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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

5 Things to Do the Summer Before Going Off To College

December 5, 2020 By Jolyn Brand

Congratulations! You've just graduated from high school and have been accepted to a university (or several!) You've worked hard and should enjoy your last summer at home before going off to college. You may feel like being "lazy" before classes and your busy freshmen year begins; by all means, relax, but there are several things that you should concentrate on over the summer, while you still have time! 1. Get organized. If you don't already … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For Seniors Tagged With: college, college acceptance, college admissions, college advice, college consultant, college students

I got offered Blinn TEAM at A&M but what does that mean?

March 16, 2020 By Jolyn Brand

Texas A&M is releasing final admissions decisions soon for students who applied for Fall 2018. If you got accepted, congratulations! There are also several other pathways that might be offered: Aggie Gateway to Success is a summer provisional admission program that gives students a unique chance to gain full admission to the university the following fall semester. This is a rare offer in which Gateway students who successfully complete … [Read more...]

Filed Under: FAQ's, For Seniors Tagged With: college acceptance, college admissions, college advice, college applications, college consultant, Houston colleges, TAMU, Texas A&M, Texas blinn

High School Seniors College Checklist for Spring

January 1, 2020 By Jolyn Brand

The last two years have been spent getting students ready for college admissions. Applications, essays, financial aid documents all done. Your child got college acceptance letters and after careful evaluation, finally picked the college he or she will be attending! Yay! But wait, the work is not done yet, here is our college checklist for seniors: The college application process is a long and arduous one.  Once the final acceptance … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For Seniors Tagged With: campus visits, college acceptance, college admissions, College Checklist, College Offers, college students, financial aid, Selecting Colleges, University And College Admissions

Is your high school counselor an expert on college admissions?

November 14, 2019 By Jolyn Brand

Is your teenager’s high school counselor an expert on college? Probably not. In fact, the odds are high that your high school counselor’s knowledge about college admission strategies, standardized testing and scholarships, and financial aid is limited.  Ironically, during this period of increasing college costs, financial aid is often the subject that high school counselors know the least about. Many high school counselors are unfortunately … [Read more...]

Filed Under: FAQ's Tagged With: college acceptance, college admissions, college advice, college consultant, college counselor, help with high school, high school counselor

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

When should you submit those college applications?

May 17, 2019 By Jolyn Brand

The short answer: as soon as possible. Most colleges start accepting applications August 1 or during the Fall semester of senior year. Even for colleges with Spring deadlines, it is strongly encouraged to submit applications during the Fall semester in order to be considered for scholarships. Plus, students who apply early are usually the ones who get a decision early! New Announcement: The Apply Texas application will open July 1st instead of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: FAQ's, For Seniors Tagged With: college, college acceptance, college admissions, college advice, college applications, college counselor, early action, early decision, regular admissions, rolling admissions

What AP Score Do I Need?

April 19, 2019 By Jolyn Brand

Many students who take AP classes and exams are asking this question: Is my AP score good enough? The answer is complicated. AP scores are on a simple 5 point scale, but colleges are allowed to decide for themselves what score is required to get credit. The College Board defines the scores as follows: 5 - Extremely well qualified to receive college credit 4 - Well qualified to receive college credit 3 - Qualified to receive college … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For Juniors, For Seniors Tagged With: AP exams, college acceptance, college admissions, college advice, college consultant, Houston colleges, Houston universities, Texas A&M, University of Texas

Student’s and Parent’s Responsibilities in College Planning

November 24, 2018 By Jolyn Brand

Responsibilities of Students and Families While working with the college consultant, families and students have certain responsibilities in order to help the process run smoothly.  The consultant's job includes guiding the student and family through selecting colleges, applying to those college, through the financial aid process, and to assist with college essays and scholarships. It is not within the consultant's services to write essays, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: FAQ's, For Juniors, For Seniors Tagged With: college acceptance, college advice, college applications, college consultant, college counselor, University And College Admissions

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Joel Delgado
Joel Delgado
16:37 27 Sep 19
Our experience with Jolly Brand was exceptional.
Jacob Gunter
Jacob Gunter
04:27 06 Jul 19
Shannon Robbins
Shannon Robbins
16:26 14 Apr 17
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.
Marylee Olson
Marylee Olson
00:29 08 Mar 17
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)
Chaplain Forever
Chaplain Forever
23:49 05 Oct 16
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 works hard to make you succeed in what ever field you look in to. Jolyn is very sincere and always helps you to understand and learn new things every time you come to her. I would recommend her to almost every one I know.

Carlos Beven
Friendswood High School student, class of 2013
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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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  • Timeline for Taking the SAT or ACT
  • Does the PSAT Matter? Should You Prepare?
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