Preparing for the College Board SAT and the ACT can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to math. But one powerful and often underused tool can give students a major advantage: Desmos, the built-in graphing calculator available on digital versions of these exams. If you are not already using Desmos, you are leaving points on the table. What Is Desmos and Why Does It Matter? Desmos is an interactive graphing calculator that allows you to
 Instantly graph equations
 Solve systems of equations visually
 Find intercepts and intersections
 Test answer choices quickly Unlike traditional calculators, Desmos is visual, intuitive, and fast, making it perfect for timed exams. Save Time, Reduce Stress Time is one of the biggest challenges on standardized tests. Desmos helps you
• Skip long algebraic steps by graphing instead
 Check your work instantly
 Eliminate wrong answers faster For example, instead of solving a quadratic equation by hand, you can plug it into Desmos and immediately see where it crosses the x-axis. That is your answer with no lengthy calculations required. Turn Hard Questions Into Easy Wins Many SAT and ACT math questions are designed to be solved algebraically, but Desmos gives you a shortcut. You can
 Graph multiple equations to find solutions
 Use sliders to test different values
 Visualize word problems more clearly This turns difficult, multi-step problems into simple visual ones. It is not cheating. It is using the tools the test gives you strategically. Boost Accuracy and Confidence When you are unsure about an answer, Desmos acts as a safety net
 Double check answers in seconds
 Catch small mistakes before they cost you points
 Feel more confident going into every question Confidence is huge on test day, and knowing how to use Desmos effectively can make a real difference. The Bottom Line Students who know how to use Desmos do not just work harder. They work smarter. Mastering this tool can
 Improve your speed
 Increase your accuracy
 Help you approach problems with confidence And in a high-stakes test environment, that edge matters. Join us for Desmos Day at Homework Hub every Friday through Zoom! Our online group class (12:1 ratio) is $90 and taught by our math wizard, Jeremy Slatky. Learn how to use Desmos on the calculator to boost SAT/ACT math skills and confidence. * Please Note: Desmos can only be used for digital testing not paper* Click the link to Enroll: Desmos Friday

The ACT Science section has officially become optional , but how colleges treat it isn’t uniform and depends on each institution’s admissions policies. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s happening and what colleges generally do: What Changed with the ACT Science Section: Science Is Now Optional on the ACT • Starting April 2025 for online tests (and September 2025 for all formats), the ACT no longer requires students to take the science section as part of the core exam. • The ACT Composite score , the score most colleges look at, is now calculated only from English, Math, and Reading. • If you take science, you’ll get a science score reported separately , along with a STEM score if you also take math. How Colleges View the Optional Science Section 1. Most Colleges Treat It as Optional • Many colleges do not require the ACT science section for general admissions, treating it similarly to the optional writing section. • Students applying to schools that list only a composite ACT score usually do not need a science score. But you should always check each college’s official admissions requirements. 2. Some Colleges May Prefer or Require It • A s mall number of colleges or specific programs (especially in STEM fields like engineering, biology, etc.) may still recommend or require an ACT science score. This is similar to how some schools formerly required the optional ACT writing test. • Example patterns from early reporting showed: ◦ Some universities (e.g., Boston University) reportedly want students to submit ACT science scores. ◦ Others (e.g., some Ivies or test-optional schools) list science as optional or not considered. (Note: Specific college policies are evolving, so the above examples may not reflect the current status at every school.) Practical Guidance for Students ✔ Check Requirements for Each College • Always look at each college’s official admissions page or contact admissions directly to confirm whether they require or recommend the optional science score. ✔ When You Should Take the Science Section Consider taking the science section if: • You’re applying to STEM majors (biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, computer science, etc.). • One of your target colleges specifically wants it. • You feel confident that a strong science score will help your application. ✔ When You Might Skip It Students might skip it if: • Your target schools don’t require or seriously consider the science score. • You prefer a shorter test with less time studying for science. You want to avoid dealing with an extra separate score that won’t affect your main Composite score. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT Inc, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.

