#prepped: the test prep podcast by #PREPPED 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Season 4 Finale of #Prepped delivers a spectacular interview focusing on College Sports Recruitment – one of the most pursued avenues in admissions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A must-listen episode for all parents and students!
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!
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!
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.
Naka is joined by Michelle of NutrishMish for the Season 3 Finale of #PREPPED!
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.
The interview about college interviewing!
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!
The Pre-Med Episode! FREE PRE-MED GUIDEBOOK IN SHOW NOTES
Season 3 continues with a fantastic interview with Sasha Chada, the CEO and Founder of Ivy Scholars. Ivy Scholars is a boutique college candidacy building firm located in Sugar Land, Texas.
If you're struggling to finish any section on the SAT then this episode is for you! Naka is joined by Site Director Alan Reed and an 'OG' of the SAT Prep World Adam Danger (with over 30 years in the world of test prep) to discuss strategies to make sure you finish sections on time during the SAT.
In this episode, the SEASON 3 PREMIERE of #PREPPED: The Test Prep Podcast, Naka interviews Jonathan Wu, Aarya Agarwal, and Rhea Rasquinha- 3 Perfect Scoring SAT Students!
A MUST-LISTEN FOR ALL PARENTS AND SAT STUDENTS!
Directors Brian and Jeremy join Naka in this content-driven episode for students aiming to get that perfect 800 on the SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing. While it is tremendously difficult to get a perfect score on the English portion of the test since there are almost 100 questions and almost no room for error (since the scoring table tends to be less forgiving on average compared to math scoring tables) the directors provide some essential tips and concepts students MUST know to get that elusive 800 on test day. Brian even goes on one of his famous “reading’ rants that every student should hear!
How do you take an already high SAT math score and make it even higher?
In this episode, Naka and Steve have some fun discussing some of the most recent scandals involving standardized testing.
In this quick episode, Naka and Jeremy break down the PSAT, which essentially provides students with an introduction to standardized testing.
In this episode, Naka is joined by Ryan Morrissey of The Retire With Ryan Podcast to discuss how to maximize student aid by understanding the valuable FAFSA form. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens October 1st and can help provide some financial aid to students based on several factors discussed in the episode, such as Expected Family Contribution. Ryan shares his insight on how to manage parent and student assets and position your family in the best way to not only make the process easier but also maximize aid received.
In this episode, Directors Brian, Jeremy, and Naka discuss the four sections (known as "tests") of the ACT while providing some quick tips for students preparing. Ultimately, the test builds on similar concepts that are tested on an SAT, but there are MORE questions and LESS time to beat them on the ACT.
Is there a better test to start preparing for? In the Season 2 premiere of #PREPPED, Naka, Frank, and Brian not only discuss the similarities in content but also the unique differences in preparation between the SAT and ACT.
What is a good SAT score? Many students sign on the morning their scores are released and are anxious or confused because they are wondering "Is this a good score?"
With many changes to the SAT over the past few decades, it is important to understand what students are expected to learn and where to put their energy when preparing.
2? 3? 5? 10? How many times should students be taking their SATs? In this episode, Directors Naka and Brian Corridan discuss how many times students SHOULD be taking their SATs and what colleges do if you send in more than one score (popular practices among colleges are SUPERSCORING and SCORE CHOICE, these practices alleviate the stress of having to get that great score in one sitting).
One week until the SAT! Important reminders and advice to keep in mind while studying during the crunch time leading up to the SAT. Directors Alan and Steve join Naka and Jeremy in this episode highlighting how to study during the days leading up to the SAT.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN AN SAT GETS CANCELED?!? Many parents are unsure of what options are available to testers if a testing center closes. In this BONUS EPISODE, Naka discusses important deadlines and strategies to keep in mind if your student's SAT gets canceled.
With so many options for test preparation out there, what is the best way for students to start their standardized testing journey? Directors Naka and Jeremy discuss the advantages and disadvantages of self-studying, tutoring, and taking a course. Listen to the end for a special #PREPPED offer!
When is the best time to start preparing your student for the SAT? Is it worth starting your preparation earlier than high school? While in theory that may seem to make sense, it rarely works out! Directors Naka and Jeremy discuss when is the best time to prepare and take the SATs (and if the SAT is curved).
As colleges announce more test-optional policies in response to Covid-19, students are left wondering...is the SAT still important? Join Directors Naka and Jeremy as they discuss how colleges weigh standardized tests and how you can inform your students best!
