Amy Seeley & Mike Bergin
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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...
Based on 6 episodes we listened to · September 2026
It turns admissions pressure into manageable choices, with careful attention to procrastination, preparation and the practical conditions surrounding high-stakes tests.
Amy Seeley and Mike Bergen turn college admissions into a series of practical decisions rather than one looming ordeal. Their guest conversations move from test format and calculator choices to college essays, dual enrollment and procrastination, with questions that keep…
Paper don't glitch: Amy and Mike give your ACT screen-versus-paper decision a surprisingly practical case.
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Short reviews from the PlayNext desk, based on the episodes we processed.
A practical look at why admissions work gets postponed, and what that delay can reveal.
This episode treats procrastination in admissions as a workflow problem, not a character flaw. Amy Seeley and Mike Bergen talk with Michelle McEnany about why application work rarely yields to a last-minute sprint: the forms take time, the essays take time, and waiting until the…
Small platform choices can save time and friction on the computer based ACT.
Strategies for the computer based ACT stays practical and focused on test day decisions. Amy Seeley and Mike Bergen walk Adam Snoza through the choices that can matter in the moment: which calculator option to use, when the answer eliminator is worth the clicks, and why a…
A practical look at Class of 2027 testing choices, with paper-versus-digital ACT decisions at the center.
The episode follows the testing plan for the Class of 2027 and introduces Brian Eufinger before settling into a plainspoken look at the ACT. The case for paper is laid out simply: digital testing brings device trouble, while paper is treated as the safer option for now.
A grounded take on essays, supplements, and why perfection is not the whole game.
College essays are treated as one part of admissions, not some hidden shortcut. Susan Knappow keeps the coaching side practical, and the hosts stay focused on the questions that matter: where essays carry weight, how supplements shift the picture, and why trying to polish every…
A practical look at how quickly summer testing windows can narrow for rising juniors and seniors.
This episode focuses on the squeeze around summer testing and how Amy and Mike lay out the timing for rising juniors and seniors. The point is plain: students aiming high, including those chasing National Merit-level goals, have to fit around a narrowing run of SAT and ACT…
A clear look at how dual enrollment can widen college planning options.
The episode gives a practical tour of dual enrollment and shows how far the model has moved beyond a single local community college route. It covers online options, classes tied to high schools, and arrangements through nearby or remote institutions, while Audrey Moreno's…
Campus radio from the wrong side of reality.
Campus decisions, Northeast news, and Northeast priorities.
How research culture changes in practice.
Conversations from inside the IT channel.
This episode explores what public education owes to advanced students through an interview with education policy expert Dr.
This episode explores how the Japanese concept of Ikigai can help students choose a college major, featuring retired admissions professional Peter Pitts discussing his experience and approach.
This episode explores what the CSS Profile is, featuring an interview with financial expert Brian Eister who helps families navigate college funding without sacrificing retirement.
Amy and Mike discuss Amy's struggle with chronic laryngitis during a busy month in education and testing, including its impact on her work and social interactions.
This episode explores how test scores provide an edge in college admissions, featuring an interview with education expert Philip Bates about his background and insights into test preparation and student success.
This episode features an interview with Paul Glastris, editor-in-chief of Washington Monthly and founder of its Alternative College Rankings, discussing the best colleges for tuition dollars and his background as a journalist and presidential speechwriter.
This episode features an interview with Allison Slater, a former college admissions officer, discussing how students can effectively prepare for college admissions interviews to make strong impressions and gain advocates.
This episode explores how divorce affects college admissions and financial aid, featuring expert Vicki Vollweiler who specializes in helping divorced and blended families navigate these challenges.
Two experienced test prep professionals discuss their busy summer, changes in tutoring loads, and the personal satisfaction of working directly with students.
This episode explores how business-minded students can stand out in college admissions, featuring insights from Evan Green, a college consultant with a background in entrepreneurship and business.
This episode features an interview with math educator Dan Roeder, discussing the causes and solutions for math anxiety in students.
This episode features an interview with scholarship expert Leah Lemaster-Horton discussing strategies for winning scholarships and improving test scores for college admissions.
This episode features an interview with Scott Clyburn, founder of North Avenue Education, discussing his background in education and coaching for academic success through test preparation and study skills.
Amy and Mike discuss how the test preparation industry has evolved to become a year-round busy endeavor, particularly noting the hectic January schedule compared to past years.
The hosts celebrate the 700th episode of their education-focused podcast with special guest Scott Greenspan, discussing test preparation and their industry experiences.
This episode explores innovative ways to use 529 college savings plans with expert Joanne Dashiell, who shares her background in financial aid and higher education.
This episode profiles test prep professional Jonah Fishel, who specializes in helping students with learning differences prepare for the SAT and ACT through virtual tutoring.
This episode profiles Lucy Zhang, an education professional who started a tutoring company connecting American tutors with Chinese students and later purchased A-plus Test Prep and Tutoring, discussing her background and entry into the education industry.
This episode profiles test prep professionals Dani Fleischer and Kevin McCormick, who discuss their backgrounds as middle school teachers and their tutoring company Steel Trap Tutoring, focusing on SAT and ACT preparation.
