Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

The 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 Shayda Moshirvaziri to share valuable strategies, insights, and resources for getting ready for the AP Calculus AB or BC exam. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is tested on the AP Calculus exam? How important is a calculator on the AP Calculus exam? What are the highest priority topics for this exam? What are the best prep materials for AP Calculus? How should students prepare for the AP Calculus? MEET OUR GUEST Shayda Moshirvaziri is the founder of Pivot Tutors Shayda graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Biomedical Engineering in 2003. She was accepted at MIT, John Hopkins University, Stanford, and UCSD for Ph.D. programs in Electrical Engineering and Bioengineering on full fellowship. She chose to attend UCSD for graduate school and received her Masters and Doctorate in Bioengineering in 2007 and 2010, respectively. Shayda has over 15 years of teaching and tutoring experience with all levels of mathematics and science for middle school, high school, and college-level students. She has a passion for teaching young students and has taught undergraduate courses at UCSD, including Introduction to Bioengineering, Human Physiology, and Computer Science. Before starting Pivot Tutors in 2012, she developed an ACT boot camp course for a private high school in San Diego and taught as a premier level ACT and SAT instructor for different test prep centers. After recently selling Pivot Tutors, she has returned to tutoring students across the country. Shayda first appeared on this podcast in episode #303 as the subject of a Test Prep Profile. Shayda can be reached at [email protected]. LINKS AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC Test Preparation Books - GET 800 AP Calculus AB/BC designed to help Students get a Perfect Score Chung, Dr. John RELATED EPISODES GETTING READY FOR THE AP LANGUAGE EXAM GETTING READY FOR THE AP US HISTORY EXAM GETTING READY FOR THE AP STATISTICS EXAM GETTING READY FOR THE AP PSYCHOLOGY EXAM GETTING READY FOR THE AP CHEMISTRY EXAM ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

The 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 Dan Corrigan to share valuable strategies, insights, and resources for getting ready for the AP United States Government and Politics exam. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is tested on the AP Government and Politics exam? What are the highest priority topics for this exam? How should students prepare for the AP Government? What are the best prep materials for the AP Government exam? Is there anything distinctive about the AP Government exam? MEET OUR GUEST Dan Corrigan graduated from Princeton University in 1982 with a degree in History. He received his Masters in Teaching from Marygrove College. He has been a teacher at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio for 40 years, where he has taught AP US Government and Politics for 30 years and also AP European History. LINKS AP United States Government and Politics AP U.S. Government and Politics | C-Span AP®︎ US Government & Politics (College-level) | Khan Academy RELATED EPISODES GETTING READY FOR THE AP LANGUAGE EXAM GETTING READY FOR THE AP US HISTORY EXAM GETTING READY FOR THE AP STATISTICS EXAM GETTING READY FOR THE AP PSYCHOLOGY EXAM GETTING READY FOR THE AP CHEMISTRY EXAM ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

