Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast (Amy Seeley & Mike Bergin)
Explore every episode of Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
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| 05 Dec 2023 | 536. ALL ABOUT THE AMERICAN MATH COMPETITION | 00:27:14 | |
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 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. | |||
| 09 Jun 2021 | 208. Test Prep Profile: Robin Satty | 00:18:13 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? Meet Robin Satty, Ph.D., a graduate of Brown University with an Sc.B and Sc.M in Biology. Robin began her career in test prep in 2010 at Revolution Prep and began teaching science full time in 2011. Since then, she has taught Biology, Chemistry, and General Science at the middle school and high school levels, while tutoring for the SAT and ACT in the evenings. Since earning an Ed.D in STEM Education from the University of Pittsburgh, she has stepped back from full-time teaching to focus on curriculum, consulting, and tutoring. Robin is a certified teacher in three states and several subjects. She has contributed to several books on test prep and is currently working on an ACT Science workbook. She has developed NGSS- and CCSS-aligned STEM curriculum and consulted on STEM programs across the US. Robin's strengths lie in efficiently collecting data to determine the highest-leverage ways to help individuals and programs reach their goals, including higher grades and scores for an individual, improved learning in a school, or better teacher satisfaction and retention in a district. Find Robin at https://stemsmartconsulting.com or robin@stemsmartconsulting.com. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 10 Jul 2020 | 105. How Does Remote Proctoring Actually Work | 00:27:45 | |
The SAT and ACT have always been the ultimate paper-and-pencil exams, but that era is approaching its end. But how secure can the digital tests of the future be without proctors watching test takers in person? Amy and Mike invited ProctorU executive Ashley Norris to illuminate the reality of how remote proctoring actually works. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUESTS Dr. Ashley Norris serves as ProctorU's Chief Academic Officer & Chief Compliance Officer. Dr. Norris has a background in policy and procedure development, regulatory and accreditation compliance, and assessing and reducing potential risk both internally and in collaboration with external partner organizations. She leads ProctorU's academic partnerships and works with organizations and institutions on developing policies, best practices and procedures to support their innovation, accreditation, and accessibility needs. Dr. Norris has spent nearly 15 years in higher education as both a faculty member and administrator across major institutions including University of Alabama and Samford University. Most recently, she served as the dean of programmatic accreditation and regulatory affairs at the University of Phoenix. There, she led thought leadership on ethics and integrity in education and continues to spearhead similar efforts for ProctorU’s key initiatives in academic integrity. Find Ashley at ProctorU and https://studenttestingrights.org/. LINKS Student Bill of Rights on Remote and Digital Work Always Know More Than The Proctor RELATED EPISODES PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF TESTING ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 31 May 2022 | 341. COURSE SELECTION FOR HIGHLY SELECTIVE ADMISSIONS | 00:24:54 | |
All things being equal, high school GPA carries the most weight in college admissions decisions. But when it comes to the classes those grades come from, all things most certainly are not equal. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Aly Beaumont to explore the finer points about course selection for highly selective college admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Aly 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 212 to discuss PREPARATION FOR HIGHLY SELECTIVE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS and was the subject of an IEC PROFILE in episode 264. Find Aly at https://www.admissionsvillage.com. LINKS What Classes Should I take Next Year? Considerations for Admissions to Highly Selective Colleges RELATED EPISODES HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SELECTION AND ACADEMIC RIGOR CHOOSING HIGH SCHOOL MATH COURSES STRATEGICALLY CHOOSING BETWEEN AP AND IB PROGRAMS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. 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.
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| 07 Feb 2020 | 61. Attending An Historically Black College or University | 00:26:40 | |
American colleges and universities represent many of the highest ideals of an educated, democratic society, and few institutions of higher education are as quintessentially American as our historically black colleges and universities. What makes HBCUs so special? Amy and Mike invited Howard University Associate Provost Anthony Jones to expand upon the benefits of attending an historically black college or university. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Anthony is Associate Provost/Assistant Vice-President for Enrollment Management at Howard University in Washington, DC. In this capacity he oversees the offices of Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar and Student Accounts. His responsibility includes providing strategic direction to the University enrollment objectives and administering a budget of over $200 million in operational and student aid funds. Professionally, Anthony has been a member of the Council of Independent Colleges Executive Leadership Academy, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Reaffirmation Committee, National Association for College Admission Counseling, American Association of College Admission Officers and Registrars, Tennessee Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Southern Association for College Admissions Counseling, Indiana Association for College Admissions Counseling, and Committee Chair for the National Association of College, Deans, Registrars and Admission Officers. He is also the recipient of the Lafourche Education Foundation Distinguished Graduate Award, Most Outstanding Employee Renaissance Award of Fisk University, and the Education Equal Opportunity Group, Save-A-Student Award. Anthony is a Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Fisk University, holds a Masters Degree from Vanderbilt University and a certification in Diversity Management from the University of Houston. To help individuals maximize their life experience, Anthony has also published the book and workbook, Success by Design: Becoming the Person You Were Destined to Be.
LINKS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.
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| 30 Jan 2024 | 543. COLLEGE READINESS ADVICE FROM A COLLEGE PROFESSOR | 00:29:58 | |
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?
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 info@olive-book.com. LINKS
TRACKING COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE READY FOR COLLEGE?
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.
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| 07 Dec 2024 | 613. IEC PROFILE: Alison Merzel | 00:15:40 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Alison Merzel. Alison Merzel is the founder of AHM Advising LLC, an independent educational consulting practice focused on helping high school students and families find their best-fit post-secondary educational options. Prior to launching her business in 2019, Alison was at The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business for 15 years, most recently as the Senior Director of Graduate Recruiting and Admissions. Alison holds a BS from Northwestern University in Communications and Spanish and a Master of Labor and Human Resources from The Ohio State University. She has a certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education. She is a Wow Writing Workshop Certified College Essay Coach and completed the Gap Year Association’s 2022 Counselor Institute. Alison is awaiting the results of her CEP assessment (Certified Educational Planner) and upon approval, will become just the 6th education professional in the state of Ohio to hold this designation. Alison is a professional member of IECA, the Independent Educational Consultants Association, where she serves as co-chair of the Jewish IEC Affinity Group and as a member of the College Tour subcommittee. She is also a member of NACAC, OACAC, and OASFAA and serves as an Advisory Board Member for College Planner Pro, software that is designed exclusively for IECs. Locally, Alison is a member of the Bexley Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Board of Trustees of Congregation Tifereth Israel where she serves as the Co-Chair of the synagogue’s Personnel Committee. Alison and her husband, Jeff, have lived in Bexley for 17 years and have three children (17, 15, and 10) The Merzel family is not complete without mention of Marvin, an Australian Labradoodle, and Toby, a Cavapoo. Find Alison at www.ahmadvising.com. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.
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| 14 Sep 2021 | 240. Demographic Trends And College Admissions | 00:26:28 | |
If the success of educational institutions depends on a steady and predictable flow of incoming students, what does the American “birth dearth” forebode for the future of higher education? Amy and Mike invited higher ed professional Chris Lucier to explain the implications of demographic trends for college admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Chris Lucier is the Director of Partner Relationships at Othot, leveraging over 20 years of experience in admissions and strategic enrollment management to help colleges and universities adopt data-driven decision making in addressing enrollment and student success challenges. Before joining Othot in 2019, Chris was the vice president for Enrollment Management at the University of Delaware (UD) where he developed, implemented, assessed, and refined a management strategy to mitigate the challenges presented by a volatile enrollment environment. In this capacity, he was responsible for undergraduate admissions, the registrar’s office, and student financial services. Prior to UD, he was the vice president for enrollment management at the University of Vermont, where he developed and shaped the overall enrollment strategy and implemented operational programs to recruit, admit, retain and graduate undergraduate students. In 2001, after a 21-year career as a US Army Officer, Chris started his career in higher education as Director of Recruitment & Operations in the University of Michigan Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Chris received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and a Master of Public Administration degree from Western Kentucky University. He is a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College. Find Chris at chlucier@othot.com. LINKS Demographic Comparison Tool for Higher Education RELATED EPISODES THE ULTIMATE COLLEGE STRESS TEST THE IMPACT OF NACAC ADMISSIONS CHANGES INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 18 Jul 2023 | 508. EFFECTIVE STUDY SKILLS FOR TEST PREPARATION | 00:27:40 | |
We accept as bedrock truth that every important test should be studied for. How often, though, do we explore what studying actually entails? Amy and Mike invited educators Anna Solomon and Kailey Ossanna to share effective study skills for test preparation. What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. What makes studying a skill? 2. What does a lack of effective study skills look like? 3. What study skills are essential for students preparing for important exams? 4. Why are study skills best learned as interactive conversations? 5. Why is self-advocacy considered a study skill? MEET OUR GUESTS Anna Solomon grew up in Florida and graduated with a B.A. in History from New College of Florida. She lived in Asheville (NC) and Richmond (VA), and now lives in Salisbury (MD). She worked for Huntington Learning Center, Tutor Doctor, and other private tutoring and test prep companies before beginning her own company, Flamingo Tutoring. She now focuses on one-on-one tutoring for the SAT and ACT. Anna is thrilled to be part of the NTPA and co-founder of the NTPA Book Club and Women of NTPA. When Anna isn’t hanging out with colleagues (virtually) or working with students (virtually), she is out exploring with her four-year-old. Anna previously appeared in a Test Prep Profile in episode 250. Find Anna at testprep@flamingotutoring.com. Kailey Ossanna is the proud owner of KO Tutoring, the test prep company she founded in August 2020. She is a graduate of Campbell University, receiving her BS in Biology. Kailey's path to KO Tutoring has had many interesting stops. From her time as an officer in the United States Army to overseeing quality control of the production of vital medical supplies to teaching math and science in Appalachia, Kailey has brought professionalism and passion to everything she has done. She is now using her experiences and love for education and education policy to provide excellent service to her clients and work towards uplifting all students by working within the professional tutoring community and local communities. Kailey previously appeared in a Test Prep Profile in episode 416 and a Sponsor Spotlight in episode 446. Find Kailey at https://www.kotutoring.com. LINKS Study Skills: Planner and Curriculum
HOW TO TEACH STUDENTS TO STUDY EFFECTIVELY MAKING LEARNING SCIENCE WORK FOR YOU 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.
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| 08 Apr 2025 | 638. MENTAL MATH AND AUTOMATICITY | 00:25:25 | |
Mental math trains working memory, boosts confidence, supports faster problem-solving, enhances number sense, and facilitates everyday calculations. So why do so many teachers deemphasize this valuable academic and life skill? Amy and Mike invited educator Mike McGibbon to explore the value of mental math and automaticity. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Mike McGibbon started tutoring at Kaplan while he was a student at UC Berkeley. After graduating in 2002, he moved to NYC to study music and play the trumpet professionally. During this time, Mike also worked for several NYC tutoring agencies, and eventually transitioned to a full-time tutoring career. He now runs his own solo tutoring practice, focusing on the ACT, SAT, and ISEE. He is also CEO and co-founder of Mathchops.com and Grammarchops.com, adaptive math and grammar practice tools. Today, Mike teaches in Westchester County, where he lives with his wife and three kids. He also provides free advice through articles and videos on www.nyctestprepadvice.com and the Mathchops YouTube channel. Mike previously appeared on this podcast in episode 165 to discuss Differences Between SAT and ACT Math, episode 372 to explain Making Learning Science Work For You, episode 332 for a SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Mathchops, episode 480 to discuss How Standardization Can Benefit Education, and in episode 532 to discuss All About Digital SAT Math. Mike can be reached at mike@mathchops.com. LINKS The Top Six Reasons Why Mental Math is Important and Useful RELATED EPISODES MATHEMATICAL MATURITY & TEST SUCCESS HIGH IMPACT STRATEGIES TO HELP STUDENTS SUCCEED IN MATH ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page. | |||
| 24 Sep 2021 | 243. What Is The SHSAT? | 00:25:22 | |
The various versions of high school admissions tests may be even more confusing than those for college or graduate school. As part of our series on HS admissions tests, Amy and Mike invited educator Kenny Tan to explain the role and structure of the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Kenny Tan has been working in test prep since 2010. Kenny founded Kenny Tan Test Prep to empower students with the grit, resilience, and curiosity necessary for a successful academic and professional career. He specializes in the SHSAT, ISEE, SSAT, SAT, and ACT. Kenny, the son of Chinese immigrants, graduated from Stuyvesant High School in New York City and received his B.A. in Economics from Vanderbilt University. His hobbies include an interest in aviation. He received his private pilot certificate (airplane single-engine land) in 2016. Some of his favorite flying experiences are featured on his YouTube channel. Find Kenny at kennytan.nyc or learn more about him on his Test Prep Profile! LINKS 14 SHSAT Tests (And How to Use Them!) RELATED EPISODES WHY SELECTIVE SPECIALIZED SCHOOLS MATTER ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 08 Sep 2020 | 124. Attending A Liberal Arts College | 00:26:21 | |
The classic liberal arts and sciences education represents the prototypical college experience, yet many argue that modern times call for different kinds of programs and degrees. Is it possible, though, that a liberal arts education may be more valuable now than ever? Amy and Mike invited Kenyon admissions officer Ellen Turner to enumerate the virtues of attending a liberal arts college. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUESTS A graduate of both Kenyon College and Harvard University, Ellen Turner has worked in education throughout her entire career. She was a guidance counselor, teacher, and academic dean at the secondary level for thirty years. In 2016, Ellen returned to work in the admissions office at Kenyon College. A lover of symmetry, the return was fitting as Kenyon admissions was the place where she started her career almost 40 years ago. Although she thoroughly enjoys working with young people as they figure out their futures, her most favorite role in life is being a grandmother of four. When not being an admissions professional, counselor or Mumsie (grandma code word), she likes to read (mysteries), travel with her husband and solve puzzles. Find Ellen at turnere@kenyon.edu or 740-427-5791. LINKS The Outcomes of a Liberal Arts Education: State of Research RELATED EPISODES ATTENDING AN HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY DOES COLLEGE ENGAGEMENT MATTER MORE THAN SELECTIVITY? ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 30 Jun 2020 | 102. Why Testing Standards Matter | 00:24:54 | |
Nurse practitioners are among the host of medical professionals we rely on every day for life saving health care. Does it surprise you to learn that they need to pass certain tests to show that they are up to the challenge? Amy and Mike invited educator and nurse practitioner Latrina Walden to share a unique perspective in the debate on why testing standards matter. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUESTS Latrina Walden was born and raised in northern California, until her family moved out to overtly green and history ridden Atlanta, Georgia where she attended high school. Upon graduation, she couldn’t stay away from the California sunshine and attended college at the prestigious University of Southern California. After obtaining her Master’s in Health Administration in 2006, she moved back to Georgia to catapult her colorful career of shooting for the stars and surprise, surprise - she hasn’t landed yet! With her legacy in mind, and aware that to whom much is given, much is required - she wears the title of mom, wife, multi-published professor, entrepreneur, and nurse practitioner. Latrina was a senior lecturer at Clayton University and is now a double board-certified family nurse practitioner. With an exemplary record of providing caring, thorough medical services to patients, she’s worked in nursing home administration, dialysis administration and numerous nursing roles - including a trauma 1 emergency room nurse, a case manager and an enterprise staffing nurse. At the heart of everything though, Latrina is a teacher. Growing up highly affirmed by her endless support system of a family, she took that love and wisdom and is giving it tenfold to the next generation. In a fun and relatable way, she talks to students about their future and what they want to change in the world. So, it’s also no surprise that in her spare time, Latrina runs a highly successful online training program to help students prepare for their nurse practitioner certification tests. She presents proven test taking methodologies and skills that help students pass exams, as well as manage anxiety. Through this business, she also hopes to inspire a new wave of nurses that will flip the nursing industry on its head by creating a nurse community that supports each other and in result, provides better care to their patients. Latrina has made it clear though: mom and wife are the most important titles she has. With her steady love of a husband, Robert, by her side, they’ve decided to live life to the fullest with their 2 beautifully vivacious and high-spirited children, little Rob and Leah. With God on their side, they believe in the importance of education, dedication to their crafts, travel, and most importantly – staying grounded. They have one rule when it comes to facing new opportunities and a sea of endless ways to positively change the world: just jump! It’s only up from here. Find Latrina at www.latrinawalden.com. LINKS RELATED EPISODES WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A BAD TEST TAKER? WHAT SAT & ACT DIAGNOSTIC TESTS CAN TELL YOU ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 31 Jul 2020 | 113. Navigating An IEP Or 504 Plan | 00:25:50 | |
