Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

"Grit" is definitely one of this decade's biggest buzzwords in education. However, many people use this term without a clear sense of what grit really means or how to cultivate it. Amy and Mike invited researcher and author Laila Y. Sanguras to explain how to bring grit to the testing and admissions process. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What exactly is grit? Why are passion and perseverance essential to reaching high levels of success ? How can parents, educators, and counselors cultivate grit? What is the difference between productive and unproductive success and failure? What does it mean to say that developing grit is a long game? MEET OUR GUEST Laila Y. Sanguras, Ph.D., is a lecturer in the department of Curriculum and Instruction at Baylor University. Dr. Sanguras' areas of teaching include psychology of learning, educational evaluation, and educational research. Her primary scholarly interest is on the development of psychosocial skills, particularly grit and coping, and how teachers and parents can support their children to succeed academically and personally. She has written books for teachers and parents focused on strategies they can use to cultivate grit in their students. She also just released a student planner that is full of activities for students to set goals, rethink failure, and explore their interests. Dr. Sanguras works closely with school districts and parent organizations to bring research to practice. She also presents at numerous professional conferences and enjoys mentoring students on their personal research projects. Laila is the author of Grit in the Classroom: Building Perseverance for Excellence in Today's Students, Raising Children With Grit: Parenting Passionate, Persistent, and Successful Kids, and other works. Find Laila at https://www.andstillweteach.com/ LINKS Laila's catalog of books Duckworth's Grit Scale ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Most high schoolers are highly motivated to attend and maybe even graduate college. If only they'd bring the same fervor to the steps needed to get to college! Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Pranoy Mohapatra to discuss what motivates students and how to engage them. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Where does motivation start and what motivates most teens? What can be done to help drive students who lack or lose motivation? Why is motivating students to care about the right thing so important? Does motivation even matter that much on tasks like test prep? What role can shame play in motivating effort? MEET OUR GUEST Pranoy Mohapatra began tutoring as a high school sophomore for a local company after finding joy in helping classmates at the Academy of Allied Health and Sciences study for tests. Pranoy found he learned by teaching and explaining concepts to reinforce them, and often viewed standardized tests as puzzles. He continued to tutor through college and his first year in medical school, before leaving medical school and officially starting his tutoring company PMTutoring LLC in 2015. Pranoy's approach to test prep focuses on in depth understanding and recognition of concepts, as he found the "memorize and regurgitate" methods taught in many classes frustrating. His objective is to provide the tools necessary for any student with goals the opportunity to reach them. Find Pranoy at www.PMTutoring.com ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

