Tests and the Rest podcast

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.

EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: April 2026 - TestBright The Tests and the Rest podcast consistently focuses on exploring… Read more

Advanced Placement exams represent some of the most challenging subject-specific standardized tests a high schooler might ever take. Amy and Mike believe that every test warrants smart, serious preparation, so we invited educator Leann Westin to share valuable strategies, insights, and resources for getting ready for the AP Biology exam.

Getting Ready For The AP Biology Exam - TestBright Advanced Placement exams represent some of the most challenging subject-specific… Read more

Pressure is a privilege, according to Billie Jean King, who said it’s what you do with it that matters. Millions of students, however, may beg to disagree about the privilege part, and what many of them do with it impedes rather than elevates their performance. Amy and Mike invited ed tech specialist Deanna Oliver to explore what happens when academic pressure turns into behavioral issues.

When Academic Pressure Turns Into Behavioral Issues - TestBright Pressure is a privilege, according to Billie Jean King, who… Read more

It’s been said that pain in life is inevitable, but we can choose whether to suffer the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. How can we help learners make the right choice when enthusiasm or available time wanes? Amy and Mike invited educator Athena Savino to explore what motivates students in test prep.

What Motivates Students in Test Prep? - TestBright It’s been said that pain in life is inevitable, but… Read more

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant?

Meet Brooke Daly. Brooke is the founder and CEO of Advantage College Planning, a nationally recognized college counseling firm that has helped thousands of families navigate the admissions process with clarity and confidence. With more than 20 years of experience in college admissions and financial aid, Brooke works closely with students to develop thoughtful college lists and authentic applications that reflect their strengths and goals.

Brooke is an instructor in the College Counseling Certificate Program at the University of California, Berkeley, a past president of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), and the co-founder (along with her husband) of CollegePlannerPro, a widely used software platform for independent college counselors. She currently serves as Vice President of Education and Training for the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).
Through her work with families, counselors, and national organizations, Brooke is passionate about helping students find colleges where they will thrive!

IEC PROFILE: Brooke Daly - TestBright Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an… Read more

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant?

Meet Sarah Abaza. Cairo-based Sarah Abaza founded Quest Consulting to help international students find their path to universities across the U.S. and beyond. Before discovering her calling in education, she spent years as an entrepreneur, where she learned the value of curiosity, communication, and resilience — lessons she now brings to her students. With a background in political science and a lifelong love of writing, Sarah blends structure with storytelling in her advising approach. A mother of three, she guides each student’s journey with empathy and strategy. Sarah is a certified IEC (Independent Educational Consultant), and holds a certificate from UCLA. She is a member of IECA ( Independent Educational Consultants Association), NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling), and HECA (Higher Education Consultants Association).

IEC PROFILE: Sarah Abaza - TestBright Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an… Read more

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant?

Meet Ingrid Latham. Ingrid has been advising students on the college process since 2004. She enjoys learning about her students’ activities and how those might relate to ideas for majors and careers. Navigating the college process can be more manageable with Ingrid’s assistance in creating timelines for completing each task. In addition to college applications and essays, Ingrid also helps with high school and college course selection, which can be an excellent opportunity for students to explore different interests. Many of her students return for Ingrid’s advice on preparing their LinkedIn profiles and practicing for internship interviews.

Ingrid has a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Northwestern University, during which time she worked as a math and chemistry tutor. After working in engineering for seven years, Ingrid decided to follow her true calling of helping young adults to fulfill their dreams. Having lived and worked in a variety of settings, Ingrid has an extensive network of former colleagues and students who serve as great connections when her current clients want to learn firsthand information about a college or career.

Originally from Ohio, Ingrid was the captain of her high school’s swim team, a newspaper editor, and a baton twirler. Ingrid now lives in Wisconsin, where she enjoys nature, walking her dog, reading, rollerblading, and singing in a local chorus. A fun fact about Ingrid is that she was an announcer for her son’s high school and college lacrosse teams!
Find Ingrid at leaprogram.com.

https://gettestbright.com/iec-profile-ingrid-latham/

IEC PROFILE: Ingrid Latham - TestBright Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an… Read more

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant?

Meet Steve Tapper, who serves clients nationwide through Tapper College Counseling. Steve obtained his College Counseling Certificate with Distinction from UCLA and then served as a seasonal reader with the Emory University admissions office, where he analyzed students’ curriculum rigor and grades and assessed applications as a partner in the Committee-Based Evaluation process. Steve then worked as an essay specialist for College Essay Guy and with another college counseling firm before founding Tapper College Counseling.

Steve received a B.A. with Honors from Brown University, where he was on the swimming team, and a J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School. He also served as an alumni admissions interviewer for Brown. As an independent college counselor, Steve loves helping students position themselves for success (including taking the right classes and finding meaningful extracurricular activities), find great-fit colleges, and tell their stories in college applications.

Steve is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) and the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC). He also attended HECA’s Professional Development Institute and is certified by the Myers-Briggs Company to administer the Strong Interest Inventory and Strong Interest Inventory 244 assessments.

Steve lives in Atlanta with his wife. They have two children, a recent college graduate and a rising college senior, and a standard poodle named Zeke.

IEC PROFILE: Steve Tapper - TestBright Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an… Read more

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant?

Meet Beth Kraemer. Beth 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.

IEC PROFILE: Beth Kraemer - TestBright Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an… Read more

While the pain divorce can cause everyone involved is well known, less understood are the problems that only pop up when the FAFSA is due. Amy and Mike invited college financial prep expert Vicki Vollweiler to explain the impact of divorce on college admissions and financial aid.

The Impact of Divorce on College Admissions and Financial Aid - TestBright While the pain divorce can cause everyone involved is well… Read more

College admissions is serious business, doubly so if you want to study business at a selective institution. Fortunately, the very traits that presage corporate or entrepreneurial success contribute mightily to the application process. Amy and Mike invited independent education consultant Evan Green to explore how business-minded students can stand out in college admissions.

How Business-Minded Students Can Stand Out in College Admissions - TestBright College admissions is serious business, doubly so if you want… Read more

Yes, of course college students want scholarships. Who wouldn’t want their education funded in part or entirely with funds that don’t need to be paid back? But an astonishingly deep well of free money seems inaccessible to most applicants. Amy and Mike invited educator Leia LeMaster Horton to explore how to win scholarships.

How To Win Scholarships - TestBright Yes, of course college students want scholarships. Who wouldn’t want… Read more