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans provide paths to procure formal help for K-12 students who struggle in school. However, pursuing these plans can be an education in themselves. Amy and Mike invited parent advocate Mary Jo O’Neill to explain the intricacies of navigating an IEP or 504 plan. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Special Education Advocate Mary Jo O’Neill, M.Ed., has a broad background in education. She began her career as a teacher in public and private schools, including Julie Billiart School. She was also an Advocate with Lawrence School. In addition to her time in the classroom, Mary Jo created a division within the Academic Support Center at Notre Dame College to provide quality educational opportunities and support services to students. Mary Jo most recently created her own consulting practice, in which she served as an Intervention Specialist and Parent Advocate for over ten years. She joined Hickman & Lowder in 2018. Mary Jo serves on the national board of the International Dyslexia Association and is an advisor for the local branch and is also a member of the Julie Billiart Network Board. She authored the Forward of Expect a Miracle by Sandy and David Petrovic, Infinity Publishing (2014). Mary Jo graduated cum laude from Vermont College of Norwich University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. She received her Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Cleveland State University. She is a Licensed Intervention Specialist: Mild to Moderate Learning Disabilities. Find Mary Jo at Hickman & Lowder at 216-861-0360. LINKS The Difference Between IEPs and 504 Plans What do all these special education acronyms mean? Using an ETR When Drafting an IEP How do I apply for testing accommodations? RELATED EPISODES TRANSITIONING YOUR IEP OR 504 PLAN TO COLLEGE TEST PREP FOR STUDENTS WITH ACCOMMODATIONS INCREASED COLLEGE COSTS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 12 Jun 2020 | 97. Test Prep For Students With Accommodations | 00:26:39 | |
Almost every test taker finds the SAT and ACT challenging. However, learning and testing disabilities add a whole new level of difficulty, which demands thoughtful approaches to practice and preparation. Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Scott Clyburn to discuss best practices in test prep for students with accommodations. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Scott Clyburn holds degrees from the University of Virginia and Yale University, and is the founder and director of North Avenue Education, a premier test prep and study skills firm based in Portland, Oregon. Originally from Houston, Texas, Scott has taught in both secondary and higher education and has been tutoring professionally since 2005. He sees tutoring as an opportunity for any student to become a better learner. Scott specializes in coaching students with LD and is motivated by seeing his students transform their potential into action. Find Scott at scott@northaveeducation.com or follow us onTwitter @NorthAveEd LINKS Testing Accommodations Explained RELATED EPISODES EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS AND TEST PREP COLLEGE ADMISSIONS FOR TWICE EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS TRANSITIONING YOUR IEP OR 504 PLAN TO COLLEGE ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 18 Jun 2021 | 212. Preparation For Highly Selective College Admissions | 00:29:21 | |
While there are over 3,000 four-year colleges and universities in the United States, most conversation about higher education focuses on 5% of them at most. No wonder these name-brand schools have become tougher than ever to get into. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Aly Beaumont to discuss preparation for highly selective college admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Aly 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. Find Aly at https://www.admissionsvillage.com. LINKS Considerations for Admissions to Highly Selective Colleges RELATED EPISODES ADMISSIONS INSIGHTS FOR HIGHLY SELECTIVE UNIVERSITIES WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE SUBMITTING THAT COLLEGE APPLICATION TRANSPARENCY IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 06 Aug 2024 | 586. WHAT DOES THINKING CRITICALLY IN COLLEGE MEAN? | 00:26:47 | |
The standard high school education covers a broad and deep array of state-mandated subjects but doesn’t necessarily cultivate strong critical reasoning skills. That’s a shame, because those skills are essential to success in higher education. Amy and Mike invited college dean Louis Newman to explore what thinking critically in college means. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Louis E. Newman is the former Dean of Academic Advising and Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at Stanford University. His responsibilities at Stanford included overseeing an extensive residential advising program, the pre-law and pre-med advising programs, transfer and co-term student advising, new student orientation programs, a summer bridge program, and the university's academic progress review system. At Stanford, he grew the advising program, promoted a holistic approach to academic advising, and advocated for liberal education. He is also the John M. and Elizabeth W. Musser Professor of Religious Studies, Emeritus, at Carleton College, where he taught for thirty-three years. During his tenure at Carleton, he also served as an Associate Dean of the College, which included expanding the advisor training program and launching new programs to support advisors. He served for a term as Director of the Perlman Center for Learning and Teaching, which sponsored weekly programs for faculty and staff on all aspects of pedagogy, academic policy, and trends in higher education. In this role he functioned as the informal mentor to the faculty at Carleton, which is consistently rated by US News & World Report as #1 for undergraduate teaching. He is also an internationally recognized scholar in the field of Jewish ethics and has written and co-edited several books in that field, as well as dozens of articles. He was the first president of the Society of Jewish Ethics and the co-founder of its journal. Louis Newman completed his B.A. in Hebrew and Philosophy and his M.A. in Philosophy at the University of Minnesota, and received his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Brown University. Throughout his career, hundreds of students and colleagues have attested to the profound impact he had on their learning and their lives as a gifted teacher and as a trusted advisor and mentor. Find Louis at info@thinkingcritically.us. LINKS Thinking Critically in College: The Essential Handbook for Student Success Collegiate Learning Assessment RELATED EPISODES COLLEGE READINESS ADVICE FROM A COLLEGE PROFESSOR HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL COLLEGE FRESHMAN THE UNWRITTEN RULES OF COLLEGE 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.
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| 24 Jul 2022 | 363. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Launch College & Career Clarity Course | 00:15:45 | |
AKA Gain the Self-awareness, Tools, and Experiences Necessary to Flourish as an Adult with career counselor Lisa Marker-Robbins What are five things you will learn in this episode?
ABOUT LAUNCH COLLEGE & CAREER CLARITY Flourish Coaching helps students identify their best fit college major and future career that is aligned to their individual hardwired personality, values, and aptitudes. Students are guided through the 3 pillars of successful planning so they can Know Themself, Know Careers, and then Know Their Path. This trusted framework, cited by Forbes as a first step in increasing the return on the college investment, is taught inside the Launch Career Clarity course developed from Lisa’s previous 1:1 coaching model she started in 2010 and used with 3,000 individuals. Private pay families as well as independent counselors, high schools, and nonprofits now use the Launch course to gain crucial insights. Thousands of students later, Lisa knows it is possible for students to make informed decisions on college majors and colleges, so they don’t eliminate or limit their options. Lisa Marker Robbins has worked with teens for over 30 years and is a Master Birkman Method Certified Coach. To understand the college planning timeline and how college major and career identification fits into the process, grab Lisa’s College Planning Timeline. Visit the Flourish Coaching site to learn more about the Launch College & Career Clarity Course. To learn more, please contact Lisa at lmr@leaprogram.com. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. 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.
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| 18 May 2021 | 200. Executive Function and ADD/ADHD | 00:25:45 | |
Traditional schooling challenges even the most diligent learners, let alone those with attention deficit or hyperactivity. Luckily, there are a host of practical skills and strategies students can learn to make schooling more productive and successful. Amy and Mike invited academic coach Wendy Weinberger to explain the connections between executive function and ADHD. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Wendy Weinberger is the President & Co-Founder of Illuminos Academic Coaching & Tutoring, a passion project born from her experiences growing up with numerous family members with ADHD. When a child close to her received the same diagnosis, she not only worked hard to help him overcome the many challenges, but decided to bring her cousin Evan’s academic coaching business to the DC area to help students in her community with similar struggles. A lifelong supporter of children’s causes, Wendy has been a long-time advocate for the Children’s Hospital and has raised more than $550,000 for the facility. Wendy holds a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center, and a BS, cum laude, from the University of Maryland. Prior to founding Illuminos, she spent 25 years as an attorney, General Counsel, and COO of publicly traded companies gaining a broad range of experiences that she leverages today in managing Illuminos. Find Wendy at https://www.illuminos.co/ LINKS RELATED EPISODES TEST PREP FOR STUDENTS WITH ACCOMMODATIONS COLLEGE ADMISSIONS FOR TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 20 Dec 2024 | 616. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: December 2024 | 00:29:45 | |
The Tests and the Rest podcast has always been relentlessly focused on exploring important topics in testing, admissions, education, and learning with amazing expert guests. Once in a while, though, we enjoy an unstructured opportunity to discuss our own takes on major issues, upcoming events, and our endeavors at the intersection of business and education. Catch up with us in the latest episode of EXTEMP with Amy & Mike. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
We definitely want to respond to listener questions in our next EXTEMP episode, so reach out to us on social media or get in touch through our contact page. Let’s get this Tests and the Rest mailbag rolling! LINKS https://www.youtube.com/@TestsAndTheRest
EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: November 2024 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: October 2024 INTRODUCING THE NATIONAL TEST PREP ASSOCIATION ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page. | |||
| 29 Oct 2024 | 603. BUILD A WINNING BRAND TO ACE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS | 00:25:03 | |
You don’t need to be a future business major to bring some marketing acumen to your application to higher education. Amy and Mike invited marketing professional Stacey Ross Cohen to review how to build a winning brand to ace college admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST An award-winning marketing professional who earned her stripes on Madison Avenue and at major television networks, Stacey Ross Cohen excels at taking brands to market and leveraging each client's unique voice for impactful campaigns. In 1998, Stacey founded Co-Communications, a marketing communications agency serving clients in education, healthcare, real estate, hospitality, economic development, professional services, and nonprofits. Her accolades include Forbes Enterprise, PRSA Practitioner of the Year, City & State NY/Power100, and Crain's New York Business' Notable Leader in Advertising, Marketing, and PR (2023). Stacey recently made her debut on the TED stage, is a contributor at Entrepreneur and The Huffington Post, and has been featured in Forbes, Inc, USA Today, Newsweek, and more. She holds a BS from Syracuse University, an MBA from Fordham University, and a certificate in Media, Entertainment, & Technology from NYU Leonard Stern School of Business. Stacey is a sought-after speaker and author in the realm of PR, Marketing, and Branding and has delivered talks at Fortune 500 companies and global education institutes. She is a newly appointed adjunct marketing professor at Fordham University. An entrepreneur at heart, Stacey started her first business when she was just 14 years old and is now a member of a prominent angel investor group. Stacey's best-selling book Brand Up: The Ultimate Playbook for College & Career Success (Post Hill Press/Simon & Schuster) is a game changer for teens to stand out and achieve success in our increasingly connected, cluttered, and competitive world. It's packed with exercises, tools, and tips essential to establish a positive narrative and social media presence that can open doors to desired colleges and coveted first jobs. Endorsed by Barbara Corcoran, who calls the book a must-read "to excel at networking, entrepreneurship, in the classroom and the boardroom," Brand Up is available at Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Stacey can be reached at https://branduplife.com/ or LinkedIn. LINKS Brand Up: The Ultimate Playbook for College & Career Success RELATED EPISODES AVOIDING THE PAGEANT APPROACH TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS FINDING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF IN THE PATH TO COLLEGE PSYCHOGRAPHICS IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page. | |||
| 24 Aug 2021 | 232. Test Prep Profile: Alex Robayo | 00:16:02 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Alex Robayo, whose background in advanced Physics gave him the tools to break down complex concepts into simple teenage language. Originally working in Bell Labs on fiber-optic transmissions, he transitioned into education after the tech bubble burst of the early 2000s. There he found his true calling. While helping scores of students in extra help sessions, Alex was offered his first tutoring gig. The rest is history! Over the past years, Alex has helped countless students improve their study habits, comprehension, and test-taking skills. As a result, these students have earned better test scores, grades, and have grown in self-esteem and confidence. He currently teaches AP Physics and runs Success Prep llc in the afternoons. His tutoring meat and potatoes are the SAT and ACTs but also specializes in math, physics, and chemistry. Find Alex at http://www.success-prep.com/. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 21 Apr 2020 | 82. The Inner Game Of Testing | 00:27:27 | |
According to author Timothy Gallwey, every game is composed of two parts, an outer game and an inner game. We play the outer game against an external opponent or obstacle, but the inner game takes place in the mind of the player. This insight has as much to do with testing as it does with tennis. Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Brett Ethridge to explain the relevance of the inner game of testing. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST After graduating from Duke University with a degree in Public Policy, Brett Ethridge spent two years in Madagascar doing community health education with the U.S. Peace Corps. Upon his return to the States, he helped launch a PR/marketing firm in Washington, D.C. before heading to graduate school where he earned a MA in International Finance and Economic Development from the University of Denver. Dominate Test Prep, LLC is a leading provider of online GMAT and GRE test preparation courses and lessons to empower prospective MBAs and graduate school students to get into the programs of their choice. Dominate Test Prep is the parent company for Dominate the GMAT (www.dominatethegmat.com) and Dominate the GRE (www.dominatethegre.com) which have helped thousands of happy clients from around the world boost their scores on these all-important standardized tests so that they can pursue their dreams and future life aspirations, starting with higher education. Brett is also proud to be an Associate Member of AIGAC, the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants. In addition to founding Dominate Test Prep, Brett also operates successful nutrition and stock trading businesses. He is a huge Duke basketball fan, an avid tennis player, and a budding CrossFit athlete. Find Brett at brett@dominatetestprep.com. LINKS The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance Using Mindfulness for Test and School Success (Episode #18) ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 29 Apr 2021 | 194. Test Prep Profile: Ariel Lieberman | 00:17:48 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Ariel Akselrad Lieberman, the founder of Your Best Prep, a tutoring company based in Westchester County, NY that helps high school students, both neurotypical and those with learning differences, master the standardized test prep process and achieve their academic goals. Prior to founding Your Best Prep, Ariel wrote SAT and AP curriculum for Ivy Consulting Group in New York City, where she also worked as a GED tutor for young adults in the criminal justice system as a member of the Ivy League Tutors Foundation. Ariel has an M.Ed from Manhattanville College School of Education, where she studied Secondary Special Education and was a recipient of the Dean’s Award for Innovative Teaching, and a B.A. in history from SUNY-Purchase College, from which she graduated summa cum laude. Ariel is currently pursuing a Professional Certificate in Learning Differences (LD) and Neurodiversity with a Specialization in Executive Function through the Landmark College Institute for Research & Training. Find Ariel at http://www.yourbestprep.com/ ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 29 Nov 2022 | 414. TEST PREP PROFILE: Jeff Eisenberg | 00:16:24 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Jeff Eisenberg, the founder of Long Island Test Prep, has been working as a test prep professional since 1991. He’s a lifelong resident of Long Island. Having just retired from the classroom after a 31-year career teaching Social Studies at East Meadow High School, he’s now working full-time to help students prepare for college by coaching them for all sections of the SAT, ACT, and GRE exams, and guiding them through the Admissions Essay process. Having done the SUNY Tour, he has a BA in History from Binghamton University and an MA in American History from the University at Albany. He also enjoys working with students who ask for help preparing for Social Studies class. In his free time, he revels in the joy of his family and friends, music and reading non-fiction. He also spends time being repeatedly disappointed by his favorite sports teams. You can find Jeff at https://www.longislandtestprep.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. | |||
| 20 Nov 2020 | 145. Why Selective Specialized Schools Matter | 00:24:20 | |
Author Orison Swett Marden stated, “All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim, have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible.” That quote applies perfectly to the current state of selective high school and college admissions, but will it still in the near future? Amy and Mike invited educator Frances Kweller to explain why selective specialized schools matter. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Frances Kweller, Esq., is an attorney at law and lifelong educator. The daughter of Russian immigrants, she was the first one in her immediate family to gain acceptance to a top college and obtain a professional degree. She graduated from New York University’s Steinhardt School of Education and Hofstra University’s School of Law. Frances envisioned what is now “Kweller Prep” while she was applying to college. Throughout her own journey, she saw a need for strong academic guidance for first-generation students wanting to gain acceptance to competitive schools. Her goal was to “fill the gaps” by creating a preparatory environment to help others navigate competitive college admissions. Years later, Kweller Prep has evolved to assist thousands of ambitious students in achieving their goals. The company is a proud supporter of many diversity initiatives and outreach programs throughout New York City. Find Frances at http://www.kwellerprep.com/ LINKS Frances Kweller Speaks at Rally to Support the SHSAT Exam and Gifted and Talented Programs RELATED EPISODES WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A BAD TEST TAKER? ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 11 Feb 2022 | 296. SELF-ADVOCACY IN EDUCATION AND ADMISSIONS | 00:28:16 | |
The Talmud teaches that a timid person cannot learn. While well-intentioned adults might negotiate obstacles and opportunities for teens, the most successful students are usually the ones who learn to stand up for themselves. Amy and Mike invited educator Barak Moore to explore the importance of self-advocacy in education and admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Barak Moore has been a professional SAT and ACT tutor for more than three decades. He is a graduate of Princeton University, and was formerly the Director of the Princeton Review of NJ. He has been a consultant to leading educational organizations such as McGraw-Hill, the United Nations, IBM, the New York City Board of Education, the Marine Corps, and the World Bank Find Barak Moore at facebook.com/baraktutor LINKS Advocating For Your Rights On Test Day Cultivating Self-Advocacy for All Students on College Campuses Speak for Yourself! The Importance of Self-Advocacy RELATED EPISODES ADVOCACY FOR PARENTS OF HIGH SCHOOLERS THE ROLE OF PARENTS IN THE COLLEGE PROCESS HELPING TEENS FIND MOTIVATION AND INSIGHT 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.
