Podcasts about chariot learning

Security at testing centers is almost as tight as screening at American airports. Yet some test takers still find ways to cheat on the ACT or at least raise suspicions. Amy and Mike invited school counselor Desiree Rodriguez-Gould to explore the process of ACT score review and validation.  What are five things you will learn in this episode? How does ACT, Inc. handle score review and validation? What roles can counselors and test prep professionals play in the review process?  How badly can ACT score cancellation impact some students? In what ways does the SAT score review process differ? What are some possible ways to avoid ACT and SAT score review? MEET OUR GUEST Desiree Rodriguez-Gould, M.Ed., born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, is a first-generation Latina college graduate and is passionate about college admissions and educational opportunities for all.  She was a College Counselor at St. Edward High School. Desi is married to Matt and has three beautiful children, plus an adorable Labradoodle, Riff. With a background in college counseling and strong involvement in professional development organizations and university advisory boards, Mrs. Rodriguez-Gould is an eager student and higher education advocate.  LINKS ACT-Test Security-Procedures for Conducting Individual Score Review What should you do if your ACT score is under review? A lawyer answers. 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.

Students often approach their college applications as if each essay is the most important piece of prose they've ever written, which leads to overthinking and anxiety. There is a better way! Amy and Mike invited essay specialist Jill Margaret Shulman to share guidance for writing a stress-free college essay. What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. What are myths that exist in essay writing? 2. What stops students from getting started with their essay in the first place? 3. What techniques help empower students to write? 4. What are some positive steps if a student gets stuck? 5. What is the one piece of advice about personal essay writing that every student needs to hear? MEET OUR GUEST Jill Margaret Shulman is the author of College Admissions Cracked: Saving Your Kid (and Yourself) from the Madness and College Essay Confidence: Conquer Blocks, Free Your Voice, and Write a Knockout Application Essay. She's also the founder of In Other Words, a college essay coaching service. She has spent decades shepherding families through the college admissions process and has evaluated applications at elite colleges. Shulman has also taught writing at The New School, City University of New York, and NYU and has been featured in Forbes, LA Times, The New York Times, Parents, and elsewhere. She lives in the higher education mecca of Western Massachusetts.  Jill can be reached at jillshulman.com. LINKS College Essay Confidence: Conquer Blocks, Free Your Voice, and Write a Knockout Application Essay RELATED EPISODES COLLEGE ESSAY SECRETS MAKING YOUR COLLEGE ESSAYS COUNT DESTRESSIFYING THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

Expanding your tutoring business with MentoMind with educator Amit Jain What are five things you will learn in this episode? How are tutors using MentoMind? How is the MentoMind platform evolving? What are the users of MentoMind like? What kind of courses are tutors creating on MentoMind? What is the new video solution platform Think10x all about? ABOUT MENTOMIND MentoMind is a white-label platform that helps tutoring companies, test prep businesses, and college advisors scale their SAT, ACT, and AP prep services. Your curriculum, ours, or both: use MentoMind's expert-created practice questions and full-length tests across SAT, ACT, and AP, bring your own, or run entirely on your existing curriculum. Tutor-led or fully automated: deliver it through your tutors, or run it fully automated with no added workload on staff — opening up a lower-cost, self-paced option for families who can't afford or fit into your tutoring schedule. MentoMind's Think10x is an AI product that generates step-by-step whiteboard-style video solutions — complete with figures and diagrams — narrated in the teacher's own voice, in English, Spanish, and many more, giving students 24/7 support for every question in the curriculum. It is integrated into MentoMind and also available as a standalone platform. Amit first appeared on the podcast in episode 539 to discuss How Can Tutors Use AI?, in episode 631 for a SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: MentoMind, and in episode 691 for another SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: MentoMind. To learn more about MentoMind, please reach out to amit.jain@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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

While all teenagers are alike in certain ways, those at the very top and very bottom of the socioeconomic spectrum share some disconcerting similarities. How are these peer groups connected, and what can be done to help them? Amy and Mike invited psychiatrist Anthony Villani to bring clarity to the topic of anxiety and socioeconomic status.  What are five things you will learn in this episode? What fascinating aspects of teen life has Dr.Suniya Luthar uncovered in her research?  What behaviors do teens at the highest and lowest socioeconomic levels exhibit? Does gender enter into the teen anxiety equation?  How can parents, educators, and counselors mitigate these levels of teen anxiety? How does envy undermine teens in school? MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Anthony Villani is a practicing psychiatrist, former school board member, parent of two teens, and college applicant interviewer. He's also a competitive math coach. LINKS Children of the Affluent: Challenges to Well-Being (Suniya S. Luthar and Shawn J. Latendresse) RELATED EPISODES COLLEGE TRANSITIONS AND DISTRESS TOLERANCE FROM STAGE TO TEST: WHAT PERFORMANCE TEACHES US ABOUT TEST ANXIETY DESTRESSIFYING THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.

The apprenticeship model of academia requires more than just passive learning from students. How can applicants seeking entry to selective programs demonstrate that they have the ability and ambition to contribute to their desired fields? Amy and Mike invited professor Robert Malkin to consider what student research matters the most to colleges. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are the different forms of research high school students have access to? Why are in-person lab experiences becoming increasingly valuable for high school students? What are the biggest mistakes students make when trying to find research or lab opportunities? How can students approach professors, universities, or labs even if they don't have prior experience? What makes a research experience truly meaningful from a college admissions perspective? MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Robert Malkin is a Professor of the Practice of Biomedical Engineering and Global Health, Emeritus at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of the International Research Institute of North Carolina.  Previously, he was the Herbert Herff Professor of Biomedical Engineering at The University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee, and The University of Tennessee. Before moving to Tennessee, Dr. Malkin was a professor of Electrical Engineering at The City College of New York and a member of the graduate faculty at The City University of New York and a research associate at Columbia University. Dr. Malkin was the founder and Director of Engineering World Health and The Global Public Service Academies, organizations dedicated to improving healthcare in the developing world. Dr. Malkin received his MS and PhD in Electrical Engineering from Duke University in 1993. Prior to attending graduate school, Dr. Malkin taught English in Thailand, worked at EM Microelectronics in Switzerland designing integrated circuits, worked for Cordis Corporation designing pacemakers, and worked for Sarns Incorporated designing heart-lung machines. Dr. Malkin served as an expert advisor to the World Health Organization's Advisory Group on Healthcare Technology, Advisory Group on Innovative Technologies, and on the World Health Organization's subcommittee on medical equipment donations. Dr Malkin received the BS degree in Electrical Engineering from The University of Michigan in 1984. Dr. Malkin has received numerous awards, including service awards from The Republic of Nicaragua; EM Microelectronics and Cordis Corporation. He was named an Engineering Hero Award by IEEE and received an Outstanding Faculty Research Award from The College of Engineering, an Established Investigator Award from the American Heart Association, and an award for Innovation and Excellence in Undergraduate Education from The President of The City College of New York. Currently, he serves as the Founder and Executive Director of IRI, wherein they provide STEM remote research opportunities to students around the world with the goal of empowering young minds that can potentially advance human knowledge, especially through their peer-reviewed journal publications. Bob can be reached at robert.malkin@duke.edu. LINKS International Research Institute of North Carolina RELATED EPISODES HOW STUDENT RESEARCH IMPACTS COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CREATING A PASSION PROJECT CULTIVATING AND RECOGNIZING ACADEMIC CURIOSITY FINDING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF IN THE PATH TO COLLEGE 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

Many of today's high school students somehow appear to cram 30 hours of academic, extracurricular, work, and social commitments into each of their 24-hour days. Is that frenzy of activity sustainable or even healthy? Amy and Mike invited school counselor Eric Domroes to analyze the need for bringing critical balance to high schoolers' lives.   What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does balance mean for a high school student? Where does the pressure to do too much come from? What should students consider when planning for life after high school? Is balance just a euphemism for doing too much? How can counselors help students find balance? MEET OUR GUEST Eric Domroes is a 21-year veteran educator and lead school counselor at Pittsford Mendon High School, which has the notable distinction of consistently achieving top academic standing in all of Upstate New York. His work developing a diversity of students gives him some unique perspectives on how best to support good planning and advocacy for student preparation for college and beyond. RELATED EPISODES DESTRESSIFYING THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS FAMILY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.

