PrepWell Podcast with Phil Black

Show Notes: In this episode, I walk through a new and updated Top 10 List of important factors that impact college admissions. This is not your standard list. For example, GPA and rigor of courses fall to #8 on the list.  Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:03:17 Drivers vs. passengers   0:05:00 Recruited athletes   0:10:05 SAT/ACT score   0:12:40 National or international renown   0:13:36 A...

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: SAT Subject Tests and the "essay" section of SAT have both been canceled - indefinitely. Find out what this means for students. Who are the winners and losers? Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:30 SAT Subject Tests canceled   0:02:00 The good news   0:03:07 History of SAT Subject Tests   0:05:36 Who is harmed?   0:08:40 Who may benefit?   0:10:20 But then again...   0:11:15 ...

In this episode, I cover more than just a standard list of summer activities. I use a real-world case study to demonstrate why some summer activities might be better than others for "Rick".   Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:02:34 Behind the scenes strategies   0:03:15 Case study: "Rick"   0:03:47 Rick's options   0:04:30 Option 1: Private Pilot's license   0:07:50 Option 2: Rick's friend...

Show Notes: In this episode, I walk through answers to FAQs from 2020.    Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:14 Should I worry about the SAT or ACT anymore?   0:03:18 I got 1190 on my PSAT. What do I do now?   0:06:03 I've been getting a lot of fancy invitations to leadership conferences. Should I go?   0:08:00 I want to be an engineer. Any advice?   0:09:22 Is there any stigma in moving...

Show Notes: In this episode, I walk through the best ways to cope with the 3-month wait before students find out their college application results.  Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:20 Applications are in. Now what?  0:02:37 Finding your flow  0:03:20 How to manage the emotional roller coaster 0:03:34 Month 1: Aggressive optimism 0:04:25 Month 2: Re-take control 0:06:20 Month 3: Aggres...

Show Notes: In this episode, I walk through the factors that made this year's early admissions process one of the most difficult in years. Who got in, who got deferred, and who got denied? Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:20 What is early admissions?  0:04:00 Why was early admissions so competitive this year?  0:04:44 #1 More applicants  0:05:15 Optional SAT and ACT scores  0:06:40 Fli...

Show Notes: In this episode, I lay out the steps (and options) for high school students who want to succeed in college and beyond. Step 1: Decide if you want to succeed. Step 2: Decide if you're willing to pay the price. Step 3: Decide if you want to pay now or later? Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:20 Do you want to be successful? 0:02:30 When do you want to pay? 0:03:23 Students who...

Show Notes: In this episode, I lay out all the steps necessary to ensure that your child has a great college interview season. This episode is equally valuable for students who will soon have Zoom interviews for summer jobs, internships, or scholarship competitions. Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:04:00 Record your interview date (deconflict) 0:04:23 Confirm that you have the correct tim...

Show Notes: In today’s show, I discuss strategies and recommendations for Extracurricular Activities that take 2-3 years to plan and execute. They are not short-term gimmicks or shortcuts. Pack a lunch.  If you have a child in 11th or 12th grade, it may be too late to implement these strategies to full effect. This podcast is primarily for conscientious parents who are trying to help their aspirat...

Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss how the admissions process is changing right before our eyes and how "class selection" has become even more important than GPA or SAT/ACT scores.  How do you approach the class selection process to make sure you get it right? Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:19 Why is class selection so important?   0:03:05 The new #1 factor in college admissions...

Show Notes: In this episode, I explore what parents should do when their child's D-1 athletic scholarship dreams are dashed. Who makes the decision? When should this decision be made? Is it different for boys and girls? How does the student-athlete recover?   Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:06:44 When should you know if your child has scholarship potential?   0:10:00 What if the answer i...

Show Notes: The college admissions environment is changing before our eyes. In this episode, I update juniors on what to focus on right now. Please tune-in for a refresher on what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what to prioritize.   Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:52 Grades 0:04:15 Standardized tests 0:15:45 Letters of Recommendation 0:17:09 Signature Extracurricular Activity...

