PrepWell Podcast with Phil Black
Episodes
Ep. 134 | What Should I Major In?
15 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I lay out a decision tree (with "if-then" statements) that dictates how you should think about your major. Should you car...
Episode 21 Revisit | How Involved Should You Be as a Parent?
08 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I talk about how much input (or, how little input) parents might want to have in their child’s college admissions journey....
Ep. 133 | Honest Answers To 10 Tough Questions
01 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I take a stab at answering 10 tough questions about college admissions. 0:01:15 Is college even worth it? 0:...
Ep. 132 | Is This Reckoning A Good Thing?
24 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I argue that the craziness of the college admissions process and the skyrocketing costs of attendance may actually be a n...
Ep. 131 | Do Un-hooked Students Get Into Harvard?
17 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I walk through how quickly the spots disappear for an unhooked student applying to Harvard. Once all of the institutional...
Ep. 130 | Why Are College Admissions So Out Of Control?
10 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss the 5 reasons why college admissions has gotten so out of control. We also review the 7 ways to fight back and ...
Ep. 129 | How To Handle Admissions Decisions
03 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss different ways to think about your admissions results. In an increasingly challenging environment, how should f...
Ep. 128 | What Should I Spend Money On In High School?
27 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss different ways to think about allocating money during high school. How much do you spend on academics versus ...
Ep. 127 | Your First Call With A College Coach
20 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, we are talking college athletic recruiting again. Specifically, I walk through how to think about your first phone call w...
Ep. 126 | Before You Go All-in On Sports...
12 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I walk through the considerations you should make before going all-in on a sport. Specializing in a sport with the intent...
Ep. 125 | Every Student Should Apply To Harvard
06 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I make the case that every student should apply to "Harvard". I put "Harvard" in quotes because I don't actually mean "Ha...
Ep. 124 | 10-Question Quiz
27 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I ask 10 multiple choice questions about important topics related to the college admissions process. Take the quiz and ...
Ep. 123 | How Did ”She” Get In?
20 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: Have you ever had a teacher refuse to bump your 89.5% average from a B to an A at the end of a semester? If you've experienced this common...
Ep. 122 | Does Your Child Need A Tutor?
13 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: This episode delves into the world of tutors. What students need tutors? Why would your child need a tutor? How prevalent are tutors? When...
Ep. 121 | How To Bump An 89.5 To An A
06 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: Have you ever had a teacher not bump your 89.5% average from a B to an A at the end of a semester? If you've experienced this common frust...
Ep. 120 | A Brand New SAT (Digital, Shorter, Easier?)
30 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I review the details of the College Board's proposal for their new, digital SAT. While the new-fangled test won't be roll...
Ep. 119 | Does PrepWell Academy Work?
23 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I observe my twin sons who recently returned home for winter break. Listening to their first-semester (freshman year) exp...
Ep. 118 | Winners & Losers With Test-optional Policies
16 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I break down who benefits the most (and least) from test-optional policies. With Harvard's recent announcement to extend ...
Ep. 117 | How to Engage Your 14 and 15-Year-Old Son
09 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I propose a 5-Step process to help break your 14 - 15-year-old son out of their iPhone/video game/Snapchat/IG-induced tra...
Ep. 116 | Extracurriculars During Lockdown
02 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I share 18 ideas for extracurricular activities that can be done during lockdowns. I hope it doesn't come to this, but I ...
Episode 69 Revisited: Critical Decision Points
26 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: There are certain windows of opportunity that should not be missed. Learn the critical decision points and how to stay on track with them....
Ep. 114 | Early Results Are In. Time To Panic?
19 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss what happens when those early action admissions emails arrive and you find out whether you were admitted, rejec...
Ep. 113 | I Got My PSAT Score. Now What?
12 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss what to do with the PSAT score you just received. How should you decide whether this is a good or bad score? Do...
Ep. 112 | Create the Ultimate Brag Sheet
05 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss how to create the ultimate "brag sheet". What information to include, why it's so important, how to use it with...
Ep. 111 | How to manage your ”Ls”
21 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss how to manage the inevitable "Ls" (losses) that we will take in our lives. There is no way to avoid losses, fai...
Ep. 110 | Does Your Major Matter?
14 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I continue last week's discussion about how to narrow down college choices. This week, we dive into the relevance (or irr...
Ep. 109 | If Not The Ivies, Then Where?
07 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I make suggestions on how to make a college decision assuming you will not get into one of the Top 10 most-selective scho...
Ep. 108 | Parents: Don‘t Miss Your Window
31 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I encourage parents to change how they interact with their teenager. Their influence will peek in 9th and 10th grade, and...
Ep. 107 | The Case for DIII Sports
24 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I present the case for paying more attention (and respect) to Division III sports. Often thought of as "JV" compared to t...
Ep. 106 | Biggest Common App Essay mistake
17 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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", ple...
Ep. 105 | How to Train Your Child Not to Lie
10 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 104 | How Well (Or Poorly) Does Your Child Write?
03 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 year...
Ep. 103 | Should Your Child Switch Sports?