Real improvement takes time, which is to say that a single class or lesson can only take us so far. However, getting off to a good start can go a long way towards an ideal ending. Amy and Mike invited educational entrepreneur Lisa Tran to explore the importance of making the first coaching session matter. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does rapport mean in an educational or coaching context? What does an ideal first session structure actually look like? How can educators and coaches cultivate effective rapport? What is the role of students and parents in making the first session work? What happens in a first session that makes students want to come back? MEET OUR GUEST Lisa Tran built her tutoring business, Lisa's Study Guides, from her own one-on-one students up to 35 tutors and 200+ students, and eventually sold it. She now runs Tutorboss, where she helps tutoring business owners stop being the bottleneck in their own businesses and step into being the CEO. She is an Aussie based in London. Lisa can be reached at tutorboss.co or @imlisatran on Instagram. LINKS The 7 Traits of Top Tutors How Building Rapport Helped My Students Take Risks RELATED EPISODES THE ROLE OF RAPPORT IN EDUCATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS WHY YOU WANT TO WORK WITH A CAREER TUTOR CULTIVATING AND RECOGNIZING ACADEMIC CURIOSITY  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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

The Tests and the Rest podcast consistently focuses 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 this month? Why is Mike headed to NYC during a busy month? What big project did Amy complete? What is a habit Amy and Mike are trying to build or break? What's coming up in the next month 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 Tutor: Perfectionism is About Fear Seeley Test Pros/ LEAP HSPT On-Demand Course RELATED EPISODES EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: July 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: June 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: May 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: April 2026  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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

Even in the Common App era, completing college applications can feel like an interminably long and complex process with far too many permutations from one school to another. But some schools are announcing what appear to be efforts to eliminate application bloat. Are they really, though? Amy and Mike invited independent education consultant Beth Kraemer to answer the question, "Are supplemental essays dead?" What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why are some colleges eliminating supplemental essays, and do their stated reasons tell the whole story? Are supplemental essays simply another application hurdle? What additional information is elicited through supplemental essays? Which schools have eliminated supplemental essays heading into the 2026-27 admissions cycle?  How should applicants determine whether they should write optional essays? MEET OUR GUEST Beth Kraemer is the co-founder of In College Consulting and has spent more than a decade helping families navigate the increasingly complex world of college admissions. With a background in journalism, education, and law, she brings both storytelling expertise and strategic thinking to her work with students. Beth earned a journalism degree from Northwestern University, a master's degree from The Ohio State University, and a J.D. from the UCLA School of Law. She first became involved in admissions as a Northwestern alumni interviewer. She is a Professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and regularly visits campuses to stay current on admissions trends. In addition to her consulting work, Beth serves on the board of the Pinpoint Scholars Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access and leadership in STEM education. Beth previously appeared on this podcast in episode 715 for an IEC PROFILE. Beth can be reached at incollegeconsulting.com.   LINKS The Admissions Funnel Is Clogged. Here's How to Fix It. Some Colleges Drop Supplemental Essays for 2026–27 Fall 2027 Essay Question - UGA Admissions Georgia Tech Simplifies First-Year Admission Application by Removing Supplemental Essay UVA removes supplemental essay prompt from 2025-2026 undergraduate application RELATED EPISODES COLLEGE ENROLLMENT TRENDS FOR 2026 AND 2027  WHY THIS COLLEGE, WHY THIS MAJOR? WHY OPTIONAL STATEMENTS AREN'T OPTIONAL 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Eric Rath is the founder and president of Rath Tutoring, where he's spent the last decade building a remote test-prep and academic tutoring practice. His career in test prep goes back nearly twenty years, with senior business and instruction roles at some of the field's best-known names — Applerouth, ArborBridge, and Revolution Prep — before he struck out on his own in 2016. A UC Berkeley graduate, Eric is a frequent speaker on testing, assessment, and education, presenting everywhere from individual high schools to admissions-industry organizations like NACAC and IECA. He works with students across the full range of exams — the SAT, ACT, and TOEFL; graduate tests like the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT; and private high school entrance exams — and he's known for a calm, practical, jargon-free approach that takes the anxiety out of the process. Find Eric at info@rathtutoring.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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Amy Brooks, the founder of Amy Brooks Tutoring, an academic tutoring and test prep practice serving K–12 students and families both in person and online. With over 30 years of experience in education, Amy specializes in standardized test prep for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and ISEE, along with academic tutoring and educational consulting for families from homeschool, private school, and public school backgrounds. Amy graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Spanish. Her professional background includes corporate IT consulting and training, classroom teaching in both public and private schools, directing an area homeschool group, and enjoying 15 years of homeschooling her own four children. She is a member of the National Test Prep Association and is committed to providing the highest level of professionalism and expertise in test prep coaching, helping students develop both the strategies and confidence needed to succeed on standardized exams. Amy and her husband, Taylor, have been married for 31 years. Their four children graduated from their homeschool and went on to attend Texas A&M University and Abilene Christian University. Today, Amy enjoys being a lifelong learner and encouraging students to grow in academic confidence as they discover how they learn best and pursue their future goals. She and Taylor are also delighted in their newest role as grandparents. Find Amy at https://www.amybrookstutoring.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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Bobby Nicholson. Bobby is the founder of Outliers ACT Prep, a Knoxville-based education company helping students achieve measurable, life-changing score increases on the ACT. What began as one-on-one tutoring has grown into a multi-coach, team-based program used by students and schools across the region, known for its data-driven diagnostics, proprietary coaching app, and five-point composite score guarantee. Beyond test prep, Bobby is building a broader ecosystem around education, character development, and long-term human flourishing. He is a co-contributor of the FLOY project (Future Leaders of Yesterday), a multi-decade project to design a practical "life curriculum" that teaches young people how to think clearly, build strong relationships, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and pursue lives that are happy, free, and fit for the good of others. Bobby is an entrepreneur, systems-builder, and lifelong student of learning science, psychology, and philosophy, with a particular interest in how motivation, meaning, and skill-building intersect. When he's not working with students or building new education programs, he enjoys endurance training, cooking ambitious meals, reading widely, and designing new tools to help people grow. Find Bobby at bobby@oaprep.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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Mishkaat Rawjee. Mishkaat is the owner of Mishmath, a solo tutoring business that focuses on one-on-one academic and test prep tutoring for the SAT, ACT, GRE, and K–12 math. She has an undergraduate and master's degree in computer science, but quickly realized that sitting at a desk all day wasn't for her. Tutoring started as a way to make extra money and naturally turned into a full-time career—and she's been doing it ever since. Mishkaat understands today's students and the constant distractions they're navigating with social media and the internet. She genuinely enjoys finding new ways to learn and teach, and she believes tutoring has to evolve with the times. When a student recently introduced her to an AI-based SAT platform, she encouraged it rather than dismissing it—seeing it as part of the future of education and something that can be used thoughtfully to support learning. Running her own tutoring business has given Mishkaat the freedom to explore, travel, and design a lifestyle that works for her. She works roughly half the year in the U.S. and half in India, using different time zones to her advantage while teaching students around the world. The flexibility tutoring offers, both professionally and personally, is something she deeply values. When she's not tutoring, Mishkaat enjoys traveling, hiking, long walks, and cooking. Find Mishkaat at https://mishkaatrawjee.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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Myles Múnera-Keating. Myles graduated early from Stanford University with a BS in Mathematical and Computational Science, concentrating on statistics and machine learning. His deep enthusiasm for numbers and probability, coupled with talents in writing and standardized testing, makes him a versatile educator who supports students across a wide array of domains from math and science to the humanities to college applications. Myles's approach is not only about helping students master content: he coaches them through developing the effective learner habits essential for academic success. Bringing an incredible breadth and depth of knowledge to the table, Myles has a unique ability to demystify even the most challenging subjects, making learning both accessible and enjoyable. He equips students with executive functioning skills they can rely on both in and out of the classroom, fostering a mindset and skill set that enables them to engage meaningfully with material, manage their workload, and thrive. While Myles tutors in many subject areas, his favorite kind of engagements involve working closely and holistically with students experiencing significant emotional and academic challenges. Find Myles at myles@nowtestprep.com or https://nowtestprep.com/contact. 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.