While you may be able to uncover hundreds of Catholic and Christian universities in your college searches, you'll only find a select number of Jesuit schools. These universities, however, tend to stand out from the crowd in terms of reputation, satisfaction, and overall academic excellence. Amy and Mike invited Xavier University Regional Recruitment Director Trace Althoff to extol the virtues of attending a Jesuit university. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How many Jesuit universities are there and where can they be found? What is the hallmark of a classic Jesuit education? What differentiates Jesuit schools from the broader category of Catholic schools? What are the academic, social, and financial advantages of attending a Jesuit university? Should students who aren't Catholic have concerns about attending a Jesuit university? LINKS Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities http://www.ajcunet.edu/institutions MEET OUR GUEST Trace Althoff has practically spent his whole life within the sphere of Jesuit education. He attended a Jesuit high school, graduated from a Jesuit college and has worked at several Jesuit colleges in admissions, including Loyola University of Chicago and currently Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. To say that he is passionate about the benefits of a Jesuit education is an understatement. Find Trace at https://www.xavier.edu/admission/ ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Isn't it funny how we expect students to study and understand really complex material while using really basic study skills? Educators should prepare their students for advanced learning by understanding and sharing advanced learning techniques. Amy and Mike invited academic life coach Gretchen Wegner to share tips on how to teach students to study effectively. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does your body have to do with your ability to learn? What and why educators need to practice? How students can avoid being bored while learning? Why telling a teen what to think might not be working? What are the three steps of the study cycle? MEET OUR GUEST Gretchen Wegner is an Academic Life Coach who inspires students to uncover their true identities as capable, clever, and creative learners in school and life. She is an internationally recognized expert in how to destressify school by building their executive function skills, teaching teens a unique system for time management, organization and studying called The Anti-Boring Approach to Powerful Studying™. Not only has Gretchen coached hundreds of students in middle school through grad school, she now trains educators all over the world in her unique, powerful, and research-based system for transforming students into voracious, organized learners through her signature courses The Art of Inspiring Students to Study Strategically and the Anti-Boring Approach™ Coach Training Program. A former Fulbright Fellow, Gretchen has a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and was a credentialed middle and high school teacher. She is also the inventor of the MuseCubes™, a productivity toy that helps people — quite literally! — shake their brains free when they're feeling stuck. Always an advocate of playful rigor in school and in life, she is also a public speaker, improvisational performer, lindy hop dancer, backpacker, and proud resident of Oakland, California. Gretchen is the cohost of The College Prep Podcast, one of the longest running and consistently posted podcasts about how students can prepare themselves to get into the college of their dreams. Find Gretchen at www.gretchenwegner.com ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Every October, approximately 3.5 million high schoolers take the PSAT/NMSQT, but a significantly smaller percentage of the population understands exactly why! Amy and Mike invited test prep professional and author Brian Stewart to explain both the PSAT and the National Merit Scholarship. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the PSAT and why should a student take it? What is the National Merit Scholarship? How does the Selection Index differ from a PSAT or SAT score? Do colleges care about National Merit Scholarship recognition? How much scholarship is at stake through the PSAT? MEET OUR GUEST At the end of his first year teaching Social Studies at Dublin Jerome High School, company founder Brian Stewart thought it would make sense to do some part-time tutoring work over the summer. After all, he had done quite well on standardized tests when he was in high school and really enjoyed coming up with creative ways to explain challenging concepts to students. Other companies charged a fortune and didn't seem to have a high-quality product. As Brian worked with more students, word spread about the quality of his tutoring services. He started to offer ACT and SAT test prep group classes, and worked with students from all over Central Ohio. In 2011, Brian left his day job to run BWS Education Consulting full time with his wife Caitlin. Applying the expertise from her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, Caitlin has ensured that our teaching materials and methods make high-quality test preparation accessible to students of all backgrounds and ability levels. In 2012, Barron's Educational Series contacted Brian about submitting samples of his writing as they conducted a national search for their next ACT book author. Brian was chosen to write Barron's ACT, and has gone on to write several ACT, SAT, and PSAT books with Barron's Educational Series. His books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide. In 2014, BWS Education expanded to have associate tutors who teach not only the ACT and SAT, but tutor students in math, science, and writing. Brian and Caitlin personally interview and train every tutor on our staff to ensure they are the best in the business. BWS is a team of committed educators who relentlessly look for the best way to deliver educational enrichment to our clients, whether it's test prep, academic help, or college admission counseling. Find Brian at https://www.bwseducationconsulting.com/ LINKS Brian's PSAT Book: Barron's PSAT/NMSQT 1520 Why take the PSAT? PSAT and Scholarships ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Everyone knows that school visits are an important and often enjoyable part of the college admissions process. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to make this process worthwhile. Amy and Mike invited independent educational consultant Jodi Rosenshein Atkin to share serious tips on making the most of college visits. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What makes school visits important for students in terms of both fit and admissions? What is a "Goldilocks visit" dry run? What should be done before, during, and after to make a school visit effective? Why does the tone of the information session matter? What questions should you ask student tour leaders? MEET OUR GUEST Jodi Rosenshein Atkin is an independent educational consultant in private practice. She holds a BA and MA from the University of Rochester in Psychology, and has over 20 years of experience in educational and clinical settings. Her first career focused on working with individuals and families living with learning challenges. She is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, as well as a member of the National Association of College Admissions Counselors, New York State Association of College Admissions Counselors and Higher Education Consultants Association. Her practice is entering its seventh season. During that time, she has visited almost 200 college campuses in 15 different states! Jodi is committed to finding a "best fit" school for every student, considering academic, financial, social and cultural factors. It's about more than the mascot and the sweatshirt; it's about finding the places that each student can thrive and grow, making the most of their higher education investment. Finding the right school is a journey, not a race to some imaginary finish line. Jodi is a frequent guest speaker at libraries, schools, podcasts and webinars. Her insights have been featured in publications nationally, including the Wall Street Journal, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, Teen Vogue, Rochester Business Journal, and The Deseret News (Utah). She has also presented to professional groups, including the NYS Association of College Admissions Counselors. She and her husband, Louis, have four adult children and live in Rochester, NY with their golden doodle, Dustin. Find Jodi at www.jodiratkin.com ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Despite their value, the SAT and ACT have always been the tests people love to hate. But do the test makers themselves--considering all the good works they do--deserve this same level of contempt? Amy and Mike invited Ben Sexton of Sexton Test Prep to clarify what College Board and ACT are doing right. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How do predictive validity research supports the value of the SAT in admissions decisions? Why does Khan Academy delivers such valuable free test preparation? How do the testng organizations improve access through fee waivers and scholarships? Why do ACT's strengths in test security and consistency helps students? How do the tests effectively assess relevant skills and knowledge? MEET OUR GUEST A resident of Dover, MA, Ben Sexton graduated with a Philosophy degree from Skidmore College in 2004 and has been working in the tutoring and test preparation industry ever since. After running a one-man show from 2005-2012, Ben began Sexton Test Prep in earnest in 2012, when he attracted his wife as a manager and began hiring tutors. Since then, Sexton Test Prep has expanded to a company of 20 employees that serves nearly 500 students each year through its mix of one-one tutoring, classes, and bootcamps. Ben writes all of the SAT/ACT curriculum for STP and continues tutoring heavily, with a client load of 28-32 weekly students. Ben also earned his M.Ed. in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation (ERME) from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College in 2014. When not working, he enjoys watching football, investing, collectibles, poker, telling bad jokes, and spending time with his wife Sarah, his sons Wyatt and Drew, and their dog, Beso. Find Ben at https://www.sextontestprep.com/ ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

