Tests And The Rest: College Admissions podcast

#Admissions #College #Counseling #Guidance #Psat #Testprep #Amy Seeley & Mike Bergin #Amy Seeley #Mike Bergin #Higher Education #Teaching #Podcasting Education #Learn #SAT #Test #Acting

29:22

The world often feels rigged. And this episode is a wake-up call to recognize the barriers that exist for those who don’t fit the traditional mold. In this episode, which is a kind of tribute to my dear departed Dad, I recount some powerful lessons from the man who was a brilliant psychiatrist and my biggest champion. He taught me that if something feels off about the environment you’re in, it probably is—and it’s absolutely hella-not your fault. We dare to break into the uncomfortable truth that many workplaces are designed for a very specific demographic, leaving neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum, feeling excluded. I share three stories in which my Dad imparted to me more than my fair share of his wisdom, and I'm hoping you to can feel empowered. You'll learn that we can advocate for ourselves and others to create a more inclusive work culture. Newsletter Paste this into your browser if the newsletter link is broken - https://www.lbeehealth.com/ Join our Patreon - https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/patreon Mentioned in this episode: Sign Up For Our Newsletter Stay updated on all the things! Get added to our newsletter mailing list. Newsletter…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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Welcome to THE college admissions industry podcast! Join Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley as they discuss the latest issues in testing, admissions, learning, and education with leading experts. Tests and the Rest is perfect for parents, students, counselors, educators, test prep professionals, college consultants, and just about anyone engaged in the college admissions process. You can subscribe to this podcast or stream it online via any podcast app, including iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio. YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and Leap. Between the two of us, expect over 60 years of industry insight, expertise, insider news, and a bit of sarcasm.

646 episodes

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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updated 7 days ago

Series home•Feed

646 episodes

#Admissions #College #Counseling #Guidance #Psat #Testprep #Amy Seeley & Mike Bergin #Amy Seeley #Mike Bergin #Higher Education #Teaching #Podcasting Education #Learn #SAT #Test #Acting

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Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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645. TRUE COLLEGE ROI 24:06

7 days ago24:06

24:06

One should not take on what is potentially the biggest expense of a lifetime lightly. Motivated students can absolutely make sure college pays off academically, socially, and emotionally; financially, though, can be a big question mark. Amy and Mike invited educator Gage Mersereau to define the concept of true college ROI. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does ROI mean in the context of college? What are the major factors to determine your true college investment? Why should plans after graduation factor into college plans? Why should ROI factors be understood before submitting college applications? Why doesn’t net price apply to all applicants? MEET OUR GUEST Gage Mersereau is the CEO and Founder of GradBetter, a company focused on simplifying college planning and affordability for counselors and families. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Gage has dedicated his career to helping families find their college fit. Prior to founding GradBetter, he built ConnectSports, a youth sports recruiting platform that empowered 100,000 high school athletes to discover, connect with, and commit to their college of choice. Gage began his career on Wall Street, working as an M&A banker and in private equity. Find Gage at https://www.gradbetter.com/ . LINKS Free college ROI calculator How the flawed earnings information in the College Scorecard misleads students (opinion) Tuition Discount Rates at Private Colleges and Universities Top 50 Percent RELATED EPISODES RETURN ON INVESTMENT IN COLLEGE THE PRICE YOU REALLY PAY FOR COLLEGE CONSIDERING COLLEGE FINANCIAL FIT FIRST WHAT IS A NET PRICE CALCULATOR? ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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644. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: April 2025 31:23

11 days ago31:23

31:23

The Tests and the Rest podcast has always been relentlessly focused on exploring important topics in testing, admissions, education, and learning with amazing expert guests. Sometimes, though, we enjoy an unstructured opportunity to discuss our own takes on major issues, upcoming events, and our endeavors at the intersection of business and education. Catch up with us in the latest episode of EXTEMP with Amy & Mike. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What have Amy and Mike been up to in the last month? How is Amy using ChatGPT? What is College Eagle? What updates will we be making for the ACT curriculum for the enhanced ACT? What are Mike and Amy doing at IECA in May? We definitely want to respond to listener questions in our next EXTEMP episode, so reach out to us on social media or get in touch through our contact page . Let’s get this Tests and the Rest mailbag rolling! LINKS College Eagle RELATED EPISODES EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: March 2025 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: February 2025 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: January 2025 ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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643. A TEST TAKER’S PERSPECTIVE ON THE ENHANCED ACT 33:16

14 days ago33:16

33:16

The ACT has been a remarkably stable exam, administered in roughly the same way for decades. However, a new version is on the horizon, and some intrepid souls have braved the uncertainty of the field test to experience it. Amy and Mike invited someone who sat for the April 2025 Enhanced ACT to share the test taker’s perspective. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What were your general impressions about the enhanced ACT test experience in the digital format? What did you find to be the same on the enhanced ACT? What did you find to be different on the enhanced ACT? What recommendations would you have for a student taking the new Enhanced ACT? What should tutors know about tutoring for the new Enhanced ACT? MEET OUR GUEST Our guest today has her master's degree in higher education and has worked in multiple areas of college administration. She has been a professional SAT and ACT tutor for the last 10 years and works with students across the US for several test prep companies. She understands the preparation necessary to do well on standardized tests, especially the ACT. She prides herself on the scores she has earned on officially administered ACTs in recent years, earning consistent 36 composites. Most importantly, she recently took the first digital enhanced ACT on April 5, 2025. LINKS ACT Test Enhancements ACT Enhancement Content Rebalancing RELATED EPISODES ALL ABOUT THE ACT TEST ENHANCEMENTS CHOOSING BETWEEN THE DIGITAL SAT AND THE ACT COMPARING PAPER- AND COMPUTER-BASED TESTING ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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642. GETTING READY FOR THE AP ECONOMICS EXAM 25:48

18 days ago25:48

25:48

The Advanced Placement exams represent some of the most challenging subject-specific standardized tests a high schooler might ever take, and AP Economics is no exception. Amy and Mike believe that every test warrants smart, serious preparation, so we invited educator Michael Rodriguez to share valuable strategies, insights, and resources for getting ready for the AP Economics exam. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is tested on the Macro vs Micro AP Economics exam? How do students score points on the AP Economics exam? What are the highest priority topics on the tests? How should students prepare for the AP Economics exam? What are the best prep materials for AP Economics? MEET OUR GUEST Michael Rodriguez is a national champion speaker and debater. While he was competing, he claimed the title of national champion in Parliamentary Debate from Phi Rho Pi in 2009. Michael completed his undergraduate degree in economics at Cal State Fullerton in 2012. While in school he helped perform research on the long term implications of training students to become financially and economically literate. After college he worked as an economic consultant to law firms. For the past 10 years, Michael has worked as a teacher at Modern Brain Academy in Irvine California and as a private tutor in AP economics. When students learn from coach Michael, they learn how to think like an economist. Find Michael at michael@modernbrain.com . LINKS AP Microeconomics – AP Students | College Board AP Macroeconomics – AP Students | College Board 5 Steps to a 5 500 Must-Know AP Microeconomics/Macroeconomics Questions Jacob Clifford - YouTube RELATED EPISODES BIG CHANGES TO AP TESTS IN 2025 ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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641. GETTING READY FOR THE AP PRECALCULUS EXAM 23:41

