AJ Tutoring blog - The Learning Curve

Connecting you to news, advice and academic 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) ...

 

The Secret to Effective Note-Taking

Strong notes aren’t just records of what the teacher said—they’re tools for thinking. Students who learn how to take purposeful notes can cut study time in half and boost retention. Strategies for Success Instead of writing every word, focus on identifying key ideas and relationships ...

 

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 ...

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