When people think of colleges, the names that come to mind are very often those of large public universities. But how many teens can handle attending schools with populations larger than their own hometowns? You'd be surprised! Amy and Mike invited The Ohio State University Admissions Counselor Keith Lofton to expand upon the benefits of attending a large public university. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Are students typically overwhelmed by the size of a huge university? How does it feel to attend a school that cultivates a powerful culture or school spirit? What are the advantages of attending college at a large public university? What kind of student thrives at a large public university? Are select opportunities for honors students typically available at this type of school? MEET OUR GUEST Keith Lofton is an admissions counselor at The Ohio State University. He lives in the Cleveland area and works from The Ohio State University Cleveland Recruitment Center, servicing 9 counties in Northeastern Ohio. Keith is a graduate of The Ohio State University and has seen his alma mater, a land grant institution in Ohio and one of the nation's largest public universities, transform from a non-selective to a highly selective institution over the past decade. The Ohio State University is now one of the most competitive institutions in the state of Ohio and the nation. Keith has served in Undergraduate Admissions as the Cleveland representative for the past seven years and has worked to help get students to and through Ohio State University since 2001. Find Keith at https://www.osu.edu/ ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Testing may be an individual endeavor, but test prep is very much a team sport. People often focus on the essential roles of educators, counselors, and other external supports, but what about dear old mom and dad? Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Alexis Avila to explain how parents can best support students in test prep. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are helicopter, snowplow, curling, and absentee landlord parents? How much pressure is the right amount of pressure? How do parents alleviate--or exacerbate--test anxiety? Why are research and planning so important for parents? How can parents establish an early foundation for test success? MEET OUR GUEST Frequently quoted by U.S. News & World Report, Alexis Avila founded Prepped and Polished to help elementary, secondary, college-level, and adult students improve their grades and test scores. While tutoring for several small and large commercial test prep companies, Alexis envisioned growing his own independent educational services company run entirely by educators, for the love of education. Alexis and other members of the Prepped and Polished team have collectively traveled one hundred thousand miles to educate students in person, working with well over a thousand families. Described by students as supportive, patient, and enthusiastic, Alexis has helped students and adults gain confidence, maximize their academic potential, and achieve dramatically improved grades and test scores. Alexis is a certified school guidance counselor, grades Pre K-12, and holds a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (a US News ranked top-five Counseling Psychology program), as well as a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Alexis also spent his junior year living in Seville, Spain through the Cornell, Pennsylvania, University of Michigan study abroad program. Alexis completed a two day seminar in Executive Function disorder, as well as a one day seminar on Advanced Strategies to Improve Executive Function Skills, all through the Landmark School Outreach Program. Alexis regularly speaks nationally about tutoring, test preparation, and students with learning challenges to parents and professionals at schools and conferences across the US, including SEPAC organizations in Dover, Sudbury, and Wayland, MA, as well as the IECA and CollegeWeek Live. Alexis writes and produces videos for his educational blog, which has over 300 videos and podcasts. He interviews educators, mentors, and inspiring leaders on his Prepped and Polished Podcast, which has over 200 episodes. Find Alexis at www.preppedandpolished.com LINKS How to support your child during test prep Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania by Frank Bruni Alexis Avila's interview with Frank Bruni Helicopter Parenting (podcast) ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Earning straight A's once signified levels of academic excellence and diligence unattainable by most students. Do these grades still mean as much when 40% or more of the class carries the same perfect average? Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Brian Eufinger to explore the reality of grade inflation. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does it mean when more than half of students at a school have A averages? How common are C-level grades at public and private schools? How can high school grade inflation harm a student's college admissions process? What role do parents play in driving grade inflation? Why are standardized test scores essential in identifying grade inflation? 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. He is an active member of Washington University's Young Alumni chapter in Atlanta, as well as the WashU Alumni Admissions Interviewer Program. 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. Find Brian at https://www.edisonprep.com/ LINKS When your GPA doesn't equal your GPA Does an "A" mean anything anymore? Investigating the School-Level Relationship Between ACT Scores and High School GPA Do No-Zero Policies Help or Hurt Students? Why we need norm-referenced tests Elite Prep Schools in L.A. and Across the U.S. Are Brazenly Inflating Grades ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

For admissions exams as infamous as the SAT and ACT, these classic tests seem to inspire a lot of confusion. How much about prior versions of these tests still hold true, and what commonly held beliefs were always false? Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Daniel Ascher to debunk some common myths about the SAT and ACT. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Do some schools prefer one test over the other? Are certain tests or test dates easier than others? Does either test cater to really strong verbal or math students? Should students study vocabulary or science specifically for the tests? Are these exams intelligence tests? MEET OUR GUEST Daniel Ascher, M.Ed., President of A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, has been a professional educator since 1988. Daniel began tutoring students while in graduate school and enjoyed one-to-one instruction so much that he decided to go directly into the field upon completing his Master's degree. In 1992 he started A+ Test Prep and Tutoring out of his home. Today A+ has 50 tutors who work out of two office locations, at students' homes and schools throughout the Philadelphia Area, and online. A+ specializes is one-to-one instruction for SAT and ACT test preparation. In addition they provide Executive Function coaching and instruction in all school subjects. A+ serves about 600 one-to-one clients per year and runs test preparation and study skills classroom programs at schools and community organizations throughout the Philadelphia area. Find Dan at www.aplustutoring.com LINKS NACAC: State of College Admission ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Few Americans know much about the Reserve Officer Training Corps program, and even fewer have insight into the ROTC scholarship. However, the evident and not-so-obvious benefits of this scholarship deserve the attention of anyone involved in the college admissions process. Amy and Mike invited consultant and author Lieutenant Colonel Robert O. Kirkland to talk all about the ROTC scholarship. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does ROTC entail? How difficult is it for a student to earn an ROTC scholarship? What obligations and benefits accompany an ROTC scholarship? Do scholarship requirements vary by branch or intended major? What are some little-known but powerful benefits that accompany an ROTC scholarship? MEET OUR GUEST Lieutenant Colonel Kirkland was one of the few officers ever to lead two separate Army ROTC programs--Claremont McKenna College from 2006 to 2009 and the University of Southern California from 2010 to 2013. He was selected as Army ROTC instructor of the year and the best Professor of Military Science in his Brigade in 2009. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point and has also earned an MA and PhD from the University of Pittsburgh. Robert is the author of The Insider's Guide to the Army ROTC Scholarship for High School Students and Their Parents and The Insider's Guide to the Air Force ROTC Scholarship for High School Students and Their Parents. https://www.amazon.com/Insiders-Scholarship-School-Students-Parents/dp/1535319720/ https://www.amazon.com/Insiders-Scholarship-School-Students-parents/dp/1501075810/ Find Robert at https://www.rotcconsulting.com ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