20 days ago23:41

23:41

The Advanced Placement exams represent some of the most challenging subject-specific standardized tests a high schooler might ever take, and AP Precalculus is no exception. Amy and Mike believe that every test warrants smart, serious preparation, so we invited educator Joey Lin to share valuable strategies, insights, and resources for getting ready for the AP Precalculus exam. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is tested on the AP Precalculus exam? How do students score points on the AP Precalculus exam? What are the highest priority topics on the test? How should students prepare for the AP Precalculus exam? What are the best prep materials for AP Precalculus? MEET OUR GUEST Joey Lin’s journey in test preparation and college admissions began in 2005 when he landed a job with Kaplan. From that moment, he was hooked on helping students navigate the pre-college process. Over the years, he has worked with a range of institutions, including Preply, PrepExpert, Northwestern University’s Office of Admissions, and the University of California Office of Admissions. At Thinque Prep , Joey has dedicated himself to delivering comprehensive and results-driven programs. Whether guiding students through the SAT and ACT, leading AP exam prep courses, or providing strategic college counseling, his mission remains the same: to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Although his career has expanded in many directions, Joey still finds joy in teaching AP content—especially math and physics, the subjects he loved most as a high schooler. Beyond test prep, Joey is deeply committed to mentorship and education reform. He frequently hosts webinars, workshops, and live sessions, providing students and parents with the knowledge they need to navigate the competitive admissions landscape successfully. Find Joey at http://www.thinqueprep.com . LINKS AP Precalculus – AP Students | College Board AP Precalculus Activities - Bryan Passwater • Collection AP Precalculus - Mr. Sindel RELATED EPISODES BIG CHANGES TO AP TESTS IN 2025 GETTING READY FOR THE AP CALCULUS AB OR BC EXAM GETTING READY FOR THE AP STATISTICS EXAM ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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640. GETTING READY FOR AP WORLD LANGUAGE EXAMS 28:22

22 days ago28:22

28:22

The Advanced Placement exams represent some of the most challenging subject-specific standardized tests a high schooler might ever take, and the various AP World Language and Culture exams are no exception. Amy and Mike believe that every test warrants smart, serious preparation, so we invited educator Milton Alan Turner to share valuable strategies, insights, and resources for getting ready for AP World Language exams. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is tested on AP World Language and Culture exams? How do students score points on AP Language exams? What are the highest priority topics on AP Language exams? How should students prepare for AP Language exams? What are the best prep materials for AP Language exams? MEET OUR GUEST Milton Alan Turner has taught French, Spanish, and now AP African American Studies at Saint Ignatius High School since 1987. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in French and Linguistics from Georgetown University and master’s degrees from Cleveland State University in Educational Technology and in Global Interactions. Alan currently serves on the Board of Directors at ACTFL as its President, on the Shaker Heights Public Library Board of Trustees, on the AATF Commission on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, is a member of La Maison Française de Cleveland’s Board of Directors and is an NAACP Silver Life member. He has participated in two Fulbright-Hays Summer Seminars Abroad in Morocco & Tunisia and Thailand & Vietnam and in three National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Summer Seminars and Institutes studying world literature, Arabic language & culture, and US foreign policy. Alan has served as a Reader, Table Leader, and Question Leader at the AP French Reading and is an AP Workshop consultant. He has been a member of the SAT French Development Committee, the AATF Standards Task Force, the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy Expert Advisory Group, co-chair of the Ohio World Languages Standards Revision Advisory Committee, and president of the Ohio Foreign Language Association. He was awarded a 2000 MBNA Excellence in Education Grant, named a 2011 Microsoft US Innovative Educator, chosen the 2014 Ohio World Language Teacher of the Year, listed in the 2017 Who’s Who in Black Cleveland, and won the Saint Ignatius High School Trailblazer Award in 2020. This summer, he will be one of 14 educators selected to participate in the AATF Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad to Côte d’Ivoire to study West African storytelling traditions. Since 2021, Alan has hosted the podcast Milton Alan Turner: Worldviews . Find Milton at maturner@me.com. LINKS AP French Language and Culture AP German Language and Culture AP Italian Language and Culture AP Spanish Language and Culture RELATED EPISODES Big Changes to AP Tests in 2025 Getting Ready For The AP Literature Exam Getting Ready For The AP Language Exam ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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639. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Wise 15:49

25 days ago15:49

15:49

AKA Not Just Your Tutoring Software–It’s Your Tech Team What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the story behind Wise? How does Wise work? Who currently uses Wise? What kinds of outcomes do users experience? What should someone curious about Wise know about it? ABOUT WISE Founded by a former test prep tutor, Wise is a feature-packed tutor management platform built for both online and in-person tutoring, supporting one-on-one and group tutoring formats. Backed by the founders of Teachable, Plaid, Rippling, and others, it is trusted by over 1,000 tutoring businesses and solo tutors. Businesses like Boston based Break Debate have used Wise to scale from $70,000 to $1,000,000 in revenue within a year. Wise’s standout feature is its AI-generated student progress reports . These reports are automatically created by analyzing session transcripts, tutor feedback, assignment and test performance, as well as student attentiveness and punctuality. The result is a clear, professional summary neatly organized into sections, including the following: Topics Covered Areas of Strength Areas for Improvement Next Steps These highly customisable reports keep parents engaged, boost retention, and drive up to 3x more referrals. To learn more about Wise and use it as a completely white label solution, reach out to the founder at mubeen@wiseapp.live . ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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638. MENTAL MATH AND AUTOMATICITY 25:25

