#PREPPED: The Test Prep Podcast

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, which is the area of the brain that processes autonomic responses associated with fear and anxiety. Naka and Carolyn talk about the physiological effects of mindfulness and how to incorporate these practices into our education and test-taking. Especially on standardized tests, getting distracted, feeling anxious, or even rethinking problems from previous sections can be a huge detriment to a score, so the ability to ground oneself and be present in the moment with full focus is an invaluable asset for testing (not to mention for life in general)!SHOW NOTESCarolyn Carpentiere cal.carpentiere@gmail.comYOUTUBE PRACTICEShttps://www.youtube.com/@CarolynCarpentiereFree SAT Preview @ preppedpodcast.com TestTakers  ttprep.com

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 information identification in Science, and remind students that the ACT is less 'science' and more 'statistical analysis.'    Whether you're struggling with complex equations or deciphering scientific passages, this episode provides valuable insights and strategies from these knowledgeable guests. Tune in and supercharge your ACT Science and Math scores!   preppedpodcast.com for a free TestTakers Course preview ttprep.com

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 TestTakers apart from other SAT preparation services, including our commitment to personalized attention and support for students.The episode explores TestTakers' approach to education, focusing on the interplay between substance and interpersonal aspects to motivate students and achieve long-term success beyond just great SAT test scores. Frank also discusses how TestTakers has adapted to recent changes in the SAT format and the trend towards test-optional admissions.Several historical and 'celebrity' success stories are shared, highlighting significant improvements in students' SAT scores and the multi-generational loyalty and trust TestTakers has gained over the years.SHOW NOTES:FREE TESTTAKERS COURSE PREVIEWTTPREP.COMPREPPEDPODCAST.COM

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 follow up. They also cover the common mistakes students make when asking for reference letters and how to avoid them. Additionally, they provide tips for parents who want to support their child's efforts to secure reference letters.Included in this episode's show notes is THE COLLEGE RECOMMENDATION CHECKLIST, a valuable way to organize and strategize by asking your teachers for a college recommendation letter!Show NotesTHE COLLEGE RECOMMENDATION CHECKLISTFree SAT Preview @ PreppedPodcast.com ttprep.com

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 motivation strategies for parents and students to explore!From setting goals and building a CONSISTENT routine to overcoming common mistakes and staying committed to your study plan, this #PREPPED episode has you covered! SHOW NOTES:College Board SATs:https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice/full-length-practice-testsA simple strategy to get through 1 whole test a week is about 30 minutes a day!Day 1- Sec 1  Reading 30 minutesDay 2-  Sec 1  Reading 35 minutesDay 3- Sec 2  Writing 35 minutesDay 4-Sec 3 No-Calc Math 25 MinutesDay 5- Sec 4 Math 30 minutesDay 6- Sec 4 Math 25 minutes Day 7- DAY OFF ttprep.com and preppedpodcast.com for a FREE TestTakers course preview

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 (particularly in the Reading passages) and that it has an adaptive testing system to get students their accurate scores faster. The College Board has released a free digital practice test that students can take to familiarize themselves with the new format, and the guests encourage students to remember that while the FORMAT will change to digital, the SKILLS NEEDED are the same. SHOW NOTESFREE NIGHT BEFORE THE DIGITAL PSAT RSVP forms.gle/wVBzZuK5dEFuC8oXAhttps://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation/practice-testshttps://satsuite.collegeboard.org/digital/aboutpreppedpodcast.com or ttprep.com for a free course preview! 

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 –  from the university side–  discuss recruiting and team-building, while Naka takes time to investigate the NCAA sliding scale for grades and test scores, and how colleges position their athletes for success.Gain insight into topics ranging from identifying which school best fits your athletic and academic needs, to managing relationships that can further your athletic career, to transitioning from high school to college sports –  a #PREPPED first!SHOW NOTESwww.manhassetcrew.orgredstormsports.com/sports/mens-basketballhttps://www.ncaa.com/

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.  Meanwhile, Naka grounds the episode with a reminder about how earning good standardized test scores can have additional benefits, such as placing out of freshman-year classes and helping with critical college essays. Derrick's #PREPPED Pro Tip is certain to resonate not only with theater arts students but also with all students striving to accomplish their goals.About Our Guest:Derrick Davis is a dynamic and passionate performer of stage and screen.  In his exciting theater career, he has held the roles of The Phantom in the 25th Anniversary Tour of The Phantom of the Opera and Mufasa on the Gazelle Tour of Disney’s The Lion King. He has also gone on as Scar and Mufasa in The Lion King and Billy Bigelow in Carousel on Broadway. Regionally Davis starred in Dallas Theater Center’s production of Dreamgirls as Curtis Taylor, Jr., Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Opera Carolina's production of I Dream, and King Triton in The Little Mermaid at Theater Under the Stars.Show Notes:@dreamclimbertherealderrickdavis.comttprep.compreppedpodcast.com for a free Zoom preview of our TestTaker courseTheater Arts Scholarshipswww.greatvaluecolleges.net/scholarships/theater-studentshttps://ccm.uc.edu/

