCO: The Best Content Re
Becky Koss
Mar 153 min read


Why the College Panda SAT Math Book for the Digital SAT and ACT Math Book for Are the Best Prep Books for Student Success
Helping students prepare for the SAT and ACT can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right study materials. As a tutor, I have tested many resources, and I consistently turn to the College Panda SAT Math book for the Digital SAT and the College Panda ACT Math book . These books stand out because their instruction is clear, and the practice questions closely match what students face on test day. In this post, I’ll explain why these books are my go-to r
Becky Koss
Mar 44 min read


Mrs. Koss's Book Recommendations to Slay the PSAT:
Preparing for the PSAT can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out which study materials will truly make a difference. The right books can guide your practice, clarify tricky concepts, and build your confidence before test day. This post shares my top recommended books that cover every section of the PSAT, helping you focus your study time efficiently and improve your score.
Becky Koss
Mar 23 min read


The Strategic Decision: Should Your Student Take the Optional ACT Science Section?
At On the Rise Education, we have analyzed official statements from the ACT, policies from selective universities, and research on student outcomes. Here is our authoritative guidance to help your family navigate the Enhanced ACT
Becky Koss
Nov 16, 20254 min read


Best SAT Retake Strategy: Superscoring & Smart Prep Tips
Superscoring means colleges accept the highest section scores across multiple test dates. So if your student scores higher in Math on one date and higher in Reading and Writing on another, the school will combine those top scores into a new, stronger composite.
Becky Koss
Jul 16, 20252 min read


SAT Transition Words Can Be Confusing
Here’s a very real consequence of all these euphemisms: when a student sees the SAT transition word “consequently” on the test, they think it means something other than the actual definition, and if the sentence doesn’t require “something bad,” they’ll choose another (potentially wrong) answer.
Becky Koss
Apr 17, 20253 min read


Intro to Desmos Tricks for the SAT
With all the features offered through the Desmos calculator, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. Do not fear! Our team of the best SAT test-prep tutors can help!
On The Rise Education
Apr 17, 20252 min read


Best SAT Test Prep: Boost Your Score with On the Rise Education's Vocab Sets
The Vocabulady has put together some Quizlet sets to help you out. I'm not going to lie. It's A LOT. These four vocabulary programs contain over a thousand words taken from the Bluebook practice tests that you should know.
Becky Koss
Apr 17, 20253 min read
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