PrepWell Podcast with Phil Black
by Phil Black
The 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.
Episodes
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Ep. 340 | Why Athletes Get Preferential Treatment During Hiring
In this week's podcast, I discuss why it seems that employers favor college athletes over non-athletes in the hiring process. This differential appears to be gaining steam based on the growing disappointment of the quality of traditional college graduates. Do athletes deserve this extra credit?…
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Ep. 339 | What Is NCSA and Should I Engage With Them?
In this week's podcast, I talk about a college sports recruiting company known as NCSA. NCSA is short for Next College Student Athlete. If you have a child who plays a sport, at almost any level, NCSA will soon reach out to you to set up a call to discuss your child's potential to play their…
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Ep. 338 | Should I Submit My SAT/ACT Score?
In this week's podcast, I discuss whether or not to submit an SAT/ACT score. This decision is not as straightforward as one might think. It goes deeper than "as long as it's in the middle 50% or better bracket". Learn the nuances surrounding this decision before you make the final decision.…
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Ep. 337 | Do College Majors Matter Anymore?
In this week's podcast, I share a story about my son and a small group of "Fellows" working toward getting a job at Palantir. The scenario reveals a lot about what's happening in the job market these days and how your college major may/may not be as important as it used to be. Follow us:...
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Ep. 336 | The Benefits of Applying “Early Action"
In this week's podcast, I make a strong push for students to submit their applications in the Early Action round (where applicable). There are a range of benefits to support this recommendation: Admissions officers more alert Optics No obligation Negotiation leverage Momentum EA is the new RD...
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Ep. 335 | Students Can No Longer Sleep-walk Through College
In this week's podcast, I argue that students can no longer afford to sleep-walk their way through college. It is no longer a 4-yr, extended vacation, built around fun, frivolity, promiscuity, and beer. Why the sudden change? cost of attendance broken public trust employment landscape behavioral...
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Ep. 334 | Should My Child Disclose Their AP Exam Scores?
In this week's podcast, I recommend whether to disclose your AP Exam scores in your college application. This episode is important for seniors who are filling out their college applications as we speak as well as for sophomores/juniors who are wondering how important it is to pay attention in…
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Ep. 333 | The Importance Of Financial Literacy
In this week's podcast, I encourage students to open up an individual brokerage account and a ROTH IRA. I walked them through every step of the process. Topics covered include: Why invest early? What to invest in? What is a brokerage account? What is a Roth IRA? What is compounding interest?...
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Ep. 332 | How To Re-condition The Teenage Brain After Summer Break
In this week's podcast, I issue a stern warning for teenagers who do not prepare ahead of time for their return to high school. If their summer was dominated by endless scrolling, swiping, and video-watching, their attention span has likely withered away to nothing. Learn how to avoid the…
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Ep. 331 | 5 Biggest Nothing-Burger Activities
In this week's podcast, I review the 5 biggest nothing-burger extracurricular activities that you should not include in your college application - unless you have no choice. You might be surprised by the list. Even though some of the activities/organizations sound legitimate, more often than not,...
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Ep. 330 | How To Build A Target List
In this week's podcast, I review one of the most challenging (but important) parts of the college admissions process. Building a target list of colleges This entails narrowing down a list of 4,000+ colleges to a manageable list of 10-14 colleges that meet all of your child's preferences, such as:...
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Ep. 237 Revisited | My Daughter Will Get Into The Ivies, Right?
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)…
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Ep. 329 | Why The Angst?
In today's episode, I try to explain why young adults (including teenagers) are feeling angst these days. Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review...
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Ep. 328 | Is Paying For An SAT Tutor Worth It?
Is paying for an SAT or ACT tutor worth it? 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…
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Ep. 327 | 3 Habits Teenagers Must Adopt Today
In today's episode, I discuss a trend I have been witnessing over the last few years. The trend is getting worse and I hope this episode will highlight the issues. I meet with students every week for 1-on-1 consulting sessions (some via Zoom and some in-person). I have identified three basic…
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Ep. 326 | Should Work-life Balance Be A Priority?
In today's episode, I argue that "work-life balance" is not a top priority for college graduates. What are the top priorities? Why doesn't work-life balance make the cut? How to manage expectations of a new generation Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on…
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Ep. 236 Revisited | The Death of Reading
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:...
