PrepWell Podcast with Phil Black
470 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 28 ratingsThe PrepWell Podcast helps parents prepare their children for the admissions process for highly-selective college programs like the Ivy League, military service academies (e.g. USNA and West Point), ROTC and athletic scholarships.
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Episodes
Revisited | How Competitive Will Your Child Be?
April 21, 2024 07:26 - 21 minutes - 20 MBSeveral 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.
Ep. 39 Revisited | How Competitive Will Your Child Be?
April 21, 2024 07:26 - 21 minutes - 20 MBSeveral 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.
Insights From 30 Hrs Of Consulting In 1 Week
April 14, 2024 06:10 - 15 minutes - 21 MBLast week, I emailed a link to my private calendar offering PrepWell families an opportunity to book a consulting session with me. College admissions is so off the rails that I thought it might be nice to give families a chance to ask questions. I was overwhelmed with the response. With the craziness going on with college admissions these days, who could blame them? In today's podcast, I share 3 insights that jumped out at me after 30 hours of conversations during Spring Break. Listen t...
Ep. 221 | Insights From 30 Hrs Of Consulting In 1 Week
April 14, 2024 06:10 - 15 minutes - 21 MBLast week, I emailed a link to my private calendar offering PrepWell families an opportunity to book a consulting session with me. College admissions is so off the rails that I thought it might be nice to give families a chance to ask questions. I was overwhelmed with the response. With the craziness going on with college admissions these days, who could blame them? In today's podcast, I share 3 insights that jumped out at me after 30 hours of conversations during Spring Break. Listen t...
Admissions Results, Explained
April 07, 2024 12:00 - 20 minutes - 27.8 MBIn this week's podcast, I dive into this year's crazy admissions results. Take a look at the admit rates of a sampling of popular colleges: Amherst 9% Bowdoin 7% Brown 5% Colby 6% Columbia 4% Dartmouth 5% and the list goes on... What exactly is going on here? Single-digit acceptance rates as far as the eyes can see. I walk through an example of how an unhooked student has to compete against 10,000 similarly-credentialed students for just 300 spots at a popular college. Follow us: ...
Ep. 220 | Admissions Results, Explained
April 07, 2024 12:00 - 20 minutes - 27.8 MBIn this week's podcast, I dive into this year's crazy admissions results. Take a look at the admit rates of a sampling of popular colleges: Amherst 9% Bowdoin 7% Brown 5% Colby 6% Columbia 4% Dartmouth 5% and the list goes on... What exactly is going on here? Single-digit acceptance rates as far as the eyes can see. I walk through an example of how an unhooked student has to compete against 10,000 similarly-credentialed students for just 300 spots at a popular college. Follow us: ...
Ep. 40 Revisited | How and When to Research Colleges
March 30, 2024 21:21 - 16 minutes - 23 MBResearching 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 What is a specialty aspiration? 0:02:15 What if my child doesn’t care that much? 0:02:45 9th and 10th grade...
Revisited | How and When to Research Colleges
March 30, 2024 21:21 - 16 minutes - 23 MBResearching 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 What is a specialty aspiration? 0:02:15 What if my child doesn’t care that much? 0:02:45 9th and 10th grade...
Ep. 219 | The New Digital SAT Is Here (For Good)
March 24, 2024 05:01 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MBIn today's episode, I review the new digital SAT. If you are a parent, or a 9th, 10th, or 11th grader, this is a must-listen. What are the big 4 changes, and how do you set yourself up for success? Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article) Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program PrepWel...
The New Digital SAT Is Here (For Good)
March 24, 2024 05:01 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MBIn today's episode, I review the new digital SAT. If you are a parent, or a 9th, 10th, or 11th grader, this is a must-listen. What are the big 4 changes, and how do you set yourself up for success? Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article) Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program PrepWel...
The Cost Of College (From $100K/yr To $0/yr)
March 17, 2024 07:04 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MBIn today's episode, I confront the cost of today's college education. In fact, I highlight 14 distinct case studies of PrepWellers whom I have worked closely with. Here's what they are paying for college every year: Case Study #1: $100K/yr Case Study #2: $80K/yr Case Study #3: $77K/yr Case Study #4: $70K/yr Case Study #5: $60K/yr Case Study #6: $50K/yr Case Study #7: $45K/yr Case Study #8: $40K/yr Case Study #9: $20K/yr Case Study #10: $2K/yr Case Study #11: $2K/yr Case Study #...