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| 23 Aug 2023 | 519. TEST PREP PROFILE: Kartik Sarda | 00:17:14 | |
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 kartik@sevensquarelearning.com. 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. | |||
| 04 Feb 2025 | 624. THE DEMOGRAPHIC CLIFF IS HERE | 00:26:15 | |
The entire edifice of higher education and industry depends on a steady flow of students coming in and qualified graduates flowing out. What happens to the system when the crucial input of applicants drops dramatically? Amy and Mike invited journalist Jon Marcus to answer that very question, because the dreaded demographic cliff is here. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Jon Marcus is higher-education editor at The Hechinger Report and also writes for The Washington Post, The New York Times, Wired, NPR, and other magazines, newspapers, and websites. Jon holds a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree from Bates College, and attended Oxford University. He teaches journalism at Boston College and Northeastern University. Jon previously appeared on this podcast in episode 201 to discuss How College Board and ACT are Changing. Find Jon at jmarcus@hechingerreport.org or on Bluesky/X at @jonmarcusboston. LINKS The number of 18-year-olds is about to drop sharply, packing a wallop for colleges — and the economy A looming 'demographic cliff': Fewer college students and ultimately fewer graduates Despite public perception, and for the first time in decades, college acceptance rates are going up Nonprofit Explorer - ProPublica RELATED EPISODES DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS AND COLLEGE ADMISSIONS THE ULTIMATE COLLEGE STRESS TEST PSYCHOGRAPHICS IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.
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| 13 Apr 2021 | 187. What Is Scholarship Displacement? | 00:25:03 | |
We all know how valuable scholarship awards can be in defraying the high cost of education. But how many applicants recognize how often colleges subtract from their own aid packages the exact amounts students report in external scholarship funds? Amy and Mike invited scholarship expert Ken Downs to shed light on the mysterious phenomenon of scholarship displacement. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Evangelizing how technology and best practices can remove friction for students, schools, and organizations in the scholarship and financial aid space, Ken Downs is Product Evangelist at CampusLogic. He was instrumental in leading the development of the University of Arizona’s national award-winning ScholarshipUniverse product, now part of CampusLogic’s platform. A longstanding member of the National Scholarship Provider’s Association, Ken has given workshops titled Big Data and the Coming Scholarship Sea Change, Scholarship Hacking—Cutting the Gordian Knot, and the Scholarship Universe Story. Find Ken on LinkedIn. LINKS Winning a Scholarship is Awesome – Until It Isn’t Scholarship Award Displacement SAVE OUR SCHOLARSHIPS: BAN SCHOLARSHIP AWARD DISPLACEMENT National Scholarship Providers Association RELATED EPISODES HOW TO WIN LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PSAT AND THE NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 29 Jul 2022 | 367. TEST PREP PROFILE: Valerie Erde | 00:18:06 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Valerie Erde, founder of Greenwich Connecticut-based VeridianPrep. Valerie is an ACT/SAT/AP language arts tutor and one of only two tutors personally trained by Erica Meltzer, expert tutor and author of the highly acclaimed Critical Reader ACT & SAT books. As a published writer and avid reader, herself, Valerie found she had a knack for helping teens find and tell compelling stories and added Common App. essay and supplement advising to Veridian’s tutoring and test prep practice. Each year, VeridianPrep students gain acceptance to a wide range of colleges, including the most selective schools in the U.S. Prior to becoming a test prep professional and academic tutor, Valerie had a long career in the publishing and media industry, first as a management consultant and later as a multimedia content developer at HarperCollins, Penguin Books, and EdTech Company Brainscape, where she was a managing editor for two adaptive digital flashcard study guides for AP U.S. History and AP U.S. Government & Politics. Valerie holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and French Language from NYU and an MBA in Business Policy from CUNY’s Zicklin School of Business, including a semester studying applied economics at The Universite de Paris, Dauphine. A recent empty nester (except for the dog!) Valerie lives with her husband in Old Greenwich. A continual learner herself, when she’s not tutoring or brainstorming college essay ideas, you might catch Valerie performing at a local open mic, paddleboarding on the Long Island Sound, or fueling her bubble tea and Asian food obsession. Find Valerie at valerie@veridianprep.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. | |||
| 29 May 2020 | 93. Letters Of Recommendation: Good vs. Great | 00:25:52 | |
Despite their role as essential components of college applications, letters of recommendation--specifically how to elicit great ones--receive far too little attention. Amy and Mike invited college admissions counselor Benjamin Caldarelli to clarify the differences between good and great letters of recommendation. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST A passionate educator for over 18 years, Benjamin Caldarelli has helped hundreds of students navigate the college admissions process. With the belief that students have more potential for personal growth than they realize, he views the transition from high school to college as a unique opportunity for students to broaden their perspective and develop their character. Trained to evaluate applicants at Harvard's Institute on College Admissions, Benjamin worked to create the College Admission Index™ to help students and their families understand the complexity of the holistic admission process. Known for challenging traditional approaches to educational and college planning, he now works with the Princeton College Consulting team to help students authentically explore their academic and extra-curricular interests, as well as develop social and emotional skills necessary to be successful in college and beyond. Benjamin regularly writes about the college admission process and is a sought after speaker, frequently presenting his ideas on how students and families can navigate the admissions process with style and sanity. A former English teacher, Benjamin is committed to an educational ideal of a community of citizens and scholars ready to lead a democracy. When not working on behalf of his students, Ben likes to explore the streets of New York searching for new cafes and bookstores and tries to play as much golf as possible. Find Benjamin at benjamin@princetoncollegeconsulting.net or send him a DM on LinkedIn. LINKS 16 Character Traits Colleges Care About Most RELATED EPISODES DOES COLLEGE ENGAGEMENT MATTER MORE THAN SELECTIVITY? UTILIZING A REFLECTION JOURNAL TO PREPARE FOR YOUR COLLEGE ESSAY BRINGING GRIT TO TESTING AND ADMISSIONS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 03 Dec 2024 | 610. IEC PROFILE: Michelle Siddons | 00:16:20 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Michelle Siddons. Michelle is an Associate Member of IECA, a new member of NTPA, and has her Masters in Education from Seton Hall and undergraduate degree from Colgate University. Michelle has been helping high school students for over twenty five years with test prep and the past five years with college counseling. She completed her certificate in college counseling from UCLA. She and her husband live in Mountain Lakes New Jersey, have three young daughters and she serves as a volunteer with many local organizations including the Mountain Lakes Swim and Dive Association, the local travel soccer club and serves on the board of a program called Project Readiness which seeks to level the playing field for all of New Jersey’s children – regardless of economic background – through school supply drives, and free counseling services for students seeking financial assistance for college. In her free time, Michelle can be found on local platform tennis courts as she is a self-professed “paddle junkie”. Find Michelle at msedsvcs20@gmail.com. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.
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| 06 Jun 2024 | 576. TEST PREP PROFILE: Remy Zaken Andersen | 00:16:24 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Remy Zaken Andersen. Remy is a graduate of Columbia University, where she majored in Psychology with a focus on social cognition and emotion. A former professional actress, she serves as a strong role model for students striving for academic excellence while balancing extracurricular and career interests. She scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT and SAT, and also received perfect scores of 5 on the AP exams in Biology and US History. Tutoring professionally since 2013, she is a skilled instructor who has found students connect well to her warm, engaging, and energetic personality. She is passionate about teaching important study and organizational skills, while working with her students to manage test anxiety so they can reach their full potential on these exams and in their future academic careers. She has tutored Lower, Middle, and Upper-level students on the SSAT and ISEE and has seen at least 100 point increases in both the verbal and math sections for SSAT and 3 stanines on the ISEE. Every single one of her SHSAT students who started tutoring in April and completed their homework has been accepted to a specialized high school. She's also had students accepted to Hunter College High School. There are many more success stories upon request! Find Remy at https://www.and-ed.com and remy@and-ed.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.
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| 26 Nov 2019 | 46. Attending A Community College | 00:25:18 | |
For many students, community college represents the path to academic and career success, while others only see a stop on a longer educational journey. County by county and state by state, these institutions truly focus on community. Amy and Mike invited Cuyahoga Community College Director Heidi Nicholas to describe the experience and advantages of attending a community college. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Heidi Nicholas is currently the District Director of Enrollment Management and Dual Enrollment at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to assuming this role, Heidi served in several positions at Tri-C; Completion Manager, Interim Assistant Dean of Students at both Eastern and Metro Campus’, and Student Success Specialist. Prior to working at Tri-C, Heidi held positions in admissions and recruitment at several private colleges. Heidi’s most notable achievements include the 2018 Cuyahoga Community College, President’s Award for her contributions in increasing the IPEDS graduation rate and the 2013 Innovation of the Year Award by the League of Innovation. Heidi is active in the Kent State University Alumni Association and is a College Now, Greater Cleveland professional mentor. Heidi graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree from Kent State University and her Master’s Degree in Adult Learning and Development from Cleveland State University. She has completed coursework toward a Doctorate in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University and is currently A.B.D. Find Heidi at Heidi.Nicholas@tri-c.edu ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 02 Dec 2022 | 417. TEST PREP PROFILE: Meredith Bagwill | 00:16:52 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Meredith Bagwill, the owner of Total College Prep, LLC. Meredith has 28 years of experience in education. Total College Prep, LLC. provides comprehensive tutoring services that enable students to improve test scores, navigate college admissions, and excel in academic coursework. SAT/ACT test prep courses and academic tutoring sessions are offered in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and across the country virtually. Additionally, Total College Prep, LLC. partners with A-List Education to provide ACT & SAT professional development (in-person and online options available), classroom instruction, and content licensing to schools, organizations, and education-focused nonprofits across the country. Find Meredith at 1-972-587-5005 or https://www.totalcollegeprep.net. 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.
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| 15 Nov 2019 | 43. Increased College Costs For Special Needs Students | 00:23:02 | |
Attending college as a student with special needs presents a wide variety of serious logistical challenges. Even more daunting, though, may be the extra burden of paying for extra accommodations and services on top of tuition, room, and board. Amy and Mike invited Publisher and VP of Research for Savingforcollege.com Mark Kantrowitz to outline the increased college costs for special needs students. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Mark Kantrowitz is Publisher and VP of Research for Savingforcollege.com, the most popular guide to saving for college and 529 plans. Mark is an expert on student financial aid, the FAFSA, scholarships and student loans. His mission is to deliver practical information, advice and tools to students and their families so they can make smarter, more informed decisions about planning and paying for college. Mr. Kantrowitz has been quoted in more than 10,000 newspaper and magazine articles about college admissions and financial aid. Mark has written for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Reuters, Huffington Post, U.S. News & World Report, Money Magazine, Forbes, Newsweek and Time Magazine. Mark is the author of five bestselling books about scholarships and financial aid and holds seven patents. He also writes extensively on student aid policy. Mark serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Student Financial Aid, the editorial advisory board of Bottom Line/Personal, and is a member of the board of trustees of the Center for Excellence in Education. He previously served as a member of the board of directors of the National Scholarship Providers Association and as publisher of the FinAid, Fastweb, Edvisors and Cappex web sites. Mark has two Bachelor's degrees in mathematics and philosophy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a Master's degree in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Find Mark at savingforcollege.com LINKS Mark’s extensive catalog of college financial aid books Special-Needs Students May Need An Extra $25,000+ For College College Preparation for Autistic Children ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 02 Feb 2023 | 441. TEST PREP PROFILE: Kelly Finn | 00:16:15 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Dr. Kelly Finn, who has a BS in Business and K-12 teaching license, a MS in math, and a Doctor of Learning and Teaching from the University of Iowa. She has helped students prepare for college for 15 years. Kelly and her team have helped students enroll in top colleges, with many on full scholarships. Kelly is a first generation college student and enjoys helping kids achieve at high levels on tests. She began coaching the LSAT, GRE, and GMAT tests while working as a college math professor. Kelly left college teaching to pursue a personal passion for coaching middle and high school kids to achieve high scores on tests. In addition to coaching the ACT and the SAT, Kelly and her team tutor AP classes and provide enrichment sessions for gifted students. The FinnPREP office is located 30 minutes from ACT's national office in Iowa City, Iowa. FinnPREP is the Iowa expert on ACT high scores. Kelly's ACT score system has helped multiple students to score a 35 on the ACT. Kelly is a test hack and a personal coach which helps students build confidence and decrease test anxiety. Find Kelly at kelly@finnprep.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. | |||
| 14 Jul 2023 | 507. THE NEW DIGITAL PSAT | 00:26:24 | |
Most years, the PSAT feels inconsequential for all but the highest-scoring students. The October 2023 exam, however, will put everyone–students, schools, and College Board itself–to the test as the first U.S. administration of a very new version of an old exam. Amy and Mike invited educator and author Brian Stewart to share essential information about the new digital PSAT. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST At the end of his first year teaching Social Studies at Dublin Jerome High School, company founder Brian Stewart thought it would make sense to do some part-time tutoring work over the summer. After all, he had done quite well on standardized tests when he was in high school and really enjoyed coming up with creative ways to explain challenging concepts to students. Other companies charged a fortune and didn’t seem to have a high-quality product. As Brian worked with more students, word spread about the quality of his tutoring services. He started to offer ACT and SAT test prep group classes, and worked with students from all over Central Ohio. In 2011, Brian left his day job to run BWS Education Consulting full time with his wife Caitlin. Applying the expertise from her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, Caitlin has ensured that our teaching materials and methods make high-quality test preparation accessible to students of all backgrounds and ability levels. In 2012, Barron’s Educational Series contacted Brian about submitting samples of his writing as they conducted a national search for their next ACT book author. Brian was chosen to write Barron's ACT, and has gone on to write several ACT, SAT, and PSAT books with Barron's Educational Series. His books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide. In 2014, BWS Education expanded to have associate tutors who teach not only the ACT and SAT, but tutor students in math, science, and writing. Brian and Caitlin personally interview and train every tutor on our staff to ensure they are the best in the business. BWS is a team of committed educators who relentlessly look for the best way to deliver educational enrichment to our clients, whether it’s test prep, academic help, or college admission counseling. Brian appeared on the podcast in episode #33 to discuss PSAT and the National Merit Scholarship and in episode #383 to discuss Should You Prepare for the PSAT. Find Brian at https://www.bwseducationconsulting.com. LINKS Brian’s PSAT Book: Barron's PSAT/NMSQT 1520 Colleges that offer Full-Rides for National Merit Sample Alternate Entry Form for National Merit Information on the New Digital PSAT RELATED EPISODES THE NEW DIGITAL SAT EXPERIENCE: A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE TESTING GAMEPLAN FOR THE CLASS OF 2025 ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. 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.
