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...]
AP Scores Available Online
For the first time, AP scores will be available to students online for free. In the past, students have had to wait through most of July to receive their scores which were only available by paper. CollegeBoard will no longer be sending paper score reports to homes by mail. As of July 2013, students will be able to access their scores online through the CollegeBoard. Students must have a CollegeBoard account, as well as their AP number to … [Read more...]
Another Happy College Consulting Client!
"Mrs. Brand is a great counselor. We found her through the internet. She has helped in giving me a detailed schedule for my college applications, and create deadlines for all my applications. She is very flexible, and definitely knows her stuff!" -Balark Chethan, class of 2014 student client "My daughter enjoyed prepping for her SAT test with Jolyn. I really appreciated the personal attention she was given. I have known Jolyn on a personal … [Read more...]
Houston NAWBO honors Jolyn Brand as a Finalist for Women Business Owner of the Year Award
The Houston Chapter of NAWBO, National Association of Women Business Owners, holds an annual gala and honors women in business with an award. The 19th annual gala was held on October 25, 2012 at The Houston Club. The WBOY is the only award given to women business owners by women business owners. To be nominated for this prestigious award, participants must demonstrate: excellence as a business owner, initiative and creativity in overcoming … [Read more...]
What are the SAT IIs and Does Your Child Need to Take Them?
The College Board, the creator of the original SAT, has also created SAT IIs, better known as SAT Subject Tests to help students showcase their knowledge in certain subject areas. These Subject Tests are the only national college admissions tests where the students get to choose which subject they want to be tested on. SAT Subject Tests allow students to set themselves apart from other applicants and send a “send a strong message regarding … [Read more...]
More Texas Students Take the SAT But Scores Decline
Students take either the SAT or the ACT during junior and senior year of high school in order to get into college. In Texas, more and more students are choosing to participate in this testing, but, unfortunately, their scores are falling. The College Board, who administers the test, released a report last Monday that show the national and state average for all test takers. Texas, just like many of the states, showed an increase in … [Read more...]
What It Means To Be a Private College Counselor or Consultant
As an independent college consultant, I love meeting potential new clients and students. One of the things that I’m learning very quickly while networking and introducing myself is that most people don’t really understand what I DO. Most of the other networkers fit into well-known descriptions: lawyers, realtors, financial planners, and sales reps. I find myself explaining not only what I do, but why it’s important and necessary. Many people … [Read more...]
My daughter isn’t interested in applying to very selective colleges. Do you work with students applying to a range of schools?
As a College Consultant, my job and passion is to find the right college and major for each individual student. Every year, I work with students who are in the top 5% of their class and want to attend Ivy League universities, students in the top quarter who go to state private or public universities, students who want to start at community colleges, and students who would prefer trade or vocational schools instead of a ‘typical’ … [Read more...]
