In this episode, I discuss one of the biggest "ah-ha" moments I've had over the course of the last 10 years of teaching and advising students and families about the college admissions process (including going through the process with 3 of my 4 sons so far). If your child wants to stand out among their peers, they need to accomplish certain things by the end of their sophomore year. This podcast will enumerate each of those things. If you are the parent of a rising 8th, 9th, or 10th grader, this is the episode for you.Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
In today's episode, I help your child (especially juniors) determine who should write their letters of recommendation.how many letters?from which academic year?from which classes?how do I ask? when do I ask?are their exceptions? If your child is a junior in high school, please do not miss out on this episode. Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
In today's episode, I urge you to carefully consider how much AI might impact your child's major choice, college choice, and career choice -- before they lock into a college admission strategy.AI will turn our world upside down within the next 4-6 years. How will your child fare graduating from college in this new world? Will they graduate with an obsolete major?Will they have the skills necessary to integrate into an AI-based economy?Listen to this episode to hear the best case, worst case, and middle case. Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
In today's episode, I make the case for intervening sooner rather than later when it comes to academic struggles.For example, if your son/daughter is not quite getting "Chemistry", being proactive is preferred to waiting until the final exam to shore up their understanding.Finding a tutor to help them get over the hump can work wonders, especially in traditionally challenging subjects like:ChemistryCalculusPhysicsStatisticsComputer Science Listen to this episode to hear the rationale and benefit of early intervention with a talented 1-on-1 tutor. Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
In today's episode, I highlight a common question that was asked by one of our PrepWell Academy parents. Should my daughter take the SAT again?Since this question comes up a lot, I thought it would be beneficial to review the facts of her case and offer some suggestions on how to make an informed decision. If your child plans to take the SAT or ACT, give this episode a listen? Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
In today's episode, especially for families who don't have unlimited money, I urge parents to make an educated guess on how their child will fare financially after they graduate from college. What are their hopes/dreams/aspirations?You don't need an exact answer, but you should try to get in the ballpark. Has your child dreamed of working for Goldman Sachs their entire life and shown the work ethic and aptitude to land such a job? OrDo they seem content to be a middle school special education teacher for 30 years in the local school district? With the cost of education spiraling out of control, it's more important than ever to try to match the cost of college with the ability to pay for it. Generally speaking, there are 4 different "cost" categories to consider:no debt (service academies and ROTC)graduate with $50K in debt (community college to 4-yr state school)graduate with $100K in debt (4-yr state school)graduate with $300K in debt (4-yr, private liberal arts school)Which one of these paths is your child leaning toward? Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
In today's episode, I discuss two different personality traits among high school students. doersdreamers Find out which one most closely aligns with your child and the pros and cons of each mindset. Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
Have you noticed a rising trend in the number of college graduates opting for graduate school?I have.Listen to this week's episode to hear some of the reasons why this trend is taking hold and what to look out for.Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
In today's episode, I discuss the coming of the AI revolution and how middle school, high school, and college students should prepare for its takeover. Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
In today's episode, I walk through what happened with a private student of mine who decided to use ChatGPT for his supplemental essays. Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
In today's episode, I recommend that students interested in "business" should consider majoring in accounting instead. Accounting is the language of business.Instead of taking puff classes in marketing, finance, and supply chain management, why not take real classes that will be valuable in the real world. If your child is unsure about their future, and will likely default to "business" as a major, please listen to this episode. Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
In today's episode, I review how to approach the most important essay in the college admissions process..."Why Us?" essayWhy do you want to attend Brown?Why do you want to attend Tufts?Why do you want to attend Boston University?In my opinion, this supplemental essay question is more important that the main Common Application essay (or personal statement). Learn why this "Why Us" supplemental essay is so important and how you can write it in a compelling way. Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
In today's episode, I test a hypothesis of mine that asks the following question:Since Khan Academy partnered with the College Board (in 2015) to create the most comprehensive, interactive, accessible, and free SAT Tutoring Program, has the national average SAT score gone up, down, or remained the same? Take this journey with me to see what the answer is and whether your son or daughter are part of the problem or the solution? Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
In today's episode, I challenge an assumption that more and more students (and their parents) are claiming..."I'm a bad standardized-test-taker"What does this actually mean? Who decides?How do we define "bad"?If you have a child that may fall into this category, please don't miss this episode. Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
In my opinion, the "Extracurricular Activities List" is one of the most overlooked sections in the Common App. Students think it's easy, short, and not that big a deal. Wrong-O!The Extracurricular Activities section is one of the few places to tell your story by highlighting all the things that you've done for the last few years. If you don't invest in this section, however, you can very easily miss an opportunity (or worse). In today's episode, I review tips on how to crush this section:Don't repeat informationLimit broad generalizationsDon't use acronyms nobody understandsWrite clearlyAvoid fluffUse the Additional Information sectionDon't sleep on the ECA list. It can breathe life into your application and differentiate you from the students who blew it off. Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
4 reasons why this year might be the best time ever to apply to the Ivy League.SAT/ACT required again Applications decreasingROTC surgingIvies need moneyIf your child is considering the Ivy League, this might be the best time to apply in decades. Learn why there is a window of opportunity that we may never see again. Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
This week, I review all-things-PSAT.What is the PSAT? Do colleges care about it?When is it offered?What is the PSAT-10?What is the PSAT/NMSQT?What is a good score?Commended, Semifinalist, Finalist?Top 1% in stateand moreDon't sleep on the PSAT. These days, your child will need every academic weapon and advantage they can get.Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
This week, I cover 5 things your college student can do to ensure their success in the real world - even if they graduate with a mediocre GPA.Choose their major wiselyBefriend upperclassmenMake every summer countNetworkStudy abroadIf your child does these 5 things, they will have maximized their time in college. They will be less reliant on their GPA and more reliant on relationships.Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
Can you believe we're already halfway through the summer?This week, I review the most important summer tasks your child should be doing right now.Please don't assume that your child is doing these things. Trust, but verify. Check-in with them to make sure they have the basics covered.College admissions are getting more competitive every year.Make the most of every summer left. Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.
"Youth sports" often dominates adult conversations during the summer.What club is Allison playing for?Who made the All-Star team?Why did Rohan switch clubs?Did you hear that Coach Stu was fired?What about parents whose children are not athletic?What are they thinking during these conversations?In this week's episode, I explore the pros and cons of having a non-athletic child.Spoiler alert: Prepare to be pleasantly surprised!Follow us:Enroll in PrepWell AcademyFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow me on Instagram or FacebookGive us a reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article)Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the programPrepWell 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.