Podcast Summary: Cracking the Code – Test Prep Expert Brian Bibler Explains the SAT and ACT

Podcast: Duologue with Leslie Heaney
Host: Leslie Heaney
Guest: Brian Bibler, Co-Founder and CEO of 36 Education
Date: April 1, 2026

Episode Overview

In this highly informative episode, Leslie Heaney sits down with test prep expert Brian Bibler to demystify the SAT and ACT for students and parents navigating the ever-evolving landscape of college admissions. The conversation explores the history, structure, and recent changes to both tests; how to determine which is best for an individual student; practical advice on preparation, strategies, and super scoring; accommodations for learning differences; and valuable low-cost resources. The dialogue is engaging, straightforward, and packed with expert tips and candid reflections.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Origins and Philosophy of the SAT and ACT

• SAT: Designed in the 1920s, modeled after general intelligence tests; originally aimed to measure "innate aptitude." (04:00)
  • “The SAT has classically been more of an aptitude test, sort of how well you can reason and problem-solve with information.” – Brian (02:13)
• ACT: Launched in 1959 as a counter to the SAT’s aptitude focus; emphasizes achievement and content mastery. (12:34)
  • “The ACT was created explicitly to test achievement, content mastery of material that students would be expected to see in high school.” – Brian (12:42)

2. Current Test Structures and Content

SAT (Post-2024 Redesign)

• All digital and adaptive.
• Four sections: Two reading and writing, two math.
• Reading and Writing: Divided between vocabulary, reading comprehension, logical reasoning, grammar, transitions, and synthesis of background notes. (07:45-09:12)
  • “The most recent addition… is a suite of logical reasoning questions… similar to law school admissions test questions.” – Brian (07:56)
• Math: Focus on algebra, some geometry, trigonometry, statistics; emphasis on algebra skills. (09:30)
  • “The real focus of the SAT math is on algebra skills… it makes up the bulk of the test.” – Brian (09:37)
• Adaptive: First module performance affects difficulty of subsequent modules. (04:00)

ACT

• Four sections: English, Math, Reading, and now-optional Science.
• English: Grammar, essay editing, content/relevance.
• Math: Covers pre-algebra through algebra 2 and some pre-calc/trig.
• Reading: Longer passages, more straightforward and concrete.
• Science: Optional since 2025, no longer part of composite. (39:52)
  • “Your composite score is made up of only English, math and reading.” – Brian (39:55)

3. Choosing Between SAT and ACT

• Take diagnostic tests for both to see which feels better and yields higher results. (15:46, 20:53)
• SAT suits students with strong verbal/abstract reasoning and comfort with novel problems (less time pressure); ACT suits those with strong content mastery and fast processing.
  • “If you’re comfortable in more ambiguous questions where you have to ultimately make a gut decision, that’s more of an SAT profile… ACT is much faster paced.” – Brian (17:32)
• ACT is currently offered in both paper and digital; SAT is only digital. (18:41)
  • “Personally… I think the paper and pencil version of the ACT is advantageous for students versus the digital version.” – Brian (19:05)

4. Scoring and Test Strategies

• No guessing penalty on either test; always fill in every question. (22:33)
  • “Both SAT and ACT currently have no guessing penalty… even doing some process of elimination or educated guessing is great.” – Brian (22:52)
• No statistically “best” answer choice to blindly guess—pick your favorite or a pattern. (23:27)
• Modern SAT scoring is more complex (adaptive, digital, question weighting); ACT is more straightforward and consistent. (56:05)

5. Test Preparation Timeline & Approach

• Ideal: Start summer after sophomore year; focus on fundamentals; plan for multiple real test sittings. (25:07, 27:48)
  • “I really prefer having students start the summer after their sophomore year… taking the test multiple times is really important.” – Brian (25:13, 26:54)
• Preparation: Typical is 1 x 90-minute tutoring session/week + 2-3 hours homework/practice; takes six to nine months. (53:10)
• Hard to “cram”—spaced, consistent prep is key. (27:48, 53:10)

6. Score Selection & Superscoring

• Most schools accept super scores (best section scores across multiple sittings), except for outliers like Georgetown.
• Always check individual college policies. (44:21)
  • “[Super scoring] is essentially… you can combine your best individual performances on sections from across your testing to assemble your best overall result.” – Brian (44:21)

