About This Episode
In this episode of EDU Unlocked, Ashish Fernando sits down with Mike Bergin, President of Chariot Learning & Creator of TestBright SAT/ACT Curriculum System, to unpack the realities of standardised testing and its role in today’s college admissions landscape.
With experience spanning over 700 conversations with test prep professionals and college consultants, Mike brings a deeply informed perspective on what’s really driving admissions decisions.
He explains why “test-optional” policies are often misunderstood and talks about the “Submitter Advantage,” where students who submit SAT or ACT scores are admitted at significantly higher rates. The conversation also explores the growing selectivity of colleges and why test scores continue to serve as a critical signal of student readiness.
Mike also highlights the evolving role of technology in test prep, emphasizing how AI can streamline operational tasks while human connection remains essential for meaningful student outcomes.
This episode offers a clear, practical perspective on navigating admissions strategy, understanding testing dynamics, and staying competitive in an increasingly complex higher-ed environment.
Host & Guest
Mike Bergin
GuestMike Bergin is an educational entrepreneur, veteran test preparation expert, and college admissions thought leader with more than 30 years of experience helping students, families, educators, and counsellors navigate the evolving admissions landscape. He is the Founder and President of Chariot Learning, a leading SAT and ACT preparation company, and the creator of the TestBright SAT/ACT Curriculum System, which supports schools, counsellors, and educational organizations nationwide.
Throughout his career, Mike has designed, developed, and delivered test preparation programs for thousands of students. Before founding Chariot Learning in 2009, he held leadership and instructional roles with major education organizations including Kaplan Test Prep and Huntington Learning Center.
Mike is also widely recognized as a voice in the college admissions industry. He co-hosts the popular "Tests and the Rest" podcast, where he has conducted hundreds of conversations with admissions experts, educational consultants, and test preparation professionals. His insights on standardized testing, college admissions trends, and student readiness have made him a respected resource for educators and families across the country.
In addition to his work with students and schools, Mike has served as President Emeritus of the National Test Prep Association and is a frequent speaker, trainer, writer, and consultant on college admissions and educational strategy.
Key Highlights:
1. Founder and President of Chariot Learning, a leading SAT and ACT test preparation company
2. Creator of the TestBright SAT/ACT Curriculum System used by schools and educational organizations
3. 30+ years of experience in education, test preparation, and college admissions
4. Former leader and instructor with Kaplan Test Prep and Huntington Learning Center
5. Co-host of the "Tests and the Rest" college admissions industry podcast
6. President Emeritus of the National Test Prep Association
7. Recognized expert in standardized testing, admissions strategy, and student readiness
8. Has conducted and drawn insights from hundreds of conversations with college admissions and test prep professionals worldwide
Ashish Fernando Founder & CEO, EDMO
HostAshish Fernando is the visionary founder and CEO of EDMO, a revolutionary educational technology platform that's transforming how people learn and grow. With over 15 years of experience in education and technology, Ashish has dedicated his career to making quality education accessible to learners worldwide. Before founding EDMO, Ashish held leadership positions at several prominent EdTech companies and worked as an educational consultant for Fortune 500 companies. He holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Master's in Computer Science from MIT. Ashish is a frequent speaker at educational conferences and has been featured in publications such as EdTech Magazine, Learning & Development Today, and TechCrunch. He's passionate about the intersection of technology and human potential, believing that the right tools can unlock extraordinary learning outcomes for everyone. Under his leadership, EDMO has grown to serve over 100,000 learners globally and has partnerships with leading educational institutions and corporations. Ashish continues to drive innovation in personalized learning, adaptive assessment, and educational analytics.
Key Achievements:
1. Founded EDMO in 2019, now serving 100,000+ learners globally
2. Named 'EdTech Innovator of the Year' by Learning Technology Awards 2023
3. Featured speaker at Global Education Summit 2024
4. Published researcher in educational technology and learning analytics
5. Advisor to multiple EdTech startups and educational initiatives
Show Notes
- 1 0:00 – Welcome to Edu Unlocked & Meet Mike Bergin
- 2 3:05 – How Mike Found His Calling in Test Prep
- 3 5:05 – Growing Up in a Culture Obsessed with Exams
- 4 6:49 – Are Standardized Tests Still Relevant Today?
- 5 7:20 – What SAT and ACT Scores Reveal Beyond GPA
- 6 10:23 – How Test Scores Can Compensate for Lower Grades
- 7 12:06 – The Admissions Industry's Test-Optional Dilemma
- 8 12:36 – Why “Optional” Doesn't Always Mean Optional
- 9 14:29 – The Submitter Advantage in Competitive Admissions
- 10 15:36 – Should Schools Pay for Test Prep?
- 11 19:02 – Can Wealth Buy Better Test Scores?
- 12 22:44 – The Truth About Perfect SAT Scores
- 13 25:25 – How Technology Democratized Test Prep
- 14 30:00 – Why AI Won't Replace Great Teachers
- 15 37:01 – The Human-in-the-Loop Future of Education
Key Quotes
"The tests matter. They're designed to measure the reading, writing, and problem-solving skills that colleges value and students need to succeed."
"Students who earn top scores don't just show up. They work. They grind. They put the same level of commitment into it that elite athletes and performers put into their craft."
"Whoever does the work does the learning. Students cannot delegate the learning part to their AI."