Episodes

  • How to Prep for College in a New Testing Landscape: Insights from Shellee Howard and Sean Ivester

    How to Prep for College in a New Testing Landscape: Insights from Shellee Howard and Sean Ivester
    Jun 14 2025
    In this insightful discussion, Shelley Howard interviews Sean Ivester, founder of Pivot Tutors, about the evolving landscape of college entrance testing and effective test preparation strategies. Sean explains that test prep timing depends largely on the student’s academic standing and course progression. He advises parents to avoid overlapping SAT/ACT prep with heavy academic periods like finals or AP exams to protect students’ GPA, which remains crucial. The conversation highlights that successful test prep is not about cramming but a focused, diagnostic approach to target and strengthen weaknesses. Sean emphasizes the importance of a diagnostic test as the first step for understanding a student’s readiness. He distinguishes the SAT and ACT, outlining their structure, differences, and upcoming changes—for example, the ACT’s shortening and optional science section—helping families choose the right test. Sean also addresses the common challenge faced by high-performing students who still struggle initially on standardized tests, clarifying that knowing the material is different from “beating the test,” which requires specific strategies and fresh familiarity with foundational concepts. The conversation covers the pros and cons of various prep methods like apps, AI tools, and tutors, underscoring the critical role of accountability, motivation, and personalized instruction. Sean describes Pivot Tutors’ unique approach of pairing students with specialized math and English tutors who are vetted, trained, and seasoned professionals, ensuring high-quality instruction catering to students’ needs. The dialogue concludes with practical advice for parents: start early, use diagnostic testing to guide prep plans, and understand that sustained, focused prep yields the best outcomes. Sean stresses that test prep skills are transferable and beneficial well beyond college admission, supporting future academic and professional testing challenges.Highlights• Timing for test prep depends on student’s course level and academic load—avoid overlap with finals/AP exams• Diagnostic tests are essential first steps to identify strengths, weaknesses, and guide prep focus• Effective prep targets weak areas instead of broadly reviewing all content to maximize score improvements• SAT is shorter and more complex reasoning-based; ACT is longer with broader math content and a fast pace, soon to be shorter and less time-pressured• High-achieving students often initially underperform on tests due to different test-taking skills needed• Personalized tutoring with specialized math and English tutors enhances accountability, motivation, and progress• Starting test prep early (end of sophomore year or early junior year) allows more flexibility and reduces panicKey Insights• Diagnostic Testing as a Starting Point: Sean underscores that a comprehensive diagnostic test reveals a student’s starting point, exposing specific skill gaps and careless errors. This transforms test prep from a guessing game to a data-driven, strategic process, helping families decide when to start prep and which areas demand focus. Without this analysis, students risk inefficient study habits, wasting time and effort on content they already know or missing critical weak spots.• Timing and Academic Intensity Matter: Junior year is typically the most demanding academically, so scheduling test prep during summer or early fall yields better focus and outcomes. Families should avoid final seasons or AP exam periods for test prep to prevent academic overload, preserving GPA and mitigating burnout. This tailored timing recognizes student stress patterns and optimizes study efficiency.• Focused Practice Over Broad Content Review: The most effective way to improve standardized test scores is targeted practice on weak areas identified by diagnostic testing. Merely continuing to practice whole tests leads to plateauing scores. Instead, the cycle of focused drills, review, and retesting enables students to solidify understanding and see measurable gains. This approach shifts prep from volume-based to precision-based, enhancing motivation and confidence.• Choosing Between SAT and ACT Requires Individual Evaluation: No test suits everyone; SAT and ACT differ in length, pacing, question style, and focus areas. For example, the SAT involves complex reasoning and is slightly shorter, while the ACT covers broader math content with faster pacing. Upcoming changes, like the ACT’s optional science section and shorter length, further complicate the choice. Therefore, Sean advises students to take practice tests for both and compare scores—avoiding decisions based on hearsay or anecdotal evidence.• Test Scores Reflect Test-Taking Skills, Not Just Intelligence: Top academic performers can score below expectations initially because standardized tests require specialized strategies distinct from classroom learning. Some fundamental ...
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    30 mins
  • Do Colleges Care About Both ACT and SAT? Cracking the Code with Shellee Howard and Jackie Pollina

