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Timeline for Taking the SAT or ACT

September 10, 2022 By Jolyn Brand

The SAT and the ACT are very different college entrance exams and most colleges are now accepting both. This has led to most students taking both the SAT and the ACT tests, although that is not required or suggested by many professionals in the college admissions field. Junior and senior year of high school are already very busy times so planning ahead really helps! When should my child take the SAT or ACT? While it looks like there are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ACT and SAT, For Juniors, For Seniors Tagged With: ACT, college acceptance, college advice, SAT, scholarships

Does the PSAT Matter? Should You Prepare?

September 5, 2022 By Jolyn Brand

The PSAT will be given to area high school juniors (and younger students in some districts) on Wednesday, October 16.  But does this test really matter? Should you take it seriously? Is it something students should prepare for so that you do well? Do Colleges Care About the PSAT? The PSAT is not used directly by colleges and universities when they make their college admissions decisions. Your acceptance or rejection into college … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ACT and SAT, FAQ's, For Juniors Tagged With: college acceptance, college admissions, College tests, national merit, PSAT

SAT and ACT Test Dates for 2022-2023

July 26, 2022 By Jolyn Brand

SAT is administered by the College Board- https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat ACT website for registration- https://www.act.org/ … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ACT and SAT, For Juniors, Upcoming Events Tagged With: ACT test dates, college advice, college applications, college consultant, College tests, SAT test dates

PSAT Scores Release Dates

November 10, 2020 By Jolyn Brand

What to Do When Your PSAT Scores Come In Have you gotten your PSAT scores back? Scores from the October 2020 PSAT will be released on different days, depending on the area of the country. Texas students should get their scores on December 8, while students in the northwest will get scores on December 7. No matter what your scores are, now is not the time to gloat, panic, or feel indifferent. Your scores can give you an insight into potential SAT … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ACT and SAT, FAQ's, For Juniors Tagged With: college, college applications, college consultant, college help, PSAT, PSAT scoring, SAT

News about SAT and ACT Tests

June 15, 2020 By Jolyn Brand

Update June 2020: The ACT has decided to add 3 new test dates to Fall 2020. Registration opens the last week of July. Mark your calendars! September Saturday, September 12 Sunday, September 13 Saturday, September 19 (new test date) October Saturday, October 10 (new test date)Saturday, October 17 (new test date)Saturday, October 24Sunday, October 25  … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ACT and SAT, FAQ's Tagged With: ACT changes, College tests, SAT

Do I have to include the essay on the SAT or ACT?

September 19, 2019 By Jolyn Brand

The essay portion on the SAT and ACT is confusing for many students and families. It is optional and can be added while registering for a test date. So the question I hear a lot is: Do I have to do the essay on the SAT or ACT? Unfortunately, the answer is 'it depends'. Only a small number of colleges require or recommend the writing score from the SAT or ACT test, so most students do not need to include the optional writing on the tests. The … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ACT and SAT Tagged With: ACT, ACT essay, college advice, SAT or ACT, SAT prep

Can my ACT score get me a scholarship?

June 22, 2019 By Jolyn Brand

Guest post by: David Recine, Magoosh The link between ACT scores and getting accepted into school is obvious. Meet a school’s expectations, and you’ll get in. But what about the connection between ACT scores and paying for school once you’re accepted? That is never quite so obvious. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at how your ACT score can translate into money in your pocket… or at least, money applied to your tuition bill. Which … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ACT and SAT Tagged With: ACT, college acceptance, college advice, college financial aid, scholarships

How to Improve SAT or ACT Reading Scores

March 20, 2018 By Jolyn Brand

Vocabulary isn't as critical on the SAT/ACT anymore, but to improve reading comprehension and speed, I usually recommend kids do 2-3 of the items on this list for several months before the test: Read the New York Times (or other higher-level newspaper) once a week. You can get Sunday delivery or order digital access online. Students should highlight words they don't know, look them up, then read it again, then explain the news to someone … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ACT and SAT Tagged With: ACT reading, SAT, test prep

What is a good SAT or ACT score?

November 15, 2017 By Jolyn Brand

Well, it depends. It depends on the colleges you're applying to, the majors you're selecting, and scholarship goals. Here are average SAT and ACT scores for a few colleges: … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ACT and SAT, FAQ's

ACT Adding New Summer Test Date

February 21, 2017 By Jolyn Brand

Beginning in 2018,  ACT will begin offering students a chance to take the ACT over the summer, starting July 2018. This new test date will increase the number of test dates from six to seven dates each year. To accommodate the new summer testing date, the test will be offered at local community colleges annd university campuses, instead of high schools that traditionally offer the tests during the school year. “Students, educators and colleges … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ACT and SAT Tagged With: ACT, ACT scores, ACT test dates

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Our experience with Jolly Brand was exceptional.
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Our experience with Jolyn Brand was exceptional. She was very responsive to us and offered valuable guidance throughout the college preparation and application process. My daughter got in to all of the schools in which she applied, even her stretch school. We credit Jolyn with helping us to make sure her resume, application and essays were top notch.
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Brand College Consulting was GREAT for our son! We met Ms. Brand when my son was in 7th grade! We saw her for an hour consult yearly to help him select his classes, plus a little algebra tutoring in high school. He was ahead of others course-wise and we were able to get 21 hours dual credit in high school, he made the Dean's List, Phi Theta Kappa, and Natl Society of High School Scholars. We are a family of Texas State Bobcats and it's very competitive now to get in but he did and we are thrilled! I recommend Ms. Brand and her services! Marylee Olson, Silverlake, Pearland (Dawson High School)
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My youngest daughter attended tutorial services with Ms. Brand. Due to the exemplary, SAT preparation services, my daughter was accepted into several top colleges including the University of Houston, Texas State, Lamar University, and Sam Houston. As a college student, she received scholarships and has been on the Dean's list every semester. Ms. Brand instilled confidence in my daughter. I will be forever grateful.
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Client Testimonials

avatarJolyn is extremely knowledgeable about the process and about schools in Texas and beyond. She is straight forward and on point concerning what is required and when. Great at editing essays and making suggestions as to additional content. Jolyn is very responsive to your inquiries and keeps things moving along. My advice is to be sure to start the process as early as possible and call Jolyn.

Gail Utter
Parent of a new Texas A&M student!!
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About Jolyn Brand

Jolyn is a certified teacher who holds a Doctorate in Higher Education from Northeastern University. After years of experience teaching high school and college students, she began assisting with the college process. She's the founder of Brand College Consulting and works with families across the country virtually. A note from Jolyn: I started working with low-income high school students in … More...

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Recent Articles

  • Common Application Essays for Class of 2024
  • Spring To Do List For Juniors
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  • Timeline for Taking the SAT or ACT
  • Does the PSAT Matter? Should You Prepare?
  • SAT and ACT Test Dates for 2022-2023
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