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| 21 Aug 2022 | 375. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: CSP Worx | 00:17:23 | |
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: CSP Worx How to create a more robust learning experience for students and the tutors who work with them with educator Sapneil Parikh and developer Ulani Fisher What are five things you will learn in this episode?
ABOUT CSP WORX Our founder, Sapneil Parikh, graduated cum laude from the University of Florida with a degree in Finance and Business Administration. After graduating in 2004, he returned to Miami-Dade County and enrolled as a post-baccalaureate student in pre-health sciences. His desire to be a life-long learner and his passion for the sciences earned him a position as research assistant at the Florida International University Robert Stempel College of Public Health in Miami, FL. His research areas included developing Type 2 Diabetes prevention programs and health promotion planning for the National Area Health Education Council. In 2009, Sapneil graduated with his first Master's degree in Public Health from Florida International University (FIU) in Miami. Subsequently, he would take an opportunity with the anatomy department at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harlem, NY as a clinical anatomy fellow where he was responsible for delivering undergraduate anatomy education. In addition to his research, Sapneil also completed an accelerated research-based master's program and would earn a Master's of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Touro College. Sapneil has just completed his highest academic achievement yet, in a testament to his motto "'education never stops!" In 2016, Sapneil received a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) From Lecom School of Dental Medicine and completed a two year general practice residency specializing in Oral Medicine and Surgery from Eastern Carolina University and Cornell University in 2020. Ulani Fisher brings over five years of experience in the marketing and branding industry. Her vast knowledge of business branding, marketing, and sales has been imperative in the growth of Sapneil Tutoring. To learn more, please contact Sapneil at https://software. 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.
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| 28 Aug 2020 | 121. Writing Rhetorically In Admissions Essays | 00:25:46 | |
The college essay is, at heart, a sales letter intended to close the deal of a student’s admission to a desired school. Why, then, do writers so often ignore the power of rhetoric to inform, persuade, or motivate? Amy and Mike invited educator and podcaster Ryan Tibbens to explore the benefits of writing rhetorically in admissions essays. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUESTS Ryan Tibbens is an award-winning high school English teacher, writing tutor, and podcast host in Northern Virginia. He believes numeracy, literacy, and rhetoric skills are essential to a person's personal and social well-being; accordingly, he strives to develop those skills in his students both at school and through Tibbens Education Services & Tutoring. In addition to hosting the ClassCast Podcast, a long-form podcast that focuses on outside-the-box thinking to improve education, he enjoys playing, reading, gardening, and hiking with his wife and two young children. Find Ryan at mrtibbens@yahoo.com. LINKS RELATED EPISODES WHY OPTIONAL STATEMENTS AREN’T OPTIONAL UTILIZING A REFLECTION JOURNAL TO PREPARE FOR YOUR COLLEGE ESSAY ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 17 May 2022 | 333. WHEN SHOULD YOU TAKE THE SAT OR ACT? | 00:29:45 | |
Once you decide whether you’ll take the SAT or ACT for college admissions and scholarship purposes (you probably should), you’ll need to make critical decisions about timelines for prep and testing. Amy and Mike invited educator Jim Reinish to answer the age-old question: “When should you take the SAT or ACT?” What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Unlike many test prep professionals, Jim Reinish discovered test prep “late” in life. A graduate of Columbia University’s Engineering School, Jim had a long and successful career as an executive with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In the midst of a salary freeze and worrying about the future cost of his children’s college tuition, Jim explored additional income sources. He bombed at selling knives and hated real estate, so in 1994, he responded to a tiny newspaper ad (found by his wife) for the Princeton Review. The rest as they say is history. Jim rose up the ranks at Princeton Review becoming a site director and a premier tutor. Wanting to impart a more personal approach to his tutoring, he soon began his own company. It grew to become one of the most successful tutoring companies in a very competitive New Jersey market. Tutoring at night and weekends, Jim prepared thousands of students for the SAT, ACT, GRE and GMAT. At the same time, Jim and his wife Lisa shepherded three children through the college application journey with them eventually landing at the University of Virginia, Columbia University and Penn State. In 2015, Jim retired from his day job and, with Lisa, moved to the frozen tundra of Rochester, NY to be closer to his daughter and, hopefully, grandchildren. Jim thought he was done tutoring, but missed it so much that he went back to work. It didn’t hurt that he found Mike Bergin and Chariot Learning. Jim’s been working for Chariot Learning ever since and has solved the snow issue by spending half the year in Florida. Grandchild number one is almost two!! Find Jim at jim@chariotlearning.com. LINKS When is the best time to take the SAT or ACT? How long should preparing for the SAT or ACT take? RELATED EPISODES WHAT SAT & ACT DIAGNOSTIC TESTS CAN TELL YOU HOW TEST PREP AND SPORTS ARE SIMILAR HOW TEST PREP TUTORING SHOULD 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. | |||
| 12 Nov 2024 | 606. HOW GRADING POLICIES INFLUENCE GRADE INFLATION | 00:32:37 | |
The fact that students are earning higher grades than ever without any appreciable increase in other assessments of academic ability should be well-known by now. Less understood are the root causes of this increasing phenomenon. Amy and Mike invited researchers Maia Goodman Young and Dan Goldhaber to dig into the data on how grading policies influence grade inflation. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUESTS Dr. Maia Goodman Young is a researcher at the Center for Education Data and Research at the University of Washington and an instructor in the UW's secondary teacher education program where she teaches courses in English Language Arts methods and assessment. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher who taught for nine years in California and Washington. Maia's experience as a classroom teacher informs her research, as she worked to better understand questions of grading policies and practices, teacher preparation, and the teacher labor market. Maia can be reached at maiag@uw.edu. Dr. Dan Goldhaber is the Director of the Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research (CALDER, caldercenter.org) at the American Institutes for Research and the Director of the Center for Education Data & Research (CEDR, cedr.us(link is external)) at the University of Washington. Both CALDER and CEDR are focused on using state administrative data to do research that informs decisions about policy and practice. Dan’s work focuses on issues of educational productivity and reform at the K-12 level, the broad array of human capital policies that influence the composition, distribution, and quality of teachers in the workforce, and connections between students' K-12 experiences and postsecondary outcomes. Topics of published work in this area include studies of the stability of value-added measures of teachers, the effects of teacher qualifications and quality on student achievement, and the impact of teacher pay structure and licensure on the teacher labor market. Dan’s research has been regularly published in leading peer-reviewed economic and education journals such as: American Economic Review, Journal of Human Resources, Journal of Policy and Management, Economics of Education Review, Education Finance and Policy, and Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis. The findings from these articles have been covered in more widely accessible media outlets such as National Public Radio, the New York Times, the Washington Post, USA Today, and Education Week. Dan previously served as president of the Association for Education Finance and Policy (2006-2017), an elected member of the Alexandria City School Board from 1997-2002, and as co-editor of Education Finance and Policy. Dan can be reached at dgoldhab@uw.edu. LINKS Every teacher grades differently, which isn’t fair Are SAT & ACT Scores More Predictive Than GPA? Journal of Policy Analysis and Management: Vol 43, No 4 The Unintended Consequences of Academic Leniency Grade inflation: Why it matters and how to stop it Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms RELATED EPISODES THE REALITY OF GRADE INFLATION WHY GRADE INFLATION IS HARMFUL ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.
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| 04 Jul 2023 | 502. IEC PROFILE: Jen Nelson | 00:16:48 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Growing up in suburban Minnesota, Jen Nelson made her way to the West Coast when she started college in Santa Cruz, CA. Majoring in English and psychology, Jen spent her early post-college years teaching high school English and drama. Her family moved between the West Coast and New Zealand for several years, so Jen chose to home-educate her kids. Finally landing in Washougal, WA in 2013, Jen found herself ready to launch her second-half-of-life career. With extensive experience teaching essay writing to homeschool groups, as well as a decade of mentoring high school and college students, Jen decided to pursue a career in admissions coaching, receiving her College Counseling Certificate from UCLA. She currently volunteers with the AVID program at Washougal High School and is a full-time independent educational consultant. Jen loves working with both traditionally-educated and home-educated students in pursuit of their post-high school hopes and dreams. In her free time, Jen loves to hike, travel, read, scrapbook, spend time with her teenage sons, and practice yoga. Find Jen at jen@collegeadmissioncoach.com. PLAYLIST Listen to all of our profiles of exceptional independent educational consultants on our IEC 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.
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| 31 Dec 2019 | 51. Helping Students Prepare For The Demands Of College | 00:30:50 | |
Too many students, parents, and professionals act as if high schoolers magically transform into independent, motivated, productive college students right after their graduation ceremonies, even if none of those adjectives previously applied. If only that were true! Amy and Mike invited clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Adam Zamora to offer insights into helping students prepare for the demands of college. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Adam S. Zamora, PsyD, is a neuropsychologist in the Learning and Development Center at the Child Mind Institute. He specializes in the evaluation and remediation of children, adolescents and young adults with a wide range of conditions that impact academic functioning, including ADHD, verbal and nonverbal learning difficulties, social and interpersonal weaknesses, and emotional disorders. Dr. Zamora utilizes diagnostic interviewing and comprehensive assessments to help provide families with a thorough understanding of their children, to identify assets and strengths, and to unravel the underlying reasons for challenges in their everyday lives. He also takes on an active, collaborative role with families, treatment providers and school personnel to tailor recommendations that help each child meet his or her potential. In addition to completing his neuropsychological training in academic medical settings, Dr. Zamora has provided psychotherapeutic treatment for children and adolescents with anxiety, mood disorders, behavioral difficulties, trauma histories and complex medical issues in both inpatient and outpatient hospitals and clinics. In a school setting, he has experience with developing behavior plans, conducting social skills groups and helping to facilitate classroom interventions. Dr. Zamora enjoys providing psychoeducation to families and presenting about learning difficulties at local schools. He has also supervised psychology trainees in administration, case conceptualization and report-writing of neuropsychological evaluations. Dr. Zamora grew up in New York City and has extensive educational consulting experience in the local private school world. Since 2005, he has provided academic consultation and remediation services for students struggling with motivation, study skills, academic performance, test preparation and the school application process. Additionally, as part of his clinical training, Dr. Zamora has conducted numerous school visits and classroom observations, consulted closely with teachers and learning specialists, and advocated for families at IEP meetings and impartial hearings. Dr. Zamora’s work as a clinical psychologist and educational consultant has given him a unique perspective on students and their individual needs, and has aided his ability to translate evaluation results into meaningful clinical summaries with practical, applicable recommendations for use at home and in school. He has a passion for understanding and tapping into individual strengths, and then utilizing those assets to support families and help children overcome areas of weakness. Find Adam at childmind.org or 212-308-3118 LINKSHow Academic Accountability Makes a Difference ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 14 Feb 2024 | 547. TEST PREP PROFILE: Ari Freuman | 00:18:20 | |
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.
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| 31 Jan 2020 | 59. Legal Issues For Educational Enterprises (Part 1) | 00:28:13 | |
When you work in the business of education, you are bound to receive an education in business law. Don’t learn your legal lessons the hard way! Amy and Mike invited attorney Matthew Seeley to the Tests and the Rest Winter Conference 2020 to speak about legal issues for educational enterprises. In the first part of his remarkably thorough and insightful presentation, Matthew addressed the legal issues around employees and independent contractors. Be sure to download the attached presentation pdf as visual support for this discussion. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Matthew K. Seeley is a partner at the law firm of Buckley King, which is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio and has offices in Atlanta and Phoenix. Matt practices as a business litigator, which encompasses a number of areas including commercial, employment, tax and real estate matters. Matt has been in practice for nearly 23 years and has an active role in Cleveland’s legal community; regularly speaking at local bar associations and trade conferences on topics pertinent to business owners and employers. Matt was recently a delegate to the Eighth District Judicial Conference which is by invitation only and involves a gathering of prominent local lawyers and judges to discuss issues pertaining to Cuyahoga County’s justice system. Find Matthew at Seeley@buckleyking.com. LINKS LEGAL ISSUES FOR EDUCATIONAL ENTERPRISES PowerPoint presentation pdf ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 17 Jan 2020 | 55. Reducing Friction in the College Admissions Process | 00:26:15 | |
While qualifying for admission to a competitive college or university requires endless hours of study and commitment, applying to such a school should not. Is the application process as difficult as it used to be, and can it be further improved? Amy and Mike invited author and consultant Roger Dooley to explain the importance of reducing friction in the college admissions process. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Roger Dooley is an author and international keynote speaker. His books include Friction: The Untapped Force That Can Be Your Most Powerful Advantage and Brainfluence: 100 Ways to Persuade and Convince Consumers with Neuromarketing. He writes the popular blog Neuromarketing and is a columnist at Forbes.com. He is the founder of Dooley Direct, a consultancy, and co-founded College Confidential, the leading college-bound information forum online. Roger has an engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from the University of Tennessee. Find Roger at rogerdooley.com. LINKS Maximizing College Admissions Yield by Reducing Friction Twitter: @rogerdooley – https://twitter.com/rogerdooley Roger Dooley at Forbes – https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerdooley/ ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 07 Jan 2020 | 52. Test Scores and the NCAA Clearinghouse | 00:25:07 | |
Many high school students dream about playing sports on the college level. However, entering the application and recruitment process with low grades and test scores can be a nightmare for even the most talented athletes. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Jennifer Henson to explain requirements for test scores and the NCAA Clearinghouse. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Jennifer Henson ( a.k.a “The GOAL DIGGER”) is a nationally sought after test prep expert specializing in the ACT test. Jennifer, who was Winton Woods City School’s (OH) Teacher of the Year in 2014, holds a Master of Education degree with a Bachelor’s in English from Xavier University—where she was a walk-on tennis player. She’s taught 21 years and coached ACT prep for over 7 years-- and has an army of teachers trained to assist her requests for tutorials. Her former ACT students now attend notable higher learning institutions, including Notre Dame, The Ohio State University, Texas A&M, The Naval Academy, and the University of Kentucky—among others. Jennifer has assisted students from California to Connecticut—and states in between—to reach their personal ACT goals. No score is too low or too high, as she has doubled the scores of students starting at the low end, in addition to helping initially higher scoring students achieve the coveted 36 on every section of the test. Two young men playing D1 football had a composite score of a 9 originally, and scored 18 and 20 (respectively) after working with her. Two of her former clients now have NFL experience. Find Jen at www.jenhensonactprep.com. LINKS NCAA Sliding Scale for GPA and SAT/ACT Scores How Test Prep And Sports Are Similar ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 26 Jul 2022 | 365. TEST PREP PROFILE: Blaire Richter | 00:17:31 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Blaire Richter from Three Keys Learning Studio in Cincinnati, Ohio. Blaire helps high schoolers get into college and college students get through their programs. She has been a tutor of high school and college-level math, writing, and test prep for over 23 years. What Blaire loves most in life is her family, her great big goofy dog, and puzzles of all kinds. There are puzzles everywhere. People are puzzles, math is puzzles, standardized test questions are puzzles, helping a person write their best story?-- also just an open box of a puzzle, waiting for the pieces to be put into the right places. Integrating those puzzles together is key to academic success. Blaire weaves together her lifelong interests in behavior analysis and test-taking skills to coach students toward their successes. Find Blaire at 513-484-4675 or threekeysstudio@gmail.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.