28 days ago25:25

25:25

Mental math trains working memory, boosts confidence, supports faster problem-solving, enhances number sense, and facilitates everyday calculations. So why do so many teachers deemphasize this valuable academic and life skill? Amy and Mike invited educator Mike McGibbon to explore the value of mental math and automaticity. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why do you need mental math if you have a calculator? What does automaticity mean and why is it important? What are some examples of higher-level problem types that depend upon automatic math skills? What is math debt? Why is mental math important in everyday life? MEET OUR GUEST Mike McGibbon started tutoring at Kaplan while he was a student at UC Berkeley. After graduating in 2002, he moved to NYC to study music and play the trumpet professionally. During this time, Mike also worked for several NYC tutoring agencies, and eventually transitioned to a full-time tutoring career. He now runs his own solo tutoring practice, focusing on the ACT, SAT, and ISEE. He is also CEO and co-founder of Mathchops.com and Grammarchops.com , adaptive math and grammar practice tools. Today, Mike teaches in Westchester County, where he lives with his wife and three kids. He also provides free advice through articles and videos on www.nyctestprepadvice.com and the Mathchops YouTube channel . Mike previously appeared on this podcast in episode 165 to discuss Differences Between SAT and ACT Math , episode 372 to explain Making Learning Science Work For You , episode 332 for a SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Mathchops , episode 480 to discuss How Standardization Can Benefit Education , and in episode 532 to discuss All About Digital SAT Math . Mike can be reached at mike@mathchops.com . LINKS The Top Six Reasons Why Mental Math is Important and Useful Math Debt RELATED EPISODES MATHEMATICAL MATURITY & TEST SUCCESS HIGH IMPACT STRATEGIES TO HELP STUDENTS SUCCEED IN MATH HOW TESTS AID MEMORY ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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637. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: ScoreSmart 26:17

5 weeks ago26:17

26:17

A test platform by tutors and for tutors Better SAT and ACT Tests, Smarter Analytics with educators Sonya Muthalia and Neill Seltzer What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the story behind ScoreSmart? Which tests does ScoreSmart support? Who currently uses ScoreSmart? What kinds of outcomes do users experience? What should someone curious about ScoreSmart know about it? ABOUT SCORESMART ScoreSmart is the brainchild of Sonya Muthalia and Neill Seltzer. ScoreSmart is dedicated to giving discerning tutors tests they can trust, scores calibrated to the real thing, and meaningful insights into student behaviors. ScoreSmart was built by tutors, for tutors and is the practice test engine of choice for many of the top tutors and tutoring companies in the world. ScoreSmart offers 20 DSAT tests, including three "extra spicy" tests for top scorers, 4 Enhanced ACTs with another two on the way, and three ISEEs with another ten on the way. All tests are validated with actual user data and are regularly reviewed to ensure accuracy. The ScoreSmart platform is available in a white label format so the entire student experience can be skinned with your company branding. There is no charge for adding students, so tutors can add an unlimited number of students to the platform and all student are automatically given access to a free SAT, a free current and Enhanced ACT, and the ability to upload results for Bluebook tests 1-10 and get performance analysis and branded score reports for each. Students can take full tests or single-subject tests. Tutors only pay for the tests that their students actually use. If you'd like to learn more about ScoreSmart or try out some tests, reach out to neill@testperformanceanalytics.com or sonya@testperformanceanalytics.com for a tour of the system and some free tests to test. LINKS SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: ScoreSmart with educators Sonya Muthalia and Neill Seltzer NEW SAT TEST SPECIFICATIONS with educators Neill Seltzer and Sonya Muthalia SUCCESS IN COMPUTER-BASED TESTING with educator Sonya Muthalia AVOIDING THE PAGEANT APPROACH TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS with educator Neill Seltzer ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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636. THE COLLEGE PLEASING EPIDEMIC 27:54

5 weeks ago27:54

27:54

You can’t please everyone, nor should you seek to, because then you won’t please anyone, least of all yourself. When actor Dylan Moran dispensed that bit of wisdom, he probably wasn’t aware of how aptly it applied to highly selective admissions. Amy and Mike invited education consultant Feiyang Liu to highlight the troubling college pleasing epidemic. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is college pleasing, and where does it originate from? How can students, parents, and educators spot signs of college pleasing? What are the hidden costs of college pleasing, both in the admissions process and in students' long-term development? How does people-pleasing in general contribute to the college-pleasing mindset, and how can students learn to prioritize their own needs? How can students shift their mindset from what colleges want to what actually excites and fulfills me? MEET OUR GUEST As a naturally introverted high school student, Feiyang Liu felt immense pressure to adopt a bubbly, inauthentic persona for his college applications. This led to a lack of fulfillment and a realization that pretending to be someone he wasn’t came with significant consequences. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in Political Science and from USC with a Master's in Education (Enrollment Management and Policy), he grappled with people-pleasing while working in admissions and student services at UC Berkeley from 2019 to 2023. The burnout from constantly putting others' expectations above his own led to a pivotal moment of self-reflection. In 2023, Feiyang relocated to New York, where he finally had the space to rethink my identity and values. This journey of self-discovery ignited a passion for genuine mentoring and ultimately led him to found Your Epic Consulting . His mission is to help students avoid the trap of "college pleasing" and instead showcase their true selves in their applications. Feiyang combined his personal experiences and professional expertise to guide students toward holistic success. At Your Epic Consulting, they don’t coach you to say what 'sounds good' for college admissions. Instead, they empower you to express your authentic self, ensuring that self-acceptance and college acceptance go hand in hand. Feiyang previously appeared on this podcast in episode 609 for an IEC Profile . Find Feiyang at https://www.instagram.com/yourepic.consulting/ . LINKS College Pleasing Series part 1: Origins College Pleasing Series part 2: Hidden Costs of College Pleasing College Pleasing Series part 3: Intersection w/ People Pleasing Summary of "The Disease to Please" RELATED EPISODES FINDING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF IN THE PATH TO COLLEGE BUILD A WINNING BRAND TO ACE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS AVOIDING THE PAGEANT APPROACH TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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635. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Edison Prep AP History Boot Camps 16:57

6 weeks ago16:57

16:57

Learn everything you need to ace the AP U.S and World History Exams in One Day What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the story behind Edison Prep AP History Boot Camps? How do Edison Prep AP History Boot Camps work? Do you need to live in Atlanta to attend Edison Prep AP History Boot Camps? What kinds of outcomes do users experience? What should someone curious about Edison Prep AP History Boot Camps know about it? ABOUT AP HISTORY BOOT CAMPS Every April, Edison Prep offers AP US and World History Bootcamps in preparation for the May AP exams. These bootcamps incorporate multiple learning activities that use actual past AP exams, effective writing strategies, and activities that keep students engaged while learning test-taking techniques. The history content portions are interspersed between the strategy and essay-writing portions of the bootcamp to maintain a lively atmosphere and to utilize real examples during the pedagogical portions. Greg Hudson and Kelsey Hudson have been teaching AP US History and AP World History, respectively, for decades. In addition to being College Board-approved AP Readers (graders), they have authored AP history questions. Greg has also served as a senior trainer for other AP History essay readers due to the depth of his grading experience. Greg and Kelsey are both scholars of the test, dissecting each year’s exams for the benefit of their future students. The students in their AP classes have done very well; over 90% of his students have passed the exam with over 2/3 having received a score of 4 or 5 on the exam. DATES: 4/26/25 or 4/27/25 (same content each day, two date options) LOCATION: Live In person (Atlanta) or remote (nationwide) To learn more, please contact edisonprep.com/aphistory LINKS GETTING READY FOR THE AP US HISTORY EXAM with educator Greg Hudson ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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634. DIVISION III AND IVY LEAGUE ATHLETIC RECRUITMENT 27:09

