Supporting Clients — Test Prep Tutor Blog

What January Test-Prep Data Is—and Isn’t—Telling Tutors

January test-prep data can be misleading. This post explains what early results really show—and how tutors can interpret January data without overreacting.

Matt McCorkleJanuary 6, 2026January, Winter Test Prep, Winter Break, Winter, Test-Prep Data, Test-Prep System, Test-Prep Sessions, Test-Prep Support, Supporting Students, Supporting Clients, Test-Prep Planning, Test-Prep Plans, Tutoring Plans, Study Plans, Test Prep Plan, Retention

6 January Test Prep Mistakes That Send Prep Off Track—and How Tutors Can Avoid Them

January test prep often goes off track due to subtle tutor decisions. This post breaks down six common January mistakes and how tutors can avoid them.

Matt McCorkleDecember 30, 2025January, Winter Test Prep, Winter, Winter Break, Winter Test Dates, Skill Regression, Supporting Clients, Supporting Students, Advice for Test-Prep Businesses, Advice for Tutors, Advice for Test-Prep Professionals, Tutor Advice, Test Prep Plan, Test-Prep Planning, Test-Prep Plans, Test Prep

How Parent Support Keeps College Applications on Track

Discover practical ways parents can support teens through college applications—organizing deadlines, tracking documents, and preventing last-minute surprises.

Matt McCorkleDecember 16, 2025Parents and Guardians, Parent Involvement, Parents Role in Test Prep, Supporting Parents, Parental Support, Supporting Students, Supporting Clients, College, College Planning, Test-Prep Planning, College Applications, Organization, Time Management, College 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

Why Early Intervention Tutoring Boosts ACT® & SAT® Success

Discover why starting ACT®/SAT® prep early gives students a major edge—plus three proven strategies tutors can use to build lasting test-day confidence.

ADHD and Test Prep: How to Create Structure That Works

Learn how to create flexible, ADHD-friendly ACT® and SAT® prep plans that improve focus, consistency, and student confidence.

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

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 to Help A Client Switch Between the SAT® and the ACT®

Does your student need to switch between the SAT® and the ACT®? Explore key signs, red flags, and a strategic plan to help them make the change without losing progress.

Matt McCorkleSeptember 23, 2025Choosing the right test, Test Choice, Switching tests, Test Switch, SAT® vs. ACT®, Diagnostic Tests, Supporting Students, Supporting Clients, Test Prep, Test Prep Plan, test performance, Test Scores, test format

ACT® Accommodations & English Learner Supports: 2025 Updates

Learn the latest ACT updates for 2025, including simplified EL supports and extended approvals. Learn how these changes impact your test takers starting September 8th.

Matt McCorkleSeptember 9, 2025ACT® Updates, ACT Updates, ACT® Accommodations, ACT® EL Supports, EL Supports, Test Accommodations, learning differences, English Language Learners, Supporting Clients, Supporting Students, Fall ACT®, Spring ACT®, Requesting Test Accommodations, Requesting EL Supports, Test Taking

How Parents Can Help Students Succeed on the SAT® and ACT® in 2025

Practical ways parents can support SAT®/ACT® prep in 2025: goal-setting, study routines, emotional support, and test-day strategies for students.

Matt McCorkleSeptember 2, 2025Parent Involvement, Supporting Parents, Supporting Students, Parents Role in Test Prep, Supporting Clients, Parents and Guardians, SAT® and ACT® Prep, SAT® and ACT® Success, Academic Progress

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 Long Should Your Tutoring Sessions Be?

Optimal SAT®/ACT® tutoring session lengths and frequencies backed by research. Shorter, focused meetings boost engagement, retention, and test-day confidence.

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

How Juniors Can Make the Most of Spring 2025

Spring 2025 is crucial for juniors preparing for college admissions. Explore expert tips on college visits, SAT®/ACT® prep, and finishing junior year strong.