Procrastination

It was over two month's ago when I sat down with my 10-year old son to discuss the academic tasks he was assigned over the summer by his 5th grade teacher:

  1. Read 3 books (Hatchet, The Giver, A Wrinkle in Time)
  2. Create index cards for 300 vocabulary words
  3. Complete 300 math problems

At the time, nothing about these tasks seemed particularly difficult, especially with the "whole summer" to do it.

Preparer or Crammer?

He and I discussed two options:

"Chip away method" - this involved spreading the workload over the entire summer. We did the math, and it came out to roughly 2 pages of reading per day and 1 vocab word and 1 math problem every other day. This amounted to about 8 minutes of concentrated work per day. No big.

"Cram-it-all-in method" - this involved skipping the daily 8-minutes of work in exchange for a 3-week cram session at the end of the summer when all the work had to be completed at once.

We prepared a spreadsheet that mapped out 10 weeks of daily tasks. He could check-of the boxes on the spreadsheet daily to ensure that he was staying on track. Easy peezy.

Or, not.

He chose Option 2.

With swimming, surfing, and camp on his mind, it was hard for him to subscribe to the "chip away" method. Immediate gratification was calling.

Now, with school right around the corner, panic has set in. It's an uncomfortable time for all of us. He now has to cram all of his words, math problems, and three books into the next three weeks.

He is not happy. I am.

This is an extremely important lesson to learn - the earlier the better. He is feeling the stress and pain of having to work several hours a day while his brothers and friends soak up the last bits of summer. As a parent, it's hard to watch - but a necessary evil.

The Price of Procrastination

Procrastination is a risky business.

As an incoming 5th grader, the stakes are relatively low for my son. If he did nothing all summer, he could probably muscle his way through the first semester with minimal consequences.

As students enter high school, however, the stakes are far greater. Junior and senior year in high school is no time to learn about the consequences of procrastination.

Preparation: A Pillar of Success

It should not be surprising the "Preparation" is at the heart of what we teach at PrepWell Academy. It's our lifeblood.

Preparation is a skill with direct impact on success in academics, sports, the college admissions process, and life itself. We take it very seriously.

Enroll in PrepWell Academy today!

Prep On,

Author: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank, etc.

Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

How Your 11th-Grader Can Thrive in Quarantine

As the estimates for quarantining seem to get longer by the day, what can your junior PrepWeller do to thrive at home?

They may not appreciate it, but this downtime gives them unprecedented opportunities to get ahead in the college admissions process. 

My guess is that they've been slammed with schoolwork since September and have found it difficult to keep up with all their PrepWell videos and Journaling.

Well, kiss that excuse goodbye.

With weeks and weeks of downtime ahead of them, a meticulous review of every PrepWell video is a must.

Here's how they should be thinking about the next few weeks and months:

Standardized Tests

As we all know by now, your child's SAT or ACT score is a key factor in determining what colleges to focus on. If they have a 4.0+ GPA, but no legitimate SAT or ACT score yet, it will be difficult to determine where they stand on the college admissions continuum. Lots of students have 4.0+ GPAs.

Until they secure a solid SAT or ACT score, they are in limbo. Are they bound for a junior college or the Ivy League? We just don't know. This is why I have been so insistent on beginning the testing process early - so that if something unforeseen happens (like a worldwide pandemic) - they are prepared.

The coronavirus has led to cancellations of SAT and ACT test dates for the foreseeable future. If they haven't done so already, make sure your child registers for the next few available test dates (they will fill-up quickly). June is probably the last month available for registration as of today. Keep an eye out for updates and/or the addition of more testing dates.

If your child does not yet have a solid SAT score, and the June 6th SAT is canceled, your child may not get a legitimate SAT score until September. This will make it very challenging to determine what colleges to consider, visit, or even apply to.

Needless to say, it's important that your child studies for the SAT now.  They should not expect to take multiple tests. They should approach studying with a one-and-done mentality!

Especially given the current scenario, it is vitally important that your child is on top of their test-taking preparation and timelines.

Here are the PrepWell resources that directly address how to manage these issues:

PrepWell Academy Videos: Weeks 8, 10, 17, 34

PrepWell PodcastEpisode 12

PrepWell BlogpostSAT or ACT

Remember, if your child has not yet taken any SAT Subject Tests, they must prepare for those as well. These tests cannot be taken on the same day as an SAT, so that creates a timing challenge as well. They should be signed up for as many testing dates as possible. They may not be able to take their SAT Subject Tests until August or October. Remember, the SAT takes priority over the SAT Subject Tests. 

