701. TEST SCORES: THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS EDGE

701. TEST SCORES: THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS EDGE

Author: Amy Seeley & Mike Bergin January 13, 2026 Duration: 33:33
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
EducationCourses

Even as many competitive colleges are returning to test score requirements for admissions, many others remain at least nominally optional. What does the near future hold for testing, and who stands to gain from improved exam performance? Amy and Mike invited educator Phillip Bates to explore the college admissions edge of test scores.

What are five things you will learn in this episode?

  1. How significant are standardized test scores in today's increasingly holistic college admissions landscape?

  2. What strategies can students employ to maximize their test scores and gain a competitive edge in college applications?

  3. What are the benefits and drawbacks of test-optional policies?

  4. How has the importance of test scores in college admissions evolved over the past five years?

  5. What steps should students who are struggling with standardized tests but still aspire to attend competitive colleges take?

MEET OUR GUEST

Philip Bates is a lifelong learner and educator with an unwavering passion for equipping educators with the tools and strategies to help students transition from the classroom to college success. As Director of College Readiness at UWorld and host of the From Classroom to Campus podcast, he draws on 18+ years of experience as a teacher, principal, and education leader to equip educators with the knowledge and strategies to help students succeed in higher education. A dynamic speaker and advocate for college preparedness, Philip is committed to making the path to college more accessible and achievable for all learners.

Phillip can be reached at UWorld, through the From Campus To Classroom podcast, and on LinkedIn.

LINKS

Where Are Test Scores Required?

College Testing Plan for the HS Class of 2027

RELATED EPISODES

THE PREDICTIVE VALIDITY OF TEST SCORES IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

TESTING GAMEPLAN FOR THE CLASS OF 2027

WHO LOSES WHEN WE ABOLISH ENTRANCE EXAMS?

WHY TESTS MATTER: STUDENT PERSPECTIVES

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.

 


Navigating the complex world of college admissions can feel like a maze with ever-shifting walls. Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast, hosted by Amy Seeley and Mike Bergin, serves as a reliable guide through that maze. Instead of generic advice, their conversations delve into the nuanced realities of testing, admissions strategies, learning differences, and broader educational trends. They bring in leading experts to provide depth and clarity on the issues that matter most right now. Whether you're a parent trying to support your student, a counselor shaping guidance, or an educator within the system, this podcast offers substantive discussion that goes beyond the surface. Each episode aims to demystify the process, offering practical insights and thoughtful analysis. You'll hear honest talk about standardized tests, application essays, financial aid, and the many factors that shape decisions on both sides of the admissions desk. For anyone invested in understanding the journey to higher education-from students to consultants-this is a vital resource. Tune in for a consistently informative and straightforward take on an industry that affects so many futures.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
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