Prepped and Polished Podcast

On episode 269, Alexis Avila speaks to returning guest Jared Cooney Horvath. Our Guest: Jared Cooney Horvath (PhD, MEd) is a neuroscientist, educator, and best-selling author who specializes in human learning and brain development. He is the creator of The Learning Blueprint, an international award-winning program helping educators and students understand how learning actually works. Jared has conducted research and taught at Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, and the University of Melbourne, and has worked with more than 1,000 schools around the world. He is the author of six books, has published over fifty research articles, and his work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Economist, Harvard Business Review, and ABC’s Catalyst. Jared currently serves as Director of LME Global, an organization dedicated to bringing cutting-edge brain and behavioral science to educators, students, and communities. To inquire about working with him, or to learn more about his international award-winning Science of Learning programs (The Learning Blueprint for Teachers & The Learning Blueprint for Students), visit https://www.lmeglobal.com. Socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jaredcooney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-cooney-horvath-phd-med-730704b2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jared.cooney.horvath/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lmeglobal.net On today’s episode Jared points out the dangers of student technology and how to help students overcome these pitfalls and better thrive in today’s modern age. Check out my previous podcast with Jared, episode 268 on the best way to use technology when learning: https://www.preppedandpolished.com/episode-268-jared-cooney-horvath-the-best-way-to-use-technology-for-learning/

On episode 268, Alexis Avila speaks to returning guest Jared Cooney Horvath. Our Guest: Jared Cooney Horvath (PhD, MEd) is a neuroscientist, educator, and author of the best-selling book Stop Talking, Start Influencing: 12 Insights from Brain Science to Make Your Message Stick. Jared has conducted research and lectured at Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, the University of Melbourne, and over 1,000 schools internationally. He has published 6 books, over 50 research articles, and his work has been featured in publications like The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Economist, HBR, and PBS’s NOVA. Jared currently serves as the Director of LME Global, a company dedicated to bringing the latest brain and behavioral research to teachers and students. To inquire about working with Jared, or to learn more about his international award-winning Science of Learning programs (The Learning Blueprint for Teachers & The Learning Blueprint for Students), visit lmeglobal.net. On today’s episode Jared walks us through the best way to learn new material, the best way to practice and recall things you already learned, and gives the main reason why technology harms your learning. Check out my previous podcast with Jared, episode 208 on tips for better, fast learning: https://www.preppedandpolished.com/jared-cooney-horvath-faster-learning/

On Episode 267, Alexis Avila speaks to Dr. Shirag Shemmassian, founder and admissions consultant of Shemmassian Academic Consulting. As a Cornell University graduate and Cornell admissions interviewer, Shirag knows what the best schools are looking for in prospective students during admissions interviews. On today’s episode Shirag and I talk about colleges that offer fantastic pre-med programs. If you’re considering becoming a doctor, you’ll want to tune into this episode. You’ll learn: • About Direct Med programs and why they are hard to get into. • What types of majors you should pursue if considering pre med • One Ivy League that offers a direct med program • The #1 reason that causes some pre med students to drop out Shirag’s Words of Wisdom to students: • Start thinking of the populations that you’re interested in serving and the problems you want to solve. For another related conversation, check out podcast Episode 152, Shirag Shemmassian and How College Committees Evaluate Applications And check out Shirag's blogs on medical programs! https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/how-to-get-into-medical-school https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/bs-md-programs Questions, Comment: Contact us at www.preppedandpolished.com

On Episode 266 of the new and improved Prepped and Polished Podcast, Alexis shares his academic struggles and how he was able to overcome them. We’ll discuss ways to achieve better grades in school such as: • Finding the right social circles that will help you thrive. • Finding mentors at school who will inspire you. • Refining your study skills so that you put your best foot forward. Questions, Comment: Contact us at www.preppedandpolished.com

In Episode 265 of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron shares the differences between the Digital SAT and the ACT. The main differences are: 1. The digital SAT is shorter than the paper SAT. 2. There are more questions for the Reading Section on the digital version. 3. The digital version allows calculator use throughout the entire test. There is a calculator section and a no calculator section on the paper version. 4. The difficulty is adaptive on the digital version while the paper version's difficulty is random. For More Information Visit: Prepped and Polished.com

In Episode 264 of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron shares the differences between the Digital SAT and the ACT. The main differences are: 1. The Digital SAT is taken on a computer and the ACT is a paper test. There is a digital version of the ACT but it is currently available for international students only. 2. The Digital SAT has adaptive difficulty while the ACT is a fixed test. The math and science sections of the ACT are getting more difficult. The Digital SAT adjusts to the test taker's answers and can get easier or more difficult depending on how the test taker is doing. 3. The Digital SAT has multiple-choice questions as well as open-response questions. The ACT is all multiple choice. For More Information Visit: Prepped and Polished.com.

In Episode 263 of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron shares the differences in the Digital SAT's format and Structure.