    Do Colleges Care About Both ACT and SAT? Cracking the Code with Shellee Howard and Jackie Pollina
    Jun 14 2025
    In this insightful and comprehensive discussion, Shelley Howard hosts Jackie Pollina, founder of J&J Test Prep and No BS SAT Prep, to explore the critical role of test preparation in high school and college admissions. Jackie shares her entrepreneurial journey from a stressed high school test-taker to a passionate business owner who creates modern, digestible test prep approaches. They emphasize the ongoing importance of standardized testing, even in a test-optional world, highlighting how strong scores enhance admission chances and secure substantial scholarships. The conversation debunks common myths around the SAT and ACT, recommending personalized diagnostic testing to determine the best fit for each student. They also provide detailed guidance on the various test prep formats—private tutoring, intensive classes, and crash courses—tailored to different goals and preparation timelines, underscoring the need for strategic, multi-test preparation over time. Additionally, the dialogue touches on AP exam support, summer prep advantages, and the importance of proactive parental involvement. Real-life experiences reinforce the long-term impact of solid test strategies, demonstrating how early preparation benefits students well beyond admission, even into professional exams like the MCAT. Finally, they encourage parents to engage actively with test prep resources to maximize scholarship opportunities and optimize college readiness.HighlightsJackie Pollina founded J&J Test Prep with a mission to make test preparation modern, relatable, and manageable.Test-optional admissions still favor students with strong standardized test scores for admission chances and merit scholarships.Diagnostic testing is essential to decide whether a student should take the SAT or ACT based on individual strengths and timing.Effective test prep requires at least eight weeks and ideally multiple test attempts for significant score improvement.Strategic test prep can dramatically increase scores, influencing college admission and scholarship opportunities.Summer is the optimal season for test prep due to fewer academic distractions and more available study time.Test preparation is a skill that supports future professional exams, making early preparation an investment beyond college admissions.Key InsightsTest Prep as a Long-Term Skill: Jackie and Shelley stress that testing is not a one-time hurdle but a lifelong skill essential for careers requiring professional exams like the LSAT, MCAT, or boards. This reframing helps parents and students view test prep as a beneficial investment rather than a temporary chore. Developing strategies early fosters confidence and competence for decades ahead, reinforcing the importance of embracing test prep rather than avoiding it.The Nuances of Test-Optional Policies: While many students celebrate test-optional admissions by skipping tests, data shows that students with strong scores tend to be admitted more often and awarded more merit-based aid. Colleges remain flexible but often encourage submissions. This “test-optional” not “test-irrelevant” distinction is vital for families to understand—relying solely on test-optional policies can be risky if future admissions cycles change policies unexpectedly.Customized Test Selection via Diagnostics: Deciding between the SAT and ACT cannot be done on surface-level preferences or perceived subject strengths. Diagnostic exams provide a data-driven approach to uncover a student’s natural aptitude, timing skills, and question-type preferences. This personalized method ensures students invest effort in the test most aligned with their abilities, optimizing their potential outcomes and reducing unnecessary frustration.Time Investment is Key for Meaningful Score Gains: Test prep is not a quick fix. Significant improvements (e.g., 200+ points on the SAT) require sustained, individualized preparation often through private tutoring. More moderate improvements can be obtained in structured classes. Crash courses serve as last-minute boosters but cannot replace comprehensive prep. This underscores the importance of planning ahead, managing expectations, and resisting the “one-and-done” test mindset.Scholarships Depend Heavily on Scores: Test scores play a critical role beyond admission—they are often a primary factor in awarding merit scholarships, which can substantially reduce the financial burden of college. Shelley’s real-world story of her son’s 300-point SAT improvement illustrates how strategic prep can be a financial game-changer, converting a generic state school opportunity into elite college admission, with profound long-term benefits.Summer Offers a Strategic Advantage: Utilizing summer breaks for test prep takes advantage of reduced academic stress and increased availability to focus on study. This timing allows students to absorb material effectively, avoid burnout during the school year, and be prepared for fall test dates. ...
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    25 mins
  • Mental Wellness 101: Teaching Teens the Tools for Self-Awareness and Resilience with Shellee Howard and Raphael McMaster