While higher education is grappling with the implications of a demographic shift among applicants, an equally important trend of a decidedly geographic nature is creating winners and losers on opposite sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. Amy and Mike invited independent education consultant Mark Stucker to explain why Southern colleges are currently so popular. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Are Southern colleges and universities really outpacing other schools in popularity, and why? How did the pandemic influence admissions trends? Are there any particular schools drawing more applicants? Are students happy at Southern colleges once they get there? What should students who aren't from the South know about attending Southern colleges? MEET OUR GUEST Mark Stucker has spent more than 25 years helping students and families navigate one of life's most important decisions: finding the right college fit. Throughout his career, he has worked in college admissions, boarding school admissions, and college counseling across independent, public, and charter schools, as well as in private practice, guiding more than 2,000 students from all 50 states through the admissions process. His philosophy is simple but powerful: every student deserves a college that is both the right academic and personal fit—and one that is financially attainable for their family. Mark's career has included leadership roles at Westtown School, where he served as Associate Director of Admissions, chaired the admissions committee for five years, and worked extensively in college counseling. He later spent more than a decade with KIPP Metro Atlanta, building and leading college counseling programs that helped approximately 70 students each year successfully transition to college. In 2010, he founded School Match 4U, an educational consulting firm dedicated to helping students identify their best educational opportunities. Widely recognized as a trusted voice in college admissions, Mark is the author of 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admissions Questions and the founder, co-host, and producer of the Your College-Bound Kid podcast, which has become Apple's most-listened-to podcast in the Education for Kids category. His expertise is informed by visits to more than 350 college campuses and professional involvement with organizations including IECA, NACAC, and SACAC. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Summer Institute for College Admissions and Stanford University's Counselor Outreach Program. When he's not talking college admissions, Mark enjoys traveling, golfing, gardening, reading, exploring different cuisines, and following college and professional sports. He and his wife of 35 years are the proud parents of two successful daughters, and his passion for helping students discover their futures continues to shape the advice and insight he shares with families across the country. Mark can be texted at 404-664-4340. LINKS The Lure of the South: Why More Students Are Heading South for College The Rising Popularity of Southern Colleges RELATED EPISODES THE FLUTIE EFFECT IN ADMISSIONS  ATTENDING A LARGE PUBLIC UNIVERSITY  THE BENEFITS OF JOINING A FRATERNITY  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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

Young adults should always be encouraged to dream big when imagining their futures. When the time comes to actualize those aspirations, though, practical details matter most.  Amy and Mike invited author Jeff Selingo to clarify how to define a dream school.    What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the "Top 25 or bust" mentality and why do so many families still equate selectivity with quality? Do you need to attend a top-ranked school to get an exceptional college education? How do you define fit, and what specific factors should families consider when evaluating whether a college is truly the right match for a student? What is a hidden gem college and what characteristics do these institutions tend to share? What indicators should families look for when assessing a college's ability to prepare students for meaningful careers? MEET OUR GUEST Jeff Selingo is a New York Times bestselling author of four books on education and the job market, including his newest, Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You (September 2025). Based on more than two years of research and a survey of some 3,000 parents, the book gives families permission to think more broadly about what signals a "good" college and then the tools to discover their dream school. His previous book, Who Gets In & Why: A Year Inside College Admissions, was named one of the New York Times's 100 Notable Books of the Year in 2020. For more than twenty-five years, his in-depth reporting and storytelling have provided practical insight about the future of higher education and the workforce to university leaders, corporate executives, as well as students and parents. Jeff has talked before scores of colleges, businesses, healthcare organizations, and financial services companies and helped leaders understand what's next for education and how companies can better compete for talent, especially among today's Gen Z. He has appeared at the Milken Global Institute, LinkedIn, Ohio State University, Salesforce, Spain's Bankinter Innovation Foundation, the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions, and Deloitte, as well as before the boards of Carnegie Mellon University, the Duke Endowment, and Amherst College, among others. As both an observer of higher education and an insider with an academic appointment at one of the largest universities in the country, Jeff occupies a unique position to explain the intersection between work, life, and learning. He writes regularly for The Atlantic, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. His research focuses on the changing nature of work and its impact on education, paying for college, the student experience, and shifting expectations for what the public and employers want from colleges. He is co-host of the podcast, Future U., and writes a biweekly newsletter, Next. Jeff is a special advisor to the president and professor of practice at Arizona State University, where he is the founding director of the Academy for Innovative Higher Education Leadership. He has also served as a visiting scholar at Georgia Tech's Center for 21st Century Universities. In addition, Jeff regularly counsels universities and organizations on strategy. Previously, Jeff was the top editor of the Chronicle of Higher Education, where he worked for sixteen years in a variety of reporting and editing roles. His work has been honored by the Education Writers Association, Society of Professional Journalists, and the Associated Press. He received a bachelor's degree from Ithaca College and a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University. He is a member of the board of trustees at Ithaca College and the board of directors of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). He lives with his wife and two daughters near Washington, D.C. Jeff previously appeared on this podcast in episode 126 to discuss Shaping an Admissions Class. Find Jeff at https://www.jeffselingo.com/. LINKS Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You  RELATED EPISODES FINDING YOUR COLLEGE FIT FINDING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF IN THE PATH TO COLLEGE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS INSANITY 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

The Tests and the Rest podcast consistently explores 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 Mike and Amy been up to this month? How did Mike work with ACT recently? What has Amy been philosophizing about? Is a perfect test score worth working for? What's coming up in the next month 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 Understanding the ACT: Foundations and Tools for Student Success RELATED EPISODES EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: June 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: May 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: April 2026  EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: March 2026 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.

How many bad relationships begin because people prioritize superficial qualities over true virtues? Whether you are looking for a partner or applying to college, your deeper values should inform your decisions. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Ann Cadwallader to explain why college flash isn't fit. What are five things you will learn in this episode? In terms of both college admissions and dating, what does it mean to say "flash isn't fit?" Why do students and families get pulled toward what looks impressive when building a college list? How does the idea of "potential" show up in the college process, and why can it be misleading? What do students needing to define their own criteria actually look like in practice? If a student is building a list right now, what important mindset shift should they adopt? MEET OUR GUEST Ann Cadwallader, founder of My University Coach, has worked in education for 35 years and has guided students through the college admissions process as an Independent Educational Consultant for nearly two decades. She holds a BS from Stanford University and an MBA from the University of Minnesota, and in 2020 earned the Certified Educational Planner designation — an achievement that reflects her deep expertise in college advising.  Ann has personally visited 193 college campuses across the country, giving her firsthand insight into a wide range of schools and student experiences. Known for her calm, strategic approach, she is dedicated to reducing stress for both students and parents and helping families make smart, intentional choices—so students can tell their story with confidence and clarity.  Ann previously appeared on this podcast in episode 670 to discuss Intentionality On The Road To College. Ann can be reached at ann@myuniversitycoach.com. LINKS Flash Isn't Fit: What Dating Reminded Me About College Admissions RELATED EPISODES SELECTING YOUR FOREVER SCHOOL FINDING YOUR COLLEGE FIT FINDING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF IN THE PATH TO COLLEGE  POWER DYNAMICS IN 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

Most people know–or at least think they know–the role of a school-based counselor. What about all of the professionals in private practice who support families on their admissions journeys and more? Amy and Mike invited IECA CEO Stephanie Simpson to learn what an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) is and who needs one. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What role do Independent Educational Consultants (IECs) play in a student's academic journey, and how do they How can IECs complement the contributions of school counselors, especially in districts where high counselor-to-student ratios make individualized support difficult? At what point in a teen's academic journey can IECs be most valuable? What else do IECs offer beyond application coaching? What does a qualified, ethically grounded IEC practice look like in today's landscape, and how should educators and school counselors help families evaluate who they choose to work with? MEET OUR GUEST Stephanie Simpson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), the leading professional organization representing independent private college and career counselors who support students and families navigating postsecondary education pathways. Previously, she served as CEO of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), the world's largest and oldest professional association dedicated to helping middle school educators cultivate the potential and possibilities of young adolescents.  Stephanie's nearly 15 years of association leadership experience includes senior roles at the American College of Cardiology and the American Psychiatric Association. She holds a JD from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and a BA from DePaul University. Stephanie can be reached on LinkedIn. LINKS Independent Educational Consultants Association IEC profile Archives - TestBright RELATED EPISODES HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED A COLLEGE CONSULTANT? HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE COUNSELOR THE DIFFERENT ROLES OF SCHOOL AND PRIVATE COUNSELORS HOW SCHOOL AND PRIVATE COLLEGE COUNSELORS CAN WORK TOGETHER 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 the founder of TestBright, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

