ServeWell Podcast

In this week's podcast, I focus on the first of the three pillars of the service academies: Academics Athletics Leadership Why are academics so important?

In this week's podcast, I discuss organizations like NCSA (Next College Student Athlete). These programs promise to connect your child with college coaches with the goal of securing athletic scholarships. If your child is considering using sports to help them get into a service academy or traditional college, please listen to today's episode.

In this week's podcast, I explore whether ROTC may be the perfect hedge for students who are not prepared for the rigors of a service academy but also don't want to be part of the chaos on traditional college campuses. Is ROTC a viable compromise between these two extremes?

In this week's podcast, I juxtapose two very different views on life after high school. The Case A student chooses the "pain later" path. This student wants college to be the best four years of their life - bar none. Immediate gratification and indulgence are at the core of their short-term goals. The Case B student chooses "pain now". This student is willing to give up some conveniences, perks, a...

In this week's podcast, I share a story about my son and a small group of "Fellows" who are trying to land jobs with Palantir. The scenario encapsulates a lot of what's happening in the real-world right now as it relates to technology, major choice, AI, and the job market.

In this week's podcast, I do my best to distinguish between a nomination and an appointment. These terms are often used interchangeably despite having very different meanings. Please listen to this episode to make sure you have them straight in your mind.

In this week's podcast, I walk through what it takes to get selected for one of the most sought-after jobs in the Navy and Air Force: Fighter pilot I will dig into these important dimensions: SAT and ACT Class rigor Class rank Varsity sports CFA Leadership Community service Aviation-related ECAs If your child has toyed with the idea of flying fighter jets in the military, this would be a good epis...

In this week's podcast, I suggest how to pick the branch of service that suits you best. Part of the analysis has to do with what you are optimizing for: undergraduate experience? early work experience? long-term career experience? Some students already have a good idea of which branch they are most interested in. Others are open-minded. Which are you?

In this week's podcast, I encourage students to open up an individual brokerage account and a ROTH IRA. For students who aspire to a service academy or ROTC program, this is the ultimate move. I walk them through every step of the process. Topics covered include: Why invest early? What is a brokerage account? What is a Roth IRA? What to invest in? What is compounding interest? Why can you do this...

In this week's podcast, I review what DoDMERB is and how to avoid the pitfalls it may present. When your child applies to a service academy or ROTC program, they will eventually be prompted to complete an online medical questionnaire. Do not let them do this alone. One wrong click or misrepresentation could lead to a medical disqualification. Please listen to this episode first. For those with you...

In this week's podcast, I review the 5 biggest nothing-burger extracurricular activities that you should not include in your applications - unless you have no choice. You might be surprised by the list. Even though some of the activities/organizations sound legitimate, more often than not, they are a waste of time, energy, and money. Don't get caught chasing the wrong cars.

In this week's episode, I compare the trajectory of two similar students as they transition into college. [Though inspired by real-world stories, these students are fictitious and the outcomes are for illustration purposes only.] One student (Ethan) decided to take the more traditional pathway by attending a well-respected, liberal arts college where he would study economics. The other student (Ro...

In this week's episode, I review how to prepare for a service academy interview. Last week, my youngest son sat down with his Blue & Gold officer for his official USNA interview. It was the fourth time the Blue & Gold officer has been to our house. Listen to this podcast to find out: how to prepare what to expect common questions dress code timing Tune in if you want the inside scoop on ho...

In this week's episode, I wonder why every high school student doesn't apply to a service academy and/or ROTC program.

In this week's episode, I discuss whether it's worth it to invest in an SAT or ACT tutor.

In this week's episode, I reflect on the last few months of 1-on-1 consulting sessions I've had with several ServeWellers. With few exceptions, many students were guilty of the following poor habits: Not taking notes Not creating outlines prior to writing Not calling adults by their names Please have a listen and discuss this topic with your child. These habits will pay long-term dividends well af...

In this week's episode, I react to a comment left on one of my Instagram reels suggesting that maritime academies weren't ideal because they often required long stretches at sea (3-6 months) which is not ideal for maintaining a work-life balance. Come again? Is the new rule that every college graduate should expect: a guaranteed job making $100K/yr with work-life balance? Tune in to hear my though...

In this week's episode, I review the origin story of "TED Talk Roulette" and how it can be implemented in your child's life. This activity is designed to help students who claim that they "just aren't interested in anything." If your child finds it difficult to articulate what they are interested in, what college might be a good fit (e.g. traditional, service academy, ROTC), or a possible career p...

This week, I offer the third and final installment of our 3-part series that tries to answer the question: What makes college students successful? In review: - Part I (feedback) - Part 2 (structure) - Part 3 (challenge) Feel free to reach out with any questions.

This week, I try to explain why my phone is ringing off the hook with students interested in service academies and ROTC programs. I review six different potential reasons. In the end, it seems that traditional colleges are no longer delivering on the promises of the past. Students are looking for something different, better, harder. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

This week, I review the 3 different plans available at ServeWell Academy.  Basic Plan VIP Plan Private Plan I hope this helps those families thinking about enrolling in the program.  For our current members, this is a good reminder of how to make the most out of your participation in the program.  Feel free to reach out with any questions. 

Two weeks ago, I highlighted the importance of feedback when it comes to the development of 18-22 year-olds. This week, I dig into the importance of structure. The two extremes that come to mind are Brown University and West Point. The latter offers one of the most "unstructured" college experiences around. West Point, on the other hand, is the poster child for a structured environment. Learn abou...

Tomorrow (June 1st) marks the migration from one year to the next... eager 8th-graders can now become freshman ServeWellers (2030) freshman ServeWellers (2029) become sophomores sophomore ServeWellers (2028) become juniors junior ServeWellers (2027) become seniors I institute this change now because it gives every age group the whole summer to catch-up on anything that may have slipped through the...

In today's episode, I cover the topic of feedback. In order to mature, young adults need to know what they are doing right and what they are doing wrong. And the sooner -- the better. There are a few pathways that provide this type of feedback, often at an accelerated pace. There are other pathways that do not. If your child is interested in personal development, please give this episode a listen.

In today's episode, I share insights and perspective from a former ServeWell Academy graduate who went on to attend Vanderbilt University on a Marine Option Navy ROTC scholarship. He is wrapping up his freshman year and he had many things to report - some good, some not so good. If your son or daughter is considering ROTC, please give this episode a listen.