Once you decide whether you’ll take the SAT or ACT for college admissions and scholarship purposes ( you probably should ), you’ll need to make critical decisions about timelines for prep and testing. Amy and Mike invited educator Jim Reinish to answer the age-old question: “When should you take the SAT or ACT?” What are five things you will learn in this episode? When should high schoolers plan to prep for and take the SAT and/or ACT? How do current testing timelines differ from the old testing...
May 17, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 333
All About Mathchops: Higher Scores, Less Work, More Fun with educator Mike McGibbon What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the story behind Mathchops? How does Mathchops work? Who currently uses Mathchops? What kinds of outcomes do users experience? What should someone curious about Mathchops know about it? ABOUT MATHCHOPS Mathchops helps students earn higher scores in much less time through adaptive games. Continually updated, its questions target the most common skills fr...
May 15, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 332
Donating time and effort to important causes and underserved populations can have a tremendous positive impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. But the act alone may not influence a college or scholarship application if not properly recorded. Amy and Mike invited ed-tech entrepreneur Michele Pitman to look at challenges in Tracking Student Community Service. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why is community service important for students? What is the impor...
May 13, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 331
Not everyone who attends a school has the same experience. For those with temporary or chronic disabilities, some campuses are more welcoming than others. Amy and Mike invited college consultant Annie Tulkin to review college admissions considerations for students with physical challenges. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What physical challenges might impact a traditional college experience? How are high school accommodations different from college accommodations? Why are ca...
May 10, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 330
High stakes testing can often be depicted as a duel of sorts between a test and a test taker. However, other elements and agents can influence the outcome of this battle, sometimes to the detriment of nervous testers. Amy and Mike invited ed-tech executive Jordan Adair to share findings on how proctors can reduce test anxiety. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How do students generally react to online proctored exams? What are the main causes of student anxiety during proctore...
May 06, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 329
As we observe over and over, the cost of college increases every year. But if you think that additional funding is going to faculty, you are probably wrong. Amy and Mike invited independent counselor Jane Gabin to explore concerns about college staffing trends. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does it mean to be an adjunct professor? Are all part-time faculty the same? Is it a bad thing to have an adjunct professor? Are full-time faculty more stable? Is there a link betw...
May 03, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 328
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Tom Ehlers is the founder and president of Method Learning. He is a passionate believer in online learning and has spent the last 18 years developing effective teaching methods that have helped thousands of students significantly raise their ACT and SAT test scores. Over 1,000 schools around the world use Method Test Prep’s online learning platform to provide all students...
Apr 29, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 327
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? Meet Julie Blumenfeld , who has been helping students in Brooklyn and Manhattan improve their performance on standardized tests and in their math classes for over 25 years. While she taught middle school math in NYC private schools, trained early education majors at Brooklyn College to teach math and helped them pass the math section of their certification exam, provided professional de...
Apr 28, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 326
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? Meet Julie Post , the owner and primary instructor at Brain-Grow Education . As an undergrad, she attended Columbia University and designed the first Education major there, graduating summa cum laude. She then moved on to Harvard University where she earned her Ed.M in Education. Julie has been teaching full-time for 18 years. She is a firm believer in hard work, implementing effective ...
Apr 27, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 325
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? Meet Justin M. Menda , who has been a tutor and academic coach for 11 years. He holds a B.A. in psychology and a Master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a Master’s in biomedical science from Drexel University. Through his work on standardized test prep and academic support, he uses his background in cognitive psychology to help students meet their goals by ...
Apr 26, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 324
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Olivia Jones , a native of Huntsville, AL who has lived in Eufaula, AL for the last ten years. She graduated from the University of Alabama in 2011 with a degree in Secondary English Education. After teaching at Eufaula High School for five years, Olivia decided to further her education and, in 2019, graduated from Faulkner Law School. While awaiting her results from...
Apr 25, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 323
Most investors scrutinize and strategize for every fractional point of return they can muster. Yet, one major expense–sometimes, the largest single bill in a person’s lifetime–seems to be held above such petty considerations as ROI. Does that make sense? Amy and Mike invited educational researcher Martin Van Der Werf to clarify the data on return on investment in college. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does return on investment (ROI) mean in the context of higher educa...
Apr 22, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 322
When evaluating grades and test results, we take for granted that most high schoolers know how to read and look to other reasons to explain poor performance. But what if language comprehension and decoding skills really are the problem? In the second of a two-part series, Amy and Mike invited Erica Meltzer to share strategies for improving reading skills with struggling teens. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What interventions can help slow readers? What is the link between ...
Apr 19, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 321
The fact that selective admissions has become more and more of a high-stakes competition has never been more apparent than it is today. While competition inspires the best in some people, the struggle for extremely scarce and precious resources brings out the very worst in others. Amy and Mike invited authors Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman to delve into the depths of college admissions insanity. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What inspired the authors to write Girls With ...
Apr 15, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 320
Gender and sexuality are often assumed to be similar concepts, but they are definitely not the same. Since teachers and tutors depend on building strong rapport with students to facilitate learning, shouldn’t some preliminary learning take place about how these factors play into self-image and identity? Amy and Mike invited gender specialist Rebecca Minor to clarify what educators should understand about gender. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What about gender is important ...