Paying for college poses serious challenges for most families, but should understanding the rules around borrowing really be one of the hardest parts? Amy and Mike invited financial aid expert Will McGinley to offer guidance into decoding student loans. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why are student loans such an important topic? How much do students borrow on average for their undergraduate degrees? What is the difference between federal DL, PLUS, and Private education loans? Which student loan option is best for most students? When should someone start applying for their loans? MEET OUR GUEST Will McGinley is an Account Executive for the PHEAA Keystone and PA Forward student loan programs. He brings nearly 20 years of financial aid experience to the role, most recently serving at Baldwin Wallace University, Ashland University, and Liberty University, in roles ranging from loan processing to Director of Financial Aid. His career has provided extensive experience presenting to students, families, and higher education colleagues on a variety of topics, including financial literacy, the financial aid process, and gap financing. He has also served on committees for the NCAA and OASFAA.  Will and his wife of 19 years enjoy spending time with their 2 teenage sons, coaching, hiking, and playing with their French bulldog, Pierre. Will can be reached at William.Mcginley@pheaa.org. LINKS EducationPlanner.org MySmartBorrowing.org Keystone Student Loans RELATED EPISODES WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STUDENT LOANS THE TRUTH ABOUT STUDENT LOAN DEBT THE PRICE YOU REALLY PAY FOR COLLEGE UNDERSTANDING YOUR COLLEGE TUITION BILL 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

Know everything that the SAT Desmos calculator can do for you. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the story behind the Desmos SAT Math Course? How does the Desmos SAT Math Course work? Who should use the Desmos SAT Math Course?  What kinds of outcomes does the Desmos SAT Math Course deliver?  What should someone curious about the Desmos SAT Math Course know about it? ABOUT THE DESMOS SAT MATH COURSE A complete self-paced video course covering every calculator concept and every practice question — so students walk into the test knowing exactly what the SAT Desmos calculator can do for them. To learn more, please visit desmosSATmath.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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

If you think the massive amount of information colleges expect applicants to absorb is too much, think about the equally essential insights that are left unsaid. Amy and Mike invited ed tech professional Reetu Gupta to dive into what colleges aren't telling you. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are colleges actually looking for today that they weren't before? Why is "minimum to compete" an important consideration for applicants? What should parents thinking "my kid has great grades, but I'm still worried" know? What are colleges doing behind the scenes to find their next class of students — and why does every family need to know this? What is one thing every college-bound teen should start thinking about immediately? MEET OUR GUEST Reetu Gupta is the co-founder and CEO of Cirkled In, the #1 student portfolio platform connecting students with colleges, internships, jobs, and scholarships. Under her leadership, Cirkled In has seen remarkable growth, empowering over a million and a half students to showcase their full potential beyond test scores and gain access to life-changing opportunities. A recognized leader in EdTech, Cirkled In has received prestigious national and global accolades, including the Grand American Business Awards (Top 10 Companies in the U.S.) and Elite 200 by GSV (Top 200 Global EdTech Companies). The platform has also been featured in national and local media for its role in transforming education and workforce development. Before founding Cirkled In, Reetu spent 15 years in corporate America, working across startups and Fortune 50 companies. She holds an MBA (Valedictorian) from the University of Washington, along with MS and BS degrees from India. Her entrepreneurial excellence has earned her a spot on Forbes NEXT1000 as an inspiring entrepreneur, as well as the "Female Entrepreneur of the Year" award. A firm believer that education is the most powerful tool for change, Reetu is on a mission to modernize this 100+ year-old industry and ensure that every student has access to the opportunities they deserve. Reetu can be reached at reetu@cirkledin.com. LINKS Cirkled In RELATED EPISODES BUILD A WINNING BRAND TO ACE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS UTILIZING A REFLECTION JOURNAL TO PREPARE FOR A COLLEGE ESSAY FINDING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF IN THE PATH TO COLLEGE 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

Much of the stress involved with taking an important exam is related to testing in a proctored environment surrounded by your anxious peers. What happens when you shift to more familiar ground? Amy and Mike invited educator Brian Eufinger to explore the experience and implications of taking a high-stakes test at home. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are the technical and logistical requirements of an in-home exam? What security measures prevent widespread cheating? What are the benefits of taking a high-stakes test in your home? What are the downsides of taking a high-stakes test in your home? How does the CLT compare to the SAT or ACT? MEET OUR GUEST Brian Eufinger graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis in May 2004. While an undergrad, he enjoyed working as a teaching assistant for Political Science 101, a resident advisor (RA), and as a volunteer paramedic with WashU's Emergency Support Team. Brian is frequently invited to speak about test prep, college admissions, and scholarships at PTSA meetings at Atlanta-area high schools as well as Edison Prep's free parent meetings. Brian serves on the Board of Directors of the National Test Prep Association. He is an active member of Washington University's Young Alumni chapter in Atlanta, as well as the WashU Alumni Admissions Interviewer Program. Brian was our guest to discuss THE REALITY OF GRADE INFLATION (#28), SELF-PREP FOR THE SAT & ACT (#131), and SHOULD I TAKE THE ACT WRITING TEST? (#271) TESTING GAMEPLAN FOR THE CLASS OF 2025 (#432) and STATE OF TEST-OPTIONAL ADMISSIONS IN 2024 (#550), and THE ROLE OF TEST SCORES IN COLLEGE MERIT AID (#593). He hosted the show CELEBRATING OUR 500TH EPISODE and facilitated our 2019-20 ACADEMIC YEAR IN REVIEW (#100). Find Brian at https://www.edisonprep.com. LINKS CLT RELATED EPISODES WHAT IS THE CLT? HOW DOES REMOTE PROCTORING ACTUALLY WORK? SUCCESS IN 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

The Tests and the Rest podcast consistently focuses 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 was the NTPA National Conference in Chicago? Where did Amy travel, and who planned her trip? How's Mike's garden growing? What are your hosts looking forward to this summer? What's coming up in the next month 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! RELATED EPISODES EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: May 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: April 2026  EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: March 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: February 2026 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.

According to Henry Ward Beecher, there is a temperate zone in the mind, between luxurious indolence and exacting work; and it is to this region, just between laziness and labor, that summer reading belongs. Teens willing to spend time in this region will benefit from much more than just the sheer pleasure of a good book. Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Marina Yalon to dive into beach reads for better scores. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What's wrong with the "harder is better" reading approach? What's the benefit of contemporary fiction? What kinds of skills can students build from reading contemporary fiction? Do beach reads really have SAT vocabulary words? What are some book recommendations for summer reads? How should parents approach helping teens find the right book? MEET OUR GUEST Marina Yalon is the founder of MYPrep, a virtual tutoring company dedicated to taking the stress out of SAT and ACT prep. With deep expertise in both exams and nearly two decades spent coaching students to achieve their goal scores, she brings a highly individualized approach to test prep—meeting each student where they are and building from there. Through sessions, students build test (and life!) confidence. She's the kind of tutor students want to tell their friends about. Marina loves working with all kinds of learners, and her sessions are as likely to end with a book recommendation as a practice set. An avid reader with a soft spot for plot-twists and unreliable narrators, she's thrilled when a student gives her a new addition to her ever-growing TBR list. Her philosophy: it's all figure-out-able! Marina previously appeared on this podcast in episode 233 for a Test Prep Profile. Marina can be reached at https://www.learnwithmyprep.com. LINKS A Little Reading Every Day RELATED EPISODES VOCABULARY ON THE SAT & ACT IMPROVING READING SKILLS WITH STRUGGLING TEENS (PART 1) IMPROVING READING SKILLS WITH STRUGGLING TEENS (PART 2) 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