The Advanced Placement exams represent some of the most challenging subject-specific standardized tests a high schooler might ever take, and AP Physics 1 is no exception. Amy and Mike believe that every test warrants smart, serious preparation, so we invited educators Jennifer Boughton and John D'Alessandro to share valuable strategies, insights, and resources for getting ready for the AP Physics 1 exam. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is tested on the AP Physics 1 exam and how does it differ from the other physics APs? How important is a calculator on the AP Physics exam? What are the highest priority topics for this exam? What are the best prep materials for AP Physics? How should students prepare for the AP Physics? MEET OUR GUESTS Jennifer Boughton is an enthusiastic educator fascinated by the studies of physics and mathematics. She received bachelor's degrees in Physics, Physics Education and Mathematics Education along with a master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Bowling Green State University. After spending a few years teaching high school, Jennifer accepted a position with the federal government supervising an operational team and serving as an adjunct instructor for training programs across the United States working with the CIA, DoD, FBI, and JCITA for more than 12 years. Jennifer returned to public school teaching in 2016 and currently works in the Cincinnati, Ohio area as a Physics instructor at Saint Xavier High School, an adjunct instructor of Physics, Mathematics and Robotics at The University of Cincinnati for the Upward Bound Program and a Physics, Mathematics, ACT and SAT tutor for LEAP-Test Prep and College Counseling. Jennifer can be reached at [email protected]. John D'Alessandro teaches multiple levels of physics at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, OH. He received a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Michigan. While he was pursuing a doctorate in astrophysics at the University of Kentucky, he was exposed to modern tools to teach physics at the high school level, and that changed the course of his life. He realized teaching was what thrilled him. He left UK with a master's degree in physics and then received a master's of science in secondary school science education from Columbia University's Teachers College. John is a National Board Certified Teacher in physics, is trained as an instructional coach, and has more than thirty years of experience teaching physics. He also coaches a FIRST FTC competitive robotics team. John can be reached at [email protected]. LINKS AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based AP®︎/College Physics 1 | Science | Khan Academy RELATED EPISODES GETTING READY FOR THE AP LANGUAGE EXAM GETTING READY FOR THE AP US HISTORY EXAM GETTING READY FOR THE AP STATISTICS EXAM GETTING READY FOR THE AP PSYCHOLOGY EXAM GETTING READY FOR THE AP CHEMISTRY EXAM ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Theories that standardized testing impeded equity in admissions decisions drove the pandemic-era test optional movement. With a few years of real-world data, we can now examine the accuracy of those theories. Amy and Mike invited student advocate Dr. Yoon Choi to revisit the review of testing policies and educational equity. What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. What does the research say about testing and equity? 2. How do standardized tests help predict college readiness? 3. Why do many states and school districts in the U.S. use the SAT and ACT tests as part of their high school graduation requirements, accountability and evaluation systems? 4. What might surprise people about the research on testing? 5. Instead of casting blame on the tests themselves, what should those who want to improve education and equity focus on? MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Yoon S. Choi is CEO of CollegeSpring, a national nonprofit that helps schools and teachers provide free SAT and ACT prep to students from low-income backgrounds. She has over a decade of leadership, management, and fundraising experience, primarily with organizations serving underrepresented youth. In 2020, she was named a Presidential Leadership Scholar by the program led by the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. She has published articles about testing and college access in Inside Higher Ed, The Hechinger Report, and EdSource. Yoon earned her doctorate in anthropology from the University of California at Irvine, as well as a master's degree from New York University and a bachelor's degree from Scripps College. Yoon previously appeared on this podcast in episode # 111 to discuss Do Test Optional Policies Drive Equity. Reach Yoon at https://collegespring.org. LINKS Standardized tests can be great predictors of college success and should not be seen as a cause of inequity Words Matter: Don't Go Test Optional, and If You Do, Call it Something Else Test Optional Won't Level the College Admissions Playing Field, RELATED EPISODES WHO BENEFITS MOST FROM TEST OPTIONAL POLICIES? WHY TESTS MATTER: STUDENT PERSPECTIVES BENEFITS OF SCHOOL DAY TESTING COVID LEARNING LOSS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Students and their families anxiously awaiting acceptance letters often feel helpless throughout the college admissions process. Little do they realize how quickly the advantage can shift in their favor. Amy and Mike invited educator Debra Landesberg to explore the concept of power dynamics in college admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. Why are power dynamics worth considering in the admissions process? 2. Who holds the most power before applications are submitted? 3. Who holds the most power once applications are submitted? 4. Who holds the most power once acceptance letters are sent? 5. How can applicants remain balanced throughout the admissions process? MEET OUR GUEST Debra Landesberg has a M.S. in Continuing Education with an emphasis in Counseling/Psychology & Certificate in College Counseling. Debra has guided students through secondary education to college and beyond for over two decades. As a nationally known and highly respected figure in the college counseling community, she is considered a veteran expert in college admissions. She has served on national and regional boards and maintains membership in HECA, NACAC, and SACAC. She has worked hands-on with multiple family members who have achieved acceptance to more than 200 colleges & universities across the United States & globally. Debra can be reached at mycollegeresource.net. LINKS Reframing power relationships between undergraduates and academics in the current university climate Does Anyone Win When Colleges Compete? RELATED EPISODES HOW TO SPEAK TO A COLLEGE ADMISSIONS REP DO COLLEGES CARE ABOUT THEIR APPLICANTS? LETTERS OF CONTINUED INTEREST WHAT DO COLLEGES KNOW ABOUT APPLICANTS? ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Some rumors about the costs of college are true. For example, some colleges this year will establish record highs in tuition and fees. But does that mean you can trust everything you've heard? Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Ann Garcia to bust some pervasive myths about how to pay for college. What are five myths that are busted in this episode? Myth #1: We're not poor and our student isn't an athlete, so we're stuck paying full price for college. Myth #2: I have a 4.6 GPA so I will get merit scholarships wherever I apply. Myth #3: My Student Aid Index/EFC is what it will cost me to go to college. Myth #4: Full pay students shouldn't bother filing the FAFSA. Myth #5: We shouldn't save for college because we will get more financial aid if we don't. MEET OUR GUEST Ann Garcia has helped thousands of families save millions of dollars on college. She is the author of the critically-acclaimed "How to Pay for College" and a sought-after media guest who's been quoted in the New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, and Money magazine, to name a few. Ann recently launched an interactive online course to help parents (and their advisors) affordably build savings for college and apply for aid into their broader financial plan. As a parent whose twins just graduated debt-free from college, Ann's expertise expands beyond FAFSAs and 529s — she understands the emotional components of helping your child set and achieve goals for their future. Outside of financial planning, Ann is an avid runner, skier, and fan of middle school rock concerts. Ann can be reached at howtopayforcollege.com. LINKS How to Pay for College: A complete financial plan for funding your child's education RELATED EPISODES HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE FOUR SCHOLARSHIP MYTHS WHAT IS A NET PRICE CALCULATOR? ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Dr. Jennifer Stephan. Jennifer has held a variety of roles across top colleges and universities, including professor, academic dean, and board of admissions member, in addition to serving as a private college counselor, alumni interviewer for Johns Hopkins University, and parent of three. She holds a BS degree in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University, as well as an MS and a PhD in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Jennifer is currently the Dean of Academic Advising and Undergraduate Studies for the School of Engineering at Tufts University. Prior to joining Tufts in 2016, she spent over two decades serving as a dean and a professor of Computer Science at Wellesley College, where she collaborated with colleagues at MIT, Olin College of Engineering, and Babson College to support students pursuing engineering. While at Wellesley, Jennifer served on the College's Board of Admissions, reading and evaluating approximately one hundred transfer applications each year. Jennifer also is the founder of Lantern College Counseling, a robust college counseling practice where she regularly employs insights from her experiences leading in higher education to help students develop their college lists and shape competitive, authentic applications. She is the author of the online course "How to Write a Standout Computer Science College Application." Jennifer specializes in STEM, computer science, engineering, undecided and transfer students She is a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) and a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Jennifer first appeared on our podcast in episode 541 to discuss NAVIGATING THE COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ADMISSIONS.. Find Jennifer at [email protected]. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Hanna Stotland, who flunked out of high school, got a G.E.D., and went on to graduate from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. Since 1999, she has been an independent admissions consultant specializing in educational crisis management, including Title IX, substance abuse and mental illness. Her recent professional presentations include conferences of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, the Higher Education Consultants Association, nine regional ACACs, and Families Advocating for Campus Equality. She has also been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, CBS News, PBS, and WNYC. Find Hanna at https://hannastotland.com or [email protected]. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Carolyn P. Mulligan, who attended Bucknell University, where she graduated with a degree in English Literature. She has been proud to have been a counselor for many years at the Bucknell College Admissions Summer Workshop. She worked in public relations in NYC. She helped to open the Museum of Holography in Soho and worked for the Jamaica Tourist Board. Carolyn is also a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the New Jersey Association for College Admission Counseling (NJACAC), the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling (PACAC) and the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC). She is a member of CH.A.D.D. (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder), and the LDA, the Learning Disability Association. She is also a proud member of the Character Collaborative. She has served on Admission Advisory Boards at several institutions including the University of Arizona, Drexel University and Roger Williams University. Insiders Network to College owner Carolyn Mulligan believes every student has a select few best fit colleges. She guides them towards those target colleges, creating a balanced and tailored list of prospective schools based on their unique strengths, abilities, and goals. She has specialized knowledge in learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD. She goes the extra mile to know each student and determine what kind of environment they will need to be successful in class and on campus. Her commitment to her business is reflected in her visits to over 400 campuses, continuing leadership and engagement in professional associations. She's built personal relationships with college admissions professionals. This gives her a unique insight into higher education. Carolyn has successfully seen hundreds of students through the search process over the last 18 years, with admission letters received from over 200 different colleges and universities. Carolyn is married and has three children, and three grandchildren, the joy of her life. When her children were younger, Carolyn advocated for them by spending 14 years coordinating the Special Education Parent Advisory Board for the Summit, NJ Board of Education. She was instrumental in bringing speakers like Jonathan Mooney, the late Mel Levene and Rick Lavoie to Summit.udent. She helps direct a team of 13 counselors to deliver the best, always, to their clients. Find Carolyn at https://insidersnetwork.org or call at 908-277-3754. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Alyson Campbell, a member of Estrela Consulting, a boutique college planning firm in the greater Cleveland, Ohio area. She has worked in various aspects of higher education and consulting over the past decade including college athletics and college admission (Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, OH), application review (The Ohio State University), and now as an IEC with Estrela. Alyson likens her current experience as an IEC to her experience as a former college basketball athlete and coach - she loves seeing people win! Whether it is helping create a more balanced and accessible college list, helping a student refine and perfect their application materials, or easing the burdens and stresses for students and families, Alyson is ready to take on the challenge. Find Alyson at [email protected] ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Tracy Sullivan. Tracy, co-founder of College 101 Admissions Consultants, lives in Wrentham, MA with her husband Jim, who is a scientist (very helpful during COVID-19!). A graduate of Providence College, Tracy built a successful career in both sales and as a serial entrepreneur. A mom of two college graduates, Tracy continues to cheer her kids on as they pursue their own professional dreams. Her daughter Rachel is building a very successful career with a technology company in Boston, while her son Shane is a first year law student at Boston College Law School. For Tracy, college is personal. A firm believer that college literally changed her life and therefore could be life-changing for others, Tracy has worked for the last 8 years to assist friends and family through the admissions process. This struck a bigger vision that set her on her course to turning her passion into her profession as a certified admissions consultant. In her own words, Tracy says, "I love being part of the process. I'm a total college-nerd at heart, so visiting campuses and talking with students about where they're going to school or what their experiences have been like - it's just fun for me!" From Tracy's perspective, a college education is an investment that will pay off for years to come, and it's important as young adults know the value they have given their future selves. The right fit can lead to a transformational experience. As a board and council member with The Providence College National Alumni Association Council (NAAC) for 8 years, Tracy considers her passion for higher-education a deeply ingrained and valuable piece of who she is today. In turn, a valuable way to give back to her alma mater. When she's not in the office, you'll find Tracy hiking, taking in a motivational thought leadership piece, or just watching a good old-fashioned Hallmark mystery movie. Find Tracy at [email protected]. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Applicants often look at the requirements and selectivity of a school as standard for every one of its courses of study, only to find that certain programs are WAY harder to get into than others. Amy and Mike invited educator Lisa Marker-Robbins to explain how colleges admit by major. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does it mean to apply to a school by major? What factors need to be taken into account when considering certain majors? What can families do to know if a college admits by major? How does a college determine if your teen is a fit for a specific major? What advice do you have for a student who is unsure of their major? MEET OUR GUEST Lisa Marker Robbins is an entrepreneur in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her passion and purpose throughout her career has been to serve high school students and young adults on launching into their future. With that greater purpose, she has been a classroom teacher, 23 years ago started her company LEAP, a test prep, tutoring and independent college counseling organization that has helped thousands, and in 2021, started Flourish Coaching to guide students and young adults through her 5 part framework towards getting career clarity for what comes after graduation. Lisa first appeared on episode #119 to discuss how HOW TEST PREP PROS AND FINANCIAL PLANNERS CAN WORK TOGETHER, in episode #227 to discuss STRATEGIES FOR SELECTING A COLLEGE MAJOR ON TIME and in episode #363 for a SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Launch College & Career Clarity Course. Find Lisa at https://flourishcoachingco.com. LINKS The Untold Truth About College Major-Specific Admissions 5 Essential Questions to Ask Colleges Before Submitting Applications RELATED EPISODES WHY THIS COLLEGE, WHY THIS MAJOR? COMPARING MOST POPULAR AND MOST LUCRATIVE COLLEGE MAJORS DO COLLEGE MAJORS MATTER? ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

The GRE General Test may be the world's most widely used admissions test for graduate & professional school, which makes the assessment important to anyone considering graduate, business, or law school. Amy and Mike invited educator Vince Kotchian to share details on what to know about the GRE in 2024. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does the GRE test and how has it changed over the years? What should students, tutors, and counselors know about the shorter GRE? What should test takers know about the computer-based format of the GRE? What kinds of programs accept the GRE? When should students prepare for and take the GRE? MEET OUR GUEST Vince Kotchian grew up in small-town Connecticut and completed the honors program at Boston College, graduating with a B.A. in English Literature. He moved to San Diego in 2007 and has been working full-time as a test-prep tutor ever since. Vince has scored a perfect 170 in verbal (twice) and a 167 in quant on the GRE. He is the founder of both Vince Kotchian Test Prep and GRE Verbal Precision. Over the years, Vince has written some test-prep books and courses, but still enjoys GRE tutoring: "When a student texts me that she aced the test or got into her reach program, I still literally jump up and down and grin." In his spare time, Vince likes traveling using miles and points (Japan is his favorite country to visit), reading (favorite authors include Haruki Murakami, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, and Philip Pullman), watching The Great British Bake-Off (and sometimes actually baking things), hiking and camping, and rooting for the Red Sox and Patriots. Vince previously appeared on this podcast in episode # 197 to discuss All About The GRE and in episode # 209 in a TEST PREP PROFILE. Find Vince at Vince Kotchian Test Prep. LINKS About the GRE General Test RELATED EPISODES THE INNER GAME OF TESTING GETTING INTO BUSINESS SCHOOL HOW DOES REMOTE PROCTORING ACTUALLY WORK? ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