Timing and Pacing of Study

Our current quarantine gives your child ample opportunity to study for their standardized tests. This is even more imperative as they will likely not get several attempts to take the SAT or ACT. They should have a one-and-done mentality.

Now is not the time to "see how they do" before they start to study in earnest. That is a poor strategy that almost always backfires. The most conscientious PrepWellers will have already received a strong SAT or ACT score and do not have to worry about any of this. 

Pacing is also a consideration. If they don't take their SAT or ACT until June or July, it's prudent to spread out the studying so that they don't run out of test prep materials or peak too early.

No one knows what will happen with AP testing. AP tests are typically given in mid-May and we don't even know if we will have returned to school by then. Or, if we will return to school at all this year. Or, if the AP tests will even be administered. 

If we are back to school by May, students will not have been taught all the material that will be on the AP exams. My most motivated PrepWellers are teaching themselves the missing AP material in the hopes of performing well on the exams regardless of the missed classroom time. This could be a big differentiator for students trying to gain admissions to the most competitive schools. 

Please review my blog post on How A Navy SEAL Studies for the SAT.

Building a Target List

If your child already has a good SAT or ACT score or has a good idea where they will end up on one of these tests, they may be able to start building their target list of colleges. 

I review exactly how to do this in a series of PrepWell videos. Your child should review videos from Weeks 6, 19, 20, 21, 25, 39, and 41.

Brag Sheets

With all this time on their hands, there's no reason your child should not prepare their brag sheets for the teachers they will choose to write their letters of recommendation for college. A brag sheet is a mini-resume that provides the teacher with the relevant information they need to write a compelling letter of recommendation. I cover this in the PrepWell video in Week 24

LinkedIn Profile

Now would be the perfect time for your child to refine their LinkedIn profile. This exercise will not only help them when they begin to fill out their college applications this summer, but it will help them get a sense of how much they have (or have not) accomplished during high school. I provide a step-by-step tutorial on exactly how to do this in Week 11

College Essays

No, it's not too early to start brainstorming about college essays. In fact, my guess is that there will be a lot of college essays written about the "coronavirus quarantine". Some of my most astute PrepWellers are keeping detailed journals about what life is like living through this crazy time. I can see these musings being turned into winning college essays.

Your child can review the college essay prompts (8 of them) and begin to take notes on their ideas. My most motivated PrepWellers will have rough drafts of 1-2 college essays done before the end of Spring Break.  My PrepWell lessons on the college essay will open in their portal in a few weeks. In the meantime, the College Essay Guy is a great resource to get started.

Summer Contingencies

Obviously, we don't know what life will be like this summer. Hopefully, your child already has summer plans and we all hope these plans remain intact. In case they do not, I highly encourage your child to think about contingency plans. What can they do to demonstrate a willingness to go the extra mile even under these trying conditions? Maybe they plan to take several challenging online courses? Maybe they commit to reading 100 books on military leadership? I want them to think unconventionally. 

Scholarship Opportunities

Why not begin applying for college scholarships now? Most students run out of time (and motivation) when it comes to researching and applying for legitimate scholarships because the applications often require a writing sample. This scares away most students.

Now that your child has weeks and weeks of time on their hands, they can allocate time to applying for scholarships. They can think of applying for scholarships as a part-time job. Hopefully, if they apply broadly enough, they'll be compensated for their efforts. Check out scholarships.com.

I know your child won't like to hear this, but they should search for the most onerous scholarships. The more required writing - the better. A more involved application means there will be less competition because most teens are lazy. 

Next Steps

Other than their health and helping as needed at home, the tasks I've listed above are your child's priorities. They should consume a lot of their downtime over the next few weeks. If they play their cards right, they will be light years ahead of their peers when things get back to normal. I highly encourage them to take these steps. What else do they have to do (that's productive) while sitting at home for weeks on end?

I will send an email (similar to this one) directly to your child as well so that they have their marching orders. What will your child do with this information? Take action and make the most of a challenging situation? Or, sit around swiping on their phone and laptop all day? This will be a defining moment for them and I hope they pick the right path. 