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Ep. 325 | TED Talk Roulette
In this week’s episode, I review the origin story of “TED Talk Roulette” and how it can be implemented in your child’s life. This activity is designed to help students who claim that “they just aren’t interested in anything”. If your child finds it difficult to articulate what they are interested...
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Ep. 324 | Your Major Is Not Your Destiny
In today's episode, I dispel a myth circulating around the internet suggesting that your college major is the most important factor in determining your future earning potential. I beg to differ. Yes, your college major is important, but it is not the deciding factor, especially with AI disrupting...
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Ep. 323 | Don’t Be Fooled By The Numbers
In today’s episode, I reveal a sneaky accounting trick that some colleges use to avoid entering the $100K/yr club. Please give this episode a listen if your child is considering a private, liberal arts college, or a flagship state college/university in a different state. Also, I offer 5 reasons…
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Ep. 322 | The New Rules of College Admissions
In today's episode, I lay out the latest developments in the college admissions process. how to define "best" 160,000+ applications all applications look the same no more DEI curation institutional priorities survive variable pricing models As we move into the important summer months, make sure…
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Ep. 321 | The New PrepWell Academy Year Kicks-off Tomorrow
In today's episode, I welcome all PrepWellers into their new cohorts. As of tomorrow (June 1st), all members will be migrated to the next year. 8th-graders (2030) will become new freshman PrepWellers Freshman (2029) will become sophomore PrepWellers Sophomores (2028) will become junior…
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Ep. 320 | Cheating at Princeton?
In today's episode, I comment on Princeton's recent policy change when it comes to test administration. Princeton students will no longer be allowed to take exams without proctors walking the aisles. For 133 years, the "honor system" was sufficient to keep students from cheating on exams. Not...
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Ep. 319 | How To Break Your Child’s Phone Addiction
In today's episode, I offer some suggestions on how to curb (or break) your child's phone addiction. If you have a 12-16 year old child who is using their phone more than you think is reasonable, please give this episode a listen. Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on...
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Ep. 318 | How The NCAA New Eligibility Proposal May Impact Youth Sports
In today's episode, I review the new model proposed by the NCAA for college athlete eligibility (Division I). If you have a child who may want to play sports in college, this is a worthwhile listen. What is proposed? Who are the winners and losers? What should I prepare for? Follow us…
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Ep. 317 | What Is Your Child’s #1 Priority?
In today's episode, I redefine what your child's #1 priority should be when planning for college. Years ago, the priorities were: How do I get into an Ivy League, Top 15, or Top 20 college? What should I major in? Those days are over. Today, given the changing job outlook, technological...
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Ep. 316 | How College Dictates Your Child’s Launch Plans
In today's episode, I discuss 3 broad college/career/adulting pathways: Ivy League school Non-Ivy League school Service academy or ROTC Which way is your child leaning? Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow me on...
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Ep. 315 | Don't Get Stuck In The Middle
In today's episode, I discuss how the future seems to favor those who take one of two extreme positions. And they disfavor people who hedge their bets and play it down the middle. Which way is your child leaning? Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram...
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Ep. 314 | How To Secure Extraordinary Letters Of Recommendation
In today's episode, I review how your child can secure extraordinary letters of recommendation from their teachers. Unfortunately, some students take this part of the application lightly, because it seems like the teacher is the one who has to do all the work. Not true. The student has to do…
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Ep. 313 | There Are Bigger Fish To Fry
In today's episode, I propose that the stress your child may be feeling about: (1) not getting into his/her dream school, or (2) the agonizing decision as to whether to attend Wesleyan or Swarthmore, is the least of their problems. There are much bigger fish to fry. In the big scheme of things,...
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Ep. 312 | How Will AI Impact These 4 Cohorts?
In today's episode, I discuss the impact of AI across 4 cohorts: recent college graduates college students high school students middle school students Some students will love the change and embrace it. Others will run screaming. Others will bury their heads in the sand. Others will freeze in…
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Ep. 311 | What To Expect From Your Child's Guidance Counselor
In today's episode, I discuss what you should expect from your school's guidance counselor. Extracurricular activity audits? Summer strategy and planning? Course selection? College essay brainstorming and editing? The level of support may vary based on what type school your child attends (e.g....
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Ep. 310 | What Impact Will AI Have On College Graduates?