A new test creates new opportunities and requires new study aids. Now that the SAT has gone digital, where should students and educators be looking for prep and practice material? Amy and Mike invited educator Laura Whitmore to explore the options for resources for the digital SAT. What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. What materials do you recommend that your students use for the Digital SAT? 2. When and how should you use the official Blue Book practice tests? 3. What have your students tried already and what did they think? 4. Should you trust 3rd party scoring algorithms? 5. What are the best free materials to use? MEET OUR GUEST Laura Whitmore is the Founder and CEO of Strategic Test Prep, a leading SAT prep service. With extensive experience and expertise, Laura has been helping students achieve remarkable score improvements since 2007. As a former high school Valedictorian and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Laura's educational background sets a strong foundation for her coaching. Trained by a former College Board question writer, she possesses insider knowledge that enables her to outsmart the SAT and ACT tests. Over the years, Laura has refined these strategies and collaborated with her students to develop additional effective techniques. Laura currently scores a 1570 on the SAT (800 Math, 770 English). ​Laura's dedication and positive approach have resulted in exceptional outcomes. Her students have achieved grade improvements and remarkable score gains of up to 400 points on the SAT. From local to international levels, Laura's influence has expanded, working with students in various states across the United States, as well as countries such as Finland, Azerbaijan, India, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and Chile. In addition to personalized coaching, Laura extends her expertise through her popular YouTube channel, Strategic Test Prep, where she shares free test prep information with students worldwide. Recognizing the need for accessible resources, Laura has also developed asynchronous online SAT courses and a Digital SAT prep app called Preptly​​, available on the App Store and Google Play. With degrees in psychology and a dual degree in mathematics and adolescent education, Laura's qualifications and dedication make her a trusted source for successful SAT preparation. Laura can be reached at Strategic Test Prep. LINKS Download the Bluebook Digital Testing App | College Board Official Digital SAT® Prep | Khan Academy Mathchops Roots2Words Desmos Digital SAT Math - Desmos Lesson #1 Solve any Equation! RELATED EPISODES THE NEW DIGITAL SAT EXPERIENCE: A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE ALL ABOUT DIGITAL SAT MATH ALL ABOUT DIGITAL SAT READING & WRITING ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Considering how exponentially complex the college admissions process has become in the last decade, the decision to work with an independent college counselor makes sense. The bigger question is, "Which one?" Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Julie Kim to explore considerations on how to choose a college counselor. What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. How do you know if you need a college counselor? 2. What are some of the most important traits to look for in an IEC? 3. What can a small or solo practice provide that big box solutions cannot? (accountability and consistency) 4. Is specialization desirable or even necessary in an IEC? 5. What do students and families need to bring to make college counseling successful? MEET OUR GUEST Immigrating from Korea in her youth, Julie Kim is a graduate of USC and Harvard (Ed.M). She founded Passion Prep after years of working in larger consulting firms, hoping to establish a new way of approaching college admissions. Julie offers a unique perspective as the first in her family to navigate the American college admissions process, and works with students of similar backgrounds to develop their own stand-out factor among thousands of other Ivy League applicants. Julie is the host of the "Demystifying College Admissions" podcast and the "Conquer College Admissions" YouTube channel. Julie previously appeared on this podcast in episode #196 to discuss Creating a Passion Project and in episode #262 in an IEC PROFILE. Find Julie at passionprep.com. LINKS IEC Profile Playlist RELATED EPISODES OVERWORKED SCHOOL 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 founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

In the wake of the 2020 global pandemic, every U.S college and university announced test-optional or test-blind admissions, leading some pundits to predict that the influence of standardized test scores in admissions decisions was over. Based on recent announcements from a suite of public and private schools, nothing could be further from the truth. Amy and Mike invited educator Brian Eufinger to share the state of test-optional admissions in 2024. What are five things you will learn in this episode? As of early 2024, what is the state of test-optional admissions? What is the interplay between grade inflation and post-pandemic admissions policies? How do students know whether to submit scores or not? What does the term 'miswithholding' mean? Will more schools follow Dartmouth and MIT to test mandatory admissions? MEET OUR HOST 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), SHOULD I TAKE THE ACT WRITING TEST? (#271), TESTING GAMEPLAN FOR THE CLASS OF 2025 (#432), and CELEBRATING OUR 500TH EPISODE (#500). He also facilitated our 2019-20 ACADEMIC YEAR IN REVIEW (#100). Find Brian at https://www.edisonprep.com. LINKS Truth About Test Optional What Does Test-Optional Mean? RELATED EPISODES TEST SCORES: TO SUBMIT OR NOT DO TEST OPTIONAL POLICIES DRIVE EQUITY? WHAT DO TRULY TEST-OPTIONAL COLLEGES FOCUS ON? ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Jeffrey Dalton, who graduated from New York University in 2006 with a Bachelor's in Linguistics and Languages. After college, he taught English in Lahore, Pakistan for 4 years where he helped middle school students develop their literacy in English. After returning to the USA, Jeffrey worked for 2 years as a Math and Verbal tutor for SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT in New York and New Jersey for a leading international test prep company before making the shift to Dubai in 2015. A passionate educator, Jeffrey recently finished his Master's in Education in Instructional Design through Purdue University. He uses his knowledge as an educator to capably and efficiently guide his students to achieve their target scores on standardized tests. In fact, one of his students scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT. Find Jeffrey at [email protected]. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Anna Moss, the founder of Mind the Test LLC, a tutoring company that empowers learners by teaching test prep and academics paired with lifelong research-based study skills. After earning a BA in Linguistics from the University of Chicago and a certification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, she taught English and SAT/ACT prep all around the world for five years, spending summers as a cognitive psychology teaching assistant at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth. She followed her passion for the science of learning to the University of Cambridge, where her MPhil thesis research focused on improving educational equity via linguistic dialect-sensitivity on the SAT. When not teaching, Anna can be found reading about sociolinguistics, baking interesting desserts, and traveling. She lives in South Jersey with her husband, dog, and little four-month-old baby. Find Anna at [email protected].

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Ari Freuman, the Founder and Lead Tutor at Ivy Tutor. He began his tutoring career in 2013, serving students in New York City and Northern New Jersey. As a tutor, Ari recognized how difficult it was for parents to find effective SAT and ACT tutors like himself. To address this need, Ari assembled and trained a team of dynamic and inspiring tutors, creating what is today, Ivy Tutor. Ari is obsessed with delivering results. He adheres to an evidence-based ethos to develop and refine Ivy Tutor's strategies. His mission is to ensure that each student receives the most effective instruction possible from him and his team. Find Ari at https://ivytutor.com/. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Nikki Rooks, a lifelong learner with a love for helping students build confidence and achieve their academic goals! After changing majors a few times, she graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with undergraduate degrees in mathematics and computer science. Nikki worked in the IT field for 5 years before deciding to pursue her passion for education and becoming a full-time tutor. Nikki primarily works with middle and high school students in the Nashville area, offering individual support in K-12 math and ACT/SAT/ISEE prep. She takes joy in connecting mathematical concepts and demonstrating that math can make sense! In her free time, Nikki enjoys playing with her dog, cheering on the Nashville Predators, and trying new recipes. She is also an avid ballet dancer and is a company member of Ignite Dance. Find Nikki at [email protected] or www.nikkirooks.com ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Paul Oberman, who has been involved with education since 1989 as a teacher, principal, and head of school. He has been at boarding schools and day schools, Catholic schools and Jewish schools and non-denominational schools, single gender schools and coed schools, progressive schools and conservative schools. He has coached all of the mainstream sports: springboard diving, Ultimate Frisbee, and water polo. In the summer of 2023, Paul started his own tutoring company, Oberman Tutoring, which helps students prepare for the ACT/SAT and supports students in math classes from middle school through high school. Paul also loves playing Ultimate Frisbee and performing stand-up comedy. Find Paul at https://www.drpauloberman.com/. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

