Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Samiya Cogmon , who founded Horizon Star Tutoring Co in 2019 with a mission to bring the joys of academic achievement to others… the confidence that you take into adulthood.  The vision was born long before the company was. Samiya tutored students throughout  high scho...

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Greg Hudson , an AP United States History teacher at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa. He earned his Masters in Social Studies Education from Truman State University and has been teaching this AP History for 17 years. He also teaches as an adjunct instructor...

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Stacey Howe-Lott , a 25-year teacher who now focuses exclusively on SAT and ACT test prep. She's been called the Dumbledore of SAT prep in the book The Perfect Score Projec t for creating customized score reports that can pinpoint students' weaknesses and help them ach...

Education is serious business but that doesn't mean that it can't be fun! Amy and Mike invited educator Julie Post to share the latest tips and tools for game-based learning. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is game-based learning? What makes game-based learning effective? What are some examples of effective game-based learning? How can educators implement game-based princ...

The foundations of higher education are shifting, often subtly but sometimes with seismic force. Case in point, a confluence of economic, societal, and demographic trends will almost assuredly lead to school closures. The big questions are "Which ones and when?" Amy and Mike invited educational analyst Gary Stocker to understand the complexities of assessing college financial viability. What are f...

Conventional wisdom holds that if you don't use it, you lose it, whatever "it" happens to be. But why do we forget information we've learned and how can we better retain it? Amy and Mike invited educational entrepreneur Tyler York to explain how to use spaced repetition for study success. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is spaced repetition? How does spaced repetition com...

Aspiring college students tend to commit abundant time and resources to learning all about specific schools and programs, yet remain oblivious to their own motivations and needs. Amy and Mike invited author Tracy Badua to comment on finding your authentic self in the path to college. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why is the concept of authenticity so central to discussions a...

The college search should ideally reflect a student's distinct preferences for learning and living environments, which can be particularly important for teens on the autism spectrum. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Eric Endlich to detail college admissions considerations for autistic students. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What specific aspects of autism might im...

Major transitions often result in major confusion for the unprepared. If you are–or support–a teen in the high school graduating class of 2025, the time to consider taking or skipping the new digital SAT is now! Amy and Mike invited educator Brian Eufinger to strategize a testing game plan for the class of 2025. What are five things you will learn in this episode? When will the digital PSAT and SA...

The only facts most college applicants know about scholarships for certain is that free money is awesome; everything else is subject to review. Amy and Mike invited scholarship expert Jocelyn Paonita Pearson to clarify four scholarship myths that keep students from winning awards. What are five things you will learn in this episode? When is the best time to apply for scholarships?  Do you need to...

We've long accepted that students tend to learn best through specific instructional channels based on their personal preferences. But do they really? Amy and Mike invited data scientist Stanislaw Pstrokonski to review the evidence on learning styles. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does personalization mean in the context of teaching and learning? What are the generally a...

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Maria and Tom Geffers of Career and College Counselors . With over 30 years in the education field involving levels from secondary to university in both the public and private school systems, Maria created various educational programs in regular and gifted education.  Mari...

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Wendie Lubic , a professional who brings a wealth of experience to her educational consulting. She is a Certified Educational Planner ( CEP ) and a professional member of IECA , NACAC and PCACAC and has taken classes in Independent Educational Consulting at UC Irvine. Wend...

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Dana Ponsky , who began her career in education more than 20 years ago as a student at the University of Maryland where she earned a degree in American Studies, a graduate degree in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University, and a post-master's certific...

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Kristin Cocquyt , a seasoned college admission expert with nearly 20 years of experience in the field - on both the college and high school sides of the desk. As an Assistant Director of College Counseling and Director of College Counseling at two private high schools, Kri...

Happiness is elusive in this world, particularly for anyone going through massive growth and change. As we seek successful, stress-free lives of our own, we parents, educators, counselors, and everyone else who deal daily with adolescents should strive to be part of their solutions, not their troubles. Amy and Mike consulted a wide range of knowledgeable experts to share their insights into suppor...

There are all kinds of colleges and universities in this wide world, which is lucky for all those different kinds of aspiring college students! Amy and Mike consulted a wide range of college admissions experts to share their counsel on which types of students thrive at different types of schools. What are nine things you will learn in this episode? What type of student thrives in an urban college...

Applicants find themselves more confused than ever by current test-optional admissions policies; how do you know if "optional" really applies to you? Amy and Mike invited college counseling expert Judi Robinovitz to explore the complexities of whether to submit test scores or not. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the difference between test optional and test blind? What...

Higher education might be the priciest purchase in a person's life. So why are there still so many questions about when and how to put money aside for that specific expense? Amy and Mike invited financial planner John Skomski to share strategies for investing in college. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Is it reasonable for families to expect the full cost of college to be cove...

Empowering Students To Succeed In Life Through Private, Personalized Tutoring with educators Eva Addae and David Blobaum What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the story behind Summit Prep? What differentiates Summit Prep? What kinds of students work best with Summit Prep?  What kinds of outcomes do Summit Prep students experience?  What else should someone curious about Summ...

Coaches often claim that we play like we practice. Unfortunately, we don't always replicate our best practice results when it counts. Amy and Mike invited educator Brooke Hanson to discuss what to do when a test score disappoints. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How can test takers determine expectations for test score increases at the outset? What factors should be considered...

The college admissions process can provoke a lot of anxiety, not just in students but in every other person with a stake in uncertain outcomes. Does submitting applications have to be this hectic? Amy and Mike invited high school counselor Candace McMahon to share guidance on destressifying the college admissions process. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is overwhelming st...

Discover the power of Niagara University with Alison Boland and Kyle Schwindler What are five things you will learn in this episode? Where is Niagara University located and what are its demographics? What types of students feel most at home at Niagara University? What is the energy or vibe like on campus? What are the strengths of Niagara University? What is something most people don't know about...

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Meredith Bagwill , the owner of Total College Prep, LLC . Meredith has 28 years of experience in education. Total College Prep, LLC. provides comprehensive tutoring services that enable students to improve test scores, navigate college admissions, and excel in academic...

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Kailey Ossanna , the proud owner of KO Tutoring, the test prep company she founded in August 2020. She is a graduate of Campbell University, receiving her BS in Biology. Kailey's path to KO Tutoring has had many interesting stops. From her time as an officer in the Uni...