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.

756. GUIDANCE FOR WRITING A STRESS-FREE COLLEGE ESSAY 09/15/2026

755. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: MentoMind (Fall 2026 Updates) 09/11/2026

THROWBACK: ANXIETY AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS 09/10/2026

754. WHAT STUDENT RESEARCH MATTERS THE MOST TO COLLEGES? 09/08/2026

754. WHAT STUDENT RESEARCH MATTERS THE MOST TO COLLEGES? The apprenticeship model of academia requires more than just passive learning from students. How can applicants seeking entry to selective programs demonstrate that they have the ability and ambition to contribute to their desired fields? Amy and Mike invited professor Robert Malkin to consider what student research matters the most to colleges. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are the different forms of research high school students have access to? Why are in-person lab experiences becoming increasingly valuable for high school students? What are the biggest mistakes students make when trying to find research or lab opportunities? How can students approach professors, universities, or labs even if they don’t have prior experience? What makes a research experience truly meaningful from a college admissions perspective? MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Robert Malkin is a Professor of the Practice of Biomedical Engineering and Global Health, Emeritus at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of the International Research Institute of North Carolina. Previously, he was the Herbert Herff Professor of Biomedical Engineering at The University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee, and The University of Tennessee. Before moving to Tennessee, Dr. Malkin was a professor of Electrical Engineering at The City College of New York and a member of the graduate faculty at The City University of New York and a research associate at Columbia University. Dr. Malkin was the founder and Director of Engineering World Health and The Global Public Service Academies, organizations dedicated to improving healthcare in the developing world. Dr. Malkin received his MS and PhD in Electrical Engineering from Duke University in 1993. Prior to attending graduate school, Dr. Malkin taught English in Thailand, worked at EM Microelectronics in Switzerland designing integrated circuits, worked for Cordis Corporation designing pacemakers, and worked for Sarns Incorporated designing heart-lung machines. Dr. Malkin served as an expert advisor to the World Health Organization’s Advisory Group on Healthcare Technology, Advisory Group on Innovative Technologies, and on the World Health Organization’s subcommittee on medical equipment donations. Dr Malkin received the BS degree in Electrical Engineering from The University of Michigan in 1984. Dr. Malkin has received numerous awards, including service awards from The Republic of Nicaragua; EM Microelectronics and Cordis Corporation. He was named an Engineering Hero Award by IEEE and received an Outstanding Faculty Research Award from The College of Engineering, an Established Investigator Award from the American Heart Association, and an award for Innovation and Excellence in Undergraduate Education from The President of The City College of New York. Currently, he serves as the Founder and Executive Director of IRI, wherein they provide STEM remote research opportunities to students around the world with the goal of empowering young minds that can potentially advance human knowledge, especially through their peer-reviewed journal publications. Bob 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/42732020

THROWBACK: BRINGING CRITICAL BALANCE TO HIGH SCHOOLERS' LIVES 09/03/2026

753. MAKING THE FIRST COACHING SESSION MATTER 09/01/2026

752. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: August 2026 08/28/2026

751. ARE SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS DEAD? 08/25/2026

751. ARE SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS DEAD? Even in the Common App era, completing college applications can feel like an interminably long and complex process with far too many permutations from one school to another. But some schools are announcing what appear to be efforts to eliminate application bloat. Are they really, though? Amy and Mike invited independent education consultant Beth Kraemer to answer the question, “Are supplemental essays dead?” What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why are some colleges eliminating supplemental essays, and do their stated reasons tell the whole story? Are supplemental essays simply another application hurdle? What additional information is elicited through supplemental essays? Which schools have eliminated supplemental essays heading into the 2026-27 admissions cycle? How should applicants determine whether they should write optional essays? MEET OUR GUEST Beth Kraemer is the co-founder of In College Consulting and has spent more than a decade helping families navigate the increasingly complex world of college admissions. With a background in journalism, education, and law, she brings both storytelling expertise and strategic thinking to her work with students. Beth earned a journalism degree from Northwestern University, a master’s degree from The Ohio State University, and a J.D. from the UCLA School of Law. She first became involved in admissions as a Northwestern alumni interviewer. She is a Professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and regularly visits campuses to stay current on admissions trends. In addition to her consulting work, Beth serves on the board of the Pinpoint Scholars Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access and leadership in STEM education. Beth previously appeared on this podcast in episode 715 for an . Beth 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/42502860