Apr 12, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 319
The Chinese philosophical concept of yin and yang describes how forces that appear opposite or contrary may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world. Can we observe this concept at work in the highly unnatural world of college admissions? Amy and Mike invited educator Belle Liu to explain the relevance of yin and yang in college admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How would you describe a Yin-Yang Philosophy? Does this school...
Apr 08, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 318
In every country around the world, some student is dreaming of pursuing higher education at an English-speaking university. Admissions exams like the SAT and ACT may evaluate specific reading and writing skills, but say nothing about broad fluency, especially in regard to listening and speaking English. Luckily, another test assesses English as a foreign language very well. Amy and Mike invited testing expert Michael Knab to tell us all about the TOEFL. What are five things you will learn in thi...
Apr 05, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 317
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Eileen Sullivan Studdert , owner of Performance Prep & College Admissions in western Connecticut, is a rigorous academic who loves empowering students in their college-bound journey. She helps students reach top test score potential and builds upon their test success to assist them in crafting unique and compelling college applications. Eileen began her career in magazine...
Apr 01, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 316
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? 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 spe...
Mar 31, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 315
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST A college and graduate school admissions advisor, Stuart Nachbar founded Educated Quest in 2014 to help students and their families consider academic options for majors, minors, and various career paths, college costs, resume building, essay development, and admissions interviews. Stuart is a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), the New Jersey Associ...
Mar 30, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 314
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Barbara Pasalis , one of a small percentage of counselors across the nation to earn a Certificate in College Counseling from U.C.L.A. Ext. In addition, she completed the Summer Training Institute of the Independent Educational Consultants Association. In 2003, Barbara launched Northcoast Educational Consulting . In 2010, Barbara became one of fewer than 150 counselors na...
Mar 29, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 313
Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Lee Norwood is a successful entrepreneur and a published author with two bachelor’s degrees in Business/Marketing and English from Elon University. Her energy, connections, humor, knowledge, and talents are expanding our reach and bringing amazing partners to the Annapolis College Consulting family. Lee excels at connecting with students and bringing out the best in them, inc...
Mar 28, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 312
When evaluating grades and test results, we take for granted that most high schoolers know how to read and look to other reasons to explain poor performance. But what if language comprehension and decoding skills really are the problem? In the first of a two-part series, Amy and Mike invited Erica Meltzer to share strategies for improving reading skills with struggling teens. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the Simple View of Reading? What are the major signs of a de...
Mar 25, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 311
When Yogi Berra observed, "It ain't over till it's over," he wasn’t talking about college admissions. He may as well have, though, as even an initial deferral or rejection need not spell the end of the application process. Amy and Mike invited educator Brooke Hanson to reveal the secrets of successful letters of continued interest. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is a letter of continued interest or LOCI? Who should consider sending a LOCI? When is the right time to sen...
Mar 22, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 310
Of all the factors in the college admissions process, few seem as subjective or elusive as the interview. Do these even happen any more? Amy and Mike invited author Richard Montauk to explain how to prepare for a college admissions interview. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How common are college interviews, and which schools most rely on them? Who usually conducts college interviews? Do interviews have a substantial impact upon admission decisions? What advice do you have f...
Mar 18, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 309
College represents one of those backwards pursuits where buyers sell themselves to vendors before they even know the price of enrollment. Is the admissions process really disengaged from economic reality, or do applicants have more agency than they realize? Amy and Mike invited college cost advocate Mark Salisbury to share the finer points of negotiating a financial award letter. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What does a financial award letter look like? What are the diffe...
Mar 15, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 308
The interaction between tutor and student must always be more than just an automated recitation of facts to a passive learner. An educational collaboration rarely succeeds when a learner lacks motivation or a teacher lacks experience. Amy and Mike invited educator Anthony Celino to clarify all the reasons you want to work with a career tutor. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What distinguishes career tutors from part-timers? How does a long-term commitment to education influe...
Mar 11, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 303
Every person has particular psychological and cognitive attributes that reveal their beliefs, values, and goals. Believe it or not, schools possess the same, and some institutions have learned the value of understanding themselves and their students. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant David Viggiano to explain the influence of psychographics in college admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are psychographics? Why do educational institutions need understan...
Mar 08, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 306
Most college searches focus on factors like majors, rankings, and cost but ignore most of the features of a school that define the college experience. Amy and Mike invited educational expert Moira McCullough to explore overlooked aspects of campus life. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why should prospective students pay attention to the social and cultural components of a college experience? What are the consequences of a bad campus fit? What aspects of campus life tend to b...
Mar 04, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 305
Most of us live within a carefully planned budget, where we spend based on anticipated costs and expenses. But how can we predict the cost of a college application when the numbers involved are so hard to read or even find? Amy and Mike invited researcher Laura W. Perna, Ph.D. to explain all about net price calculators. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is a net price calculator, and why are they important? Does every college have a net price calculator and where can you ...
Mar 01, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 304
