S4E26: The Joy of Tutoring: Arun Alagappan on Reducing Anxiety and Unlocking Potential

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel sits down with Arun Alagappan, founder and president of Advantage Testing, one of the most respected names in academic tutoring and test preparation. A Princeton and Harvard Law alum, Arun has spent nearly four decades redefining what tutoring can and should be: an uplifting, empowering experience that fosters both academic mastery and lifelong curiosity.

Arun shares his journey from his very first tutoring session as a teenager to building Advantage Testing into a nationally recognized institution. He reflects on the clarity it took to leave a traditional legal career path for education, the principles that continue to guide his work, and the vital role of empathy, attention, and kindness in effective teaching.

The conversation also explores:

• The origins of Advantage Testing and what inspired Arun to make tutoring his life’s work

• What makes a great tutor beyond test scores and credentials

• Ethics in tutoring, addressing concerns around pressure and fairness

• Managing anxiety in academics and testing with conscious learning strategies

• Equity and access through the Advantage Testing Foundation and university partnerships

• The role of parents in supporting, not pressuring, their children’s learning journey

• What truly drives student success: grit, resilience, intellectual curiosity, and joy in learning

Arun’s perspective is a refreshing reminder that tutoring, when done with integrity and care, is not just about acing a test. It is about equipping young people with the confidence and tools to thrive far beyond the classroom.

Guest: Arun Alagappan – Founder and President of Advantage Testing, educator, thought leader, and advocate for educational equity.

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