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 NOTES

Carolyn Carpentiere
cal.carpentiere@gmail.com

YOUTUBE PRACTICES
https://www.youtube.com/@CarolynCarpentiere

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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 PREVIEW
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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 Notes

THE COLLEGE RECOMMENDATION CHECKLIST

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