Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

Winter Test Prep Starting Soon: Register NOW!

Only days remain until CROSSWALK’s Winter Test Prep Series. Hosted by Brooke Higgins, this six-week course is a great way to kick off 2019 with focused and individualized SAT and ACT test prep. 

Sign up today! You can attend in person at the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach or via Skype.

All sessions meet on Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm. Here is the schedule:

  • 1/8: SAT and ACT Test Overview and General Strategies
  • 1/15: Reading Strategies for Success
  • 1/23: Math Strategies for Success
  • 1/29: Writing Strategies for Success
  • 2/5: Science Strategies for Success
  • 2/12: Essay Strategies for Success

Sign up or get more information via the following form. 

And don’t forget, new this year: Students who sign up for the entire six-week program receive a FREE one-on-one coaching session. 

Questions? Or need further information? Contact CROSSWALK here.

CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula’s local resource for SAT, ACT, PSAT, SSAT prep and academic tutoring. 
Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

Winter 2019 Test Prep Series: Only Four Spots Left!

Four spots remain for CROSSWALK’s Winter Test Prep Series. Hosted by Brooke Higgins, this six-week course is a great way to kick off 2019 with focused and individualized SAT and ACT test prep. 


Sign up today! Only four spots remain! You can attend in person at the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach or via Skype.

All sessions meet on Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm. Here is the schedule:

  • 1/8: SAT and ACT Test Overview and General Strategies
  • 1/15: Reading Strategies for Success
  • 1/23: Math Strategies for Success
  • 1/29: Writing Strategies for Success
  • 2/5: Science Strategies for Success
  • 2/12: Essay Strategies for Success

Sign up or get more information via the following form. 

And don’t forget, new this year: Students who sign up for the entire six-week program receive a FREE one-on-one coaching session. 

Questions? Or need further information? Contact CROSSWALK here.

CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula’s local resource for SAT, ACT, PSAT, SSAT prep and academic tutoring. 
Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

SAT & ACT: It’s Not the Content, It’s the Process

Most tests in school are content-based: vocabulary memorization, chapter reviews, math problem sets, comprehensive exams, etc. 


After years of content-based tests, students learn how to memorize facts and regurgitate them on an exam. Students develop keen ways of cramming content the night before in order to succeed on a test. 

Content learning is a useful skill in school, for now. Education is undergoing a massive shift as content is simply a search engine or finger swipe away. Students in the future will likely not have to memorize as much. Instead, they will be faced with the process of learning. 

One such learning process is how to succeed on the SAT or ACT. 

On the surface, the SAT and ACT tests look like content-based tests. But dig deeper and find that both tests assess a student’s ability to process more than a student’s ability to memorize. 

For example, the reading tested on the test is about comprehension, not knowledge. Test makers select reading passages that will challenge students to process how a writer uses evidence, states an argument, persuades an audience or tells a story. A student cannot memorize the passage the night before. 

Even math, though seemingly content-based, assesses the process of getting through a litany of different math problems in a defined set of time. Memorizing math content might help here, but it is more about the process of navigating algebra, geometry, word problems, trigonometry and more. Math is a mash up of content which means the process is more important. 

So if the SAT and ACT are more process-based than content-based, how do you perform better? 

Simply embrace the process.

Understand that test success is a journey. It is not something you can cram for the night before. Prepare your game plan, practice and make test prep part of your normal routine. 

Consider a group class like CROSSWALK’s upcoming Winter Test Prep Series. 

Above all, approach the SAT and ACT with the process in mind. These are not tests based on strict content memorization. These are tests that take trial and error. 

Start your process today by contacting CROSSWALK, the Monterey Peninsula’s local resource for test prep and academic tutoring. 
Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

The Source of SAT/ACT Stress and How to Overcome It

Stress is the enemy of test performance. Stressed students perform worse than unstressed students. Stressed brains do not learn as effectively as an unstressed brain. 


As an SAT and ACT prep tutor, my primary goal is to reduce as much stress as possible for my students. Stress reduction starts with stress recognition so my students and I often start our tutoring sessions with a discussion of stress and where it comes from. 

In unpacking the source of ACT and SAT stress, we identify typical culprits like peers, parents, expectations, and performance. While these stressors are indeed present, there is one aspect of the SAT and ACT that seems to cause the most stress: uncertainty. 

Uncertainty is a major stressor. When you don’t know what is coming, anxiety sets in and panic can ensue. On a test, if anxiety is the predominant emotion, then logical problem solving and critical thinking skills are not able to function. 

Imagine trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube while being attacked by a bear. The anxiety and panic in your flight or fight response would dominate your brain and you would have no brain power to logic your way through the Rubik’s Cube. 