To many, the gifted and talented designation seems to promise a future of effortless academic success. How, then, can the adults in their lives help when these students face the inevitable educational challenges? Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Shane Bybee to offer guidance on what to do when gifted and talented students struggle. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How is gifted and talented defined and identified? What is the remedy when gifted and talented students show imbalances in ability? What strategies help when a subject suddenly doesn't come easy to a gifted and talented student? How can gifted and talented students continue to grow even when not being challenged? How can parents and educators support gifted and talented students? MEET OUR GUEST Shane Bybee has spent over half his life teaching. Along the way, he has worked with thousands of different students teaching everything from remedial 7th grade English/Language Arts to Dual Credit English IV and AP Language and Composition and even remedial Algebra I. Every year, no matter the subject he taught, his students outperformed the campus average on standardized tests. He has written curriculum, presented topics at the state convention for English teachers, and created professional development sessions for colleagues and school districts. While earning a masters degree in Educational Leadership and getting certified as an administrator, he started Bybee College Prep. He did research into how schools could help more students achieve National Merit recognition. His research grew into a tutorial service that has helped dozens of students reach National Merit Semifinalist status. As an educator, he is certified to teach Gifted and Talented students and has completed courses for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs.He has also served on test item review committees multiple times for the companies that write standardized tests and helped write online curriculum used by major test preparation companies. He understands what goes into crafting these tests. Find Shane at https://bybeecollegeprep.com LINKS What is Giftedness? ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Of all the academic choices a student entering eighth grade or high school must make, math course selection exerts the most influence on future choices. What should a student, parent, or counselor consider when weighing the options? Amy and Mike invited author and math expert Richard Corn to clarify the process of choosing high school math courses strategically. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What should drive math course selection? How do grade level, accelerated, and gifted tracks differ? Can students change tracks in high school? What are the implications of math course selection for SAT and ACT scores? Should advanced math students choose calculus or statistics? MEET OUR GUEST Before tutoring, Richard was designing and building computer systems for large corporations. He decided to pursue his longstanding interest in mathematics and education, and since then he has helped hundreds of middle school and high school students with their studies in mathematics and with preparation for standardized tests. His standardized testing students have increased their math scores by as much as 210 SAT points (or ACT equivalent). When students complained about the quality of the prep books sold by big box publishers, Richard decided to write his own books for the math sections of the ACT and SAT. His books have been very successful, having sold more than 36,000 copies. Book sales are mostly on Amazon, but there have also been direct sales to school book stores and tutoring companies. Find Richard at https://www.mathtutorct.com/ LINKS Richard's extensive catalog of books Considerations in choosing calculus or statistics ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

The world's great cities offer some of the biggest, best, and broadest options in virtually any category you can think of, including colleges and universities. What differentiates the metropolitan college experience, and who most--or least--benefits from such a dynamic, diverse environment? Amy and Mike invited NYU Director of Admissions Billy Sichel to shed light on the realities of attending college in a big city. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are the advantages of attending college in a big city? What are the disadvantages of attending college in a big city? What kind of student thrives in an urban college setting? Is NYC a great place to go to college? What kinds of safety concerns are there in attending school in a big city? MEET OUR GUEST Billy has been at NYU for just over 7 years, where he has held various roles in the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Currently, as the Director of Admissions he is responsible for overseeing the recruitment and selection process for the 10 undergraduate schools and colleges on the New York campus. Prior to working at NYU, he worked in the undergraduate admissions offices at two liberal arts colleges: Wagner College and Franklin and Marshall College, which is also his alma mater. In addition to that degree in Public Health, he has also completed an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business in Business Analytics and Leadership & Change Management. Find Billy at https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions.html ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

No feature of the ACT distinguishes that test more from its College Board rival than the Science section. How can a test feature as enduring and prominent as this one still be so poorly understood? Amy and Mike invited author and test prep guru Michael Cerro to provide some definitive answers regarding what ACT Science is all about. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What makes ACT Science different from every other test section? How much actual science does a test taker need to know? In what way is ACT Science a test of "Where's Waldo?" How valuable is an understanding of the scientific method? Is ACT Science something that can be effectively prepared for? MEET OUR GUEST Michael graduated from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art with a Master's in Chemical Engineering. He has been passionate about teaching since high school, where he tutored New York State Regents preparation in math and science subjects for families who could not afford private instruction. He is a lover of all sports, a P90X graduate, and lifelong chess player. Michael is the author of Private Prep's ACT science guide, For the Love of ACT Science: An innovative approach to mastering the science section of the ACT standardized exam. He is also the co-author of For the Love of ACT Math and For the Love of SAT Chemistry. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

The public rarely receives any College Board initiative warmly, but the general response to announcement of the Environmental Context Dashboard exceeded most previous levels of cynicism, so much so that they're already going back to the drawing board for a new plan. What makes the idea of an "adversity score" so contentious, and what does that nickname get wrong? Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Travis Minor to provide much-needed context to the implications of an Environmental Context Dashboard. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is environmental context data meant to quantify? How is the term "adversity score" a misnomer? What motivates criticism of an environmental context score? What is the Strivers' Initiative and how does it relate to environmental context? Should an environmental context score be known to a student? MEET OUR GUEST Travis Minor, owner of Open Door Education in Acton and Concord, MA, has helped thousands of students succeed on standardized tests of all shapes and sizes. Travis earned his BS in Secondary Education at the University of Vermont and his M.Ed. at Harvard's Graduate School of Education, where he continues to work as the Education Entrepreneurship Teaching Fellow. Travis has served as a City Heroes Team Leader, a trustee of The Scholarship Fund of Concord and Carlisle, and as a volunteer firefighter. Find Travis at [email protected] LINKS Landscape announced as the new Environmental Context Dashboard What is Landscape? Landscape Comprehensive Data and Methodology Overview ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