If you've been paying attention over the last year, you've observed tremendous change, chaos, and uncertainty roiling higher education.  Behind the scenes, things are even crazier than they seem, which affects every single applicant. Amy and Mike invited educational consultants Aly Beaumont and Meg Joyce to unpack college enrollment trends for 2026 and 2027. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the big theme for college admissions right now? What two pathways do students need to decide between in selective admissions? How are adverse economic conditions affecting colleges and financial aid? What are the unforeseen benefits to applicants from the endowment tax? How can students and families navigate the current enrollment climate? 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 in this objective can be measured by both the growing number of referrals she receives and the repeat business from family members. 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 Kenyon 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, talking to alums to learn about their time on campus and later volunteering for many years as an alumni interviewer. Meg works with Aly at Admissions Village helping students and their parents navigate every step of the college search and application process. A self-professed 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. She likes to say she treats every student as she would want her own child to be treated (she's got four grown ones of her own). Meg is a Professional member of IECA, a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), and has a certificate as an independent educational consultant from the University of California, Irvine. Meg and Aly previously appeared in episode 630 to discuss THE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS PROFILE. Find Aly and Meg at https://www.admissionsvillage.com. LINKS Trends in Admissions and Higher ED, Part 1 - Colleges are Following Two Pathways Trends in Admissions and Higher ED, Part 2 - Admissions is Competitive Not Just For You, But Colleges As Well Trends in Admissions and Higher ED, Part 3 - Students Should Follow One of Two Pathways FAQs: How the 2025 Net Investment Income Tax ("Endowment Tax") Rate Increase Affects Harvard University RELATED EPISODES THE DEMOGRAPHIC CLIFF IS HERE WHAT IS THE CSS PROFILE? POWER DYNAMICS IN 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

The Gauntlet: Harder Questions, Higher Scores What are five things you will learn in this episode? What's the story behind The Gauntlet, and what problem inspired it?  How does The Gauntlet solve the challenge of managing prep material and what's actually in the library? How does the new tutor dashboard streamline day-to-day student management?  What is The Gauntlet's pricing model, and how does it alleviate changes in student utilization. For tutors who are already invested in different resources, what makes The Gauntlet worth trying? ABOUT THE GAUNTLET From the very first student he tutored, John McDowell has been on a single mission: get his students the highest scores possible. That obsession exposed a problem he couldn't ignore—free and official prep materials simply weren't hard enough. A student returning from test day complaining that the test was "much harder than the practice tests" isn't just a letdown; it's a bad rap for a tutor.  So he built the answer himself: The Gauntlet Today, The Gauntlet offers the most rigorous SAT prep in existence, anchored by The Gauntlet book series on Amazon: a Math Challenge, a Verbal Challenge, and now a Vocabulary Challenge built from the most frequently repeated SAT words. Built on a proprietary pedagogy that has delivered an average gain of over 70 points from a baseline SAT Reading and Writing score of 660, the platform delivers the 300 hardest SAT verbal and math questions available anywhere, full-length and section-only mock tests, Mr. John's famous high-frequency vocab and must-know math flashcards, and 3,000+ categorized drill questions—every one written and vetted by six published content experts, not AI, with new content added each week. Now Mr. John's Test Prep is opening The Gauntlet to private tutors and agencies with its next leap forward: a tutor dashboard that serves as a true command center. Tutors can assign content from the full library—or their own custom drills, quizzes, and practice tests—to individual students or entire cohorts, track performance in real time with at-a-glance metrics like days to test, score deltas, target gaps, and each student's weakest area, and schedule homework effortlessly with an industry-first drag-and-drop calendar view. Students get automatic inbox reminders on due dates, and with a built-in command palette and persistent messaging, everything tutors need lives in one place. And the best part is the pricing: industry-first prorated billing per student. Most test dates don't fall at the end of the month, so why pay for a student's access for days they'll never use? It can save tutors thousands compared to other platforms—and tutors can even let students pay for their own access, with account connection still a breeze. Built by an SAT specialist with a transparent record of one-on-one success and an MA in Applied Linguistics, The Gauntlet is for students chasing top percentiles—and the tutors who get them there. Learn more at passthegauntlet.com. To find out more, please contact support@tutorstack.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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

A great many tasks need to be accomplished successfully in order to secure a seat at a selective college. Luckily, they don't all need to be done at once, but proper timing makes a world of difference. Amy and Mike invited educator Eric Greenberg to discuss the finer points of strategizing your testing and admissions timeline. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why is it important for students and parents to assess testing plans by the end of 10th grade? By when should students strive to earn their best SAT or ACT scores? What are the dos and don'ts regarding choosing between the SAT and ACT? How should different rounds of applications (ED1, ED2, Rolling, RD, etc.) impact the "SAT, ACT, or neither" decision? Why is it crucial for students to understand the short-term and long-term implications of application submission dates? MEET OUR GUEST Eric Greenberg is a leading educational services expert. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton Business School and is a graduate of The Fieldston High School in Riverdale, New York. Since establishing the Greenberg Educational Group in New York City in 1991, Greenberg and his team have helped thousands of students, of all ages, achieve their academic goals.  Greenberg Educational Group provides students and families with the tools needed to help achieve their educational aspirations. The team offers highly acclaimed Strategic Educational Advising & Application Essay assistance for all levels of a student's education, Test Preparation services, and Subject-Specific Academic Tutoring. Greenberg Educational Group's clients include students in elementary & middle school, high school, college, and graduate school, both domestically and internationally.  Eric can be reached at greenbergeducationalgroup.com. LINKS College Testing Plan for the HS Class of 2027 Testing & Scholarship Timelines Webinar RELATED EPISODES WHEN SHOULD YOU TAKE THE SAT OR ACT? CHOOSING BETWEEN THE DIGITAL SAT AND THE ACT SHOULD I APPLY EARLY DECISION OR EARLY ACTION? 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

Success on the road to college depends as much on what you do during summers as during the school year. If you're looking to make this summer count, find out everything you need to know about when and how to prep for the important SAT & ACT and submit successful scholarship applications. With over 30 years of intensive experience in every aspect of standardized test preparation, Mike Bergin, Founder of Chariot Learning, knows what works in test prep and what doesn't... and when the best time to prep is. In this webinar recording, Mike and I shared timelines for both testing and scholarships to ensure your student maximizes their opportunities to get into and pay for college. ---------- You heard me make a special offer to the attendees of the webinar for the Scholarship Summer Camp. The first session of the Summer Camp started on June 1st, and unfortunately, it's too late to join. However, I'll be running a second session of the Scholarship Summer Camp that starts on July 27th. And, I'd like to offer my listeners the same discount that the webinar attendees got. So, click here, and use discount code WEBINAR before the Summer Camp starts on July 27th to save $20 – making the Camp just $77! ---------- Talk to REAL students and get the REAL story. Campuswink.com gives students and families direct access to hundreds of current college students nationwide for personalized campus tours and virtual Q&A sessions. Ask the questions official tours won't answer and get insider insight before stepping on campus. Choose your school. Choose your Guide. Ask anything. Personalized tours and live student connections are available nationwide. Click here to learn more. ---------- Featured Scholarships: $2500 Cashing in on Summer Scholarship Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer $1000 Community Service Scholarship Erkel Law $1000 Employee Civil Rights in the Digital Age Scholarship Mandour & Associates $2500 “What will be your Trademark?” Scholarship $2500 Sandi Fuqua Scholarship Click here for a free list of scholarships for students in Illinois.  

