College Prep — Test Prep Tutor Blog | Clear Choice Test Prep

The Real Differences Between College Testing Policies: A Tutor’s Guide

A clear guide to test-optional, test-blind, test-flexible, and other college testing policies—plus how to explain each one to your clients.

Why 10th Grade Is the New Starting Line for College Planning

Learn why college planning should start in 10th grade, and how early guidance leads to stronger college applicants, better test scores, and less stress later.

Matt McCorkleNovember 25, 2025Sophomore Year, College Planning, College Prep, College Fit, Prepping for College, 10th Grade, Supporting Clients, Supporting Students, Supporting Parents, College, Test Prep

The Advantages of Applying to 70+ HBCUs Through the Common Black College Application (CBCA)

Explore how the Common Black College Application (CBCA) streamlines admission to 70+ HBCUs for just $20—essential insights for test-prep tutors guiding students through HBCU applications.

Matt McCorkleOctober 28, 2025HBCU, CBCA, Common Black College App, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, College Applications, College Students, College Planning, College Prep, College List, College Admissions, Supporting Students, Supporting Clients

How ACT®/SAT® Scores Help Define Safety, Target, and Reach Schools

Learn how tutors can use ACT® and SAT® scores to help students identify safety, target, and reach schools—and build balanced, realistic college lists.

Matt McCorkleOctober 21, 2025College List, Reach Schools, Target Schools, Target Score, Safety Schools, College Fit, College Planning, College Prep, College Acceptance, College Application, College Search, Test Scores, ACT® Scores, ACT® Score Improvement, SAT® Scores, SAT® Score Improvement, Test Score Reports

2026-27 FAFSA Opens Early: What Students and Families Need to Know

FAFSA 2026-27 is open ahead of schedule! Find out how students can apply early, avoid delays, and maximize financial aid opportunities.

Matt McCorkleSeptember 30, 2025FAFSA®, Financial Aid, Department of Education, Supporting Clients, College Prep, College, College Planning

How Capstone Projects Can Complement Strong SAT®/ACT® Scores

Show your students how to turn test-prep skills into standout capstone projects that impress top colleges and boost admissions profiles.

Matt McCorkleJune 17, 2025Capstone Projects, College Applications, College Prep, Academic Skills, Academic Rigor, Organization, Analytical Skills, Soft Skills, Supporting Students, Supporting Clients, Advice for Students, Advice for Clients, Advice for Tutors, College Portfolio, College Application

How High School Students Can Build Stress-Resilience for College Success

Help your high school students build essential stress-management skills before college. Discover practical tips for time management, wellness habits, emotional intelligence, and creating supportive environments.

What Now? How Test-Prep Tutors Can Support Students After College Decision Day

Help your college-bound students transition smoothly after Decision Day. Learn key next steps, why retaking the SAT® or ACT® still matters, and how to avoid costly remedial college courses.

Matt McCorkleMay 7, 2025May 1st, National Decision Day, Supporting Students, Supporting Clients, Supporting Parents, Advice for Students, Advice for Clients, College Readiness, College Prep, Retest, Submitting Test Scores, Spring 2025, Spring Test Dates, College Planning, College Checklist, College Acceptance, College Enrollment

Standardized Testing Under Government Scrutiny: What Tutors Need to Know Now

Understand the current scrutiny surrounding standardized testing and college admissions by the U.S. Department of Education. Learn how these changes may affect the test-prep world and the future of college admissions.

Back to Basics: Standardized Testing Returns to More College Admissions

Stay informed on the latest changes in college admissions, as standardized testing policies shift at leading institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Ohio State University.

Matt McCorkleMarch 18, 2025College News, Standardized Testing News, College Admissions Changes, College Admissions, College Prep, College Planning, SAT® Prep, SAT® Scores, ACT® Prep, ACT® Scores, Test Scores, Standardized Test Scores, College Acceptance, College Readiness

Should Your Student Retake the SAT® or ACT®? Insights and Updated Strategies

Is retaking the ACT® or SAT® the right choice for your student? Uncover insights on improving test scores and maximizing future academic opportunities.

2025 College Admissions Shifts and Changes: What Tutors and Students Need to Know

Discover the latest trends in college admissions for 2025, as shifting policies and societal changes reshape college applications and evaluation methods.

The Ultimate Guide to Self-Reporting SAT® and ACT® Scores

Discover how self-reporting SAT® and ACT® scores simplifies the college application process. Learn about its benefits and essential tips for applicants.

Matt McCorkleDecember 30, 2024Test Prep, Test Prep Advice, College Admissions, College Applications, Test Scores, Standardized Testing, Standardized Test Scores, ACT® Scores, SAT® Scores, Self-Reporting Test Scores, College Application, College Prep, College, College Planning, College Acceptance, College Enrollment, Advice for Students, Advice for Clients

Second Thoughts on Early Decision? How to Help Your Students Back Out Gracefully

Have a client facing second thoughts about their Early Decision college commitment? Learn how to help them navigate the withdrawal process and understand the potential repercussions.

Matt McCorkleOctober 21, 2024Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), Early Decision Commitment, ED Commitment, College Decision, College Acceptance, College Applications, College Counseling, College Planning, College Prep, Advice for Clients, Advice for Students

How to Help Your Students Craft a Strong College Application Strategy

Create tailored college application strategies with ED, EA, and RD options to boost your clients' admissions success.

Matt McCorkleOctober 7, 2024College Applications, College Acceptance, College Decision, College Counseling, College Selection, College Portfolio, College Planning, College Prep, College Essay, College, Tutoring Strategies, Test-Prep Strategies, Advice for Students, Advice for Clients, Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), Regular Decision (RD), College Search

Why the Fall is the Perfect Time of Year for Students to Take the ACT®/SAT®

Timing is crucial for ACT® and SAT® success. Learn why fall is an ideal season for high school students to take these important exams and maximize their scores.

Matt McCorkleSeptember 10, 2024Fall Test Prep, Fall Test Dates, ACT®, ACT® Test Dates, ACT® Test Prep, Test Taking, SAT® Prep, SAT®, Digital SAT® Test Prep, Advice for Students, Advice for Clients, College Prep, Test Prep

Welcome to the Ivy League: Key Prep Strategies for Students and Tutors

Support ambitious students in their college journey with tailored test prep and strategic academic guidance. Enhance their prospects for top-tier admissions success.

Top Fall 2024 Scholarships for College-Bound Students: Apply Now!

Don't miss out on Fall 2024 scholarships for college-bound high school students. Students who apply now can take advantage of financial aid opportunities and lessen tuition expenses!

Matt McCorkleAugust 27, 2024Scholarships, College Scholarships, College Planning, College Prep, High School Seniors, High School Students, College-Bound Students, Advice for Students, Advice for Clients, Financial Aid, Merit Awards, Grants

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