Please reach out to me if you have any questions. I know this has thrown a wrench into an already stressful time in your child's life. I hope I have provided some very specific guidance and resources to help your family. I hope PrepWell Academy has provided an organized and systematic approach to the college admissions process that can be accessed anytime/anywhere. 

Do not hesitate to contact me with questions - big or small. As many of you know, I have a 9th-grader and two 11th-graders living through this as well, so I'm right in the breach with you.

If your child makes the most of their downtime, it may turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to them.

Keep prepping,

Author: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank, etc.

Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

How 9th & 10th-Graders Thrive Under Quarantine

As the estimates for quarantining seem to get longer by the day, what can your 9th and 10th-grader do to thrive at home?

They may not appreciate it, but this downtime gives them unprecedented opportunities to grow as a student, citizen, and person.

I've broken down my ideas into a few buckets. My hope is that your child will take some of these suggestions for action.

PREPWELL ACADEMY (College Prep)


Not enrolled in PrepWell Academy yet?

Now might be a good time to get started.

Freshman programs

Sophomore programs


PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

RECREATION

WELLNESS

SERVICE

GRATITUDE

Here's a sample daily schedule that I would like to see:

Ask them what they think? Help them come up with a daily routine.

Don't brow-beat them, but try not to let them waste weeks upon weeks of precious time swiping on their phone. 

Good luck and please share ideas that you've come up with.

If your child is not yet enrolled in PrepWell Academy, they are missing out on weekly guidance and advice on college admissions, career, culture, and life.

Enroll them today.

Keep Prepping,

PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank, etc.Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

Letters of Recommendation

How do I ask for a Letter of Recommendation?

I received this question from a highly motivated 9th grade PrepWell Academy student. It's a bit early for 9th graders to worry about this - and I couldn't be more proud! This is proof positive that our message is getting through. It is never too early to prepare well.

How important are letters of recommendation? 
If you plan to apply to selective or highly selective schools, they are very important. After a few hours of staring at GPAs and standardized test scores, they all start to blend together - especially for application readers at highly selective schools where everyone posts impressive scores. Letters of recommendation can help you stand out from the crowd. In fact, qualitative inputs like this can serve as tie-breakers in many cases.

When are they needed? 
Letters are not normally due until the beginning of senior year, but in no way, shape, or form should you wait that long to begin this process.

Whom do schools want to see letters from? 
Typically, schools expect to see at least one letter from a teacher in your junior year, who taught one of your core academic courses (e.g. Math, Science, History, World Language, English). In some cases, you may be required or have an option to submit additional letters.

Which teacher should I choose?
Ideally, choose a teacher from a class where: (1) you performed exceedingly well, and (2) you had significant interaction with the teacher. It would be even better if the class related directly to your area of academic interest on the application.

For example, if your coursework, extracurricular activities, personal statement, and summer jobs are all related to engineering, it would be great to get a letter from your AP Physics teacher - where you received an A, helped him or her on several research projects, and won a special science contest under his or her tutelage.

When should I choose?
Begin to assess which teacher(s) might be a good fit at the beginning of junior year. A prime candidate would be someone: (1) you like, (2) you have good rapport with, (3) who teaches your favorite class, (4) who teaches a class in your area of interest, (5) who might respond well to your requests to take on additional work or responsibilities, (6) who has a reputation for being passionate about their field, and (7) whom you could envision as a mentor.

Once you've identified a teacher, it's time to shine. Approach each and every class with high energy, interest, and engagement. Volunteer to help, do your best work, and go the extra mile. Keep a log of special projects and assignments that you work on throughout the year. Ask intelligent questions, do extra research, participate in class, and show genuine interest in the topic.

I don't mean for this to sound disingenuous, as if you are artificially trying to impress him or her. You are not. You are simply putting your best foot forward, so that this teacher will have good things to say about you when the time comes. Your intentions are well-placed and earnest. It happens everyday in the real world.

Keep in mind, you are not obligated to tell your teacher that you intend to ask for a recommendation at the end of the year. In fact, I would avoid that. Again, you are not keeping a secret, because you may change your mind down the road.

What do you want the teacher to write?
Your goal is to have the teacher write something like, "[Student X] was the single best Physics student that I have ever had the pleasure to teach in over 22 years of teaching...her dedication to learning, intellectual curiosity, and engagement with the material was beyond compare". I know this sounds pretty heavy, but this is what you want. This will get the reader's attention.