6 weeks ago27:09

27:09

Many student athletes (or at least their parents) dream of earning a full ride to the college of their dreams. What most applicants find is that having sports on their resumes yields different but still substantial advantages. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Matt Arant to demystify Division III and Ivy League athletic recruitment. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Who is an athletic/admission liaison and what do they do? How does the recruitment process differ between Division III and Ivy/Patriot League schools and Division I and Division II schools? Can Division III athletes be awarded athletic scholarships? Do athletes typically apply earlier than non-athletes? How should I approach my application as a prospective DIII athlete? What are the test score requirements for DIII athletes? MEET OUR GUEST Matt Arant is the founder of Arant Academic Planning, LLC. Prior to becoming an independent counselor, Matt worked as an admission representative at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. At F&M, Matt was the primary athletics liaison for the Office of Admission, working closely with over two dozen intercollegiate sports throughout the entire application cycle. Matt has been invited to present on college athletic recruitment and the admissions process to public and private schools all across the country and is an active member of both the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and Texas Association for College Admission Counseling (TACAC). He is also a current associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), based in Metro Austin, Texas. Find Matt at https://www.arantacademicplanning.com/ . LINKS NCAA Eligibility Center Division I and II Recruitment Calendars Division Recruiting Fact Sheet Ivy League Recruit Information NESCAC Admission Statement RELATED EPISODES MYTHS ABOUT TESTING AND COLLEGE SPORTS LOOKING FOR A FULL RIDE HOW TENNIS AND TEST PREP ARE SIMILAR ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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633. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: March 2025 27:29

7 weeks ago27:29

27:29

The Tests and the Rest podcast has always been relentlessly focused on exploring important topics in testing, admissions, education, and learning with amazing expert guests. Sometimes, though, we enjoy an unstructured opportunity to discuss our own takes on major issues, upcoming events, and our endeavors at the intersection of business and education. Catch up with us in the latest episode of EXTEMP with Amy & Mike. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What happened with the March SAT? How can test takers mitigate the impact of test cancellations? What are our thoughts on The Ohio State University turning to test-required admissions? What did Amy and Mike work on over the last month? What’s coming up for Amy and Mike? We definitely want to respond to listener questions in our next EXTEMP episode, so reach out to us on social media or get in touch through our contact page . Let’s get this Tests and the Rest mailbag rolling! LINKS What Happens When a Test Goes Wrong? Always Have a Testing Plan B OACAC RELATED EPISODES EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: February 2025 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: January 2025 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: December 2024 ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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632. THE THREE CORE EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS AND TEST PREP 26:56

7 weeks ago26:56

26:56

Traits like cognitive flexibility and impulse control strongly influence student grades and test scores to such an extent that they may be best learned in an academic context. Amy and Mike invited educator Ariel Lieberman to explore the relationship between the three core executive functions and test prep. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are the core executive functions and why are they important? How do weak EF skills get in the way of a student’s test prep? Why is executive function best learned in a relevant academic context? What are ideal strategies to build EF skills within the framework of test prep? Does remote instruction influence the effectiveness of EF coaching? MEET OUR GUEST Ariel Akselrad Lieberman is the founder of Your Best Prep , a tutoring company based in Westchester County, NY that helps high school students, both neurotypical and those with learning differences, master the standardized test prep process and achieve their academic goals. Prior to founding Your Best Prep, Ariel wrote SAT and AP curriculum for Ivy Consulting Group in New York City, where she also worked as a GED tutor for young adults in the criminal justice system as a member of the Ivy League Tutors Foundation. Ariel has an M.Ed from Manhattanville College School of Education, where she studied Secondary Special Education and was a recipient of the Dean’s Award for Innovative Teaching, and a B.A. in history from SUNY-Purchase College, from which she graduated summa cum laude. Ariel holds a Professional Certificate in Learning Differences (LD) and Neurodiversity with a Specialization in Executive Function through the Landmark College Institute for Research & Training. Ariel previously appeared on this podcast in episode 194 for a Test Prep Profile . Find Ariel at http://www.yourbestprep.com/ . LINKS Executive Function: What It Is, How To Improve & Types The False Promise of EF Coaching RELATED EPISODES HOW EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING PROCESSES IMPACT LEARNING EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS AND TEST PREP POST PANDEMIC LEARNING LOSS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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631. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: MentoMind 19:32

7 weeks ago19:32

19:32

Expanding your tutoring business with MentoMind with educators Amit Jain and Jeremy Bryant What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the story behind MentoMind? How does MentoMind work to help with student outcomes? How does MentoMind work to help educators attract students? Who currently uses MentoMind? How is MentoMind helping educators transition to an AI future? ABOUT MENTOMIND MentoMind is a revolutionary SAT/ACT prep platform designed to support students and help tutoring and test prep businesses thrive. It helps tutors attract and engage students through free diagnostic tests, practice questions, fun quizzes, and video courses. With robust white-label capabilities, freemium features, and payment gateway integration, tutors can launch their own branded platform to offer free content and sell digital subscriptions or self-paced programs. By using automated drip emails and parent communication, tutors can nurture a community of students and become their go-to choice the moment students need additional support in the form of full tutoring services. MentoMind uses AI-powered insights, adaptive learning technology, and high-quality test prep content to deliver personalized practice and strengthen student outcomes. The platform offers more than 3,500 expert-created practice questions, full-length tests, and real-time performance tracking, making it a well-rounded resource for standardized test preparation. For tutors, MentoMind streamlines time-consuming tasks such as grading, quiz creation, and student progress tracking. Its centralized dashboard lets instructors assign practice tests, monitor performance, and provide personalized feedback. It also integrates parent communication tools to support transparency and engagement. With AI-powered features, tutors can create or upload their own learning and practice materials, allowing them to focus more on teaching and student growth. One noteworthy feature of MentoMind is its AI-powered learning assistant, which offers 24/7 support to students. It provides hints and step-by-step guidance when they encounter difficulties, while keeping tutors informed of their conversations and progress. This interactive tool adapts to individual learning needs, making study sessions more engaging and effective. Beyond test preparation, MentoMind provides a holistic environment for both learners and educators. Whether you’re an independent tutor, a test prep center, or a school, MentoMind delivers the tools, insights, and automation needed to enhance student success while streamlining workflows and supporting business growth. With advanced AI capabilities, automation, and white-label flexibility, MentoMind is a forward-thinking solution for college test preparation. Amit first appeared on the podcast in episode 539 to discuss How Can Tutors Use AI? To learn more about MentoMind, please visit mentomind.ai or reach out to amit.jain@mentomind.com or jeremy.bryant@mentomind.com . ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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630. THE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS PROFILE 31:29