750. TEST PREP PROFILE: Eric Rath 08/21/2026

749. TEST PREP PROFILE: Amy Brooks 08/20/2026

749. TEST PREP PROFILE: Amy Brooks Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Amy Brooks, the founder of Amy Brooks Tutoring, an academic tutoring and test prep practice serving K–12 students and families both in person and online. With over 30 years of experience in education, Amy specializes in standardized test prep for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and ISEE, along with academic tutoring and educational consulting for families from homeschool, private school, and public school backgrounds. Amy graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Spanish. Her professional background includes corporate IT consulting and training, classroom teaching in both public and private schools, directing an area homeschool group, and enjoying 15 years of homeschooling her own four children. She is a member of the National Test Prep Association and is committed to providing the highest level of professionalism and expertise in test prep coaching, helping students develop both the strategies and confidence needed to succeed on standardized exams. Amy and her husband, Taylor, have been married for 31 years. Their four children graduated from their homeschool and went on to attend Texas A&M University and Abilene Christian University. Today, Amy enjoys being a lifelong learner and encouraging students to grow in academic confidence as they discover how they learn best and pursue their future goals. She and Taylor are also delighted in their newest role as grandparents. Find Amy at . 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/42456460

748. TEST PREP PROFILE: Bobby Nicholson 08/19/2026

747. TEST PREP PROFILE: Mishkaat Rawjee 08/18/2026

746. TEST PREP PROFILE: Myles Múnera-Keating 08/17/2026

745. WHY ARE SOUTHERN COLLEGES SO POPULAR? 08/11/2026

745. WHY ARE SOUTHERN COLLEGES SO POPULAR? 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 drawing more applicants? Are students happy at Southern colleges once they get there? What should students who aren’t from the South know about attending Southern colleges? MEET OUR GUEST Mark Stucker has spent more than 25 years helping students and families navigate one of life's most important decisions: finding the right college fit. Throughout his career, he has worked in college admissions, boarding school admissions, and college counseling across independent, public, and charter schools, as well as in private practice, guiding more than 2,000 students from all 50 states through the admissions process. His philosophy is simple but powerful: every student deserves a college that is both the right academic and personal fit—and one that is financially attainable for their family. Mark's career has included leadership roles at Westtown School, where he served as Associate Director of Admissions, chaired the admissions committee for five years, and worked extensively in college counseling. He later spent more than a decade with KIPP Metro Atlanta, building and leading college counseling programs that helped approximately 70 students each year successfully transition to college. In 2010, he founded , an educational consulting firm dedicated to helping students identify their best educational opportunities. Widely recognized as a trusted voice in college admissions, Mark is the author of and the founder, co-host, and producer of the podcast, which has become Apple's most-listened-to podcast in the Education for Kids category. His expertise is informed by visits to more than 350 college campuses and professional involvement with organizations including IECA, NACAC, and SACAC. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Summer Institute for College Admissions and Stanford University's Counselor Outreach Program. When he's not talking college admissions, Mark enjoys traveling, golfing, gardening, reading, exploring different cuisines, and following college and professional sports. He and his wife of 35 years are the proud parents of two successful daughters, and his passion for helping students discover their futures continues to shape the advice and insight he shares with families across the country. Mark can be texted at 404-664-4340. 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/42309165