Set your teacher up for success
At the end of junior year, assuming the teacher that you chose worked out, and you performed admirably, here are some tips to make your teacher's life easier - which will add to your already legendary status:

Ask early. Most students will wait until senior year to ask for a letter. You should not. Give the teacher at least 6 weeks to work on it. Ask them at the end of junior year prior to the summer.

Ask nicely. Approach the teacher in person - not by text or email. Writing strong letters of recommendation is time-consuming and not easy. Show your appreciation for their efforts. It never hurts to tell them how much you learned in their class and that they've inspired you to major in [subject X] in college.

Provide them with everything. Make sure your teacher is focused on writing about you and not researching things about you. Ensure that they have every bit of information about you that they might need. They would rather have more information than less. This includes reminders about: (1) what class you took with them and when, (2) your grades or special test results, (3) any exceptional work you produced, (4) research projects you helped with, (5) volunteer tutoring hours, or any (6) special recognition or awards you received in the class. You're not telling them what to write, but you are making it much easier for them.

Brag sheet. Fill out a brag sheet to help your teacher get to know you better. Answers to these questions need not be exhaustive, but it might give a teacher greater insights into your background and academic aspirations.

Where should they send it? Be explicit about where to send the letter (e.g. submitted to your guidance counselor, submitted online to Naviance, straight to a college, snail mailed, etc.).

The quality is a reflection of you. A well-written, tight, and insightful letter of recommendation will reflect well on you, your application, and your school - so choose your teacher wisely. The easier you make it for them, the more time they will spend on substance and quality.
Thank You note. Thank your teacher after the letters have been submitted. A handwritten note is always a nice gesture. Maybe even invite them to your graduation party.

Privacy. Most students sign a waiver that prevents them from reading the final letter of recommendation. Unless there is a special reason why you would want to see the letter, I would sign the waiver.

The examples above are simply guidelines. Like many things during this process, there are exceptions. Some schools do not require any recommendations at all; others make it optional; and a considerable number view recommendations as a vital part of the application - especially the most highly selective schools.

Also, consider casting a wide net and don't limit your choices to teachers. For instance, if you've been a Boy Scout for six years with the same Scoutmaster who knows you as well as your parents, it might be appropriate to ask him or her to write you a letter of recommendation. They may "know you" much better than a teacher would. Keep in mind, however, that most schools will want at least one letter from a teacher in an academic environment. The key is to find individuals who can best capture your "essence".

Once again, this tip is extremely important to know before it's too late. Remember, timing is very important in the college admissions process. Prepare accordingly!

Learn about topics like this and much more by enrolling in PrepWell Academy.

Prep On,

Author: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank, etc.

Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

Why is it so hard to get into college today?

Getting into college is becoming more and more competitive - and expensive. Here are five reasons that suggest why competition has increased so dramatically:

1. More international students
International students are applying to U.S. colleges and universities in record numbers. These students are often the best and brightest from around the world and many are willing (and able) to pay full-freight for a U.S. education. Imagine how enticing these candidates are for colleges. They deliver an admissions trifecta: (1) geographic diversity, (2) high-performing students, (3) paying customers.

2. Common Application
Back in the day, high school students thought long and hard about where to apply to college. Each college had its own application, unique essay questions, quirky formatting instructions, and different submission deadlines. Adding one additional school to the target list might add weeks or months of extra work. Students proceeded with caution. With today's Common Application, however, there is no such discipline. With just one click, a student can decide to apply to 17 schools instead of 7 (this is why UCLA now receives > 100K applications). Yes, it does cost money to apply to each additional school, but $50-80 per school usually isn't enough to dissuade a nervous student who's afraid they won't get in anywhere.

3. College Rankings
Ever wonder why your child receives so many marketing letters in the mail from colleges? It's not because they know or care about your child's education. It's because they want to maximize the number of applications their school receives in a given year. Why? Because the more applications they receive, the more students they can reject - which makes them look more "selective". The more selective they are, the higher they climb in the college rankings, the more prestigious they appear, and the more money they can charge. Students today receive "VIP" applications in the mail that are pre-filled-out with their personal information so all they have to do is sign it and send it in.

