ServeWell Podcast

In today's episode, I cover the topic of feedback. In order to mature, young adults need to know what they are doing right and what they are doing wrong. And the sooner -- the better. There are a few pathways that provide this type of feedback, often at an accelerated pace. There are other pathways that do not. If your child is interested in personal development, please give this episode a listen.

In today's episode, I share insights and perspective from a former ServeWell Academy graduate who went on to attend Vanderbilt University on a Marine Option Navy ROTC scholarship. He is wrapping up his freshman year and he had many things to report - some good, some not so good. If your son or daughter is considering ROTC, please give this episode a listen.

In today's episode, I review why the service academies care so much about: SAT/ACT GPA Rigor of coursework Why did all the service academies continue to require standardized test scores when nearly every other college went "test optional" during COVID?

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 breakthroughs (i.e. AI, automation), and cost of college, your child should be solving for one thing and one thing only... FLEXIBILITY More than any other asset, flexibility will be your child's key to integrating into the workforce of the future. One of the best ways to maintain such flexibility is to graduate college with zero student loan debt. In today's episode, I lay out 7 strategies to do just that. Will your child be able to graduate with zero student loan debt?

In today's episode, I discuss three common college/career pathways and how they may impact your child's road to adulthood: Ivy League schools Non-Ivy League schools Service academies & ROTC Which way is your child leaning?

In today's episode, I discuss the uniqueness of the 6 state maritime academies: Cal Poly Maritime Academy Great Lakes Maritime Academy Maine Maritime Academy Massachusetts Maritime Academy SUNY Maritime Academy Texas A&M Maritime Academy What are they? How are they different? What is their value proposition?

In today's episode, I discuss how to ensure that your child secures outstanding letters of recommendation. Unfortunately, a lot of students take this part of the process lightly. They think the teacher is the one who has to do all the work. They just sit back and make sure the LORs are submitted in a timely fashion. I don't think so. There's is a lot of prep work required to make sure your teachers are set up for success. Take a listen to this episode to make sure your child is staying on track with their LORs.

In today's episode, I discuss different ways individuals can become commissioned officers in the U.S. military. Service Academies ROTC Officer Candidate School (OCS) Senior Military Academies (ROTC) Direct Commissions Enlisted to Officer programs CDO/CWO Field promotions There are a few more pathways that are even more uncommon. Learn more about this process in today's episode.

In today's episode, I discuss how AI will impact 4 cohorts: recent college graduates college students high school students middle school students I will also opine on how AI might affect students who choose to attend a service academy or ROTC program. Do you have a child in one of these cohorts? How will they fare?

In today's episode, I discuss what you should expect from your school's guidance counselor.  Extracurricular activity audit? Suggestions for leadership roles? Summer strategy and planning? College essay brainstorming? Timelines for service academy and ROTC interviews? Advice for physical fitness tests? The level of support may vary based on what type of school your child attends (e.g. private, public), but there are many similarities as well.  Listen to this week's episode to make sure you don't get blind-sided. 

In today's episode, I wrestle with the tension between sticking to the old playbook (e.g. traditional college) vs. doing something more non-traditional (e.g. service academies/ROTC) in light of the AI revolution that is upon us. I will share my thoughts on how a service academy experience may be the best antidote for the uncertainty that will come with the wave of AI innovation, disruption, and chaos. Do you agree?

In today's episode, I compare various activities/experiences at traditional colleges versus service academies. dorm life social life academics job placement finances adversity shared mission leadership Which path suits your son or daughter best?

In today's episode, I discuss the importance of the SAT (especially the math section) for students interested in service academies and ROTC scholarships. In a perfect world, your child will be at least one grade-level ahead in math by the time they enter high school. This will allow them to take the SAT at the very beginning of 11th grade. A 7th-grade math placement test is often what determines whether or not your child can move ahead in math. Be very aware of this fact when it happens. If you know a parent with a child interested in the service academies and ROTC, make sure they listen to this episode as early in middle school as possible.

