PrepWell Podcast with Phil Black
Episodes
Ep. 316 | How College Dictates Your Child’s Launch Plans
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I discuss 3 broad college/career/adulting pathways:Ivy League schoolNon-Ivy League school Service academy or ROTCWhich way is...
Ep. 315 | Don't Get Stuck In The Middle
19 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 the...
Ep. 314 | How To Secure Extraordinary Letters Of Recommendation
12 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I review how your child can secure extraordinary letters of recommendation from their teachers. Unfortunately, some student...
Ep. 313 | There Are Bigger Fish To Fry
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 dec...
Ep. 312 | How Will AI Impact These 4 Cohorts?
22 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I discuss the impact of AI across 4 cohorts: recent college graduatescollege studentshigh school studentsmiddle school studen...
Ep. 311 | What To Expect From Your Child's Guidance Counselor
15 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I discuss what you should expect from your school's guidance counselor. Extracurricular activity audits?Summer strategy a...
Ep. 310 | What Impact Will AI Have On College Graduates?
08 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
Ep. 309 | What To Do If Your Child Lacks a "Passion"
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I dive into one of the most frustrating parts of parenting a teenager. What to do if they are...brighthardworkingdedicatedmot...
Ep. 308 | When Is It Okay To Spend $400K On College?
22 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I propose the only 5 cases which justify spending $400K on college. you're richyou're pooryour child has a $400K trus...
Ep. 307 | Case Study: Northwestern vs. UIUC?
15 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I walk through a thought experiment that considers the following choice: attend Northwestern University @ $100K/yearor attend...
Ep. 306 | The Hidden Challenge Of Early College Life
08 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I discuss an issue that doesn't get a lot of air-time. LonelinessOf the many challenges that face new college students, l...
Ep. 305 | Have DI Scholarships Lost Their Luster?
01 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 304 | How Do College Campus Cultures Shape Your Child
25 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Ep. 303 | Necessary Skills In An AI World
18 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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-sol...
Ep. 302 | ChatGPT = No More Excuses
11 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 wo...
Ep. 301 | The Death Of A Computer Science Degree
04 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 255 Revisited | What If I’m Not Interested In Anything
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 300 | Seeking Clarity Amidst The Chaos
21 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast (our 300th episode), I reveal something positive that comes out of the recent chaos engulfing college admissions:super-competit...
Ep. 299 | Why Is College So Expensive?
14 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I break down some of the reasons that college has become so expensive.the "original sin"open the floodgatesdemand up...
Ep. 298 | Why Go To College?
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
Ep. 97 Revisited | The Magic (Or Miscue) Of Sophomore Year
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 stu...
Ep. 297 | Who Should Write Your Child’s Letters Of Recommendation?
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I help your child (especially juniors) determine who should write their letters of recommendation.how many letters?from which ...
Ep. 296 | How Will AI Impact Your Child's College Career And Beyond
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 -- ...
Ep. 295 | When To Intervene With A Tutor
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 294 | Should My Daughter Take The SAT Again?
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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?...
Ep. 293 | How Much Student Loan Debt Is Too Much?
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
Ep. 292 | Is Your Child A Doer Or A Dreamer?
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I discuss two different personality traits among high school students. doersdreamers Find out which one most closely aligns ...
Ep. 291 | Why Are So Many College Grads Applying To Graduate School?
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 290 | How To Prepare For The Coming AI Revolution
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 take...
Ep. 289 | ChatGPT And The College Essay
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 288 | Why Major In Accounting?
20 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I recommend that students interested in "business" should consider majoring in accounting instead. Accounting is th...
Ep. 287 | How To Write The "Why Us" Essay
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I review how to approach the most important essay in the college admissions process..."Why Us?" essayWhy do you want...
Ep. 286 | Does The Free Khan Academy SAT Prep Program Improve SAT Scores Nationwide?
06 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Ep. 285 | Is Your Child A Bad Test-taker?
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I challenge an assumption that more and more students (and their parents) are claiming..."I'm a bad standardized-test...
Ep. 284 | How To Write Your Extracurricular Activities List
23 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In my opinion, the "Extracurricular Activities List" is one of the most overlooked sections in the Common App. Students think it's easy...
Ep. 283 | This Is The Year To Apply To The Ivies
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 m...
Ep. 282 | What Is The PSAT And Why Should I Care?