Ep. 218 | The Cost Of College (From $100K/yr To $0/yr)
March 17, 2024 07:04 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MBIn today's episode, I confront the cost of today's college education. In fact, I highlight 14 distinct case studies of PrepWellers whom I have worked closely with. Here's what they are paying for college every year: Case Study #1: $100K/yr Case Study #2: $80K/yr Case Study #3: $77K/yr Case Study #4: $70K/yr Case Study #5: $60K/yr Case Study #6: $50K/yr Case Study #7: $45K/yr Case Study #8: $40K/yr Case Study #9: $20K/yr Case Study #10: $2K/yr Case Study #11: $2K/yr Case Study #...
Duke No Longer Grades The College Essay. When will It End?
March 10, 2024 15:23 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MBIn today's episode, I discuss Duke's recent announcement that they will no longer assign points to the college essay. They used to grade essays using a point system (1 - 5). Strong essays received high scores. Weak essays received low scores. Not anymore. Students no longer get credit for using proper punctuation, grammar, spelling, syntax, diction, etc. None of that matters anymore. What matters is the "story". Why is Duke doing this? How many other colleges will follow suit? What do...
Ep. 217 | Duke No Longer Grades The College Essay. When will It End?
March 10, 2024 15:23 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MBIn today's episode, I discuss Duke's recent announcement that they will no longer assign points to the college essay. They used to grade essays using a point system (1 - 5). Strong essays received high scores. Weak essays received low scores. Not anymore. Students no longer get credit for using proper punctuation, grammar, spelling, syntax, diction, etc. None of that matters anymore. What matters is the "story". Why is Duke doing this? How many other colleges will follow suit? What do...
Yale Goes Back To Test-required. Anyone Else?
March 03, 2024 05:49 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MBIn today's episode, I discuss how Dartmouth's recent decision to return to a test-required policy for the SAT/ACT has influenced other schools. As I predicted last week, Yale has now returned to a test-required policy as well. They call their policy test-flexible. Columbia has gone in the opposite direction and proudly announced that they are making their test-optional policy permanent. Harvard and Cornell are kicking the can down the road for another year and keeping test-optional in pla...
Ep. 216 | Yale Goes Back To Test-required. Anyone Else?
March 03, 2024 05:49 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MBIn today's episode, I discuss how Dartmouth's recent decision to return to a test-required policy for the SAT/ACT has influenced other schools. As I predicted last week, Yale has now returned to a test-required policy as well. They call their policy test-flexible. Columbia has gone in the opposite direction and proudly announced that they are making their test-optional policy permanent. Harvard and Cornell are kicking the can down the road for another year and keeping test-optional in pla...
An Extracurricular Activity Cheat Code
February 25, 2024 08:01 - 17 minutes - 24.5 MBIn today's episode, I discuss how to develop a compelling extracurricular activity in the final 6 months before college applications are due. There are many juniors who wake up halfway through the year, and realize that their extracurricular activities list is pretty light. It dawns on them that their applications are due in 6 months -- and they hit the panic button. What can I do to be different, to stand out? Most of my activities are pretty generic and unorganized... Listen to today's...
Ep. 215 | An Extracurricular Activity Cheat Code
February 25, 2024 08:01 - 17 minutes - 24.5 MBIn today's episode, I discuss how to develop a compelling extracurricular activity in the final 6 months before college applications are due. There are many juniors who wake up halfway through the year, and realize that their extracurricular activities list is pretty light. It dawns on them that their applications are due in 6 months -- and they hit the panic button. What can I do to be different, to stand out? Most of my activities are pretty generic and unorganized... Listen to today's...
Ep. 3 Revisited | 10 Life Skills Teens Must Learn During The College Admissions Process
February 18, 2024 06:51 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBOne key insight I’ve learned after working with hundreds of families over the years, is that the particular “college" a student attends, isn’t nearly as important as the “skills" they learn during the college application process. The process is more important than the prize. Which begs the question, what are the critical skills that students need to learn to prepare for college - no matter where they go - Princeton or Passaic Polytech? And how can I help them learn these lessons? In th...
Revisited | 10 Life Skills Teens Must Learn During The College Admissions Process
February 18, 2024 06:51 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBOne key insight I’ve learned after working with hundreds of families over the years, is that the particular “college" a student attends, isn’t nearly as important as the “skills" they learn during the college application process. The process is more important than the prize. Which begs the question, what are the critical skills that students need to learn to prepare for college - no matter where they go - Princeton or Passaic Polytech? And how can I help them learn these lessons? In th...
