PrepWell Podcast with Phil Black

Show Notes: In most of my podcasts, I do deep dives into one or two topics. Today, I’m bringing back the rapid-fire FAQ format. I’ll give you my quick-takes on some of the most common questions that I get every day as a college admissions advisor.  Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:07 Should I still bother taking the SAT or ACT? 0:01:40 Do colleges prefer SAT or ACT? 0:02:20 Should I ta...

Show Notes: We are halfway through one of the most unusual summers that teenagers will experience for the next 50 years. Two months at home - without much responsibility (in most cases). In this episode, I speak directly to every teenager, student, PrepWeller, and prospective PrepWeller. I ask them to reflect on what they’ve accomplished during the month of July. I prompt them to make a plan for A...

Show Notes: At the end of March, PrepWell Academy closed registration to the Class of 2022 (rising juniors). In our eyes, June 1st marks the point of no return. Either you care about college admissions - or you don’t. If you do, the end of sophomore year is the last time that you have a chance to enroll in PrepWell Academy. Because of the COVID shutdown and our multiple airings on Shark Tank, this...

Today, we’re talking about how to approach the SAT and/or ACT - the two standardized tests that most colleges will use to assess your child’s readiness for college. This is a very important topic. As with most things related to college admissions, students and parents should get involved far sooner than they think - if they want to do well. That’s the entire point of this podcast, and PrepWell Aca...

Show Notes: In today's episode, I provide advice to parents who are trying to help their child stay on top of academics over the summer (even if just a little bit) - and students who want to stay on top academics (even just a little bit) - especially when they find themselves overwhelmed, due to travel, or COVID, or other circumstances - or, they’re just paralyzed by too many options.  Here is wha...

Show Notes: Researching colleges at the right time and with the appropriate intensity is an important part of the college admission process. The sooner your child (and you) begin to follow a plan - the better. Especially for students with “specialty aspirations”. In this episode, I walk you through how, when, and why you should begin your research.  Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:13 ...

Show Notes: Several years ago, I created a 1-page worksheet that laid out the 7 categories that determine how well a student will be prepared for the college admissions process. In this podcast, I walk through this worksheet and discuss how it reveals your child’s competitiveness. Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:06:00 How to use this worksheet 0:06:55 Objective Academic Measures (Big 3)...

Show Notes: I speak with a lot of parents who struggle over the decision to send their children to public or private high schools. Their struggle is well-founded. There are many factors to consider in this important decision.  This episode is also valuable to parents who already have children in high school because it uncovers insights based on the type of high school your child attends (private o...

Show Notes: Okay, we all survived a very odd school year. Now what? In this episode, I discuss the priorities and winning mindset of rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders as they plunge into an uncertain summer. Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:40 Where we started 0:03:10 Why the summer is so important 0:03:45 What do we do now? 0:04:57 What should rising 9th-graders focus on? 0:12:...

Show Notes: With so many students far behind on SAT/ACT testing, letters of recommendation will be more important than ever this year. Make sure you are making the most of this opportunity. In this episode, I tell you exactly what to provide the teachers who have agreed to write your letters of recommendation.  Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:50 Step #1: Identify teachers who would wr...

Show Notes: In today’s episode, I present the 5 biggest mistakes parents and students should avoid during the college admissions process. Not surprisingly, many of these mistakes are made early in the process. Tune-in to inoculate yourself from these missteps.  Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:50 #5 Believing that sports will carry the day 0:05:30 #4 Misunderstanding how financial aid...

Show Notes: In today’s episode, I discuss the challenges that arise when students misallocate their time. Do you see anything wrong with the following scenario? Sarah has spent over 5,000 hours participating in [enter common extracurricular activity here], an activity that will add only marginal value to her college application. At the same time, Sarah is extremely reluctant to spend 30-40 hours t...