Getting into your top choice college may feel like a dream come true, but figuring out how to pay for it can turn into a nightmare, especially when you don't know what you're doing. Amy and Mike invited financial aid expert Howard Freedman to recount some financial aid horror stories. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How can transferring assets to reduce assisted living costs hurt a student? How can failing to report reportable assets on a financial aid form reduce financial need? What is the impact of grandparents giving money to their grandchildren for college? How can failing to establish accountability lead to family stress? How can getting a jump on financial aid forms turn into a timely mess? MEET OUR GUEST Years after founding Financial Aid Consulting, Howard Freedman was recruited to oversee the ACCESS Program at Boston Public Schools. This position broadened his experience by providing financial aid services and scholarships to over 2,700 high school seniors at more than 20 schools. Consequently, he received a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives.  He graduated from the College Board's Financial Aid Institute and completed ongoing training with experts from college financial aid and admissions departments. This helped me gain a better understanding of how these organizations are taught and operate.  He was a member of the Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MASCA) and the Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA), where he connected with college representatives and guidance counselors to gain diverse perspectives on higher education and student support. Howard assumed leadership roles in professional organizations while also becoming a public speaker and author for national publications on general topics and college-related issues. A substantial collection of his articles and podcasts is available at Financial Aid Consulting. He is also a highly regarded author of three editions of Making College Happen.  For over twenty years, he has consistently empowered his clients by teaching them how to make objective decisions to evaluate the most affordable colleges and other forms of career development. He is also an author, comedian, podcaster, financial analyst, public speaker, and friend to his clients. Howard can be reached at Financial Aid Consulting. LINKS Making College Happen: An insightful guide to making savvy financial decisions and cutting college costs RELATED EPISODES BUSTING MYTHS ABOUT HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE WHAT DO FEDERAL POLICY CHANGES MEAN FOR FINANCIAL AID? FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE BETTER FAFSA WHAT IS THE CSS PROFILE? 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

What if your PDFs could grade and track themselves? with educator Jam Mirzakhalov, Vinny Madera, and Aaron Golumbfskie What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the story behind StudySpaces? How does StudySpaces work? What is the story behind Assessiv? How did the StudySpaces and Assessiv collaboration come together? How is this combination a net benefit for everyone in test prep? ABOUT STUDYSPACES AND ASSESSIV StudySpaces is the home of modern tutoring, the one platform test prep and tutoring companies use to run their curriculum, assessments, and student experience in one place, all branded as their own. StudySpaces has now merged with Assessiv, the hand-curated SAT content library built by veteran test prep experts Aaron Golumbfskie of PrepMatters and Vinny Madera of TestPrepWizards. It brings the best tutoring platform and best-in-class content under one roof. Every plan includes a free SAT library: 5 adaptive mock exams and 175+ worksheets, 2,500+ questions in all, ready to assign on day one. Inside the platform, tutors organize and tag their content their own way, then assign quizzes, drills, and full-length mock exams to one student or a whole cohort in a single click. Everything is auto-graded on submit, with scoring, pacing, and weak-area analytics flowing straight back to the tutor, and branded parent reports going out automatically. Because the platform is fully white-label, students and parents experience it as the tutoring company's own product, never StudySpaces. StudySpaces doesn't compete with tutors, it powers them. As a strategic ACT partner, StudySpaces also delivers official ACT practice tests, and it works whether students test digitally or on paper. Paper-based programs still get every test scored, with the same analytics and parent reporting as digital. SSAT, ISEE, and more are rolling out alongside, plus the option to bring in custom content for any exam (AP, GRE, MCAT, and beyond). To learn more, reach out to Jam at jam@studyspaces.com or book a call at studyspaces.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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

With everyone in the world angling to access the benefits of artificial intelligence without succumbing to the plentiful pitfalls of excessive automation, you'd expect higher ed administrators to explore every way possible to harness tech for more accurate and efficient student selection. And you'd be right. Amy and Mike invited ed tech professional Ashish Fernando to examine how colleges use AI in admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does AI actually look like inside an admissions office today? Why are data silos a problem across educational institutions? Does AI lead to less bias in admissions decisions or more? Where is the human advantage in making admissions decisions? Looking ahead five or ten years, what will separate the colleges that survive and thrive from the ones that struggle? MEET OUR GUEST Ashish Fernando is the Founder & CEO of EDMO, an AI-powered education technology company that provides enrollment solutions to higher education institutions. With an education background from Bentley University, Ashish has spent the last several years building intelligent tools that automate document evaluation, streamline enrollment workflows, and enhance student engagement. Growing up in an education-focused family inspired his mission to make global admissions more accessible, transparent, and efficient.  A member of the Forbes Technology Council and a frequent higher-ed speaker, Ashish also hosts the Edu Unlocked podcast, where he brings together leaders driving innovation in universities. His work reflects a simple philosophy: use AI to empower institutions and create better experiences for students worldwide.  Ashish can be reached at https://goedmo.com/contact. LINKS What Really Happens to Transfer Students' Credits? Why Test Scores Matter More Than Ever RELATED EPISODES AI AND THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS WHAT DO COLLEGES KNOW ABOUT APPLICANTS? COLLEGE ESSAYS IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

The Tests and the Rest podcast consistently focuses 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 this month? Where did Mike travel? How was the IECA Conference in Baltimore? What are your hosts' current thoughts on AI? What's coming up in the next month 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! RELATED EPISODES Testing & Scholarship Timelines Webinar Top 15 SMEs for Test Prep (SAT, ACT, AP) in USA  RELATED EPISODES EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: April 2026  EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: March 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: February 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: January 2026 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

High schoolers who show advanced aptitude and interest in science and math often seem destined to concentrate on STEM in college. Surprisingly, though, many choose a more financially focused track. Amy and Mike invited college counselor Mike Hammer to explore business vs engineering majors for tech-minded students. What are five things you will learn in this episode? If a student is talented in math and science, and interested in both business and engineering, which one should they go for? If a student is interested in engineering but might do better in business, should they go for a business major in college? What are the major differences between business courses and engineering courses in undergrad college? What kinds of intellectual curiosity suggest business or engineering as ideal majors? Engineering majors can be competitive; are business majors as competitive? Will it be a problem for the college application if a student's high school did not offer any business classes? MEET OUR GUEST Mike Hammer earned his Business degree from the Haas School at UC Berkeley. Besides higher ed, his background includes work in for-profit, non-profit and consulting sectors. Mike's 25 years at Cornell University included working closely with admissions directors and reading admissions for 14 cycles. He was responsible for helping administrators understand changing trends in applications and helping the university adapt to serving increasingly diverse applicants. Mike also served as a mentor for STEM student groups including the McNair Scholars, helping students navigate the complex environment of higher education. His experience gives him a comprehensive understanding of the importance of matching each student's talents, goals and dreams to the environment that is right for them, and how to communicate a student's unique story to the admission readers. Mike first appeared on the podcast in episode 463 in an IEC PROFILE. Mike can be reached at mikehammer@stemadvising.com. LINKS The 10 most in-demand bachelor's degrees—No. 1 isn't engineering Global Essay Prize | John Locke Institute RELATED EPISODES HOW BUSINESS-MINDED STUDENTS CAN STAND OUT IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS NAVIGATING THE COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ADMISSIONS HOW COLLEGES ADMIT BY MAJOR 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

While the SAT changed in a very big way during the digital transition, the exam has continued to evolve in a way that test takers need to understand. Amy and Mike invited educator Lori Goldstein to review new trends in SAT Reading & Writing. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How have the Words in Context questions changed? What is the new way in which "weaken the claim" questions are appearing? What is the new twist in the Transitions questions? What have been important changes to the Rhetorical Synthesis questions? Should students do RW module questions in order? MEET OUR GUEST Lori Goldstein grew up in NY and NJ and attended the University of Pennsylvania, earning a degree in Communications. She worked in television for a while (behind the scenes) and then took a job in Florida. Eventually, Lori started selling sailboats in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, which provided her the opportunity to go sailing every chance she had. After raising her family, Lori decided to become a math teacher. She enrolled to get the credits needed to re-learn all the high school math that she had forgotten. This was actually fun for her, allowing her inner nerd to come out. She started tutoring kids in math. Eventually, one parent asked if she could help their daughter with the SAT. "Why not?" she said. The rest is history. Lori previously appeared on this podcast in episode 235 for a Test Prep Profile and in episode 538 to discuss All About Digital SAT Reading & Writing. Lori can be reached at circletestprep.com. LINKS Meet The Digital SAT: READING AND WRITING RELATED EPISODES RESOURCES FOR THE DIGITAL SAT HOW THE DIGITAL SAT IS SCORED THE NEW DIGITAL SAT EXPERIENCE: A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE NEW SAT TEST SPECIFICATIONS 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

