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