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.