Podcast Summary

Podcast: The Jaeden Schafer Podcast
Episode: My Thoughts: AI and SAT Prep
Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Jaeden Schafer

Episode Overview

This episode dives into Google's new AI-powered SAT prep tool utilizing Gemini, discussing the evolution of test preparation, implications for educational equity, the disruption of legacy test prep businesses, and broader questions about AI's place in education. Jaeden explores practical impacts, philosophical debates, and what this means for students, tutors, and the future of learning.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Google’s Launch of Free AI-Powered SAT Practice (01:20)

• Main News: Google will offer free SAT practice exams powered by Gemini AI, marking a major move into the education and standardized testing space.
• Access: Students can simply ask Gemini for a practice test, and a fully unique exam will be generated at no cost every time.
• Personal Commentary: Jaeden reflects on his own experiences with practice books that were expensive and offered limited practice tests. He underscores how this new technology is "incredible" given prior friction points for students.
  • Quote: “It is incredible that today … you’re going to be able to just automatically generate this, get a new one every single time. And this is going to be a huge help …” (04:22)

2. Personalization and Feedback Features (05:15)

• Step Beyond Static Books: Unlike old books, Gemini not only generates unique tests but also reviews and grades them, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.
• Detailed Explanations: The AI doesn’t just say what’s wrong but explains likely reasoning errors and provides targeted feedback.
  • Quote: "It’s not just like, oh, you got this wrong—go study XYZ section. It’s like, you got this wrong, but... you were going down this line of reasoning to get there, and this is what it actually should have been. That is, like, so incredibly helpful and personalized.” (06:12)

3. Partnership with the Princeton Review (07:08)

• Ensuring Quality: Google is partnering with well-known education providers like the Princeton Review to make sure practice questions closely mirror real exams.
• Industry Disruption: Jaeden notes subtle irony in Princeton Review helping to undermine its own business model of selling expensive books.
  • Quote: "I think the Princeton Review can see that this is a major… competition to their entire business model…" (08:00)
• Inevitability of Change: He reasons that such partnerships are the only rational path forward for traditional test prep companies.

4. AI, Equity, and the Changing Landscape (09:12)

• Leveling the Field: This free, personalized AI prep is a "game changer" especially for those who can't afford private tutors or pricey materials.
• Personalization for All: Jaeden highlights how this move doesn't just offer more practice but democratizes access to high-quality, individualized feedback.

5. Concerns and Criticism of AI in Education (10:30)

• Debates About Dependency: Some teachers worry students will become over-reliant on tools like Gemini or ChatGPT, potentially stunting critical thinking.
  • Quote: “Some people think it’s controversial. I think it’s an amazing thing.” (11:02)
• Counterpoint: Jaeden analogizes ChatGPT to calculators—an evolution in tools that should be embraced, not banned.
• Quote: “ChatGPT has just become another calculator for text and for writing essays and articles. The same way when the calculator was invented… we didn’t throw it out.” (12:05)

6. Where AI Belongs in Education (13:20)

• Nuanced Adoption: He suggests AI is especially critical—and a "no brainer"—at the university level, as it mirrors real-world professional use.
  • Quote: “Universities should be preparing people for their careers and their career is going to be using AI for everything.” (13:55)
• Balanced Use: While some risks of overreliance exist, the value for education far outweighs potential drawbacks.

7. Impact on Tutors & Human Accountability (14:20)

• Potential Displacement: AI will also impact jobs of traditional human tutors.
• Irreplaceable Human Touch: However, human accountability can't be entirely replicated by AI (e.g., someone checking if you really did your homework).
  • Quote: “There is some value to that, and that’s what you’re paying for… that human that you’re paying on the other end of the phone that is judging you and telling you you got to do better…” (15:42)
• Blended Models: AI may simulate much, but the motivational power of personal connection remains distinct.

8. Google's Long-Term Play in Education (17:00)

• Expanded Features: Google is building more Gemini-powered teacher tools (e.g., creating audio lessons, brainstorming, lesson planning).
• Strategic Positioning: These initiatives help Google become the 'number one AI for educators'—benefiting both usage and brand image.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |------------|---------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:22 | Jaeden Schafer| “It is incredible that today … you’re going to be able to just automatically generate this, get a new one every single time. And this is going to be a huge help …” | | 06:12 | Jaeden Schafer| "It’s not just like, oh, you got this wrong—go study XYZ section. It’s like, you got this wrong, but... you were going down this line of reasoning to get there, and this is what it actually should have been. That is, like, so incredibly helpful and personalized." | | 08:00 | Jaeden Schafer| "I think the Princeton Review can see that this is a major… competition to their entire business model…" | | 11:02 | Jaeden Schafer| “Some people think it’s controversial. I think it’s an amazing thing.” | | 12:05 | Jaeden Schafer| “ChatGPT has just become another calculator for text and for writing essays and articles. The same way when the calculator was invented… we didn’t throw it out.” | | 13:55 | Jaeden Schafer| “Universities should be preparing people for their careers and their career is going to be using AI for everything.” | | 15:42 | Jaeden Schafer| “There is some value to that, and that’s what you’re paying for… that human that you’re paying on the other end of the phone that is judging you and telling you you got to do better…” |

Timeline of Significant Segments

• [01:20] – Google launches AI-driven, free SAT practice
• [05:15] – Custom feedback and explanations by Gemini
• [07:08] – Princeton Review partnership, disruption commentary
• [10:30] – Educational equity, personalized learning debate
• [11:02] – Discussion on AI dependency and critical thinking
• [13:20] – Jaeden’s calculator analogy and higher education AI adoption
• [14:20] – Impact on tutors and irreplaceability of human accountability
• [17:00] – Google’s expanded role and strategic branding in education

Conclusion

Jaeden Schafer offers an enthusiastic and insightful analysis of Google’s foray into AI-powered SAT prep, arguing that tools like Gemini democratize access to quality education, disrupt legacy prep industries, and are an inevitable part of modern learning. While mindful of concerns around AI dependency, he advocates for balanced, integrated use—especially as AI becomes foundational in university and workplace environments. Jaeden's optimistic tone and personal anecdotes frame the episode as both a critique and a celebration of the evolving landscape of AI in education.