PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 38 | Public or Private High School?
Jun 20, 2020
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 is well-founded. There are many factors to consider in this important decision.
This episode is also valuable to parents who already have children in high school because it uncovers insights based on the type of high school your child attends (private or public).
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:02:03 Factors that drive the decision
0:02:43 Religious affiliation
0:04:17 Cost of attendance
0:05:48 Athletics
0:08:43 Quality of teaching
0:10:21 Social life
0:13:51 Diversity or homogeneity?
0:14:56 Peer pressure
0:16:18 College preparedness
0:17:51 Case Study - Twin Harbors
0:19:23 Case Study - Ridley Academy
0:20:03 Case Study - Chadwick Academy
0:20:33 Case Study - Strake Jesuit
0:21:33 Bottom Line
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PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 37 | School's out. Now what?
Jun 14, 2020
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, 11th, and 12th graders as they plunge into an uncertain summer.
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:01:40 Where we started
0:03:10 Why the summer is so important
0:03:45 What do we do now?
0:04:57 What should rising 9th-graders focus on?
0:12:00 What should rising 10th-graders focus on?
0:17:20 What should rising 11th-graders focus on?
0:22:40 What should rising 12th-graders focus on?
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PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 35 | 5 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid in College Admissions
May 30, 2020
Show Notes:
In today’s episode, I present the 5 biggest mistakes parents and students should avoid during the college admissions process. Not surprisingly, many of these mistakes are made early in the process. Tune-in to inoculate yourself from these missteps.
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:01:50 #5 Believing that sports will carry the day
0:05:30 #4 Misunderstanding how financial aid works
0:14:45 #3 Ignoring Summers
0:18:47 #2 De-prioritizing the SAT and ACT
0:23:40 #1 Starting too late
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If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take.
- Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts
- Give us a review
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PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 34 | Misallocation of Time
May 23, 2020
Show Notes:
In today’s episode, I discuss the challenges that arise when students misallocate their time.
Do you see anything wrong with the following scenario?
Sarah has spent over 5,000 hours participating in [enter common extracurricular activity here], an activity that will add only marginal value to her college application.
At the same time, Sarah is extremely reluctant to spend 30-40 hours this summer preparing for the SAT, a test that will have massive impact on her college application.
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:01:44 Calling all sophomores (Class of 2022)
0:05:45 Beat the deadline (May 30, 2020)
0:06:09 Our relationship with time
0:07:04 How are you allocating your time?
0:08:42 Does your time allocation match your ambitions?
0:10:58 Case Study: Soccer star
0:14:20 5,000 hours of soccer vs 30 hours of SAT prep
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PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 33 | Letters of Recommendation
May 15, 2020
Show Notes:
In today’s episode, I address the growing importance of letters of recommendation. What they are? When you should request them? Which teachers should you ask? How much do these letters matter? Do they matter more or less in light of COVID-19? What are the best strategies and tactics to secure the best letters of recommendation possible?
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:01:28 Why is this important for rising juniors?
0:01:45 Why early preparation matters so much
0:02:18 A tale of two juniors
0:03:21 How to set yourself up for success
0:03:52 What not to do
0:05:05 The Magic: Strategy + Tactics
0:06:04 Step 1: Teacher selection
0:07:55 Eight special factors
0:12:12 Step 2: Ask the teachers
0:13:13 How to ask your teacher
0:15:14 Step 3: Send your brag sheet
0:17:20 How much do letters matter?
0:18:00 Why is this year different?
0:18:45 Why it’s important to finish strong
...
PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 30 | Student-Athletes' Summer Strategies 2020
Apr 25, 2020
Show Notes:
In today’s episode, I focus on what student-athletes should do to begin, maintain, or improve relationships with college coaches during this unusual recruitment period. With the likelihood that Summer 2020 camps, showcases, tournaments, invitationals, and other in-person evaluation opportunities will be canceled, what can student-athletes do to stay in the mix when it comes to recruitment?
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:01:40 Do you want to get recruited?