4. Free access to Standardized Test Prep
Thanks to Khan Academy, world-class test prep for the SAT and ACT is available to anyone, anywhere - for free. Doing well on standardized tests is no longer a competitive advantage reserved for students with access to private SAT tutors, classroom instruction, or parental support. The playing field has been leveled and thus the number of students posting outstanding standardized test scores has increased dramatically.

5. College is the new high school
A four-year degree has become a necessity to survive (and thrive) in today's knowledge-based economy. Technology, automation, and productivity gains have left little opportunity for those without higher-level education. College has become an extension of high school and thus the number of applicants has soared as well.

The early bird gets the worm
This is no reason to panic. It just means students should no longer wait until junior or senior year to begin working on the college admissions process. Preparation needs to start in freshman and sophomore year at the latest. This allows students to build their skills, experiences, and resume well before junior year. Junior year should be reserved exclusively for intense academic study, standardized test-taking, and leadership experiences.

PrepWell Academy was built to address this new imperative. We specialize in early preparation for the college admissions process. It's what we do. If you are looking for this type of guidance for your freshman or sophomore, enroll them in PrepWell Academy today.

Freshman Highlights 
Sophomore Highlights

Prep On,

Author: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank, etc.

Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

How a Navy SEAL studies for the SAT

If your son or daughter is taking the SAT or ACT in the coming weeks, here are some tips to help them maximize their score:

Common (but good) advice

PrepWell's "uncommon" advice

Take practice tests under real test-taking conditions - over and over again!

Let me elaborate. Many students spend a lot of time looking for hacks, tricks, and shortcuts to improve their test scores. They also normally study in "short bursts" (e.g. Study Math for 40 minutes every M, W, F) - when they really should be spending a lot more time and effort simply taking more full-length tests.

In my opinion, a large component of how well you perform on the test will be based on how much mental endurance you have built up by test day.

Most high school students aren't accustomed to spending up to four continuous hours taking a single test. This is a completely new and unique experience.

How often does a teenager EVER sit in one spot for four hours - let alone concentrate deeply for that long? Almost never. This is what makes the test so challenging - not necessarily the subject matter.

No one will tell you this, but the SAT and ACT are mental endurance tests. Who can concentrate longer?

By practicing the tests, under real test-taking conditions, over and over again, students will begin to train their brain (and body) to handle the mental fatigue associated with the test.

Over time, they will grow their ability to concentrate for long periods of time. This is not unlike training for any other activity.

A Strategy Born in Navy SEAL Training

When I trained for my Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Test, I practiced taking the test over and over again exactly the way it was administered in real life - not one event at a time.

The training was brutal. It started with a 500-yard swim, then max pushups for 2 minutes, then max situps for 2 minutes, then max pull-ups for 2 minutes, then a 1.5 mile run with combat boots and pants.

Most other candidates trained for each of these events separately - but rarely together. Pushups on Mondays, Pull-ups on Tuesday, Run on Wednesday, etc.

This was their undoing. Because when you string all of those events together, the cumulative fatigue was a killer. Candidates weren't prepared for it and they fell apart.

I always trained by doing all 5 events in a row, so when I had to take the real test - I had no problem. I felt like I had been there before.

The same goes for studying for a standardized test. The more you can subject yourself to actual test-taking conditions, the more confidence and calm you will have on test day.

Not easy

If this sounds hardcore - it's because it is. I'm a hardcore guy. I train and mentor people who want to get after it. And this is one way to do it!

Like most things, training the right way isn't always the easiest way.

It might take a lot to convince your son or daughter to subject themselves to taking multiple full-length SAT or ACT exams as part of their test preparation. It's a commitment and it's challenging.

However, I know this advice has worked wonders for many PrepWellers out there and I wanted to share this advice with you and your child.

If you appreciate this unique perspective on preparation and think it would resonate with your son or daughter, I encourage you to enroll them in PrepWell Academy, where they get a dose of advice like this every single week.

Want more unconventional tips and training like this? Enroll in PrepWell Academy today.

Prep On,

Author: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank, etc.

Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

Is your Child Well-Rounded or Angular?

Back in the day, highly-selective schools were impressed by the proverbial "well-rounded student" who seemed capable of doing just about anything - from sports, to academics, to community service.

"Old School" Well-Rounded Student:

College Admissions Officers used to assemble their incoming classes by selecting many of these "well-rounded" applicants. 

Campuses eventually became havens for lots of students who were good at lots of things.

Today, things are different.

