251. Success In Computer-Based Testing
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
Release Date: 10/12/2021
745. WHY ARE SOUTHERN COLLEGES SO POPULAR?
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
While higher education is grappling with the implications of a demographic shift among applicants, an equally important trend of a decidedly geographic nature is creating winners and losers on opposite sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. Amy and Mike invited independent education consultant Mark Stucker to explain why Southern colleges are currently so popular. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Are Southern colleges and universities really outpacing other schools in popularity, and why? How did the pandemic influence admissions trends? Are there any particular schools...
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744. HOW TO DEFINE A DREAM SCHOOL
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
Young adults should always be encouraged to dream big when imagining their futures. When the time comes to actualize those aspirations, though, practical details matter most. Amy and Mike invited author Jeff Selingo to clarify how to define a dream school. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the "Top 25 or bust" mentality and why do so many families still equate selectivity with quality? Do you need to attend a top-ranked school to get an exceptional college education? How do you define fit, and what specific factors should families consider...
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743. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: July 2026
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
The Tests and the Rest podcast consistently explores important topics in testing, admissions, education, and learning with amazing expert guests. Sometimes, though, we enjoy an unstructured opportunity to discuss our own takes on major issues, upcoming events, and our endeavors at the intersection of business and education. Catch up with us in the latest episode of EXTEMP with Amy & Mike. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What have Mike and Amy been up to this month? How did Mike work with ACT recently? What has Amy been philosophizing about? Is a perfect test...
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742. WHY COLLEGE FLASH ISN’T FIT
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
How many bad relationships begin because people prioritize superficial qualities over true virtues? Whether you are looking for a partner or applying to college, your deeper values should inform your decisions. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Ann Cadwallader to explain why college flash isn’t fit. What are five things you will learn in this episode? In terms of both college admissions and dating, what does it mean to say “flash isn’t fit?” Why do students and families get pulled toward what looks impressive when building a college list? How does the idea of...
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741. WHAT IS AN IEC AND WHO NEEDS ONE?
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
Most people know–or at least think they know–the role of a school-based counselor. What about all of the professionals in private practice who support families on their admissions journeys and more? Amy and Mike invited IECA CEO Stephanie Simpson to learn what an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) is and who needs one. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What role do Independent Educational Consultants (IECs) play in a student’s academic journey, and how do they How can IECs complement the contributions of school counselors, especially in districts where high...
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740. DECODING STUDENT LOANS
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
Paying for college poses serious challenges for most families, but should understanding the rules around borrowing really be one of the hardest parts? Amy and Mike invited financial aid expert Will McGinley to offer guidance into decoding student loans. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why are student loans such an important topic? How much do students borrow on average for their undergraduate degrees? What is the difference between federal DL, PLUS, and Private education loans? Which student loan option is best for most students? When should someone start...
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739. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Desmos SAT Math Course
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
Know everything that the SAT Desmos calculator can do for you. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the story behind the Desmos SAT Math Course? How does the Desmos SAT Math Course work? Who should use the Desmos SAT Math Course? What kinds of outcomes does the Desmos SAT Math Course deliver? What should someone curious about the Desmos SAT Math Course know about it? ABOUT THE DESMOS SAT MATH COURSE A complete self-paced video course covering every calculator concept and every practice question — so students walk into the test knowing exactly...
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738.WHAT COLLEGES AREN’T TELLING YOU
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
If you think the massive amount of information colleges expect applicants to absorb is too much, think about the equally essential insights that are left unsaid. Amy and Mike invited ed tech professional Reetu Gupta to dive into what colleges aren’t telling you. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are colleges actually looking for today that they weren't before? Why is “minimum to compete” an important consideration for applicants? What should parents thinking “my kid has great grades, but I'm still worried” know? What are colleges doing behind the...
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737. TAKING A HIGH-STAKES TEST AT HOME
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
Much of the stress involved with taking an important exam is related to testing in a proctored environment surrounded by your anxious peers. What happens when you shift to more familiar ground? Amy and Mike invited educator Brian Eufinger to explore the experience and implications of taking a high-stakes test at home. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are the technical and logistical requirements of an in-home exam? What security measures prevent widespread cheating? What are the benefits of taking a high-stakes test in your home? What are the downsides of...
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736. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: June 2026
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
The Tests and the Rest podcast consistently focuses on exploring important topics in testing, admissions, education, and learning with amazing expert guests. Sometimes, though, we enjoy an unstructured opportunity to discuss our own takes on major issues, upcoming events, and our endeavors at the intersection of business and education. Catch up with us in the latest episode of EXTEMP with Amy & Mike. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How was the NTPA National Conference in Chicago? Where did Amy travel, and who planned her trip? How’s Mike’s garden growing? ...
info_outlineLike it or not, most major assessment and admissions tests will eventually migrate to a digital platform, some sooner than you’d think. This need not be a cause for despair. Amy and Mike invited educator Sonya Muthalia to describe the path to success in computer-based testing.
What are five things you will learn in this episode?
- How do computerized tests differ from the paper-pencil version?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking computer-based tests?
- How is the prep for computerized tests different from the paper-pencil version?
- What digital tools are often provided to improve the computer-based testing experience?
- Why should educators feel excited about an inevitable expansion of computer-based testing?
MEET OUR GUEST
Sonya Muthalia is the Founder and CEO of Informed Decisions, a leading Mumbai based test prep company that trains students for the SAT, ACT, GMAT and GRE. Over the last two decades Sonya, along with her faculty located in India and North America, has trained over 10,000 students across 33 countries. Sonya also contributes to articles in newspapers and is a speaker at various online and offline forums. Sonya is always looking for newer and better ways to help her students and enhance their experience.
Informed Decisions is one of the strongest proponents of the Mindprint Learning Assessment and holds marketing exclusivity for India. Sonya uses MindPrint to design bespoke tutoring plans for her students which has helped significantly improve teaching outcomes and ultimately translated to optimal scores.
Sonya is also a passionate cook and particularly loves baking. Her newfound love for sourdough bread making is what helps her destress the eve of test day or results day!
Find Sonya at sonya@informeddecisions.in.
LINKS
What Does A Computer-Based ACT Look Like?
Looming Questions About a Digital SAT or ACT
Is Online a Better Baseline? Comparing the Predictive Validity of Computer- and Paper-Based Tests
RELATED EPISODES
COMPARING PAPER- AND COMPUTER-BASED TESTING
HOW DOES REMOTE PROCTORING ACTUALLY WORK?
HOW COLLEGE BOARD AND ACT ARE CHANGING
ABOUT THIS PODCAST
Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.