In this #PREPPED SPECIAL, Naka is joined by Carolyn Carpentiere of CCYOGA to discuss the added benefits of yoga and breathing techniques when it comes to SAT and ACT preparation. The episode concludes (starting at 18:05) with TWO quick guided practices for listeners to engage in before testing! Mindfulness practices such as yoga and breathing techniques help adjust the body's response to stress over time. Mindfulness can actually increase grey matter and can reduce the size of the amygdala, w...
In this episode of #PREPPED, Naka is joined by TestTakers ACT experts Alan Reed and Jeremy Freed. Together, they delve into the timing strategies, techniques, and counterintuitive approaches to help you conquer the ACT Science and Math sections. Jeremy and Alan share advice on time management and maximizing scoring potential in Math while identifying the 'spicy' math topics that pop up on the ACT. They also guide listeners through the art of passage skimming and quick inform...
After 5 Seasons of #PREPPED: The Test Prep Podcast, we finally dive deep into "What is TestTakers?" with our special guest, TestTakers' President, Frank Pomilla, who shares the founding story and inspiration behind this remarkable educational institution that has been around for over 40 years.Throughout the discussion, Frank reveals the milestones in TestTakers' evolution and how the company has adapted to changes in the education industry and standardized tests. He emphasizes what sets...
In this episode of #PREPPED, Host Andrew 'Naka' Nanayakkara discusses a critical component of the college application process: recommendation letters. Joining Naka is his own high school English teacher, Mrs. Nancy Fleming, voted 'Most Popular Teacher' at Garden City High School for over 20 consecutive years, who is well-known for writing tremendously valuable recommendation letters.They discuss the importance of recommendation letters, when and how to ask teachers, who to ask, and how to fol...
Get ready for an invaluable episode of #PREPPED as we take a deep dive into the ultimate guide on PRACTICING for the SATs! In this episode, we'll reveal the top test-taking tips for unlocking your potential and optimizing your performance every time you practice for the SATs.Naka is joined by Directors Alan Reed and Jeremy Freed as they share their personal classroom anecdotes and proven strategies for staying motivated and focused during SAT practice. Furthermore, they discuss different moti...
In the Season 5 premiere of #PREPPED: The Test Prep Podcast, Naka welcomes TestTakers President Frank Pomilla and Senior Director Brian Corridan back to the show to discuss the future of the SAT and standardized testing. The College Board is set to launch the new digital SAT domestically in the United States in March 2024, and some students will have a glimpse at the digital version of the PSAT this fall. Some of the main changes are that the digital SAT will be significantly shorter (pa...
The Season 4 Finale of #Prepped delivers a spectacular interview focusing on College Sports Recruitment – one of the most pursued avenues in admissions.Join Naka, Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach TJ Cleveland of the St. John's Red Storm, and Manhasset High School Head Crew Coach Steve Panzik as they break down the recruitment process and dive deep into the expectations of collegiate athletics.Together, Coach Panzik – from the high school perspective– and Coach Cleveland –&nbs...
In this special #PREPPED episode, Naka is joined by Broadway star (and Long Island native) Derrick Davis to discuss the path to becoming an actor and studying theater arts in college. Derrick started his journey studying voice at LIU Post, and his career since has spanned iconic roles on stage from Phantom of the Opera to the Lion King. Derrick shares his advice and tips for the self-taping auditioning process and how to find the type of program that will help students thrive. Mean...
In this #PREPPED episode, Naka is joined by the 'Godmother of Science Research,' Dr. Serena McCalla (Founder of the iResearch Institute, iResearch Academy, President of the New York State Science and Engineering Fair, Jericho High School Science Research Coordinator, and star of the Emmy-award winning National Geographic Documentary Science Fair) to discuss a fantastic extracurricular opportunity: science research.Science research uses the scientific method to explore a question that ma...
Brendan O'Flaherty returns in this college preparation episode of #PREPPED to help identify key characteristics of effective college resumes. College resumes, serving a different function than professional ones, should be treated as 'living documents' that should be updated semesterly and used as a benchmark of your level of activity in school extracurriculars.Brendan discusses certain verb usage and layouts to heighten the impact of a resume, which requires a more unique approach that reflec...