The most massive revision ever to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid burst into the new year like a brick through a window–everyone is talking about it, but nobody is happy. Amy and Mike invited financial aid advisor Ed Recker to review the latest news and timelines to date along with our first impressions of the better FAFSA. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How has the "soft launch" of the Better FAFSA® gone? What has been the feedback about the user experience on the FAFSA®? How have college professionals reacted to the FAFSA rollout? Will the FAFSA delays impact the traditional May 1st admission decision deadline? What recommended action steps and advice should those involved in the financial aid process take to heart? MEET OUR GUEST Ed Recker is a Director of High School Relationship Management with Sallie Mae, serving high schools, states, and professional organizations throughout the U.S. He joined Sallie Mae in 2019, and has over 20 years' experience in the financial aid and enrollment industry. Prior to joining Sallie Mae, Ed was a Senior Consultant within the Enrollment Division of Ruffalo Noel Levitz, held the position of Vice President for Enrollment Management at the University of Findlay, and held various financial aid positions at the University of Findlay, Terra State Community College, and Bowling Green State University. Ed holds a M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of Toledo, and resides in Ottawa, OH with his wife Kate and daughter Evelyn. Ed appeared on the podcast in episode #492 to discuss The Better FAFSA For New And Previous Filers, which provides essential background information for this episode. Find Ed at [email protected]. LINKS FAFSA® 2023: How to Apply for Financial Aid | Sallie Mae FAFSA Simplification: A Better FAFSA Process Means a Better Future for Borrowers | Federal Student Aid - Financial Aid Toolkit 2024-25 FAFSA Student Aid Index Update and Timeline RELATED EPISODES The Better FAFSA For New And Previous Filers UNDERSTANDING YOUR COLLEGE TUITION BILL WHAT IS A NET PRICE CALCULATOR? THE PRICE YOU REALLY PAY FOR 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. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Too many students think that getting into a college implies a guarantee that they'll be successfully getting out with a degree. Reality suggests otherwise, but teens can tilt the odds in their favor even while still in high school. Amy and Mike invited educator Michael Ermann to share college readiness advice from a college professor. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does readiness mean in the context of college? What is one of the most important traits in a college-ready student? What is the link between SAT & ACT scores and college readiness? What can students do right now in high school to be more successful in college? What are three things a student can do for success once enrolled in college? MEET OUR GUEST Michael Ermann is the creator of Olive Book, an SAT and ACT animated prep course with 6,000 enrolled; 10,000 per month visit his Olive Book blog. He is a tenured full professor at Virginia Tech's School of Architecture, where he has taught since 2001 and served as architecture program chairman from 2007 to 2011. His work has earned him the American Institute of Architects' top regional design award, an international design award, the top state research award (twice), and a top state award for lifetime achievement, as well as the school's top research award, and the school's top teaching award (twice). Professor Ermann is a registered architect, the author of Architectural Acoustics Illustrated (Wiley, 2015, five stars on Amazon), and the creator of the animated video course Amber Book, which prepares candidates for the exams that will make them a licensed architect and has enrolled more than 40,000. His YouTube channel has over seven million views and more than 35,000 subscribers. Professor Ermann has a math degree from Tulane University and a master's in architecture from the University of Florida. His lifelong love of teaching math has never waned, having tutored students in the subject for more than 30 years. He believes everyone is a visual learner and has created in Olive Book a way to teach math, grammar, reading comprehension, and science in the graphic language of architecture. That course is instructive, comprehensive in preparing high school students for the tests, and engaging. To watch a short video demonstrating the Olive Book, click here. Find Michael at [email protected]. LINKS College Readiness Benchmarks RELATED EPISODES WHY COLLEGE READINESS MATTERS TRACKING COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE READY FOR 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. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Anti-Boring Learning Lab The community of educators obsessed with sharing the science-backed study skills and executive function strategies every student needs to thrive with educator Gretchen Wegner. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the story behind the Anti-Boring Learning Lab? How does the Anti-Boring Learning Lab work? Who are the ideal clients for the Anti-Boring Learning Lab? What kinds of outcomes do clients experience? What should someone curious about the Anti-Boring Learning Lab know about it? ABOUT ANTI-BORING LEARNING LAB The Anti-Boring Learning Lab is a community of educators who obsess over sharing the science-backed study skills and executive function strategies every student needs to thrive. It's a one-stop shop where you'll learn the tools and the brain science students need to shift from unmotivated, bored, and struggling students into independent, motivated, self-starting learners. Most importantly, you'll join a community of passionate educators to ask questions, share ideas, and rethink learning and schools together. As one newly minted Anti-Boring academic coach gushed, "I came for the curriculum but stayed for the community." Not only will you receive your choice of micro-credentials that represent "the least you need to know" about study skills, note-taking, executive functions, how to be an academic coach and more, but you'll also have access to community calls, book clubs, co-working sessions, and special interest chats. Whether you are (or want to become) an academic coach, executive function coach, ADHD coach, or life coach; whether you are a classroom teacher, special ed teacher, school counselor, or are in other quirky corners of education -- there is something for you and your students at the Anti-Boring Learning Lab. What we all have in common is a hunger to help our students succeed and a longing to connect with other educators as passionate as we are. Find out more at www.antiboringlearninglab.com and download our free resources at www.antiboringlearninglab.com/library. The Anti-Boring Learning Lab is founded by Gretchen Wegner. A master teacher and an academic life coach for over 15 years, she specializes in consolidating the science of learning into fun, digestible, actionable, executive function-friendly nuggets for both students and educators. Gretchen is also a tireless learner, consistently and transparently modeling the tools she teaches in her coaching, courses, and community. Download her free coaching resources at www.antiboringlearninglab.com/library. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

The various flavors of computer science and engineering majors tend to be among the most popular and potentially lucrative for incoming students. No wonder they've also become some of the most selective programs to get into! Amy and Mike invited college dean Jennifer Stephan for guidance in navigating the competitive landscape of computer science and engineering admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How competitive are Computer Science (CS) and engineering admissions? How can students position themselves with the strength to apply to schools as a CS and engineering major? What makes a CS and engineering program a good fit? What does a balanced college list look like for CS and engineering majors? What are CS and engineering-related majors for students to consider? MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Jennifer Stephan has held a variety of roles across top colleges and universities, including professor, academic dean, and board of admissions member, in addition to serving as a private college counselor, alumni interviewer for Johns Hopkins University, and parent of three. She holds a BS degree in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University, as well as an MS and a Ph.D. 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. Before joining Tufts in 2016, she spent over two decades serving as a dean and a professor of Computer Science at Wellesley College, where she collaborated with colleagues at MIT, Olin College of Engineering, and Babson College to support students pursuing engineering. While at Wellesley, Jennifer served on the College's Board of Admissions, reading and evaluating approximately one hundred transfer applications each year. Jennifer also is the founder of Lantern College Counseling, a robust college counseling practice where she regularly employs insights from her experiences leading in higher education to help students develop their college lists and shape competitive, authentic applications. Jennifer specializes in STEM, computer science, engineering, undecided and transfer students She is a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) and a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Take advantage of Jennifer's powerful "How to Write a Standout Computer Science College Application" course and use the savings code: TESTS_AND_THE_REST for a 20% discount. This offer is available through Sunday 1/28/24 11:30 pm EST. Find Jennifer at [email protected] or https://www.lanterncollegecounseling.com/. LINKS Illuminating Your Path to an Engineering Major and Career How to Write a Standout Computer Science College Application RELATED EPISODES STRATEGIES FOR SELECTING A COLLEGE MAJOR ON TIME COMPARING MOST POPULAR AND MOST LUCRATIVE COLLEGE MAJORS CHOOSING HIGH SCHOOL MATH COURSES STRATEGICALLY GALLUP ALUMNI SURVEY AND THE SIX COLLEGE EXPERIENCES THAT DRIVE SUCCESS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Billie Jean King described tennis as a perfect combination of violent action taking place in an atmosphere of total tranquility. In a lot of ways, taking a high-stakes exam feels the same way. Amy and Mike invited educator Scott Greenspan to explore how tennis and test prep are similar. What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. What makes tennis such a perfect analogy for testing? 2. What can aspiring test takers learn from tennis? 3. In what ways are tennis players and test takers alike? 4. What is the role of practice in academic and athletic success? 5. What is the role of coaching in academic and athletic success? MEET OUR GUEST Scott Greenspan is the founder/president of Span Test Prep in Glenview IL, which is located in the north suburbs of Chicago. For well over 25 years, Scott has helped over 4000 students reach their goals on the ACT and SAT. He especially enjoys working with his students on motivation, mindfulness, and mastery of the content. He and his staff also do academic tutoring and college admissions coaching. Scott is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis with a BA in math, and he earned an MA in teaching from North Park University. His hobbies include tennis, skiing, and hiking. Scott previously appeared on this podcast in episode 191 for a Test Prep Profile. Scott can be reached at [email protected] or https://www.spantestprep.com/. LINKS Looking for a Good Test Strategy? Think Sports! RELATED EPISODES HOW TEST PREP AND SPORTS ARE SIMILAR THE INNER GAME OF TESTING HOW TEST PREP TUTORING SHOULD WORK WHAT TO DO WHEN A TEST SCORE DISAPPOINTS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Every innovation in technology eventually impacts education, yet artificial intelligence already seems poised to transform the way people learn and teach at every level. Amy and Mike invited technology expert Amit Jain to explore how tutors can use AI. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How have Large Language Models (LLMs) solved the decades-old problem of Natural Language Processing (NLP)? How is AI helping curate and personalize content for individual students? How is AI enhancing comprehension and engagement, and bridging cultural and linguistic gaps for students? What ethical considerations should be taken into account when using AI in education? How can tutors and test prep professionals get started with AI ? MEET OUR GUEST Amit Jain is the CEO and Co-founder of MentoMind, a learning platform company on a mission to boost student outcomes in education. Amit's journey began with a deep passion for computer science, leading him to first earn an engineering degree with a gold medal and then impart knowledge in the same field as a lecturer at an engineering college in India. His career then progressed through various leadership roles in several global software and technology companies. The Covid pandemic reignited Amit's interest in education, inspiring him and his friends to develop MentoMind. This AI-powered learning platform, originally launched for college preparation in India, has successfully garnered an active user base of over 30,000 students. Expanding its reach, Amit recently introduced MentoMind in the United States, targeting college-bound students preparing for the digital SAT. Amit can be reached at [email protected]. LINKS AI as Personal Tutor Khanmigo Education AI Guide RELATED EPISODES TUTORING IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY 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. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