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| 19 May 2020 | 90. 50-50 Colleges And The Perfect List | 00:25:56 | |
While the general public tends to rank colleges mainly on the basis of exclusivity and Division I sports success, applicants should consider so many other factors. Two data points are particularly valuable. Amy and Mike invited college admissions expert Michelle Kretzschmar to explain her concept of 50-50 colleges and the perfect list. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Since 2011, Michelle Kretzschmar has helped over 2,000,000 people locate the information they need to find the colleges right for them and how to pay for it through her blog, DIYCollegeRankings.com. Michelle created a spreadsheet with information on all 1,600 4-year colleges along with spreadsheets of those offering baseball and softball programs. Based on the spreadsheets, she created her 50-50 list which contains over 400 colleges that accept at least 50% of students and have at least a 50% graduation rate and has profiled over 200 on her website. Michelle has also developed online classes for families on how to use the spreadsheet and target colleges most likely to meet their need. Michelle also hosts the active Coffee Cup College Planning Facebook Group. Find Michelle at DIYCollegeRankings.com. LINKS Colleges Most Likely to Meet Financial Need RELATED EPISODES GALLUP ALUMNI SURVEY AND THE SIX COLLEGE EXPERIENCES THAT DRIVE SUCCESS FINISHING A FOUR-YEAR DEGREE ON TIME NEED BLIND AND NEED AWARE ADMISSIONS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 05 Nov 2019 | 40. 2020 Changes in Admissions Rules | 00:26:38 | |
NACAC’s Code of Ethics and Professional Practices (CEPP) establish guidelines for college admissions conduct that most colleges voluntarily observe. In 2019, the organization voted to remove three provisions believed to inhibit competition among colleges for students. How will this change college recruiting practices? Amy and Mike invited past president of NACAC Patrick O’Connor to explain the implications of 2020 changes in admissions rules. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
Patrick O’Connor is associate dean of college counseling at Cranbrook Kingswood School in metropolitan Detroit. A past president of NACAC and Michigan ACAC, Patrick also teaches Counseling in the College Selection Process as both a graduate class and professional development program. In 2017-18, he served as the inaugural School Counselor Ambassador Fellow with the US Department of Education, keeping the Department informed of current trends and issues of interest to school counselors. Patrick is the author of five books on college counseling, including the highly acclaimed College Counseling for School Counselors and the College is Yours series. He also writes regularly for HS Counselor Week, and Admissions Intel, with other work appearing in The Washington Post, USA Today, The Christian Science Monitor, and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. He is on the board of directors for the Michigan College Access Network, serves as the co-founder and co-editor of the Journal of College Access, and has recently served on the board of The Common Application, and the credentialing commission for the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners. A member of the Political Science Faculty at Oakland Community College, Patrick is a recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Award from Oakland Community College, the Margaret Addis Service to NACAC Award, NACAC’s Government Relations Award, and the William Gramenz Award (for outstanding contributions to college counseling in Michigan.) He holds five college degrees, including a Ph.D. in Education Administration, and is the first member of his family to graduate from college. Find Patrick at collegeisyours.com LINKS NACAC's Code of Ethics and Professional Practices (CEPP) Changes in College Admissions Deadlines Mean Changes for Counselors College counselor to parents: Relax Benefits of Applying Early Decision at High Point University
Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 09 Jul 2019 | 10. Deciding Between the SAT and ACT | 00:25:17 | |
The SAT and ACT have both been around for decades, but the two tests have never been more alike or universally accepted. How is a college-bound teen to choose? Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Heather Krey to help understand the relevant criteria in deciding between the SAT and ACT. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
Learn more about this episode and our guest in the show notes at testsandtherest.com.
Heather Krey is the director of Test Prep for Success, located in Allentown, PA. She has a background in engineering, psychology, and education, and has put that together to help hundreds of students do their best on the SAT and ACT. In addition to teaching SAT and ACT classes, Heather works with students one-on-one, either in person or through video chat, to help them meet their personal goals and get into their top choice colleges. Heather is currently developing a SAT/ACT combo test that high school students can take to determine which of the two tests is a better match for their academic strengths. Find Heather Krey at http://TP4S.com. ADDITIONAL LINKS How do the SAT and ACT differ? SAT vs. ACT: How do you decide?
Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 18 Feb 2022 | 298. WHY REMOTE TUTORING IS HERE TO STAY | 00:26:30 | |
Up until 2020, not many educators or students had direct experience with live online instruction, but once COVID arrived, everyone did. Was this just a passing phase? Amy and Mike invited educator Adam Snoza to explore why remote tutoring is here to stay. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Adam Snoza graduated from Creighton University and was a high school English teacher for 9 years in both public and private schools. He has spent 13 years in ACT test prep with Aim High Test Prep in Omaha, NE, where he is the president, lead instructor, and curriculum developer, authoring his own 350-page instructional manual. Adam is also an ACT Certified Educator (ACE) in all 6 certification areas: Basics, English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. Now, he is a trainer of the ACE program and works with teachers and tutors across the country on how to effectively teach the ACT test. In addition, Adam co-authored the 2021 update to The Official ACT Mathematics Guide. Though every student he helps gain a life-changing scholarship or entry into an elite college gives him great satisfaction, his greatest pride comes from working with multiple local charities to bring test prep to underserved populations in an effort to bridge the education gap. Adam previously appeared on this podcast in episode 159 to discuss ACT Math Reporting Categories and episode 249 for a Test Prep Profile. Find Adam at aimhightestprep.com. LINKS Face To Face or Facetime? Consider Online Tutoring RELATED EPISODES MAKING ONLINE TUTORING MATTER MORE COLLEGE ADVISING AND PREP BY VIDEOCONFERENCE HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF ONLINE TEST PREP 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.
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| 08 Nov 2024 | 605. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: November 2024 | 00:28:04 | |
The Tests and the Rest podcast has always been relentlessly focused on exploring important topics in testing, admissions, education, and learning with amazing expert guests. Once in a while, though, we enjoy an unstructured opportunity to discuss our own takes on major issues, upcoming events, and our endeavors at the intersection of business and education. Catch up with us in the latest episode of EXTEMP with Amy & Mike. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
We definitely want to respond to listener questions in our next EXTEMP episode, so reach out to us on social media or get in touch through our contact page. Let’s get this Tests and the Rest mailbag rolling! LINKS Roots2Words Teachers Pay Teachers Store 2024 National Test Prep Association Winter Workshop RELATED EPISODES EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: October 2024 PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF TEST PREP: AMY SEELEY’S ORIGIN STORY SAT & ACT TESTING TIMELINES: MIKE BERGIN’S ORIGIN STORY ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.
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| 14 Mar 2023 | 457. CULTIVATING TEEN SELF-ESTEEM | 00:26:13 | |
Teens–like people at every other stage of human development–need to feel confidence, satisfaction, and respect for themselves. Alas, that isn’t always easy. Amy and Mike invited life coach Nellie Harden to share insights into cultivating teen self-esteem. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Nellie Harden is a Family Life & Leadership Coach who focuses on helping parents and their teen daughters go from HOPING they are doing all the “right things,” feeling lost and just surviving teen life to KNOWING they are doing the right things for their unique child and getting her set on a solid path to establishing her personal authority, owning her responsibilities and living in her joy so that she has a firm foundation to build the rest of her life on where she trusts herself, stays aligned in her values, and trades chasing worth for standing in her confidence every day in order to face anything and become the leader of her own life. Nellie is a wife and mom to four teen daughters, author, speaker, podcaster, retired homeschooling parent, and adventure chaser. She has a degree in biology and psychology, years of personal and leadership training, and a diverse behavior background from humpback whales in the South Pacific to teens and parents in homes across the world. She believes in a life of intention, making dreams and goals realities and knows that the best way to change the world is through one living room at a time. Find Nellie at https://www.nellieharden.com. LINKS How Can I Improve My Self-Esteem? (for Teens) Daughter Decoder Parenting Workshop RELATED EPISODES HELPING TEENS FIND THEIR VALUES AND PURPOSE BRINGING CRITICAL BALANCE TO HIGH SCHOOLERS’ LIVES 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. | |||
| 18 Feb 2020 | 64. Why Take A Gap Year? | 00:25:57 | |
The typical path for a student seeking higher education is to enter college right after high school. For what possible reason, then, would--or should--a teen consider deviating from that path to pursue a period of personal growth at home or abroad? Amy and Mike invited association executive Ethan Knight to enumerate multiple answers to the question, “Why take a gap year?” What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST In 1995, Ethan Knight was one of several hundred students packed into a high school assembly at Catlin Gabel where he first learned about gap years. He researched his options with a Gap Year Consultant, and eventually traveled for 7 months to India, Nepal, and Tibet. After his “time on” he returned to Willamette University where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English and Philosophy and minors in Environmental Science and Spanish. Ethan supported more than 2,000 students on their own gap year experiences, managed and subsequently founded a gap year organization and founded the Gap Year Association. Ethan has traveled to more than 50 countries, co-authored the Fair Trade Learning Standards and the Gap Year Standards, launched two nonprofits, one college, and three for-profit organizations. He has been a guest speaker on three continents, a TEDx presenter, and is a fan of all puns. Find Ethan at ethan@gapyearassociation.org. LINKS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 11 Oct 2022 | 397. HOW AND WHY TO MANAGE YOUR PROCTOR | 00:25:58 | |
As if taking high-stakes exams wasn’t stressful enough, test takers today don’t just need to contend with fantastically challenging content and rigorous time constraints. Some days, even the parts of the test experience that you take for granted work against you. Amy and Mike invited educator Rob Pollak to explore how and why to manage your proctor. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Rob Pollak is an expert SAT and ACT tutor with a passion for helping high school students and their families navigate the standardized testing process. In 2012, Rob founded Pollak Tutors, a private tutoring company that helps students in NJ, NY, and CT prepare for and achieve their goals on college entrance exams. Rob is a graduate of Hamilton College, Fordham University School of Law, and the ACT Instructional Mastery program. Rob first appeared on this podcast in a TEST PREP PROFILE in episode 155. Find Rob Pollak at rob@pollaktutors.com, 617.285.3210, or www.pollaktutors.com LINKS Always Know More Than The Proctor RELATED EPISODES TRACKING TIME ON STANDARDIZED TESTS COMMON TESTING MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM WHAT SAT & ACT DIAGNOSTIC TESTS CAN TELL YOU 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. | |||
| 02 Jul 2019 | 9. College Advising for Underserved Populations | 00:24:37 | |
Comprehensive college advising sets the foundation for college success, but not all students receive this guidance in equal measure. What kind of specific support do urban, rural, and first-generation students need, and who can and should provide it?. Amy and Mike invited school counselor Dr. Chris Tudico to help understand the topic of college advising for underserved populations. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
Dr. Chris Tudico is the Director of College Counseling & Alumni Advising at Saint Martin de Porres, Cleveland's Cristo Rey High School. He has earned a PhD in Higher Education from the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in the study of the history of access to American higher education. Prior to assuming his role at Saint Martin, Dr. Tudico served as an Institutional Researcher at the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation in New York City and a College Advisor at College Now Greater Cleveland. ADDITIONAL LINKS What is a Cristo Rey High School? https://public.tableau.com/profile/third.way#!/vizhome/PellDeserts/PellDeserts
Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 27 Jan 2023 | 437. GAME-BASED LEARNING | 00:24:30 | |
Education is serious business but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be fun! Amy and Mike invited educator Julie Post to share the latest tips and tools for game-based learning. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Meet Julie Post, the owner and primary instructor at Brain-Grow Education. As an undergrad, she attended Columbia University and designed the first Education major there, graduating summa cum laude. She then moved on to Harvard University where she earned her Ed.M in Education. Julie has been teaching full-time for 18 years. She is a firm believer in hard work, implementing effective strategies, and designing a curriculum that is engaging and rewarding. Julie appeared in episode 325 as the subject of a Test Prep Profile. Find Julie at julie@brain-grow.com. LINKS Educational Games for Students Gamification Definition & Meaning The Super Mario Effect - Tricking Your Brain into Learning More | Mark Rober | TEDxPenn Beginner’s Mindset for Advanced Results RELATED EPISODES 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.
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| 01 Aug 2023 | 512. NAVIGATING COLLEGE AND ADMISSIONS AS AN LGBTQ+ STUDENT | 00:30:32 | |
Success in college depends on more than just finding the right academic fit–you have to find an environment where you can be yourself in all the ways that are important to you. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Robert Powers to share insights into navigating college and admissions as an LGBTQ+ student. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Robert Powers is an expert on the LGBTQ+ college search and a national advocate for LGBTQ+ students. He is currently writing the chapter on LGBTQ+ students for the upcoming sixth edition of NACAC's textbook Fundamentals of College Admission Counseling. He owns his own college counseling firm, College Torch, where he guides LGBTQ+ students through the college search and application process. He is also the co-founder of IECs for Human Rights, the only grassroots advocacy organization for IECs. Find Robert at robert@collegetorch.com or Follow Robert on LinkedIn LINKS 10 College Campus Red Flags for LGBTQ+ Students RELATED EPISODES WHAT EDUCATORS SHOULD UNDERSTAND ABOUT GENDER 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. | |||
| 03 Apr 2023 | 468. GETTING READY FOR THE AP CHEMISTRY EXAM | 00:21:50 | |
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 Tim Murphy to share valuable strategies, insights, and resources for getting ready for the AP Chemistry exam. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Tim Murphy is the owner of Capital Test Prep in Morristown, NJ, offering in-person and virtual individual and small group tutoring. Tim attended Holy Cross for undergrad where he majored in chemistry and economics. He went on to Penn State for grad school to pursue a PhD in chemistry, but enjoyed teaching more than research so he switched over to the college of education to get his masters in curriculum and instruction. He has been doing test prep and teaching high school chemistry since 2009. After years of working for others, he hung his own shingle in 2015. He covers those tests with the capital letters, mainly SAT and ACT, and offers support for high school math and chemistry. Find Tim at capitaltestprep.com. LINKS 5 Steps to a 5: AP Chemistry 2023 RELATED EPISODES COURSE SELECTION FOR HIGHLY SELECTIVE ADMISSIONS CHOOSING BETWEEN AP AND IB PROGRAMS
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. | |||
| 07 Mar 2023 | 455. WHAT TO DO WHEN A STUDENT STRUGGLES IN COLLEGE | 00:30:54 | |
Success in getting into a school does not guarantee success in staying there, and persistence should be an active concern for students, parents, and institutions alike. Amy and Mike invited college consultant Beth Howland to explore what to do when a student struggles in college. What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. How can you tell when a student who struggles at college needs help? 2. What can be done when a student struggles academically? 3. What can be done when a student struggles socially? 4. What can be done when a student struggles emotionally? 5. How can you assess in advance if a student might not be ready for college? MEET OUR GUEST Prior to founding College Navigators LLC, Beth A. Howland spent 25 years advising and mentoring undergraduate students at several institutions. Most recently, Beth worked for 14 years at Cornell University in both direct service and leadership roles in student development within the College of Engineering, the Hotel School, and the Office of Undergraduate Biology. Beth graduated with honors from Ithaca College and is a two-time NCAA National Champion, Academic All-American, and Hall of Fame inductee in women’s soccer. After earning her undergraduate degree in psychology, she worked for five years as a Family Caseworker for Family and Children’s Service in Ithaca. She then completed an advanced degree in health and human performance with a concentration in sports psychology. Over the course of her career, Beth served as a pre-major mentor, major advisor, and faculty advisor at both Duke University and Cornell University; and as a Crisis Manager and Residential House Fellow at Cornell University. She provided advising and support for thousands of students, including those who identify as BIPOC, first-generation, pre-health, under-prepared, and high-achieving, as well as Division I student-athletes and students who were managing a variety of challenges or disruptions throughout their college experience. During her career Beth founded and directed comprehensive academic advising, career development, and community engagement programs for Division-I student-athletes at Cornell University, Tulane University and Duke University. Beth transitioned out of athletics in 2005. Prior to returning to Cornell Beth worked as the inaugural Assistant Director of Student Development for the Robertson Scholars Program, a multi-campus, cohort-based, collaborative leadership development program with Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Throughout her career in higher ed, Beth prioritized advocating for university policies, procedures, and opportunities to be more inclusive, equitable, transparent, and visible. During the pandemic Beth confirmed that she is most energized by coaching individual students as they discover themselves, negotiate life’s ups and downs, and prepare for their careers. Beth’s passion for working intensively one-on-one with students and extensive understanding of and ability to assist students navigate the complexities of institutions within higher ed, led her to start College Navigators LLC and invest full-time in college student success coaching…decision to degree. Find Beth at beth@college-navigators.com. LINKS Transition to College: Here's What Students Have to Say About It When Your College Student is Struggling or in Trouble College/Off to College Archives Preparing for College Emotionally, Not Just Academically RELATED EPISODES THE UNWRITTEN RULES OF COLLEGE SUCCESS HELPING STUDENTS PREPARE FOR THE DEMANDS OF 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. | |||
| 25 Jul 2022 | 364. TEST PREP PROFILE: Michael ElDeiry | 00:17:26 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Michael ElDeiry. Since founding Broward Tutorial Services in 2004, Mike has worked with over 1,000 students. His students have achieved score improvements of 10+ points on the ACT and 500+ points on the SAT. Mike has a BS in Biology from Tufts University and an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He has completed courses for an MA in Biology from Harvard University as well. When he’s not busy preparing students for their tests, Mike enjoys spending time with his nieces and nephews, competing in Scrabble® Tournaments, and enjoying the South Florida sunshine. Find Michael at https://browardtutorial.com or michael.eldeiry@gmail.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.
