PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 75 | GPA RIP
Mar 12, 2021
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 episode:
0:01:07 The Big 3
0:01:45 Why has GPA lost its stature?
0:03:23 Not a new trend
0:04:20 How colleges assess GPA
0:05:15 What to do
0:06:10 Do grades still matter?
0:06:30 Case Study
0:10:05 Summary
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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...
PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 74 | Should I apply Early Decision?
Mar 06, 2021
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. Colleges benefit from ED programs, but do students?
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:01:20 Timelines and terminology
0:02:00 Early admissions deadlines
0:02:40 Early Decision or "ED"
0:04:00 Restricted Early Action or "REA"
0:04:48 Early Action or "EA"
0:05:40 Regular Decision or "RD"
0:06:10 Why higher admit rate for ED?
0:06:40 Why colleges benefit from ED
0:11:20 What kind of students apply ED?
0:14:44 Private schools use ED to their advantage
0:16:10 Should I apply ED?
0:17:20 Not all ED applicants get admitted
0:18:20 Your child should apply ED if...
0:21:40 Do not apply ED if...
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PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 72 | PLEASE take the SAT or ACT
Feb 20, 2021
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 on the fence.
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:02:45 The straw that broke the camel's back
0:04:30 Why the overnight change?
0:06:40 No, "test-optional" is not a good thing for you!
0:07:00 Why is this the best time to take the SAT?
0:08:39 Reason #1: More time to study
0:09:09 Reason #2: Test preparation is a skill
0:10:19 Reason #3: Don't believe the colleges
0:11:30 Big pile versus small pile
0:12:00 Reason #4: Competition is even greater now
0:13:10 Who benefits from...
PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 71 The ascendancy of AP classes and exams
Feb 11, 2021
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 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 requirements
0:02:30 SAT Subject Tests, gone
0:02:55 No more SAT "essay"
0:03:32 GPA now meaningless
0:05:52 Ascendancy of APs
0:07:35 AP exams are more important now
0:07:57 APs exams more important during pandemic
0:08:30 How is admissions dealing with this?
0:09:00 Not a good idea to skip AP exams anymore
0:09:25 Re-think your AP study strategies
0:09:42 Take all AP Exams?
0:10:12 Don't take May/June SAT/ACTs
0:11:32 How does this affect class selection?
...
PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 70 | Top 10 Most Important Admissions Factors
Feb 06, 2021
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
0:14:50 Demonstrated interest
0:19:00 Ability to pay
0:20:29 GPA & rigor of classes
0:23:00 Extracurricular activities
0:25:10 Letters of recommendation
0:26:02 Interviews
0:27:02 Honorable mention
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PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 68 | Bye, bye SAT Subject Tests
Jan 23, 2021
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 the winners and losers?
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:01:30 SAT Subject Tests canceled
0:02:00 The good news
0:03:07 History of SAT Subject Tests
0:05:36 Who is harmed?
0:08:40 Who may benefit?
0:10:20 But then again...
0:11:15 Using tests to demonstrate interest
0:12:50 AP Exams more important now
0:14:34 Activities more important now
0:15:15 More emphasis on SAT/ACT
0:15:30 Summary
0:16:45 No more SAT Essay
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PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 67 | How Rick should prioritize summer options
Jan 16, 2021
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 might be better than others for "Rick".
Here is what I discuss in this episode:
0:02:34 Behind the scenes strategies
0:03:15 Case study: "Rick"
0:03:47 Rick's options
0:04:30 Option 1: Private Pilot's license
0:07:50 Option 2: Rick's friend gets him a local internship
0:09:48 Option 3: Apply for a NASA internship
0:11:15 Option 4: Re-start his startup idea
0:14:15 Final recommendation
0:14:45 What is the downside?
0:16:58 How do I assess opportunities?
0:17:34 How Rick should prioritize options
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PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 66 | Top questions of 2020, answered
Jan 09, 2021
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 different school?
0:11:02 I got my first "B". Should I eliminate "Ivies" from my target list
0:12:13 What's the best way to use my summers?
0:14:15 Why did this student get in and I didn't?
0:16:05 Are colleges assessing students differently because of COVID?
0:18:40 I need to get some work experience. What can I do during COVID?
0:20:14 I want to go to a military service academy. What should I prioritize?
0:21:26 What trends are you seeing with your private PrepWellers?
...
PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 64 | Making sense of this year's early admissions results
Dec 18, 2020
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 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 to quality
0:08:00 Generous financial aid programs
0:08:40 #2 Fewer spots
0:09:32 #3 Recruited athletes
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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
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PrepWell Podcast - Ep. 63 Success: Pay now or pay later?
Dec 13, 2020
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"
0:05:25 Summary questions
0:07:00 What if you don't get into your dream school?
0:07:51 Students who want to pay "later"
0:10:02 Are you okay with a 10 or 15 year delay?
0:11:22 Summary
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- ...