In Episode 262 of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron shares three tips that students can use to boost their GRE scores. The three tips are: 1. Create a Realistic Timeline: Decide when you want to start and when you actually want to take the test. 2. Get in Plenty of Practice: Taking practice tests allows students to see where they are with each section of the test. It also allows students to set goals and have time to work on meeting them. For More Information about how the Prepped and Polished team can help you prepare for the GRE and improve your scores visit, Prepped and Polished.com.

In Episode 261 of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron shares three tips that students can use to boost their GMAT scores about how to approach questions in the Quantitative Comparison section on the ISEE Math Test so students can boost their scores. The three tips are: 1. Create a Realistic Timeline: Decide when you want to start and when you actually want to take the test. 2. Be prepared for the Quantitative Integrated Learning Section: This is good for students who haven't taken math classes for a while, to give them time to study the way the questions are presented and practice problems. 3. Understand the order of the GMAT: Tests can come with sections in different orders. Being aware of the orders of the test will help you work through the test more efficiently. It will also help you create "process of elimination strategies for different question types." For More Information Visit: Prepped and Polished.com

On Episode 260 of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron talks about how to approach questions in the Quantitative Comparison section on the ISEE Math Tes so students can boost their scores.

On Episode 259 of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron discusses when and how students should study to boost their score on the SSAT Math Test.

On Episode 258 of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron discusses when and where students should use a calculator on the SAT Math Test, as well as how to tackle the non-calculator section so your student can improve their scores on the SAT.

On Episode 257 of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron discusses how students can improve their ACT Science Test scores. He breaks down the different sections of the test, how best to approach them and much more!

On Episode 256 of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron discusses how much time students should be spending preparing for their ACT and SAT tests. He also makes suggestions about how much information to study at a time, when busy students should study and much more!

On Episode 255 of The Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron of Prepped and Polished gives you an idea of when to start preparing for the SSAT and ISEE Exams based on your or your student's unique timelines.

On Episode 254 of The Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron of Prepped and Polished gives you an idea of what to expect when the SAT goes digital in 2024.

On Episode 253 of The Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron of Prepped and Polished gives SAT tips for students taking the SAT with an extra time accommodation.

For Episode 252 Aaron of Prepped and Polished gives ACT tips for students taking the ACT with an extra time accommodation.

On episode 251, Alexis Avila speaks to academic life coach Camille Roney, founder of The Learning Mom, a website that empowers women to start loving their lives, purposefully connect with their children, and cherish their pursuit of education.