In today's episode, I walk through how midshipmen at the Naval Academy choose the ship they will serve on upon graduation. Note: Not every midshipman will be assigned to a ship. Only midshipman who are drafted into the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) community take part in this ceremony (about 250 of the 1,200 graduates). The other service academies have similar traditions and protocols. What you learn in this episode can be used as a guide for how communities in different military branches assign their officers to their specific jobs. Learn how and when these soon-to-be junior officers find out where they will be working.

In today's episode, I go through a list of leadership opportunities that may be worth pursuing to beef-up your leadership credentials. school-based sports-based JROTC-based Summer-based Community service-based DIY-based For each of these experiences, the selection board will consider: (1) scope, (2) responsibility, (3) sustained commitment, (4) initiative, and (5) progression.

In today's episode, I compare what it takes to secure a DI athletic scholarship compared to a military scholarship (e.g. service academy or ROTC). what are the odds? what are the risks? How do you improve your chances? Understanding the pros and cons of each pathway may help your child make one of the most consequential decisions in their lives.

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) religious (faith-friendly or secular) social permissiveness (strict or anything goes) How will different campus cultures influence different types of students? Will that influence be positive or negative? Where do ROTC programs and service academies fit into this picture?

In today's episode, I describe how service academies and ROTC scholarship opportunities solve for today's teenagers' 3 biggest fears: How will I pay for college? How will I find a job? How will I afford a home? Have a son or daughter who is thinking about these questions? Give this episode a serious listen.

In today's episode, I assume the role of a 15, 16, or 17-yr-old high school student who is interested in the service academies or ROTC. In the past, not much was expected of these aspiring midshipmen and cadets.  Most had a very superficial understanding of what they were getting themselves into and there wasn't a clear path to figuring these things out.  Those days are over.  In this episode, I demonstrate how easy it is for any student to get information about the service academies and ROTC without going to the library, visiting a service academy, talking to a retired military person, or randomly plugging search terms into Google.  Enter...ChatGPT Learn how easy it is to sit back and become a subject matter expert on these topics in the matter of an hour or two.  From clueless to fully-informed. 

In this episode, I review the results from the early Army, Navy, and Air Force ROTC selection boards. How many Air Force ROTC scholarships were awarded? How many Type I, II, IV Air Force ROTC scholarships were awarded? How many Navy ROTC scholarships were awarded? How many Army ROTC scholarships were awarded? What do these trends say about the competitiveness of ROTC scholarships?  Listen to this episode if you have any interest in pursuing an ROTC scholarship in any (or all) of the branches. 

Why do some people hesitate to consider service academies and ROTC programs? I don't understand what they are I want a "real" college experience My child is not disciplined enough My child is not interested in combat My daughter has ADHD Listen to the counterpoints to some of these commons friction points when it comes to these unique opportunities.

In today's episode, I review the basic pros/cons associated with attending a service academy. If you are considering this path, please give a listen.

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 same government subsidized loans lazy rivers, sushi bars, climbing walls College as the only option If you are aware how expensive college has become, but you're not sure why or how, please give this episode a listen. This may give you a better appreciation for the gift of service academies and ROTC opportunities. They are options known by few people...but not for long.

In this episode, I shed some light on the one of the lesser-known service academies... The United States Merchant Marine Academy The USMMA offers... 100% scholarship for all students Small campus (250 students per class) Bachelor of Science in STEM field Merchant Marine Officer's License Commission into Navy Reserves Guaranteed job upon graduation No active duty military commitment Can take a shore-based civilian job Flexibility to work in any branch Give this episode a listen to expose yourself to the unique advantages and benefits of this often overlooked service academy. You'll be glad you did.

In this episode, I discuss what it's like to go to college knowing that upon graduation you have a guaranteed job for five years (or more) making $100K+ per year. What are the pros and cons? What's the catch? How does this compare to students who attend traditional colleges? In today's challenging job market, these differences are becoming more severe by the day...

