727. BUSINESS VS ENGINEERING MAJORS FOR TECH-MINDED STUDENTS
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
Release Date: 05/19/2026
727. BUSINESS VS ENGINEERING MAJORS FOR TECH-MINDED STUDENTS
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
High schoolers who show advanced aptitude and interest in science and math often seem destined to concentrate on STEM in college. Surprisingly, though, many choose a more financially focused track. Amy and Mike invited college counselor Mike Hammer to explore business vs engineering majors for tech-minded students. What are five things you will learn in this episode? If a student is talented in math and science, and interested in both business and engineering, which one should they go for? If a student is interested in engineering but might do better in business, should they go for a...
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726. NEW TRENDS IN SAT READING & WRITING
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
While the SAT changed in a very big way during the digital transition, the exam has continued to evolve in a way that test takers need to understand. Amy and Mike invited educator Lori Goldstein to review new trends in SAT Reading & Writing. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How have the Words in Context questions changed? What is the new way in which "weaken the claim" questions are appearing? What is the new twist in the Transitions questions? What have been important changes to the Rhetorical Synthesis questions? Should students do RW module questions in...
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725. TAKING A MEDICAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM COLLEGE
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
As much as every student anticipates four or more years of perfect health during their undergraduate studies, life happens. Luckily, illness or injuries don’t need to mean an end to your academic journey, especially if you know the right way to take a pause. Amy and Mike invited college advisors Jennifer Stephan and Karen Flood to explain the process of taking a medical leave of absence from college. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is a medical leave of absence (MLOA), and how do colleges actually use medical leaves? What is the typical timeline for a leave...
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724. HOW DATA IS TRANSFORMING THE WAY STUDENTS NAVIGATE COLLEGE DECISIONS
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
How often does a thorough college search process involving hours of research and weeks of onsite college visits take an unexpected last minute twist because of fuzzy criteria and gut feelings? Shouldn’t certain statistics inform better choices? Amy and Mike invited ed tech entrepreneurs Braden and Cooper Weissman to explore how data is transforming the way students navigate college decisions. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why does the college admissions process feel more complicated today? How can counselors help students think about choosing a college beyond...
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723. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: April 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? What have Amy and Mike been up to this month? Where did Amy travel? What are Amy and Mike’s time-sensitive tasks this month? ...
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722. GETTING READY FOR THE AP BIOLOGY EXAM
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
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 Leann Westin to share valuable strategies, insights, and resources for getting ready for the AP Biology exam. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is tested on the AP Biology exam? How is the AP Biology exam structured and scored? What are the highest priority topics on the tests? How should students prepare for the AP Biology exam? What...
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721. WHEN ACADEMIC PRESSURE TURNS INTO BEHAVIORAL ISSUES
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
Pressure is a privilege, according to Billie Jean King, who said it's what you do with it that matters. Millions of students, however, may beg to disagree about the privilege part, and what many of them do with it impedes rather than elevates their performance. Amy and Mike invited ed tech specialist Deanna Oliver to explore what happens when academic pressure turns into behavioral issues. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How does academic pressure typically show up in schools? Why do some students “act out” while others withdraw or disengage? What are the most...
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720. WHAT MOTIVATES STUDENTS IN TEST PREP?
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
It’s been said that pain in life is inevitable, but we can choose whether to suffer the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. How can we help learners make the right choice when enthusiasm or available time wanes? Amy and Mike invited educator Athena Savino to explore what motivates students in test prep. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What's the biggest misconception tutors and parents have about what motivates students to engage? What is the best way to assess student needs and sequence instruction? Why should goals and expectations set the foundation for...
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719. IEC PROFILE: Brooke Daly
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Brooke Daly. Brooke is the founder and CEO of Advantage College Planning, a nationally recognized college counseling firm that has helped thousands of families navigate the admissions process with clarity and confidence. With more than 20 years of experience in college admissions and financial aid, Brooke works closely with students to develop thoughtful college lists and authentic applications that reflect their strengths and goals. Brooke is an instructor in the...
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718. IEC PROFILE: Sarah Abaza
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Sarah Abaza. Cairo-based Sarah Abaza founded Quest Consulting to help international students find their path to universities across the U.S. and beyond. Before discovering her calling in education, she spent years as an entrepreneur, where she learned the value of curiosity, communication, and resilience — lessons she now brings to her students. With a background in political science and a lifelong love of writing, Sarah blends structure with storytelling in her...
info_outlineHigh schoolers who show advanced aptitude and interest in science and math often seem destined to concentrate on STEM in college. Surprisingly, though, many choose a more financially focused track. Amy and Mike invited college counselor Mike Hammer to explore business vs engineering majors for tech-minded students.
What are five things you will learn in this episode?
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If a student is talented in math and science, and interested in both business and engineering, which one should they go for?
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If a student is interested in engineering but might do better in business, should they go for a business major in college?
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What are the major differences between business courses and engineering courses in undergrad college?
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What kinds of intellectual curiosity suggest business or engineering as ideal majors?
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Engineering majors can be competitive; are business majors as competitive?
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Will it be a problem for the college application if a student’s high school did not offer any business classes?
MEET OUR GUEST
Mike Hammer earned his Business degree from the Haas School at UC Berkeley. Besides higher ed, his background includes work in for-profit, non-profit and consulting sectors. Mike’s 25 years at Cornell University included working closely with admissions directors and reading admissions for 14 cycles. He was responsible for helping administrators understand changing trends in applications and helping the university adapt to serving increasingly diverse applicants. Mike also served as a mentor for STEM student groups including the McNair Scholars, helping students navigate the complex environment of higher education. His experience gives him a comprehensive understanding of the importance of matching each student's talents, goals and dreams to the environment that is right for them, and how to communicate a student’s unique story to the admission readers.
Mike first appeared on the podcast in episode 463 in an IEC PROFILE.
Mike can be reached at mikehammer@stemadvising.com.
LINKS
The 10 most in-demand bachelor’s degrees—No. 1 isn’t engineering
Global Essay Prize | John Locke Institute
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NAVIGATING THE COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ADMISSIONS
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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.