The 2026 SSAT and ISEE Test prep results are in! We’re excited about our Prepped and Polished students’ acceptances for Fall 2026 private school admissions! 

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by Team Prepped | April 1, 2026

The average American read eight books in 2025, according to research by YouGov. Doesn’t sound too shabby, right? However, a little more digging reveals that most of that reading was done by just 19 percent of Americans, who completed 10 or more titles. The median American read only two books last year, with 40 percent of us failing to read any books at all. While America’s literary prognosis may seem grim, the truth is we can all take steps to improve our reading record and rediscover our love of a good book. 

Why You Fell Out of Love With Reading 

If you tended to plow through titles during your younger years but are struggling now, you’re not alone. The stresses and demands of modern life mean that many Americans are reading fewer books. So what’s stopping us from getting swept away in the page?

While teenagers are often the ones labeled tech addicts, the ubiquity of smartphones and other devices is distracting adult readers as well. Rather than bring a book to read while eating lunch or waiting for an appointment, people increasingly scroll their favorite social media sites. Savvy tech companies recognize that this behavior triggers our dopamine receptors. The more we scroll, the more personalized content we receive as a reward. As a result, you reach for the phone again rather than that book sitting on your TBR pile.

Additionally, the way people interact with digital content may be impacting how they read. Thanks to years of phone and computer usage, we’ve grown accustomed to skimming text when it’s on a screen. Rather than absorb every word of that email or Instagram post, your eyes seek out only the most salient details. In the long term, this habit leads to worse reading comprehension and can affect your ability to enjoy what you read. 

Why Reading Matters

Your parents and teachers said it when you were young, and it still holds true today: reading comes with lifelong benefits. The habit is even more essential for older adults, with studies showing that regular readers experience less cognitive decline than those without a tendency to pick up a book. With dementia rates on the rise, there’s never been a better time to get back into reading.

Moreover, the benefits associated with this hobby go beyond the individual. A Science study from 2013 demonstrates that reading plays a significant role in teaching empathy. In particular, those who read literary fiction demonstrate a greater capacity for understanding what others are thinking and feeling compared to non-readers. By experiencing others’ lives and worlds through stories, we can all do our part to become kinder and more understanding – something our increasingly divided society could certainly use.

How to Get Back Into Reading

Whether you consider yourself a “former reader” or a “never reader,” you can take steps to change your habits and join the millions of Americans who love books. 

Choose the Right Book for You

One of the best ways to boost your reading time each week is to change the type of book you’re selecting. Gone are the days where you had to complete some dusty teacher-assigned tome in time for a test. If you don’t enjoy the classics, skip over them in favor of something more exciting. Many readers enjoy the fast-paced, nail-biting plot of a good thriller, such as Blake Crouch’s Dark Matter or R.F. Kuang’s Yellowface. If you’re concerned about your ability to finish a 500-pager, think about starting with something short and sweet. Coming in under 300 pages, Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None is a short and creepy delight that will keep you guessing until the end. The goal is to choose a subject that excites you, so you’re more likely to reach for a book than your phone when you have free time.

Consider Your Medium

Along with varying the type of book you choose, you can make reading a permanent habit by changing the way you consume books. Don’t love toting around a paperback? Consider downloading titles to your phone or e-reader or getting into audiobooks. The goal is to make reading more convenient so you’ll (virtually) open your book rather than Facebook. 

Consistency Is Key

It’s worth noting that convenience may not be enough to turn you into a regular reader overnight. Like any habit, reading will start to feel more natural with time. To increase the odds of this hobby sticking, make an effort to read each day, even if it’s just a few minutes during your lunch break or at bedtime. The goal is to reinforce this habit so it becomes a normal part of your routine. 

Get Social

Humans are social creatures, so it’s no surprise that habits are easier to stick to when you practice them with friends. If you’re trying to get back into reading after a gap, think about joining a book club. Sites like Meetup.com and Goodreads offer resources for individuals looking to take part in a local or virtual club. Additionally, plenty of popular celebrities like Jenna Bush Hager and Reese Witherspoon sponsor their own reading clubs with massive followings. You can build your reading habit while seeing what books the stars are loving. 

Remember, there’s no such thing as the wrong book, so pick up a title that interests you today. You may discover a new favorite.

