PrepWell Podcast with Phil Black

Show Notes: In this episode, I review the details of the College Board's proposal for their new, digital SAT. While the new-fangled test won't be rolled out for at least 18 months, you should understand what is happening to the test. Will it affect you or your child? Who will the potential winners and losers be?         0:01:30 Which students will this impact?   0:03:04 Specific dates for the chan...

Show Notes: In this episode, I observe my twin sons who recently returned home for winter break. Listening to their first-semester (freshman year) exploits gave me a unique window into their lives and whether or not PrepWell Academy made any difference. Did any of the lessons stick? Was it worth the hard work? Listen to find out...        0:01:39 Sample size: 2   0:05:20 Figure it out, dude   0:06...

Show Notes: In this episode, I break down who benefits the most (and least) from test-optional policies. With Harvard's recent announcement to extend their test-optional policy for another four years, it appears that this trend may become permanent. Who will be the winners and losers? I think you'll be surprised by the answers.         0:01:39 First impressions   0:02:50 Who benefits most?   0:03:...

Show Notes: In this episode, I propose a 5-Step process to help break your 14 - 15-year-old son out of their iPhone/video game/Snapchat/IG-induced trance. This is no easy task, and we must deploy CIA-level tactics to bring them to the light.  This episode is for parents only (not for kids). If you have daughters, this will be helpful as well, but it's especially geared toward parents with sons.  ...

Show Notes: In this episode, I share 18 ideas for extracurricular activities that can be done during lockdowns. I hope it doesn't come to this, but I want you to be prepared in case it does. In certain cases, lockdowns may even help you come up with ECAs that are more unique, compelling, and substantial than you would have considered otherwise.      0:01:15 If lockdowns return   0:04:00 Easier tha...

Show Notes: There are certain windows of opportunity that should not be missed. Learn the critical decision points and how to stay on track with them.   Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:03:40 Fresh: Division I scholarships?   0:04:40 Fresh: Highly-selective schools?   0:05:20 Fresh: STEM or Humanities?   0:05:36 Soph: Significant leadership role?   0:08:36 Soph: Want to attend service aca...

Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss what happens when those early action admissions emails arrive and you find out whether you were admitted, rejected, or deferred? Is it time to panic? What can you do to immunize yourself from any bad news?     0:00:15 Early action results   0:02:00 Is it panic time?   0:02:20 How did you arrive here?   0:03:00 Fr, So, Jr reactions   0:04:00 No "silver bullet"...

Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss what to do with the PSAT score you just received. How should you decide whether this is a good or bad score? Does this score matter? How do I use my PSAT score to anticipate my prospects of getting into colleges?    0:01:15 PSAT for sophomores   0:02:01 What if you did well?   0:02:40 What if you didn't do well?   0:03:25 Don't assume improvement is automatic...

Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss how to create the ultimate "brag sheet". What information to include, why it's so important, how to use it with your counselor, and why it will separate you from the pack.    0:01:40 What makes my counselor so important?   0:06:21 How to build the relationship   0:07:14 When your relationship changes   0:09:55 What's on my brag sheet?   0:11:08 Taking stock o...

Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss how to manage the inevitable "Ls" (losses) that we will take in our lives. There is no way to avoid losses, failures, mistakes, and disappointments. The key is to build resilience so that you can dampen the blows and bounce back quickly. Learn the strategies to build your reserves to help mitigate the miscues we all know will be coming.   0:02:08 Typical teen...

Show Notes: In this episode, I continue last week's discussion about how to narrow down college choices. This week, we dive into the relevance (or irrelevance) of your "major" preference when it comes to college selection and beyond. I also explore whether the best high school students will eventually skip college.   0:00:40 Should "ranking" be #1 criteria?   0:01:20 Two important caveats   0:04:3...

Show Notes: In this episode, I make suggestions on how to make a college decision assuming you will not get into one of the Top 10 most-selective schools. Given that these schools have single-digit acceptance rates, this would cover just about everyone.  How should you shift your mindset if the Ivy League is off the table?       0:01:20 Top 10 most selective colleges   0:03:10 Why some schools are...

