Mindful Solutions Consulting

02/23/2026

If you have a junior who is just now going to be taking the ACT for the first time, you want to choose April 11 because that is a MAK test, meaning you can purchase the student’s test key/results with a copy of the test. This is hugely helpful for test prep and making larger increases on the next ACT test.

#1 college admissions test in nearly half of U.S. states.*

02/17/2026

Take the PAPER test if you have the choice.

PAPER. Always paper—especially of your student is 504/1508.

Here’s the rationale:  https://edisonprep.com/winners-take-the-act-on-paper/

Wondering if you should take the ACT on paper or digitally? Discover why experts overwhelmingly recommend the paper ACT for better accuracy, ease, and reliability.

02/15/2026

For a long time, struggling readers were described as unmotivated, inattentive, or not trying hard enough.

But many of these students are actually working harder than anyone else in the room.

When reading doesn’t become automatic, every sentence is effort. Every page is exhausting. And no amount of encouragement or independent reading fixes skills that were never explicitly taught.

Dyslexia is a difficulty with accurate and automatic word reading and spelling. It is a language based learning difference that requires explicit, systematic instruction.

When we teach the structure of language clearly, students don’t just improve, they finally access learning the way it was meant to feel.

If you’re an educator or a parent, please share. The conversation has to move from motivation to instruction.

02/13/2026

Sign up by March 6.

02/13/2026

Who doesn’t love happy students and parents?!

(Shared with permission)

02/13/2026

The ACT is tomorrow!

Here is everything you and your student needs to know…

https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-day.html

Make sure you’re prepared for test day. Find out what you can and can’t bring, how long the ACT test takes and so much more!

02/01/2026

Spring school ACT testing is upon us starting in March. Often these tests are digital with very limited interfacing and formatting. While students often like the digital calculator for math, many struggle navigating a cumbersome method of reading and editing entire passages through scrolling and the lack of annotation. This is particularly difficult in the science section where students are not able to see the entire set of data and information while being required to utilize those to properly answer.

While I am a strong advocate for PAPER testing for numerous reasons (better for ADHD and other learning issues as well as using a pencil to properly process and eliminate answers), students do not get to choose if their schools use a digital format.

I just gained additional training on how to help students see progress on digital testing.
Additionally, I also gained up to date information on current and best strategies for the new test provided by ACT itself at a regional summit last week.

Parents and students can depend on me to bring them the most current methods, the best strategies, and the current content found on the most recent exams—not antiquated methods that no longer work.

In this week alone, three students went from a 22 in reading to a 35 and a 32. Growth. Progress. Increased confidence.

If you want the best methods, please message me to discuss creating a personalized plan for your student.

01/30/2026

Towards the end of another test prep cycle, I often take time to reflect over that group of students and myself and ask what J can do differently or what should stay the same for the next incoming group.

One thing that always stands out to me about certain students are the ones who have a budding sense of .

Parents— sit down and have this discussion with your teens about what it means to possess grit and how to attain it.

Too often, they become so accustomed to people in their lives who over-pave the way for them, that when they hit any obstacle, no matter the difficulty level, they cave and give up or take the easiest path possible. This choice does not bring best results. It also severely diminishes their resilience and introspection about how to make better choices.

Those with that sense of grit seem to perform and recover at higher rates to go further in school, in experiences, and (likely) in life. Things are not getting any easier for the majority of us. Choose GRIT.

01/30/2026

Another example of major universities returning to a requirement of test scores. This is part of a growing trend due to national grade inflation. Most schools also stated after Covid they would give scores a six year respite. It’s going on year six.

https://www.al.com/news/2025/12/university-of-alabama-system-campuses-announce-major-college-admissions-change.html

The campus system made standardized tests optional in 2020.

01/28/2026

If you are still needing to complete your FAFSA…

Ready to complete your FAFSA form? Make sure you have a StudentAid.gov account, tax and assets information, and a list of the schools you might attend.