8 weeks ago31:29

31:29

So much of the college search and application process looks forward, focusing on the destination. Where a student is coming from matters quite a bit though. Amy and Mike invited educational consultants Aly Beaumont and Meg Joyce to explain the significance of the high school class profile. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the high school class profile? What information do school profiles contain and why does it matter? Do all high schools have a school profile? What can be done to overcome the deficiencies of a school profile or the lack of one? Why should every applicant look at their high school profile? MEET OUR GUESTS Aly Beaumont is the founder of Admissions Village , a family focused, affordable, one-on-one college guidance consultancy. Aly is deeply committed to making the college admissions process less stressful, and her success with this objective can be measured by both the growing number of referrals she receives as well as the repeat business of family siblings. Aly is also a founder and advisor to The College T , a website connecting high school students with college students and recent graduates so that first-hand information and experiences can be shared. Aly is a graduate of Tufts University where she majored in History with a concentration in Modern Women and African American History, and was captain of the Equestrian Team. She lives in Wilton, CT with her husband Perry, their two dogs Buddy and Buzz and their three sons. Two of their sons are currently in college at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland and Keyon College in Ohio, and one graduated from Santa Clara University. Aly is a Professional member of IECA and she has her certificate as an Independent Educational Consultant from the University of California Irvine. Aly previously appeared on this podcast in episode 212 to discuss PREPARATION FOR HIGHLY SELECTIVE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS , in episode 341 to discuss COURSE SELECTION FOR HIGHLY SELECTIVE ADMISSIONS , in episode 406 to discuss WHAT DOES UNHOOKED MEAN IN ADMISSIONS? , in episode 537 to discuss WHAT DO TRULY TEST OPTIONAL COLLEGES FOCUS ON? , and was the subject of an IEC PROFILE in episode 264 . Meg Joyce works with Aly at Admissions Village, helping students and their parents navigate every step of the college search and application process. A self-professed research and detail geek, her favorite part of her job is watching students grow in skills and confidence as they work their way through high school and eventually, college applications. Meg wants every student to feel supported and heard, and most of all - special - because when students feel that, it comes through not just in their applications but in everything they do. Meg is a graduate of Georgetown University where she studied Finance and English and worked in the Alumni Office, spending hours talking to alums and learning about their time on campus. She also volunteered for many years as an alumni interviewer. Meg is the mother of four grown children, each of whom had different educational journeys. One has a masters degree in foreign service, another has a masters in creative writing, a third was a college athlete, and another has been working full time while attending community college. She is also an identical twin, so if you see her and she doesn’t say hi, she’s not being rude, it’s just her twin! Meg is an Associate member of IECA and has her certificate as an Independent Educational Consultant from the University of California Irvine. Find Aly and Meg at https://www.admissionsvillage.com . LINKS Have You Seen Your High School Profile? RELATED EPISODES HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SELECTION AND ACADEMIC RIGOR CRAFTING YOUR COLLEGE RESUME THE PROBLEM WITH GRADES IMPLICATIONS OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT DASHBOARD ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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THE DIGITAL SAT: HOW IT STARTED AND HOW IT’S GOING 35:32

9 weeks ago35:32

35:32

A year ago, an innovative new digital adaptive SAT came to the United States–a year after its first appearance internationally. This is the perfect time to find out how College Board feels about both the obstacles and opportunities encountered over this historic transition. Amy and Mike invited Vice President of SAT Suite Program Maureen Forman to talk all about the digital SAT: how it started and how it’s going. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Looking back, what were the most substantial challenges in transforming the SAT to a digital adaptive test? What were the most positive outcomes from the digital transition? What is the current and projected state of the Bluebook practice tests and question bank? What is the role of Khan Academy as College Board’s Official Digital SAT Prep Partner? What can students and educators expect from College Board through 2025? MEET OUR GUEST Maureen Forman is the Vice President, SAT Suite Program and Innovation for College Board. Like many of our listeners, Maureen considers herself an educator first and began her career as a high school teacher in the School District of Philadelphia with the New Teacher Project. She earned her Masters in Education from Eastern University before moving into her work with education technology almost 15 years ago. Maureen’s earliest experiences in product management and edtech implementation consulting were with Naviance, a popular college and career readiness application designed to support high school counselors and students’ college, career, and life readiness. Maureen joined College Board in 2018 and in partnership with hundreds of dedicated College Board employees, helped to lead the digital transformation of the SAT Suite of assessments which culminated with the final delivery of the world’s last paper-based SAT in December 2023. Learn more about the SAT at https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/ . LINKS SAT Suite of Assessments Khanmigo RELATED EPISODES THE NEW DIGITAL SAT EXPERIENCE: A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE NEW SAT TEST SPECIFICATIONS HOW THE DIGITAL SAT IS SCORED ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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628. ADMISSIONS IMPLICATIONS OF ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS 26:45

10 weeks ago26:45

26:45

While we generally profess to celebrate all interests and contributions, the clubs and activities that mean the most to some high schoolers fail to earn the respect that other extracurriculars do, even when students receive recognition on a state or national level. Do colleges at least care? Amy and Mike invited educator Vida John to explore the admissions implications of academic competitions. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are academic competitions, and what are some examples? Why should students consider participating in academic competitions? What do colleges think of them? What are the advantages and disadvantages of participating in these activities? What can we learn from the example of American Mathematics Competitions? MEET OUR GUEST Vida John is a math coach and tutor, specializing in students who are preparing for math contests and studying curriculum published by Art of Problem Solving. Vida grew up in Iowa where she was a high school mathlete before studying at the Stanford School of Engineering and UCSF School of Medicine. After working in Silicon Valley for a medical start up, she homeschooled her two daughters with the intent of providing an excellent education especially in math and science. She coached homeschooled math teams for 10 years, and with both daughters now attending Stanford, she continues to help students prepare for MathCounts, AMC, and other contests while building their problem solving skills. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and runs workshops on using math contests to prepare for college level work. Vida previously appeared on this podcast in episode 255 to discuss Competitive Math And Testing and in episode 536 to discuss All About the American Math Competition . Find Vida at vidajohntutoring.com . LINKS American Mathematics Competitions MATHCOUNTS Foundation Art of Problem Solving RELATED EPISODES MATHEMATICAL MATURITY & TEST SUCCESS HIGH IMPACT STRATEGIES TO HELP STUDENTS SUCCEED IN MATH CHOOSING HIGH SCHOOL MATH COURSES STRATEGICALLY ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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627. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: February 2025 28:58

