In this episode, Samer shares his deep approach to tutoring, explaining how he breaks down every concept into granular levels to ensure students master each type of problem. He discusses how parents can balance budgets with quality by finding experienced tutors and even getting creative, such as pairing siblings for shared sessions. Samer also emphasizes that transformation in learning happens best in small, focused groups where students receive personalized attention.

In this episode, Elizabeth Breau, a writer, private tutor, and former classroom teacher with a doctorate in English literature, shares her journey from teaching in schools to building a thriving SAT and ACT tutoring practice. She discusses the challenges of the digital SAT, the importance of quality practice materials, and her approach to customizing study plans for each student. Elizabeth also shares tips on managing test anxiety, building confidence, and the role of repetition in creating consistent high scorers.

Mike Wagner shares his unconventional journey from burned-out high school history teacher to dual-market education entrepreneur! He reveals how quitting his job, selling his car, and moving to Argentina with just his German Shepherd led to meeting his wife and discovering his true calling. Wagner now runs both Wagner Prep for private clients and Epic Mentoring for NYC public schools, explaining how COVID's chaos actually became his business breakthrough by normalizing virtual tutoring overnight and expanding his reach globally. Plus insights on why schools prioritize cost over results, his "humans over algorithms" philosophy that uses tools like Notability and Highscores strategically, and how the college admissions arms race creates impossible expectations where students never know when "enough is enough."

In Part 2 of our conversation with Ben Paris, we continue exploring the evolving world of standardized testing and test prep. Building on insights from Part 1 (Episode 258), Ben dives into the impact of adaptive digital testing, the evolving role of tutors in the AI era, and why foundational skills still matter more than shortcuts. He unpacks how the SAT’s digital shift is changing prep strategies, what tutors need to focus on now, and how to keep test prep meaningful in an increasingly tech-driven world. As always, Ben brings clarity, nuance, and a refreshingly honest take on what works—and what doesn’t.

In this episode, Ben Paris, long-time SAT and GRE educator and author of Test Prep Sanity, unpacks decades of insights from inside the standardized testing industry. He discusses the psychology of test anxiety, the myths around “test-optional” admissions, and why he believes good test prep is about building skill, not shortcuts. Ben reflects on the value of intentional practice, the limits of AI in learning, and how tutors can keep their teaching aligned with what actually moves student scores. With a sharp eye on policy trends and student well-being, Ben offers a grounded perspective on what’s changing — and what shouldn’t — in the world of college admissions prep.

In this episode, Ganesh Chittari, SAT and ACT tutor at The Princeton Review, shares how his background in data analytics shaped his unique approach to test prep. He explains how he built custom tools to automate progress tracking and lesson planning, giving tutors a more efficient way to personalize instruction. Ganesh reflects on the limitations independent tutors face when working without data-driven systems, the evolving role of AI in education, and why human intuition still matters. He also offers insights into teaching at scale, adapting to new test formats, and what it takes to thrive as a remote tutor in a structured test prep ecosystem.

In this episode, Dr. Leslie Gruis shares her multifaceted journey from working at the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command to tutoring students in SAT, AP, and STEM subjects. She discusses the critical role of privacy in today’s digital world, the growing urgency for cybersecurity talent, and how tutoring helps build that future pipeline. Dr. Gruis opens up about adapting to the digital shift in test prep, the power of simulated practice, and the importance of empathetic, individualized teaching. Her unique approach blends national security insights with nurturing student development—especially in math and critical thinking.

Amie shares her remarkable journey from Princeton screenwriter dreams to test prep mastery, plus her recent gender transition and business rebrand! She reveals why she's always loved standardized tests "weirdly," her philosophy of balancing fun with high expectations, and how rebuilding from scratch taught her that authenticity trumps perfection. Plus insights on the digital SAT, Desmos mastery, and why 90% word-of-mouth growth beats any marketing strategy.

John shares his inspiring leap from 20-year classroom teacher to full-time test prep entrepreneur! He reveals how word-of-mouth built his national client base, why the first test is just "data gathering," and his game-changing approach of being "time aware, not time dependent." Plus insights on the enhanced ACT's rocky debut, mastering Desmos without overdoing it, and his philosophy of teaching independence over dependence that creates 35-scoring superstars.

Chris shares his wild journey from snake-obsessed teenager to cancer survivor to test prep tutor! He reveals why digital SATs make students panic-click through answers, his detective-like approach to diagnosing each student's specific weaknesses, and drops a shocking prediction about AI making tutors obsolete. Plus insights on building confidence over cramming and why reading comprehension is the real test prep battleground.