Dartmouth Reinstates Requirement For SAT Score
February 11, 2024 09:24 - 28 minutes - 38.6 MBIn today's episode, I discuss the implications of Dartmouth College's recent decision to reinstate the standardized test (SAT or ACT) requirement next year. Translation...you will be required to submit an SAT or ACT score. Just like the old days. In other words, the gig is up! I predict that nearly every other highly-selective college will soon revert back to requiring an SAT or ACT by next year (or the year thereafter). Learn how this decision came about, when the other colleges will fo...
Ep. 214 | Dartmouth Reinstates Requirement For SAT Score
February 11, 2024 09:24 - 28 minutes - 38.6 MBIn today's episode, I discuss the implications of Dartmouth College's recent decision to reinstate the standardized test (SAT or ACT) requirement next year. Translation...you will be required to submit an SAT or ACT score. Just like the old days. In other words, the gig is up! I predict that nearly every other highly-selective college will soon revert back to requiring an SAT or ACT by next year (or the year thereafter). Learn how this decision came about, when the other colleges will fo...
Ep. 213 | Should You Bother Applying To UC Schools?
February 04, 2024 08:21 - 21 minutes - 29.8 MBIn today's episode, I discuss your child's chances of getting into a UC (University of California) school. There are 9 UC campuses up and down the coast of California. 7 of the 9 schools are in the "Top 10 most-applied-to colleges" in the country. For example: UCLA (about 150K applications), UC Davis (about 110K applications) With this obscene number of applications, is it even worth applying? What are your chances of getting in? If you're interested in how your child might fare in the ...
Should You Bother Applying To UC Schools?
February 04, 2024 08:21 - 21 minutes - 29.8 MBIn today's episode, I discuss your child's chances of getting into a UC (University of California) school. There are 9 UC campuses up and down the coast of California. 7 of the 9 schools are in the "Top 10 most-applied-to colleges" in the country. For example: UCLA (about 150K applications), UC Davis (about 110K applications) With this obscene number of applications, is it even worth applying? What are your chances of getting in? If you're interested in how your child might fare in the ...
Do-it-Yourself Extracurricular Activities
January 28, 2024 05:27 - 16 minutes - 22.4 MBIn today's episode, I discuss 3 Extracurricular Activity (ECA) buckets: Bucket #1: in-school Bucket #2: summer Bucket #3: DIY I will focus primarily on Bucket #3, my favorite bucket of all. If you're interested in how your child might use the "do-it-yourself" bucket to their advantage, please listen to this episode. Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook
Ep. 212 | Do-it-Yourself Extracurricular Activities
January 28, 2024 05:27 - 16 minutes - 22.4 MBIn today's episode, I discuss 3 Extracurricular Activity (ECA) buckets: Bucket #1: in-school Bucket #2: summer Bucket #3: DIY I will focus primarily on Bucket #3, my favorite bucket of all. If you're interested in how your child might use the "do-it-yourself" bucket to their advantage, please listen to this episode. Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook
How To Plan College Campus Visits
January 21, 2024 06:14 - 19 minutes - 26.9 MBIn today's episode, I discuss the value of college campus visits. When is the best (or worst) time to visit? What should you expect? Are there reasons not to visit a campus? Is my child too young for a visit? How to prepare for campus visits How to make the most of your time If you're interested in using your travel time efficiently, please give this episode a listen.
Ep. 211 | How To Plan College Campus Visits
January 21, 2024 06:14 - 19 minutes - 26.9 MBIn today's episode, I discuss the value of college campus visits. When is the best (or worst) time to visit? What should you expect? Are there reasons not to visit a campus? Is my child too young for a visit? How to prepare for campus visits How to make the most of your time If you're interested in using your travel time efficiently, please give this episode a listen.
The New York Times Said What?
January 14, 2024 13:43 - 25 minutes - 34.6 MBIn today's episode, I revisit a topic I have discussed many times: the importance, relevance, and future of the SAT. Lo and behold, a blockbuster article recently came out in the New York Times which addressed this issue in a surprising fashion: The Misguided War on the SAT - Colleges have fled standardized tests, on the theory that they hurt diversity. That's not what the research shows. If you're interested in what this article said and how it might impact you and your child, please giv...
Ep. 210 | The New York Times Said What?
January 14, 2024 13:43 - 25 minutes - 34.6 MBIn today's episode, I revisit a topic I have discussed many times: the importance, relevance, and future of the SAT. Lo and behold, a blockbuster article recently came out in the New York Times which addressed this issue in a surprising fashion: The Misguided War on the SAT - Colleges have fled standardized tests, on the theory that they hurt diversity. That's not what the research shows. If you're interested in what this article said and how it might impact you and your child, please giv...