744. HOW TO DEFINE A DREAM SCHOOL 08/04/2026

744. HOW TO DEFINE A DREAM SCHOOL 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 when evaluating whether a college is truly the right match for a student? What is a hidden gem college and what characteristics do these institutions tend to share? What indicators should families look for when assessing a college's ability to prepare students for meaningful careers? MEET OUR GUEST Jeff Selingo is a New York Times bestselling author of four books on education and the job market, including his newest, (September 2025). Based on more than two years of research and a survey of some 3,000 parents, the book gives families permission to think more broadly about what signals a “good” college and then the tools to discover their dream school. His previous book, , was named one of the New York Times’s 100 Notable Books of the Year in 2020. For more than twenty-five years, his in-depth reporting and storytelling have provided practical insight about the future of higher education and the workforce to university leaders, corporate executives, as well as students and parents. Jeff has talked before scores of colleges, businesses, healthcare organizations, and financial services companies and helped leaders understand what’s next for education and how companies can better compete for talent, especially among today’s Gen Z. He has appeared at the Milken Global Institute, LinkedIn, Ohio State University, Salesforce, Spain’s Bankinter Innovation Foundation, the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions, and Deloitte, as well as before the boards of Carnegie Mellon University, the Duke Endowment, and Amherst College, among others. As both an observer of higher education and an insider with an academic appointment at one of the largest universities in the country, Jeff occupies a unique position to explain the intersection between work, life, and learning. He writes regularly for The Atlantic, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. His research focuses on the changing nature of work and its impact on education, paying for college, the student experience, and shifting expectations for what the public and employers want from colleges. He is co-host of the podcast, Future U., and writes a biweekly newsletter, Next. Jeff is a special advisor to the president and professor of practice at Arizona State University, where he is the founding director of the Academy for Innovative Higher Education Leadership. He has also served as a visiting scholar at Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities. In addition, Jeff regularly counsels universities and organizations on strategy. Previously, Jeff was the top editor of the Chronicle of Higher Education, where he worked for sixteen years in a variety of reporting and editing roles. His work has been honored by the Education Writers Association, Society of Professional Journalists, and the Associated Press. He received a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. He is a member of the board of trustees at Ithaca College and the board of directors of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). He lives with his wife and two daughters near Washington, D.C. Jeff previously appeared on this podcast in episode 126 to discuss . Find Jeff at https://www.jeffselingo.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/42280905

743. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: July 2026 07/31/2026

742. WHY COLLEGE FLASH ISN’T FIT 07/28/2026

742. WHY COLLEGE FLASH ISN’T FIT 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 “potential” show up in the college process, and why can it be misleading? What do students needing to define their own criteria actually look like in practice? If a student is building a list right now, what important mindset shift should they adopt? 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 previously appeared on this podcast in episode 670 to discuss . 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/42200945

741. WHAT IS AN IEC AND WHO NEEDS ONE? 07/21/2026

741. WHAT IS AN IEC AND WHO NEEDS ONE? 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 counselor-to-student ratios make individualized support difficult? At what point in a teen’s academic journey can IECs be most valuable? What else do IECs offer beyond application coaching? What does a qualified, ethically grounded IEC practice look like in today’s landscape, and how should educators and school counselors help families evaluate who they choose to work with? MEET OUR GUEST Stephanie Simpson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), the leading professional organization representing independent private college and career counselors who support students and families navigating postsecondary education pathways. Previously, she served as CEO of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), the world's largest and oldest professional association dedicated to helping middle school educators cultivate the potential and possibilities of young adolescents. Stephanie’s nearly 15 years of association leadership experience includes senior roles at the American College of Cardiology and the American Psychiatric Association. She holds a JD from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and a BA from DePaul University. Stephanie can be reached 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 the 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/42052750

740. DECODING STUDENT LOANS 07/14/2026

739. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Desmos SAT Math Course 07/10/2026

738.WHAT COLLEGES AREN’T TELLING YOU 07/07/2026

738.WHAT COLLEGES AREN’T TELLING YOU 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 scenes to find their next class of students — and why does every family need to know this? What is one thing every college-bound teen should start thinking about immediately? MEET OUR GUEST Reetu Gupta is the co-founder and CEO of Cirkled In, the #1 student portfolio platform connecting students with colleges, internships, jobs, and scholarships. Under her leadership, Cirkled In has seen remarkable growth, empowering over a million and a half students to showcase their full potential beyond test scores and gain access to life-changing opportunities. A recognized leader in EdTech, Cirkled In has received prestigious national and global accolades, including the Grand American Business Awards (Top 10 Companies in the U.S.) and Elite 200 by GSV (Top 200 Global EdTech Companies). The platform has also been featured in national and local media for its role in transforming education and workforce development. Before founding Cirkled In, Reetu spent 15 years in corporate America, working across startups and Fortune 50 companies. She holds an MBA (Valedictorian) from the University of Washington, along with MS and BS degrees from India. Her entrepreneurial excellence has earned her a spot on Forbes NEXT1000 as an inspiring entrepreneur, as well as the "Female Entrepreneur of the Year" award. A firm believer that education is the most powerful tool for change, Reetu is on a mission to modernize this 100+ year-old industry and ensure that every student has access to the opportunities they deserve. Reetu 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/41940115