While every teen endures some level of emotional or behavioral turmoil, some reach such a crisis point that they require immersive therapy in specialized academic or nonacademic settings. Amy and Mike invited education professional Jason Robinovitz to explain the different options for therapeutic schools and teens in crisis. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What kind of students need therapeutic schools and programs? What are the purposes and goals of these programs? What happens in wilderness therapy? What is a therapeutic boarding schools ? What should parents do while their children are enrolled in these programs? MEET OUR GUEST Jason Robinovitz, the Chief Operating Officer of all Score At The Top Learning Centers, oversees each Center's day-to-day operations, ensuring the delivery of top quality educational support and guidance services to client families. As team leader for our staff of more than 100 educators, Jason is in charge of strategic decision-making, including best practice policies, customer service, staffing, training, marketing, systems, and technology. Jason is also involved in educational consulting services for college, boarding school, and law school clients. Meeting with students, Jason specializes in directing pre-law and future law-school students toward the extracurricular activities that will help position them for success. Skillfully guiding them through the application and essay process, Jason helps students distinguish themselves from the rest of the applicant pool. He also works with families seeking therapeutic placements for their children, identifying the "best fit" schools and programs for them and interfacing with these schools and programs to ensure successful placements. As an active member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and the Secondary School Admission Test Board, Robinovitz is part of a professional network of admission directors, educators, psychologists and other educational consultants. Jason graduated from the University of Denver with a BSBA in Finance and concentrations in Real Estate and Leadership. Three years later, he graduated from Emory University School of Law with a concentration in business and corporate law. Jason practiced medical malpractice law for five years before joining Score At The Top. He is a member of the Florida Bar. Jason is the son of Judi Robinovitz, founding owner of Score At The Top Learning Centers. He can be reached at https://www.scoreatthetop.com/ ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

When is a price not a price? When the stated retail cost of a year at any college diverges dramatically from what students actually cost, you can't effectively factor price into your initial college search. Amy and Mike invited educational expert Mark Salisbury to explain the importance of and path to college price transparency. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why isn't a college's "sticker price" enough to understand how much a student actually pays? Why do undergraduate financial offers arrive too late to inform college choice? How can a database of actual college prices facilitate more informed school choices? How effective are standard Net Price Calculators? In what ways does price transparency benefit colleges? MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Mark Salisbury has spent 25 years in higher education. His first decade was as a soccer coach and admissions counselor. He then returned to school and earned a PhD in higher education at the University of Iowa, studying college student access and success as a researcher on the Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education and a member of the Teagle Scholars. Since then, he has published both academic research and more mainstream writing on higher ed, including commentaries for the Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, interviews with NPR, and the blog, Delicious Ambiguity. From 2010 to 2018, he was an Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and Director of Institutional Research and Assessment at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. In addition, Mark has done consulting work for colleges and universities over the past decade on how to use data to improve in areas like recruiting, financial aid leveraging, admissions, student retention, graduation, and post-college outcomes. He started the TuitionFit project in the summer of 2018 and continues to be an enthusiastic advocate for the benefits of price transparency for both students and colleges. Find Mark at https://www.tuitionfit.org/ LINKS Mark's TEDx Talk The trouble with Net Price Calculators ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

How can we succeed in the moment when we're so burdened by thoughts of the past and anxious over fears of the future? The practice and application of mindfulness can keep a person fully focused on the present. Amy and Mike invited author and test prep professional Logan Thompson to discuss powerful strategies for using mindfulness for test and school success. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is mindfulness? What is "the other half of test prep" and how can mindfulness help prep? What are the "passengers" that steer us wrong in stressful moments? How can simple acknowledgment of negative self-talk create better outcomes? What can educators, counselors, and parents do to help cultivate mindfulness? MEET OUR GUEST Logan Thompson scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT®, GRE®, and GMAT®. He has studied and practiced mindfulness since 2008. After earning his MBA from Vanderbilt University, Thompson lived at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, for two and a half years, spending several months in silent mindfulness retreats. He also participated in a two-year mindfulness teacher-training program by Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (iBME). Thompson holds a Masters of Education in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University and is an adjunct psychology professor. He has spent the past several years teaching both mindfulness and test prep for Manhattan Prep. Logan is also the author of Beyond the Content: Mindfulness as a Test Prep Advantage. LINKS Ten Percent Happier app Mindfulness and Concentration in Testing ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

The multiple-choice grammar sections of the SAT and ACT have never been more similar. Nonetheless, important distinctions between the ACT English and SAT Writing and Language sections can influence how test takers approach the exams. Amy and Mike invited best-selling author Erica Meltzer to explore the subtle differences between the SAT and ACT grammar sections. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How similar are the SAT and ACT grammar sections? Are some grammar questions more complex than others? Which grammar section consistently covers more grammar rules and content? Does pacing and time per question differ dramatically from one test to the other? What aspects of the grammar sections might influence students to take one test or the other? MEET OUR GUEST A native of Brookline, Massachusetts, Erica Meltzer graduated from Brookline High School and earned her B.A., magna cum laude, from Wellesley College. Before becoming involved in test prep, she worked in the Department of History of Art and Architecture at Harvard University and in the Department of Philosophy at Columbia University, where she helped coordinate graduate admissions. From 2006 until 2015, she tutored privately in Manhattan as well as online, helping students around the world achieve their SAT/ACT goals and gain admission to a number of top colleges, including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, MIT, Caltech, Stanford, and Duke. With over 100,000 copies sold, her SAT and ACT Reading and Writing guides consistently rank at the top of their respective categories on Amazon, outperforming comparable guides produced by Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Barron's. She has been featured in Teen Vogue, The College Solution, and CBS Moneywatch, and her books are currently used by students and tutors worldwide. Find Erica at https://thecriticalreader.com/. LINKS Erica's extensive catalogue of books The Critical Reader SAT/ACT grammar question of the day What does the ACT English test measure? What does the SAT Writing and Language Test measure? ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Many test takers find the basic scaling of the SAT confusing, but the finer points of how this highly influential yet massively misunderstood test is graded mystifies even the professionals who deal with the SAT every day. Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Aaron Golumbfskie to definitively explain how the SAT is really scored... What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why don't raw score-scale score conversions remain the same from test to test? Is the SAT scored on a curve? What are scaling and equating? Who are test takers compared to, and what does the Nationally Representative sample have to do with it? Should test takers target certain SAT dates? MEET OUR GUEST Aaron is the Education Director at PrepMatters and has logged more than 10,000 hours of one-on-one tutoring, helping teens change their self-images and achieve success, whether on standardized tests or in academic classes. He continues to tutor every day, but, realizing that individual efforts don't scale very well, he hopes to serve even more students by spending much of his time creating pedagogical materials and leading the training and mentoring of new tutors at PrepMatters. While studying for his B.S. in Chemical Engineering at Johns Hopkins, he began an undergraduate teaching assistant program within his department that still continues. He also took advantage of many teaching opportunities en route to a Ph.D. from the University of California – Berkeley, serving as an instructor for subjects ranging from introductory chemistry to advanced statistical thermodynamics. He spends most of his time outside the office with his wife, son, and daughter. He also gets very cranky if he can't do at least some recreational reading every day. Find Aaron at http://prepmatters.com/ LINKS How is the SAT Scored? What are percentiles and why do they matter? ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

