S5E26: What 22 Years of Tutoring Teaches You About Students: Motivation, Mastery, and Finding Your Voice (With Advantage Testing's Sarah Bernbach)

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel sits down with Sarah Bernbach, Associate Director of Advantage Testing's New York offices, to explore what more than two decades of tutoring has taught her about how students learn, build confidence, and find their voice. Drawing on 22 years of experience (and her own unconventional path as a pastry chef, bookbinder, writer, and costume designer), Sarah explains why struggling is often part of learning, why a lack of motivation can actually be fear, and what helps students move from uncertainty to mastery. Thomas and Sarah also dive into college essays, including why students often focus too much on what happened to them instead of what their story reveals about who they are. Key Topics: Why student resistance or lack of motivation may actually be rooted in fear How great tutors build trust and confidence with students What being a beginner teaches us about learning and mastery Why authenticity is so difficult (and important) in personal writing How to find a college essay topic that reveals who you are Why imitating successful college essays can work against your own voice Guest: Sarah Bernbach is the Associate Director of Advantage Testing's New York offices and has spent 22 years as an elite tutor helping students strengthen their academic skills, writing, and confidence as learners. Learn more about Admittedly's partnership with Advantage Testing: admittedly.co/programs Follow Admittedly: Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco Follow Advantage Testing: Instagram: @advantagetesting