When Is the NY State Test in 2026? Full Schedule, Format & What Parents Need to Know

When does the 2026 NY State Test happen? Late April through early May. Full schedule, scoring scale, format changes, and how to prep without burning out your child.
K-12 Reading List by Grade Level
Grade-by-grade book recommendations from kindergarten through 12th grade — curated by educators to build skills, vocabulary, and lifelong readers.
ACT vs. SAT 2026–2027: Which Test Is Right for You?
The ACT and SAT have both changed. Compare formats, timing, and scoring for 2026–2027 to find the right test for your student.
Breaking Physics: How Milano Cortina 2026 is the Ultimate STEM Lab

If you’ve been watching the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games this week, you’ve seen more than jaw dropping highlights. You’ve seen physics operating at its limits. From the spin mechanics behind Ilia Malinin’s quadruple jumps to Jordan Stolz’s drag minimizing speed and Choi Gaon’s energy boosting halfpipe technique, these athletes are not defying science. They are mastering it. Here is how the Olympics transform abstract formulas into real, unforgettable STEM lessons for your student.
In a World of Endless Streaming, One Channel is Still King for Kids. Here’s Why.

Let’s be real. When it comes to your kids screen time, the options are overwhelming. Between Netflix, Disney+, YouTube Kids, and a million apps, it feels like a digital free-for-all. So what if I told you that one old-school channel is still quietly winning the race? A fascinating new analysis from The Conversation found that […]
A Founder’s View: The 2025 Education Research Initiatives at WashU That Excite Me Most

A Founder’s View: The 2025 Education Research Initiatives at WashU That Excite Me Most By Jeremy M. Fine, Founder of ConnectPrep & Washington University Alumnus As a proud alumnus of Washington University in St. Louis and the founder of ConnectPrep, I’ve seen firsthand how groundbreaking research can transform classrooms. In 2025, WashU’s education community is […]
How AI Is Transforming the College Application Process

Published & Updated: July 23rd, 2025 | By Jeremy Fine I’ve been working with students and families at ConnectPrep for years, guiding them through every twist and turn of the college admissions journey. But in an age when AI is rewriting the rules of learning and work, our admissions process is due for a radical […]
How to Stand Out in the 2025 College Admissions Cycle: 7 Innovative Strategies from ConnectPrep

1. Leverage AI‑Driven Diagnostics for Test Prep Modern admissions tests reward precision and consistency. At ConnectPrep, we use AI diagnostics to: Identify weak spots down to the sub‑skill level (e.g., “identifying parallel structure” vs. general grammar). Generate adaptive practice that evolves as you improve—mirroring the AI trends outlined by EdTech Magazine. (EdTech Mag) Track progress with visual dashboards so […]
Navigating the Financial Aid Appeals Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding how to navigate the financial aid appeals process is crucial for students and families facing financial hurdles. With rising education costs, securing additional financial aid can make a significant difference with your tuition amount. This guide outlines key steps and strategies to effectively appeal your financial aid package. Understand the Basis for Appeal Start […]
Preparing for the New Digital SAT with ConnectPrep

The SAT, a critical component of college admissions in the United States, is undergoing a significant transformation. Starting in March 2024, the traditional paper-and-pencil format will be replaced by a digital version, marking a pivotal shift in how students prepare for and take the exam. This change, as reported by USA Today, reflects the evolving […]