Show Notes: Filling out college applications is more than just writing essays and submitting test scores. It’s a process that teaches some of life’s most important lessons. In this episode, I cover the Top 5 Life Lessons Learned during this process.  Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:02:55 A life full of applications 0:05:45 How to Market Yourself 0:08:51 Early Preparation 0:10:30 Time Man...

Show Notes: In this episode, I go through 20 bad decisions that high-schoolers make and the consequences of such decisions. Make sure that you are not making similar mistakes.  Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:55 Letters of recommendation  0:02:25 When to study for SAT 0:03:00 Highlight videos for coaches 0:03:30 Leadership positions 0:03:58 College essays 0:04:36 Social media repost 0...

Show Notes: In today’s episode, I discuss ROTC scholarships. What are they? How do they work? How do they differ from service academies? Why should I care?  Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:40 Let’s start with military service academies 0:02:10 Military Service Academies 0:04:35 What is ROTC? 0:07:00 What do ROTC scholarships cover? 0:09:15 More affordable 0:09:50 Serve your country 0:...

Show Notes: Today’s episode is a review of the 3 most important things that students should focus on in 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th-grades. To save time, fast forward to the grade that you care about most.  Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:03:00 9th-graders 0:08:05 10th-graders 0:15:00 11th-graders 0:21:00 12th-graders Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Face...

Show Notes: Today’s episode is a compilation of answers to questions you have sent me by email, DM, phone, and voicemail. This format allows me to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time and gives you the opportunity to test your knowledge about the process. Keep those questions coming...  Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:45 Do I need to worry about the SAT or ACT anymore? 0:02...

Show Notes: Many teenagers wake up at the end of 11th grade, wondering why they are not prepared for the college admissions process. In this episode, I teach teenagers: (1) how to avoid this fate, (2) why it’s important to start early, and (3) how to maintain their motivation - even during COVID-19. Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:02:05 What “things” can we control?  0:03:30 How small ch...

Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss how a trend toward test-optional and test-blind policies will affect the college admissions process - this year and for years to come. Important for families with 8th - 12th graders.    Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:02:10 Dealing with more test-optional/test-blind colleges  0:02:40 How colleges used to evaluate students 0:03:45 How colleges evalua...

Show Notes: In this episode, I help 9 - 12th graders figure out what to prioritize in this ever-changing landscape of college admissions. Do they even bother studying for the SAT/ACT, should they double-down on sports, does it matter if they don’t have the perfect schedule? Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:03:45 9th-graders 0:09:26 10th-graders 0:15:25 11th-graders 0:18:45 12th-graders Fo...

Show Notes: Impact of the recent ruling prohibiting UC schools from considering SAT and ACT scores in this year's application process.   Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:12 Shift to test-optional admissions 0:03:54 Shift to test-blind admissions 0:05:00 Unintended consequences 0:06:30 Will applications double to 400,000? 0:07:00 What’s left to evaluate? 0:07:40 Only one lever left to p...

Show Notes: In this episode, I review the Top 7 habits that high-schoolers should adopt to become standout students, college applicants, and successful professionals someday. This episode is best for 6th-12th graders and their parents.  Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:02:38 What is a habit? 0:06:00 How long does it take to develop a habit? 0:07:55 Habit #7: Taking notes 0:10:45 Habit #6:...

Show Notes: In this 10-minute episode, I discuss how COVID has amplified the need for timely and regular advice about the college admissions process. For students who are schooling at home, what’s their plan for getting college admissions advice? This episode is specifically geared toward parents of freshman and sophomores who are not yet enrolled in PrepWell Academy.  Where are you getting your i...

Show Notes: In today’s show, I walk through exactly how I coach “college essay-writing” to my private and online PrepWellers. If you are a rising senior, and are struggling with starting (or finishing) your college essay, give this episode a listen. If you’re younger and want to get a head start of the art of essay-writing (smart idea), tune-in and get an early read. If you are a parent, trying to...