The good news is that overcoming the stress and anxiety of SAT and ACT uncertainty is actually quite simple. Since the test directions, format and content have not changed in several years–the last major change was on the SAT in 2016–a student can prepare for the unknown. 

Practice tests, test prep books and classes like CROSSWALK’s upcoming Winter ACT and SAT Prep Series are all ways to reduce the uncertainty. 

When dealing with the uncertain, it helps to have a script or a plan to follow. By learning key test prep strategies, like when to spend time and when to save time, a student can enter the unknown of the SAT or ACT with a pretty good sense of what is coming. 

Stress is reduced when students know what is on the test and how to tackle each section. A Game Plan is the key to reducing any stress of the uncertain. 

Learn how to prepare your own Game Plan with CROSSWALK through private sessions or a group class. Contact CROSSWALK today to learn more. 


Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

Winter 2019 ACT & SAT Test Prep Series

Kick off 2019 with a focused and individualized SAT and ACT test prep program by Brooke Higgins of CROSSWALK.


Starting Tuesday, January 8th, CROSSWALK is hosting a six-week winter ACT and SAT test prep series.

Attend in person at the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach or via Skype.

All sessions meet on Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm. Here is the schedule:

  • 1/8: SAT and ACT Test Overview and General Strategies
  • 1/15: Reading Strategies for Success
  • 1/23: Math Strategies for Success
  • 1/29: Writing Strategies for Success
  • 2/5: Science Strategies for Success
  • 2/12: Essay Strategies for Success

Drop in for the session you need and pay by the class or sign up for the whole program and save.

Sign up via the following form. 

New this year: Students who sign up for the entire six-week program receive a FREE one-on-one coaching session. 

Questions? Or need further information? Contact CROSSWALK here.

CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula’s local resource for SAT, ACT, PSAT, SSAT prep and academic tutoring. 
Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

From the Vault: Greatest Hits of SAT/ACT Test Prep

After four years of (mostly) biweekly blog posts on SAT and ACT test prep advice, it’s high time to offer a post of greatest hits.

Without further ado, I humbly present several of my more popular test prep blog posts:

One of the hardest parts of SAT and ACT passage-based reading (aka evidence-based reading) is when students get stuck between two possible answer choices. This posts helps students Get Unstuck Between Two Answer Choices.

Here’s a post to help students reduce their stress around the test by reminding them that there are over 1,000 Reasons to Not Stress on the ACT and SAT.

Success stories seem popular. Here is an ACT Success Story.

My six-part series about how to Conquer the SAT and ACT Math with the Math Toolbox generated lots of interest.

For test takers planning to take the test soon, here are the Do’s and Don’ts 24 Hours Before Test Day.

And finally, one of my favorite posts of all time, is Stop Calling Students “Bad Test Takers.”

More hits to come. Subscribe to this blog to get free test prep advice directly to your inbox. Or contact CROSSWALK today to learn more about our SAT/ACT prep and academic tutoring.

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

5 Keys to a Better SAT and ACT Essay

On the surface, the SAT and ACT essay prompts look remarkably different.

The SAT essay asks students to first read an article then write an analysis of how the author uses evidence, reasoning and stylistic elements to persuade an audience. The ACT essay asks students to first consider three perspectives on a debatable topic then write about which perspective makes most sense to them while also addressing why the other perspectives don’t make sense.

Despite this seemingly vast difference, the path to a good essay score on both the SAT and the ACT is quite similar. 

To get a good essay score on either the SAT and the ACT, students must do all of the following:

1) Address the Prompt

If a student writes off topic, there is no way s/he can score well. Often students get caught up in the argument on the SAT and debate the author’s point instead of analyzing the author’s persuasiveness. To maximize your essay score, be sure you are answering the question.

2) Organize Your Thoughts

Logical structure on both the SAT and ACT is a major scoring category. For either essay, start with a thesis statement and then build paragraphs to support this thesis statement with evidence. Each paragraph must be a coherent argument that adds to the overall thesis statement. Finish with a strong conclusion that summarizes the main points. The old five-paragraph essay structure is not necessary but certainly offers an excellent way to organize your thoughts.

3) Vary Your Vocabulary

You don’t need to use fancy words, just the right ones. Use signposts to tell the reader where you are going with your argument. Phrases like “for example,” “nevertheless,” and “furthermore” are simple yet effective phrases that help your organization and demonstrate mastery of key writing structures. Throw in a couple more words from a good SAT/ACT vocabulary list and you should be in good shape.

4) Cite Evidence

Any strong argument is supported with evidence. The nice thing about the SAT is your evidence is from the passage. Cite specific examples of reasoning, facts, stylistic elements and other pieces of evidence the author uses to make your point stronger. ACT evidence can come from your studies, things you have read, movies you have seen, current events or even personal experiences. Evidence is the key to getting your point across to the reader.

