All Articles & Guides

Step-by-step guides, study tips, and explainers written by Mr. Neal — a certified teacher and Notre Dame Electrical Engineering graduate. Free to read.

Featured Pillar Guides

SAT & ACT Prep

• How to Study for the SAT — A Realistic 12-Week Plan
• How to Improve Your SAT Score by 100 Points
• How to Use Desmos on the Digital SAT (5 Time-Saving Tricks)
• How to Read and Annotate a SAT Reading Passage in 3 Minutes
• How to Pick the Right Calculator for High School Math

Algebra & Pre-Calculus

• How to Solve Quadratic Equations: 4 Methods Every Student Should Know
• How to Solve Systems of Equations (3 Methods)
• How to Factor Polynomials — Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Find the Domain of a Function (With Examples)
• Understanding Functions: The Single Most Useful Math Idea
• 5 Common Algebra Mistakes (And How to Stop Making Them)
• How to Memorize the Unit Circle (Without Brute Force)
• Should You Take Pre-Calculus or Skip to Calculus?
• How to Help Your Kid with Algebra (Even If You Forgot It)

Calculus & Higher Math

• What’s a Limit in Calculus? (Plain English)
• How to Find a Derivative — Beginner’s Guide
• How to Solve Related Rates Problems in Calculus
• AP Calculus AB vs BC: What’s the Difference?
• How to Get Started with AP Statistics
• Permutations vs Combinations: What’s the Difference?

Word Problems & Math Habits

• How to Solve Word Problems: A 5-Step Method
• How to Show Your Work in Math (And Why It Matters)
• How to Get Better at Mental Math (5 Tricks)
• How to Use a Graphing Calculator (Calculator Skills 101)
• How to Read a Physics Word Problem
• How to Catch Up in Math When You’re Behind

Spanish & French

• Ser vs Estar: The 5-Minute Explanation
• How to Master the Subjunctive in Spanish
• How to Memorize Spanish Verb Conjugations
• How to Memorize Spanish Vocabulary Fast
• How Long Does It Take to Become Conversational in Spanish?
• How to Get Started Learning French (4-Step Beginner Plan)

Coding & Computer Science

• How to Learn Python as a High Schooler (90-Day Plan)

Study Skills & Habits

• How to Set Up Your Study Space (5 Things That Actually Help)
• How to Stay Focused While Studying
• How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework (5 Tactics)
• Why Spaced Repetition Beats Cramming
• How to Take Better Notes
• How to Take Notes in a Lecture (3 Methods)
• How to Study for a Big Math Test in 7 Days
• Khan Academy vs Paid Tutoring
• How to Use Khan Academy Effectively
• How to Read Faster Without Losing Comprehension
• How to Read a Chapter in a Textbook (5 Steps)
• How to Plan a Group Study Session

Test Anxiety, Mindset, & Recovery

• How to Beat Math Anxiety: 5 Tactics That Work
• How to Manage Test Anxiety
• How to Recover from a Bad Grade
• What to Do If You’re Failing a Class

College Planning

• How to Write a Strong College Application Essay
• How to Pick a College Major: 5 Honest Questions
• How to Choose AP Classes (A Practical Framework)
• What Makes a Good Tutor (And How to Choose One)

For Parents

• How to Help Your Child with Math Homework (Without Doing It for Them)
• How to Help Your Kid with Algebra