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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

The New ACT Essay

November 10, 2015 By Jolyn Brand

The ACT Writing section (aka the essay) is new for the 2015-2016 school year.  What’s the difference between the old and new ACT essay question? The old essay prompt was relevant to teenage issues and asked students to consider issues such as student dress code, curfew,  whether or not students should be required to take PE or arts classes, or even whether or not texting while driving laws should be enforced. In other words, as the ACT puts it, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ACT and SAT, FAQ's Tagged With: ACT changes, ACT essay, ACT scores, ACT scores for college, ACT scoring, ACT writing, college admissions, college advice, SAT, SAT or ACT

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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

Jolyn Brand is an excellent source for students pursuing college after high school. She guides students, (and parents) through the required processes with compassion and helps with comprehending the importance of submitting documents early and on time. She helped with scheduling tutoring and was always available when needed.

With her help, my daughter was accepted to six different colleges and received several scholarships awards. We are very grateful for her assistance and hope we can stay in touch with her through the college years.

Elizabeth Fisher
Class of 2016 parent
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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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