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| 25 May 2023 | 489. TEST PREP PROFILE: Stefanie Toye | 00:14:51 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Stefanie Toye, the Dean of Tutoring & Test Prep at Collegewise, a collective of admissions consultants and tutors. She has extensive leadership experience, of both full-time and part-time teams, and has helped individual offices, as well as million-dollar divisions, grow through her focus on marketing and streamlining operations. She has 2 decades of experience in the education management and academia sectors, after earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in education from Rutgers. She enjoys strategizing, researching current trends in higher education, and presenting her findings to colleagues and the public alike. Stefanie recently earned an Executive MBA with a focus on strategy and entrepreneurship. When not Zooming with colleagues or friends, Stefanie can be found walking her rescue dog, knitting, or eating out with her family. Find Stefanie on LinkedIn. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. 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.
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| 22 Mar 2021 | 181. Clarity In Educational Relationships | 00:26:49 | |
Every relationship depends on clear communication for success, including and especially those involving educators, students, and, when relevant, parents. Amy and Mike invited educational coach Michael Gibben to explore the concept of clarity in educational relationships. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Michael Gibben began his education journey as a private tutor and classroom teacher. With time, he felt he could better guide students in a one-on-one or small group setting. In 2011, he founded his mentor-tutoring company (I.M. Success Tutoring). Later he started coaching tutors using the techniques and approaches he used to grow his tutoring business. After 8 years with I.M. Success Tutoring, he decided to transition from being the owner of a tutoring company to being a full-time business coach for private tutors or tutor company owners eager to learn strategies to grow their tutoring businesses. Michael is also the founder of the private Tutoring Business Success Support Group on Facebook. Find Michael at www.coachfortutors.com or https://ca.linkedin.com/in/michael-gibben-28a6a346 LINKS Tutoring Business Success Support Group RELATED EPISODES ESSENTIALS OF CLIENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 24 Dec 2024 | 617. PREPARING TEENS FOR COLLEGE: ARE THEY READY? | 00:28:14 | |
Wanting to pursue higher education is not exactly the same as being ready for higher education and all that its pursuit entails, as too many students learn to their detriment. Amy and Mike invited educator Carey Dukes to explore just how prepared and ready most teens are for college. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Carey Dukes brings a unique blend of expertise in business management and academic leadership, honed over three decades in both the corporate and educational sectors. Currently an Assistant Professor of Management at North Greenville University, Carey has a distinguished career that spans from managing large-scale transportation operations to pioneering new approaches in student retention and academic success. With a Doctorate in Business Administration and extensive experience as a CEO in multiple companies, Carey has a deep understanding of business process improvement, change management, and organizational development. His work in the trucking and logistics industry, where he specialized in fixing broken processes and leading innovation, has equipped him with practical insights into managing complex systems and driving efficiency. In academia, Carey’s focus has shifted towards addressing one of higher education's most pressing challenges: student retention. Drawing from his own experiences as a first-generation college student, Carey authored a book and developed a model aimed at improving student readiness and retention, particularly in the critical first year of college. His research identifies key variable components that predict student success, offering actionable strategies for institutions to retain more students and reduce the high dropout rates that plague universities. Find Carey at carey@therci.net. LINKS The Readiness for Change Institute https://www.youtube.com/@HigherEdReady RELATED EPISODES HOW TO PERSIST TO COLLEGE GRADUATION COLLEGE READINESS ADVICE FROM A COLLEGE PROFESSOR ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.
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| 09 Aug 2019 | 15. Finishing A Four Year Degree On Time | 00:23:16 | |
About 66% of American students FAIL to earn their bachelor’s degrees in four years. Yet, those extra years of college come at a tremendous cost. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Edie Steele to explore the benefits and challenges around finishing a four-year degree on time. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Edie Steele’s expertise was honed as an Academic Advisor and Student Retention Director at diverse colleges and universities. Her Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership from the College of William and Mary enabled Edie to understand key factors driving student success, and the larger forces that shape and define the American higher education system. Her Master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of Virginia strengthened Edie’s skills in supporting individual students. Edie’s background includes Career Exploration with students and Admissions Counseling positions at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Edie now coaches students privately through Finish in Four, LLC with a simple goal of helping students finish college on time. With high school and college students in tailored sessions, remotely and in person, she works to identify potential roadblocks, teach students how to navigate college structures, and provide strategies for academic, social and career success. Edie also presents to groups of parents and students about academic success and a dream of a college education pursued the right way: on time and on budget! Find Edie Steele at www.finishin4.org ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.
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| 25 Oct 2019 | 37. Bringing Grit to Testing and Admissions | 00:25:24 | |
“Grit” is definitely one of this decade’s biggest buzzwords in education. However, many people use this term without a clear sense of what grit really means or how to cultivate it. Amy and Mike invited researcher and author Laila Y. Sanguras to explain how to bring grit to the testing and admissions process. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Laila Y. Sanguras, Ph.D., is a lecturer in the department of Curriculum and Instruction at Baylor University. Dr. Sanguras’ areas of teaching include psychology of learning, educational evaluation, and educational research. Her primary scholarly interest is on the development of psychosocial skills, particularly grit and coping, and how teachers and parents can support their children to succeed academically and personally. She has written books for teachers and parents focused on strategies they can use to cultivate grit in their students. She also just released a student planner that is full of activities for students to set goals, rethink failure, and explore their interests. Dr. Sanguras works closely with school districts and parent organizations to bring research to practice. She also presents at numerous professional conferences and enjoys mentoring students on their personal research projects. Laila is the author of Grit in the Classroom: Building Perseverance for Excellence in Today's Students, Raising Children With Grit: Parenting Passionate, Persistent, and Successful Kids, and other works. Find Laila at https://www.andstillweteach.com/ LINKS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 21 Feb 2023 | 450. COMMON MISTAKES IN COLLEGE SELECTION | 00:24:29 | |
Considering all the steps in the intricate dance of selecting, applying, and paying for college, it’s no surprise that applicants tend to get some of them wrong. Amy and Mike invited college counselor Shellee Howard to highlight common mistakes in college selection. What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. How soon should the selection process start? 2. Who should take ownership of the process? 3. How important is pursuing volunteering and leadership opportunities? 4. Should students take the SAT or ACT if they plan to only apply to test-optional schools? 5. Should everyone complete the FAFSA? MEET OUR GUEST Shellee Howard is the CEO of College Ready and a Certified Education Consultant. For the last 15 years, she has helped families send their students to their best-fit college, debt free. In the last 2.5 years, her students earned over $20 million in scholarships and her mission is to help 1 million more families do the same. Find Shellee at http://www.collegereadyplan.com. LINKS RELATED EPISODES HELPING TEENS FIND THEIR VALUES AND PURPOSE FINDING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF IN THE PATH TO COLLEGE RED FLAGS IN COLLEGE SELECTION 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. | |||
| 25 Apr 2023 | 477. THE PROBLEM WITH GRADES | 00:32:45 | |
We all spend the majority of our youth chasing acceptable grades or coping with the ramifications of unacceptable ones. Isn’t it odd that we invest so much objective importance into such subjective measures? Amy and Mike invited professor and author Laura Link to clarify the problem with grades. What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. How have grading philosophies and practices evolved in the 21st century? 2. Why has teacher autonomy remained such a central aspect of grading? 3. Does including both academic and behavioral factors in grading help or hurt? 4. What problems are caused by inconsistent grading standards? 5. How can academic grading be improved? MEET OUR GUEST Laura J. Link, Ed.D., is an Assistant Professor of Teaching & Leadership and Director of the Master of Science in Teaching & Leadership program at the University of North Dakota. She holds a doctorate in Leadership & Policy Studies from the University of Memphis, and her research focuses on developing and supporting highly effective leaders and organizational cultures that prioritize effective grading practices, collaboration, and meaningful assessment. She is the co-author of Cornerstones of Strong Schools: Practices for Purposeful Leadership (with J. Zoul, 2007), and author of Leadership in Grading Reform in What We Know About Grading (Guskey, T. R., & Brookhart, S. M., Eds., 2019) as well as multiple book chapters and articles such as Is Standards-Based Grading Effective? (2022), Are Your Grading Policies Legally Sound? (2021), How Traditional Grading Contributes to Student Inequalities and How to Fix It (2019), and Teachers’ Perceptions of Grading Practices: How Pre-service Training Makes a Difference (2018). Dr. Link also leads K-12 assessment and grading academies and has led an array of other professional development efforts, classes, and initiatives over her career. Since 2002, Dr. Link has presented locally and nationally on the topics of high-impact leadership, K-12 grading, mastery learning, research-practice partnerships, teacher support, and more. Before joining UND, Dr. Link served as Associate Dean of the College of Public Service at the University of Houston-Downtown in Texas. At UHD, she created the university’s first-ever Educational Leadership graduate programs, including a Foundations of Educational Leadership Certificate that is the only one of its kind in the state of Texas, and she facilitated an array of K-12 district partnerships. She also created the UHD’s first Urban Education Advisory Board, which involves superintendents and executive leaders from across the greater Houston region. Additionally, Dr. Link was an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Purdue University Fort Wayne in Indiana. At PFW, she was an active member of the CAEP Assessment Steering Committee, led various local K-12 assessment and grading academies, co-facilitated PFW’s University Leadership Academy, and directed the Professors in Partnership K-16 collaborative. Prior to her higher education experience, Dr. Link served as Chief Academic Officer at Jackson-Madison County Schools in Jackson, TN, and was Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning as well as Chief of Talent Management in Shelby County Schools in Memphis, TN. She was 1 of 7 Transition Steering Committee members charged with leading the largest school district merger in United States’ history. Additionally, Dr. Link has served in an array of central office and school-based administrative roles (in both urban and suburban settings) and has taught elementary, middle, high school and college students over her 32 years in public and private education. Dr. Link also served as a long-standing state Board Member of Learning Forward Tennessee and President of Learning Forward Indiana, a professional association devoted exclusively to those who work in K-16 professional development. Find Laura at und.edu. LINKS Every teacher grades differently, which isn't fair RELATED EPISODES THE REALITY OF GRADE INFLATION WHY GRADE INFLATION IS HARMFUL 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.
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| 01 Apr 2022 | 316. IEC PROFILE: Eileen Sullivan Studdert | 00:17:48 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Eileen Sullivan Studdert, owner of Performance Prep & College Admissions in western Connecticut, is a rigorous academic who loves empowering students in their college-bound journey. She helps students reach top test score potential and builds upon their test success to assist them in crafting unique and compelling college applications. Eileen began her career in magazine publishing and capped 12 years in the profession as Promotion Director for Better Homes & Gardens magazine. Propelled by a New Horizons Scholarship from Fordham University, Eileen went back to school to earn her M.A. in English Education. She began teaching middle and high school English, before relocating with her family to Southbury, Connecticut. Juggling work and family, Eileen held part-time positions as a Literacy Instructor, Executive Functioning Coach, and SAT Tutor for Excel, a small boutique tutoring company. It was there that Eileen developed her passion for test prep and fascination with every component of the college admissions process. In January 2014, after Excel relocated out of state, Eileen launched her own consulting firm. Initially focused on concierge test prep with successful outcomes, she became aware of the vital need for college consulting in her community. Eileen expanded her services and went back to school to earn her College Consulting Certification from UCI Irvine to grow her expertise. Today, Performance Prep offers a full range of college consulting services, including college list building, personal, supplemental, and scholarship essay writing, and financial aid guidance. Performance Prep's mission is twofold: to empower students to take charge of the college admissions process and alleviate parents' stress. Eileen is a proud member of the Independent Education Consultant Association (IECA) and National Test Prep Association (NTPA) and appreciates the collective wisdom of experts in these organizations who have helped her expand her knowledge, grow her business, and serve her community. You can find out more about Eileen at www.studdertcollegeprep.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. | |||
| 22 Apr 2024 | 563. GETTING READY FOR THE AP PHYSICS 1 EXAM | 00:27:00 | |
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?
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 info@leaprogram.com. 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 jdalessandro@stxavier.org. LINKS 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.
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| 10 May 2022 | 330. COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSIDERATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH PHYSICAL CHALLENGES | 00:24:30 | |
Not everyone who attends a school has the same experience. For those with temporary or chronic disabilities, some campuses are more welcoming than others. Amy and Mike invited college consultant Annie Tulkin to review college admissions considerations for students with physical challenges. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Annie Tulkin is the Founder and Director of Accessible College, as well as an author and public speaker. She is an expert in the area of college preparation and transition for students with physical disabilities and health conditions, and she supports students and families across the country. Annie was the Associate Director of the Academic Resource Center at Georgetown University for nearly 6 years. In that position, she supported undergraduate, graduate, and medical students with physical disabilities and health conditions and oversaw academic support services for the entire student body. Annie has worked in the field of disability for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from DePaul University, a Masters in Special Education from The University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Certificate in Health Coaching from Georgetown University. Annie was a Peace Corps Volunteer (Mongolia, ‘03-’05) and a Fulbright Fellow (Mongolia, ‘07-’08). She resides in Silver Spring, MD with her husband and daughter. Find Annie at annie@accessiblecollege.com. LINKS Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation/Accessible College Program Navigating and Transitioning to College with Paralysis A Wheelchair Users Guide to Preparing for College How Can Students with Health Conditions Successfully Navigate the College Transition? How Students With Disabilities, and Their Parents, Need To Prepare for College When Students with Health Conditions Transition to College Planning for College Tours-Tips for Students with Health Conditions and Physical Disabilities College Success: Physical Disabilities, Chronic Health & Mental Health FB Group RELATED EPISODES INCREASED COLLEGE COSTS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS HELPING STUDENTS PREPARE FOR THE DEMANDS OF COLLEGE TRANSITIONING YOUR IEP OR 504 PLAN TO COLLEGE ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. 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. | |||
| 02 Dec 2024 | 609. IEC PROFILE: Feiyang Liu | 00:18:51 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Feiyang Liu. As a naturally introverted high school student, Feiyang felt immense pressure to adopt a bubbly, inauthentic persona for my college applications. This led to a lack of fulfillment and a realization that pretending to be someone he wasn’t came with significant consequences. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in Political Science and from USC with a Master's in Education (Enrollment Management and Policy), he grappled with people-pleasing while working in admissions and student services at UC Berkeley from 2019 to 2023. The burnout from constantly putting others' expectations above his own led to a pivotal moment of self-reflection. In 2023, Feiyang relocated to New York, where he finally had the space to rethink my identity and values. This journey of self-discovery ignited a passion for genuine mentoring and ultimately led him to found Your Epic Consulting. His mission is to help students avoid the trap of "college pleasing" and instead showcase their true selves in their applications. Feiyang combined his personal experiences and professional expertise to guide students toward holistic success. At Your Epic Consulting, they don’t coach you to say what 'sounds good' for college admissions. Instead, they empower you to express your authentic self, ensuring that self-acceptance and college acceptance go hand in hand. Find Feiyang at https://www.instagram.com/yourepic.consulting/. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.
