From TestTakers, this is the #PREPPED Podcast, a podcast dedicated to helping parents and students learn the secrets and strategies of SAT standardized test preparation and college admissions. Hosted by Directors Andrew 'Naka' Nanayakkara and Jeremy Freed, #PREPPED helps reduce stress, answers the most important questions, and guides parents to help their students succeed during this important time in high school. With over 30 years of student success stories, TestTakers provides weekly insight through discussions with counselors and test prep experts in #PREPPED to help students and families succeed most. Preppedpodcast.com
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SAT YOGA: Breathing And Relaxation Techniques To Ease Test Stress! (00:30:16)
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,...
What is TESTTAKERS? (w/ President & Founder Frank Pomilla) (00:35:24)
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 se...
Getting Great Recommendation Letters (w/ Mrs. Nancy Fleming) (00:22:06)
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 f...
How To Practice & How To Motivate Students (for the SAT) (00:20:52)
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 mot...
THE FUTURE OF TESTING: THE 2024 DIGITAL SAT (feat. President Frank Pomilla & Director Brian Corridan) (00:19:17)
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 (p...
So You Want To Be Recruited? (w/ Coaches Steve Panzik and TJ Cleveland) (00:32:11)
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 –...
So You Want To Be An Actor? The Theater Arts Episode with Broadway Star Derrick Davis (00:20:47)
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. Me...
So You Want To Do Science Research? (w/ Dr. Serena McCalla of iResearch Corp.) (00:21:41)
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 ...
Writing Your College Resume (w/ Brendan O'Flaherty of HS2 Academy) (00:24:58)
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 refle...
Mental Health Matters: A Discussion On High School Mental Health (w/ Max Benezra of South Shore Counseling) (00:19:56)
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 ment...
Starting Your College Search (w/ Nandita Gupta of Enlighten Education Consulting) (00:28:35)
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 b...
College Board's 'SECRET' Test: Earning College Credits Early Using CLEP (w/ David Vise of ModernStates & Freshman Year For Free) (00:25:43)
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 ga...
Director Discussion: The New DIGITAL SAT Announcement! (00:12:00)
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 tak...
How To Make GREAT SAT Materials (00:17:26)
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 W...
The SAT Diet (feat. Michelle of NutrishMish) (00:12:53)
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). U...
When Is Enough...Enough? A Discussion On Expectations and Score Growth (00:21:37)
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 you...
The College Interview (feat. Brendan O'Flaherty of HS2 Academy) (00:29:36)
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 preppe...
The College Essay Episode (feat. Lisa Antinore Duer of Ad Astra***) (00:24:09)
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...
So You Want To Be A Doctor? (feat. Dr. Sahil Mehta of MedSchoolCoach) (00:24:20)
The Pre-Med Episode! FREE PRE-MED GUIDEBOOK IN SHOW NOTES Naka 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 inva...
The Perfect College Candidate (feat. Sasha Chada) (00:25:09)
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. Naka and Sasha discuss the important aspects admissions counselors look for in great applications, including how to handle extracurriculars, manage fluctuations in GPA, and make your application stand out! Sasha is driven by a desire to change students’ lives through the college admissions process. Highe...
The Need For Speed (How to Get Faster on the SAT) (00:18:54)
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. Since math is organized by difficulty, but all weighed equally, make sure to have a realistic target score in mind to keep focusing on nailing the earlier questions! Writing relies heavily on ...
The Perfect Scorers Podcast: An Interview with 3 Perfect Scorers (00:24:10)
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! Jonathan is part of the Manhasset High School Class of 2022 and is currently searching for his dream school, but he has made the process easier by getting his perfect score early in junior year. Aarya and Rhea were both part of the Herricks High School Class of 2021; this fall, Aarya will be attending The University of...
AVOIDING CARELESS MSITAKES (feat. Peter Baum) (00:13:56)
A MUST-LISTEN FOR ALL PARENTS AND SAT STUDENTS! Naka is joined by Peter Baum for the SEASON 2 FINALE of #PREPPED: The Test Prep Podcast! Peter is THE premier SAT tutor in the San Francisco Bay Area and has been working with families across the nation for over 32 years. With his years of experience, Pete has a unique way of approaching and clearing up those “silly/careless/big oof” mistakes on the SAT that tend to stagnate scores and lead to frustration. In this episode you will learn:&n...
So You Want An 800 on SAT READING/WRITING? (00:28:17)
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 th...
So You Want An 800 In Math? (feat. Mike of PWN THE SAT) (00:19:34)
How do you take an already high SAT math score and make it even higher? Mike McClenathan of PWN Test Prep and the popular book series PWN THE SAT joins Naka to discuss some important concepts and specific advice for high scorers to keep in mind while in pursuit of the perfect 800 on the SAT Math! In this episode you will learn: Why getting a perfect 800 is so hard! Concepts that appear on some of the hardest problems How to change the game for yourself if you are missing only a few...