7. Performance Expectations & Score Improvements

• Ivy/Top Tier schools: 1540+ SAT, or 35+ ACT typical for non-recruited applicants. (46:33)
• Typical improvement: National average is 40 SAT points/1 ACT point per retake, but dedicated prep can yield 100–150 SAT points/3–4 ACT points or more, particularly for students starting lower. (49:33)
  • “Our kids are getting about halfway from their starting point to the perfect score on SAT and about 2/3 of the way… on the ACT.” – Brian (51:11)

8. Digital Testing Tools and Desmos

• Both digital SAT and ACT include the Desmos online graphing calculator, which is "drastically more effective" than handheld calculators. (35:18, 36:27)
  • “The number one thing on the SAT math section… is getting as familiar with the Desmos calculator as possible.” – Brian (35:31)

9. Accommodations for Learning Differences

• Both tests grant accommodations aligned with school plans (504/IEP), but ACT’s threshold is higher, especially at private schools. (58:49)
• Early diagnosis and school-sanctioned plans are essential for timely approvals. (61:28)
• If denied, there is an appeals process—provide detailed, personal evidence, not just test-based need for accommodations. (63:50, 65:50)
  • “Do not tell them you need to do better on the act and so you need accommodations.” – Brian (68:59)

10. Test Prep Resources & Recommendations

• Working with a private tutor: Assess philosophy, communication skills, and rapport with your student. (71:08)
• Low/no-cost prep:
  • SAT: Loads of official College Board practice tests; Khan Academy partnership (personalized feedback, scaffolding).
  • ACT: Fewer official free resources, but some provided through ACT’s website and Kaplan.
  • Look for AI-powered tools for skills drills and tailored practice. (71:08)
  • Desmos calculator tips/tutorials available online. (74:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The SAT is just less concrete and has more abstract reasoning. So thinking outside the box is rewarded on that test, but speed is at much less of a premium.” – Brian (16:41)
• “On ACT… it’s a lot harder to finish… on time. That is a big factor here.” – Brian (17:44)
• “Guess something on every question before the time runs out… Even doing some process of elimination or educated guessing is great.” – Brian (22:33)
• “[Desmos] will solve more than half the questions on the SAT math section if you know how to use it.” – Brian (35:31)
• "Do not tell them you need to do better on the act and so you need accommodations." – Brian (68:59)
• “There’s no substitute for effort and intention.” – Brian (52:11)

Timestamps of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Topic | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:09 | History & contrast of SAT vs. ACT | | 04:00 | SAT redesign—digital, adaptive, scoring | | 07:45 | SAT reading/writing and math breakdown | | 10:09 | ACT structure & content | | 12:34 | ACT origins and regional use | | 15:46 | How to choose between SAT and ACT | | 22:33 | Test scoring & guessing strategies | | 25:07 | When and how to start preparing for standardized tests | | 31:44 | Score reporting, super scores, and college policies | | 35:18 | Desmos calculator—use and advantages | | 39:52 | ACT Science and Writing—optional and relevance | | 44:21 | What is superscoring? | | 46:33 | Scores expected at highly selective/Ivy-level colleges | | 53:10 | Typical prep schedules and effort | | 58:49 | Learning differences and accommodations process | | 71:08 | Tutor selection advice & free/low-cost prep recommendations | | 74:20 | Desmos tutorials and tips |

Tone & Style

• The tone is conversational but clear and direct.
• Leslie brings warmth, humor, and relatable confessions (“I was not in the 1500 club…”).
• Brian offers practical, jargon-free, occasionally candid advice and marches through complex content methodically.
• The dialogue is informative, occasionally self-deprecating, empathic to student stressors, and affirming for all listeners—regardless of where they are in the testing journey.

Summary Takeaway

Whether you’re a student unsure where to start or a parent overwhelmed by stories of ever-escalating college admissions standards, this episode delivers clear, level-headed guidance. Key takeaways: Understand both tests, experiment to find your best fit, start early, practice consistently (using practice tests, Desmos, and free resources!), don’t stress about guessing or minor score fluctuations, check college policies for superscoring, and seek school-sanctioned accommodations early if needed. Remember: The SAT and ACT are tests—you can study and get better at them, and no score determines your worth or your options.