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 may not have an answer yet and is ideal for students and thinkers who are naturally curious and innovative. Students can investigate a wide array of disciplines from classical areas such as chemistry and biology to newer ones such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.While many students can take advantage of the science research program within their schools, Naka and Dr. McCalla discuss how students can get involved in other ways, such as mentorship provided by iResearch. Additionally, they explain tips on managing their time in such a rigorous program, and how impressive awards and prizes can be won through intense competitions such as Regeneron and ISEF. Tune in to explore an extraordinary opportunity for scientifically-driven students to meet other like-minded scholars and contribute to humanity’s most pressing scientific challenges!SHOW NOTES:https://www.iresearchcorporation.com/Instagram-@drmccalla @iResearchCorp @serenamccallaFacebook - Serena McCallla, iResearchcorp, iResearchsciTwitter - dr.mccalla & iresearchsciLinkedIn - Serena McCalla and iresearch corporationfilms.nationalgeographic.com/science-fairttprep.comFREE SAT PREVIEW @ preppedpodcast.com

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 reflects the best qualities of a student.Brendan last joined Naka on the "College Interview Episode" (Season 3, Episode 6) and now he is back to show us how to connect what is on your resume to your college interviewIn this episode you will learn: How to structure your resume!How to enhance the effectiveness of your resume using certain verbs!SHOW NOTESpreppedpodcast.com/episodes/episode-30preppedpodcast.comttprep.com

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 health to not recognizing that a student is struggling with a problem. Discussions include social media/TikTok, FOMO, and how the challenges students face today have changed over the decades (and into 2022 after the height of the pandemic).  Naka and Max also talk about how standardized tests play a role in the mental health of upperclassmen and how these tests are just a component of a successful college student- and not the defining characteristic!  While everyone encourages working hard and "grinding," it is important to "hustle" around good habits, so Max concludes the podcast by examining the biggest signs of mental burnout and encourages students to utilize all the resources around them, such as guidance counselors and school psychologists. SHOW NOTESMax Benezra, EdM, MA, LMHCMAX@SSCPSLI.COMSouth Shore Counseling and Psychological Services217 Merrick RoadSuite 212Amityville, NY 11701(516) 387-6972sscpsli.compreppedpodcast.comttprep.com

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 based on a student's High School Profile - a document typically sent alongside a student's transcript from guidance counselors. Dream School Vs. Dream ListWhile having a dream school is ideal, it is more efficient and effective to have a dream list! Regardless of where a student earns admission, the success of a student should not be limited because they didn't get into their first choice. By assembling a dream list, students can maximize their potential and happiness in their future successes! Show Notes:Nandita Guptahttps://www.enlighten-ed.com/about.htmlWTF: What's The FAFSA?https://www.buzzsprout.com/1714782/8436321-wtf-what-s-the-fafsa-feat-ryan-morrisseyFree SAT Preview @ preppedpodcast.com ttprep.com

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 college credit for entry-level college classes that can be transferred to over 3,000 public universities. Consequently, David saw this as an opportunity to address the largest financial burden in the United States: The College Debt Crisis. Since the CLEP tests are based on getting credits for "what you know," Modern States flipped the model to getting credits for 'what you can learn.' Through its partnerships with organizations such as the Carnegie Foundation and nationally recognized professors, Modern States has been able to provide free online classes to prepare students of all backgrounds and education levels to gain the knowledge needed to pass the CLEP, earn college credit, save money, and graduate early...all for free! Discussions include the national debt crisis, the confidence students gain for college by passing the CLEP, and how to strategize your CLEP tests to back up any difficult AP?IB tests!Our Guest: David Vise is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter who worked at The Washington Post for 23 years. He is the author of four books, including The Google Story, published in more than 25 languages. David received his undergraduate degree and MBA from The Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania and serves as a Senior Advisor at New Mountain Capital.Show Notes:MODERNSTATES.ORGPreppedpodcast.com

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 taking a test on a computer or tablet and what students can expect going into test day, while Director Steve gives great advice on how the Class of '25 can avoid feeling like 'guinea pigs' and make the most of the new testing situation by getting a head start!Show Notespreppedpodcast.comttprep.com

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 answers must appear in the choices, how the SAT formats its passages, and how test writers need to check their own hubris.Join us for a comprehensive discussion on how to make the best test materials for students and how TestTakers approaches great material writing for our students.SHOW NOTESttprep.compreppedpodcast.com

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).Ultimately, what you fuel your body with on test day can be your added advantage -- and you want to take every advantage you can get! SHOW NOTESnutrishmish.comttprep.comFree Preview @ preppedpodcast.com 

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 goals and recognize that the improvement students have made reflects their time, energy, and spirit. While scores are important, overtesting students for a few extra points may not be worth it (nor make a difference) when there could be other aspects of the college application to invest their time in!SHOW NOTES:Preppedpodcast.comttprep.com

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 preppedpodcast.com for more resources.Show Noteshttps://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/college-interview-questionsFree TestTakers Preview @ preppedpodcast.comttprep.com

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 differentiate you! Show NotesCOMMON APP PROMPTShttps://www.commonapp.org/blog/2021-2022-common-app-essay-prompts Lisa Antinore Duer, English Enrichment InstructorAd Astra***zucca4@aol.comFree TestTakers Preview @ Preppedpodcast.comttprep.com

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 endovascular and percutaneous procedures in order to eliminate cancer, manage pain, stop life-threatening bleeding, and more.Sahil has been involved in admissions consulting and tutoring for years. As the founder of MedSchoolCoach, he has a hand in thousands of medical school applications. His experience helping applicants of all types navigate the admissions process is unparalleled.SHOW NOTESPRE-MED JOURNEY GUIDEBOOK https://info.medschoolcoach.com/pre-med-journeywww.medschoolcoach.comFree TestTakers SAT Preview @ prepepdpodcast.com