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 281 | How To Get The Most Out Of College – Even With A Mediocre GPA
02 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Ep. 280 | Mid-Summer Check-in
27 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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....
Ep. 279 | What To Do If Your Child Is Not Athletic
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"Youth sports" often dominates adult conversations during the summer.What club is Allison playing for?Who made the All-Star team?Why did Roh...
Ep. 278 | AP Exam Scores Are In. Now What?
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If your child took an AP Exam(s) in May, they probably just received their scores a few days ago.Do AP exam scores even matter?How much do they matter...
Ep. 277 | Which ECA Strategy Is Better?
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I compare two different approaches to extracurricular activities:Strategy 1: Attempt to win a prestigious, well-established competiti...
Ep. 276 | SAT/ACT Strategies For The Summer
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 275 | How Not To Waste $400K
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss how to make sure our children don’t flush a $300-400K education down the toilet.For decades, we’ve been told (brainwash...
Ep. 274 | How To Talk To Your Child About The Summer
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Summer is the perfect time to prepare for the rigors of the college admissions process.What’s the best way to approach your child to make sure they ...
Ep. 273 | How To Ease Into Leadership Positions
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I offer a few strategies (and tactics) to help your child find leadership opportunities - particularly for those children who may be ...
Ep. 272 | Don't Expect Help From Your Coaches
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I dispel a myth that many parents (and athletes) fall prey to when it comes to college athletic recruiting:"My club coach will h...
Ep. 271 | The Case for No-Name Colleges
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I argue that many more students should consider applying to colleges with low name recognition (e.g. Goucher College, Beloit College,...
Ep. 270 | Is Your Sophomore On Track? (Bonus: How to Handle Your Last Child Getting Their Driver's License)
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your sophomore on track? There are several milestones that every high school sophomore should meet to remain competitive in the college admissions ...
Ep. 269 | What Happens When Colleges Lose Federal Funding?
19 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I predict the fallout from the recent freeze (or cancellation) of billions of dollars of federal funds once earmarked for several pro...
Ep. 268 | The SAT & ACT Are Back!
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I try to convince students (and parents) that the SAT and ACT matter again - maybe now more than ever.The 5-year "test-optional&...
Ep. 267 | Don’t Believe Them
05 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I cast doubt on the reasons many students give as to why they got accepted to [enter highly-selective college name].In this case, Har...
Ep. 266 | How Julius Prepares For An AP Exam (Case Study)
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with a straight-A student (Julius) and ask him how he plans to study for his upcoming AP US History exam.His answer may sh...
Ep. 265 | Harvard Is Free If Income < $200K
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss Harvard's recent announcement that students whose families make under $200K/yr will go for free.Too good to be true?Maybe. ...
Ep. 264 | The Gig Is Up
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we bid farewell to the temporary admissions loopholes that have plagued college admissions since COVID.Most experts now agree that th...
Ep. 263 | How To Create Unique, DIY, Extracurricular Activities
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I offer suggestions on how to come up with unique, DIY, extracurricular activities that:you don't have to search for on the inter...
Ep. 262 | Have You Ever Heard Of A “Reading Team”?
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I focus on the importance of reading and how we can help our children become lifelong readers. Enter: Reading Teams.Have you ever he...
Ep. 261 | Should You Go All-in On Sports?
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most challenging decisions for high school student-athletes (and their parents) is whether or not rely on sports as the primary lever to ge...
Ep. 260 | Who Should Be In The Meeting(s)?
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I address a common question from parents interested in setting up a college admissions consulting call.The question is:"Who shou...
Ep. 259 | The Most Clever College Essay Question I Have Ever Seen
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I reveal the most clever college admissions essay prompt I have ever seen.It's a question that attempts to stop students from writing...
Episode 258 | How to Reach Escape Velocity
01 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As parents and educators, one of our primary goals is to help our children (or students) reach “escape velocity”. Escape velocity is the point at ...
Ep. 257 | Which Personal Trait Trumps Them All?
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss the personal trait that makes "college choice" nearly irrelevant. With few exceptions, if you possess this partic...
Ep. 256 | Which Standardized Tests Matter These Days?
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss the latest and greatest developments when it comes to standardized tests: Should I worry about the PSAT? What is the sig...
Ep. 255 | What If I’m Not Interested In Anything
12 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, st...
Ep. 254 | 2024 Year-In-Review
05 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I highlight some of the craziest storylines of 2024 and how they affected college admissions. I break the chaos into three buckets: ...