Enhanced ACT vs Digital SAT

by Team Prepped | January 22, 2026

With college admission cycles becoming increasingly competitive, today’s high school students are constantly seeking ways of standing out from the pack. And while a number of colleges no longer require standardized testing, scoring well on the ACT or SAT can offer teens a valuable edge. Fortunately, recent changes to the SAT and the ACT have made both tests shorter and more accessible than ever. At Prepped and Polished, we have more than two decades of experience in tutoring and test preparation, along with a passion for helping students achieve their educational goals. Keep reading to learn more about the Enhanced ACT and Digital SAT and discover which testing option will work best for you.

Get to Know the Enhanced ACT

As of 2025, college hopefuls have the option of taking the ACT Education Corp’s new Enhanced ACT. A shorter exam that affords students more time per question, the Enhanced ACT offers a more focused test-taking experience. The goal is to reduce the pressure and fatigue students feel while helping them stay calm and motivated.

What’s the Same

• Because the Enhanced ACT evaluates the same basic skills and knowledge range as the old test, colleges still view it as a useful tool for assessing applicants. Most of the core content and subject areas remain unchanged in the revised exam. Additionally, the scoring is the same, with students receiving a comprehensive test score between 1 and 36. The ACT will continue to offer superscoring, which is calculated using students’ best individual section scores from different test dates. Superscores allow students to showcase their knowledge and talent, enabling them to put their best foot forward when applying to schools.

What’s New

• The reduced number of questions and shorter time frame can make the Enhanced ACT feel more manageable. With 75 fewer minutes and 44 fewer questions in the main part of the exam, which consists of Math, Reading, and English, students will likely experience less mental fatigue during testing. As a result, they can focus on answering questions to the best of their abilities. Shorter reading passages also help to minimize testing time and promote success.
• Along with shortening the main part of the exam, the ACT has made the Science and Writing Sections optional. Students can choose whether or not to sit for these parts of the test based on their educational goals and personal strengths. It’s worth noting, however, that some colleges still require these sections. Additionally, aspiring STEM majors may choose to take the Science exam to boost their application desirability.
• Additionally, students will benefit from fewer answer choices in the Math Section. While the old ACT provided five answer choices, the Enhanced ACT lists only four. The benefit is less decision fatigue and a greater chance of choosing the correct response.

Get to Know the Digital SAT

College hopefuls also have the option of taking the new SAT. Fully digital since March 2024, the SAT makes use of adaptive technology. The end result is that students can expect a shorter test-taking experience that also reduces the likelihood that they’ll feel either bored or overwhelmed in the process.

What’s the Same

• Because the new Digital SAT evaluates the same skills and abilities as the pencil-and-paper exam, many colleges continue to place a high value on applicants’ scores. According to the College Board, the test still measures students’ abilities in Reading, Writing, and Math and scores them on a 1600-point scale. In other words, earning a given score on the traditional exam is directly comparable to earning the same score digitally.

What’s New

• Because the new SAT is entirely digital, students will use a laptop or tablet to sit for the test. It’s worth noting that testing centers may be able to provide devices for students who don’t have their own. You can request a device on the College Board site when registering for the Digital SAT.
• Individuals can expect to have slightly different test-taking experiences based on how they perform. Because the test is now adaptive, students who answer first-module questions correctly will encounter more challenging questions in the second module. This testing technique opens the door for high-performing students to receive the best possible scores.
• Finally, the new SAT includes changes to the Reading and Math sections to reduce testing time and boost overall performance. You can expect to see shorter reading passages rather than a few longer blocks of text. Additionally, students are now allowed to use a calculator for the entire Math Section. The digital testing application has a built-in calculator called Bluebook for this purpose.

Ultimately, both the Enhanced ACT and the Digital SAT offer positives and negatives. Taking a timed practice exam for each test is the best way to decide which standardized testing option is right for you. If you need further advice or want help boosting your exam scores, don’t hesitate to contact Prepped and Polished for support.

Watch the podcast Video:

On episode 269, Alexis Avila speaks to returning guest Jared Cooney Horvath.

About Our Guest Dr, Jared Cooney Horvath:

Jared Cooney Horvath (PhD, MEd) is a neuroscientist, educator, and best-selling author who specializes in human learning and brain development. He is the creator of The Learning Blueprint, an international award-winning program helping educators and students understand how learning actually works.