The digital SAT may look like the future of standardized admissions tests, but the exam continues a long tradition of verbal priorities. The more things change, the more they stay the same! Amy and Mike invited educator Lori Goldstein to talk all about digital SAT Reading & Writing. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How is the SAT Reading & Writing section structured? How important are vocabulary skills on the test? What makes SAT Reading questions so difficult? What makes SAT Writing questions so difficult? What can students do to excel in SAT Reading & Writing? 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. Lori can be reached at circletestprep.com. LINKS Meet The Digital SAT: READING AND WRITING RELATED EPISODES 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. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Admissions factors in college applications often boil down to grades plus tests and then the rest. What happens when the influence of standardized scores is minimized or entirely excluded? Amy and Mike asked U of R Vice Provost and Dean of Enrollment Management Robert Alexander and educational consultant Aly Beaumont the million-dollar question: what do truly test-optional colleges focus on? What are five things you will learn in this episode? How do you know if a school is truly test-optional? What are the components of the application review process? What aspects of high school grades are most important? How can applicants communicate character through their applications? What is the benefit of submitting test scores to a truly test-optional school? MEET OUR GUESTS Dr. Robert J. Alexander serves as the vice provost and university dean of enrollment at the University of Rochester, with responsibility for more than 90 staff members across the offices of admissions, financial aid, and enrollment management, an operating budget of $9.4 million, and distribution of over $330 million in student aid. As a first-generation college graduate, his twenty-year professional career is animated by a passion for higher education's transformational impact on a diverse array of students. Alexander received his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, conducting dissertation research focused on higher education leadership and governance. He previously graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Paul Tulane College and an M.B.A. in Marketing and Management from Tulane's A.B. Freeman School of Business and served on the Tulane Alumni Association Board of Directors. Originally from New York, Alexander serves as class fund chairman for his alma mater, Regis High School. Alexander is active with the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the American Association of College Registrars and Admission Officers (AACRAO), the College Board, the Association of Governing Boards (AGB), and the American Marketing Association (AMA), speaking at national meetings regarding enrollment management and marketing strategies. His work has been published in national publications, including the Association of Governing Board's Trusteeship Magazine. Before the University of Rochester, Alexander held senior administrative and teaching roles at various institutions across the United States. As vice president for enrollment and communications at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, his work increased undergraduate net revenue per student, doubled the representation of domestic students of color and the proportion of international students. As an academic leader and instructor of management, Alexander helped develop Millsaps' nonprofit management program, and taught courses combining Liberal Arts and Business concepts to provide skills for graduates to positively impact their communities. While serving as the associate provost for enrollment at University of the Pacific in northern California, Dr. Alexander coordinated strategic plans that dramatically increased prospective student interest, increased university-wide enrollment to record levels, while simultaneously improving academic quality and financial metrics. As assistant vice president for enrollment management at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, Alexander's efforts during and following Hurricane Katrina successfully restored enrollment and improved the institution's reputation and impact on its surrounding community. Find Robert at [email protected] Aly Beaumont is the founder of Admissions Village, a family focused, affordable, one-on-one college guidance consultancy. Aly is deeply committed to making the college admissions process less stressful, and her success with this objective can be measured by both the growing number of referrals she receives as well as the repeat business of family siblings. Aly is also a founder and advisor to The College T, a website connecting high school students with college students and recent graduates so that first-hand information and experiences can be shared. Aly is a graduate of Tufts University where she majored in History with a concentration in Modern Women and African American History, and was captain of the Equestrian Team. She lives in Wilton, CT with her husband Perry, their two dogs Buddy and Buzz and their three sons. Two of their sons are currently in college at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland and Keyon College in Ohio, and one graduated from Santa Clara University. Aly is an Associate 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 406 to discuss WHAT DOES UNHOOKED MEAN IN ADMISSIONS, in episode 341 to discuss COURSE SELECTION FOR HIGHLY SELECTIVE ADMISSIONS, in episode 212 to discuss PREPARATION FOR HIGHLY SELECTIVE COLLEG

Mathematics is one of the fundamental tools for understanding the universe, nothing less than the science and study of quality, structure, space, and change. That doesn't mean, though, that we can't make a contest of it, especially if doing so can uncover a generation's brightest math minds. Amy and Mike invited Vida John to explain all about the American Math Competition. What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. What is the American Math Competition, and who runs it? 2. How is the AMC scored and what is a good score? 3. Have there been test security issues with the AMC? 4. Who should take the AMC and why? 5. How can students prepare for the AMC? MEET OUR GUEST Vida John is a math coach and tutor, specializing in students who are preparing for math contests and studying curriculum published by Art of Problem Solving. Vida grew up in Iowa where she was a high school mathlete before studying at the Stanford School of Engineering and UCSF School of Medicine. After working in Silicon Valley for a medical start-up, she homeschooled her 2 daughters with the intent of providing an excellent education, especially in math and science. She coached homeschooled math teams for 10 years, and with both daughters now attending Stanford, she continues to help students prepare for MathCounts, AMC, and other contests while building their problem-solving skills. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and runs workshops on using math contests to prepare for college-level work. Vida previously appeared on this podcast in episode 255 to discuss Competitive Math And Testing. Find Vida at vidajohntutoring.com. LINKS American Mathematics Competitions MATHCOUNTS Foundation Art of Problem Solving RELATED EPISODES MATHEMATICAL MATURITY & TEST SUCCESS HIGH IMPACT STRATEGIES TO HELP STUDENTS SUCCEED IN MATH CHOOSING HIGH SCHOOL MATH COURSES STRATEGICALLY ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Bill Watterson observed that there is not enough time to do all the nothing we want to do. With the right scheduling habits, though, maybe there can be. Amy and Mike invited educator Rebecca Rauscher to share best practices for making time visible. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does it really mean (concretely) to "Make Time Visible"? Why is this such a big issue for students more so today than ever before? What are some strategies and ideas for making time visible? Is there an ideal day or time to create calendars and checklists? Are there instances where MTV is unhelpful or detrimental? MEET OUR GUEST With over 30 years of experience as an educator and the founder of Focal-Point Consulting, Rebecca Rauscher, MS Ed. understands the importance of developing and fostering both executive function skills and study techniques with clients of all ages and abilities. As an educator in the public schools, she shared her love of learning with her students, colleagues, and the families with whom she worked. She brings a genuine passion for learning and enthusiasm to her work with students from high school through grad school, as well as with individuals who need to build or strengthen their executive function skills. Rebecca has consistently fostered and built relationships with not only her students, but their parents and caregivers as well. Her unique, creative approach to learning truly helps her clients with academic success and the development of skills necessary for learning and life. Rebecca is passionate about helping others gain the techniques and strategies that allow her clients to fulfill their unique ambitions, goals, and dreams—to foster their own sense of purpose and creativity with greater success and outcomes. Rebecca earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester with a double major in Spanish and Political Science. She went on to obtain her master's degree in education from SUNY Brockport with an extension in bilingual education. In addition to her work as an educational consultant, Rebecca currently teaches as an adjunct instructor at the Rochester Institute of Technology's Academic Success Center in Rochester, New York. Rebecca can be reached at https://www.focal-pointconsulting.com. LINKS Sunday Night Overhaul (SNO) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy RELATED EPISODES FEEDBACK-DRIVEN METACOGNITION HELPING TEENS GET THE SLEEP THEY NEED EFFECTIVE STUDY SKILLS FOR TEST PREPARATION ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Now that college admissions is moving back into a test-preferred environment, students don't have to struggle with the choice of whether or not to take a college entrance exam but rather which one. Amy and Mike invited educator Susan Powers to weigh the important factors in choosing between the digital SAT and the ACT. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why should students give thought to which test they want to take? How are the ACT and digital SAT different? How does the ACT Science section play into a decision about which test to take? Should you prepare for both the ACT and digital SAT? Are there any general rules for what types of students are better suited to either test? MEET OUR GUEST Susan Powers is the founder and CEO of Woodlands Test Prep, a tutoring company based in the Houston area that improves students' scores, supports students' academic success, and helps families navigate the college admissions testing process with much less stress. Susan started teaching SAT and GMAT classes for Kaplan in 1994 as a hobby while an executive for a large oil and gas equipment company, doing strategy and acquisitions. The arrival of children put hobbies on hiatus, and she was able to return to tutoring in 2011, founding Woodlands Test Prep. The company has grown from a solopreneur to a larger company with multiple tutors. Susan delights in all aspects of the business from tutoring to curriculum and resource development to process improvement to hiring those few rare gems and teaching them how to help students too! Susan was a National Merit Scholar and has a B.A. in French and a B.B.A. in Finance from Southern Methodist University and an M.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, focusing on entrepreneurship. She lives in the country with her partner, Joe, and three dogs, a cat, and a parrot named Monkey. Her two children now live adventurous lives in the mountainous West. She loves to travel around the world, play day-long board games, sing, write poetry, garden, and read a couple of books at a time. Susan is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Test Prep Association. She first appeared on the podcast in episode 231 in a Test Prep Profile. Susan can be reached at www.woodlandstestprep.com. LINKS Meet the Digital SAT RELATED EPISODES WHY PRACTICE TESTS MATTER SO MUCH NEW SAT TEST SPECIFICATIONS THE NEW DIGITAL SAT EXPERIENCE: A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

