#PREPPED: The Test Prep Podcast

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 NOTES

Max Benezra, EdM, MA, LMHC
[email protected]

South Shore Counseling and Psychological Services
217 Merrick Road
Suite 212
Amityville, NY 11701
(516) 387-6972
sscpsli.com


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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 List
While 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 Gupta
https://www.enlighten-ed.com/about.html

WTF: What's The FAFSA?
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1714782/8436321-wtf-what-s-the-fafsa-feat-ryan-morrissey

Free SAT Preview @ preppedpodcast.com 

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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.ORG

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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 Notes
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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 NOTES
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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 NOTES

nutrishmish.com
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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:
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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 Notes
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/college-interview-questions

Free TestTakers Preview @ preppedpodcast.com

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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 Notes

COMMON APP PROMPTS
https://www.commonapp.org/blog/2021-2022-common-app-essay-prompts 

Lisa Antinore Duer, English Enrichment Instructor
Ad Astra***
[email protected]

Free TestTakers Preview @ Preppedpodcast.com

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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 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 NOTES

PRE-MED JOURNEY GUIDEBOOK https://info.medschoolcoach.com/pre-med-journey

www.medschoolcoach.com

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