The EdisonOS Podcast

In this episode, Anna Moss, founder of Mind the Test, reveals why she starts with diagnostic tests to create genuine student motivation rather than jumping into curriculum. Drawing from her linguistics research on test bias, she challenges the minimal homework trend by assigning up to three hours weekly while maintaining high completion rates through personalized resources.Anna explains her method for distinguishing real skill gaps from testing mistakes, discusses how Desmos has eliminated her use of the quadratic formula, and addresses why most "careless errors" actually signal content overwhelm. She also shares her AI experiments for generating practice content and explains why tutor-student chemistry ultimately matters more than credentials when parents choose test prep support.

In this episode, Linford, a history and philosophy scholar turned SSAT specialist, reveals why the "old-fashioned" SSAT remains one of the most demanding standardized tests for seventh and eighth graders—testing content that many ninth graders haven't even studied yet. He shares his serendipitous journey from teaching in Jerusalem to discovering that middle school test prep students are often more hardworking and advanced than their high school counterparts, and explains the stark differences between families seeking SSAT preparation versus SAT tutoring.Linford discusses the surprising reality of COVID's lasting impact on English education, revealing that many current high schoolers don't know basic grammar concepts like FANBOYS conjunctions that tutors could take for granted just five years ago. He also addresses the increasingly complex landscape of curriculum sensitivity in conservative areas, where classic books like "To Kill a Mockingbird" face censorship, forcing tutors to navigate delicate conversations with parents about reading materials. From his "marathon versus sprinter" homework philosophy to why the official EMA practice package remains the only resource worth paying for, Linford offers practical insights into preparing students for one of the most rigorous middle school assessments in American education.

In this episode, Ann Pham, an education veteran and a volunteer tutor for trauma survivors and low-income families, reveals her unconventional approach that achieved a 200-point SAT increase in just three weeks with her first private client. Drawing from her extensive background in brain teasers and critical thinking puzzles, she explains how she transforms traditional test prep through games, escape rooms, and physical activities that engage students' natural learning patterns.Ann discusses her three-category diagnostic system for identifying whether students struggle with foundational knowledge, reasoning gaps, or executive functioning issues, and shares why she encourages solving math problems by hand rather than relying on Desmos calculator shortcuts. She also reveals her vision for democratizing education by helping high-achieving students from all backgrounds access quality instruction, explaining why she believes brilliant students should attend community colleges rather than just elite institutions, challenging traditional assumptions about educational prestige and accessibility.

In this episode, Gus Elmashni, high school math teacher and test prep veteran, reveals the internal conflict every educator faces when switching between teaching beautiful mathematical reasoning and efficient test-taking shortcuts. Drawing from his data science background, he explains his diagnostic-driven approach that identifies exactly where students waste time per question—data that typical practice tests don't provide.Gus discusses why leveraging technology like Desmos separates high scorers from those stuck in traditional problem-solving methods, and addresses the punctuation challenges he observes among students, which he connects to texting culture's influence on formal writing skills. He shares insights from his statistical modeling on college admissions patterns, discusses the realistic factors that influence student outcomes beyond tutoring methods, and reveals how he handles the resource shortage challenge when working with high-achieving students who've exhausted standard practice materials multiple times.

In this episode, Sajad Ahmed Qureshi, international STEM educator and founder of DecaScholars, reveals his four-pillar system that consistently helps students achieve 4s and 5s on AP exams. Drawing from over 10,000 hours of teaching across 10+ countries, he explains why content knowledge alone isn't enough and how mental state preparation separates successful students from those who plateau.Sajad breaks down his approach to "alive" homework that adapts to each student's needs, shares his game-based learning strategies using platforms like Kahoot that reset attention spans every 10-12 seconds, and explains why he researches gaming and pop culture to connect with reluctant learners. He also discusses the cultural differences he's observed between American and Asian students, revealing how individualistic versus parent-driven learning approaches affect tutoring success and why availability beyond scheduled sessions distinguishes premium tutors from basic instruction providers.

In this episode, Lindsey Wander, founder of WorldWise Tutoring, shares her homework approach of assigning 1-3 hours of independent practice per tutoring hour while achieving high completion rates. She reveals her unique strategy of providing students with answer keys, transforming homework into self-advocacy training where students learn to identify exactly where they struggle and articulate their specific learning needs.Lindsey explains her diagnostic process that separates genuine skill gaps from test anxiety through untimed retesting, and shares why she believes current AI question generation falls short of expert-created content. She discusses her "green light" system for determining test readiness and reveals a memorable case where tutoring sessions helped identify undiagnosed dyslexia in a junior, leading to proper accommodations and academic transformation that changed the student's entire educational trajectory.