As much as every student anticipates four or more years of perfect health during their undergraduate studies, life happens. Luckily, illness or injuries don't need to mean an end to your academic journey, especially if you know the right way to take a pause. Amy and Mike invited college advisors Jennifer Stephan and Karen Flood to explain the process of taking a medical leave of absence from college. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is a medical leave of absence (MLOA), and how do colleges actually use medical leaves? What is the typical timeline for a leave request? How do you know when a medical leave is the right decision versus trying to push through? How do students return from a medical leave, and what are colleges really looking for in that process? What does a medical leave mean for a student's future? MEET OUR GUESTS Dr. Jennifer Stephan has held a variety of roles at top colleges and universities, including professor, academic dean, and board of admissions member, in addition to serving as a private college counselor, an alumni interviewer for Johns Hopkins University, and a 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 is also the founder of Lantern College Counseling, a robust college counseling practice where she regularly draws on insights from her experience 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 appeared on the podcast in episode 620 to discuss ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS AN UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, in episode 541 to discuss NAVIGATING THE COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ADMISSIONS, and in episode 559 for an IEC Profile. Find Jennifer at jennifer@lanterncollege.com or https://www.lanterncollegecounseling.com. Dr. Karen Flood is the founder of Riverside College Coaching, LLC, which provides one-on-one support to help students thrive in college. With deep insider knowledge of universities, Karen supports students in their transition to college-level academics, helping them develop organizational and time-management skills and a stronger sense of self-efficacy.  Before founding Riverside College Coaching, Karen spent three decades at Harvard University as Associate Dean of the Harvard Summer School, a Resident Dean of Harvard College, Director of Undergraduate Studies, First-Year Adviser, and Lecturer. In these roles, she counseled hundreds of students navigating academic and personal difficulties.  Karen has a BA from Yale University and a PhD from Harvard University and has received multiple teaching distinctions at Harvard, including the Jan Thaddeus Teaching Prize. Karen can be reached at karen@riversidecollegecoaching.com. LINKS Medical Leave of Absence in College: What Families Need to Know About Readiness, Documentation, and Return Know Your Rights: Leave of Absence Policies in Higher Education RELATED EPISODES HOW TO PERSIST TO COLLEGE GRADUATION COLLEGE TRANSITIONS AND DISTRESS TOLERANCE MAKING THE MOST OF COLLEGE SUPPORT SYSTEMS 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

How often does a thorough college search process involving hours of research and weeks of onsite college visits take an unexpected last minute twist because of fuzzy criteria and gut feelings? Shouldn't certain statistics inform better choices? Amy and Mike invited ed tech entrepreneurs Braden and Cooper Weissman to explore how data is transforming the way students navigate college decisions.  What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why does the college admissions process feel more complicated today? How can counselors help students think about choosing a college beyond rankings and prestige? What are the risks of relying on guesswork or outdated information during the admissions process? Where do students tend to struggle most when applying to colleges and making school decisions, and how can counselors help address those gaps? How might data and technology improve the college search process? MEET OUR GUEST Braden Weissman is the co-founder and Co-CEO of Nerd Apply. A competitive athlete and team builder at heart, Braden brings a performance-driven mindset to everything he works on. He was named Arizona's Student and Athlete of the Year in 2021 and carried that same discipline and leadership to the University of Michigan, where he co-founded multiple ventures alongside his brother, including Dorm Doctor AI, Dynamic Purchasing Solutions, and WEIDEV. Braden was later accepted into the University of Miami's four-year MD/MBA program, but chose to defer to fully commit to building Nerd Apply. He is passionate about creating tools that reward collaboration, integrity, and real-world outcomes. Braden lives in New York City, where he enjoys staying active and spending time with close friends. Cooper Weissman is the co-founder and Co-CEO of Nerd Apply. A lifelong builder, Cooper began teaching himself to code at a young age and launched businesses while still in high school, some of which had to be registered in his older brother's name because he was not old enough to open a bank account himself. At Dartmouth College, Cooper immersed himself in entrepreneurship and leadership, serving as a student leader at the Magnuson Center and winning the Global Venture Capital Investment Competition. His curiosity and systems-oriented thinking continue to shape Nerd Apply's product vision today. Cooper lives in New York City and is driven by experimentation, thoughtful problem-solving, and building communities around shared ideas. Find Braden and Cooper at nerdapply.com. LINKS Nerd Apply RELATED EPISODES FINDING YOUR COLLEGE FIT USING THE COMMON DATA SET SELECTING YOUR FOREVER SCHOOL WHAT DOES UNHOOKED MEAN IN 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

The Tests and the Rest podcast consistently focuses 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 this month? Where did Amy travel? What are Amy and Mike's time-sensitive tasks this month? What's one principle you try to live by every day? What's coming up in the next month 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 Wild & Wonderful Ramp Chowder {with Dairy-Free & Vegan Options) RELATED EPISODES EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: March 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: February 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: January 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: December 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

Advanced Placement exams represent some of the most challenging subject-specific standardized tests a high schooler might ever take. Amy and Mike believe that every test warrants smart, serious preparation, so we invited educator Leann Westin to share valuable strategies, insights, and resources for getting ready for the AP Biology exam. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is tested on the AP Biology exam? How is the AP Biology exam structured and scored? What are the highest priority topics on the tests? How should students prepare for the AP Biology exam? What are the best prep materials for AP Biology? MEET OUR GUEST Leann Westin is a Master Tutor at Open Door Education in Massachusetts, where she also serves as the Tutor Success Coordinator. Leann earned a BS in biology with a minor in Spanish from Wake Forest University, and she specializes in biology, environmental science, statistics, SAT/ACT prep, and organizational coaching. Leann has over a decade of full-time experience helping students prepare for the AP Biology exam through both one-on-one tutoring and small group classes. Her favorite AP Biology topics to teach are evolution and ecology. Outside of her work at Open Door, Leann has been an education volunteer at her local zoo for almost a decade, and she enjoys helping people better understand the natural world.  Leann can be reached at https://opendoor.education. LINKS AP Biology Exam AP Biology Exam – AP Students AP Biology (Pearson Education AP) by Fred W. Holtzclaw; Theresa Knapp Holtzclaw AP Biology — bozemanscience RELATED EPISODES BIG CHANGES TO AP TESTS IN 2025 THE RISE IN AP TESTING 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

Pressure is a privilege, according to Billie Jean King, who said it's what you do with it that matters. Millions of students, however, may beg to disagree about the privilege part, and what many of them do with it impedes rather than elevates their performance. Amy and Mike invited ed tech specialist Deanna Oliver to explore what happens when academic pressure turns into behavioral issues. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How does academic pressure typically show up in schools? Why do some students "act out" while others withdraw or disengage? What are the most common warning signs that adults miss until the situation escalates? What does a healthy system of school-based support look like? If a parent could implement just a few changes at home, what would make the biggest difference? MEET OUR GUEST Deanna Oliver is the CEO & Co-Founder of Psyflo, an AI-powered youth mental health platform that helps schools shift from reactive crisis response to proactive, early support. With a background in public health and health technology, she focuses on practical systems that fit real school constraints—supporting student wellbeing through scalable check-ins, skill-building, and clear safety workflows that reduce burden on counselors and educators. Deanna can be reached at deanna@psyflo.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannaoliver/. LINKS Feelwell Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) | CDC Calling All Perfectionists: This Advice Just Might Heal You Expectation overload RELATED EPISODES BRINGING CRITICAL BALANCE TO HIGH SCHOOLERS' LIVES BUILDING HAPPIER TEENS COLLEGE TRANSITIONS AND DISTRESS TOLERANCE CULTIVATING AND RECOGNIZING ACADEMIC CURIOSITY 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 the founder of TestBright, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