11 weeks ago28:58

28:58

The Tests and the Rest podcast has always been relentlessly focused on exploring important topics in testing, admissions, education, and learning with amazing expert guests. Sometimes, though, we enjoy an unstructured opportunity to discuss our own takes on major issues, upcoming events, and our endeavors at the intersection of business and education. Catch up with us in the latest episode of EXTEMP with Amy & Mike. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Where did Amy and Mike go last month? What is keeping Mike and Amy busy professionally these days? How does Amy like the SAT/ACT TestBright Curriculum System? What is the Words We Love 2025 Substack Carnival? What does the next month hold for your fearless hosts? We definitely want to respond to listener questions in our next EXTEMP episode, so reach out to us on social media or get in touch through our contact page . Let’s get this Tests and the Rest mailbag rolling! LINKS TestBright SAT/ACT Curriculum System Words We Love 2025 RELATED EPISODES EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: January 2025 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: December 2024 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: November 2024 ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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626. THE RISE IN AP TESTING 28:03

11 weeks ago28:03

28:03

During a period of American education history where most standardized tests fell at least momentarily out of favor, one series of exams seems to be growing in popularity with no end in sight. Amy and Mike invited educator Rob Franek to explore the explosive rise of Advanced Placement testing. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What has inspired the recent increase in AP tests and testing? What is College Board’s strategy with the Advanced Placement program? Will AP tests replace the need for SAT and ACT in admission considerations? Where do these developments leave students without access to AP programs? Will digital APs be cause for applause? MEET OUR GUEST A national expert on colleges and higher education, Rob Franek is a publisher, editor, lecturer, media contributor, and author as well as a former college admissions administrator. As Editor-in-Chief at The Princeton Review , he oversees the company’s 150+ Princeton Review books distributed by Penguin Random House. He also directs the company's annual surveys of students, parents, and school administrators. The survey findings are reported at dozens of education conferences and by hundreds of media each year. Over his 33-year career, Rob has visited more than 1,200 high schools and more than 1,000 colleges and graduate schools. It is his interactions with students, parents, and counselors that he cites as his most inspiring professional experiences. He gives more than 100 talks a year to audiences of students, parents, educators, counselors, and advisors. He has chaired panels and presented keynotes at many National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) conferences and delivered commencement addresses at three universities. Rob is author of four books: The Best 390 Colleges ; The Best Value Colleges; College Admission 101 ; and Colleges That Create Futures . He also spearheaded the publications of The Ultimate Guide to HBCUs and The College Wellness Guide . As director of The Princeton Review's surveys, Rob has polled millions of college and graduate school students for the company’s school rankings which are based on student ratings of their schools and tallied in dozens of categories. Rob also oversees the company’s annual College Hopes & Worries Survey of thousands of college applicants and their parents as well as its annual College Administrator Summer Survey . Rob has hosted 140+ videos on The Princeton Review's YouTube channel . which collectively have received more than a million views. Among them: The New SAT: 15 Must-Know Answers About the Test , The ACT is Changing: 5 Things to Know , and Key Concepts for Spring 2024 AP Exams . Sourced by the AP, Voice of America, New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education , and other media, Rob has also appeared on hundreds of broadcasts including more than 30 appearances on NBC TODAY. Hoda Kotb, the show's co-anchor, has introduced him saying “ He talks. We listen!” Rob has also appeared on ABC, CBS, CNN, FOX, NPR, PBS, and NHK (Japan) as well as the Emmy-award winning show Teen Kids News. Rob earned his B.A. at Drew University (NJ) and serves on its Board of Trustees. Prior to joining The Princeton Review in 1999, he was a college admissions administrator at Wagner College (NY) for six years. A resident of Manhattan, Rob is a New York history buff and an avid runner. Rob can be reached at robert.franek@review.com . LINKS Advanced Placement - College Board AP Test Prep - The Princeton Review The Princeton Review Reports Findings of Its 2024 College Administrator Summer Survey RELATED EPISODES BIG CHANGES TO AP TESTS IN 2025 CONTROVERSIES AROUND NEW AP PROGRAMS THE FUTURE OF AP EXAMS CHOOSING BETWEEN AP AND IB PROGRAMS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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625. COLLEGE TRANSITIONS AND DISTRESS TOLERANCE 28:21

12 weeks ago28:21

28:21

Big life changes hit all of us differently, which is to say that not every teen is equally prepared for the dramatic academic, social, and emotional shift that comes with moving away from home. Amy and Mike invited counselor Katie Burchenal to discuss college transitions and distress tolerance. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is Distress Tolerance? What issues elevate Distress Tolerance? What are some strategies to manage Distress Tolerance and what is DBT? How can parents, educators, and counselors support students through big life changes? What are self-care strategies for parents, educators, and counselors? MEET OUR GUEST Katie Burchenal is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the owner of Katie Burchenal Counseling. Her private practice specializes in counseling for teens, individuals, and couples. Known for her empathetic approach, warmth, and humor, Katie connects deeply with her clients. She is dedicated to empowering individuals to pursue self-growth beyond therapy by offering solution-focused homework and practical strategies for daily life. Katie Burchenal Counseling also provides coaching services for teens, parents, and individuals nationwide. She assists teens and young adults with issues such as academic stress, social relationships, divorce, self-discovery, confidence, anxiety, communication challenges, and transitions to high school, college, and post-college life. Additionally, Katie has a strong passion for supporting student-athletes aiming for college competition. She guides them through the recruitment process, effective communication with coaches, self-marketing, and the transition to college athletics. Outside of her professional life, Katie enjoys a blended family with her husband and their eight children. Katie can be reached at https://www.katieburchenalcounseling.com/ . LINKS The Secret to Surviving Stressful Transitions Dialectical Behavior Therapy Distress Tolerance Skills for College Students: A Pilot Investigation of a Brief DBT Group Skills Training Program Dialectical behavior therapy for college students: A randomized clinical trial RELATED EPISODES THE W-CURVE MODEL AND NEW COLLEGE STUDENTS THE PARENT TRANSITION FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE HOW PREPARATION AND MINDFULNESS GO TOGETHER ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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624. THE DEMOGRAPHIC CLIFF IS HERE 26:15