    Mental Wellness 101: Teaching Teens the Tools for Self-Awareness and Resilience with Shellee Howard and Raphael McMaster
    May 21 2025
    In this insightful interview, Shelley Howard, founder and CEO of College Ready, hosts Raphael McMaster, a creative professional turned nonprofit leader focused on empowering youth with essential emotional and mental health tools. Raphael shares how his journey led him to develop a toolkit of seven fundamental life tools designed to build self-awareness, emotional resilience, and self-control among young people. These tools have been co-created with input from psychologists, therapists, educators, and youth themselves to ensure they resonate with today’s generation.Raphael explains that his program transcends artistic or athletic backgrounds, making it accessible to all teenagers who face modern challenges such as screen addiction, anxiety, and societal pressures. The seven tools—awareness, acceptance, intention, gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, and connection—equip teens to observe their thoughts without attachment, manage their emotions, visualize goals, and cultivate resilience.The program has been successfully integrated into California high school curricula and is expanding through an innovative online platform launched by teens, for teens. Their ambitious goal is to empower one million conscious youth over five years, creating a grassroots movement of mental and emotional wellness. Raphael emphasizes the universal nature of these tools, offering examples of how they have transformed lives, including those struggling with serious issues like addiction and academic stress.Ultimately, the conversation highlights the critical need for teaching emotional intelligence and mindfulness skills early, filling the gap left in traditional education. This initiative supports parents and educators in nurturing self-reflective, empowered young adults capable of navigating life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. HighlightsCreativity is a gateway to emotional resilience but is not required to benefit from this toolkit.The seven foundational life tools teach youth to become the “aware observer” of their thoughts.Visualization and intention-setting help students clearly define goals and boost motivation.Gratitude practice transforms negative thinking and fosters quicker emotional recovery.Connection to self, others, nature, and a personal higher power strengthens mental wellness.The program is embedded in high school curricula and extended via a teen-led online platform.Goal to empower 1 million conscious youth in five years, creating a positive societal ripple effect. Key InsightsAwareness as the cornerstone: Teaching youth that they are not their thoughts but observers of their thoughts enables cognitive distancing. This foundational mindfulness skill allows teens to interrupt negative thought patterns before they become emotional burdens, leading to better mental health outcomes.Power of intention and visualization: Raphael underscores that knowing what you want—even if you don’t yet know how to get there—is critical for success and resilience. This forward-looking mindset fosters optimism and persistence through uncertainty, vital traits for young adults entering a complex world.Reframing negativity through gratitude: The “G flip” technique—flipping complaints into gratitude—serves as a rapid cognitive shift to reduce stress. This resilience tool teaches youth to find silver linings, promoting emotional flexibility in the face of adversity such as academic pressures or social challenges.Compassion, forgiveness, and connection as healing forces: Alongside self-awareness, these emotional skills help youth navigate relationships and internal pain. Forgiveness is presented as an inward practice, freeing individuals from resentment and promoting psychological freedom, critical for healthy development.Addressing contemporary challenges head-on: Raphael acknowledges the unique difficulties of the current generation, including screen addiction, social media pressures, and mental health crises. These tools are tailored to help youth thrive amid overstimulation and rapid societal changes.Youth-led education and empowerment: The emerging consciousness broadcast center model puts teens in leadership roles teaching their peers, enhancing relatability and creating authentic mentorship. Peer-led initiatives increase engagement and internalization of these life skills.Bridging the gap in education: Traditional schools rarely provide practical mental and emotional health curricula. Integrating these tools as state-approved courses and extracurricular programs fills this essential gap, supporting youth in becoming self-reflective, resilient, and ready not just for college, but for life. Connect with Shellee Howard: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramLinkedInEmail: shellee@collegereadyplan.com Connect with Rafael MacMaster: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookEmail: rafael@indivisiblearts.org
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    30 mins
  • Designing Your College Journey: Admission Assistance & Success Tips with Shellee Howard and Elliot Felix