737. TAKING A HIGH-STAKES TEST AT HOME 06/30/2026

737. TAKING A HIGH-STAKES TEST AT HOME 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 taking a high-stakes test in your home? How does the CLT compare to the SAT or ACT? MEET OUR GUEST Brian Eufinger graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis in May 2004. While an undergrad, he enjoyed working as a teaching assistant for Political Science 101, a resident advisor (RA), and as a volunteer paramedic with WashU’s Emergency Support Team. Brian is frequently invited to speak about test prep, college admissions, and scholarships at PTSA meetings at Atlanta-area high schools as well as Edison Prep’s free parent meetings. Brian serves on the Board of Directors of the National Test Prep Association. He is an active member of Washington University’s Young Alumni chapter in Atlanta, as well as the WashU Alumni Admissions Interviewer Program. Brian was our guest to discuss (#28), (#131), and (#271) (#432) and (#550), and (#593). He hosted the show and facilitated our (#100). Find Brian at . LINKS RELATED EPISODES G 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/41809930

736. EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: June 2026 06/26/2026

735. BEACH READS FOR BETTER SCORES 06/23/2026

735. BEACH READS FOR BETTER SCORES According to Henry Ward Beecher, there is a temperate zone in the mind, between luxurious indolence and exacting work; and it is to this region, just between laziness and labor, that summer reading belongs. Teens willing to spend time in this region will benefit from much more than just the sheer pleasure of a good book. Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Marina Yalon to dive into beach reads for better scores. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What's wrong with the "harder is better" reading approach? What's the benefit of contemporary fiction? What kinds of skills can students build from reading contemporary fiction? Do beach reads really have SAT vocabulary words? What are some book recommendations for summer reads? How should parents approach helping teens find the right book? MEET OUR GUEST Marina Yalon is the founder of MYPrep, a virtual tutoring company dedicated to taking the stress out of SAT and ACT prep. With deep expertise in both exams and nearly two decades spent coaching students to achieve their goal scores, she brings a highly individualized approach to test prep—meeting each student where they are and building from there. Through sessions, students build test (and life!) confidence. She's the kind of tutor students want to tell their friends about. Marina loves working with all kinds of learners, and her sessions are as likely to end with a book recommendation as a practice set. An avid reader with a soft spot for plot-twists and unreliable narrators, she's thrilled when a student gives her a new addition to her ever-growing TBR list. Her philosophy: it's all figure-out-able! Marina previously appeared on this podcast in episode 233 for a . Marina can be reached at https://www.learnwithmyprep.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/41629800

734. COLLEGE ENROLLMENT TRENDS FOR 2026 AND 2027 06/16/2026

734. COLLEGE ENROLLMENT TRENDS FOR 2026 AND 2027 If you’ve been paying attention over the last year, you’ve observed tremendous change, chaos, and uncertainty roiling higher education. Behind the scenes, things are even crazier than they seem, which affects every single applicant. Amy and Mike invited educational consultants Aly Beaumont and Meg Joyce to unpack college enrollment trends for 2026 and 2027. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the big theme for college admissions right now? What two pathways do students need to decide between in selective admissions? How are adverse economic conditions affecting colleges and financial aid? What are the unforeseen benefits to applicants from the endowment tax? How can students and families navigate the current enrollment climate? MEET OUR GUESTS Aly Beaumont is the founder of , 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 in this objective can be measured by both the growing number of referrals she receives and the repeat business from family members. Aly is also a founder and advisor to , 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 Kenyon 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 , in episode 341 to discuss , in episode 406 to discuss , in episode 537 to discuss , and was the subject of an . 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, talking to alums to learn about their time on campus and later volunteering for many years as an alumni interviewer. Meg works with Aly at Admissions Village helping students and their parents navigate every step of the college search and application process. A self-professed 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. She likes to say she treats every student as she would want her own child to be treated (she’s got four grown ones of her own). Meg is a Professional member of IECA, a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), and has a certificate as an independent educational consultant from the University of California, Irvine. Meg and Aly previously appeared in episode 630 to discuss . Find Aly and Meg 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/41612650

733. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: The Gauntlet 06/12/2026

733. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: The Gauntlet The Gauntlet: Harder Questions, Higher Scores What are five things you will learn in this episode? What's the story behind The Gauntlet, and what problem inspired it? How does The Gauntlet solve the challenge of managing prep material and what's actually in the library? How does the new tutor dashboard streamline day-to-day student management? What is The Gauntlet’s pricing model, and how does it alleviate changes in student utilization. For tutors who are already invested in different resources, what makes The Gauntlet worth trying? ABOUT THE GAUNTLET From the very first student he tutored, John McDowell has been on a single mission: get his students the highest scores possible. That obsession exposed a problem he couldn't ignore—free and official prep materials simply weren't hard enough. A student returning from test day complaining that the test was "much harder than the practice tests" isn't just a letdown; it's a bad rap for a tutor. So he built the answer himself: The Gauntlet Today, The Gauntlet offers the most rigorous SAT prep in existence, anchored by on Amazon: a Math Challenge, a Verbal Challenge, and now a Vocabulary Challenge built from the most frequently repeated SAT words. Built on a proprietary pedagogy that has delivered an average gain of over 70 points from a baseline SAT Reading and Writing score of 660, the platform delivers the 300 hardest SAT verbal and math questions available anywhere, full-length and section-only mock tests, Mr. John's famous high-frequency vocab and must-know math flashcards, and 3,000+ categorized drill questions—every one written and vetted by six published content experts, not AI, with new content added each week. Now is opening The Gauntlet to private tutors and agencies with its next leap forward: a tutor dashboard that serves as a true command center. Tutors can assign content from the full library—or their own custom drills, quizzes, and practice tests—to individual students or entire cohorts, track performance in real time with at-a-glance metrics like days to test, score deltas, target gaps, and each student's weakest area, and schedule homework effortlessly with an industry-first drag-and-drop calendar view. Students get automatic inbox reminders on due dates, and with a built-in command palette and persistent messaging, everything tutors need lives in one place. And the best part is the pricing: industry-first prorated billing per student. Most test dates don't fall at the end of the month, so why pay for a student's access for days they'll never use? It can save tutors thousands compared to other platforms—and tutors can even let students pay for their own access, with account connection still a breeze. Built by an SAT specialist with a transparent record of one-on-one success and an MA in Applied Linguistics, The Gauntlet is for students chasing top percentiles—and the tutors who get them there. Learn more at . To find out more, please contact . 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/41581740

732. STRATEGIZING YOUR TESTING AND ADMISSIONS TIMELINE 06/09/2026

732. STRATEGIZING YOUR TESTING AND ADMISSIONS TIMELINE A great many tasks need to be accomplished successfully in order to secure a seat at a selective college. Luckily, they don’t all need to be done at once, but proper timing makes a world of difference. Amy and Mike invited educator Eric Greenberg to discuss the finer points of strategizing your testing and admissions timeline. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why is it important for students and parents to assess testing plans by the end of 10th grade? By when should students strive to earn their best SAT or ACT scores? What are the dos and don'ts regarding choosing between the SAT and ACT? How should different rounds of applications (ED1, ED2, Rolling, RD, etc.) impact the "SAT, ACT, or neither" decision? Why is it crucial for students to understand the short-term and long-term implications of application submission dates? MEET OUR GUEST is a leading educational services expert. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Business School and is a graduate of The Fieldston High School in Riverdale, New York. Since establishing the Greenberg Educational Group in New York City in 1991, Greenberg and his team have helped thousands of students, of all ages, achieve their academic goals. provides students and families with the tools needed to help achieve their educational aspirations. The team offers highly acclaimed Strategic Educational Advising & Application Essay assistance for all levels of a student’s education, Test Preparation services, and Subject-Specific Academic Tutoring. Greenberg Educational Group's clients include students in elementary & middle school, high school, college, and graduate school, both domestically and internationally. Eric 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/41571135

