Ethan Sawyer, the College Essay Guy, returns to the show for Part 2 of his conversation with Ted. In this follow-up, they “get down to the nitty gritty” of writing an awesome college essay, detailing the four qualities that are essay must-haves. Ethan shares an example of an extremely well-written piece that has both guys saying “whooooaaaa.” (0:30) Ethan explains how to evaluate and improve a first draft of an essay using the four necessary qualities. He and Ted discuss how to delve deeper...

Ted speaks with Gail Meyer, President Emeritus of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (ICEA) and an educational consultant specializing in college admissions. Before getting into college admissions she spent 17 years as a clinical social worker specializing in working with adolescents and their families. Gail brings all of her education, skill, and passion for helping students achieve their goals to her current career. Ted asks Gail if she has noticed colleges catering to...

Ted introduces Ethan Sawyer, the “College Essay Guy,” a nationally recognized college essay expert. Ethan has a degree from Northwestern in screenwriting and English, an MFA from UC Irvine, two certificates in college counseling and one in hypnotherapy. He utilizes all of this extensive education, as well as his own core values of connection and community, to help students uncover their potential and achieve their dreams.  (0:50) Ted asks Ethan about hypnotherapy and how it can help people...

Ryan Harrison returns to discuss some of the most common SAT/ACT conspiracy theories, myths, and old wives tales out there. First, though, the guys share a few of the school-themed nightmares they’ve experienced while asleep. Ryan’s range from getting in trouble with his parents to getting lost in the hallways, while Ted’s are of a more musical variety. (4:00)   Myth No. 1: The tests are easier or harder depending on which test date you take them. (5:30) Myth No. 2: Test prep is all about...

Ted takes a field trip to Campbell Hall High School to speak with their director of college counseling, Jennifer Simpson. As a self-proclaimed “recovering life planner,” Jennifer uses her strategist superpowers to help individual students identify and prepare for their best path for after graduation. (0:43) Jennifer shares some of the biggest misconceptions she encounters regarding the college application and admission processes. She and Ted consider the impact of perception and attitude in...

Wes Carroll- MIT grad, podcast host, math tutor, educational coach/consultant, and Ted-proclaimed “Master Problem Solver”- joins the show for Episode  9. Wes explains how learning to problem solve is more than simply learning how to answer test questions correctly; in fact, this type of thinking is a skill that will serve students through college and beyond. Ted and Wes discuss the difference between classroom exercises and true problem solving and weigh in on which is more important to a...

Ted talks with self-professed “helicopter mom” Courtney Jane about her high-achieving children, Jamie and Cece, who were also students of Ted’s test prep program. Jamie just completed his junior year at Harvard and Cece will be starting at Brown in the fall; clearly this mom is doing something right! Courtney discusses what she thinks has made her kids so successful and shares tips on playing the ‘game of strategy’ that is getting into your dream school. (0:50) Ted asks Courtney how much of...

Ted welcomes guest and friend Candice Frankel, a college counselor with 25 years of experience. Candice founded her own company, Frankel College Counseling, to assist students and their parents in the application process. In addition, she created The Edwin, a personalized organizational tool designed to yield fantastic college options.  As her own 10th grade daughter has recently become a client of Ted’s company, Candice reflects on her experience with college prep as a parent vs. as an...

Jordan Schanda, co-founder of ScholarPrep, joins Ted to discuss when and how students should begin to prepare for the college application process. ScholarPrep is centered around The Organizer, a tool that helps students set goals, track their progress and organize all of the information they will need for college and scholarship applications. Jordan’s goal is to maximize admissions and scholarships while minimizing stress. (1:15) Ted and Jordan talk about extracurricular activities; should...

Chelsea Watkins, founder and CEO of College Application Training, joins Ted for a conversation about how families can handle the staggering cost of college. College Application Training provides guidance with creating a stellar college application and assistance in filling out a FAFSA. Ultimately, they create a customized college funding plan and overall financial strategy for each family. Contact Chelsea for a free hour-long evaluation to see if she can help you. (0:50) Ted admits he has...

Ted introduces Martha Marion: actor, writer, comedian, poet, and longest-tenured tutor at Ted’s company (take that Ryan!) Martha’s tutoring specialty is in translating intimidating math problems into more accessible narratives. She and Ted discuss PEMDAS, SOHCAHTOA, and whether or not it’s true that All Sexy Teachers Cook?! (5:00) Ted and Martha discuss the plausibility of using a mathematical or scientific approach on the Reading section of the test. They agree that you, as the test taker,...

Episode 3 features guest Jacob Osborne, the newest member of the Tutor Ted test prep family. Jacob is a 2016 Yale graduate, actor and comedian in Los Angeles, and lifelong fan of JJ Redick. Ted asks him about growing up in a tiny town in Vermont, the pressure he might have felt from having parents that are both Ivy-league graduates, and his top-5 favorite movies. Jacob shares the process of how he decided which colleges to apply to and the advice he received when he was feeling overwhelmed...