We all know that the first and most influential item in a college application is the academic record, right? But, at a time when everything else in the calculations of selective colleges seems uncertain, can we be so sure the role of grades hasn't changed as well? Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Susie Watts to explore just how important GPA is in college admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Will a low high school GPA keep you out of college? Will a high GPA guarantee you get into a selective college? How does a rising or falling GPA factor into a college admissions decision? How do institutional priorities take precedence over criteria like a GPA? How does test-optional matter if you have a high GPA? MEET OUR GUEST Susie Watts is the founder of College Direction. She has 30 years experience in college admission counseling. Her goal is to make the college selection, application and admission process as stress-free for families as possible. She helps students stay organized, assist in researching potential colleges, support them with their college applications and essays and show them ways to become a successful college applicant. Together, they can find colleges that match a student's academic, personal and financial needs. Susie is the recent author of Beyond the GPA: How to Give Your Student an Edge with College Admissions. Susie can be reached at https://collegedirection.org. LINKS NYS Higher Education Services Corporation - Do Grades Matter Beyond the GPA: How to Give Your Student an Edge with College Admissions RELATED EPISODES THE REALITY OF GRADE INFLATION WHY GRADE INFLATION IS HARMFUL THE PROBLEM WITH GRADES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Since its inception, the SAT has challenged math conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. What, if anything, has changed on the new digital adaptive test? Amy and Mike invited educator Mike McGibbon to talk all about digital SAT Math What are five things you will learn in this episode? What aspect of the new test will affect preparation and performance the most? How much will Desmos and other aspects of the digital delivery system matter? How does the digital SAT's math content compare to the current SAT's math content? What makes the hard module of the digital SAT so hard? How can educators and students use existing resources? MEET OUR GUEST Mike McGibbon started tutoring at Kaplan while he was a student at UC Berkeley. After graduating in 2002, he moved to NYC to study music and play the trumpet professionally. During this time, Mike also worked for several NYC tutoring agencies and eventually transitioned to a full-time tutoring career. He now runs his own solo tutoring practice, focusing on the ACT, SAT, and ISEE. He is also the CEO and co-founder of Mathchops.com, an adaptive math practice tool. Today, Mike teaches in Westchester County, where he lives with his wife and three kids. He also provides free advice through articles and videos on www.nyctestprepadvice.com and the Mathchops YouTube channel. Mike previously appeared on this podcast in episode 165 to discuss Differences Between SAT and ACT Math, episode 372 to explain Making Learning Science Work For You, episode 332 for a SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Mathchops, and episode 480 to discuss How Standardization Can Benefit Education. Mike can be reached at [email protected]. LINKS https://mathchops.substack.com/t/digital-sat What can the first four SATs from 2015 tell us about the four Bluebook digital SATs? Meet The Digital SAT: MATH RELATED EPISODES 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.

Earning valuable college credit while fulfilling high school requirements sounds too good to be true, and yet many teens do exactly this every year. Why don't more? Amy and Mike invited educator Dr. Amanda Sterk to explore when dual enrollment is a good option. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What exactly does dual enrollment mean? What are the benefits of dual enrollment? Do many students pursue dual enrollment opportunities? Are dual enrollment credits always transferable? What if your school doesn't offer a dual enrollment track? MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Amanda Sterk is the Director of College and Career Advising at Method Learning. Dr. Sterk has guided thousands of students through academic planning, career exploration, and applying and succeeding in college admissions and scholarships. She is co-author of the nationally recognized college admissions workbook, College UnMazed: Your Guide to Navigate the High School to College Maze. Dr. Sterk graduated with her Bachelors in Education from the University of Northern Iowa, Masters in Counseling from Drake University, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Creighton University. Originally from Iowa, Dr. Sterk has worked in high-performing schools throughout Africa and Latin America, settling in Cape Coral, Florida. Dr. Sterk enjoys the SW Florida sunshine through many outdoor activities such as paddleboarding and bike riding with her husband, Heath, and two teenage daughters, Eden and Rilah. Amanda can be reached at [email protected]. LINKS The Power of Dual Enrollment: The Equitable Expansion of College Access and Success RELATED EPISODES ADVANTAGES OF DUAL ENROLLMENT HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SELECTION AND ACADEMIC RIGOR EARNING ADVANCE COLLEGE CREDIT ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

We often hear that internships are a smart option for teens whether they have clear career aspirations or not. What we don't hear are all the details about where, when, how, and why. Amy and Mike invited business development consultant Robert Khoury to review everything you need to know about high school internships. What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. How valuable is an internship to a high school student? 2. What makes an internship significant? 3. What are the best ways for high schoolers today to find internships? 4. What are some helpful resources in finding an internship? 5. What are some opportunities you have seen that may be available for a high school student? 6. What else should high school students do for future college and career success? MEET OUR GUEST Robert J. Khoury is the founder and CEO of Agile Rainmakers, a high-impact business development consulting and advisory firm based in Chicago's Gold Coast. His 20+year career in the financial industry has seen him in many roles: an equity derivatives trader, portfolio manager, corporate strategist, chief operating officer, recruiter, hedge fund executive, and private equity investor. Rob earned a BSE in Electrical Engineering at Princeton University and his MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. He takes great pleasure in supporting college students and recent graduates in making career and life choices that support the fulfillment of their life's goals. As a member of the Princeton Club of Chicago, for over a decade he has organized intern luncheons for Princeton students eager to find opportunities in Chicago. He has hired interns over the years and has a passion for ensuring their success. Rob led personal and professional development seminars for Landmark Worldwide for several years; enjoys volunteering, philanthropy, and family vacations; and lives with his wife, Mary – a freshwater ecologist – and their two children in a downtown Chicago condo overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan. This book is the first in a series on internships. Robert can be reached at [email protected]. LINKS How to Intern Successfully: Insights & Actions to Optimize Your Experience https://www.robertjkhoury.com/newsletter Robert J. Khoury '90 and John Selby '68 Offer Advice on the Intern Experience | Princeton Alumni Weekly PAWcast: Rob Khoury '90 on Designing Better Internships RELATED EPISODES STRATEGIES FOR SELECTING A COLLEGE MAJOR ON TIME HELPING TEENS FIND THEIR VALUES AND PURPOSE WHAT HIGH SCHOOLERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE NEXT LEVEL ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