Jared has conducted research and taught at Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, as well as the University of Melbourne. He has also worked with more than 1,000 schools around the world. He is the author of six books, has published over fifty research articles, and his work has also appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Economist, Harvard Business Review, and ABC’s Catalyst.

Jared currently serves as Director of LME Global, an organization dedicated to bringing cutting-edge brain and behavioral science to educators, students, and communities. To inquire about working with him, or to learn more about his international award-winning Science of Learning programs (The Learning Blueprint for Teachers & The Learning Blueprint for Students), visit https://www.lmeglobal.com.

On today’s episode Jared points out the dangers of student technology. He also points out how to help students overcome these pitfalls and better thrive in today’s modern age.

Socials:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jaredcooney
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-cooney-horvath-phd-med-730704b2/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jared.cooney.horvath/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lmeglobal.net

Check out my previous podcast with Jared, episode 268 on the best way to use technology when learning:

https://www.preppedandpolished.com/episode-268-jared-cooney-horvath-the-best-way-to-use-technology-for-learning

What was your biggest takeaway from this podcast about The Dangers of Student Technology – and How to Turn Digital Use Into a Learning Advantage? Do you have any questions for Dr. Jared and Alexis Avila?

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Setting short and long term SMART goals for school helps students achieve clarity and focus, increased motivation, improved self-confidence, develop good habits and life skills, and creates accountability.

SMART Goals

Bonus Tip:

What is your biggest takeaway from this vlog about SMART Goals for Schoolwork: How to Stay Organized, Focused, and Achieve Your Best? Do you have any questions for Alexis?

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Estimating time for tasks is an important homework strategy and you want to follow these four tips.

Homework Time Planning Tips

• First tip: Identify all steps required to complete a task.
• Second tip: Estimate the time needed for each step and write it down.
• Third tip: Use a timer to record the actual time taken to complete a task.
• Forth tip: Reflect on the difference and use this information to plan for future tasks.

What is your biggest takeaway from this vlog about Homework Time: Plan It, Don’t Wing It? Do you have any questions for Alexis?

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Your brain functions best when you are calm, so it’s important to have effective coping strategies during times of stress. Here are 4 strategies.

Strategies to keep your calm

1. Deep breathing exercises.
2. Positive self-talk.
3. Mindfulness and staying in the present moment.
4. Taking a break when you need.

What is your biggest takeaway from this vlog about Strategies to Stay Calm During a Test? Do you have any questions for Alexis?

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Active studying involves strategies that enable you to engage actively with the material, rather than passively absorbing it through reading or listening. Research has shown that active studying leads to better long-term retention and comprehension. Here are 10 methods for active studying:

Take Command: Ten Study Tips

1. Create your own study guide.
2. Make your own quiz.
3. Create a timeline.
4. Use a concept map.
5. Make diagrams.
6. Use pneumonic devices for memorizing.
7. Teach someone else who doesn’t know the concepts or skills.
8. Use flashcards or digital flashcard apps.
9. Predict essay questions and plan your answers.
10. Summarizing or paraphrasing information that you’ve read.

What is your biggest takeaway from this vlog about Take Command: Ten Study Tips? Do you have any questions for Alexis?

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Here’s how to create a study space that helps you focus.

How to Create a Study Space

Creating an organized and consistent study space is an important step to staying focused and making homework time more productive.

An effective study environment should be in a quiet, distraction-free space and be in a consistent location. And you want to train your brain to associate the location where you do school work with focus and productivity. So, not like a noisy, busy kitchen. You want to choose a place with a table or desk and make sure you have good lighting and access to charging.

Your study space should have shelving or bins for school supplies so you do not need to waste time looking for them when needed.

Remove all clutter and distractions, and be sure to tidy up when you’re done.

Good luck.

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Suzanne teaches you how to use a clock to understand the passage of time and better your time management skills.

Time Management Technique

Time awareness and the passage of time is a challenging skill for students with executive function deficits. Using a time timer is a great way to support students in understanding the passage of time and time management.

If you have 20 minutes to complete an assignment, you rotate the knob to the desired amount of time and the shaded time disappears as the time counts down. This allows students to see the passage of time. There are no surprises when time’s up.

These are great tools and we use them here at the Prepped and Polish offices.

What is your biggest takeaway from this vlog about A Time Management Technique that Can Change How You Study? Do you have any questions for Alexis?

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