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| 26 Aug 2022 | 377. HOW TO BECOME A RIDICULOUSLY EFFECTIVE STUDENT | 00:25:43 | |
Learning does not just happen but represents, instead, a skill set that should be improved and refined by anyone seeking any kind of education. Amy and Mike invited author Brad Smith to explore how to become a ridiculously effective student. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Brad Smith was born in Youngstown, Ohio where he has resided all his life. His current position is as VP of Finance and he is also a member of the board at Compco Industries in Columbiana, Ohio. Compco Industries is one of the leading manufacturers of tank heads in the United States and is currently in its 4th generation of family ownership. Brad officially joined the Compco team, just after graduating from college, in January of 2016. He took a passion in learning the ins and outs of the business to help him in his duties by working in every position in the company before ending up at his current title. Brad graduated from Youngstown State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a double major in accounting and finance. He was able to graduate Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA while being a member of the Youngstown State baseball team in all four years of his college career. After graduating, Brad analyzed his time in college and identified a step-by-step studying process that resulted in his success. This process could be taught, replicated, and followed. He wanted to share this with the world to help the next generation of students thrive. He ended up writing a book and giving a TEDx talk on this subject. Both have been released and are available as of April 2022. Brad can be reached at https://collegestresstosuccess.com. LINKS From College Stress to Success: Save time, simplify studying and ace your college experience College Stress to College Success | Brad Smith | TEDxYoungstown RELATED EPISODES HOW TO TEACH STUDENTS TO STUDY EFFECTIVELY 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. | |||
| 29 Aug 2023 | 522. HOW THE DIGITAL SAT IS SCORED | 00:31:29 | |
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?
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 brenna@testinnovators.com. LINKS Digital SAT Suite of Assessments RELATED EPISODES 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.
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| 12 Jul 2022 | 359. FAST AND SLOW LEARNERS | 00:25:34 | |
Academic and testing success depends not just on much you learn but also how quickly. Amy and Mike invited professor and author Barbara Oakley to provide guidance on teaching fast and slow learners. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Barbara Oakley, Ph.D., PE is a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan; Michigan’s Distinguished Professor of the Year; and Coursera’s inaugural “Innovation Instructor.” Her work focuses on the complex relationship between neuroscience and social behavior. Barb’s research has been described as “revolutionary” in the Wall Street Journal. Barb is a New York Times best-selling author who has published in outlets as varied as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. Her book A Mind for Numbers, on effective learning in STEM disciplines, has sold over a million copies worldwide. Dr. Oakley has won numerous teaching awards, including the American Society of Engineering Education’s Chester F. Carlson Award for technical innovation in engineering education and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers William E. Sayle II Award for Achievement in Education. Together with Terrence Sejnowski, the Francis Crick Professor at the Salk Institute, she co-teaches Coursera’s “Learning How to Learn,” one of the world’s most popular massive open online courses with over three million registered students, along with a number of other leading MOOCs. Barb has adventured widely through her lifetime. She rose from the ranks of Private to Captain in the U.S. Army, during which time she was recognized as a Distinguished Military Scholar. She also worked as a communications expert at the South Pole Station in Antarctica, and has served as a Russian translator on board Soviet trawlers on the Bering Sea. Dr. Oakley is an elected Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. Find Barbara at https://barbaraoakley.com. LINKS Uncommon Sense Teaching (MOOC 1 & MOOC 2) The Importance of Working Memory Capacity Faster versus slower thinking and intellectual humility RELATED EPISODES WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A BAD TEST TAKER? 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. | |||
| 23 Oct 2020 | 137. How Tests Drive Learning | 00:28:06 | |
While most K-12 students would love test-optional schooling, most K-12 teachers strongly disagree. Why are exams essential and inextricable components of education? Amy and Mike invited educator Travis Koutsoubos-Miles to discuss how tests drive learning. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Travis Koutsoubos-Miles studied philosophy and theology at Wheaton College. After earning his degrees, he taught history at a private high school and then English composition at KIPP Houston High School, where his students soared scholastically. He is now Executive Director of an education startup called Born to Know, which provides advanced teacher training and curricular resources for urban public school educators. Find Travis at allofus@borntoknow.com LINKS The ACT and SAT don’t just measure learning. They drive it, too. RELATED EPISODES THE REALITY OF GRADE INFLATION WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A BAD TEST TAKER? DO TEST OPTIONAL POLICIES DRIVE EQUITY? ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.
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| 09 Jul 2021 | 218. Helping Teens Find Their Values And Purpose | 00:25:15 | |
We often frame college as a place young adults go to find themselves. Ironically, those teens who already have a strong sense of who they are and what they stand for are the ones with the most success in the admissions process. Amy and Mike invited educational consultants Beth and Greg Langston to describe the importance of helping teens find their values and purpose. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUESTS Beth Langston graduated from Purdue University in Education and is an expert essay editor with a proven track record of helping students navigate the dreaded college applications essay process with tremendous success. Greg Langston graduated from Purdue's Krannert School of Business and is an expert in building high-performance teams across 10 different industries. He has built and led businesses of over $1 billion and has worked in 65 countries. Together, Beth and Greg blend unique professional perspectives and training with their roles as engaged parents, developing transformational self-discovery courses for high school students. Find Beth and Greg at greg@collegeflightplan.com/. LINKS The Parents’ Starter Kit to Teen Self-Discovery RELATED EPISODES DEMONSTRATING LEADERSHIP IN COLLEGE APPLICATIONS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 15 Nov 2022 | 409. WHY PRACTICE TESTS MATTER SO MUCH | 00:27:13 | |
Test takers have more ways than ever to prepare for important exams. However, if the way you are learning doesn’t involve actually taking practice tests, does it even count as prep? Amy and Mike invited educator Paul Pscolka to explain why practice tests matter so much. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Paul Pscolka is the founder of Ivy Masters, an organization based out of New Jersey devoted to helping students improve their SAT and ACT scores and get accepted at their first-choice university. Paul has taught SAT and ACT full-time since 2003. His students have scored perfect on SAT and ACT as well as countless others who have scored within 100 points of perfect on SAT and within 2 points of perfect on the ACT. Many of his students have received thousands in scholarship money as a direct result of their scores. Paul was a Division 1 student-athlete at an Ivy League School. He earned his B.A. in Sociology and his M.S. Ed. at the University of Pennsylvania. Paul first appeared on this podcast in a TEST PREP PROFILE in episode 296. Find Paul at https://www.ivymasters.com or 732-485-6480. LINKS Why Practice Tests Matter So Much RELATED EPISODES WHAT SAT & ACT DIAGNOSTIC TESTS CAN TELL YOU COMMON TESTING MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A BAD TEST TAKER? 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. | |||
| 02 Feb 2021 | 164. Don't Shoot The Messenger: What Testing Tells Us | 00:28:42 | |
Very few people truly love academic standardized testing, but animosity over assessments seems to increase in intensity every year. But are the exams themselves the problem or what their scores reveal? Amy and Mike invited education writer Natalie Wexler to explain why we should listen to what testing tells us. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Natalie Wexler is an education writer and the author of The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System—and How to Fix It (Avery 2019). She is also the co-author, with Judith C. Hochman, of The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades (Jossey-Bass 2017), and a senior contributor at Forbes.com. Her articles and essays on education and other topics have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and other publications. She has spoken on education before a wide variety of groups and appeared on a number of TV and radio shows, including Morning Joe and NPR’s On Point and 1A. She holds a BA from Harvard University, an MA in history from the University of Sussex (UK), and a JD from the University of Pennsylvania, and she has worked as a reporter, a Supreme Court law clerk, a lawyer, and a legal historian. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband and has two adult children.. Find Natalie at nataliewexler.com. LINKS 6 Arguments Against the SAT--And Why They Don't Hold Up Why 12th-Grade Test Scores Are Even Worse Than They Appear Elementary Education Has Gone Terribly Wrong One Sentence at a Time: The Need for Explicit Instruction in Teaching Students to Write Well RELATED EPISODES WHY GRADE INFLATION IS HARMFUL DO TEST OPTIONAL POLICIES DRIVE EQUITY? TRACKING COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 10 Oct 2024 | 598. TEST PREP PROFILE: Reema Chitalia | 00:17:15 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Reema Chitalia, a dedicated test prep expert passionate about shaping the futures of students pursuing education abroad. After earning her Master's degree in the United States and working as a consultant at Deloitte, she recognized gaps in global education systems and utilized technology to tackle these challenges. Before long, she established Edufit, an innovative online test prep platform that offers bite-sized lessons designed for Gen Z, ensuring thorough understanding and lasting retention. Having trained over 5,000 students, she is committed to transforming the way we approach standardized testing. As an international educator, she specializes in SAT and ACT preparation, while also having extensive experience with AP exams, Olympiads, GRE, GMAT, IBDP Bridge Courses, extended essays, and much more. Currently, she is in an exciting phase of expansion, actively seeking collaborations with international schools around the world for mutually beneficial partnerships. In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, she is a TEDx speaker and motivational speaker, engaging with teenagers on essential topics such as success, character building, and resilience. Find Reema at rchitalia@edufittestprep.com. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.
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| 30 Aug 2019 | 21. Implications of an Environmental Context Dashboard | 00:25:18 | |
The public rarely receives any College Board initiative warmly, but the general response to announcement of the Environmental Context Dashboard exceeded most previous levels of cynicism, so much so that they’re already going back to the drawing board for a new plan. What makes the idea of an “adversity score” so contentious, and what does that nickname get wrong? Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Travis Minor to provide much-needed context to the implications of an Environmental Context Dashboard. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Travis Minor, owner of Open Door Education in Acton and Concord, MA, has helped thousands of students succeed on standardized tests of all shapes and sizes. Travis earned his BS in Secondary Education at the University of Vermont and his M.Ed. at Harvard's Graduate School of Education, where he continues to work as the Education Entrepreneurship Teaching Fellow. Travis has served as a City Heroes Team Leader, a trustee of The Scholarship Fund of Concord and Carlisle, and as a volunteer firefighter. Find Travis at travis@opendoor.education
LINKS Landscape announced as the new Environmental Context Dashboard Landscape Comprehensive Data and Methodology Overview
ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 30 Mar 2021 | 183. The Role Of Parents In The College Process | 00:26:56 | |
The road to college ideally ends when a student arrives at a school that aligns perfectly with both fit and ambition. So why do so many parents take the wheel? Amy and Mike invited educational planner Kristina L. Dooley to explore the role of parents in the college process. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Kristina L. Dooley is a Certified Educational Planner (CEP) and founder of Estrela Consulting, an Ohio-based independent educational consulting firm. Kristina has more than 20 years of experience working with students from around the world navigating the complex college and school search processes. Prior to launching Estrela Consulting in 2008, Kristina served as the Assistant Director of Admission at Hiram College (OH) and as the Director of Admission and Marketing at Andrews Osborne Academy (OH). A first-generation college student, she is a graduate of Hiram College (B.A.) and Kent State University (M.A.). In addition to her work with students, Kristina is an instructor for the University of California Irvine teaching College Consulting Resources and also serves as a faculty member of the IECA Summer Training Institute for aspiring educational consultants. An expert in her field, Kristina has contributed to several websites, books, and magazines on education-related topics. A sought after speaker, Kristina presents at conferences around the country each year. Kristina is the President of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and holds membership in AICEP, NACAC, HECA, and the Ohio and International Associations for College Admission Counseling (OACAC & IACAC). In addition, Kristina is a member of the Hiram College Board of Visitors and the IECA Foundation Board. She has served on Admission Advisory Boards at several institutions including Lehigh University, Lynn University, and Washington and Jefferson College. In her free time, Kristina volunteers for Beyond Type 1 and JDRF, and serves as a mentor for College Now Greater Cleveland. Kristina resides in Northeast Ohio with her husband and their 10-year-old triplets. Find Kristina at http://www.estrelaconsulting.com/. LINKS The Truth About College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together 5 College conversations you should have with your family NOW! RELATED EPISODES FAMILY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ADVOCACY FOR PARENTS OF HIGH SCHOOLERS HOW PARENTS CAN BEST SUPPORT STUDENTS IN TEST PREP ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 13 Aug 2021 | 228. The Value Of Experience In Teachers | 00:29:25 | |
When Kant asserted that experience without theory is blind, but theory without experience is mere intellectual play, he might have been talking about education. Amy and Mike invited educator Jonathan Arak to explore the value of experience in teachers. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Jonathan Arak has spent over 30 years prepping thousands of students as a tutor of standardized tests and admissions counselor for 10 to 60-year-olds. He has also trained hundreds of teachers around the country and Canada for the SAT, ISEE, SSAT, SHSAT, GMAT, GRE, and LSAT. He is regarded as an expert in the high school admissions process for the top private and top public high schools in New York City. Jonathan has delivered workshops on students who receive special accommodations, and how to work with them. He has been a contributing author to GMAT, GRE, LSAT, and SAT materials, and his previous experience includes being National Content Director for Pre-high school programs, developing content for the ISEE, SSAT, and SHSAT. He authored Cracking the Specialized High School Admissions Test (Random House) and is one of the only tutors for the Hunter College High Exam who has proctored the actual test. Jonathan taught ACT/SAT courses for The Opportunity Network, Minds Matter, and The TEAK Foundation during its formative years. He was an intern in the admissions office while attending Oberlin College, and for the last 30 years has continued to work with the admissions staff. His opinions have appeared in Christian Science Monitor, Toronto Globe and Mail, New York Magazine, The New York Observer, New York Post, and The Duke Chronicle. Find Jonathan at jonathanarak@gmail.com or on LinkedIn. LINKS Amateur and Professional Educators How to Assess Tutors and Test Prep Providers RELATED EPISODES THE 4 P’S OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT CLARITY IN EDUCATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS ESSENTIALS OF CLIENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 20 Jan 2023 | 435. USING SPACED REPETITION FOR STUDY SUCCESS | 00:29:52 | |
Conventional wisdom holds that if you don’t use it, you lose it, whatever “it” happens to be. But why do we forget information we’ve learned and how can we better retain it? Amy and Mike invited educational entrepreneur Tyler York to explain how to use spaced repetition for study success. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Tyler York is an entrepreneur and marketing professional with a proven track record as a problem solver and organizational leader. In his over 12 years of experience in startups, mobile gaming, and education, Tyler has brought dozens of products and services to market that generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. Tyler is inspired by connecting customers with products that they love and that help them reach their goals. He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Achievable, a test prep company focused on opportunity-gating exams such as the GRE, FINRA exams, ACT, AMC, and USMLE. Find Tyler at tyler@achievable.me. LINKS Study Right with Spaced Repetition RELATED EPISODES MAKING LEARNING SCIENCE WORK FOR YOU 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.