0:02:15 The big questions
0:03:06 Assumption: Summer 2020 canceled
0:03:28 What does an athlete do?
0:03:52 Time-based sports
0:04:25 What if you play a team sport?
0:04:52 What sport do you play?
0:05:10 If you play a team sport
0:05:25 Highlight video
0:06:50 What if the summer disappears?
0:07:08 What do you not do?
0:07:30 What do you do?
0:07:57 What are coaches looking for?
0:08:32 How to stand out
0:08:55...
PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 29 | How Does COVID-19 Affect Freshman and Sophomores
Apr 17, 2020
Show Notes:
In today’s episode, I focus on how freshman and sophomores (and their parents) will be affected by COVID-19. I provide a macro-level analysis on the state of competition for in-state colleges and universities as well as tactical advice on what to do to counter the surge in selectivity. I also opine on how the economic downturn will affect parents and colleges alike. This is a must-listen for parents and of rising 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th-graders (as well as their children).
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:01:38 June SAT canceled
0:03:23 Competition for in-state schools exploding
0:05:06 Private colleges get stingy
0:05:30 Colleges shutting down
0:05:52 Future of athletic scholarships
0:06:25 Students stay closer to home
0:06:46 Flight to familiar
0:06:47 Lowering admissions standards
0:07:45 The bottom line - more competition
0:08:06 A countervailing force?
0:08:40 Changing landscape...
PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 28 | Do I Still Have to Take the SAT (and other misguided questions)?
Apr 11, 2020
Show Notes:
In today’s episode, I address many of the most important questions that people are asking in light of the coronavirus shutdown. These are timely questions that cannot be ignored. The answers to these questions give immediate direction to juniors, who are most at-risk, as well as to sophomores who should do everything in their power to avoid related pitfalls.
I encourage parents and students to listen to this podcast together. While much of the advice is corona-related, it is 100% relevant to younger students coming up the ranks. These types of challenges are bound to happen again and again. My job is to prepare you for them.
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:01:27 Congratulations to PrepWell Juniors
0:02:00 Stick to the Plan
0:02:20 My thesis on early preparation
0:03:00 Why are these students loving life?
0:03:55 Why should sophomores pay attention?
0:06:40 Should I bother taking the SAT or ACT?
0:09:46 Will it be easier to...
PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 26 | Going Back on Shark Tank
Mar 28, 2020
Show Notes:
In today’s episode, I announce the airing of my second appearance on Shark Tank where I pitch PrepWell Academy to the Sharks. The episode airs this Friday, 4/3/2020 8pm on ABC. I hope you’ll tune-in to join the fun. I also share the story of when I decided to re-apply to Shark Tank, what the casting call was like, and what I thought of my chances.
The second half of the episode focuses on a private 1:1 mentoring student of mine whom I call “Sarah”. I help Sarah build a comprehensive semester-at-home course curriculum to help her demonstrate her initiative, curiosity, and ability to thrive under all circumstances - even at-home quarantine due to coronavirus. If your child is at home and not sure what to do - this is a must-listen.
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:01:10 When will I be back on Shark Tank?
0:01:35 My first appearance on Shark Tank
0:03:15 Getting a second bite at the apple?
0:04:00 How is Shark...
PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 25 | Dumber by the Day
Mar 21, 2020
Show Notes:
In today’s episode, I add some meat to the bone of last week’s podcast. In the last show, we discussed how important it was for your high schooler to keep their academic and personal development momentum going even during a quarantine. This week, I provide a tangible tool to help in this regard.
Here's a template for a daily schedule that you and your child can fill out together. As a rule, children don’t enjoy long periods of unstructured time. They say they do, but they really crave to be on a schedule. This template will help them set goals, stay organized, and feel better about themselves.
Below is an example of what a completed template looks like. Remember, it doesn't have to be complicated. I know you may be getting inundated with new passwords and logins and platforms.
If you can't manage all of that, try to use this very simple method of carving out time across different disciplines. If it's not perfectly organized,...