In this #PREPPED episode, Naka is joined by Max Benezra, the Assistant Director of South Shore Counseling and a psychotherapist with expertise in adolescent mental health, to discuss an obvious yet marginalized topic for students: MENTAL HEALTH. Today, over 70% of high school and college adolescents experience some sort of mental health issues, yet only 18% of those students actually address these problems. This discrepancy is due to many factors ranging from the social stigmas of mental...
A must-listen episode for all parents and students!The Founder and CEO of Enlighten Education Consulting, Nandita Gupta, joins Naka in a wonderful discussion about the most important first steps when starting your college search! With over 20 years of experience in elite college admissions and consulting, Nandita discusses the institutional criteria that universities prioritize, the immense value of self-discovery early in high school, and the context into which your application is placed bas...
Pulitzer Prize-winner and Executive Director of Modern States, David Vise, joins Naka in a captivating episode discussing how students can take advantage of a lesser-known College Board test that has been around for over 50 years to gain college credit early and save THOUSANDS of dollars in tuition! The CLEP exam (College-Level Examination Program) is a series of over 30 Pass/Fail tests that ANYONE in pursuit of a degree can take. With a passing score of over 50%, students can gain...
In this bonus 'Director Discussion' episode, Naka is joined by the TestTakers Directors as they weigh in on one of the biggest headlines of the year so far, the new DIGITAL SAT!Debuting in the USA in early 2024, this new Digital SAT will first be taken by current freshmen (Class of '25).Directors Brian and Jeremy discuss the format of the new test and what to expect when it comes to 'adaptive testing' based on College Board's announcement. Director Alan discusses the challenges of takin...
In this #PREPPED SEASON 4 PREMIERE, Host Andrew "Naka" Nanayakkara is joined by Director Brian Corridan and President of TestTakers Frank Pomilla in a conversation about making not just good but GREAT SAT practice materials. With so many materials out there for students to use for their SAT preparation, it is important to sift through the 'noise' and focus on what makes GREAT SAT material, and how BAD material will reinforce BAD habits.Discussion includes why certain types of WRONG...
Naka is joined by Michelle of NutrishMish for the Season 3 Finale of #PREPPED! Everyone knows that test preparation includes aggressive study and practice, but a less-explored aspect of test prep is NUTRITION. Michelle discusses important nutrients that keep the brain energized, and gives advice on how to maintain your testing endurance through strategic nutrition. Discussions also include how to avoid "crashing" during the test and the importance of hydrating (or pre-hydrating).Ultimat...
The President of TestTakers, Frank Pomilla, and Director Brian Corridan are back for another informative episode with host Andrew "Naka" Nanayakkara to discuss one of the most difficult aspects of SAT test preparation: when to call it a day. Discussions include how scores should realistically increase and how to set reasonable expectations for students and parents. Score growth is NOT linear but a process. While it is important to set goals, it is even more important to stick to your go...
The interview about college interviewing!Brendan O'Flaherty of HS2 Academy joins Naka to talk all about college interviewing (in addition to an update on what is going on with standardized testing in California). Brendan guides students and parents through what to expect when it comes to college interviews with admissions counselors or alumni interviewers.From Zoom interviewing tips to handling questions when you are stumped, this episode covers it all! Make sure to check out preppedpod...
In this episode, Naka is joined by Lisa Antinore Duer of Ad Astra*** to discuss the ins and outs of the college essay. Lisa lends her over 24 years of experience as she walks through how students should approach the college essay, including when to start brainstorming, how to be authentic, and where to look for help when reviewing your essay. Ultimately, the essay is the most unique part of your application and for high-scoring students, it is THE one part of your application that will differ...
The Pre-Med Episode! FREE PRE-MED GUIDEBOOK IN SHOW NOTESNaka is joined by Dr. Sahil Mehta, the founder of MedSchoolCoach, to discuss the process and steps involved in the pre-med journey to becoming a doctor! Discussions about Direct Medical (BS/MD) programs, SATs, MCATs, and internships are discussed as they relate to the applications for getting into (and making the most out of) your dream school.Dr. Mehta is a practicing Interventional Radiologist specializing in minimally invasive e...