About 66% of American students FAIL to earn their bachelor's degrees in four years. Yet, those extra years of college come at a tremendous cost. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Edie Steele to explore the benefits and challenges around finishing a four-year degree on time. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why does finishing a four-year degree on time matter? What academic issues keep students from finishing college on time? What credit and career planning issues keep students from finishing college on time? What role do or should colleges play in facilitating on-time completion? How can parents prepare high schoolers to finish their degrees on time? MEET OUR GUEST Edie Steele's expertise was honed as an Academic Advisor and Student Retention Director at diverse colleges and universities. Her Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership from the College of William and Mary enabled Edie to understand key factors driving student success, and the larger forces that shape and define the American higher education system. Her Master's degree in Counselor Education from the University of Virginia strengthened Edie's skills in supporting individual students. Edie's background includes Career Exploration with students and Admissions Counseling positions at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Edie now coaches students privately through Finish in Four, LLC with a simple goal of helping students finish college on time. With high school and college students in tailored sessions, remotely and in person, she works to identify potential roadblocks, teach students how to navigate college structures, and provide strategies for academic, social and career success. Edie also presents to groups of parents and students about academic success and a dream of a college education pursued the right way: on time and on budget! Find Edie Steele at www.finishin4.org ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Far too often, we evaluate math ability in high schoolers solely on the basis of grades and level of math learned. A more accurate assessment of a student's potential on challenging math tasks--including those posed on tests like the SAT and ACT--should consider mathematical maturity. Amy and Mike invited author and test prep professional Dr. Steve Warner to define what this means and explain the link between mathematical maturity and test success. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is mathematical maturity? How can you determine your "level" of mathematical maturity? Can mathematical maturity be improved? How does mathematical maturity relate to standardized test scores? What steps can students seeking higher levels of mathematical maturity take? MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Steve Warner, a New York native, earned his Ph.D. at Rutgers University in Pure Mathematics in May 2001. After Rutgers, Dr. Warner joined the Penn State Mathematics Department as an Assistant Professor and in September 2002, he returned to New York to accept an Assistant Professor position at Hofstra University. By September 2007, Dr. Warner had received tenure and was promoted to Associate Professor. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in Precalculus, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Mathematical Logic, Set Theory, and Abstract Algebra. From 2003 – 2008, Dr. Warner participated in a five-year NSF grant, "The MSTP Project," to study and improve mathematics and science curriculum in poorly performing junior high schools. He also published several articles in scholarly journals, specifically on Mathematical Logic. Dr. Warner has nearly two decades of experience in general math tutoring and tutoring for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, and AP Calculus exams. He has tutored students both individually and in group settings. In February 2010 Dr. Warner released his first SAT prep book "The 32 Most Effective SAT Math Strategies," and in 2012 founded Get 800 Test Prep. Since then Dr. Warner has written books for the SAT, ACT, SAT Math Subject Tests, AP Calculus exams, and GRE. In 2018 Dr. Warner released his first pure math book called "Pure Mathematics for Beginners." Since then he has released several more books, each one addressing a specific subject in pure mathematics. Dr. Steve Warner can be reached at [email protected] LINKS Gaining Mathematical Maturity Dr. Warner's extensive catalog of math prep books ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Most of us involved even tangentially in college admissions understand that, while earning a college degree is expensive, the investment is well worth it on a variety of levels. But college is, by any metric, expensive! Amy and Mike invited college finance and planning expert Paul Celuch to discuss ways to recognize and deal with the rampant cost of college. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Are college applicants making rational economic choices? Do colleges seem out of touch with spending concerns of families? What is the significance of the term non-collateralized? Should career plans influence college choice? Do colleges pay special attention to full-pay applicants? MEET OUR GUEST Paul Celuch has 30 plus years of sales and marketing experience with IBM, Burroughs, MCI, and various telecommunications companies. He founded College Assistance Plus because of his love of people and his sincere wish to help families with this expensive, emotional purchase. Paul had put his two sons through college. During their college search and then financing their educations, Paul realized how involved the entire college journey was. More incredibly, he discovered how much college debt families across the country were incurring. After extensive research into, Paul and his business partner created College Assistance Plus to help parents of high school students through the college process, and developed a service that continues after ten years to guide parents toward a college choice that guarantees a great education and limits college debt. Find Paul at https://www.collegeassistanceplus.com/ ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Why is it so difficult sometimes for professionals with overlapping competencies to collaborate or communicate even when they seek the same outcomes. Amy and Mike invited Cathy Charles Szendrey, who works as both a school-based and private college counselor, to explore how school and private college counselors can work together. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why do school counselors often reject working with outside college consultants? Are there positive ways school counselors and private consultants can work together? Why should school counselors work with or refer outside counselors? What role does a student's family play in encouraging collaboration? Are there good reasons for families to engage private college consultants? MEET OUR GUEST Cathy Charles Szendrey has been counseling, coaching and advising students for twenty years. She began her career advising first generation students through the access group formerly known as Cleveland Scholarship. This opportunity trained her in the areas of college counseling, financial aid and scholarships for the most at risk students in the greater Cleveland area. Cathy then went onto become the Director of College Counseling at St. Ignatius High School, a nationally recognized all-male Jesuit High School. During her time at Ignatius, Cathy brought Naviance onboard, created college application classes, and co-created the Cleveland Urban plunge week. After leaving St. Ignatius, Cathy began her own private college admissions consulting business where she partnered with three innovative high schools in the Cleveland Municipal School district, mapping out their first graduation success plans. In this role, she took students on college tours, coordinated high stakes test prep, designed summer programs to develop and launch college applications, as well as informing administration and faculty about the process. Currently, Cathy has her feet in both worlds of high school college advising: she is a high school counselor at a suburban Cleveland high school and is a private college consultant who advises families on planning for college from 8th to 12th grade. Cathy's diverse experience has trained her in student planning for the best fit in academic classes ranging from Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, College dual enrollment and all other opportunities for course enrichment. She has consulted on sports, fine arts, and military recruitment processes. She also works with families needing assistance with IEP's, 504's and navigating the challenges of mental health issues for their child. Cathy is a passionate learner of all things counseling and considers it her lifelong calling. Find Cathy at https://www.guidanced.com/ ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show 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 teen anxiety equation? How can parents, educators, and counselors mitigate these levels of teen anxiety? How does envy undermine teens in school? Learn more about this episode and our guest in the show notes at testsandtherest.com. 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. ADDITIONAL LINKS Children of the Affluent: Challenges to Well-Being (Suniya S. Luthar and Shawn J. Latendresse) ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

