PrepWell Podcast with Phil Black
Episodes
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 otherwise. The fact that most colleges are still "test-optional" has given many students a false notion that it doesn't matter if they take the test or not anymore. For students who want to be competitive, this is not the case. Please listen to this episode if you are o...
In this episode, I discuss the ascendancy of AP classes and exams, and how to capitalize on their momentum. As more and more objective measures of student academic achievement get canceled, others are surging. Find out why AP classes and exams may be the last place to show your academic chops.
Here is what I discuss in this episode:0:01:17 The growing challenge for college admissions
0:01:53 Bye, bye SAT/ACT requi...
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 standard list. For example, GPA and rigor of courses fall to #8 on the list.
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:03:17 Drivers vs. passengers
0:05:00 Recruited athletes
0:10:05 SAT/ACT score
0:12:40 National or international renown
0:13:36 A coherent brand
0:14...
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.
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:03:40 Fresh: Division I scholarships?
0:04:40 Fresh: Highly-selective schools?
0:05:20 Fresh: STEM or Humanities?
0:05:36 Soph: Significant leadership role?
0:08:36 Soph: Want to attend service academy?
0:09:10 Soph:...
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 SAT or ACT anymore?
0:03:18 I got 1190 on my PSAT. What do I do now?
0:06:03 I've been getting a lot of fancy invitations to leadership conferences. Should I go?
0:08:00 I want to be an engineer. Any advice?
0:09:22 Is there any stigma in moving my child to a diff...
In this episode, I walk through the best ways to cope with the 3-month wait before students find out their college application results.
Here is what I discuss in this episode:0:01:20 Applications are in. Now what?
0:02:37 Finding your flow
0:03:20 How to manage the emotional roller coaster
0:03:34 Month 1: Aggressive optimism
0:04:25 Month 2: Re-take control
0:06:20 Month 3: Aggressive pessimism
0:06:43 Harva...
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 in, who got deferred, and who got denied?
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:01:20 What is early admissions?
0:04:00 Why was early admissions so competitive this year?
0:04:44 #1 More applicants
0:05:15 Optional SAT and ACT scores
0:06:40 Flight...
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 you want to succeed. Step 2: Decide if you're willing to pay the price. Step 3: Decide if you want to pay now or later?
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:01:20 Do you want to be successful?
0:02:30 When do you want to pay?
0:03:23 Students who want to pay "now"
...
In today’s show, I discuss strategies and recommendations for Extracurricular Activities that take 2-3 years to plan and execute. They are not short-term gimmicks or shortcuts. Pack a lunch.
If you have a child in 11th or 12th grade, it may be too late to implement these strategies to full effect.
This podcast is primarily for conscientious parents who are trying to help their aspirational 8th, 9th and 10t...
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 time, fast forward to the grade that you care about most.
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:03:00 9th-graders
0:08:05 10th-graders
0:15:00 11th-graders
0:21:00 12th-graders
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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 cover a lot of ground in a short period of time and gives you the opportunity to test your knowledge about the process. Keep those questions coming...
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:01:45 Do I need to worry about the SAT or ACT anymore?
0:02:20 Need-based versus merit-bas...