26 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I suggest that some athletes might want to consider switching sports in order to increase their chances of being recruite...
Ep. 102 | For Juniors, Before It‘s Too Late
19 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 101 | At Peace With My Messy Garage
12 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 m...
Ep. 100 | 100 Best Tips, Advice, and Insights
05 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 cha...
Ep. 99 | What To Do The Day Before The SAT
27 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 stra...
Ep. 98 | The Horses Have Left The Barn
22 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 97 | The Magic (Or Miscue) Of Sophomore Year
15 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 stude...
Ep. 96 | Do You Know Enough Math To Excel On The SAT Or ACT?
08 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Ep. 95 | How To Build A Cheat Sheet For The SAT/ACT
01 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 buil...
Ep. 94 | How Much Should I Push My Child?
25 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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) helicop...
Ep. 93 | Plan to Major in Business? Be Careful.
18 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I cover the pitfalls of filling out your college application with a superficial plan to major in Business. 0:01:2...
Ep. 92 | When To Take SAT/ACT And How Many Backups?
11 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 rev...
Ep. 91 | Build Your College List In 4 Steps
04 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: This episode focuses on the steps needed to build your target list of colleges. What questions are most important? How many colleges shoul...
Ep. 90 | How Not To End Up With A Skimpy Activity List
27 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: This episode focuses on the section of the Common Application that takes many students by surprise - the Extracurricular Activity list. If...
Ep. 89 | The Importance Of Coaches
19 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: This episode is a continuation from last week's theme of athletic recruiting. We review the importance of relationships with your coaches,...
Ep. 88 | Does your child have metrics?
13 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I offer a step-by-step method to help you determine your child's odds of becoming a recruited college athlete. I break do...
Ep. 87 | Connecting today with tomorrow (and the next day)
06 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I challenge high school students to take two important steps. Step #1: Think about their future and what they want the ne...
Ep. 86 | The New California Lottery
30 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I review the impact of the ongoing "test-blind" policy for the UC school system. What does this mean for your child? What...
Ep. 85 | How to Create a "Theme" for Your Application
23 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I review a student's college application and the process of building a "theme" over three years. Learn what the theme was...
Ep. 84 | How to Help Your Child Discover Their Path
16 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I review the process PrepWellers go through to help them discover what they might want to major in, what career they migh...
Ep. 83 | A Blessing In Disguise
09 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I argue that this year's ridiculous admissions cycle is actually a blessing in disguise. It should cause us to take stock...
Ep. 82 | Should You Hire A Private College Counselor?
02 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I break down when (and if) you should hire a private college counselor for your child. What if they aren't motivated? ...
Ep. 81 | Sports, Kids, College (Discuss)
25 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss what motivates us to put our kids into sports. Then, I break down the three types of athletes: Div I, Div III, ...
Ep. 80 | SAT: Plan-of-attack For Sophomores This Summer
18 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I make the strong case that every sophomore should dedicate 4-6 weeks this summer studying for the SAT or ACT. Learn the ...
Ep. 79 | The Absurdity Of Admit Rates And What To Do About It
11 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I walk through the reasons why some of the most selective schools are only admitting 3-4% of the applicants. Once we esta...
Ep. 78 | My Deal With The Devil
04 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: If you have a 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, or 10th grader, this episode is for you. I advise parents on how to help their young children prepa...
Ep. 77 | How To Secure Leadership Positions In High School
28 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss why this year's admissions results will be the toughest in years. How you should prepare for the results and wh...
Ep. 76 | Brace For Impact
21 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss why this year's admissions results will be the toughest in years. How you should prepare for the results and wh...
Ep. 75 | GPA RIP
12 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I reveal why GPA has become an irrelevant number in today's college admissions process. Here is what I discuss in this ep...
Ep. 74 | Should I Apply Early Decision?
07 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I reveal the pros and cons of applying "Early Decision" to college. This high-stakes decision should not be taken lightly...
Ep. 73 | The Financial Tipping Point
28 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I reveal the single day in the life of your child that represents the "tipping point" when it comes to college affordabil...
Ep. 71 | PLEASE take the SAT or ACT
21 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I try to convince motivated (but wavering) students to take the SAT or ACT - despite the deluge of messages telling them ...
Ep. 71 | The Ascendancy of AP Classes and Exams
14 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss the ascendancy of AP classes and exams, and how to capitalize on their momentum. As more and more objective mea...
Ep. 70 | Top 10 Most Important Admissions Factors
07 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I walk through a new and updated Top 10 List of important factors that impact college admissions. This is not your standa...
Ep. 69 | Critical Decision Points
31 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: There are certain windows of opportunity that should not be missed. Learn the critical decision points and how to stay on track with them....
Ep. 68 | Bye, Bye SAT Subject Tests
24 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: SAT Subject Tests and the "essay" section of SAT have both been canceled - indefinitely. Find out what this means for students. Who are t...
Ep. 67 | How Rick Should Prioritize Summer Options
17 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I cover more than just a standard list of summer activities. I use a real-world case study to demonstrate why some summer activities ...