The SAT and ACT have both been around for decades, but the two tests have never been more alike or universally accepted. How is a college-bound teen to choose? Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Heather Krey to help understand the relevant criteria in deciding between the SAT and ACT. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why shouldn't students automatically default to a certain test? What math considerations influence test selection? What reading considerations influence test selection? What time management considerations influence test selection? What is the most accurate way to decide between the SAT and ACT? Learn more about this episode and our guest in the show notes at testsandtherest.com. MEET OUR GUEST Heather Krey is the director of Test Prep for Success, located in Allentown, PA. She has a background in engineering, psychology, and education, and has put that together to help hundreds of students do their best on the SAT and ACT. In addition to teaching SAT and ACT classes, Heather works with students one-on-one, either in person or through video chat, to help them meet their personal goals and get into their top choice colleges. Heather is currently developing a SAT/ACT combo test that high school students can take to determine which of the two tests is a better match for their academic strengths. Find Heather Krey at http://TP4S.com. ADDITIONAL LINKS How do the SAT and ACT differ? SAT vs. ACT: How do you decide? SAT/ACT Concordance Tables ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Comprehensive college advising sets the foundation for college success, but not all students receive this guidance in equal measure. What kind of specific support do urban, rural, and first-generation students need, and who can and should provide it?. Amy and Mike invited school counselor Dr. Chris Tudico to help understand the topic of college advising for underserved populations. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How do underserved populations differ from majority populations in terms of college advising? What should comprehensive college counseling entail? What special needs do first-generation college aspirants have? How can colleges help students from underserved populations succeed? What does "intrusive advising" mean? MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Chris Tudico is the Director of College Counseling & Alumni Advising at Saint Martin de Porres, Cleveland's Cristo Rey High School. He has earned a PhD in Higher Education from the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in the study of the history of access to American higher education. Prior to assuming his role at Saint Martin, Dr. Tudico served as an Institutional Researcher at the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation in New York City and a College Advisor at College Now Greater Cleveland. ADDITIONAL LINKS What is a Cristo Rey High School? https://public.tableau.com/profile/third.way#!/vizhome/PellDeserts/PellDeserts http://collegeresults.org/ ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show 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? Learn more about this episode and our guest in the show notes at testsandtherest.com. 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. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Test preparation might be the least understood or explored multibillion dollar industry in the world. How has test prep--particularly in the realm of college admissions testing--changed, and how is the industry still changing? Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Kevin Organisciak to explore the state of the test prep industry in 2019. What are five things you will learn in this episode? In what ways is the test prep industry growing? What forms of test prep are students currently looking for? What new trends are emerging in test prep? Is local test prep going away? What might the future hold for the SAT and ACT? Learn more about this episode and our guest in the show notes at testsandtherest.com. MEET OUR GUEST Kevin Organisciak has been guiding educational service firms for over a decade. He was an executive at Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions where he earned company wide distinction in profitability AND student outcomes. While at Kaplan, Kevin created the industry's first Higher Score Guarantee (still in use). In 2009 Kevin founded The Association for Test Prep, Admissions, and Private Tutoring (TPAPT); since then TPAPT has helped over 1000 schools, learning franchises, and college prep firms scale, accelerate, or turn around their business. Kevin holds Master's degrees in Organizational Behavior and Educational Psychology. He is married with four kids and a dog. Find Kevin Organisciak at the TPAPT website: https://testprepprofessionals.com/. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Students have never had access to more or better digital SAT and ACT prep tools than they do right now. So why aren't everyone's scores skyrocketing? Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Tom Ehlers to explain how to make the most of online test prep. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are the different forms of online prep? What are the benefits of self-paced digital prep and who best benefits from it? What features make the best self-paced digital prep tools? How can students make the most of self-paced online prep? How can educators help students make the most of self-paced online prep? Learn more about this episode and our guest in the show notes at testsandtherest.com. MEET OUR GUEST Tom Ehlers is the founder and president of Method Test Prep. He is a passionate believer in online learning and has spent the last 18 years developing effective teaching methods that have helped thousands of students significantly raise their ACT and SAT test scores. Over 1,000 schools around the world use Method Test Prep's online learning platform to provide all students with access to effective ACT and SAT preparation and to help students improve their fundamental English and math skills. Tom works as an educational consultant to these schools to help them expand their online learning initiatives. Tom also trains dozens of groups of educators each year on how to encourage more students to take advantage of online learning tools as well as speaking to large groups of parents and students on the shift to online learning and how to benefit. Tom graduated with honors from Princeton University and also completed the prestigious Princeton University Teacher Preparation Program. Tom is proud of his role as an entrepreneur in the world of education. Since he started Method Test Prep, the organization has grown to 60 people whose mission is to help students and schools achieve more academically. Tom lives on Long Island in New York with his wife and twin 4th graders. Tom's hobbies include basketball, reading, tennis, podcasts, learning online, and travel. Find Tom Ehlers at https://www.methodtestprep.com/. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

