PrepWell Podcast with Phil Black

Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss what it takes to become a recruited athlete (from Div I to Div III). When should I start? How do I know if I'll be good enough? What steps do I take to get on the radar of college coaches? What are the pitfalls to avoid? How to make the most of the process even if the "recruiting thing" doesn't work out.     0:00:35 The myth   0:01:10 The reality   0:01:55 Th...

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...

Show Notes: In this episode, I reflect on the challenge of parenting teens. How much freedom do we give them? How hard do we push them? When do we let them fail and at what? What are the consequences of pushing too hard or giving too much slack? Listen to my advice on how to manage this tug-of-war.     0:01:45 Back and forth   0:04:54 Let the war begin   0:05:35 The tension   0:06:35 How to reduce...

Show Notes: In this episode, I reflect on a recent conversation I had with a rising sophomore who was intent on finding an extracurricular activity that would challenge him, feed his passion, and differentiate himself from the masses. We started with a single premise: He liked investing. How did we extend this simple idea into a 2-year blueprint that could put JP on the map and make him a compelli...

Show Notes: In this episode, I reflect on a recent conversation I had with a rising senior PrepWeller (KIna). What started off as a brainstorming session for her college essay, took an unexpected turn. As I dug into her background, likes/dislikes, and aspirations, we came to the conclusion that Computer Science may not be the path for her. This came as a surprise, as she has always thought of hers...

Show Notes: In this episode, I reflect on my conversations with students and parents over the last few weeks. At the beginning of every summer, I meet with lots of students who want me to assess how they've been doing, what they have planned for the next few months, and where this will place them in the admissions process. This is a mash-up of the most common themes that we discuss.   0:01:30 Acce...

Show Notes: In this episode, I reflect on the dangers of allowing phones to replace books in the hands of our children. Left unchecked, this is a crisis in the making. It's happening slowly, and right under our noses. Over the last 8 years, I've witnessed a gradual shift away from books and toward phones. Given the commercial incentives to keep students locked into their screens, this is no surpri...

Show Notes: In this episode, I reflect on another chaotic year in admissions. I update you on what's happening with applications, standardized tests, recruited athletes, cost of attendance, expectations, major choices, competitiveness, predictability, and strategies to deal with all of the above.        0:01:50 Applications   0:02:30 Testing   0:04:28 Cost of college   0:06:50 Expectation manageme...

Show Notes: In this episode, I break down when (and if) you should hire a private college counselor for your child. What if they aren't motivated?   0:01:23 9th graders   0:02:30 Motivated or unmotivated   0:03:55 My specific advice: 9th grade   0:07:10 My specific advice: 10th grade   0:10:15 My specific advice: 11th grade   0:13:00 My specific advice: 12th grade   0:14:00 What is your child's pl...

Show Notes: In this episode, I preview the Top 3 priorities for students in 7th - 12th grade. Are you focused on the right things? PrepWell Academy is premised on delivering the right priorities at just the right time. Make sure your priorities are both relevant and aligned as we enter into the all-important summer.       0:01:35 6th and 7th graders   0:05:12 8th graders   0:10:30 9th graders   0:...

Show Notes: In this episode, I lay out a decision tree (with "if-then" statements) that dictates how you should think about your major. Should you care about your major? What should influence your choice of major? Are there any hard and fast rules with respect to choosing a major? How to avoid the double-whammy. If you are a high school student or a senior on your way to college, listen to this po...

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,...

Show Notes: In this episode, I take a stab at answering 10 tough questions about college admissions.       0:01:15 Is college even worth it?   0:05:00 How much debt is too much?   0:06:53 Should I consider the "trades"?   0:08:35 What about military options?   0:10:39 Are youth athletics more or less important today?   0:11:57 What is the success barbell?   0:13:40 Should I transfer to my dream sc...

Show Notes: In this episode, I argue that the craziness of the college admissions process and the skyrocketing costs of attendance may actually be a net positive for students and families. Find out how this mess might actually snap us out of our stupor.      0:02:03 Back in the day   0:03:08 Parents waking up   0:04:50 Early attention   0:06:45 What will change?   0:10:30 Why is this a good thing?...

