Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

Amy Seeley & Mike Bergin
  • 4.8 (44)
  • Courses
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 3d ago

    EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: August 2026

    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? Why is Mike headed to NYC during a busy month? What big project did Amy complete? What is a habit Amy and Mike are trying to build or break? What's coming up in the next month for Amy and Mike? We definitely want to respond to listener questions in our next EXTEMP episode, so reach out to us on social media or get in touch through our contact page. Let's get this Tests and the Rest mailbag rolling! LINKS Tutor: Perfectionism is About Fear Seeley Test Pros/ LEAP HSPT On-Demand Course RELATED EPISODES EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: July 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: June 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: May 2026 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: April 2026  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.

  2. 6d ago

    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 IEC PROFILE. Beth can be reached at incollegeconsulting.com.   LINKS The Admissions Funnel Is Clogged. Here's How to Fix It. Some Colleges Drop Supplemental Essays for 2026–27 Fall 2027 Essay Question - UGA Admissions Georgia Tech Simplifies First-Year Admission Application by Removing Supplemental Essay UVA removes supplemental essay prompt from 2025-2026 undergraduate application RELATED EPISODES COLLEGE ENROLLMENT TRENDS FOR 2026 AND 2027  WHY THIS COLLEGE, WHY THIS MAJOR? WHY OPTIONAL STATEMENTS AREN'T OPTIONAL 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.

  3. Aug 21

    TEST PREP PROFILE: Eric Rath

    Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Eric Rath is the founder and president of Rath Tutoring, where he's spent the last decade building a remote test-prep and academic tutoring practice. His career in test prep goes back nearly twenty years, with senior business and instruction roles at some of the field's best-known names — Applerouth, ArborBridge, and Revolution Prep — before he struck out on his own in 2016. A UC Berkeley graduate, Eric is a frequent speaker on testing, assessment, and education, presenting everywhere from individual high schools to admissions-industry organizations like NACAC and IECA. He works with students across the full range of exams — the SAT, ACT, and TOEFL; graduate tests like the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT; and private high school entrance exams — and he's known for a calm, practical, jargon-free approach that takes the anxiety out of the process. Find Eric at info@rathtutoring.com. 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.

  4. Aug 20

    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 https://www.amybrookstutoring.com. 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.

  5. Aug 19

    TEST PREP PROFILE: Bobby Nicholson

    Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Bobby Nicholson. Bobby is the founder of Outliers ACT Prep, a Knoxville-based education company helping students achieve measurable, life-changing score increases on the ACT. What began as one-on-one tutoring has grown into a multi-coach, team-based program used by students and schools across the region, known for its data-driven diagnostics, proprietary coaching app, and five-point composite score guarantee. Beyond test prep, Bobby is building a broader ecosystem around education, character development, and long-term human flourishing. He is a co-contributor of the FLOY project (Future Leaders of Yesterday), a multi-decade project to design a practical "life curriculum" that teaches young people how to think clearly, build strong relationships, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and pursue lives that are happy, free, and fit for the good of others. Bobby is an entrepreneur, systems-builder, and lifelong student of learning science, psychology, and philosophy, with a particular interest in how motivation, meaning, and skill-building intersect. When he's not working with students or building new education programs, he enjoys endurance training, cooking ambitious meals, reading widely, and designing new tools to help people grow. Find Bobby at bobby@oaprep.com. 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.

  6. Aug 18

    TEST PREP PROFILE: Mishkaat Rawjee

    Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Mishkaat Rawjee. Mishkaat is the owner of Mishmath, a solo tutoring business that focuses on one-on-one academic and test prep tutoring for the SAT, ACT, GRE, and K–12 math. She has an undergraduate and master's degree in computer science, but quickly realized that sitting at a desk all day wasn't for her. Tutoring started as a way to make extra money and naturally turned into a full-time career—and she's been doing it ever since. Mishkaat understands today's students and the constant distractions they're navigating with social media and the internet. She genuinely enjoys finding new ways to learn and teach, and she believes tutoring has to evolve with the times. When a student recently introduced her to an AI-based SAT platform, she encouraged it rather than dismissing it—seeing it as part of the future of education and something that can be used thoughtfully to support learning. Running her own tutoring business has given Mishkaat the freedom to explore, travel, and design a lifestyle that works for her. She works roughly half the year in the U.S. and half in India, using different time zones to her advantage while teaching students around the world. The flexibility tutoring offers, both professionally and personally, is something she deeply values. When she's not tutoring, Mishkaat enjoys traveling, hiking, long walks, and cooking. Find Mishkaat at https://mishkaatrawjee.com/. 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.

  7. Aug 17

    TEST PREP PROFILE: Myles Múnera-Keating

    Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Myles Múnera-Keating. Myles graduated early from Stanford University with a BS in Mathematical and Computational Science, concentrating on statistics and machine learning. His deep enthusiasm for numbers and probability, coupled with talents in writing and standardized testing, makes him a versatile educator who supports students across a wide array of domains from math and science to the humanities to college applications. Myles's approach is not only about helping students master content: he coaches them through developing the effective learner habits essential for academic success. Bringing an incredible breadth and depth of knowledge to the table, Myles has a unique ability to demystify even the most challenging subjects, making learning both accessible and enjoyable. He equips students with executive functioning skills they can rely on both in and out of the classroom, fostering a mindset and skill set that enables them to engage meaningfully with material, manage their workload, and thrive. While Myles tutors in many subject areas, his favorite kind of engagements involve working closely and holistically with students experiencing significant emotional and academic challenges. Find Myles at myles@nowtestprep.com or https://nowtestprep.com/contact. 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.

  8. Aug 11

    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 School Match 4U, 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 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admissions Questions and the founder, co-host, and producer of the Your College-Bound Kid 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 The Lure of the South: Why More Students Are Heading South for College The Rising Popularity of Southern Colleges RELATED EPISODES THE FLUTIE EFFECT IN ADMISSIONS  ATTENDING A LARGE PUBLIC UNIVERSITY  THE BENEFITS OF JOINING A FRATERNITY  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.

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About

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.

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