Is any aspect of college admissions more mystifying than the determination of financial aid? The concept of "need" and how different schools consider need in both admissions and aid decisions goes deeper than most people realize. Amy and Mike invited admissions consultant Jona Jacobson to bring clarity to the topic of need blind and need aware admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What do the terms "need," "need blind," and "need aware" mean in college admissions? What is gapping? Do all colleges meet 100% of need? Does need or the lack thereof influence admissions decisions? What does it mean when schools claim that x% of students receive financial aid? Learn more about this episode and our guest in the show notes at testsandtherest.com. MEET OUR GUEST Jona Jacobson is an independent educational consultant who coaches students on choosing colleges and completing their college applications and essays. A former attorney and substitute teacher, Jona is in her seventh year of advising students and families through the college application process, both locally and nationally. Find Jona Jacobson at http://collegeadvisorusa.com. ADDITIONAL LINKS Information on how much students can borrow through guaranteed student loans FAFSA4Caster Student Loan Calculator ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

In communities across the United States, libraries deliver critical services to students and families on the road to college. Why do so few people recognize the essential role libraries can play in this process? Amy and Mike invited YA Librarian Deena Viviani to elucidate the role of libraries in testing and admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode? In what ways do libraries support students preparing for the SAT and ACT? In what ways do libraries support students applying to college? How can professionals best work with libraries to offer these services? Do libraries welcome tutors and study groups? Why do libraries offer services and programs typically associated with schools? Learn more about this episode and our guest in the show notes at testsandtherest.com. MEET OUR GUEST Deena Viviani grew up in western New York with an older sister, younger brother, and parents who encouraged the creation of fictional worlds. She has a BS in Creative Writing and Communications from SUNY Brockport, and a Masters in Library Science from the University at Buffalo. By day she works as a Young Adult Services Librarian at the Brighton Memorial Library, and by night she dives into her manuscripts. Besides reading and writing, Deena is also a fan of traveling, Muppets, Project Runway, and baking gluten free recipes. She lives near her home town with her musician husband, curious daughter, and a large number of guitars, computers and, of course, books. Find Deena Viviani at her author's website: http://www.deenalipomi.com/. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

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 to 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? Learn more about this episode and our guest in the show notes at testsandtherest.com. MEET OUR GUEST Desiree Rodriguez-Gould, M.Ed, born and raised in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, is a first generation Latina college graduate and is passionate about college admissions and educational opportunities for all. She is currently the College Counselor at St. Edward High School. Desi is married to her husband Matt with two beautiful children, Maria and Joseph, plus an adorable Labradoodle, Riff. With a background in both college counseling and strong involvement in professional development organizations as well as a number of university advisory boards, Mrs. Rodriguez-Gould is an eager student and higher education advocate. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

As long as institutions have required admissions tests, applicants have sought out more efficient and effective ways to prepare for them. Amy and Mike took some time to chat about some interesting aspects of the past, present, and future of test prep. Amy also shared how she got into test prep.. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How is the test prep landscape different today? How has college admissions changed over the years? Does geography influence test choice today as much as in the past? Why are admissions tests still important? What is Amy's professional nickname? Learn more about this episode and our guest in the show notes at testsandtherest.com. MEET OUR GUEST Amy Seeley is founder and president of Seeley Test Pros based out of Cleveland, OH. A formally certified and licensed secondary-education teacher, she received her degree from John Carroll University. She began her career in test preparation over 25 years ago working for Princeton Review. After gaining valuable knowledge and experience as a part-time tutor, she turned that passion into a career with Townsend Learning Centers. She quickly assumed the role of Director of Test Preparation Services, creating, managing and administering all aspects of Townsend's test preparation programs. After leaving Townsend in 2006, Amy began Seeley Test Preparation Services – meeting the test preparation needs of several hundred students annually in the Greater Cleveland area. As demand grew for Amy's assistance in improving test scores, Seeley Test Pros was born in 2012 with the addition of tutors trained in the successful methods and strategies of Amy's experience. Amy's knowledge of standardized tests is unsurpassed. Her methods and techniques for navigating through the ACT and SAT, as well as many other standardized exams, guarantee students who apply themselves and are committed to her methodology to obtain higher scores. "It takes 20 years to get as good as Amy!" writes one counselor. "I trust her with any one of my students." Amy has helped thousands of students over the years to achieve National Merit status, be admitted to highly selective colleges and universities, as well as to be awarded lucrative scholarships based on high test scores. Amy is a Magnificat High School alumna. She is the mother of five children, 3 of whom have successfully gone through the college admissions process. She and her family currently reside in Lakewood, OH. Find Amy at https://seeleytestpros.com/

The SAT and ACT are now offered throughout all four seasons, with tests available nearly every month of the year. That doesn't mean, however, that every test date is equally auspicious for a busy high schooler. Amy and Mike took some time to discuss all of the factors that determine when a student should sit for the big tests and when the best time to take the SAT and ACT might be. Mike also shared how he got into test prep.. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Does test preparation really help? When should high schoolers plan to prep for and take the SAT and/or ACT? How does this philosophy differ from the old testing paradigm? What scheduling challenges should be considered during test planning? How do Mike's kids feel about his expertise as an educator? Learn more about this episode and our guest in the show notes at testsandtherest.com.