Episode 250: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Alexis welcome’s back Dr. Shirag Shemmassian, founder and admissions consultant of Shemmassian Academic Consulting. As a Cornell University graduate and Cornell admissions interviewer, Shirag knows what the best schools are looking for in prospective students during admissions interviews. During the episode, Shirag gives you some tips on how students can appeal college rejections. What to do if you get a rejection letter: Tell admissions something you didn’t talk about that was meaningful to you Offer major updates to your application Ways to not do it well: Don’t tell admissions they were wrong Don’t simply repeat what you wrote in your application Less than 1% of students who appeal get the decision overturned Be Humble About it. For another related conversation, check out podcast Episode #152 with Shirag Shemmassian, Evaluating Your College Application For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 249: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron gives a pep talk to those who consider themselves bad at standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 248: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron talks about the subject, verb agreement rules found on both the ACT and SAT exams For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 247: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron discusses how to excel on the math section of the ACT exam. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 246: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron makes the case for which test SSAT or the ISEE is the better one to take. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 245: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron talks about what top scorers on both the SSAT and ISEE share in common. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 244: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron breaks down the different levels on the ISEE and how each level is structured. • Primary Level ISEE is for any student entering grades 2-4 • Lower Level ISEE is for any student entering grades 5-6 • Middle-Level ISEE is for any student entering grades 7-8 • Upper-Level ISEE is for any student entering grades 9-12 For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education! For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 243: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron tells you what it takes to get a top score on the ACT exam. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 242: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron breaks down the different levels on the SSAT and how each level is structured: If you have a student who is in 3rd or 4th grade and looking to apply to 4th or 5th grade, they are going to take the elementary level of the SSAT. If you have a student who is in 5th, 6th, or 7th grade and looking to apply to 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, they are going to take the middle level of the SSAT. If you have a student who is in 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade and looking to apply to 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, they are going to take the upper level of the SSAT. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 241: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron tells you what it takes to get a top score on the SAT exam. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 240: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron talks about how colleges read and interpret your ACT and SAT scores. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 239: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron gives you tips to improve working faster on the ISEE independent school exam. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 238: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron talks about some of the main similarities and differences between the SAT and ACT grammar sections. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 237: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron gives you three tips for acing the ACT Science section. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 236: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron tells you how to manage your SAT and ACT homework. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 235: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron tells you when you should or should not take the ACT or SAT Optional essay. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 234: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron talks about the 5 most common punctuation mistakes students make on the SAT and ACT tests. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 233: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast Aaron of Prepped and Polished gives you tips on how to answer questions faster on the SAT or ACT tests. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 232: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast Aaron of Prepped and Polished gives you tips on how to increase a low score on the SAT or ACT. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 231: This week, Alexis talks to wellness coach Jessie Peck Martin. Jessie Peck Martin, M. Ed. is founder of compassU Educational Consulting, LLC, author of Three Things About College Admissions: I Wish Someone Had Told Me, and creator of the College Admissions Made Simple Virtual Academy, earned a B.S. in Marketing and a Master’s degree in Education from Lehigh University (Go brown and white!). Today, Jessie will teach you how to make the most of the college admissions process during quarantine. Jessie’s advice for teens: "Recognize that you have a purpose, you're unique and that you have a lot to offer" For another related episode make sure to listen to episode #230 How to Self Study for the SAT and ACT Tests During Quarantine To work with Jessie check out www.jessiepeckmartin.com Also, Jessie has created a special coupon code for our listeners to access the two courses she currently has launched at a discounted rate. Normally priced at $129, using the coupon code: PREPPEDANDPOLISHED your listeners can gain access for $49. College Admissions Made Simple Virtual Academy https://college-admissions-made-simple.geteducated.me/ Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 230: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast Aaron of Prepped and Polished gives you tips on how to self-study for the ACT and SAT tests during quarantine. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 229: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast Aaron of Prepped and Polished shows you how to quickly and efficiently find reasons for your answers on rhetoric-based questions on the SAT and ACT tests. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 228: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast Aaron of Prepped and Polished shows you traits perfect score SAT and ACT test-takers share in common. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 227: This week, Alexis talks to Cynthia Klein. Cynthia Klein is a parenting expert whose passion is to create more peace in the world by first creating peace in the home. Cynthia’s book, Ally Parenting: A Non-Adversarial Approach to Transform Conflict Into Cooperation, guides parents through an effective and harmonious approach that empowers them to successfully change and strengthen the family unit. Through her 26 years as a parenting coach, speaker, and author, and mother of a 31 year old daughter, Cynthia has impacted thousands of families around the world. Today, Cynthia will teach you how to build stronger bonds with your teens. For another related episode, check out Episode 216 with Dale Troy on How to manage stress in the college application process and beyond overcome some of the stressors teens face today. To work with Jeannie, go to Jeannie Kulwin Coaching on social media Cynthia’s advice for parents when dealing with teens: Watch out for any communication blocks and listen openly Cynthia’s advice for teens: See if you can find an adult you can trust and talk to about what’s going on whether it’s a counselor at school or someone you can feel confident about. To work with Cynthia check out her website: www.bridges2understanding.com Also, check out Episode 192 with Gina Biegel on How to Help Teens Reduce Stress Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 226: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaronshows you three common errors students make on the SAT and ACT and how to avoid them. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 225: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron teaches you how to create and use an SAT and ACT formula sheet and how to form good study habits. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 224: This week, Alexis talks to wellness coach Jeannie Kulwin. Jeannie received her BA from U-California Santa Barbara and has 18+years of high school teaching experience in LA’s public school system. She is a credentialed teacher, Breathwork and Meditation Facilitator, Sound Healer, Yoga Instructor, Reiki Practitioner and a Functional Nutritional Guide (through Mind Body Green.) On today’s episode, Jeannie teaches us essential breathing techniques that are particularly helpful for any teens and parents dealing with stress! For another related episode, check out Episode 216 with Dale Troy on How to manage stress in the college application process and beyond overcome some of the stressors teens face today. To work with Jeannie, go to Jeannie Kulwin Coaching on social media Jeannie’s advice for teens: 1. Focus on breathing 10 minutes per day. 2. Work on the relationship within yourself. 3. Don’t just focus on what your parents or society pushes you to do but pursue things you have a passion for. 4. Following your passions will bring happiness. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 223: This week, Alexis talks to Gil Gibori Founder of the House Tutoring Lounge. Gil has degrees from Emory and Northwestern and has decades of experience as a private tutor. He is CEO and Founder of The House, the world’s first Tutoring Lounge specifically designed for today’s student. The method behind The House Tutoring Lounge is to offer a space that is parent-free for students, an oasis where teenagers can work, study and socialize together, while also having on-demand tutors at their service whenever they need. On today’s episode, Gil talks about the anxiety both students and parents face today and has some ideas on how to overcome some of the stressors teens face today. For another related episode check out Episode 38 Jeff Leiken Empowering Youth to Live Extraordinary Lives Gil’s advice for teens getting ready for college: 1. Chill the heck out. 2. Find a college that makes you happy. 3. Don’t go for Gold, go for the right fit. 4. Chill your parents out. 5. You’re going to be fine. 6. Try to graduate without loans! Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 222: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron teaches you how to identify trap answers on the SAT and ACT reading sections. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 221: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron time management tips for both the SAT and ACT tests. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!

Episode 220: On today's episode of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Alexis shares four strategies for test prep for students with a non-verbal learning disorder, such as using positive reinforcement, prepping early for exams, learning the test format, and discussing hidden meanings in reading passages. For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com. Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!