13 weeks ago26:15

26:15

The entire edifice of higher education and industry depends on a steady flow of students coming in and qualified graduates flowing out. What happens to the system when the crucial input of applicants drops dramatically? Amy and Mike invited journalist Jon Marcus to answer that very question, because the dreaded demographic cliff is here. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What exactly is a demographic cliff? What have colleges done to prepare for a decline in applicants? Which schools are most and least threatened by the demographic cliff? How does the demographic pattern benefit applicants? How will this shift in population impact schools and society? MEET OUR GUEST Jon Marcus is higher-education editor at The Hechinger Report and also writes for The Washington Post, The New York Times, Wired, NPR, and other magazines, newspapers, and websites. Jon holds a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree from Bates College, and attended Oxford University. He teaches journalism at Boston College and Northeastern University. Jon previously appeared on this podcast in episode 201 to discuss How College Board and ACT are Changing . Find Jon at jmarcus@hechingerreport.org or on Bluesky/X at @jonmarcusboston. LINKS The number of 18-year-olds is about to drop sharply, packing a wallop for colleges — and the economy A looming 'demographic cliff': Fewer college students and ultimately fewer graduates Despite public perception, and for the first time in decades, college acceptance rates are going up Nonprofit Explorer - ProPublica RELATED EPISODES DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS AND COLLEGE ADMISSIONS THE ULTIMATE COLLEGE STRESS TEST PSYCHOGRAPHICS IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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623. THE MOST COMMON NEUROMYTHS 28:01

14 weeks ago28:01

28:01

A widely held belief about brain function is that very little is truly understood in modern science. Unfortunately, most people probably know even less than they think! Amy and Mike invited education professional Gretchen Wegner to explore and debunk the most common neuromyths. What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. What exactly is a neuromyth? 2. Is there one neuromyth that stands out over all the others? 3. What are some other common neuromyths? 4. Why is it so destructive to believe and teach neuromyths? 5. How do we eliminate neuromyths in education and instruction? MEET OUR GUEST Gretchen Wegner is the founder of the Anti-Boring Learning Lab , where educators obsess over discovering the best science-backed study skills and executive function strategies every student needs to thrive. A former classroom teacher and academic coach, she now specializes in consolidating the science of learning into fun, digestible, actionable, executive function-friendly nuggets for educators and their students. Gretchen is also a tireless learner, consistently and transparently modeling the Anti-Boring Study Skills Toolkit in her speaking presentations and throughout her courses and community. Gretchen previously appeared on this podcast in episode 34 to discuss How to Teach Students to Study Effectively and in a spotlight in episode 542 SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Anti-Boring Learning Lab . Find Gretchen at www.antiboringlearninglab.com . LINKS Neuromyths: What Science to Ditch (or Defend?!) When Coaching Students Expand your academic coaching toolkit The Role of Meta-Analysis in Scientific Studies RELATED EPISODES DEBUNKING LEARNING STYLES DOES GROWTH MINDSET MATTER? MAKING LEARNING SCIENCE WORK FOR YOU ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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622. ADMISSIONS LESSONS FROM ADMISSIONS REPS 31:23

15 weeks ago31:23

31:23

The opacity and complexity of elements of the college application process inspire endless speculation about what really matters. In many cases, though, the best place to find answers is with the colleges themselves. Amy and Mike invited educator John Durante to review admissions lessons learned from admissions representatives. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What can admissions reps share about the college admissions process that you won't find elsewhere? What are some of the things you do control in the college admissions process? What aspects of the college admissions process are out of an applicant's control? What common mistakes do students or families make when focusing on the things they can control? Why does today's admission process require so much knowledge and experience? MEET OUR GUEST Dr. John Durante, a Stony Brook University alum, has been the principal of Syosset High School for 13 years. In 2016 he was named Best Principal on Long Island from the Bethpage Federal Credit Union and is also a recipient of the PTA Founders Day Award and Jenkins Award. John started his career at Syosset High School in 1994 as a teacher of world languages and he prides himself on helping others. After helping his daughters through the college admissions process, he came up with the idea of interviewing college admissions representatives to provide students and parents with insight and advice, straight from the people who ultimately make the admissions decisions. So, he launched “The College Admissions Process Podcast” in February 2022 and has released nearly 300 episodes, while currently averaging over 10,000 downloads each month. John is the author of Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies for College Applications . John previously appeared on this podcast in episode 493 to discuss How To Speak To A College Admissions Rep . Find John at collegeadmissionstalk@gmail.com . LINKS Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies for College Applications The College Admissions Process Podcast The College Admissions Process Alphabetical List with links John Durante on LinkedIn RELATED EPISODES MAKING THE MOST OF COLLEGE VISITS HOW TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH COLLEGES DEMONSTRATING INTEREST DURING VIRTUAL COLLEGE TOURS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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621. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: January 2025 29:27

16 weeks ago29:27

29:27

A new year brings new excitement. The Tests and the Rest podcast has always been relentlessly focused on exploring important topics in testing, admissions, education, and learning with amazing expert guests. Sometimes, though, we enjoy an unstructured opportunity to discuss our own takes on major issues, upcoming events, and our endeavors at the intersection of business and education. Catch up with us in the latest episode of EXTEMP with Amy & Mike. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How were Amy and Mike’s holidays? What are our one word mantras for 2025? How are Amy and Mike starting the new year? What trips do Amy and Mike have coming up? Why is Mike so excited about his newest Substack? We definitely want to respond to listener questions in our next EXTEMP episode, so reach out to us on social media or get in touch through our contact page . Let’s get this Tests and the Rest mailbag rolling! LINKS College Road Newsletter RELATED EPISODES EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: December 2024 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: November 2024 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: October 2024 ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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620. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS AN UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 25:18

16 weeks ago25:18

25:18

Considering how prevalent the topic of AI has become in business, leisure, and education, it was only a matter of time before college students would choose to focus on its study. Amy and Mike invited college dean Jennifer Stephan to explore what you need to know about artificial intelligence as an undergraduate major. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What do students study when they major in AI? What are some focus areas within an AI degree? Is an AI major a replacement or improvement over a CS major? Are there non-technical pathways to contribute to AI? What majors besides AI and CS can prepare you for a career in AI? What important questions should students interested in studying AI be able to answer? MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Jennifer Stephan has held a variety of roles across top colleges and universities, including professor, academic dean, and board of admissions member, in addition to serving as a private college counselor, alumni interviewer for Johns Hopkins University, and parent of three. She holds a BS degree in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University, as well as an MS and a PhD in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Jennifer is currently the Dean of Academic Advising and Undergraduate Studies for the School of Engineering at Tufts University. Prior to joining Tufts in 2016, she spent over two decades serving as a dean and a professor of Computer Science at Wellesley College, where she collaborated with colleagues at MIT, Olin College of Engineering, and Babson College to support students pursuing engineering. While at Wellesley, Jennifer served on the College’s Board of Admissions, reading and evaluating approximately one hundred transfer applications each year. Jennifer also is the founder of Lantern College Counseling , a robust college counseling practice where she regularly employs insights from her experiences leading in higher education to help students develop their college lists and shape competitive, authentic applications. Jennifer specializes in STEM, computer science, engineering, undecided and transfer students She is a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) and a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Jennifer first appeared on our podcast in episode 541 to discuss NAVIGATING THE COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ADMISSIONS and in episode 559 for a Test Prep Profile . Find Jennifer at jennifer@lanterncollege.com or https://www.lanterncollegecounseling.com . LINKS Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an Undergraduate Major: What You Need to Know Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Computer Science Admissions: An Expert’s Approach — Lantern College Counseling RELATED EPISODES STRATEGIES FOR SELECTING A COLLEGE MAJOR ON TIME COMPARING MOST POPULAR AND MOST LUCRATIVE COLLEGE MAJORS CHOOSING HIGH SCHOOL MATH COURSES STRATEGICALLY ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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619. POST PANDEMIC LEARNING LOSS 30:22

