AJ Tutoring blog - The Learning Curve

Home / Parent Guides & Resources
 

If You Submit SAT or ACT Scores, Can They Hurt Your College Application?

What test-optional policies really mean — and how to decide whether to submit scores. The Short Answer Yes — submitting SAT or ACT scores can influence how your college application is evaluated under test-optional policies. That does not mean students should avoid testing altogether. And ...

 

College Admissions Trends in 2026: What Bay Area Families Need to Know About UC, CSU, and Selective Colleges

An inside look at UC admissions, CSU requirements, and how Bay Area college counseling is changing. Executive Summary (For Busy Bay Area Parents) College admissions has become more competitive and more complex, especially for students applying from the Bay Area to University of California (UC) ...

 

How to Build a College List: A Strategic, Student-Centered Approach

How to Build a College List: A Strategic, Student-Centered Approach Building a college list can feel overwhelming for families. There are thousands of colleges, constantly changing admissions policies, and plenty of advice that focuses more on rankings than real student outcomes. Parents often ...

 

When to Start SAT vs. ACT Preparation

Finished the PSAT... now what? One of the most common questions we hear from families is, “When should we start preparing for the SAT or ACT?” The answer depends on a student’s schedule, goals, and academic readiness—but starting early always gives more flexibility. From sports, to travel ...

Let's discuss your student's academic tutoring, test prep, or college counseling needs!

Our test prep, academic tutoring, and college admissions counseling professionals are here to help you navigate the test taking maze, share our experience with your local school, and inspire your student.

Tutor Headshot
Up Arrow IconBack to Top