In today's episode, I wrestle with the tension between sticking to the old playbook (e.g. traditional college track) and throwing caution to the wind. How will AI impact opportunities for college graduates? College prepares students for the following job responsibilities: administrative and...
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Ep. 309 | What To Do If Your Child Lacks a "Passion"
In today's episode, I dive into one of the most frustrating parts of parenting a teenager. What to do if they are... bright hardworking dedicated motivated but they lack a "passion" for any one topic. If your son or daughter falls into this category, give this episode a listen for some ideas....
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Ep. 308 | When Is It Okay To Spend $400K On College?
In today's episode, I propose the only 5 cases which justify spending $400K on college. you're rich you're poor your child has a $400K trust fund your child was born to be an investment banker your child won an ROTC scholarship If your family doesn't fall into one of these categories, your child...
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Ep. 307 | Case Study: Northwestern vs. UIUC?
In today's episode, I walk through a thought experiment that considers the following choice: attend Northwestern University @ $100K/year or attend UIUC @ $50K/year Budget: $300K in a college fund How does this family think about the pros and cons of this consequential decision for their daughter?...
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Ep. 306 | The Hidden Challenge Of Early College Life
In today's episode, I discuss an issue that doesn't get a lot of air-time. Loneliness Of the many challenges that face new college students, loneliness is one that can fly under the radar. It's not often talked about, but it can wreak havoc. Before your child heads out the door, please give this...
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Ep. 305 | Have DI Scholarships Lost Their Luster?
In today's episode, I review some inconvenient truths about the state of DI athletic scholarships. What has changed? Did the recent NCAA ruling help or hurt? What are the risks associated with pursuing a DI scholarship? crowding-out risk injury risk talent risk financial risk integrity risk...
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Ep. 304 | How Do College Campus Cultures Shape Your Child
In today's episode, I discuss the how much (or how little) a "campus culture" can influence your child's world view. I look at three different students: street-smart student middle-of-the-road student clueless student And 3 different campus environments: political (conservative or progressive)...
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Ep. 303 | Necessary Skills In An AI World
In today's episode, I review a list of skills that college graduates should develop to become competitive in an AI world. Being a "problem-solver" is no longer one of them. Instead, job-seekers should focus on things that AI models are incapable of, such as: long-term vision leadership persuasion...
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Ep. 302 | ChatGPT = No More Excuses
In today's episode, I assume the role of a typical 17-yr old who claims he's interested in majoring in "business". Until today, it would be commonplace for that student to have a very superficial understanding of what it takes to become a business major, what types of jobs are available in the...
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Ep. 301 | The Death Of A Computer Science Degree
10 years ago, a Computer Science degree was to-die-for. Today, it’s dead. Find out how a degree in Computer Science has fallen out of favor so quickly. Learn how to leverage a degree in Computer Science in today’s oversaturated CS marketplace. Discover how to pick a college major that will...
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Ep. 255 Revisited | What If I’m Not Interested In Anything
In this episode, I address a common issue among teenagers (that sometimes grows into a concern if it's not addressed in a timely fashion). That is, students who claim that they have no idea what they are interested in, no clue what they want to major in, or what field of work they might enjoy.…
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Ep. 300 | Seeking Clarity Amidst The Chaos
In today's podcast (our 300th episode), I reveal something positive that comes out of the recent chaos engulfing college admissions: super-competitive skyrocketing costs DEI going away SAT and ACT back on top political unrest on campuses less trust in college graduates colleges' fiscal mess...
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Ep. 299 | Why Is College So Expensive?
In today's episode, I break down some of the reasons that college has become so expensive. the "original sin" open the floodgates demand up, supply even government subsidized loans lazy rivers, sushi bars, climbing walls College as the only option If you are aware how expensive college has…
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Ep. 298 | Why Go To College?
A lot has changed in the last 30-40 years when it comes to higher education. Are our assumptions about the value of a college degree still valid? What has changed? The outlandish cost of a college education The temptation to major in fake subjects The change in job prospects The cratering of...
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Ep. 97 Revisited | The Magic (Or Miscue) Of Sophomore Year
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...
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Ep. 297 | Who Should Write Your Child’s Letters Of Recommendation?
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…
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Ep. 296 | How Will AI Impact Your Child's College Career And Beyond
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...
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Ep. 295 | When To Intervene With A Tutor
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…
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