117 Helping Kids Take Control of Learning with Josh Aronovitch
Description
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What if SAT prep wasnât just about getting a better scoreâbut about helping your child see their worth, trust their process, and feel empowered to handle hard things?
In this conversation, Andi sits down with coach and educator Josh Aronovitch, whoâs known for helping kids not just improve test scoresâbut deeply reconnect with their own strengths. From supporting neurodiverse kids with test anxiety to helping students find the college path that fits who they are, Josh brings a perspective that goes far beyond academics.
Whether your child is preparing for high school, college, or still figuring things out, this episode is packed with emotional insight, practical wisdom, and the kind of hope parents need.
Key Takeaways
- Test-taking is a skill, not a reflection of intelligence. Many kids know the materialâthey just havenât been taught how to take tests in a way that works for their brain.
- Your childâs nervous system matters. Emotional regulation, mindset, and even breathwork play a bigger role in performance than most people realize.
- Standardized tests are flawedâbut can be a powerful opportunity. With the right tools and perspective, even students who struggle can thrive.
- Success doesn't come from doing it right the first time. The journeyâmistakes and allâhelps kids build grit, confidence, and the ability to handle lifeâs curveballs.
- College planning should start with who your child wants to beânot just what job theyâll have.
Episode Highlights
[00:03:00 ] â Do SATs still matter? Josh explains how âtest-optionalâ doesnât always mean optionalâand why test scores can still open doors.
[00:05:30 ] â Why kids struggle with testing (and itâs not what you think): From psychological spirals to perfectionism, Josh breaks down what really gets in the way.
[00:08:30 ] â Helping a student go from 720 to 1190: How a 2-year journey transformed not just scoresâbut self-belief.
[00:10:45 ] â Test prep as emotional growth: Why learning to pause, breathe, and âget off the wrong trainâ changes everything.
[00:16:00 ] â Understanding before memorizing: Why high-achieving kids often get stuck in mathâand how to teach it differently.
[00:21:00 ] â The truth about multiple choice and second-guessing: Josh shares how depth of thinking can actually backfireâand how to help.
[00:28:30 ] â Finding the right college path: Josh flips the questionâstarting with how your child wants to feel, then working backwards.
[00:35:30 ] â The power of failure: Why kids need safe experiences with mistakes in order to grow.
[00:41:00 ] â A client story: 7 SATs, a perfect score in math, and med school dreams realized.
[00:46:00 ] â Joshâs global lifestyle and why travel helps kids dream bigger: A story about dancing, yoga, and finding joy through discomfort.
Resources Mentioned
Connect with Josh:
- Website: www.aronovitchcoaching.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARONOVITCHCOACHING
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshthesatguyÂ
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josharonovitch/
- Text Josh directly: 856-341-0503
- Retreat: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AbgkhYVGakwYWtG-vSYOe6Zo94AX5Mrk0omdu77w36g/edit?usp=sharing
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