Ep. 253 | Top 10 Reasons Your Child Probably Got Rejected From College X
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I review the Top 10 reasons why your child probably didn't get into their early action or early decision school - especially if it wa...
Ep. 252 | Should My Child Attend This Summer Leadership Conference?
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I address the following common question: Dear Phil, My son/daughter was invited to a National Student Leadership Conference this summ...
Ep. 251 | Why "Normal" May Trump "Super-selective" When It Comes To Colleges
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I make the case that prestige, ranking, and name recognition may not be the best predictors of a successful college experience.Someti...
Ep. 250 | Why I Love Teaching My 15-yr-old How To Drive
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you had/have/will soon have a teenager who needs to learn how to drive, this episode should resonate with you. In this episode, I explain why I lov...
Ep. 249 | How Can Your Child Take Advantage of AI?
17 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss how AI might impact our children and their future. Which industries will win or lose when AI takes over? How can my chil...
Ep. 248 | Using The Chaos To Your Advantage
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I argue that the craziness of the college admissions process (and college experience itself), has given us permission to question our...
Ep. 247 | Begin with the end in mind
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I flip the script on how most students (and parents) should begin their college search. Typical sequence: College? Major? Career...
Ep. 246 | ChatGPT/Chegg Take Over College Campuses
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share what I discovered about academic life on college campuses during my visit with a few college students. Need to write a paper:...
Ep. 184 Revisited | Too Much Attention vs Too Little Attention
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I go through a bunch of issues that parents, students, and families are getting wrong (IMO). They are paying too much attention to i...
Ep. 245 | 11 Alternatives to Paying $100K/yr for College
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, I review the 3 categories of colleges, how much they cost, and 11 alternatives if you are looking for something different, bet...
Ep. 244 | 7 Hottest Trends in College Admissions
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, I cover the 7 hottest trends in college admissions: the move back to "test-required" policies jump in northerners applying ...
Ep. 243 | Building Study Habits: Note-taking
28 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 I...
Ep. 242 | How To Deal With An Injury
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Ep. 206 Revisited | Why Teenagers Should Not Drink Alcohol
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
Ep. 241 | Are You Considering "Political Fit" When Selecting Colleges?
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 d...
Ep. 240 | Why Ivies Might Be The Wrong "Fit"
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
Ep. 239 | College Admissions: Then and Now
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Ep. 238 | How To Build a Signature Extracurricular Activity
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, I share a story about one of my most diligent and accomplished PrepWellers (let's call her "Jayda"). Jayda t...
Ep. 237 | My Daughter Will Get Into The Ivies, Right?
11 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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-competiti...
Ep. 236 | The Death of Reading
03 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 235 | The New Digital ACT
28 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Ep. 234 | Which Is Better, Public Or Private School?
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
Ep. 233 | Is ROTC Safe For My Son?
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, I answer a parent's question that often comes up when discussing ROTC programs and service academies. "Is ROTC sa...
Ep. 232 | Rapid-fire FAQs
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Ep. 231 | Irreconcilable Differences
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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: ...
Ep. 230 | Is Div I Worth The Effort (and risk)?
23 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, I go through the Top 20 "pros" and "cons" for playing Div I sports in college. Most students (and pa...
Ep. 229 | The Transfer Portal
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, I discuss the college transfer portal. In particular, how the transfer portal is transforming college basketball. If you...
Ep. 228 | More Of This...Less Of That
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 admiss...
Ep. 227 | Transition and Big Announcement
02 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Ep. 226 | Turning Down USC For Community College
26 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Ep. 225 | A Silver Lining Amid The Chaos?
19 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, I argue that despite these challenges... switch to test-optional policies de-emphasis on writing violent protests on ...
Ep. 224 | Blank Stares
12 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, I discuss a strange phenomenon that I witnessed a few weeks ago. For context, I was asked to give a presentation on "...
Ep. 223 | Sports: Double-down Or Diversify?
05 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, I discuss whether it makes sense for your child to double-down on sports, or diversify into other areas of interest. There...
Ep. 222 | Summer School For Smart Students
28 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, I make a pitch for summer school. All four of my sons took classes over the summer (for different reasons) and many motiva...
Ep. 39 Revisited | How Competitive Will Your Child Be?
21 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Several years ago, I created a 1-page worksheet that laid out the 7 categories that determine how well a student will be prepared for the college ...