Show Notes: In this episode, I review the number one mistake I see students make in their Common Application essays. Even if your essay is "done", please listen to this episode to make sure you haven't fallen into the trap.        0:02:11 Initial checklist   0:03:14 How long should it take?   0:04:05 The biggest mistake   0:05:10 The story is just a vehicle   0:06:24 Why this mistake happens   0:06:45 Striking the right balance   0:08:25 Don't forget to reflect   0:09:15 So what?   0:09:35 Story versus self   Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.   Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: 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.

PrepWell Podcast with Phil Black

Biggest Common App Essay mistake

Show Notes: In this episode, I review one of my favorite parenting strategies called the 60-second rule. The goal is to slowly train your child not to lie. The target age group for this strategy is 6th - 10th graders.        0:01:00 My favorite parenting tip   0:01:44 The 60-second rule   0:02:23 The nature of mistakes   0:04:00 The 10X penalty   0:04:40 Case study   0:08:00 Low-consequence mistakes   0:09:25 Summary of steps   Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.   Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: 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.

How to Train Your Child Not to Lie

Show Notes: In this episode, I ask a simple question: "When was the last time you saw a sample of your child's writing?" If the answer is several years - you're not alone. We explore why this might be the case and how surprised you might be at your child's level of writing proficiency. Caution: What you hear in this episode may not sit well with you.     0:01:55 A troubling trend   0:02:23 When was the last time?   0:04:22 College essay readiness   0:05:30 Don't assume the best   0:06:30 Why do students procrastinate?   0:07:56 Back in the day   0:09:30 How do teens write papers?   0:11:55 I want your child to write well   0:12:50 What does it take to write well?   0:14:45 Homework assignment   0:15:30 Happy or shocked?   Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.   Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: 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.

How Well (Or Poorly) Does Your Child Write?

Show Notes: In this episode, I suggest that some athletes might want to consider switching sports in order to increase their chances of being recruited at the college level. This is not an easy path, nor a common one. It is fraught with pitfalls. For many athletes, however, so is staying the course. There may be thousands of athletes sitting on hidden talents that could be put to better use in the college athletic recruitment process. Two case studies show how it might work out.     0:01:40 Why even consider such a move?   0:04:31 How do I help my child get recruited?   0:05:02 Switch to a different sport?   0:05:30 Metrics matter   0:09:07 The sport itself matters   0:11:11 When does it make sense to switch?   0:14:40 Case Study #1 (lacrosse to water polo)   0:18:35 Case Study #3 (soccer to track)   0:20:50 Managing a switch is not easy   0:21:23 Checklist to make a decision   0:24:00 Hidden talent on the bench   0:24:40 Which transitions make sense?   0:27:24 Homework questions   Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook   If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.   Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: 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.

Should Your Child Switch Sports?

Show Notes: In this episode, I focus my comments on high school juniors who have high potential but are on the cusp of throwing it all away. They got a raw deal with COVID, and if they don't take control of their lives right now - the gig will be up. If you're a parent of a junior, or curious about what I have to say to this cohort, please tune in.    0:01:30 Target audience: juniors   0:02:20 Who should skip the podcast?   0:03:08 Which parents should listen?   0:04:40 Impact of COVID 19   0:05:04 Class of 2020   0:05:40 Class of 2021   0:06:46 Class of 2022   0:07:18 Class of 2023*   0:09:40 The belly of the beast   0:10:00 What did you learn last year?   0:11:11 The charade is over   0:11:32 Do your study habits suck?   0:13:44 The good old days   0:14:15 Grinding   0:15:40 The year of the grind   0:16:10 If you're a junior...   0:17:40 If you're not willing...   0:19:30 The dirty little secret   Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.   Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program   Podcast Host: 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.

For Juniors, Before It‘s Too Late

Show Notes: After dropping off my twin sons at college, I thought I'd have more discretionary time on my hands to do important stuff - like organize my garage - which has been a mess for 18 straight years. I was wrong.    Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook   If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.   Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: 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.

At Peace With My Messy Garage

Show Notes: To commemorate our 100th episode, I share my Top 100 tips, bits of advice, and insights about the college admissions process. We cover changes to SAT/ACT requirements, athletic scholarships, study strategies, ROTC and service academies, how to differentiate your application, the cost of college, and much more. Test your knowledge. See how many of these points you have heard of before, what surprised you, and what gave you a new perspective.   Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.   Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: 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.