Show Notes: In this episode, I walk through how quickly the spots disappear for an unhooked student applying to Harvard. Once all of the institutional priorities are doled out, is there any room for a student who is wildly smart, accomplished, talented - but unhooked?       0:01:20 By the numbers   0:02:33 What is a hook?   0:04:04 Institutional priorities   0:05:05 Multiple hooks   0:05:45 Who is...

Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss the 5 reasons why college admissions has gotten so out of control. We also review the 7 ways to fight back and become a competitive applicant.       0:00:56 Admissions gone wild   0:02:05 Back in the day   0:02:54 Applications skyrocketing   0:08:45 Historical yields are whack   0:10:21 Students are more competitive   0:13:55 The same schools   0:14:44 Instit...

Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss different ways to think about your admissions results. In an increasingly challenging environment, how should families deal with acceptances, rejections, and waitlists? And we haven't even started to think about how to afford any of these options.      0:02:06 Admitted, denied, waitlisted   0:02:25 How competitive was I, really?   0:02:54 Did I give it my all...

Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss different ways to think about allocating money during high school.  How much do you spend on academics versus sports versus extracurriculars? What's the best use of money and why, especially if you don't have an unlimited budget.     0:01:46 Common goal   0:02:55 Are you tracking?   0:03:50 Not for everyone   0:04:45 4 categories of spending   0:05:01 Categor...

Show Notes: In this episode, we are talking college athletic recruiting again. Specifically, I walk through how to think about your first phone call with a college coach.  What makes you worthy of a phone call to begin with? What should you ask? What shouldn't you ask? What should you be prepared to answer? How to make a great first impression.      0:01:00 When can you talk directly to coaches?  ...

Show Notes: In this episode, I walk through the considerations you should make before going all-in on a sport. Specializing in a sport with the intention of playing in college can be a high-risk, high-reward bet. Make sure you're aware of the pitfalls and create a strategic plan.         0:01:50 In the beginning   0:02:40 Exposure phase   0:03:20 The gates of hell   0:05:40 How to anticipate probl...

Show Notes: In this episode, I make the case that every student should apply to "Harvard". I put "Harvard" in quotes because I don't actually mean "Harvard" specifically. I do, however, mean a school that is outside of your child's reach. Why invest time applying to a school that will most likely reject you? Tune in to find out...       0:01:00 Every student should apply to Harvard   0:02:00 Why a...

Show Notes: In this episode, I ask 10 multiple choice questions about important topics related to the college admissions process.  Take the quiz and see how much you've learned (or how much you still need to learn).       0:02:15 Q1: Do SAT/ACT scores matter?   0:03:18 Q2: Merit-based financial aid?   0:05:05 Q3: Max out AP classes?   0:06:30 Q4: If B in Chemistry, Ivies out of reach?   0:07:40 Q5...

Show Notes: Have you ever had a teacher refuse to bump your 89.5% average from a B to an A at the end of a semester? If you've experienced this common frustration, this episode will arm you with the tools and mindset to make sure it never happens again.   0:01:30 Justified rage?   0:02:28 Just the facts   0:03:00 Grades   0:03:56 SAT scores   0:05:00 Extracurriculars   0:06:23 Was justice served?...

Show Notes: This episode delves into the world of tutors. What students need tutors? Why would your child need a tutor? How prevalent are tutors? When does it make sense to seek out a tutor? Are tutors worth the money?          0:01:10 Tutors   0:01:30 Case study   0:02:00 Selena's tutor   0:03:20 Out of the loop   0:05:10 Why seek out a tutor?   0:06:08 Bad teachers   0:07:15 Challenging classes...

Show Notes: Have you ever had a teacher not bump your 89.5% average from a B to an A at the end of a semester? If you've experienced this common frustration, this episode will arm you with the tools and mindset to make sure it never happens again.          0:01:20 Why so many 89.5s?   0:02:30 Start off strong   0:07:11 Show that you care   0:10:00 Do all extra credit   0:11:35 Be your own advocate...