    Designing Your College Journey: Admission Assistance & Success Tips with Shellee Howard and Elliot Felix
    May 21 2025
    In this insightful conversation between Shelley Howard and Elliot Felix, Felix—shares valuable guidance on preparing students not just to enter college but to thrive throughout their college journey and beyond. He emphasizes the importance of community, support systems, and aligning coursework with career goals to maximize the college experience. Elliot breaks down complex academic research into practical strategies, such as setting process-based goals and finding mentors, which significantly improve student outcomes. He candidly addresses the evolving value of college in today’s economic landscape, highlighting that success is not guaranteed but can be increased by purposeful engagement and preparation. Elliot also explores how families can decide if college is the right path for their child, emphasizing alternative educational routes and realistic planning. His two books, How to Get the Most Out of College and the forthcoming The Connected College, aim to empower students, families, and institutions to foster environments conducive to student success. Ultimately, Felix advocates a design-thinking approach to life and college, encouraging students to prototype their decisions through exploration, research, and mentorship. HighlightsElliot Felix emphasizes the critical difference between getting into college and truly succeeding once there.Students need a sense of belonging and community to thrive in college.Aligning coursework with career goals through real projects creates meaningful learning experiences.Process-based goals (e.g., completing tasks) outperform vague performance-based goals (e.g., earning a grade).Finding mentors doubles the likelihood students will value their education and succeed professionally.College’s worth depends largely on how students engage, not just on where they attend.Viewing college and life decisions as a “prototype” allows for flexible learning and growth.Key InsightsProcess-Based vs. Performance-Based Goals: Elliot underscores research from MIT that process-based goals—clear, actionable steps—are far more effective for student success than vague performance goals tied to outcomes. This approach helps students focus on controllable behaviors, reduces anxiety, and builds momentum.Sense of Belonging as Foundation for Success: A strong peer community is essential. Feeling connected to a group helps students engage more deeply, access support, and overcome challenges, which boosts retention and graduation rates. Colleges should encourage social and academic integration early.Connecting Coursework with Real-World Careers: Elliot highlights the value of projects that simulate or connect to actual career tasks, helping students experiment with potential fields and build relevant experience. This practical application helps make education more relevant and supports future employment.Mentorship Is a Game-Changer: Referencing Gallup studies, Elliot points out that students with mentors are twice as likely to feel their education was worth it and to be engaged in their careers. Mentorship provides guidance, networking, and emotional support critical for navigating college and work life successfully.Reevaluating the Value and Risk of College: Research shows lifetime earnings can be significantly higher for graduates, but only about 60% of students graduate within six years, making college a risky investment for some. Success hinges on preparation, financial planning, and purposeful engagement rather than blind attendance.Expanding the Definition of College: Elliot stresses that college isn’t just four-year universities but also includes community colleges, apprenticeships, and boot camps. Different forms of postsecondary education can suit different students’ needs, avoiding a “one size fits all” mentality.Design Thinking and Prototyping Life Choices: Viewing decisions about majors, schools, and careers as prototypes to test and refine reduces pressure and increases adaptability. By encouraging exploration and seeking feedback, students can make more informed choices—ultimately leading to greater success.This interview offers parents and students practical, research-backed advice to navigate higher education more effectively while promoting a more holistic and nuanced understanding of what it means to be “college ready.” The blend of research, personal stories, and actionable tips provides a roadmap for making college a transformative and worthwhile experience.Connect with Shellee Howard:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramLinkedInEmail: shellee@collegereadyplan.comWebsiteYouTubeInstagramLinkedInEmail: elliot@connectedcollege.org
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    23 mins
  • College Ready Starts Early: Inside the Mind of a Test Prep Expert with Matthew Pietrafetta and Shellee Howard

