A Free Resource for Your Students: Testing Strategy, Merit Aid, and the College Admissions Cycle!

Dear School Counselors and Friends,

I am writing to share a free educational resource that may be useful to the students you serve as they navigate the 2026-2027 college admissions and testing season.

Earlier this month, I co-presented a one-hour webinar with Rich Goldman of Mr. SAT on the topic of testing strategy, merit aid positioning, and how scores function in today’s admissions landscape. The full recording is now available on YouTube at no cost and with no registration required.

Testing in Context: Scores in Today’s Admissions

Presented by Lynne Fuller, College Flight Path®  +  Rich Goldman, Mr. SAT®

·         Why testing matters even at schools with test-optional policies, and how the landscape has shifted toward test-preferred and test-required in the current cycle

·         How the SAT and ACT differ structurally, and why a diagnostic approach — not assumptions — should guide the test choice

·         How admissions and financial aid offices use scores differently, and how score thresholds unlock merit scholarships at many schools

·         How to build a realistic prep and retesting plan across sophomore and junior year

·         When retesting makes sense for rising seniors, and how to evaluate the ROI of additional test preparation

·         The University of Alabama merit scholarship table as a concrete, school-specific illustration of how score gains translate to scholarship dollars

Why We Made This Resource Available Publicly:

The conversation around testing has become increasingly confusing for families — particularly as test-optional policies expanded and then began receding in quick succession. Students who opt out of testing based on outdated assumptions about admissions policies may be leaving both opportunity and merit dollars on the table.

Rich Goldman and I believe that well-informed families make better decisions. This recording is one part of that effort. We hope it is useful as a counselor-recommended resource for your students and their families.

Presented by Lynne Fuller, College Flight Path®  +  Rich Goldman, Mr. SAT®

Join College Flight Path® and Mr. SAT for a collaborative conversation on how standardized testing can support a thoughtful, competitive college application strategy, especially when planning for younger students. Here is a 2nd chance to ask your questions live!

What you will learn:

·         When to test: considering your timeline for students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades

·         How admissions offices interpret SAT/ACT scores today

·         When strong scores can differentiate your application

·         How to use testing to support college admissions and merit aid opportunities

·         How strategic testing decisions strengthen your overall application story

·         Virtual format, 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM daily across three consecutive days

·         $600 per student | Maximum 30 students per session

·         Three sessions: June 29-July 1 or July 6-8 or July 13-15, 2026

·         Students will complete meaningful application work during each session — not just as homework

For families interested in learning more, they may contact Katie Williamson at katie@collegeflightpath.com.

Financial Aid 101 With Kevin Murphy (1 HR)

Merit Appeals, External Scholarships & Appeals (28 Mins)

Financial Aid Appeals With Kevin Murphy (1 HR)

Decision Assessment (40 Mins)

We share weekly college planning insights for both parents and students over on Instagram, from grade-level timelines and application tips to scholarship guidance and decision-making support.

On TikTok, you’ll find virtual college tours, campus highlights, and real-world glimpses into different schools to help students explore options from anywhere.

Follow along and keep your college journey moving forward!