PrepWell Podcast with Phil Black

In this week's podcast, I talk about a college sports recruiting company known as NCSA. NCSA is short for Next College Student Athlete.  If you have a child who plays a sport, at almost any level, NCSA will soon reach out to you to set up a call to discuss your child's potential to play their sport in college. Learn whether scheduling that call is a wise thing to do. Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enrol...

In this week's podcast, I discuss whether or not to submit an SAT/ACT score. This decision is not as straightforward as one might think. It goes deeper than "as long as it's in the middle 50% or better bracket". Learn the nuances surrounding this decision before you make the final decision.  Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠F...

In this week's podcast, I share a story about my son and a small group of "Fellows" working toward getting a job at Palantir.  The scenario reveals a lot about what's happening in the job market these days and how your college major may/may not be as important as it used to be.  Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Face...

In this week's podcast, I make a strong push for students to submit their applications in the Early Action round (where applicable).  There are a range of benefits to support this recommendation:  Admissions officers more alert Optics No obligation Negotiation leverage Momentum EA is the new RD Mental relief Fewer supplemental essays Heat check If your child has their ducks in a row, and they&...

In this week's podcast, I argue that students can no longer afford to sleep-walk their way through college.  It is no longer a 4-yr, extended vacation, built around fun, frivolity, promiscuity, and beer.  Why the sudden change? cost of attendance broken public trust employment landscape behavioral minefield curriculum opportunities to cheat distractions being left behind campus unrest major ch...

In this week's podcast, I recommend whether to disclose your AP Exam scores in your college application.  This episode is important for seniors who are filling out their college applications as we speak as well as for sophomores/juniors who are wondering how important it is to pay attention in their AP classes.  Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In this week's podcast, I encourage students to open up an individual brokerage account and a ROTH IRA.  I walked them through every step of the process.  Topics covered include: Why invest early?  What to invest in? What is a brokerage account? What is a Roth IRA? What is compounding interest? Financial literacy is at an all-time low in this country. It's important that our children start...

In this week's podcast, I issue a stern warning for teenagers who do not prepare ahead of time for their return to high school.  If their summer was dominated by endless scrolling, swiping, and video-watching, their attention span has likely withered away to nothing.  Learn how to avoid the crash-out that will occur if they try to show up to school with no transition plan. Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enr...

In this week's podcast, I review the 5 biggest nothing-burger extracurricular activities that you should not include in your college application - 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 car. . Follo...

In this week's podcast, I review one of the most challenging (but important) parts of the college admissions process. Building a target list of colleges This entails narrowing down a list of 4,000+ colleges to a manageable list of 10-14 colleges that meet all of your child's preferences, such as: big school, small school, medium school location urban, suburban, rural majors selectivity res...

In this week's podcast, I try to answer one of the most common questions I hear from parents - especially about their first-born, highly-competitive, multi-talented daughters: "She'll get into the Ivies, right?" Does your daughter check any (or all) of these boxes: very bright (4.something GPA) AP and Honors classes self-motivated 2 varsity sports leader in multiple school clubs part-time job acti...

In today's episode, I try to explain why young adults (including teenagers) are feeling angst these days.  Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow me on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  or  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this a...

Is paying for an SAT or ACT tutor worth it? Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow me on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  or  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  your 9th or 10th grader in the program...

In today's episode, I discuss a trend I have been witnessing over the last few years. The trend is getting worse and I hope this episode will highlight the issues. I meet with students every week for 1-on-1 consulting sessions (some via Zoom and some in-person). I have identified three basic habits that students should adopt to make these sessions more productive and valuable.  Give this episo...

In today's episode, I argue that "work-life balance" is not a top priority for college graduates. What are the top priorities?  Why doesn't work-life balance make the cut? How to manage expectations of a new generation Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow me on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  or  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fac...

In this week's podcast, I urge parents to do whatever they can to help their children become avid readers. In my opinion, a student's academic upside (e.g. GPA, SAT, AP, college acceptances) is highly correlated to their relationship with reading. This relationship comes in three stages:  Stage 1: avid reader Stage 2: non-reader Stage 3: anti-reader My four sons have fallen into all three...

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 major might be a good fit, or a possible career path, it’s time to play TED Talk Ro...

In today's episode, I dispel a myth circulating around the internet suggesting that your college major is  the  most important factor in determining your future earning potential.  I beg to differ.  Yes, your college major is important, but it is not the deciding factor, especially with AI disrupting the job market in such profound ways.  Please give this episode a listen if your child is wond...

In today’s episode, I reveal a sneaky accounting trick that some colleges use to avoid entering the $100K/yr club.  Please give this episode a listen if your child is considering a private, liberal arts college, or a flagship state college/university in a different state. Also, I offer 5 reasons why it still might be a reasonable idea to consider a college that charges $100K+ per year. Follow us:...

In today's episode, I lay out the latest developments in the college admissions process.  how to define "best" 160,000+ applications all applications look the same no more DEI curation institutional priorities survive variable pricing models As we move into the important summer months, make sure you know what to prioritize, what has fallen out of favor, and how to stay ahead of the g...

In today's episode, I welcome all PrepWellers into their new cohorts.  As of tomorrow ( June 1st ), all members will be migrated to the next year. 8th-graders (2030) will become new freshman PrepWellers Freshman (2029) will become sophomore PrepWellers Sophomores (2028) will become junior PrepWellers Juniors (2027) will become senior PrepWellers In this week's podcast, I review why it'...

In today's episode, I comment on Princeton's recent policy change when it comes to test administration. Princeton students will no longer be allowed to take exams without proctors walking the aisles.  For 133 years, the "honor system" was sufficient to keep students from cheating on exams. Not anymore.  Smartphones and AI have made cheating so easy, even the students at Princeton...

In today's episode, I offer some suggestions on how to curb (or break) your child's phone addiction. If you have a 12-16 year old child who is using their phone more than you think is reasonable, please give this episode a listen.  Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow me on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  or  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In today's episode, I review the new model proposed by the NCAA for college athlete eligibility (Division I). If you have a child who may want to play sports in college, this is a worthwhile listen.  What is proposed? Who are the winners and losers? What should I prepare for? Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow...

In today's episode, I redefine what your child's #1 priority should be when planning for college. Years ago, the priorities were: How do I get into an Ivy League, Top 15, or Top 20 college? What should I major in? Those days are over.  Today, given the changing job outlook, technological breakthroughs (i.e. AI, automation), and cost of college, your child should be solving for one thing an...