About Akil Bello

“Getting In!” moderator AKIL BELLO is an education advocate and admissions expert with more than 30 years of professional experience in the field. 

Akil began his career in a truly hands-on fashion: he was a test tutor responsible for shepherding thousands of students through exams and training hundreds of instructors, always in the pursuit of empowering students to achieve educational success. 

Now, Akil is a highly sought-after speaker and frequently presents at high schools, colleges, and conferences about education, access, and preparation.  A nationally recognized authority on standardized testing, Akil has advised universities and currently serves as Senior Director of Advocacy and Advancement at FairTest: The National Center for Fair and Open Testing, where he is responsible for building resources and creating tools in support of the organization’s mission of advancing quality education and equal opportunity.

Akil is a contributor to Forbes, and was recently featured in two documentary films:“The Test and the Art of Thinking” and Netflix’s “Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal.” A staunch advocate for educational access, Akil has volunteered on the boards of schools and non-profit organizations and currently sits on the boards of ESPI and PASSNYC. 

Read Akil’s latest article in Forbes “The College Board Announces the Best SAT Since The Last SAT”

About Canobie Films

Following the roll out in 2018 of the Canobie documentary film, The Test & The Art of Thinking, college admissions tests became front page news.

“Getting In! with Akil & Friends” continues that conversation.

Canobie Films produces documentaries that primarily examine less well-known issues and persons, through a kaleidoscope of perspectives. Their films engage with art, education, and culture, and include: THE TEST & THE ART OF THINKING (2018), HATS OFF (2008), THROWING CURVES (2001), and MARTHA AND ETHEL (1994). which have been featured at the Sundance, Telluride, Palm Springs, Toronto, San Francisco, London, and Hong Kong film festivals, as well as numerous museums. MARTHA & ETHEL received a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, and a nomination for the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary.