Kim Hamer, L.A. Admissions Advisor, Interviews Karen Quinn, the Testing Mom, About Test Prep for Young Children
Karen Quinn, widely known as “The Testing Mom,” was interviewed by Kim Hamer, CEO and founder of Get Into Private School, to discuss private school admissions testing and how parents can help young children prepare in a healthy, low-pressure way.
Kim Hamer has helped many families navigate the often confusing and highly competitive private elementary school admissions process in Los Angeles and beyond. Her mission is to make admissions more transparent and less intimidating for parents while helping schools and families find the right fit for each child.
During this interview, Karen and Kim discuss common parent concerns surrounding admissions testing for preschool and kindergarten applicants. Topics include how to prepare children for assessments without creating anxiety, what schools are really looking for during interviews and playdates, and how parents can support learning naturally through everyday activities and conversations.
The discussion also explores the growing trend of early childhood test preparation and why many families seek guidance before assessments such as the WPPSI, Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, ERB, and other admissions evaluations commonly used by private schools and gifted programs.
Karen shares practical advice for helping children build vocabulary, listening skills, confidence, focus, and test-taking comfort in age-appropriate ways. Parents will also hear insights into how admissions teams evaluate children beyond test scores, including social interaction, emotional readiness, communication skills, and the ability to follow directions in group settings.
Families who are new to private school admissions will appreciate the honest conversation about how competitive the process can feel and why preparation does not have to mean pressure. Both Karen and Kim emphasize creating positive learning experiences that help children feel confident and capable rather than stressed or overwhelmed.
This interview is especially helpful for parents preparing preschool or kindergarten-aged children for private school admissions, gifted testing, school interviews, or academic readiness evaluations.
Listen to the interview here:
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