Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

Welcome to THE college admissions industry podcast! Join Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley as they discuss the latest issues in testing, admissions, learning, and education with leading experts. Tests and the Rest is perfect for parents, students, counselors, educators, test prep professionals, college consultants, and just about anyone engaged in the college admissions process. You can subscribe to this podcast or stream it online via any podcast app, including iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio. 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. Between the two of us, expect over 60 years of industry insight, expertise, insider news, and a bit of sarcasm.

686. BEST & WORST EXTRACURRICULARS FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS 11/18/2025

685. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: STUDYSPACES 11/14/2025

684. HOW TO PLAN FOR YOUR COLLEGE TRANSFER 11/11/2025

684. HOW TO PLAN FOR YOUR COLLEGE TRANSFER Believe it or not, over one-third of college students transfer at least once while earning their degree. So why do so many students assume their first school will be their forever school? Amy and Mike invited college advisor Jaime Smith to share insights on how to plan for your college transfer. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Where do students most commonly struggle when preparing to transfer schools? How easy is it to transfer credits between colleges? What might students do in advance if a potential transfer is in their future? Do transfer students need SAT or ACT scores? Is there a difference between transferring from 2-year or 4-year colleges? MEET OUR GUEST Jaime Smith, M.A., MS.Ed., is a Certified Educational Planner with 25 years of experience in the field of education. After many years of teaching English at the middle, high school, and college levels, Jaime turned to online education and founded a virtual K-12 supplementary education program, , where she continues to teach gifted and twice-exceptional homeschooled students. As a college advisor, Jaime specializes in transfer admissions, application essays, homeschoolers, neurodiverse learners, and other non-traditional applicants. In 2023, she completed a Post-Master's Certificate in Transfer Leadership and Practice at the University of North Georgia in collaboration with the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students. Jaime is the author of . A California native, Jaime now lives in Oregon with her husband and pet bunny. She has one daughter, a former homeschooler turned transfer student who just started grad school. Jaime previously appeared on the podcast in episode 578 to discuss . Learn more about Jaime at and follow her on . LINKS RELATED EPISODES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of and founder of , , and . Amy Seeley is the president of and . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, . /episode/index/show/testsandtherest/id/38907340

683. WHAT DO FEDERAL POLICY CHANGES MEAN FOR FINANCIAL AID? 11/04/2025

683. WHAT DO FEDERAL POLICY CHANGES MEAN FOR FINANCIAL AID? The ability to pay for a college education usually depends on stable economic conditions and clear, predictable rules. But what happens when everything seems to change every day? Amy and Mike invited financial aid advisor Ed Recker to explain what federal policy changes mean for financial aid. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What federal policy changes will have the potential biggest impacts to students? What federal policy changes will have the potential biggest impacts to colleges & universities? Has the U.S. Department of Education’s reduction in force (RIF) impacted the financial aid process? Were there any changes to the FAFSA or federal student loans? Are there any benefits to completing the FAFSA early? MEET OUR GUEST Ed Recker is a Director of High School Relationship Management with Sallie Mae, serving high schools, states, and professional organizations throughout the U.S. He joined Sallie Mae in 2019, and has over 20 years’ experience in the financial aid and enrollment industry. Prior to joining Sallie Mae, Ed was a Senior Consultant within the Enrollment Division of Ruffalo Noel Levitz, held the position of Vice President for Enrollment Management at the University of Findlay, and held various financial aid positions at the University of Findlay, Terra State Community College, and Bowling Green State University. Ed holds a M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of Toledo, and resides in Ottawa, OH with his wife Kate and daughter Evelyn. Ed appeared on the podcast in episode #492 to discuss and in episode #544 to discuss . Find Ed at . LINKS RELATED EPISODES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of and founder of , , and . Amy Seeley is the president of and . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, . /episode/index/show/testsandtherest/id/38907280