Ep. 66 | Top Questions of 2020 Answered
10 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I walk through answers to FAQs from 2020. Here is what I discuss in this episode: 0:01:14 Should I worry about the ...
Ep. 65 | Applications Are Submitted... Now What?
03 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I walk through the best ways to cope with the 3-month wait before students find out their college application results. ...
Ep. 64 | Making Sense Of This Year's Early Admissions Results
20 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I walk through the factors that made this year's early admissions process one of the most difficult in years. Who got i...
Ep. 62 | Success: Pay Now Or Pay Later?
13 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I lay out the steps (and options) for high school students who want to succeed in college and beyond. Step 1: Decide if y...
Ep. 61 | How to Crush the College Zoom Interview
06 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I lay out all the steps necessary to ensure that your child has a great college interview season. This episode is equall...
REVISIT Ep. 4: How Extracurricular Activities Impact the Strength of Your Child’s College Application
29 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In today’s show, I discuss strategies and recommendations for Extracurricular Activities that take 2-3 years to plan and execute. They...
Ep. 60 | The Importance of Class Selection
22 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss how the admissions process is changing right before our eyes and how "class selection" has become even more imp...
Ep. 59 | What to do when the dream of a D-I scholarship dies
15 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I explore what parents should do when their child's D-1 athletic scholarship dreams are dashed. Who makes the decision? W...
Ep. 58 | What Juniors Need To Focus On Right Now
08 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: The college admissions environment is changing before our eyes. In this episode, I update juniors on what to focus on right now. Please tu...
Ep. 57 | Top 5 Lessons Learned When Filling Out College Applications
01 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: Filling out college applications is more than just writing essays and submitting test scores. It’s a process that teaches some of life’...
Ep. 56 | 20 Bad Decisions
25 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I go through 20 bad decisions that high-schoolers make and the consequences of such decisions. Make sure that you are not...
Ep. 55 | ROTC Scholarships
18 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In today’s episode, I discuss ROTC scholarships. What are they? How do they work? How do they differ from service academies? Why should ...
Ep. 54 | Top 3 Tips for 9-12th Graders
11 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: Today’s episode is a review of the 3 most important things that students should focus on in 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th-grades. To save t...
Ep. 53 | 24 Rapid fire FAQs
04 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: Today’s episode is a compilation of answers to questions you have sent me by email, DM, phone, and voicemail. This format allows me to ...
Ep. 52 | How to avoid waking up in a panic your senior year
27 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: Many teenagers wake up at the end of 11th grade, wondering why they are not prepared for the college admissions process. In this episode, ...
Ep. 51 | How Will Test-optional/Test-blind Affect Admissions?
20 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss how a trend toward test-optional and test-blind policies will affect the college admissions process - this year...
Ep. 50 | What are my priorities now?
13 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I help 9 - 12th graders figure out what to prioritize in this ever-changing landscape of college admissions. Do they ev...
Ep. 49 | UC Schools Ordered to go Test Blind. What Does That Mean for You?
06 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: Impact of the recent ruling prohibiting UC schools from considering SAT and ACT scores in this year's application process. Here is wh...
Ep. 48 | Top 7 Habits for Teens
30 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this episode, I review the Top 7 habits that high-schoolers should adopt to become standout students, college applicants, and success...
Ep. 47 | What's The Plan?
23 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In this 10-minute episode, I discuss how COVID has amplified the need for timely and regular advice about the college admissions process...
Ep. 46 | The College Essay
16 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In today’s show, I walk through exactly how I coach “college essay-writing” to my private and online PrepWellers. If you are a r...
Ep. 45 | Rapid-Fire FAQs
09 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In most of my podcasts, I do deep dives into one or two topics. Today, I’m bringing back the rapid-fire FAQ format. I’ll give you my q...
Ep. 44 | Mid-summer Check-in
02 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: We are halfway through one of the most unusual summers that teenagers will experience for the next 50 years. Two months at home - without ...
Ep. 43 | Catch-up session for rising Juniors
26 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: At the end of March, PrepWell Academy closed registration to the Class of 2022 (rising juniors). In our eyes, June 1st marks the point of ...
Episode 12 Revisit | Should my child take the SAT or ACT?
19 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we’re talking about how to approach the SAT and/or ACT - the two standardized tests that most colleges will use to assess your child’s read...
Ep. 41 | When All Else Fails
12 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: In today's episode, I provide advice to parents who are trying to help their child stay on top of academics over the summer (even if just ...
Ep. 40 | How and When to Research Colleges
05 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: Researching colleges at the right time and with the appropriate intensity is an important part of the college admission process. The soo...
Ep. 39 | How Competitive Will Your Child Be?
28 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: 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 t...
Ep. 38 | Public or Private High School?
21 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: I speak with a lot of parents who struggle over the decision to send their children to public or private high schools. Their struggle i...
Ep. 37 | School's out. Now what?
14 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: Okay, we all survived a very odd school year. Now what? In this episode, I discuss the priorities and winning mindset of rising 9th, 10th,...
Ep. 36 | Letters of Recommendation (Part II)
07 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes: With so many students far behind on SAT/ACT testing, letters of recommendation will be more important than ever this year. Make sure you ...