In this episode, Mike Bergin, 30-year test prep veteran and founder of Chariot Learning, challenges conventional wisdom by skipping diagnostic tests to build student rapport first. Drawing from his work training ACT teachers nationwide, he reveals why minimal homework often works better than endless practice problems for overloaded students.Mike breaks down his method for separating genuine skill gaps from test anxiety through strategic practice test reviews, explains why the enhanced ACT's optional science section creates a new dilemma for students, and addresses the real culprits behind score plateaus: grammar deficits and weak reading comprehension in digitally-native learners. He also shares his philosophy on matching tutor personalities with student needs—because chemistry, he argues, is the final ingredient in test prep success.

In this episode, Michael Ermann, architect and professor at Virginia Tech, explains how he brings design thinking into SAT prep through Olive Book, his animated, asynchronous course. Drawing on his background in teaching architecture, he shares why visuals, stories, and recall-based learning make concepts stick far better than rote memorization.Michael highlights how Olive Book serves students in the 1100–1300 score range especially well, offering engaging practice tests, spiral learning, and free access for families with financial need. He also reflects on misconceptions about learning styles, the importance of narrative in memory, and why meeting students where they are—both in format and mindset—is key to lasting success.

In this episode, Randee, founder and CEO of Jettprep, reflects on her nearly three decades of experience tutoring SAT and ACT students. She shares candid thoughts on the shift to digital testing, expressing concern that the lack of paper-and-pencil options reduces attention to detail and introduces new challenges for students. Randee emphasizes that while technology is unavoidable, true mastery still comes from deep focus, tactile learning, and disciplined practice.She contrasts how parents trusted tutors in the early 2000s versus today, where students often drive decisions and expectations can be misaligned with academic realities. At Jettprep, Randee’s team provides subject-specific tutoring, personalized homework, and weekly progress reports, all designed to set realistic benchmarks and build students’ confidence without creating emotional setbacks from premature testing.Randee also discusses her approach to diagnostics, curriculum design, and the balance between practice questions, mock tests, and homework load. She underscores that success depends as much on student commitment as it does on tutor expertise. For parents, she advises seeking tutors with proven results, strong referrals, and the right fit for their child’s learning style—because comfort and trust are essential for transformation.

In this episode, Gina Onativia draws from her experiences with Tony Robbins, IBM, and her own Course Creation Boutique to share practical lessons for building impactful online courses. She explains how the key to success lies in tailoring content to specific audiences, pre-selling before a full build, and niching down to serve a passionate corner of the market. Gina also talks about overcoming imposter syndrome, emphasizing that expertise and results are the strongest proof a creator needs.She highlights how community-driven design and live feedback sessions transform courses from static information into dynamic learning experiences. With AI reshaping industries, Gina urges creators to lean in—using tools for efficiency while differentiating through stories, personalization, and human connection. She notes that the future belongs to those who blend technology with creativity, authenticity, and community.For new course creators hesitant to start, Gina’s message is clear: the opportunity is still wide open if you trust your uniqueness, get creative with delivery, and think beyond templates.

In this episode, Andrew Kletzien shares updates from his tutoring academy, including the rollout of a digital ACT platform and hitting new milestones with student enrollments. He explains how families and students navigate the choice between SAT and ACT, emphasizing broad-level strategy first (like timing, math strength, and science considerations) before diving into granular skills with tutors. Andrew also highlights the importance of balancing tutoring with realistic amounts of homework, using mock tests and domain-level practice flexibly based on students’ schedules.He reflects on industry shifts, from the role of Desmos and calculators to the inconsistencies in ACT’s new “Enhanced” format, noting how tutors must adapt quickly to changing policies. Andrew stresses the value of source materials over formulaic prep books, while acknowledging the growing—though still imperfect—role of AI in generating practice content.Partnerships with schools and non-profits, he shares, open doors for more students to access quality prep, with group programs proving effective when paired with digital analytics. For parents, Andrew advises looking for tutoring programs that provide clear, trend-focused progress snapshots rather than overwhelming data dumps, and he underscores that test scores remain a key predictor for college admissions, especially at highly selective schools.

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, 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.