682. CULTIVATING AND RECOGNIZING ACADEMIC CURIOSITY 10/28/2025

682. CULTIVATING AND RECOGNIZING ACADEMIC CURIOSITY The primary goal of our formative years is often seen as figuring out what we want to do with the rest of our lives. Why, then, do we focus so much on what we want to *be* instead? Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Matthew Jaskol to explore the importance of cultivating and recognizing academic curiosity. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the development process for a curious but undecided student? Why does fostering intellectual curiosity get overlooked in traditional education systems? What are ways to encourage students to explore or engage in big problems? What’s the most important shift in mindset needed to help students pursue authentic growth, rather than just building a polished resume? Why is it important to not give up on exploration too quickly? MEET OUR GUEST Matthew Jaskol is committed to empowering young scholars from all backgrounds to think critically and create meaningful change. In 2012, he co-founded Pioneer Academics, a public benefit corporation that delivers rigorous and cutting-edge academic initiatives and is also committed to eliminating financial and geographic barriers for high-achieving, low-income students worldwide. Its two flagship institutes are: the Pioneer Research Institute—the world’s only fully accredited online research institute for high school students—and the Global Problem-Solving Institute, a virtual innovation lab where students tackle complex global challenges through interdisciplinary thinking and collaborative design. Matthew believes that when intellectual curiosity is nurtured with structure and academic rigor, it sparks extraordinary growth. His work is driven by the belief that education should be transformational, not transactional, and he remains inspired by the creativity, purpose, and depth students bring to their work. Matthew can be reached at . LINKS RELATED EPISODES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of and founder of , , and . Amy Seeley is the president of and . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, . /episode/index/show/testsandtherest/id/38797210

681. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: October 2025 10/24/2025

680. SCHOLARSHIPS, MAJORS, AND HOW CLARITY CAN UNLOCK MORE COLLEGE AID 10/21/2025

680. SCHOLARSHIPS, MAJORS, AND HOW CLARITY CAN UNLOCK MORE COLLEGE AID While high schoolers don’t need to know exactly what they’ll be doing with the rest of their lives, those students who make intentional, well-informed major choices before applying to college can unlock more merit-based and private scholarship opportunities–including specific awards based on intended major. Mike moderated a conversation with Dave Peterson and Lisa Marker-Robbins to explore Scholarships & Majors: How Clarity Can Unlock More College Aid. What are five things you will learn in this episode? If scholarships aren’t just awards for past achievements, how should applicants shift their mindset when searching for scholarships? How can early career clarity help prevent missteps during the application process? How does intended major help shape a personal narrative that’s compelling to scholarship committees? How early should teens tackle each of the essential components of college and scholarship applications? What are some popular majors and special scholarships associated with those majors? MEET OUR GUEST Dave Peterson, The Scholarship Coach, is the father of a rising college junior who, to date, has won over $80,000 in scholarships. Because of his son’s success with scholarships, people started asking him for advice on how their children could win scholarships. These questions prompted Dave to write the book . Dave shares a new scholarship opportunity every day on his and called “Your Daily Scholarship.” He provides one-on-one coaching for students and families to help them find and win scholarships to achieve their debt-free college dreams. Dave previously appeared on this podcast in episode #496 to share and #529 to explain . Find Dave at . Lisa Marker Robbins is an entrepreneur in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her passion and purpose throughout her career has been to serve high school students and young adults on launching into their future. With that greater purpose, she has been a classroom teacher, 23 years ago started a test prep, tutoring and independent college counseling organization that has helped thousands, and in 2021, started to guide students and young adults through her 5-part framework towards getting career clarity for what comes after graduation. Lisa first appeared on episode #119 to discuss how , in episode #227 to discuss , in #363 for a ., and, in #554, . Find Lisa at . LINKS RELATED EPISODES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of and founder of , , and . Amy Seeley is the president of and . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, . /episode/index/show/testsandtherest/id/38513445