That old truism about needing to have money to make money wasn't necessarily coined with college in mind, but unlocking the long-term economic benefits of higher education definitely involves an investment upfront. Amy and Mike invited college finance experts Dave Peterson and Dan Cieniewicz to share insights on how to pay for college. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What sources do you recommend utilizing to pay for college? What do the changes to the FAFSA mean for parents and students? What's the worst advice you have seen regarding scholarships? Does a student need to have perfect grades, test scores, or be a star athlete to win scholarships? Where do you find scholarships? MEET OUR GUEST Dave Peterson, The Scholarship Coach, is the father of a rising college junior who, to date, has won over $80,000 in scholarships. Because of his son's success with scholarships, people started asking him for advice on how their children could win scholarships. These questions prompted Dave to write the book DEBT-FREE COLLEGE: Proven Strategies for Winning Scholarships and Other Tools to Help You Avoid Student Loan Debt. Dave shares a new scholarship opportunity every day on his podcast and Substack called "Your Daily Scholarship." He provides one-on-one coaching for students and families to help them find and win scholarships to achieve their debt-free college dreams. Dave previously appeared on this podcast in episode 496 to share 12 MUST-SEE SCHOLARSHIPS. Find Dave at [email protected]. Dan Cieniewicz works with parents of teenage children as they find themselves in a position to strategize to pay for college while also staying on track for retirement. Dan's goal when working with clients is to explain the complexities of the financial aid & college application process and to strategize to make sure that both parents and children are set up for long-term success. Dan was born & raised in Berks County. He attended Albright College, majoring in Economics & Political Science and played on the football team. Dan has obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Find Dan at www.thecollegedude.com. LINKS Mastering the New FAFSA Webinar Education Tax Credits--AOTC and LLC RELATED EPISODES COLLEGES THAT OFFER THE BEST SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID FOUR SCHOLARSHIP MYTHS THE BETTER FAFSA FOR NEW & PREVIOUS FILERS **Check out our full Paying for College Playlist** ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Students, parents, and even teachers sometimes fall prey to the misconception that academic improvement follows a perfectly linear path with each performance a marked improvement over the last. If only! Amy and Mike invited educator Shahar Link to explore strategies for breaking through test score plateaus. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How can you tell the difference between a score ceiling and a plateau? What are the most reliable ways to break through score plateaus? What are the most common score levels where students hit plateaus? Are there situations in which it doesn't make sense to keep trying to break through a plateau? What are a few strategies to break through plateaus on either Reading and Writing or Math? MEET OUR GUEST Shahar Link, the CEO and founder of Mindspire Tutoring and Test Prep, has been at the forefront of the test preparation and academic excellence arena for over a decade. With a career spanning 25 years, Shahar has honed his expertise in high school teaching and tutoring standardized tests, including the SAT and ACT. Holding a Master's degree in History from Stanford University, where he delved into the history of IQ testing, Shahar founded Mindspire driven by the deep reward in empowering students to exceed their own expectations and achieve remarkable success in even the most formidable academic and mental endeavors. Shahar's exceptional contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has been featured as a quoted expert in the renowned US News & World Report and has been invited as a keynote speaker at numerous educational institutions, captivating audiences with his innovative approaches to learning. Through Mindspire Tutoring and Test Prep, Shahar has transformed the lives of countless students, providing them with invaluable strategies and guidance to conquer academic challenges and unleash their true potential. Shahar can be reached at https://www.mindspire.com. LINKS Standardized Test Preparation Checklist Disappointing Results? Press On! RELATED EPISODES WHAT TO DO WHEN A TEST SCORE DISAPPOINTS BRINGING GRIT TO TESTING AND ADMISSIONS WHY YOU WANT TO WORK WITH A CAREER TUTOR ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Few concepts in education and performance psychology are as universally accepted as that of the power of a growth mindset. Does that mean the research is conclusive and settled? Not exactly. Amy and Mike invited journalist Jill Barshay to dig into an unexpectedly controversial question–does growth mindset matter? What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. What is growth mindset? 2. How new is the concept of growth mindset? 3. What is the research evidence for growth mindset? 4. Is the science behind growth mindset universally accepted? 5. Should growth mindset be taught? MEET OUR GUEST Jill Barshay writes the weekly "Proof Points" column about education research and data, covering a range of topics from early childhood to higher education. She taught algebra to ninth-graders for the 2013-14 school year. Previously, Barshay was the New York bureau chief for Marketplace, a national business show on public radio stations. She has also written for Congressional Quarterly, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and the Financial Times, and appeared on CNN and ABC News. She was a 2016-17 Spencer Fellow in Education Reporting. In 2019 she received the American Educational Research Association's award for excellence in media reporting on education research. A graduate of Brown University, Barshay holds master's degrees from the London School of Economics and Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. Follow Jill by subscribing to the Proof Points newsletter at https://hechingerreport.org/newsletters/. LINKS Does growth mindset matter? The debate heats up Should taxpayers and schools invest in 'growth mindset' programs? Growth mindset guru Carol Dweck says teachers and parents often use her research incorrectly Praise strategies and results, not effort alone, she says Thriving under pressure: The effects of stress-related wise interventions on affect, sleep, and exam performance for college students from disadvantaged backgrounds RELATED EPISODES BRINGING GRIT TO TESTING AND ADMISSIONS HELPING STUDENTS PREPARE FOR THE DEMANDS OF COLLEGE HOW TO BECOME A RIDICULOUSLY EFFECTIVE STUDENT ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Every year, timeless verities related to getting into college–or even what colleges a student can get into–give way to painful, new truths and exciting, new opportunities. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Rebecca Stuart-Orlowski to return to the show with admissions notes for the HS graduating class of 2024. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does it truly mean to build a balanced college list? What's a good way to help manage expectations for students who are applying to highly selective colleges? How optional are test scores in the current admissions cycle? What other majors might a Computer Science student consider in light of admissions challenges for those increasingly popular programs? What should students know about the University of California admissions and what are some alternative ideas for colleges? MEET OUR GUEST Rebecca Stuart-Orlowski, founder of Orlowski College Consulting, has worked in education for 35 years and has worked as an Independent Educational Consultant for 10+ years. She has a specialized Certificate in College Counseling from UCSD, a BA in Communicative Disorders from San Diego State, and two active teaching credentials. She taught deaf, LD, and 2E students for four years and was a college counselor at a small private school for 3 years. Rebecca specializes in gifted/2E, STEM, creative, homeschooled, and transfer students. Rebecca first appeared on the podcast in episode 369 to discuss ADMISSIONS NOTES FOR THE CLASS OF 2023. Rebecca can be reached at [email protected]. LINKS What Are Your Expectations? Admissions Trends for the HS Class of 2023 College Kickstart How many reach, match, and safety schools should be on your college list? Should Today's Students Take the SAT & ACT? Should You Apply Early Decision? RELATED EPISODES LONG-TERM PLANNING FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS COLLEGE ADMISSIONS INSANITY USING THE COMMON DATA SET ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Every aspect of being or raising a teenager is complicated by the emotional, irrational, and idiosyncratic responses inherent to all of us. Luckily, psychologists have been piecing together some strategies for bringing order to our typical chaos. Amy and Mike invited counselor Samantha Straub to explore using brain science to help your teen navigate the college process. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What distinguishes the teen brain from the adult brain? What are the implications that adolescent brain development has on the college process? What do all kids need from their adults during adolescence? What do parents do to make the college process turn south? What can parents do to make the college process go well? MEET OUR GUEST Samantha Straub is a licensed clinical professional counselor who treats adolescents and their parents and the owner of Teen Savvy Coaching, where she provides individual and group coaching for parents of teens and tweens. As a parenting coach, Sam helps parents of teens and tweens step into their parenting role with calm and confidence during a time of big transitions–for their kids but also for the parents! In her coaching role, she blends her training as a clinical counselor with her 26 years of experience as a classroom teacher, administrator, and school counselor to help parents tame household chaos and strengthen the parent-child connection while also maintaining healthy boundaries. She lives outside of Annapolis with her husband and two kids ages 17 and 19. She has walked one kid through the college process and is in the midst of going through it again with the second. Find Sam at https://teensavvycoaching.com. LINKS One way to increase teen motivation Talk to Me First (Deborah Roffman) RELATED EPISODES HAPPY AND RELAXED TEENS OMNIBUS HOW DO I MOTIVATE MY STUDENT? HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE READY FOR 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. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Grades 9 through 12 represent one of the most influential periods in a person's life, a time of dramatic change and growth during which many teens determine the trajectories of their lives. Amy and Mike invited educator Flo Brett to share what parents, educators, and counselors should know about how to be successful in high school. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What difficulties do students typically experience in their transitions into high school? What are the keys to a strong start in the freshmen year? What skills do students need to be successful in their first steps in their high school experience? What are the red flags that could indicate a student failing in their high school experience? What can parents and professionals do to assist in these transitions? MEET OUR GUEST Flo Brett is the Founder and Executive Director of Effective Leadership Academy. Since serving as a LEAD ICU Nurse Manager, Training and Development Lead, and Clinical Governance Manager at a hospital in the United Kingdom, Flo has been guided by her education with degrees in Nursing and Leadership Development. Flo has built a reputation for her work around managing complex cultural change, mergers, and acquisitions and has driven quality initiatives across large organizations. She has developed and implemented leadership and development programs in many diverse settings from corporate to nonprofit organizations, from board to operational level, university-level teaching, prison environments, and teaching within many Pre K-12 establishments. She became a disruptor in the Leadership Training Agenda having the opportunity to blend her two passions and founded The Effective Leadership Academy in 2008, impacting over 42,000 students to develop their most valuable assets – themselves. Flo strongly believes that your thoughts, values, and beliefs, create your reality... They form the attitudes that drive your behavior. If you want better results, you have to change the behavior that drives them. Find Flo at [email protected]. LINKS Learn how to be smarter with this one stupid trick Ever Failed, Try Again, Succeed Better: Results from a Randomized Educational Intervention on Grit Effective Leadership Academy RELATED EPISODES HOW TO BECOME A RIDICULOUSLY EFFECTIVE STUDENT WHAT IS SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING? ADVOCACY FOR PARENTS OF HIGH SCHOOLERS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