17 weeks ago30:22

30:22

The global onset of the coronavirus shut down schools, which interrupted the educational process for millions of students. The expectation was that deficits in fundamental areas would be made up once the world opened up again. Did that happen though? Amy and Mike invited education professional Nancy Weinstein to explore post-pandemic learning loss. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Are students really performing differently since the pandemic? Does learning loss differ based on age or gender? Were students in all parts of the United States equally impacted by the pandemic? How can students begin to repair pandemic learning gaps? What can parents, educators, and coaches do to repair pandemic learning loss? MEET OUR GUEST Nancy Weinstein founded Mindprint Learning with the perspectives of both a parent and an innovator. Realizing a need to address a common challenge for parents and educators, she drew upon her background in science and business to create Mindprint, the first ever valid at-home cognitive assessment supported with next-step strategies for growth. Nancy has an extensive background in business, including work at Goldman Sachs, The Walt Disney Company Corporate Strategic Planning, Bristol Myers Squibb, and several smaller Internet companies. Nancy has an MBA from Harvard Business School with first year honors and a BS/BSE summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton School of Management and Technology Program, Bioengineering and Finance. As a mother of two, Nancy recognizes the challenges parents face today, from helping with homework, to navigating the ever-changing pace of education and technology. Nancy previously appeared on this podcast in episode 132 to discuss The Science of Memory . Find Nancy at https://mindprintlearning.com/ . LINKS MindPrint Research Brief - Post Pandemic Brain Changes: Results from 35K Students Study Finds COVID Harmed Cognitive Skills of Students — and Teachers – The 74 RELATED EPISODES COVID LEARNING LOSS THE GROWING IMPACT OF CHEATING DURING COVID HOW TESTS AID MEMORY ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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618. HOW THE COMMON DATA SET CAN HELP INTERPRET WHAT COLLEGES TELL YOU 25:25

18 weeks ago25:25

25:25

Finding your best fit school requires a lot of smart research, so don’t overlook one of the best sources of institutional information available. Amy and Mike invited independent counselor Jane Gabin to discuss how the common data set can help interpret what colleges tell you. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the Common Data Set? How can studying the CDS help with judging the value of a school? What does a school’s graduation rate tell us about the school? How can the CDS be accessed and can anyone look at it? Are there schools that try to hide their data? MEET OUR GUEST Jane S. Gabin has been publishing articles on colleges’ over-hiring of adjunct faculty since 2015, when she wrote about the problem in “Ask the College Counselor,” her regular column for InsideSchools.com. Her writing on this subject has also appeared in Inside Higher Ed (June 24, 2019), the Academe Blog (July 2, 2019 and May 21, 2020), and The College Prep Guide ( college-prep-guide.com ). A member of NACAC, SACAC, and the International ACAC, as well as the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), she currently works as an independent counselor, addressing groups such as the local NAACP Youth Council about educational opportunities, and speaking to parents and students at local public libraries. Dr. Gabin has over 20 years in the college admissions profession. She worked for 10 years for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at UNC-Chapel Hill, where she was in charge of all international admissions and counselor relations. She followed this with 11 years in college advising at independent schools in the NYC area, primarily at the United Nations International School (UNIS). She gave a talk at the SACAC 2020 conference on “Another Way of Looking at What Makes a College ‘Good’” when she addressed this issue (in addition to suggesting a close look at colleges’ admission rate, retention rate, class size, and graduation rate). Additionally, she has given or led sessions (primarily on the essay process) at the New Jersey ACAC, the New York State ACAC, NACAC, and for KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) in NYC. She received a Ph.D. in English at UNC-Chapel Hill and has published one novel and is working on another. As an independent scholar, she is currently researching the lives of women artists in the 19th century. Jane previously appeared on this podcast in episode 328 to discuss Concerns About College Staffing Trends . Find Jane at janesgabin@yahoo.com . LINKS Common Data Set The Shortest Guide to College Admissions RELATED EPISODES USING THE COMMON DATA SET POWER DYNAMICS IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS HOW IMPORTANT IS GPA IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS? HOW ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR MORALE IS CHANGING ADMISSIONS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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617. PREPARING TEENS FOR COLLEGE: ARE THEY READY? 28:14

19 weeks ago28:14

28:14

Wanting to pursue higher education is not exactly the same as being ready for higher education and all that its pursuit entails, as too many students learn to their detriment. Amy and Mike invited educator Carey Dukes to explore just how prepared and ready most teens are for college. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Are students typically prepared for both the academic and emotional challenges of college? What critical skills should students develop to enhance their readiness for college life and beyond? Why does approaching college in terms of semesters make sense? Why should student persistence be a priority for colleges? What role do parents and educators play in fostering college readiness among teens? MEET OUR GUEST Carey Dukes brings a unique blend of expertise in business management and academic leadership, honed over three decades in both the corporate and educational sectors. Currently an Assistant Professor of Management at North Greenville University, Carey has a distinguished career that spans from managing large-scale transportation operations to pioneering new approaches in student retention and academic success. With a Doctorate in Business Administration and extensive experience as a CEO in multiple companies, Carey has a deep understanding of business process improvement, change management, and organizational development. His work in the trucking and logistics industry, where he specialized in fixing broken processes and leading innovation, has equipped him with practical insights into managing complex systems and driving efficiency. In academia, Carey’s focus has shifted towards addressing one of higher education's most pressing challenges: student retention. Drawing from his own experiences as a first-generation college student, Carey authored a book and developed a model aimed at improving student readiness and retention, particularly in the critical first year of college. His research identifies key variable components that predict student success, offering actionable strategies for institutions to retain more students and reduce the high dropout rates that plague universities. Find Carey at carey@therci.net . LINKS The Readiness for Change Institute https://www.youtube.com/@HigherEdReady College Readiness Benchmarks RELATED EPISODES HOW TO PERSIST TO COLLEGE GRADUATION WHY COLLEGE READINESS MATTERS COLLEGE READINESS ADVICE FROM A COLLEGE PROFESSOR ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright . Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page .…

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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616. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: December 2024 29:45

20 weeks ago29:45