In this episode, I discuss one of the least appreciated benefits of serving in the U.S. military... international travel If you have ever dreamed of visiting faraway places, learning about ancient cultures, or observing foreign traditions, the military is a great place to start. The United States has military bases on dozens of countries across the world with major concentrations in Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, and strategic locations globally. Ever wonder what it's like to explore: Greenland Greece Djibouti UK Germany Turkey Iceland Poland Portugal Junior officers play important leadership roles in each of these areas of the world. Find out how and when officers deploy and what type of hand they have in their journey...

In this episode, I lay out what life looks like for most junior officers when they separate from service after five years. Their opportunities are nearly limitless: travel the world apply to graduate school get another job buy a franchise start a business Each pathway has its own pros/cons. I focus on three defense technology companies that are hiring like mad and looking for young talent with leadership skills, technical aptitude, international experience, and familiarity with the military and government operations. Get to know these companies and keep them on your target list of opportunities...

In this episode, I review the many ways the military can help pay for medical school. Each pathway has its own pros/cons, commitment levels, and financial benefits. If you (or anyone you know) is interested in going to medical school and would like to know how the military might help in this regard, please give this episode a listen.

In this episode, I dig into what appears to be a resurgence in the competitiveness of service academy athletic teams. Why the uptick? Please give this episode a listen to hear what's happening in the world of service academy sports, recruiting, and future prospects.

In this episode, I talk about one of my recent pet peeves.  Ever since COVID, students do not take notes anymore.  This is especially true when I am on Zoom calls with them.  Please give this episode a listen to make sure your child hasn't fallen into this trap. 

In this episode. I compare two different options after graduating from an undergraduate experience. 1. A linear path 2. A non-linear path Which would your child prefer?

In this episode, I talk about the coming AI revolution and how middle school students, high school students, college students, and military officers can prepare for its takeover.

In this episode, I compare the good and bad habits that develop after 4 years at a traditional college versus a service academy. How does each institution influence what students learn on a daily basis? How does the compounding of those habits affect students upon graduation?

The AI revolution is coming. How will your child will adapt? The next 10 years will transform our society far more than the internet, social media, and smartphones ever did. Will your child... go all-in hedge their bets watch from the sidelines In this episode, I lay out how each of these strategies might impact your child during college and beyond.

What are 4 milestones that have outsized impact on jump-starting a young person's life? graduating from college in 4 years no student loan debt landing a job upon graduation ability to purchase a home In this episode, I go through each of these milestones and opine on the chances of today's youth achieving any (or all) of them.

Service academies and ROTC scholarships never went "test-optional," even in the depths of the COVID-19 panic. The SAT or ACT have always been "test-required" and for good reason. With hundreds of millions of dollars of scholarships and programs to manage, the military could not risk accepting students who could not prove their academic ability on a standardized test. In this episode, I review the importance of the SAT as well as a proven strategy to crush the test in a timely fashion.

BusinessWeek published an article last week calling 2025 the worst job market for college graduates in decades. They cited the following reasons: economic uncertainty artificial intelligence increased competition fewer job opportunities Not only are the job prospects grim, but what about the spike in student loan debt, low wages, and unaffordable housing? In today's episode, I give you the secret to sidestepping all of the above.

I meet with a lot of students who claim they want to be pilots in the military. In helping them prepare for interviews, I learn a lot about their upbringing, motivations, and experience. One of the biggest lessons I've learned, is that there is a wide disparity among candidates.  In today's episode, I compare the interview answers of two different candidates.  Let me know which one you think is the better candidate for a service academy appointment or ROTC scholarship. 

Despite your child's best efforts, preparation, and focus, they may fail to get an appointment to their preferred service academy. Their active participation in ServeWell Academy will certainly reduce those odds, but there is no guarantee. This week, I review what they can do to get another bite at the apple. It is not uncommon for students who got rejected their first time around to receive appointments the second time around. The moral of the story here is not to lose hope. If this is something they really want to do, there are options.

This week, I review some important facts about the PSAT and whether it matters when it comes to service academies and ROTC scholarships. What is the PSAT? Do colleges care about it? Do service academies care about it? Do ROTC programs 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 state and more Don't sleep on the PSAT. These days, no matter which path your child takes, they will need every academic advantage they can get.