This episode profiles Angie Kelley, founder of Land Run Learning, discussing her test prep company's mission to help high-performing students achieve their academic goals through personalized tutoring.
Amy and Mike discuss their recent travels, including a trip to Universal Studios, while sharing their expertise in education and test preparation.
This episode explores the basics of liberal arts colleges, featuring insights from an admissions expert with experience at Franklin and Marshall College and connections to Division III athletics.
Two test prep experts and a university admissions counselor discuss the best and worst extracurricular activities for high school students applying to selective colleges.
Amy and Mike discuss their busy test preparation schedules, recent trips, and the challenges of managing tutoring during peak testing seasons like the August SAT and September ACT.
This episode explores how federal policy changes impact financial aid, featuring an interview with financial aid expert Ed Recker from Sally Mae.
This episode features an interview with Jam Mirzakalov, founder of Study Spaces, discussing how his company uses AI and LLMs to help students prepare for exams by converting study materials into practice questions.
This episode features educational consultant Lisa Hillhouse discussing how parents can effectively support their children through the college admissions process without hindering their progress.
This episode features an interview with certified educational planner Jamie Smith about planning for college transfers, covering her expertise in admissions, application essays, and non-traditional applicants.
This episode explores how students can unlock automatic scholarships using PSAT, SAT, and ACT scores, featuring an interview with Dr.
This episode features an interview with test prep expert Brian Stewart discussing strategies and reasons for performing well on the PSAT, drawing from his extensive experience in educational consulting and test preparation.
This episode explores how performance experience can teach strategies to manage test anxiety, featuring an interview with Christine Gengelhoff, a musician and educator.
This episode explores what makes a great college town through an interview with Ryan Allen, an expert in higher education and urbanism.
This episode features an interview with Mike Sattel, founder of Sattel Tutoring, discussing overlooked test taking skills and his extensive experience in SAT preparation and educational materials development.
This episode explores how to determine if you need a college consultant, featuring an interview with independent educational consultant Jodi Rosenschein-Atkin who discusses finding the right college fit.
This episode features test prep experts discussing the importance of calculators on the SAT and ACT, with insights from experienced tutors and industry professionals.
Amy and Mike discuss their experiences at the NTPA conference in San Diego, reflecting on networking, panel presentations, and the challenges of conference life.
This episode features a discussion with Mentomind representatives about how tutors are currently using their educational platform and its ongoing development.
This episode explores how foreign language proficiency can serve as a superpower in college admissions, featuring an interview with language expert Rochelle DeMeo.
This episode explores how female students benefit from female educators through mentorship, confidence-building, and representation in fields like test preparation and STEM.
This episode explores the concept of intentionality in college admissions with guest Ann Cadwalader, an experienced educational consultant who shares her background and insights on helping students navigate the process strategically.
This episode explores cultivating and recognizing academic curiosity through an interview with Matthew Jaskol, founder of Pioneer Academics, discussing his background and initiatives for empowering students.
Amy and Mike discuss their busy lives in test preparation and education, reflecting on podcast production schedules and their work with students.
This episode profiles Roman Marchenko, an ACT test prep professional who transitioned from being a high school social studies teacher to full-time tutoring after the pandemic.
This episode features education experts discussing how students can use clarity about their majors and career paths to unlock more scholarships and college financial aid.
Hosts Amy Seeley and Mike Bergen interview Dr.
College essay expert Susan Knappow reveals the hidden Common App prompt, explains why students shouldn't try to be clever in their essays, and shares practical frameworks for writing effective personal statements.
Amy and Mike discuss their recent travels, with Amy sharing stories from Ireland and Mike exploring local breweries.
Hosts Amy Seeley and Mike Bergen interview Adam Snoza, an ACT expert, about strategies for the computer-based ACT, covering differences between testing platforms, timer issues, calculator options, and practical tips like using scratch paper.
Hosts Amy Seeley and Mike Bergen interview Brian Eufinger on creating a testing game plan for the class of 2027, covering the transition from legacy to enhanced ACT, the role of Algebra 2 in timing, and the implications of optional science sections and test-optional policies.
Hosts Amy Seeley and Mike Bergen interview Michelle McEnany, founder of The College Spy, about managing procrastination in college admissions.
An interview with Deanna Oliver about using AI to support youth mental health in schools, focusing on proactive early support.
Hosts discuss student motivation in test prep with guest Athena Savino, founder of Top Marks Prep.
An interview with independent educational consultant Brooke Daly about her college planning business and background.
An interview with independent educational consultant Sarah Abaza about her journey into college consulting and her work with students.
Hosts interview an independent educational consultant about her journey from engineering to tutoring and college consulting.
Hosts Amy Seeley and Mike Bergin discuss the digital SAT and their experiences with College Board's Maureen Foreman.
Hosts Amy Seeley and Mike Bergin discuss their recent travels and personal experiences, setting up a conversation about test prep and college admissions.
Hosts Amy Seeley and Mike Bergin discuss the latest issues in testing, admissions, and education, with this episode focusing on their personal reflections and industry insights.
Hosts Amy Seeley and Mike Bergin discuss the latest issues in college admissions testing and education, starting with a recap of a recent industry conference.
Hosts discuss the importance of college interviews with a former UVA admissions director.