Advertise on podcast: PrepWell Podcast with Phil Black

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 herself as a Computer Science person. What was her true calling? How did she handle this tension? What was her new major preference?   0:01:27 Kina's profile   0:02:15 The big assumption   0:03:00 Why Computer Science?   0:03:45 Outside influences   0:04:20 Robotics Club   0:07:05 Non-robotics interests   0:11:25 A new major preference   0:12:15 Unchallenged assumptions   0:13:50 Application just got easier   0:14:15 How to be competitive   0:14:50 Beyond admissions   0:15:25 Moral of the story   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 Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank (2X), etc.   Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

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 Acceptance rate differential   0:03:30 Extracurricular activities   0:04:50 Letters of recommendation   0:07:55 The undecided student   0:12:40 If you get a B, should you give up?   0:15:40 A winning list of ECAs   0:16:20 Connecting the dots   0:17:35 Changing gears   0:19:15 Have this discussion now   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 Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank (2X), etc.   Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

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 surprise. I have also observed a corresponding drop in competitiveness in students wishing to attend top tier colleges. Phones have become the primary source of communication, entertainment, and news gathering. Books have been pushed aside as anachronistic and antiquated. This will not end well. Listen to the changes I've seen in my own sons and what I'm doing to stem the bleeding.   0:01:18 Frog in the boiling water   0:03:05 Reading is still a thing   0:03:15 Customized, addictive content   0:04:45 Consuming v creating   0:09:20 Gold standard   0:10:00 Nurture v nature   0:12:30 How to break the addiction   0:13:15 Best practices   0:14:35 Unlimited book budget   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 Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program   Podcast Host: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank (2X), etc.   Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.  

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 management   0:09:00 Major choices   0:10:00 Competitiveness   0:13:02 Predictability   0:16:40 Harvard, Stanford, USNA, community college   0:17:25 What's the plan?   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 Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program   Podcast Host: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank (2X), etc.   Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.  

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 plan?   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 Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank (2X), etc.   Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.  

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   0:14:52 10th graders   0:20:00 11th graders   0:23:36 12th graders   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 Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank (2X), etc.   Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

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 podcast before making a decision on what to major in.    0:01:35 Stop and think   0:01:55 The single biggest factor   0:02:40 Debt?   0:04:43 Modest debt   0:06:37 Crushing debt   0:08:30 The double-whammy   0:09:22 STEM majors   0:10:12 Tripling down   0:10:50 Options   0:11:54 5 Alternatives   0:17:30 What to do (5 Steps)   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 Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program  Podcast Host: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank (2X), etc.   Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

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, there is no right or wrong answer here - every child, parent, and dynamic is unique - so there is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, I will discuss 3 strategies that you, as a parent, might consider when dealing with this important period of time in your teen’s life.    We’ll start out with the extreme strategies - parents who provide a ton of input and direction - and then move to those who provide little-to-no direction. And then we’ll explore the middle-of-the-road case, where parents provide a measured level of support (the Goldilocks strategy).   My goal is to get you thinking about which strategy to take with your child when it comes to college admissions. Does this experience become a noose around your neck that you can’t wait to remove, is it something that you wash your hands of and let your child figure it out on their own, or can it become a productive “rite of passage" between parent and child - where you learn about your child’s strengths/weaknesses/goals/worries/and everything in between.  Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:02:53 Strategy #1: The Overlord Parent  0:04:20 What is Considered “Too Much Involvement”? 0:07:00 Challenges of Becoming an Overlord Parent 0:07:34 How the Overlord Parent Impacts their Child 0:08:49 Strategy #2: The Hands-Off Parent 0:10:00 How the Hands-Off Parent Impacts their Child 0:11:25 Challenges of Hands-Off Parenting 0:13:45 Strategy #3: The Empowered Parent 0:15:10 The Empowered Parent Principles 0:15:57 How to Become an Empowered Parent 0:16:06 The Most Affordable Option 0:21:19 The Private Mentoring Option 0:23:15 Summary of Strategies and Consequences 0:24:04 Questions to Ask Yourself 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 Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank, etc. Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

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 school?   0:15:05 How many schools should I apply to?   0:17:10 How do I become a recruited athlete?   0:18:58 Should I still take the SAT?   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 Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank (2X), etc.   Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

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?   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 Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank (2X), etc.   Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

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 Howard?   0:07:40 Howard vs the hooks   0:08:10 The numbers   0:10:20 The hooks   0:14:20 16 spots left   0:16:15 What does it all mean?   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 Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program   Podcast Host: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank (2X), etc.   Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

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 Institutional priorities   0:15:50 What can you do?   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 Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank (2X), etc.   Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.