Show Notes: In this episode, I encourage parents to change how they interact with their teenager. Their influence will peek in 9th and 10th grade, and disappear in 11th and 12th. How not to lose this important window of opportunity.        0:01:11 2-yr window of opportunity   0:02:30 90% of parenting is over   0:04:30 Dinnertime   0:05:30 By 11th grade, it's all over   0:06:50 How to take advantag...

Show Notes: In this episode, I present the case for paying more attention (and respect) to Division III sports. Often thought of as "JV" compared to their Division I counterparts, DIII sports are gaining prominence - and for good reason. Listen to this episode to hear the pros and cons of DIII sports, and when you have to decide if it's the right fit for you.        0:02:11 When will you know?   0...

Show Notes: In this episode, I review the number one mistake I see students make in their Common Application essays. Even if your essay is "done", please listen to this episode to make sure you haven't fallen into the trap.        0:02:11 Initial checklist   0:03:14 How long should it take?   0:04:05 The biggest mistake   0:05:10 The story is just a vehicle   0:06:24 Why this mistake happens   0:0...

Show Notes: In this episode, I review one of my favorite parenting strategies called the 60-second rule. The goal is to slowly train your child not to lie. The target age group for this strategy is 6th - 10th graders.        0:01:00 My favorite parenting tip   0:01:44 The 60-second rule   0:02:23 The nature of mistakes   0:04:00 The 10X penalty   0:04:40 Case study   0:08:00 Low-consequence mistak...

Show Notes: In this episode, I ask a simple question: "When was the last time you saw a sample of your child's writing?" If the answer is several years - you're not alone. We explore why this might be the case and how surprised you might be at your child's level of writing proficiency. Caution: What you hear in this episode may not sit well with you.     0:01:55 A troubling trend   0:02:23 When wa...

Show Notes: In this episode, I suggest that some athletes might want to consider switching sports in order to increase their chances of being recruited at the college level. This is not an easy path, nor a common one. It is fraught with pitfalls. For many athletes, however, so is staying the course. There may be thousands of athletes sitting on hidden talents that could be put to better use in the...

Show Notes: In this episode, I focus my comments on high school juniors who have high potential but are on the cusp of throwing it all away. They got a raw deal with COVID, and if they don't take control of their lives right now - the gig will be up. If you're a parent of a junior, or curious about what I have to say to this cohort, please tune in.    0:01:30 Target audience: juniors   0:02:20 Who...

Show Notes: After dropping off my twin sons at college, I thought I'd have more discretionary time on my hands to do important stuff - like organize my garage - which has been a mess for 18 straight years. I was wrong.    Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook   If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.   Subscribe to the podcast...

Show Notes: To commemorate our 100th episode, I share my Top 100 tips, bits of advice, and insights about the college admissions process. We cover changes to SAT/ACT requirements, athletic scholarships, study strategies, ROTC and service academies, how to differentiate your application, the cost of college, and much more. Test your knowledge. See how many of these points you have heard of before,...

Show Notes: In this episode, I review what you should do the day before your SAT or ACT.    0:01:14 Necessary tangible items   0:03:00 Other strategies for success   Follow us:   Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook   If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.     Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Inst...

Show Notes: In this episode, I review the topics that I covered with my sons before they left for college. It was my attempt to convey as much "wisdom" as I could before they left the nest for good. We covered a variety of topics including paperwork essentials, financial literacy, and how to live a good life. As you can imagine, this was not an easy exercise.   0:02:40 Life Skills (1 - 36)   0:07:...

Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss one of the biggest "ah-ha" moments I've had over the course of the last 10 years of teaching and advising students and families about the college admissions process (including going through the process with 3 of my 4 sons so far). If your child wants to stand out among their peers, they need to accomplish certain things by the end of their sophomore year. Thi...

Show Notes: In this episode, I reveal yet another reason to take practice SAT or ACT tests before the real thing. This time, it's to discover whether or not you have learned enough math to excel on the math sections of the SAT or ACT. If last year's zoom-based math instruction was a crap show, you may need to study more than you planned for.    0:01:15 Math content gap   0:03:03 Test optional poli...