With all the focus on the primary personal statement, we often overlook the importance of supplemental essays in the college application. Amy and Mike invited IEC Jodi Rosenshein Atkin to explain the best ways to answer the matched questions, "Why this college, why this major?" What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. Why are supplemental essays so important in college applications? 2. Why is the "Why this college?" supplemental important? 3. Why is the "Why this major?" supplemental important? 4. What kind of research should applicants do for these supplements? 5. What extra follow-up really makes them stand out? 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. Jodi has appeared on this podcast in episode 32 to discuss Making the Most of College Visits and in episode 160 to discuss Demonstrating Interest During Virtual College Tours. Find Jodi at www.jodiratkin.com. LINKS Why This College Essay Guide + Examples RELATED EPISODES WHY OPTIONAL STATEMENTS AREN'T OPTIONAL STRATEGIES FOR SELECTING A COLLEGE MAJOR ON TIME DO COLLEGE MAJORS MATTER? ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Every time a sophisticated educational assessment changes, every aspect has to be reconsidered and possibly changed. The digital adaptive SAT is no exception, and one particular aspect of that test has transformed substantially. Amy and Mike invited educator Brenna O'Neill to explain how the digital SAT is scored. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How does multistage adaptive scoring work on the digital SAT? Does every question count the same on the dSAT? What is Item Response Theory (IRT) and how does it apply on the dSAT? What are the advantages and challenges of using IRT in test design and scoring? How does the way the test is scored inform test-taking strategies? MEET OUR GUEST Brenna O'Neill is the President of Test Innovators. Brenna brings an intimate knowledge of private schools, standardized tests, and the admissions process. Her experience in math, English, and test prep education helps to improve student learning and inform product development at Test Innovators. Brenna is excited to ensure every student's success through building excellent educational content, resources, programs, and tools. Brenna appeared on the podcast in episode #266 to discuss What is the ISEE? Find Brenna at [email protected]. LINKS Digital SAT Suite of Assessments Item response theory RELATED EPISODES NEW SAT TEST SPECIFICATIONS THE NEW DIGITAL SAT EXPERIENCE: A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE THE NEW DIGITAL PSAT ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Keith Brown, Ph.D. With a strong foundation in standardized tests such as ACT, SAT, and PSAT, Keith is committed to guiding students toward academic excellence. His teaching journey commenced at CalTech, where he earned an MS and Ph.D. in Biology, amassing extensive tutoring experience exceeding 4000 hours. Having served as a Teaching Assistant, he has mastered the art of instilling self-assurance and motivation in students, nurturing their autonomy in learning. Keith holds degrees from Grambling State University and CalTech, equipping him to mentor students across diverse subjects, encompassing Biology, Genetics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. His unwavering enthusiasm for facilitating student achievements is evident as he witnesses their conquest of challenges and assimilation of novel concepts. Find Keith at [email protected]. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Maria Harmon. With an MIT degree and love of all things STEM, Maria knows the value of curiosity and its power inside and outside the classroom. She attended a vocational high school, studying under electricians for 4 years. Her Environmental Engineering degree led her to visit farmers in India, get dirty with waste-pickers in Nicaragua, and chase volcanic smog around Hawai'i. Yet every experience has built her passion for unlocking student potential. Since 2011, she has continually tutored, first for work-study, then the Americorps program City Year, then as a full-time career. Maria has a passion for unlocking potential not only in grades and conceptual understanding, but also in self-esteem and the joy of learning. She loves to help students combine vulnerability and effort to invigorate their academic lives as well as their emotional, social, and/or faith lives. In any given tutoring session, you may find Maria: – becoming overly enthusiastic about percents and fractions, – convincing skeptics that tests are fun, or – sharing openly about life lessons she wished had been taught in school. Fun Facts: Maria is a jack of all trades. She is quite handy around the house, makes chocolate board games, and loves singing a cappella. She is very involved in her church, especially helping to run a homeless and refugee resettlement ministry. Find Maria at [email protected]. PLAYLIST Listen to all of our profiles of outstanding test prep teachers, tutors, and innovators on our Test Prep Profile playlist. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Kartik Sarda. At 25, Kartik's journey is a promising one, marked by an intriguing blend of entrepreneurship, education, and creativity. It all began at Streamline Learning, where Kartik spent three years juggling roles, from tutoring to handling their digital marketing and product development. His entrepreneurial spirit then led him to found two startups: Saathi Global Education Network and Seven Square Learning. Saathi GEN was an ambitious venture aimed at creating a global networking platform for schools. Although it was eventually closed due to pandemic-induced financial challenges, the experience added a significant chapter to Kartik's story. On the other hand, Seven Square Learning, a test-prep company, focuses on tutoring American high school students for SAT/ACT while emphasizing their mental health. Currently, Kartik is pouring his energies into creating a comprehensive SaaS platform for tutoring companies, a tool that will streamline operations, invoicing, CRM, schedule management, and automatic grading and test reports. His first-hand experience with tutoring gives him a unique perspective in building a product that directly addresses the needs of the industry. Traveling and cricket are two of his passions outside work. Having lived independently in five cities since he was 16, Kartik's travel experiences have enriched his perspective and equipped him to adapt quickly to new environments. And when he's not working or traveling, you'll likely find him engrossed in a cricket match or exploring the intricacies of virtual reality. In all, Kartik's journey is one of constant learning, adaptability, and exploration. And it's only just begun. Find Kartik at [email protected]. PLAYLIST Listen to all of our profiles of outstanding test prep teachers, tutors, and innovators on our Test Prep Profile playlist. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Josh Kutchai, a private SAT/ACT and curriculum tutor. Josh teaches all sections of the SAT and ACT as well as curriculum mathematics up to and including calculus BC. Josh grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he spent a lot of time playing basketball and piano. He then moved to New Jersey to attend Princeton University, where he majored in mathematics and minored in music. After struggling to become a famous rock 'n' roll star, Josh decided that his temperament was better suited for education! He obtained a masters degree in mathematics from Rutgers University, worked as a mathematics professor for a few years, and ultimately became a professional tutor in the year 1999. He fell madly in love with the profession and has never looked back. Josh still loves music and has recorded multiple albums during the course of his career. He also passionately follows college and pro basketball. He is tired of all the flopping! Find Josh at [email protected]. PLAYLIST Listen to all of our profiles of outstanding test prep teachers, tutors, and innovators on our Test Prep Profile playlist. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

The promise and potential of higher education remain popular in good economic times and bad. Even more popular is the prospect of not paying full price for a degree! Amy and Mike invited educator Dr. Kuni Beasley to reveal some colleges that offer the best scholarships and financial aid. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why does college cost so much and what are the best ways to lower out-of-pocket costs? How can families find low-cost colleges? Which colleges offer the best financial aid? Which colleges offer automatic, easily accessible scholarships? How can one earn institutional scholarships regardless of family income? MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Kuni Michael Beasley, the founder of Beasley College Prep, has a BS from Texas Christian University (GO Frogs!), an MBA from Oklahoma City University, a Doctor of Ministry in Greek and Hebrew from Tyndale Seminary, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington. He has been helping students prepare for college for over 40 years. Dr. Beasley has helped students enroll in the top colleges in the country including Harvard, West Point, Stanford, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Pepperdine, and MIT, with many on full scholarships. Dr. Beasley has an eclectic background. After earning his undergraduate degree, he served on active duty with the Army where he was the youngest commander in Europe in charge of a nuclear Field Artillery unit. When he returned to the US, he oversaw Officer Training and developed several novel training strategies that won him a medal for his efforts. While on active duty, Dr. Beasley earned his master's degree in fifty weeks by attending classes at night. He left active duty to take a position with the Federal Reserve Bank where he was a Training Specialist, Management Systems Coordinator, and Strategic Planner. While there, he worked on the new currency and applied creative ideas to operations and check processing. From there, Dr. Beasley was the International Management Consultant for Caltex Petroleum overseeing executive development and strategic training for executives in 55 countries. Dr. Beasley left corporate America to pursue a personal passion to coach football. In his first year as a high school football coach, Coach Beasley's team won the 1994 Texas AAA state championship. He returned to coaching in 2021 and led his team to the state championship game again. Seeing that many students were under-challenged, in 1996, Dr. Beasley started his own school in a rented Sunday School room at the First Baptist Church in Duncanville, Texas, with seven students. By 2009, there were 22 schools from Springfield, Massachusetts to Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Palm Springs, California. He initiated a College Readiness business taking his unique preparation process to the public and private school students. His SAT and ACT prep programs were used in public schools in nine states. Dr. Beasley taught college for sixteen years at several institutions to include Northwood University, Dallas Baptist University, University of Texas at Arlington, and thirteen years at LeTourneau University. He is credentialed to teach at the graduate level in 14 subject areas to include Business, Political Science, Public Administration, Urban Studies, Economics, Psychology, Geography, and Military History. His Ph.D. is in Urban and Public Administration where he wrote his dissertation on the transition of the Federal Reserve in the late 80's. He earned his Doctor of Ministry in Greek and Hebrew studies concurrently with his Ph.D. Very few can bring a portfolio with military command, championship coaching, academic achievement, college teaching, school administration, and the innovative entrepreneurship to build a nationwide business. Kuni first appeared on this podcast in episode 415 for a TEST PREP PROFILE. You can find Kuni at [email protected]. LINKS Best Affordable Colleges 2023-2024 RELATED EPISODES INVESTING IN COLLEGE CONSIDERING COLLEGE FINANCIAL FIT FIRST MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT MERIT 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. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

At every level of education, teachers serve irreplaceable roles as purveyors of knowledge, curators of culture, and gatekeepers to priceless opportunities and understandings. So why do students seem to so desperately avoid their instructors? Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Dale Troy to enumerate the compelling reasons why students should get to know their teachers. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How does knowing your teachers–and having them know you–open up opportunities? What are the best ways for students to get to know their teachers? Why should high schoolers build strong, positive relationships with teachers? Do students report having better college experiences if they've developed a relationship with professors? What life skills are strengthened when a student gets to know their professors? What are other benefits of having a professor as a mentor? MEET OUR GUEST Dale Troy is a College Success Coach and Certified Health Coach. Parents hire her to help their children transition successfully from high school to college. Dale's experience in helping college students started with her own three daughters. All three of her daughters graduated from Yale College, and she is a graduate of Yale College and Yale Law School. Dale helps students get good grades, make great friends, and stay healthy, both physically and mentally. The freshman dropout rate is currently 30%. Dale's College Success Formula program protects parents' college investment by setting their children up for success from the start of freshman year. The program helps students, at any point in their college career, implement the habits and skills they need for academic and social success, as well as physical and emotional health. Find Dale at [email protected] or talkwithdale.com. LINKS Getting Along With Your Teachers (for Teens) A Parent's Guide to College: Six Keys to Ensure Your Child Graduates on Time RELATED EPISODES THE UNWRITTEN RULES OF COLLEGE SUCCESS GALLUP ALUMNI SURVEY AND THE SIX COLLEGE EXPERIENCES THAT DRIVE SUCCESS LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: GOOD VS. GREAT ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.