Ep. 209 | Is College Worth It? 51% of Americans Say, No
January 07, 2024 07:25 - 23 minutes - 32 MBIn today's episode, I try to uncover the reasons why, for the first-time ever, a majority of Americans (51%) no longer believe that college is worth the time or money. Yikes! That's quite a shift compared to 5 years ago. Why is this the case? What happened? Which students should go to college? Which students should not? At what price is college worthwhile? Alternatives to $300K colleges? If you're interested in the radical changes happening on college campuses, from affordability, to...
Is College Worth It? 51% of Americans Say, No
January 07, 2024 07:25 - 23 minutes - 32 MBIn today's episode, I try to uncover the reasons why, for the first-time ever, a majority of Americans (51%) no longer believe that college is worth the time or money. Yikes! That's quite a shift compared to 5 years ago. Why is this the case? What happened? Which students should go to college? Which students should not? At what price is college worthwhile? Alternatives to $300K colleges? If you're interested in the radical changes happening on college campuses, from affordability, to...
Revisited | How Not To Get Scammed By Merit Aid
December 31, 2023 05:04 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBIn today's episode, I talk about financial aid and the comically high cost of college. What's the difference between need-based aid, merit-based aid, and how Tier II colleges intentionally inflate their cost of attendance only to offer big discounts (disguised as a merit or academic scholarships) to make parents and students feel good about themselves and about paying $60K/year to attend. Learn how to not let such "enrollment management" practices entice you into paying more than you should.
Ep. 153 Revisited | How Not To Get Scammed By Merit Aid
December 31, 2023 05:04 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBIn today's episode, I talk about financial aid and the comically high cost of college. What's the difference between need-based aid, merit-based aid, and how Tier II colleges intentionally inflate their cost of attendance only to offer big discounts (disguised as a merit or academic scholarships) to make parents and students feel good about themselves and about paying $60K/year to attend. Learn how to not let such "enrollment management" practices entice you into paying more than you should.
How Much Should I Push My Child?
December 24, 2023 06:03 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBIn this episode, I walk through three parenting strategies when it comes to handling your teen in high school: (1) hand's-off, (2) helicopter, or (3) hedger. Each style has its own advantages and disadvantages. Figure out what style you use and whether it's the best way to go.
Ep. 94 Revisited | How Much Should I Push My Child?
December 24, 2023 06:03 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBIn this episode, I walk through three parenting strategies when it comes to handling your teen in high school: (1) hand's-off, (2) helicopter, or (3) hedger. Each style has its own advantages and disadvantages. Figure out what style you use and whether it's the best way to go.
How To Maximize The Time We Have Left
December 17, 2023 11:03 - 13 minutes - 18.7 MBShow Notes: In today's episode, I discuss how little time we have left with our children (and how to maximize that time). Statistically, once our child turns 18, 90% of the time we will ultimately spend with him/her - is already spoken for. Translation: Once our child goes to college, it's possible that we will only see them another 60 times (total) over the next 30 years. If you're interested in this topic and making an effort to maximize what time you do have left with your child, give...
Ep. 208 | How To Maximize The Time We Have Left
December 17, 2023 11:03 - 13 minutes - 18.7 MBShow Notes: In today's episode, I discuss how little time we have left with our children (and how to maximize that time). Statistically, once our child turns 18, 90% of the time we will ultimately spend with him/her - is already spoken for. Translation: Once our child goes to college, it's possible that we will only see them another 60 times (total) over the next 30 years. If you're interested in this topic and making an effort to maximize what time you do have left with your child, give...
Ep. 207 | Does Your Child Know How To Write?
December 10, 2023 14:02 - 27 minutes - 37.5 MBShow Notes: In today's episode, I bring up a question that most parents can't answer: Is my child a good writer? Can my child write a 3-sentence email without an error in spelling, punctuation, or grammar? My guess: probably not. Please listen to today's episode to find out how to make sure your child doesn't fall into this category. Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode ...
Does Your Child Know How To Write?
December 10, 2023 14:02 - 27 minutes - 37.5 MBShow Notes: In today's episode, I bring up a question that most parents can't answer: Is my child a good writer? Can my child write a 3-sentence email without an error in spelling, punctuation, or grammar? My guess: probably not. Please listen to today's episode to find out how to make sure your child doesn't fall into this category. Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode ...
Why Teenagers Should Not Drink Alcohol
December 03, 2023 14:44 - 44 minutes - 60.6 MBShow Notes: In today's episode, I address the issue of underage drinking. I've been reluctant to speak on this topic publicly because of my controversial stance. However, after my son's friend almost died in a DUI incident over the Thanksgiving holiday, I decided it was time to let my perspective be heard. Unlike some other episodes, this might be a good one to listen to with your teenager. It's a bit longer than usual, but the subject required more time to cover. Follow us: Enroll in...