100 Best Tips, Advice, and Insights

Show Notes: In this episode, I review what you should do the day before your SAT or ACT.    0:01:14 Necessary tangible items   0:03:00 Other strategies for success   Follow us:   Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook   If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.     Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program   Podcast Host: 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.  

What To Do The Day Before The SAT

Show Notes: In this episode, I review the topics that I covered with my sons before they left for college. It was my attempt to convey as much "wisdom" as I could before they left the nest for good. We covered a variety of topics including paperwork essentials, financial literacy, and how to live a good life. As you can imagine, this was not an easy exercise.   0:02:40 Life Skills (1 - 36)   0:07:24 Paperwork essentials (1 - 13)   0:09:10 Financial literacy (1 - 14)   0:15:00 Financial education   0:19:00 Philosophical questions   Follow us:   Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook   If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.     Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program   Podcast Host: 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.  

The Horses Have Left The Barn

Show Notes: 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.   0:02:15 Will your child get it?   0:02:40 Complacency   0:04:00 The decision   0:04:44 Why so pivotal?   0:05:14 Time to focus   0:06:29 Academic trajectory   0:06:53 Permanent study habits   0:07:27 College athletic aspirations?   0:08:34 Service Academy or ROTC dreams?   0:09:10 Your first job   0:09:30 Establishing your reputation   0:10:04 Summer planning   Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.   Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: 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.

The Magic (Or Miscue) Of Sophomore Year

Show Notes: In this episode, I reveal yet another reason to take practice SAT or ACT tests before the real thing. This time, it's to discover whether or not you have learned enough math to excel on the math sections of the SAT or ACT. If last year's zoom-based math instruction was a crap show, you may need to study more than you planned for.    0:01:15 Math content gap   0:03:03 Test optional policy rationale   0:03:23 Curse of the rising COVID junior   0:04:40 Impact of pandemic on math   0:05:40 Repeat 10th grade math?   0:06:45 The takeaways   Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.   Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: 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.  

Do You Know Enough Math To Excel On The SAT Or ACT?

Show Notes: In this 8-minute episode, I try to convince you that creating a personal cheat sheet for the SAT/ACT is a game-changer. If you're not building one while studying, you need to adopt this practice immediately.   0:01:20 A missed opportunity   0:02:00 Why create a cheat sheet?   0:02:43 Practice does not equal learning   0:03:20 Prime your brain   0:04:04 Sample math tips   0:04:55 Sample grammar tips   0:05:30 Sample reading tips   0:05:55 Imprint the golden rules   Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.   Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: 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.

How To Build A Cheat Sheet For The SAT/ACT

Show Notes: In 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.   0:03:00 Hand's-off parent   0:03:50 Hand's-off pros   0:05:13 Hand's-off cons   0:07:33 Helicopter parent   0:08:13 Helicopter cons   0:09:55 Helicopter pros   0:11:38 Hedger parent   0:14:00 The right strategy   0:14:15 Different children, different styles   0:15:00 Which way to go?   Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.   Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: 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.

How Much Should I Push My Child?

Show Notes: In this episode, I cover the pitfalls of filling out your college application with a superficial plan to major in Business.      0:01:20 Episode 84 review   0:01:35 Why are business programs so impacted?   0:02:18 Aspects of business   0:02:40 The new default major   0:03:50 How to get business savvy   0:05:20 The price of ignorance   0:05:45 Types of businesses   0:06:22 Roles within business   0:08:00 Accounting or general business?   0:09:00 My message to PrepWellers   0:10:00 How to educate yourself   Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.   Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: 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.

Plan to Major in Business? Be Careful.

Show Notes: This episode encourages you to register your child for the SAT/ACT immediately. The best Test Center seats are filling up fast. I also reveal my rationale for registering my students (and sons) for at least 3 backup tests.     0:01:00 Register for the SAT - now   0:01:18 Sign up for ACT alerts   0:02:53 When do I take the test?   0:05:00 Why take an early test?   0:08:00 What if I'm not ready?   0:08:28 Why 3 backups?   Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.   Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program Podcast Host: 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.

When To Take SAT/ACT And How Many Backups?

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.

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PrepWell Podcast with Phil Black

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