679. How Do Female Students Benefit From Female Educators? 10/14/2025

679. How Do Female Students Benefit From Female Educators? If learning and testing weren’t already challenging enough in and of themselves, success can often depend on the level of congruence between students and teachers. For example, is gender an influential factor in academic success? Amy and Mike invited educator Megan Fitzwater to explore how female students benefit from female educators. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are the key differences in how girls learn when they work with female mentors? What factors likely contribute to girls feeling like bad test takers? What role do standardized tests play in shaping girls’ future opportunities in STEM or other fields? What should educators who want to better support girls in STEM and test prep keep in mind? What kind of female student most benefits from working with female educators? MEET OUR GUEST Megan Fitzwater is the founder of All Girls’ Prep, a women-led tutoring company dedicated to empowering young women in test preparation and STEM. A graduate of an all-girls high school, she experienced firsthand the confidence and community that thrive in a female-focused environment. It was there that a dedicated physics teacher recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue the subject, inspiring her to enter the University of Colorado Boulder as a declared astrophysics major. Transitioning from that supportive, all-girls landscape into the male-dominated world of astrophysics, Megan became one of only a few women in her program. She conducted observational research and excelled academically, yet still grappled with imposter syndrome and quietly questioned whether she belonged. Everything changed when she encountered her first (and only) female physics professor in college. For the first time, she saw herself reflected in someone leading the field she aspired to join, and the impact was profound. The shift gave her a deeper confidence in herself and her abilities, one that shaped the course of her career. Since then, Megan has dedicated her work to creating the kinds of academic environments where girls can see themselves, take risks, and reach their potential. She has developed innovative SAT and ACT curricula, led courses designed to break down barriers in physics and calculus, and built a team of accomplished female tutors, from engineers to film directors, who serve as mentors as much as educators. Through All Girls’ Prep, she is committed to ensuring that young women have not only the skills to succeed but also the representation and mentorship to envision themselves in any field they choose. Megan can be reached at . LINKS RELATED EPISODES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of and founder of , , and . Amy Seeley is the president of and . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, . /episode/index/show/testsandtherest/id/38464730

678. HOW PARENTS CAN SUPPORT (NOT DERAIL) THE COLLEGE PROCESS 10/07/2025

678. HOW PARENTS CAN SUPPORT (NOT DERAIL) THE COLLEGE PROCESS For many college applicants, the dream of higher education would be unattainable without the support of their parents and guardians. That doesn’t mean, however, that these well-meaning adults can’t become an adverse influence in admissions. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Lisa Hillhouse to discuss how parents can support and not derail the college process. What are five things you will learn in this episode? 1. What non-negotiable terms should be established at the beginning of the process? 2. How can parents support the exploration phase of the college search process? 3. What activities should parents engage in with their student in the process? 4. How should parents model grace in challenging situations? 5. How can parents reassure their student in the process and its final outcome? MEET OUR GUEST Lt. Col. Lisa Hillhouse is an independent educational consultant and the founder of Hillhouse College and Career Advising, based in Atlanta. Prior to launching her practice, Lisa retired from the Air Force after 26 years of active duty and reserve service. Much of that time focused on officer recruitment and leadership development. Lisa began her admissions journey with a special assignment to Air Force ROTC at the University of California, Berkeley. She loved educating and mentoring young leaders and continued that work at the United States Air Force Academy as a deputy liaison officer director and admissions liaison officer. There she helped lead and manage one of the largest recruiting areas in the nation while evaluating and developing candidates for military careers. While in college, Lisa enrolled in AFROTC and went on to earn a scholarship and a commission. Lisa has a Bachelor’s degree in Politics from Assumption University, a Master’s degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, and a College and Career Planning graduate certificate from the University of California, Berkeley. Lisa is nationally recognized for her expertise and specialty of guiding and supporting students through the complex process of becoming commissioned officers. Many of her students are focused on earning ROTC scholarships, military service academy appointments, or becoming officer training school candidates. Lisa also collaborates with other consultants around the country. She frequently presents at admissions conferences and webinars and has served as a guest presenter for college advising courses. Lisa first appeared on our podcast in episode 104 to discuss and in episode 184 for . Lisa was featured in an in episode 315. You can find out more about Lisa at . LINKS RELATED EPISODES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of and founder of , , and . Amy Seeley is the president of and . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, . /episode/index/show/testsandtherest/id/38464700

677. How Ikigai Can Help To Choose a College Major 09/30/2025

677. How Ikigai Can Help To Choose a College Major Ikigai, a Japanese concept that translates to "a reason for being" or "a reason to live," focuses on the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Doesn’t that sound like a critical consideration for college students and applicants? Amy and Mike invited admissions expert V. Peter Pitts to explore how ikigai can help to choose a college major. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is IKIGAI? How can an Ikigai exercise help in narrowing down your major? Do students really need to choose a major before choosing a college? Do majors really matter? What matters more than choice of a major? What is the biggest mistake students make in choosing a major? MEET OUR GUEST V. Peter Pitts retired after 42 years in the College Admission profession, most recently with Monmouth College of Illinois. Over his 27 years at Monmouth, he recruited over 2,000 students and still keeps in touch with many of them. He is originally from Iowa and holds an undergraduate degree from Wartburg College (IA) and a Master’s degree from the University of Iowa, both in Sociology. In his retirement, Peter publishes a website––that celebrates small private colleges. He also gives presentations to high school classes about a variety of college admission topics. He is the author of , and his latest book is . Peter previously appeared on this podcast in episode 163 to discuss and in episode 347 to discuss . Peter can be reached at . LINKS RELATED EPISODES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of and founder of , , and . Amy Seeley is the president of and . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, . /episode/index/show/testsandtherest/id/38380265

676. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: September 2025 09/26/2025

675. Unlocking Automatic Scholarships With PSAT, SAT, & ACT Scores 09/23/2025

674. How And Why To Perform Your Best on the PSAT 09/16/2025

674. How And Why To Perform Your Best on the PSAT The PSAT/NMSQT may not influence college admissions decisions, but the test matters in more ways than you might think. Amy and Mike invited educator and author Brian Stewart to discuss how and why to perform your best on the PSAT. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What role does the PSAT play compared to the SAT or ACT? What are some of the most common mistakes students make with the PSAT and how can they avoid them? What study strategies or prep resources are most effective for the PSAT? What are some ways students can effectively use the embedded Bluebook tools to do well on the PSAT? What kind of students should focus on the SAT and PSAT at the same time? 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 . 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 , in episode #383 to discuss , in episode #507 to discuss , and in episode #590 to discuss . Find Brian at . LINKS Brian’s PSAT Book: RELATED EPISODES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of and founder of , , and . Amy Seeley is the president of and . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, . /episode/index/show/testsandtherest/id/38214755

673. Preparing For A College Admissions Interview 09/09/2025

672. From Stage To Test: What Performance Teaches Us About Test Anxiety 09/02/2025

671. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: August 2025 08/29/2025

670. Intentionality On The Road To College 08/26/2025

670. Intentionality On The Road To College It’s been said that when we set an intention, somehow the world seems to magically come to meet us. Does that apply in college admissions? You'll never find out if you don’t try. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Ann Cadwallader to outline the impact of intentionality on the road to college. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does intentionality mean in the context of the high school experience? How does course selection tell a story? What really matters when choosing extracurricular activities? What does the choice to work or volunteer during high school signify? What are other facets of intentionality on the road to college? MEET OUR GUEST Ann Cadwallader, founder of , has worked in education for 35 years and has guided students through the college admissions process as an Independent Educational Consultant for nearly two decades. She holds a BS from Stanford University and an MBA from the University of Minnesota, and in 2020 earned the Certified Educational Planner designation — an achievement that reflects her deep expertise in college advising. Ann has personally visited 193 college campuses across the country, giving her firsthand insight into a wide range of schools and student experiences. Known for her calm, strategic approach, she is dedicated to reducing stress for both students and parents and helping families make smart, intentional choices—so students can tell their story with confidence and clarity. Ann can be reached at . LINKS RELATED EPISODES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of and founder of , , and . Amy Seeley is the president of and . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, . /episode/index/show/testsandtherest/id/37936250

669. College Essay Secrets 08/19/2025

668. STRATEGIES FOR THE COMPUTER-BASED ACT 08/12/2025

668. STRATEGIES FOR THE COMPUTER-BASED ACT Starting in September 2025, the ACT will be administered nationally both on paper and on digital devices. Should you take the ACT on a computer? If so, what do you need to know in advance? Amy and Mike invited educator Adam Snoza to review Strategies For The Computer-Based ACT. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What should test takers know about the digital interfaces? What are the differences in platforms between the in-school and national digital ACT? Even with the majority of test prep providers recommending the paper test, what are unique benefits to the digital test? What strategies can test takers employ to make digital testing easier? Can a student prepare a digital test if they are using paper tests in school or at home? 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 16 years in ACT test prep with 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 Instructional Mastery trainer (AIM) in all 6 certification areas: Basics, English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. Now, he is a trainer of the AIM 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 . 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 and episode 249 for a and in episode 298 to discuss . Find Adam at . LINKS RELATED EPISODES RELATED EPISODES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of and founder of , , and . Amy Seeley is the president of and . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, . /episode/index/show/testsandtherest/id/37772820