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| 26 Jun 2022 | 350. All About MindFlow: Increase reading speed, improve comprehension, and reduce anxiety when taking tests | 00:15:41 | |
All About MindFlow: Increase reading speed, improve comprehension, and reduce anxiety when taking tests with educator and author Bara Sapir What are five things you will learn in this episode?
ABOUT MINDFLOW MindFlow is an online mindful speed reading platform created to help students increase reading speed, improve information comprehension, and reduce anxiety when taking admissions tests. The program was initially taught in-person and through online live workshops, and was recently launched as a more robust online platform. MindFlow has a proven track record of enhancing test performance in the hundreds of MindFlow students who consistently experience an increase in their reading speed – up to 5x faster –as well as an average 13% score improvement on reading-based test sections. The program currently offers ISEE, SHSAT, SSAT, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE tracks, general tracks for students in middle school, high school, and college, and for adults not taking tests, but who seek reading and mindset improvement professionally or personally. What’s the secret to MindFlow students’ success? An effective training that combines speed reading processes and mindful techniques which aren’t traditionally included in the school or test prep curriculum. These may be the missing links needed to improve one's test-taking performance, as well as reading in school, for work, and in life. MindFlow’s holistic techniques help students better understand what, how, and why they’re learning, while helping them embody a more focused, confident, and relaxed mindset under the pressure of taking a high-stakes test. MindFlow’s creator Bara Sapir has over 20 years of experience in test prep and test anxiety reduction. She holds Master's degrees in Education and Art History and certification in Hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Integrated Life Coaching, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens (MBSR-T), and is an ordained Kohenet. Bara has produced various study aids, including ten titles in The Full Potential Audio Course, a complete mindset upgrade training for test-takers. She is co-author of The GMAT Full Potential Sentence Correction Intensive and author of The Full Potential Manual. She is a professional artist and active in dog rescue. She lives with pup, Chata. To learn more, please contact business@mindflowspeedreading.com. Businesses, tutors, and schools can find out about our revenue stream opportunities here. 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.
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| 21 Dec 2021 | 274. How To Prepare For SAT Math | 00:25:13 | |
Math has been cornerstone content of the SAT since its inception nearly a century ago. What math is tested and how to prepare for it, however, evolves endlessly. Amy and Mike invited educators Jackie Pollina and Josh Kariyev to explore current best practices in how to prepare for SAT math. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUESTS Jackie Pollina and Josh Kariyev are both the founders of J&J Test Prep, a company that prides itself on maintaining a modern, relatable feel for students. Jackie and Josh are both in their mid-20s, and, upon realizing that they had a knack for tutoring, turned down the traditional path to attend a graduate program and started their own business despite the cries from all around them that it was “too risky” at such a young age. Jackie and Josh are also published authors with their new SAT math workbook, No B.S. SAT Math, which is now available on Amazon. Jackie and Josh, in maintaining a modern feel, run an academic TikTok account intended to get students more excited about learning as our world becomes increasingly digitized. Jackie graduated with a 4.0 GPA from Hofstra University, where she majored in Philosophy; Josh graduated with a 3.96 GPA from NYU, where he majored in Mathematics. Fun Fact: Jackie and Josh are high school sweethearts–they’ve been dating since they were 15 years old! Jackie and Josh first appeared on the show in episode #182 to discuss TEST PREP TIKTOK. Find Jackie Pollina and Josh Kariyev at https://www.jjtestprep.com/contact or on TikTok at @testpreptips – https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJaCVnq3/ LINKS Why SAT Math Problems are So Wordy RELATED EPISODES DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SAT AND ACT MATH CALCULATOR USAGE ON THE SAT AND ACT 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'd love to hear from you! | |||
| 04 Sep 2020 | 123. What Is The CLT? | 00:25:41 | |
With all the concern swirling around college admissions testing, maybe the solution isn’t fewer exams but actually more. Amy and Mike invited education professional Jeremy Tate to shed light on the Classic Learning Test (CLT). What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUESTS Jeremy Tate is a former college admissions test prep consultant and counselor. Alarmed by the lack of logic- and philosophy-based subject matter in the two dominant forms of entrance exams, he founded Classic Learning Initiatives (CLI) as a means of restoring the foundation of American education. Serving in the same capacity as his prior roles, Tate applies his knowledge to the CLI mission of reconnecting intellectual pursuit and virtue. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University and Reformed Theological Seminary, and has 5 children who range from six months to a freshman in high school! Find Jeremy at jtate@cltexam.com. LINKS The Classic Learning Test (CLT) RELATED EPISODES WHY THE SAT AND ACT ARE AWESOME WHAT SAT & ACT DIAGNOSTIC TESTS CAN TELL YOU DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SAT AND ACT READING ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 27 Dec 2021 | 276. TEST PREP PROFILE: Ian Siegel | 00:17:14 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Ian Siegel. Ian started Streamline Tutors in Baltimore, MD, in 2013 and has been tutoring full-time for a decade, primarily as an SAT/ACT tutor and college essay coach. Ian consistently gets some of the highest score improvements in the country on the SAT and ACT. He attributes his success to his ability to act as a mirror to his student’s actual potential, something that’s obscured by realities in school and society. Most recently, Ian has made a study of our learning potential as humans, the most common impediments to authentic learning, and specific techniques for unearthing the incredible authentic learner in us all. This investigation is captured in his manuscript 1-on-1, The Future is Ancient History: A Manifesto on Human Learning, which he hopes to publish in the next year. Find Ian at https://streamlinetutors.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. | |||
| 16 Apr 2024 | 562. TESTING POLICIES AND EDUCATIONAL EQUITY REVISITED | 00:27:42 | |
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 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 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.
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| 31 Dec 2020 | 154. TEST PREP PROFILE: Kenny Tan | 00:15:55 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? Meet Kenny Tan, who has been working in test prep since 2010. Kenny founded Kenny Tan Test Prep to empower students with the grit, resilience, and curiosity necessary for a successful academic and professional career. He specializes in the SHSAT, ISEE, SSAT, SAT, and ACT. Kenny, the son of Chinese immigrants, graduated from Stuyvesant High School in New York City and received his B.A. in Economics from Vanderbilt University. His hobbies include an interest in aviation. He received his private pilot certificate (airplane single-engine land) in 2016. Some of his favorite flying experiences are featured on his YouTube channel. Find Kenny at kennytan.nyc. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 24 May 2023 | 488. TEST PREP PROFILE: Nick Rubin | 00:21:57 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Nick Rubin, who grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He returned to graduate school for a Master’s in History and a PhD in Musicology. He taught high school and college courses in various disciplines for over twenty years and started Rubin Academics in 2019. He teaches in-person and on Zoom out of Charlottesville, Virginia. Find Nick at rubinacademics@gmail.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. | |||
| 11 Mar 2025 | 630. THE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS PROFILE | 00:31:29 | |
So much of the college search and application process looks forward, focusing on the destination. Where a student is coming from matters quite a bit though. Amy and Mike invited educational consultants Aly Beaumont and Meg Joyce to explain the significance of the high school class profile. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUESTS Aly Beaumont is the founder of Admissions Village, a family focused, affordable, one-on-one college guidance consultancy. Aly is deeply committed to making the college admissions process less stressful, and her success with this objective can be measured by both the growing number of referrals she receives as well as the repeat business of family siblings. Aly is also a founder and advisor to The College T, a website connecting high school students with college students and recent graduates so that first-hand information and experiences can be shared. Aly is a graduate of Tufts University where she majored in History with a concentration in Modern Women and African American History, and was captain of the Equestrian Team. She lives in Wilton, CT with her husband Perry, their two dogs Buddy and Buzz and their three sons. Two of their sons are currently in college at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland and Keyon College in Ohio, and one graduated from Santa Clara University. Aly is a Professional member of IECA and she has her certificate as an Independent Educational Consultant from the University of California Irvine. Aly previously appeared on this podcast in episode 212 to discuss PREPARATION FOR HIGHLY SELECTIVE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS, in episode 341 to discuss COURSE SELECTION FOR HIGHLY SELECTIVE ADMISSIONS, in episode 406 to discuss WHAT DOES UNHOOKED MEAN IN ADMISSIONS?, in episode 537 to discuss WHAT DO TRULY TEST OPTIONAL COLLEGES FOCUS ON?, and was the subject of an IEC PROFILE in episode 264. Meg Joyce works with Aly at Admissions Village, helping students and their parents navigate every step of the college search and application process. A self-professed research and detail geek, her favorite part of her job is watching students grow in skills and confidence as they work their way through high school and eventually, college applications. Meg wants every student to feel supported and heard, and most of all - special - because when students feel that, it comes through not just in their applications but in everything they do. Meg is a graduate of Georgetown University where she studied Finance and English and worked in the Alumni Office, spending hours talking to alums and learning about their time on campus. She also volunteered for many years as an alumni interviewer. Meg is the mother of four grown children, each of whom had different educational journeys. One has a masters degree in foreign service, another has a masters in creative writing, a third was a college athlete, and another has been working full time while attending community college. She is also an identical twin, so if you see her and she doesn’t say hi, she’s not being rude, it’s just her twin! Meg is an Associate member of IECA and has her certificate as an Independent Educational Consultant from the University of California Irvine. Find Aly and Meg at https://www.admissionsvillage.com. LINKS Have You Seen Your High School Profile? RELATED EPISODES HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SELECTION AND ACADEMIC RIGOR IMPLICATIONS OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT DASHBOARD ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.
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| 16 Mar 2021 | 179. Using And Creating Educational Websites | 00:25:29 | |
Civilization has never before known the wealth of inexpensive and accessible educational resources that we find on the modern web. However, finding a great site is only the first step in learning from it. Amy and Mike invited programmer Don Sevcik to clarify both using and creating educational websites. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Don Sevcik is the founder of MathCelebrity, an automated online math tutoring website. MathCelebrity served 6.2 million parents and students in 2020 helping them step by step through 44 million math problems in a split second. Don has written 2 books on math tutoring and Search Engine Optimization. Don also tutors in math and programming. Find Don at http://www.mathcelebrity.com/ or www.linkedin.com/in/donsevcik. LINKS RELATED EPISODES HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF ONLINE TEST PREP USING STUDENT SELF-ANALYSIS TO IMPROVE INSTRUCTION EDTECH IN 2021: SEPARATING FADS FROM SUSTAINABLE CHANGES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 05 May 2020 | 86. Deciding Between The SAT and ACT, Part 2 | 00:26:48 | |
The SAT and ACT may be more similar than ever, but they are definitely not the same. Picking the right exam to showcase your particular strengths can make a massive difference in admissions. Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Heather Krey back to help further explore the relevant criteria in deciding between the SAT and ACT. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUEST Passionate about helping her students achieve their college dreams by being their coach and cheerleader as they prep for the SAT and ACT, Heather Krey is an experienced instructor with teaching certificates in math, physics, chemistry, and English. She knows the best tips and strategies for these tests – and she also understands that students need encouragement and practice to do their best. With dual bachelor's degrees in industrial engineering and psychology from Lehigh University, she also holds masters of education degrees in mathematics from DeSales University and in teaching from Kutztown University. Heather lives in Allentown, PA, with her husband and three children. Heather is the author of a newly released book, SAT and ACT Combo Test. TP4S is the premier location for test prep and academic tutoring located in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. We are educators first, so we never sacrifice personal connections for profits, and we strive to make our services affordable for all students. We offer in-person classes, practice tests, and tutoring at our Allentown, PA location and offer the same high-quality, personalized tutoring online for students outside our local area. Visit our website at tp4s.com to learn more about how we can help you prepare for your personal best. Find Heather Krey at http://TP4S.com. LINKS RELATED EPISODES DECIDING BETWEEN THE SAT AND ACT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SAT AND ACT GRAMMAR COMMON MYTHS ABOUT THE SAT AND ACT ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.
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| 25 Aug 2020 | 120. Making The Most Of A Virtual College Admissions Event | 00:25:44 | |
The traditional college visit presents the perfect opportunity to get a real feel for a school while demonstrating sincere interest. A virtual college visit is no different. Amy and Mike invited admissions consultant Jessie Peck Martin to explain how to make the most of a virtual college admissions event. What are five things you will learn in this episode?
MEET OUR GUESTS Jessie Peck Martin, M. Ed., founder of CompassU Educational Consulting, LLC, author of Three Things About College Admissions: I Wish Someone Had Told Me and creator of the College Admissions Made Simple Virtual Academy, earned a B.S. in Marketing and a Master’s degree in Education from Lehigh University (Go brown and white!). She launched CompassU Educational Consulting in 2014, bringing with her 25 years of experience in both classrooms and educational publishing. In 2019, Jessie was named a professional member of IECA and is a member of the New Jersey Association of College Admissions Counselors (NJACAC). Jessie visits an average of twenty colleges and schools annually. She also meets with admissions officers and colleagues and attends national conventions to stay up to date on the ever-shifting landscape of admissions. When she is not meeting with students Jessie is busy raising four children (and, so far, has launched two college graduates [University of Chicago ‘18, Lehigh University ‘19] and cheers her younger son and daughter on the slopes at boarding school [Stratton Mountain School ‘22, ‘24]), enjoys a yoga class here and there, cares for a sweet and needy Vizlsa and a crazy GSP, and volunteers around northwest New Jersey. When not coaching alpine ski racing or running his business, husband, Dave, is often an innocent bystander to the chaos. Find Jessie at http://www.jessiepeckmartin.com. FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/collegeadmissionsmadesimple/ EMAIL: jessie@jessiepeckmartin.com LINKS Three Things About College Admissions: I Wish Someone Had Told Me College Admissions Made Simple Virtual Academy RELATED EPISODES MAKING THE MOST OF COLLEGE VISITS COLLEGE ADMISSIONS DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 03 Mar 2021 | 174. TEST PREP PROFILE: Jason Robinovitz | 00:16:02 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? Meet Jason Robinovitz, the Chief Operating Officer of all Score At The Top Learning Centers. Jason oversees each Center’s day-to-day operations, ensuring the delivery of top-quality educational support and guidance services to client families. As team leader for a staff of more than 100 educators, Jason is in charge of strategic decision-making, including best practice policies, customer service, staffing, training, marketing, systems, and technology. Jason is also involved in educational consulting services for college, boarding school, and law school clients. Meeting with students, Jason specializes in directing pre-law and future law-school students toward the extracurricular activities that will help position them for success. Skillfully guiding them through the application and essay process, Jason helps students distinguish themselves from the rest of the applicant pool. He also works with families seeking therapeutic placements for their children, identifying the “best fit” schools and programs for them and interfacing with these schools and programs to ensure successful placements. Jason is a founding member of the Board of Directors of the National Test Prep Association. As an active member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and the Secondary School Admission Test Board, Robinovitz is part of a professional network of admission directors, educators, psychologists, and other educational consultants. Jason graduated from the University of Denver with a BSBA in Finance and concentrations in Real Estate and Leadership. Three years later, he graduated from Emory University School of Law with a concentration in business and corporate law. Jason practiced medical malpractice law for five years before joining Score At The Top. He is a member of the Florida Bar. Jason is the son of Judi Robinovitz, founding owner of Score At The Top Learning Centers. Find Jason at jason@scoreatthetop.com. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. | |||
| 01 Feb 2023 | 440. TEST PREP PROFILE: Samiya Cogmon | 00:16:22 | |
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Samiya Cogmon, who founded Horizon Star Tutoring Co in 2019 with a mission to bring the joys of academic achievement to others… the confidence that you take into adulthood. The vision was born long before the company was. Samiya tutored students throughout high school because school was something she always took pride in. But it wasn’t until years later that everything fell into place. After graduating as Valedictorian of her high school and getting the honor of Summa Cum Laude in college, Samiya wanted to continue to shift education for others. Horizon Star Tutoring is the result. Now Horizon Star Tutoring accommodates students virtually as well. Making it possible for them to impact thousands of students across the nation, while still working in their home city, Las Vegas. Whether in-person or online, Samiya takes pride in getting exceptional results for students and parents. Find Samiya at https://www.horizonstartutoring.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. | |||