731. FINANCIAL AID HORROR STORIES 06/02/2026

731. FINANCIAL AID HORROR STORIES Getting into your top choice college may feel like a dream come true, but figuring out how to pay for it can turn into a nightmare, especially when you don’t know what you’re doing. Amy and Mike invited financial aid expert Howard Freedman to recount some financial aid horror stories. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How can transferring assets to reduce assisted living costs hurt a student? How can failing to report reportable assets on a financial aid form reduce financial need? What is the impact of grandparents giving money to their grandchildren for college? How can failing to establish accountability lead to family stress? How can getting a jump on financial aid forms turn into a timely mess? MEET OUR GUEST Years after founding Financial Aid Consulting, Howard Freedman was recruited to oversee the ACCESS Program at Boston Public Schools. This position broadened his experience by providing financial aid services and scholarships to over 2,700 high school seniors at more than 20 schools. Consequently, he received a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He graduated from the College Board’s Financial Aid Institute and completed ongoing training with experts from college financial aid and admissions departments. This helped me gain a better understanding of how these organizations are taught and operate. He was a member of the Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MASCA) and the Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA), where he connected with college representatives and guidance counselors to gain diverse perspectives on higher education and student support. Howard assumed leadership roles in professional organizations while also becoming a public speaker and author for national publications on general topics and college-related issues. A substantial collection of his articles and podcasts is available at . He is also a highly regarded author of three editions of . For over twenty years, he has consistently empowered his clients by teaching them how to make objective decisions to evaluate the most affordable colleges and other forms of career development. He is also an author, comedian, podcaster, financial analyst, public speaker, and friend to his clients. Howard 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/41483455

730. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: StudySpaces & Assessiv 05/29/2026

730. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: StudySpaces & Assessiv What if your PDFs could grade and track themselves? with educator Jam Mirzakhalov, Vinny Madera, and Aaron Golumbfskie What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the story behind StudySpaces? How does StudySpaces work? What is the story behind Assessiv? How did the StudySpaces and Assessiv collaboration come together? How is this combination a net benefit for everyone in test prep? ABOUT STUDYSPACES AND ASSESSIV StudySpaces is the home of modern tutoring, the one platform test prep and tutoring companies use to run their curriculum, assessments, and student experience in one place, all branded as their own. StudySpaces has now merged with Assessiv, the hand-curated SAT content library built by veteran test prep experts Aaron Golumbfskie of PrepMatters and Vinny Madera of TestPrepWizards. It brings the best tutoring platform and best-in-class content under one roof. Every plan includes a free SAT library: 5 adaptive mock exams and 175+ worksheets, 2,500+ questions in all, ready to assign on day one. Inside the platform, tutors organize and tag their content their own way, then assign quizzes, drills, and full-length mock exams to one student or a whole cohort in a single click. Everything is auto-graded on submit, with scoring, pacing, and weak-area analytics flowing straight back to the tutor, and branded parent reports going out automatically. Because the platform is fully white-label, students and parents experience it as the tutoring company's own product, never StudySpaces. StudySpaces doesn't compete with tutors, it powers them. As a strategic ACT partner, StudySpaces also delivers official ACT practice tests, and it works whether students test digitally or on paper. Paper-based programs still get every test scored, with the same analytics and parent reporting as digital. SSAT, ISEE, and more are rolling out alongside, plus the option to bring in custom content for any exam (AP, GRE, MCAT, and beyond). To learn more, reach out to Jam at jam@studyspaces.com or book a call at . 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/41464020

729. HOW COLLEGES USE AI IN ADMISSIONS 05/26/2026

729. HOW COLLEGES USE AI IN ADMISSIONS With everyone in the world angling to access the benefits of artificial intelligence without succumbing to the plentiful pitfalls of excessive automation, you’d expect higher ed administrators to explore every way possible to harness tech for more accurate and efficient student selection. And you’d be right. Amy and Mike invited ed tech professional Ashish Fernando to examine how colleges use AI in admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does AI actually look like inside an admissions office today? Why are data silos a problem across educational institutions? Does AI lead to less bias in admissions decisions or more? Where is the human advantage in making admissions decisions? Looking ahead five or ten years, what will separate the colleges that survive and thrive from the ones that struggle? MEET OUR GUEST Ashish Fernando is the Founder & CEO of EDMO, an AI-powered education technology company that provides enrollment solutions to higher education institutions. With an education background from Bentley University, Ashish has spent the last several years building intelligent tools that automate document evaluation, streamline enrollment workflows, and enhance student engagement. Growing up in an education-focused family inspired his mission to make global admissions more accessible, transparent, and efficient. A member of the Forbes Technology Council and a frequent higher-ed speaker, Ashish also hosts the podcast, where he brings together leaders driving innovation in universities. His work reflects a simple philosophy: use AI to empower institutions and create better experiences for students worldwide. Ashish 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/41405025

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

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