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.