Ep. 206 | Why Teenagers Should Not Drink Alcohol
December 03, 2023 14:44 - 44 minutes - 60.6 MBShow Notes: In today's episode, I address the issue of underage drinking. I've been reluctant to speak on this topic publicly because of my controversial stance. However, after my son's friend almost died in a DUI incident over the Thanksgiving holiday, I decided it was time to let my perspective be heard. Unlike some other episodes, this might be a good one to listen to with your teenager. It's a bit longer than usual, but the subject required more time to cover. Follow us: Enroll in...
Revisited | Your Child's Killer App, Revealed
November 26, 2023 17:15 - 15 minutes - 22.2 MBToday's episode complements Episodes 93 and 145, which all provide advice to students interested in majoring in "Business" in college. I speak to a lot of students who say they want to study business (or go into business), but know little about what "business" actually means in the real world. When students make this claim to their friends and family, most just nod their heads in tacit approval and move on to the next topic. That's not what I do. I ask a few basic questions to see how deep t...
Ep. 147 Revisited | Your Child's Killer App, Revealed
November 26, 2023 17:15 - 15 minutes - 22.2 MBToday's episode complements Episodes 93 and 145, which all provide advice to students interested in majoring in "Business" in college. I speak to a lot of students who say they want to study business (or go into business), but know little about what "business" actually means in the real world. When students make this claim to their friends and family, most just nod their heads in tacit approval and move on to the next topic. That's not what I do. I ask a few basic questions to see how deep t...
Ep. 205 | How To Nudge Your Child To Take Action
November 19, 2023 08:47 - 21 minutes - 29.5 MBShow Notes: [Caution: Please do not listen to this episode with your child] Ever wish that your son or daughter was a bit more motivated? In this week's podcast, I review 3 tactics to consider when dealing with a teenager who is reluctant to challenge themselves. Tactic 1: Acquiescence Tactic 2: Forced March Tactic 3: Guidance I walk through each of these options and provide examples of how to find your modus operandi. Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Fol...
How To Nudge Your Child To Take Action
November 19, 2023 08:47 - 21 minutes - 29.5 MBShow Notes: [Caution: Please do not listen to this episode with your child] Ever wish that your son or daughter was a bit more motivated? In this week's podcast, I review 3 tactics to consider when dealing with a teenager who is reluctant to challenge themselves. Tactic 1: Acquiescence Tactic 2: Forced March Tactic 3: Guidance I walk through each of these options and provide examples of how to find your modus operandi. Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Fol...
Don't Sleep On Community Colleges
November 12, 2023 04:03 - 18 minutes - 25.1 MBShow Notes: In this week's podcast, I make the case for proactively choosing a community college over a middle-of-the-road, under-delivering, over-priced, traditional, 4-yr college. There used to be a stigma attached to community colleges, as if the students couldn't hack it at a 4-year college or university. Those days are over. The once "stigmatized track" is turning into the "smart track". If you are a student who is: not engaged in the college admissions racket unsure about your c...
Ep. 204 | Don't Sleep On Community Colleges
November 12, 2023 04:03 - 18 minutes - 25.1 MBShow Notes: In this week's podcast, I make the case for proactively choosing a community college over a middle-of-the-road, under-delivering, over-priced, traditional, 4-yr college. There used to be a stigma attached to community colleges, as if the students couldn't hack it at a 4-year college or university. Those days are over. The once "stigmatized track" is turning into the "smart track". If you are a student who is: not engaged in the college admissions racket unsure about your c...
The Importance Of Your Intended Major
November 05, 2023 12:00 - 18 minutes - 25.6 MBShow Notes: In this week's podcast, I discuss the growing importance of your child's "intended major" in the context of college admissions. Would my son be better off selecting "Egyptian Architecture" as his intended major to differentiate him from the crowd? The pitfalls of choosing "Computer Science" as your major. Parents of 6th - 12th graders should give this episode a listen. Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook If you want to support the show, her...
Ep. 203 | The Importance Of Your Intended Major
November 05, 2023 12:00 - 18 minutes - 25.6 MBShow Notes: In this week's podcast, I discuss the growing importance of your child's "intended major" in the context of college admissions. Would my son be better off selecting "Egyptian Architecture" as his intended major to differentiate him from the crowd? The pitfalls of choosing "Computer Science" as your major. Parents of 6th - 12th graders should give this episode a listen. Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook If you want to support the show, her...