This week, I share a conversation that I have had with hundreds of parents over the years. In this case, a mom. The mom gives me the following rundown about her son: smart (AP classes, high GPA, PSAT) athletic (varsity captain) service-oriented (volunteer work) motivated under the right conditions ...but, he doesn't know what he wants to study in college, what he wants to do after college, or what type of career he wants to pursue. They (as a family) are stuck. They don't want to waste $100K/yr on the wrong college, worry about their son going down the wrong path, and feel paralyzed by the options. Listen to my response to this scenario...

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. Appointments to service academies and ROTC scholarships are very competitive. The summer is a terrible thing to waste. Make the most of it.

When it comes to defense technology and investing, the United States has taken on a much different posture today compared to 5 years ago. What has changed in the investment world? How will your child take advantage of this shift? Which companies and industries will lead the way? Why are SAs and ROTC programs the perfect training grounds? There has never been a better time to be a young, tech-savvy military officer with a STEM degree, leadership experience, real-world experience, and a network of military friends and allies.

If your child took an AP Exam(s) in May, they probably just received their scores a few days ago. Do service academies care about AP exams? Do ROTC programs care about AP exams? Does anyone care about AP exams anymore? How much do they matter? What is a good AP exam score? Should I submit my scores? Today, it's more important than ever to know these answers. If your child has not yet grappled with AP classes or exams yet, please do not skip this episode. Like so many other parts of the admissions process, you need to know how this works as early as possible.

Junior year will be your child’s most challenging “academic” year. Beyond academics, they will also face high expectations, leadership demands, standardized tests, AP exams, and extracurricular commitments. One way for your child to mitigate these pressures is to familiarize themselves with the content of their most challenging classes ahead of time (i.e. during the summer). Which will be there most intimidating/challenging classes? AP Physics Honors Chemistry AP Calculus In this episode, I lay out the rationale and plan for this forward-thinking strategy. [Based on ServeWell Academy’s online course: Week 05 of Junior Year.]

In this episode, I read through a bunch of questions that I've collected over the last few weeks from social media, 1-on-1 calls, private coaching calls, DMs, etc. My answers are short, to-the-point, and, I hope, insightful. For all of you die-hard ServeWellers out there, I challenge you to try to answer all of these questions correctly before I give the answer. Many of these questions require longer responses, but I'll leave those details up to the weekly video lessons and monthly coaching calls. Good luck and keep the questions coming.

In this episode, I review how your child should prepare for the SAT or ACT. Historically, these strategies didn't change much. Today, the strategies change by the month. If you are the parent of a rising junior or senior, please make sure you are up-to-date on the latest developments in standardized testing. How do SAs and ROTC treat SAT/ACT? When should I take the SAT/ACT? Why so many back-up dates? What's the best way to study? What's a realistic score? How do I determine my target score? Learn what you should do over the next 2-3 months to maximize your time, effort, and score.

In this week's episode, I attempt to reconcile two common (but diametrically opposed) pieces of advice often given to college graduates. 1. Save as much money as you can in your twenties in order to maximize the magic of compounding 2. Go to the best college you can get into, even if it means going into $150,000 in debt Come along as I try to untangle this web of contradictions.  

Summer is the perfect time to prepare for the service academy and ROTC application process. What’s the best way to approach your child to make sure they are making the most of these critical three months? Answer: A parent(s) must sit down with their child and create a summer plan Easier said than done, right? In this episode, I walk through exactly how I conduct these summer planning sessions with own son (rising junior). I know this drill well. I have done it many times with my older three sons and hundreds of times with PrepWellers and ServeWellers over the years. If you are looking for specific, tactical advice on how to set up your 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grader for a successful summer, please listen.

In today's episode, I review the problems plaguing the Air Force ROTC programs. - fewer scholarships - rise of non-scholarshipped candidates - cancellation of scholarships halfway through college - questionable evaluation criteria