667. THE IMPACT OF DUAL ENROLLMENT 08/05/2025

667. THE IMPACT OF DUAL ENROLLMENT Imagine two models of education, one of which reserves opportunities for college credit for college students and another which allows high schoolers to also earn college credit. Which do you think most college-bound students would prefer? Amy and Mike invited admissions professional Audrey Moreno to explore the impact of dual enrollment programs. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is an early college high school? Are there different models of dual enrollment offerings? Why is access to dual enrollment programs so important? What makes dual enrollment such a powerful tool for increasing college access—especially for underserved students? What advice would you give to families or school counselors who are considering dual enrollment as an option? MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Audrey Delfina Moreno is a first-generation college student and Mexican American. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology from Northern Arizona University and completed her Ed.D. at Arizona State University in 2013. For the past 19 years, Audrey has worked in secondary and postsecondary education, focusing on credit recovery and Early College student populations. She began her career as a counselor in Title 1 charter schools in downtown and central Phoenix before transitioning to Director of Early College at Paradise Valley Community College, where she expanded dual credit opportunities and supported college planning programs for high school students. Now serving as Senior Director of National Bridge Partnerships within ASU’s Learning Enterprise, Audrey leads , overseeing partnerships with school districts, high schools, and community organizations to expand access to college credit through ASU’s Universal Learner Courses. She also spearheads Accelerate ASU: College Now, an initiative aimed at strengthening dual enrollment pipelines in collaboration with community colleges nationwide. Additionally, Audrey serves on the board of Home Schooling for College Credit, where she helps shape policies and strategies to increase access to early college opportunities for homeschooling families. She specializes in designing college credit pathways and is deeply committed to fostering equitable opportunities for high school students who aspire to earn college credit. Audrey can be reached at or on LinkedIn. LINKS RELATED EPISODES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of and founder of , , and . Amy Seeley is the president of and . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, . /episode/index/show/testsandtherest/id/37585675

666. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: July 2025 07/31/2025

665. HOW TO MANAGE PROCRASTINATION IN THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS 07/29/2025

665. HOW TO MANAGE PROCRASTINATION IN THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS Procrastination does not necessarily stem from laziness or disorganization. Sometimes, we put off important tasks to cope with negative emotions associated with their outcomes–perfectly understandable but highly undesirable when it comes to complex college applications and strict deadlines. Amy and Mike invited education consultant Michelle McAnaney to understand how to manage procrastination in the admissions process. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why do students procrastinate? Are there any benefits to procrastination? How does procrastination affect the college admissions process? What are the three types of college procrastinators? What can parents do to help their procrastination-prone student manage the task of applying to college? MEET OUR GUEST Michelle McAnaney is the founder of , a full service independent educational consulting firm that assists students and families across the US and internationally with the college selection and application process. Prior to founding The College Spy, Michelle was a school counselor and educator for more than 15 years, including serving as the Director of Guidance at two high schools, an adjunct college professor and a GED tutor. Michelle holds a master’s degree in school counseling and a bachelor’s degree in human development. She completed UC Irvine’s certificate program in educational consulting and is a MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) Certified Practitioner and a NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Master Practitioner. Michelle visits many colleges each year so that she has first-hand knowledge of the colleges and universities her clients will be considering. Find Michelle at LINKS RELATED EPISODES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of and founder of , , and . Amy Seeley is the president of and . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, . /episode/index/show/testsandtherest/id/37534690

664. TESTING GAMEPLAN FOR THE CLASS OF 2027 07/25/2025

663. ADMISSIONS NOTES FOR THE HS GRADUATING CLASS OF 2026 07/22/2025

662. COLLEGE ADMISSIONS FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE 07/15/2025

662. COLLEGE ADMISSIONS FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE The path for high school athletes seeking to play at the next level becomes more uncertain every year. The increasing complexity of college sports recruitment is matched only by the uncertainty of every other part of the application process. Amy and Mike invited college advisor Barb Smith to share answers about college admissions for the student athlete. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the primary mistake that student-athletes make when they go through the college selection process? What are common myths about the college selection process that trap student-athletes and their families? What changes in college sports have affected the college selection process for student-athletes in high school? How should these be navigated? How can families support their student-athletes in the college admissions process without adding too much pressure? What advice do you have for student-athletes and their families just starting the admissions process? MEET OUR GUEST Barb Smith is a former Division I college athlete, a 30-year former Division I college basketball coach, motivational speaker, author, entrepreneur, and advocate for all levels of leadership and teamwork. Having both played and coached at the college level, Barb knows that sports go beyond winning and losing. Having experienced the highs and lows and twists and turns both in sport and in life, Barb has learned the meaning of resilience. Her story is one of extreme highs, like winning conference championships and back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances, but also extreme lows, like not winning games or losing a player to spinal meningitis. Barb has shared these stories and others as she speaks on organizational principles, leadership, inclusivity, and team-building. Barb is the founder of Courtside Leadership, an organization that promotes leadership, teamwork, and team dynamics. She has authored , which details some of her research in building successful teams. Most recently, Barb founded Find My Team, a startup company that partners with aspiring high school student-athletes, parents, and coaches and empowers them with the knowledge necessary to make the college athletic recruiting process a positive, proactive, and successful experience. Barb majored in Health Education at The Ohio State University and earned her MBA in Organizational Behavior at Iona College in New York. She coached women’s basketball at Iona, Univ. of Colorado-Boulder, San Diego State, Univ of California-Berkeley, Univ. of Minnesota, Saint Louis University, and Illinois State. When not working, Barb enjoys family, nature, birding, cycling, traveling, attending sporting events, meeting new people, and playing with her two rescued greyhounds. Find Barb at or . LINKS RELATED EPISODES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of and founder of , , and . Amy Seeley is the president of and . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, . /episode/index/show/testsandtherest/id/37211990

661. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: VEGA AI 07/11/2025

660. HOW ARE POLITICAL CHANGES SHAPING HIGHER ED? 07/08/2025

660. HOW ARE POLITICAL CHANGES SHAPING HIGHER ED? The walls of academia have always seemed distant and distinct from the corridors of political power. But even the ivory tower isn’t safe during periods of dramatic societal change. Amy and Mike invited educator Dominique Padurano to explore how political changes are shaping higher education. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What have been some events that have catalyzed change in higher education during the past two years? What could be the biggest changes to US colleges and universities in the coming months? What impact have these developments had on international students? What are some academic considerations that families need to think about when building college lists now? What are some social and cultural items families might want to consider when building college lists now? MEET OUR GUEST Dominique Padurano has been helping students achieve their academic dreams for 27 years. After teaching history and Social Studies full-time at several elite New York high schools, she founded Crimson Coaching in 2014 to work one-on-one with students prepping for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT; striving to master academic content and skills in high school; and applying to college and scholarships. “Dr. P.,” as her students call her, does 98% of Crimson Coaching’s tutoring and coaching herself. She’s also an adjunct professor of Historical Studies at Empire State University, part of the State University of New York. Currently, Dominique’s at work on a how-to book tentatively titled, Writing College Essays That Work. Dominique appeared on the podcast in episode 373 to discuss and in episode 513 to discuss . Find Dominique at , , and info@crimsoncoaching.com. LINKS RELATED EPISODES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of and founder of , , and . Amy Seeley is the president of and . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, . /episode/index/show/testsandtherest/id/37300720

659. HOW MUCH AI IS JUST RIGHT IN THE COLLEGE ESSAY? 07/01/2025

658. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: June 2025 06/27/2025

657. DOES IT MATTER IF YOU TAKE CALCULUS IN HIGH SCHOOL? 06/24/2025

657. DOES IT MATTER IF YOU TAKE CALCULUS IN HIGH SCHOOL? If you’re applying as a STEM major or looking at selective colleges, there’s no question that you should consider taking advanced or accelerated math courses at the secondary level. The question instead revolves around which course to take. Amy and Mike invited researcher Adam Tyner to review whether taking calculus in high school is absolutely necessary. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are the typical pathways for showing math rigor in high school? Does the choice between calculus or statistics matter? In what cases would one of these choices be more advantageous to an applicant? Do students who have taken calculus in high school outperform their peers? Are their equity issues wrapped up in this decision? MEET OUR GUEST Adam Tyner is the national research director of research at the , where he helps develop and manage Fordham’s research projects. Prior to joining Fordham, he served as senior education analyst at Hanover Research, where he executed data analysis projects and worked with school districts and other education stakeholders to design custom studies. Adam has also spent several years leading classrooms, teaching English as a second language in both China and California and teaching courses at the University of California, San Diego. His work has appeared and been cited in national and international media such as The Economist, The New York Times, Forbes, Education Week, Education Next, and The Diplomat, as well as in numerous local outlets. Adam holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of California, San Diego, where he completed his doctoral dissertation on the integration of rural-to-urban migrant workers in China’s cities. He also holds a bachelor of arts in international studies from the University of Oklahoma. Adam first appeared on the podcast in episode 140 to discuss and in episode 295 to discuss . Find Adam at . LINKS RELATED EPISODES ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the . ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of and founder of . Amy Seeley is the president of and . If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to . /episode/index/show/testsandtherest/id/37000810

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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