Clark College Consulting Blog by Ryan Clark - expert college planning tips for families

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Why This Blog?”

Hi, I’m Ryan Clark. I’ve helped thousands of families reduce college costs and get their teens into schools they love. This blog is where I share what’s working now — so you can confidently navigate the process with less stress and more savings.

🎓 Explore Our Latest College Planning Tips

SAT vs ACT: Which Test Should You Take in 2026?

Ryan Clark

Published on: 02/23/2026

SAT vs ACT 2026: Compare test formats, difficulty, scoring, and timing. Expert guidance on which test matches your strengths. Includes Charlotte testing centers and local prep resources.

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Rethinking Failure and Resilience

Ryan Clark

Published on: 12/06/2025

Students often see failure as a personal flaw rather than a temporary challenge, and that mindset can hold them back. This article reframes failure as a powerful teacher, exploring research from leading psychologists, stories of famous “comeback moments,” and examples from real students. It also highlights how colleges view setbacks—and why resilience often matters more than perfection.

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Southern Colleges Reinstating SAT/ACT Requirements – Key Data & Expert Tips

Ryan Clark

Published on: 09/11/2025

Auburn and other southern universities are bringing back SAT/ACT requirements. See UNC, NC State & Clemson test submission stats and expert advice.

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SAT Subject Tests Questions and Answers

Ryan Clark

Published on: 06/18/2025

SAT Subject tests are based on the curriculum you have in class. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of a particular subject.

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5 Test Day Tips for Taking the ACT or SAT

Ryan Clark

Published on: 06/17/2025

You are signed up and ready to take the ACT or SAT test! Here are five test day tips to help you ace the test by starting off on the right foot & reduce stress

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