Why kids blank on tests: Beilock's choking research, the 6-point writing effect, and the "I am excited" reframe, in plain language for parents. By Test Prep Gurus.

A first SAT or ACT score is feedback, not a verdict. See average gains of 5.7 ACT points and 190 SAT points, and what the research says. By Test Prep Gurus.

Flow has three conditions, PERMA has five elements, and a one-hour mindset session moved GPA 0.10 points for some students. What that means at home. By Test Prep Gurus.

Brooks (2014) and Ramirez and Beilock (2011) tested ways to beat test nerves. Here is what the numbers say and what parents can do. By Test Prep Gurus.

Growth mindset and test scores: the 12,490-student Nature study moved GPA 0.10 points, not SAT or ACT scores. What that means for parents. By Test Prep Gurus.

UC admit rates, Reach Scores, and college lists for the 4 high schools in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar, plus what prep it takes. By Test Prep Gurus.

UC admit rates and UC Reach Scores for all 4 Huntington Beach high schools, plus what local students need for the colleges they attend. By Test Prep Gurus.

Costa Mesa UC admit rates run 19.2% to 23.9% across 3 high schools. See Reach Scores, published college lists, and how to plan prep. By Test Prep Gurus.

USC is test-optional in 2026. See the 1440-1550 SAT band, the 32-35 ACT band, the 10.0 percent admit rate, and how to decide. By Test Prep Gurus.

Purdue University-Main Campus requires the SAT or ACT. See the 1190-1460 SAT band, 27-34 ACT band, 50.3% admit rate, and what to do now. By Test Prep Gurus.

Penn requires the SAT or ACT in 2026. See the 1500-1570 SAT band, the 34-35 ACT band, the 5.9 percent admit rate, and what to do now. By Test Prep Gurus.

Northeastern is test-optional for 2026. Mid SAT 1460-1550, ACT 33-35, 5.6 percent admit rate, 43.05 percent early decision rate. By Test Prep Gurus.

NYU is test-optional in 2026. See the 1480-1570 SAT band, the 33-35 ACT band, the 9.4 percent admit rate, and what to do next. By Test Prep Gurus.

Michigan-Ann Arbor is test-optional for 2026. See the 1350-1530 SAT band, 31-34 ACT band, 17.9% admit rate, and what to send. By Test Prep Gurus.

Harvard requires the SAT or ACT in 2026. See the 1500-1580 SAT band, the 34-36 ACT band, a 3.5 percent admit rate, and net price. By Test Prep Gurus.

Georgia Tech requires the SAT or ACT. See the 1330-1530 SAT band, the 28-34 ACT band, the 16.5 percent admit rate, and what to do next. By Test Prep Gurus.

University of Florida requires the SAT or ACT for fall 2027. See the 1300-1480 SAT band, 28-33 ACT band, 24.0 percent admit rate. By Test Prep Gurus.

Cornell requires the SAT or ACT for fall 2026 and fall 2027 first-year applicants. SAT 1480-1560, ACT 33-35, 8.2 percent admit rate. By Test Prep Gurus.

Boston University is test-optional through fall 2028. See the 1400-1520 SAT band, 32-34 ACT band, 10.8 percent admit rate, and ED odds. By Test Prep Gurus.

The 2027-28 FAFSA opened September 23, 2026. The federal deadline is June 30, 2028. Here is every state deadline, as each state's own row states it.