    College Ready Starts Early: Inside the Mind of a Test Prep Expert with Matthew Pietrafetta and Shellee Howard
    May 21 2025

    Mentoring Matters
    • Matthew Petrafetta founded Academic Approach in 2001 after valuing transformative mentors in literature and psychology.
    • He aims to replicate that coaching DNA for students’ academic growth.

    Passion-Driven Learning
    • Tutors “meet the student where they are,” linking content to interests (music, math, literature).
    • “From curiosity comes interest…success”—personalization boosts commitment.

    Start Early & Space Learning
    • Ideal to begin SAT/ACT prep in 10th grade—students see 3× more score growth vs. starting spring of junior year.
    • Tests cover 7th–11th grade curriculum; spaced practice beats cramming.

    Diagnostic-First Strategy
    • Every student takes a practice SAT (out of 1600) and ACT (out of 36).
    • Choose the test where score is higher and the student feels more confident.

    SAT vs. ACT, No Bias
    • All U.S. colleges accept either test equally—regional preferences disappeared years ago.
    • “Standardized tests are one thing; students are not.” Personal fit matters.

    Test-Optional Reality
    • Many schools now require or “highly prefer” scores to compare GPAs across varied high-school scales.
    • Strong scores can unlock merit aid (e.g., $250K National Merit Scholarship, auto-admit thresholds).

    Building Confidence & Skills
    • One-on-one tutoring treats teens as intellectuals, improving scores, skills, and self-belief.
    • Skills transfer: students report college essays and even the MCAT benefitting from test-prep training.

    Next Steps
    • Complimentary diagnostics and consultations at academicapproach.com
    • Personalized plans follow only after student buy-in and goal-setting.


    Connect with Shellee Howard:

    Website
    YouTube
    Instagram
    LinkedIn
    Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

    Connect with Matthew Pietrafetta:

    Website
    YouTube
    Instagram
    LinkedIn
    Email: matthew.pietrafetta@academicapproach.com
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    32 mins
  • Help with College Applications: Ben Kaplan Shares His Road to Harvard and Scholarship Success with Shellee Howard

    Help with College Applications: Ben Kaplan Shares His Road to Harvard and Scholarship Success with Shellee Howard
    May 8 2025

    Ben Kaplan’s background

    • Won ~24 scholarships totaling $90,000, enabling Harvard admission.
    • First scholarship call: “Congratulations, you’ve just won $15,000 from Discover Card.”
    • Authored How to Go to College Almost for Free and new book Scholars and Dollars.

    Exploring breadth and depth

    “Try a lot of things” to discover interests, then go deeper in passions.

    College fit matters most

    • “Are you part of something bigger than yourself?”
    • Seek a community that feels like home and challenges you just enough.

    Setting a positive milestone

    • Treat admissions as your first chance to take ownership of your future.
    • Make small action steps, seek advice, and build momentum.

    "Professional judgment” in financial aid

    • Financial aid officers can adjust inputs (e.g., average income over 3 years) for special circumstances.
    • Document high medical expenses or variable income to swing aid by $50,000.

    Effective scholarship searching

    • Use free databases like Scholaroo (scholaroo.com).
    • Check your and neighboring schools’ career center listings.
    • Don’t neglect small, local scholarships—they boost credibility for larger awards.

    Leveraging applications

    • Recycle college essays for merit-based scholarships.
    • A holistic approach maximizes effort and results.

    Manage scholarship outreach

    Create a throwaway email to avoid inbox clutter.

    Key resources

    Scholars and Dollars (available on Amazon).