5) Write More

Fill the pages not with huge handwriting but detailed and developed paragraphs. Essay graders won’t spend too much time reading everything you write but they will see how much you write. Assuming you can present a strong thesis, back that up with loads of evidence that show the reader you are prepared to write and write.

Both the SAT and ACT essay prompts present their own unique challenges. Nevertheless, as long as you address the prompt, present your arguments in a logical structure, vary your vocabulary, cite evidence and write as much as you can, you can achieve a high score on either test.

For more help in SAT and ACT prep, contact CROSSWALK today.

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

The Best (and Easiest) App for SAT & ACT Prep

There are many apps available to help students navigate the SAT and ACT prep waters. 


IXL offers math practice. ACCUPLACER helps with reading. Magoosh is great for vocabulary. 

While these apps are all great options, the best (and easiest) app to use for test prep is your calendar app. 

Wherever you are in your test preparation, pull out your calendar app and note the days and times you will study. Like many tasks in life, if you put them on a calendar, you increase the likelihood of getting them done. 

Many students have test prep books, practice sets, online resources or other helpful study tools. All of these are all worthless unless you take the time to use them. 

And there is no better way to take the time than making the time. Set up specific hours in the day over a period of several months when you will read through the books, try practice sets, review test content and take full-length practice sets. 

Putting these tasks on a calendar is a simple and extremely effective way to ensure that you get your prep done. Avoid procrastination by scheduling what you will do and when. 

Calendars and routines may be boring but they enable amazing productivity. Set your routine on your calendar app, heed the event reminders and build towards your test prep success. 

If you need help along the way, CROSSWALK is here. Contact us today. 

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

Time as a Currency on SAT and ACT

On standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, time is money. Not money in the sense of cash but money as a currency to be saved or spent. 

Make no mistake: the SAT and ACT are strictly timed tests. For a student to maximize a score, a key approach is to know when to spend time and when to save time. 


Let’s take the ACT math section as an example: 

The ACT math section is 60 questions in 60 minutes. In other words, each question should take one minute. ACT math questions are also organized so that easier questions are found in the beginning of the set while harder ones are found towards the end. 

Easy questions are perfect opportunities to save time. If you can solve a math problem in less than 30 seconds, you save 30 seconds to use on a harder problem. Save 30 seconds on five or six problems and you now have an extra 2-3 minutes to spend on hard problems that require more time. 

You can even save time on the really hard problems. If you were to come across a problem that seems impossible, save time on this one by guessing the answer and moving on. The 2-3 minutes you would have spent on an impossible problem is now saved time that you can use to score points in other areas. 

This approach works on the other sections as well: time saved is time you can spend in other areas. 

If you want a perfect score, then be sure to spend time on all of the problems. But if you don’t need a perfect score, determine where to spend time and where to save time on the ACT and SAT. 

Learn how to spend or save your time on the SAT and ACT with help from CROSSWALK. Contact us today to get prepared for test day. 

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

SAT and ACT Reality Check

“Stress is the enemy of test performance” is the mantra my students hear repeatedly. Much of my test prep work is about reducing the stress that surrounds SAT and ACT test day. 

By familiarizing students with the content and strategy of the tests through practice sessions, the goal is to make test day routine and comfortable. 

Along with test practice, students are routinely reminded that there are over 1,000 schools that do not place substantial weight on SAT and ACT scores in the process of admission. Thanks to FairTest, this fact provides great stress relief for students who realize there are many potential college opportunities regardless of test performance. 

Further, students learn that test scores are just one piece of the pie. Colleges consider GPA, admission essays, interviews, letter of recommendations and more when reviewing applications. 

So do test scores actually matter?

Reality check time: yes, they do. 

Let’s assume, like most students, you wish to apply to a competitive school. Competitive schools receive many applications. With so many applications, schools need a quick and easy method to identify top prospects. Test scores provide such a method.

Schools do not want to discourage applicants. Along with the financial gain of the application fees, schools want as many applications as possible so as to keep their admission rates low. 

The lower a school’s admission rate, the better its ranking on the US News and World Report list. The better its ranking, the more competitive the school. The more competitive a school, the more applications received. More applications means a lower admission rate and the cycle continues. 

But admission rate and rankings are not the only reasons schools continue to use test scores in the process of admission. An article from the Wall Street Journal earlier this year cites several researched-backed reasons colleges continue to consider test scores in the process of admission. 

The reality is that the SAT and ACT, particularly for the more competitive schools, are not going anywhere. 

So as long as these tests are here to stay, you may as well find ways to navigate the process. Reduce your stress around the testing experience. Familiarize yourself with the content and strategies. And above all, read, read and read some more. 

CROSSWALK is here to support you in the process. Contact CROSSWALK today and we will be happy to come alongside your journey.