Standardized Tests

In May 2025, the College Board transitioned the majority of AP Exams to a digital format. With over 3 million students expected to take nearly 6 million AP Exams in spring 2025, this effort marks a significant shift in the Advanced Placement experience for students, teachers, and schools. Read below to learn more about the change and what it means for students taking the AP exams this year and in the future!

The ACT is a popular standardized test for high school students applying to college in the United States. However, if you’re living outside the U.S. and planning to take the ACT, you might be wondering: Is the test different for international students? The short answer is yes; while the core test remains the same, there are key differences in how and when the ACT is administered in the U.S. versus internationally.

In the 2025 admissions cycle, a significant shift occurred as many U.S. universities reinstated the requirement for applicants to submit standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT. This marks a surprising turn after years of a “test-optional” policy. In this article, Aralia explores the recent wave of “test-optional” policies in the U.S., the reasons behind the return of SAT/ACT scores in admissions decisions, and strategies for effectively submitting standardized test scores.

Discover why English proficiency tests are crucial for U.S. college admissions. Learn how these scores assess your academic readiness and the top universities’ score requirements for international students.

If you’re a high school student in the U.S. preparing for college, you’ve likely heard of standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or even English proficiency exams like the IELTS and TOEFL for international applicants. Over the past decade, many U.S. colleges and universities shifted to test-optional admissions policies, meaning students were not required to submit standardized test scores. However, in the 2025 admissions cycle, several top universities in the U.S. reinstated standardized testing requirements. This article will explore the most common standardized tests for high schoolers required by U.S. colleges, recent policy changes, and how students can strategically approach testing in the current admissions landscape.

Earlier this year, the College Board announced two new AP courses to debut in the 2026-2027 school year. These additions—AP Business Principles/Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity—are part of the AP Career Kickstart Program, an initiative designed to equip students with practical, career-ready skills alongside traditional academic rigor. Here’s what you need to know about the two new courses and when they’ll be available to students.

The John Locke Essay Competition has released its 2025 History prompts. This year introduces a new approach to history questions. Our teacher will guide students through a detailed analysis of the John Locke Essay Competition History Questions, essential writing skills, preparation strategies, and expert insights to help students and parents navigate the competition successfully.

If you’re planning to take AP exams this May, you’re probably wondering when you’ll get your scores. AP scores play a crucial role in college admissions and can even help you earn college credits, which may lower your tuition fees. So, when can you expect to receive your results?

AP Statistics is a popular subject for students who enjoy mathematics, data analysis, or computer science. If you have a strong mathematical foundation and want to enhance your understanding of statistical concepts and applications, AP Statistics will not be too difficult; however, it requires consistent practice to master and achieve a high score on the exam. In this article, Aralia compiles free study resources and provides guidance on how to effectively prepare for the AP Statistics exam.