    Websites: scholaroo.com and learnipity.com (courses, essay feedback, toolkits).


    Connect with Shellee Howard:

    Website

    YouTube

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com
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    24 mins
  • Raising Confidence, Living Authentically: Shellee Howard in Conversation with Christina Lecuyer

    Raising Confidence, Living Authentically: Shellee Howard in Conversation with Christina Lecuyer
    May 6 2025

    Decision • Faith • Action

    “Everything is a matter of decision.”

    Christina’s core formula: make a choice, take massive action, and trust something greater.

    From Pro Golfer to Mindset Coach

    Former five-time All-American golfer battled eating disorders and suicidal thoughts despite external success.

    Built a mission to help others “be yourself” and escape the validation trap.

    Social Media: Highlight Reel vs. Reality

    Encourages authenticity over perfection.

    Advises limiting screen time and engaging in real-life activities for fulfillment.

    Confidence Is a Muscle

    Teens are more resilient than assumed.

    Self-trust grows by facing challenges and embracing failure as “just a lesson.”

    Align Kids with Their Passions

    Listen to what children genuinely enjoy instead of imposing parental expectations.

    Support them in activities—art, sports, STEM—that build competence and self-worth.

    Reprogramming Stories & Habits

    Brain = computer; to change results, rewrite old patterns (e.g., money mindset).

    Identify the “thing under the thing” and replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones.

    Habits Caught, Not Taught

    Parents’ behaviors shape kids more than words.

    Model self-care: family meals with no-phone zones, shared hobbies, and visible self-improvement.

    Working with Christina

    One-on-one coaching (max. 30 clients).

    Free clarity calls via Instagram @bchristina or text 501-222-3362.

    Connect with Shellee Howard:

    Website

    YouTube

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

    Connect with Christina Lecuyer:

    Website

    Instagram

    Podcast

    YouTube

    Work with Christina: 1:1 Coaching

    Book Christina to Speak: Contact Here
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    28 mins
  • Beyond Biology: Meeting College Requirements Through AP Success – Shellee Howard Talks with Michelle Pardue

    Beyond Biology: Meeting College Requirements Through AP Success – Shellee Howard Talks with Michelle Pardue
    May 2 2025

    Michelle Pardue’s Background

    32 years teaching experience, 25 years teaching AP Biology

    Chose teaching to inspire future medical researchers and practitioners

    AP Biology Course Approach

    Treats AP Bio like a sports season: “I’ve been prepping them all year to get ready for this test.”

    Balances content delivery with test-prep strategies

    Exam Focus Shift

    Now emphasizes scientific thinking, data/graph interpretation, and time management

    Multiple‑choice section: 60 lengthy questions in 90 minutes—practice under timed conditions is essential

    Free‑response: requires concise, factual answers, not essay‑style writing

    Key Study Resources

    AP Classroom (College Board): videos, topic reviews, practice questions

    AP prep books for targeted review (use early in study cycle to avoid burnout)

    Peer‑to‑peer study groups to reinforce understanding

    Strategies for Improvement

    Identify and highlight FRQ command words (e.g., “describe,” “identify”)

    Skim MCQs efficiently by knowing material—helps find answers faster

    Time drills: simulate exam timing to build pacing skills

    Parental Check‑In Questions

    “Do you know the exam structure? (# MCQs, time limits, FRQ format)”

    “Has your teacher taught test‑taking strategies?”

    If the answer is no, consider supplemental tutoring or online resources

    Tutoring & Support Offer

    Zoom prep sessions for AP and regular biology students

    Email: parduprep4bio@gmail.com to arrange one‑on‑one strategy and content reviews

    Final Exam Tip

    Expect to feel underprepared on test day—it’s designed that way. Stay calm and focused, and you’ll perform respectably.

    Connect with Shellee Howard:

    Website

    YouTube

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

    Connect with Michelle Pardue:

    Email: pardue5@verizon.net
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    19 mins