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The HPT Blog

Tips, strategies, and hard-won insights from our team of expert tutors, written to help students study smarter, test better, and build real confidence.

A high school student and tutor compare AP Calculus AB and BC with textbooks and a whiteboard listing course topics.
Subjects

AP Calculus AB vs BC: Which Is Right for Your Student?

Compare AP Calculus AB vs BC by content, pace, prerequisites, and college credit to choose a course your student can handle well.

Nov 02, 2026 · 7 min read
A high school student and tutor explore physics using a ramp model and a whiteboard diagram.
Subjects

How to Get Better at Physics: Go Beyond Memorizing

Learn how to get better at physics with clearer diagrams, smarter practice, and a practical check of the math underneath.

Oct 30, 2026 · 7 min read
The formulas provided on the SAT vs the concepts you need to know.
Test Prep

The SAT Math Formulas to Memorize (and the Ones They Give You)

Learn which SAT math formulas to memorize, which Bluebook provides, and how to practice using both on the digital SAT.

Oct 29, 2026 · 8 min read
A high school student practices chemistry problems beside a weekly study plan and a chemistry textbook.
Subjects

How to Study for Chemistry Without Cramming

Learn how to study for chemistry with spaced practice, a problem-solving routine, and a plan for finding the concepts you need to …

Oct 28, 2026 · 7 min read
A tutor reviews a high school student's math work, with calculus and algebra books highlighting foundational skills.
Subjects

Why Is Calculus So Hard? Check the Foundations First

Why is calculus so hard? Learn how to separate algebra gaps from calculus confusion and choose practice that addresses the real problem.

Oct 26, 2026 · 6 min read
How to Get Better at Algebra (Even If You Hate It)
Subjects

How to Get Better at Algebra (Even If You Hate It)

How to get better at algebra when you hate it: the skills it really rests on, the gap that sinks most students, …

Sep 29, 2026 · 8 min read
A Good ACT Score Depends on One Question Most Families Forget to Ask
Test Prep

A Good ACT Score Depends on One Question Most Families Forget to Ask

What is a good ACT score? It depends on your colleges, not a magic number. Here's how to think about it, with …

Sep 28, 2026 · 7 min read
Parenting

My Child Is Failing Math. First, Breathe. Then Do This.

If your child is failing math, don't panic. Here's the calm, concrete plan I've used to turn F's into passing grades for …

Sep 28, 2026 · 8 min read
There's No Such Thing as a Math Person
Parenting

There's No Such Thing as a Math Person

Worried your child is bad at math? After 20 years of teaching, I can tell you the "math person" myth is wrong. …

Sep 25, 2026 · 8 min read
Deciding whether to take the SAT for a test optional school
College Admissions

Test-Optional Doesn't Mean Test-Irrelevant

What test optional colleges really mean, the data on submitters vs. non-submitters, and how to decide whether to send your SAT score.

Sep 23, 2026 · 7 min read
College Admissions Meeting
College Admissions

What Do Colleges Actually Look For? Here's the Honest Breakdown

What do colleges look for? After helping hundreds of families through applications, here's the honest weight on transcript, tests, activities, and letters.

Sep 23, 2026 · 7 min read
Taking the digital SAT
Test Prep

The SAT Is Now Digital and Adaptive. Don't Panic.

The digital SAT is shorter, adaptive, and taken on a laptop. Here's what actually changed for prep and what didn't.

Sep 21, 2026 · 8 min read
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