The EdisonOS Podcast

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, an educator with 30+ years of experience in test prep and assessment design, 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.

In this episode, Sonia Bauer opens up about her transition from traditional classroom teaching to leading test prep at Chelsea Hall. She shares how the landscape has shifted with digital testing, and why tutors today need to be more adaptable than ever. Sonia discusses how personalization, encouragement, and realistic test practice can radically improve student confidence and outcomes. She also reflects on the importance of staying current with evolving test formats, connecting with students beyond academics, and the unique value tutors bring to families navigating high-stakes exams.

What happens when law school dreams crash during a recession? Charles accidentally became a test prep legend in Korea's $20 billion industry! Discover his shocking revelation about why students memorize entire exams the night before, how one bandage-handing volunteer got into Princeton, and the cultural secret that makes Korean test prep so different. This conversation will change how you think about standardized testing forever.

In this episode, Kenneth Brenner shares his journey from part-time tutoring to co-founding Delta Prep, offering insights into how the test prep industry is evolving. He reflects on the limitations of traditional materials, the rise of diagnostic-based tutoring, and how data-driven insights are improving student outcomes. Kenneth emphasizes the importance of customizing content to meet individual student needs, building student confidence through targeted practice, and creating scalable systems that empower tutors to focus on what matters most — teaching.