Show Notes: In today’s episode, I address the growing importance of letters of recommendation. What they are? When you should request them? Which teachers should you ask? How much do these letters matter? Do they matter more or less in light of COVID-19? What are the best strategies and tactics to secure the best letters of recommendation possible? Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:28 W...

Show Notes: In today’s episode, I address the fast-changing “test-optional” policies being adopted by colleges and universities across the country - particularly in light of COVID-19. Why are so many colleges going “test-optional”? What are their motivations? How should this affect your child’s test-taking strategy, if at all? How will this affect admissions? Will this affect who gets merit schola...

Show Notes: In today’s episode, I rip through answers to 20 of the most common questions I’ve received during my 1-on-1 Office Hour sessions with PrepWellers and their parents. I’m hoping that answers to these common questions will help even more people.   Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:30 Will I be able to take an SAT this fall?  0:02:30 Does Test-Optional mean skip the SAT? 0:03:30...

Show Notes: In today’s episode, I focus on what student-athletes should do to begin, maintain, or improve relationships with college coaches during this unusual recruitment period. With the likelihood that Summer 2020 camps, showcases, tournaments, invitationals, and other in-person evaluation opportunities will be canceled, what can student-athletes do to stay in the mix when it comes to recruitm...

Show Notes: In today’s episode, I focus on how freshman and sophomores (and their parents) will be affected by COVID-19. I provide a macro-level analysis on the state of competition for in-state colleges and universities as well as tactical advice on what to do to counter the surge in selectivity. I also opine on how the economic downturn will affect parents and colleges alike. This is a must-list...

Show Notes: In today’s episode, I address many of the most important questions that people are asking in light of the coronavirus shutdown. These are timely questions that cannot be ignored. The answers to these questions give immediate direction to juniors, who are most at-risk, as well as to sophomores who should do everything in their power to avoid related pitfalls. I encourage parents and stu...

Show Notes: In today’s episode, I break down the process of getting onto Shark Tank, how long it takes, and the odds of your segment actually getting on air. Then, I walk you through what each of the Sharks said during my segment and how to think about their feedback. I then opine on whether or not it’s a smart idea to skip taking the SAT or ACT now that the UC schools are no longer requiring it. ...

In today’s episode, I announce the airing of my second appearance on Shark Tank where I pitch PrepWell Academy to the Sharks. The episode airs this Friday, 4/3/2020 8pm on ABC. I hope you’ll tune-in to join the fun. I also share the story of when I decided to re-apply to Shark Tank, what the casting call was like, and what I thought of my chances.  The second half of the episode focuses on a priva...

In today’s episode, I add some meat to the bone of last week’s podcast. In the last show, we discussed how important it was for your high schooler to keep their academic and personal development momentum going even during a quarantine. This week, I provide a tangible tool to help in this regard.  Here's a template for a daily schedule that you and your child can fill out together. As a rule, child...

In today’s episode, I provide a blueprint to help motivated juniors in high school who need a plan (or a backup plan) for Spring Break - especially for those who just had their college campus visits canceled.  If your child planned to spend Spring Break visiting colleges, cruising around campuses, eating in the student cafes, taking tours, and gazing up at the pretty buildings - they will be disap...

In today’s episode, I explore an often overlooked secret weapon in the college admissions process - the high school guidance counselor. Guidance counselors represent a wealth of information, resources, connections, and opportunities that often go underutilized by students and families. Though many guidance counselors are overwhelmed with caseloads 2-3X larger than they should be, they can still pl...

In today’s episode, I go right to the source - your teenager. In a departure from the usual format, I bring what I normally reserve for inside PrepWell Academy, directly to you and your child.   Part of the reason for this experiment is because many parents have told me that they enjoy listening to the podcast with their children in the car.   I thought I’d try to enhance that experience by produc...

In today’s episode, I talk about how much input (or, how little input) parents might want to have in their child’s college admissions journey. What should your strategy be? How much should you get involved? When should you get involved? When you should back off? In other words, how to thread the needle, to make sure your child - and you - have a positive and productive experience.      Of course,...