For years, 529 college savings plans were mainly used for tuition, room and board, and limited K–12 expenses. That changed recently. New federal legislation expanded what qualifies as a tax-free 529 expense, making these plans even more useful for families preparing students for college. As of mid 2025, families can now use 529 funds to pay for SAT and ACT test preparation, opening the door to using college savings earlier in a student’s academic journey. What’s New With 529 Plans Federal law now allows 529 plan funds to be used for a broader range of education-related expenses. This expansion applies to distributions made on or after July 4, 2025. Qualified expenses now include SAT and ACT test prep courses, standardized test fees such as the SAT, ACT, and AP exams, academic tutoring outside of traditional tuition, curriculum materials and instructional tools, dual enrollment fees for college courses taken in high school, and educational therapy for students with learning differences. This means families can use 529 funds for formal test prep programs, private tutoring, and structured academic support without paying federal income tax on the withdrawal, as long as the expenses qualify. What Counts as SAT and ACT Test Prep Eligible test prep expenses generally include enrollment in in-person or online prep courses, private or group tutoring sessions focused on test performance, practice exams, and official study materials, and academic coaching specifically designed for standardized testing. It is important that these services are clearly educational in nature. Families should keep detailed receipts and invoices that show what services were provided and when they occurred. Annual Limits to Know About There are still limits on how much can be used each year for K–12 related expenses. For 2025, families may use up to $10,000 per student per year for qualified K–12 expenses, including tutoring and test prep. Beginning in 2026, this annual limit increases to $20,000 per student. These limits apply per beneficiary, not per account. State Tax Rules Matter While this change applies at the federal level, state tax treatment can vary. Some states automatically conform to federal rules, while others require additional guidance before offering state tax benefits for newly eligible expenses. Before withdrawing funds, families should check with their 529 plan administrator or a tax professional to confirm how their state handles these expanded expenses. Why This Change Is a Big Deal SAT and ACT prep courses often cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Being able to use 529 funds for these expenses can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. This update also allows families to use 529 savings earlier, supports students during a critical college preparation stage, and adds flexibility to how education savings are used. A Simple Example If a family spends $1,500 on an SAT prep course for a high school student, that cost can now be paid for using 529 funds. As long as the expense qualifies and documentation is kept, the withdrawal can be federal tax-free and applied toward the annual K–12 limit. Final Takeaway 529 plans are no longer just for college tuition. With the expanded rules, they can now help families cover important college readiness expenses like SAT and ACT prep. To make the most of this update, families should confirm eligible expenses with their plan provider, save all receipts, and consult a tax professional if questions arise. With careful planning, 529 savings can now support students well before their first day on campus. Ready to put your 529 plan to work? Enroll now for SAT and ACT test prep at Homework Hub by visiting homeworkhubtutoring.com or calling (631) 673-7250 to get started today.

As parents, we all want our children to feel confident and successful in school. Sometimes, though, even bright and hardworking students can fall behind or struggle with certain subjects. Below are key indicators your child might benefit from a tutor—and signs it’s time to act. Common Signs Your Child Might Need Extra Help Falling or Inconsistent Grades
 If your child’s grades are dropping or fluctuating, it may mean they’re not fully understanding the material. Homework is Always a Battle
 If homework is taking too long, causing stress, or if your child needs a lot of help to get through it, tutoring could help things run more smoothly. Loss of confidence or interest in school If your child says things like “I’m just bad at this” or seems anxious or frustrated with school, they may feel overwhelmed or left behind. Trouble Staying Organized
 Forgetting assignments, losing worksheets, or missing deadlines could mean your child needs help with time management and study skills. Acting Out or Zoning Out in Class If your child used to enjoy school but now seems bored, distracted, or is having behavior issues, they might be struggling quietly. Big Changes Coming Up Moving to a new grade, harder subjects, or preparing for important tests can all be good times to get extra support. How Tutoring Can Help With one-on-one attention or small groups, a tutor can focus on your child’s unique learning needs and help explain things in a way that makes sense to them. Instead of just giving answers, tutors teach problem-solving skills and help students understand how to approach their work with confidence. They also help build strong study habits, time management, and organization skills that are important for long-term success. Why Choose Homework Hub? At Homework Hub, we work with students from Pre-K through College and Beyond in-person, online, or at your home. Our caring, experienced, and certified instructors will build your child’s confidence and help them succeed in school. Our HwH program is designed to support your school district's curriculum. It focuses on what your child is already learning in school, helping to reinforce lessons and fill in any gaps so they don’t fall behind. Our HwH+ program is designed for students who are below or above grade level and need individualized instruction. Curriculum is designed to supplement a child’s education, offering intervention and enrichment. If you’ve noticed any of these signs or just want to give your child a boost, we’d love to help. Visit homeworkhubtutoring.com to learn more or get started today!

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This week, the ten-year Treasury bill auction set the rates for federal education loans that will be disbursed between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. They have hit all-time lows and will make financing a college education a little less painful.

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Deciding whether your child should take the ACT or SAT can feel overwhelming. Both are widely accepted by colleges, but the exams differ in format, pacing, and style. The right choice often depends on the way your child learns, how comfortable they are with technology, and where their academic strengths lie...