PrepWell Podcast with Phil Black

In this week's podcast, I discuss one of the most important study habits that your child can acquire during high school: note-taking in class If you're child wants to avoid doing homework until 11pm, midnight, and beyond -- they must learn to take quality notes during class. This episode makes a strong case for why this is important and how to get started. 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 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 this week's podcast, I discuss the two ways that teenage athletes deal with injuries. Well Poorly If your child is an athlete, especially an athlete hoping to use sports to get into college, please listen to this episode.  An injury at the wrong time and place can end a high-schooler's athletic (and potential college) career if they adopt the wrong mindset.

Show 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 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 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 this week's podcast, I urge parents to consider political fit when it comes to the colleges on your child's target list. In particular, I discuss disturbing revelations about the safety of Jewish students on many well-known college campuses across the country. If your child is Jewish, or if you have friends with Jewish students in the college admissions pipeline - please listen. If you are not Jewish, but care about the political culture that your child will be exposed to in their most formative years - please listen. 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 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 this week's podcast, I question whether or not every student (and parent) should obsess about the Ivy League. A lot has changed over the last few years, and the juice may not be worth the squeeze.  Learn what has changed and why it might behoove your child to keep Ivy League schools off their target list of schools.     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 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 this week's podcast, I compare the college admissions process today versus 20 years ago. A lot has changed. If your child is not embracing the new paradigm, it will be a rocky road.  Learn what has changed and what the most successful students are doing to meet the moment. 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 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 this week's podcast, I share a story about one of my most diligent and accomplished PrepWellers (let's call her "Jayda"). Jayda took what she learned from her PrepWell videos (and several Zoom calls) to create what I call a "signature extracurricular activity" or SECA. A SECA is something that pulls together a variety of different elements of a student's story into one impressive, all-encompassing -- accomplishment, event, or some other capstone-like activity. This did not happen overnight. It took two years of following the PrepWell principles, taking a leap of faith, and hard work. Listen to this episode to discover what Jayda did and why your son or daughter might want to follow her lead.   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 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 this week's podcast, I try to answer one of the most common questions I hear from parents - especially about their first-born, highly-competitive, multi-talented daughters: "She'll get into the Ivies, right?" Does your daughter check any (or all) of these boxes: very bright (4.something GPA) AP and Honors classes self-motivated 2 varsity sports leader in multiple school clubs part-time job active in the community  adored by her teachers started researching colleges already wants to major in psychology If so, listen to this episode to see where this type of student stacks up in the quest to get into the Ivies. 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 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 this week's podcast, I urge parents to do whatever they can to help their children become avid readers. In my opinion, a student's academic upside (e.g. GPA, SAT, AP, college acceptances) is highly correlated to their relationship with reading. This relationship comes in three stages:  Stage 1: avid reader Stage 2: non-reader Stage 3: anti-reader My four sons have fallen into all three categories.  Learn the strategies and tactics I've used to try to keep my sons out of Stage 2 and 3. Some successful, most unsuccessful. Don't procrastinate in listening to this episode. For many of us, the window of opportunity to influence this relationship is closing quickly. 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 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 this episode I'll go over the new digital ACT. 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 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 this week's podcast, I review the pros and cons of a question I am asked on a weekly basis. Which is better, public or private school? Even if you are not actively considering these two options, this podcast will highlight the good and the bad inherent in each scenario.

In this week's podcast, I answer a parent's question that often comes up when discussing ROTC programs and service academies. "Is ROTC safe for my child?" Find out the answer to this question and other interesting factoids about ROTC programs (e.g. which programs pay 100% tuition for all 4 years, etc.).   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 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 this week's podcast, I rip through 14 recent FAQs that have surfaced over the last two weeks: Status of test-optional policies? Best way to prepare for SAT? Should I spend $3K on Duke camp? Can I start my Common App now? Is babysitting an extracurricular? Should I submit an optional letter of rec? Is NCSA a scam? Does applying early increase my chances? How do I start my college essay? What if I can't afford $90K/year? and more... I cover a lot of ground in this rapid-fire FAQ session.   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 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 this week's podcast, I wonder how students (and families) go about reconciling the two most common pieces of financial advice out there today: Invest early, and often, especially in your 20s and 30s Attend the best, most prestigious college possible, at any cost If you are racking up tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt, how can you (at the same time) possibly invest money in your 20s and 30s? There is one solution. I call it the 9th wonder of the world.   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 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. If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take. Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts.

In this week's podcast, I go through the Top 20 "pros" and "cons" for playing Div I sports in college.  Most students (and parents) can rattle off a handful of pros (e.g. full-ride scholarship, Instagram post, status, etc.), but aren't always aware of some of the cons (e.g. commitment level, injury, coaching changes, etc.) If your child aspires to play Div I sports someday, I suggest giving this episode a listen.     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 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 this week's podcast, I discuss the college transfer portal. In particular, how the transfer portal is transforming college basketball.  If you have a child who aspires to play basketball in college (at any level), this is a must-listen. If your child plays other sports, it may not be quite as relevant, but it will raise your awareness as to what's happening out there.  No more high school recruiting? A new "tweener" league emerging? 22-yr old freshmen? Listen to this episode if you want to stay apprised of what's happening in college sports.   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 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 this week's podcast, I continue a game we played a few months ago called "More of this...less of that". What are the college admissions issues that should be getting more attention versus some that should be getting less? GPA vs ECAs Academic programs vs campus amenities Sports vs ECAs School year vs summer Volunteer work vs real job Listen to this episode to make sure your priorities are pointing in the right direction.       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 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 this week's podcast, we say goodbye to the Class of 2024 and usher in the new Class of 2028. Learn what each new "year group" should focus on this summer: freshman (get a head start) sophomore (lock-in last year's gains) junior (prepare for battle) senior (front-load application work) Also, a big announcement about PrepWell Academy's new sister school... 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 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 this week's podcast, I describe why Roman turned down his dream school (USC) for a more practical approach to college (community college to UC Irvine). If you've been wondering whether there are options beyond going to the most prestigious (and expensive) college that your child gets admitted to, listen to this episode. 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 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 this week's podcast, I argue that despite these challenges... switch to test-optional policies de-emphasis on writing violent protests on campuses elevation of DEI above merit  rise of radical antisemitism increase in made-up majors employers turning off recruitment incompetent school presidents rampant plagiarism among top faculty   cancellation of graduation ceremonies racial segregation of dorm rooms students disowning their parents $100K/year college bills ...we have reason to be hopeful.  Find out how I get there.   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 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.