It's been said that pain in life is inevitable, but we can choose whether to suffer the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. How can we help learners make the right choice when enthusiasm or available time wanes? Amy and Mike invited educator Athena Savino to explore what motivates students in test prep. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What's the biggest misconception tutors and parents have about what motivates students to engage? What is the best way to assess student needs and sequence instruction? Why should goals and expectations set the foundation for preparation and coaching? What time frames work best to maintain enthusiasm and focus? What separates the students who hit their goals from the ones who don't, and how much of it is within a tutor's control? MEET OUR GUEST Athena Savino is the founder of Top Marks Prep, a platform that partners with tutoring centers to help students achieve better outcomes on the SAT, ACT, HSPT, SHSAT, ISEE, and PSAT through smarter practice and data-driven instruction. The daughter of immigrant parents who came to the US to expand educational opportunities for their family, Athena grew up with a deep appreciation for what access to the right tools and support can do. She earned her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and her MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She began tutoring while pursuing her MBA and discovered that what actually moved the needle for students was simple but underappreciated: repetition and the motivation to keep improving with each attempt. That observation led her to build TopMarksPrep, which now provides tutoring centers with a student-facing study platform and an admin platform that delivers actionable, insightful data — helping tutors and center directors enhance every session and personalize instruction at scale. Athena lives in Chicago with her husband and is expecting her first son in April 2026. Athena can be reached at athena@topmarksprep.com or LinkedIn. LINKS Academic buoyancy: Towards an understanding of students' everyday academic resilience Newsletter for Tutoring Center Owners & Directors RELATED EPISODES HELPING TEENS FIND MOTIVATION AND INSIGHT HOW DO I MOTIVATE MY STUDENT? TECHNIQUES TO MOTIVATE UNMOTIVATED STUDENTS 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Brooke Daly. Brooke is the founder and CEO of Advantage College Planning, a nationally recognized college counseling firm that has helped thousands of families navigate the admissions process with clarity and confidence. With more than 20 years of experience in college admissions and financial aid, Brooke works closely with students to develop thoughtful college lists and authentic applications that reflect their strengths and goals. Brooke is an instructor in the College Counseling Certificate Program at the University of California, Berkeley, a past president of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), and the co-founder (along with her husband) of CollegePlannerPro, a widely used software platform for independent college counselors. She currently serves as Vice President of Education and Training for the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Through her work with families, counselors, and national organizations, Brooke is passionate about helping students find colleges where they will thrive! Find Brooke at advcp.com or on LinkedIn.  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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Sarah Abaza. Cairo-based Sarah Abaza founded Quest Consulting to help international students find their path to universities across the U.S. and beyond. Before discovering her calling in education, she spent years as an entrepreneur, where she learned the value of curiosity, communication, and resilience — lessons she now brings to her students. With a background in political science and a lifelong love of writing, Sarah blends structure with storytelling in her advising approach. A mother of three, she guides each student's journey with empathy and strategy. Sarah is a certified IEC (Independent Educational Consultant), and holds a certificate from UCLA. She is a member of IECA ( Independent Educational Consultants Association), NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling), and HECA (Higher Education Consultants Association).  Find Sarah at Sarah@questconsulting.org. 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Ingrid Latham. Ingrid has been advising students on the college process since 2004.  She enjoys learning about her students' activities and how those might relate to ideas for majors and careers.  Navigating the college process can be more manageable with Ingrid's assistance in creating timelines for completing each task.  In addition to college applications and essays, Ingrid also helps with high school and college course selection, which can be an excellent opportunity for students to explore different interests.  Many of her students return for Ingrid's advice on preparing their LinkedIn profiles and practicing for internship interviews.   Ingrid has a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Northwestern University, during which time she worked as a math and chemistry tutor.  After working in engineering for seven years, Ingrid decided to follow her true calling of helping young adults to fulfill their dreams.  Having lived and worked in a variety of settings, Ingrid has an extensive network of former colleagues and students who serve as great connections when her current clients want to learn firsthand information about a college or career.   Originally from Ohio, Ingrid was the captain of her high school's swim team, a newspaper editor, and a baton twirler.  Ingrid now lives in Wisconsin, where she enjoys nature, walking her dog, reading, rollerblading, and singing in a local chorus.  A fun fact about Ingrid is that she was an announcer for her son's high school and college lacrosse teams!   Find Ingrid at leaprogram.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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Steve Tapper, who serves clients nationwide through Tapper College Counseling. Steve obtained his College Counseling Certificate with Distinction from UCLA and then served as a seasonal reader with the Emory University admissions office, where he analyzed students' curriculum rigor and grades and assessed applications as a partner in the Committee-Based Evaluation process. Steve then worked as an essay specialist for College Essay Guy and with another college counseling firm before founding Tapper College Counseling.  Steve received a B.A. with Honors from Brown University, where he was on the swimming team, and a J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School. He also served as an alumni admissions interviewer for Brown. As an independent college counselor, Steve loves helping students position themselves for success (including taking the right classes and finding meaningful extracurricular activities), find great-fit colleges, and tell their stories in college applications.  Steve is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) and the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC). He also attended HECA's Professional Development Institute and is certified by the Myers-Briggs Company to administer the Strong Interest Inventory and Strong Interest Inventory 244 assessments. Steve lives in Atlanta with his wife. They have two children, a recent college graduate and a rising college senior, and a standard poodle named Zeke. Find Steve at https://www.tappercollegecounseling.com or steve@tappercollegecounseling.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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Beth Kraemer. Beth is the co-founder of In College Consulting and has spent more than a decade helping families navigate the increasingly complex world of college admissions. With a background in journalism, education, and law, she brings both storytelling expertise and strategic thinking to her work with students. Beth earned a journalism degree from Northwestern University, a master's degree from The Ohio State University, and a J.D. from the UCLA School of Law. She first became involved in admissions as a Northwestern alumni interviewer. She is a Professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and regularly visits campuses to stay current on admissions trends. In addition to her consulting work, Beth serves on the board of the Pinpoint Scholars Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access and leadership in STEM education. Find Beth at incollegeconsulting.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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

The Tests and the Rest podcast consistently focuses 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 this month? Where did Amy travel? What big project was completed for Mike? What did Amy and Mike think they would be when they were younger? What's coming up in the next month 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! RELATED EPISODES EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: February 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: January 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: December 2025 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: November 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

While the pain divorce can cause everyone involved is well known, less understood are the problems that only pop up when the FAFSA is due. Amy and Mike invited college financial prep expert Vicki Vollweiler to explain the impact of divorce on college admissions and financial aid. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why is college planning actually more complicated after divorce? What mistakes do divorced parents make before senior year that end up costing them later? How do financial aid rules treat divorced families differently... and why is there so much confusion? What are strategies that can save families significant money? How should parents navigate co-parent communication when college planning becomes emotional or contentious? MEET OUR GUEST Vicki Vollweiler is the founder of College Financial Prep and an expert in divorce and college planning strategy. She helps parents, especially separated, divorced, and blended families, navigate financial aid, build financially smart college lists, and avoid costly mistakes. With a warm, practical approach, Vicki's mission is to reduce stress, increase clarity, and help families save as much as possible on the cost of college.  Vicki is the author of College Planning For Divorced and Widowed Parents: Reduce Stress, Save Thousands and Make Smart Decisions For Your Child's Future. Vicki can be reached at www.collegefinancialprep.com. LINKS College Planning For Divorced and Widowed Parents: Reduce Stress, Save Thousands and Make Smart Decisions For Your Child's Future RELATED EPISODES WHAT IS THE CSS PROFILE? THE BETTER FAFSA FOR NEW AND PREVIOUS FILERS WHAT DO FEDERAL POLICY CHANGES MEAN FOR FINANCIAL AID? 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

College admissions is serious business, doubly so if you want to study business at a selective institution. Fortunately, the very traits that presage corporate or entrepreneurial success contribute mightily to the application process. Amy and Mike invited independent education consultant Evan Green to explore how business-minded students can stand out in college admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode? When a high school student is interested in business, how should they approach college applications? What are good extracurricular activities that high school students interested in business can pursue? How can high school students interested in business position themselves to stand out in the college admissions process? Should applicants address business school or program-specific essays differently? How can business-minded students maximize their opportunities once they get to college? MEET OUR GUEST Evan Green is co-founder of Green College Consulting, an IECA-member college admissions consulting firm, and founder of Corporate Liberation, an entrepreneurship consultancy that helps corporate employees become entrepreneurs. In his prior career, he spent 17 years as an enterprise sales executive at several large technology companies. He has a particular focus on helping business-minded college students get into the right schools and pave the way for a successful business career. Evan holds a BSBA in New & Small Business Management from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University and a JD from the University of San Francisco School of Law. Evan can be reached at https://greencollegeconsulting.com/home.  LINKS The 10 most in-demand bachelor's degrees—No. 1 isn't engineering DECA Liberation Day: Quit Your Job and Escape the Corporate Trap RELATED EPISODES BUILD A WINNING BRAND TO ACE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS COMPARING MOST POPULAR AND MOST LUCRATIVE COLLEGE MAJORS WHY THIS COLLEGE, WHY THIS MAJOR? SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Golisano Institute 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.

Practice tests are a substantial part of preparing for the GRE, so how can you get the most out of them? Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning, president emeritus of the National Test Prep Association, and tens of thousands of students use his materials to prepare for all kinds of tests each year. In this episode, Mike shares his insights on approaching practice tests, the best time to utilize practice exams, and building confidence to achieve success.  Achievable GRE uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/gre/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.