In fact, many schools today are not as impressed by generic "well-rounded" students and have turned their attention to more "angular" students.

Angular Students

Angular students take a deep dive into one (or two) core activities  -  often at the exclusion of others - to become world-class in their field. 

"Modern Day" Angular Student:

Today's top-tier campuses are increasingly filled with students with world-class expertise in one or two areas to which they have devoted a majority of their time and energy.

A Well-Rounded "Class" (not "student")

Today, many Admissions Officers state that their goal is to assemble a "well-rounded class" not a class full of "well-rounded students". 

This new philosophy is impacting how students think about investing their time, money, and energy during high school.

Winners and Losers

The winners in this shift appear to be the students who have found (intentionally or by luck) what they love to do, tripled-down on it, and risen to the highest level in that field.  They have found their "angle".

The losers may be the students who continue to bounce around from activity to activity demonstrating success, but with a shallow depth of engagement and low impact on a cause beyond taking up space on their resume.

Today's Angles

Angularity comes in many forms. Sometimes schools have quotas to fill in some of these buckets.

The Synthesizers

For students who have already established themselves as "well-rounded" students, there is still hope.

When I work with students who never specialized in anything (intentionally or unintentionally), I help them craft an application that shows how their breadth of experiences has allowed them to synthesize ideas from a wide range of topics - something that a specialist is unable to do.

Some of the most successful people in the world have been able to connect seemingly unrelated fields in innovative ways (e.g. Steve Jobs).

What's your child's "brand"?

With applications skyrocketing, Admissions Officers are desperate for a short-hand way to assess, identify, and remember what each applicant brings to the table - especially when trying to advocate for your child in committee. 

Why not help them out?

You can help by having them think about their own personal "brand". This may sound contrived or something that a marketing team might be assigned to do - but it works.

I teach "personal branding" in PrepWell Academy (online version) and spend considerable time on this with my "Private" students.

As in the business world, a good brand is memorable, cuts through the clutter, and captures the essence of a student quickly, efficiently, and with impact.

I'm not suggesting this idea simply to cater to Admissions Officers. I think it's valuable for students to think about who they are and what they represent.  How would your child brand themselves? It can give them a better sense of their identity.

How would I brand the two students above?

The "Old School Well-Rounded" student above would be difficult to brand. Too many activities, not enough meat on the bones, and a bit too generic. That's exactly the problem. Nothing jumps out!

The "Modern Day Angular" student above might be remembered as the "Broadway-Bound Gymnast".  It's unique, memorable, and something that quickly captures the student's essence.

Several of our PrepWell Academy lessons focus on your child's personal brand and how to think about it.

When I work with PrepWellers 1-on-1, this is a major task that we undertake that often influences every other part of the application process.

PrepWell Academy Branding Hall of Fame (sample of some of our favorite PrepWeller brands)

How is your child doing?

Is your child more "well-rounded" or "angular"? Does it make sense for them to continue on their current path? Should they specialize in something? Should they stick with the "synthesizer" approach?

Have they thought about their own "brand"? What kind of brand would they assign themselves?

If your child is not yet enrolled in PrepWell Academy, maybe they should get onboard? We teach these principles and challenge students to think about all of these concepts.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Please share what you've learned in the comments below. 

Enroll in PrepWell Academy

Keep prepping,

Author: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank, etc.

Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

How To Select, Prepare, and Perform on the SAT & ACT

Your number #1 priority this summer is to prepare for your official standardized test at the end of August or beginning of September. 

This is what you should do:

Let me remind you why I recommend this strategy in case you start to waver on implementing any of these steps:

Some people recommend that students take their first test in the Spring of junior year. I simply disagree.

I'm not against taking it a second time in the Spring if the early test doesn't go as planned, but I do not believe that junior year is conducive to preparing for this test.

Yes, you will theoretically be 7 months "smarter" by May because of the passage of time, but I don't believe this outweighs the advantages above. 

Are you convinced?

This is so important, allow me to elaborate on the steps in more detail:

STEP 1: Take a new practice SAT and ACT; decide which to study for

My strong advice is to take a new, fresh diagnostic SAT and ACT one week apart from each other to see which test you perform better on.  I don't like the idea of using a PSAT score from 10 months ago. I want two new scores, taken one week apart, in the same test-taking environment. I want an apples-to-apples comparison.

How do you do this? ArborBridge will mail you a hard copy of each practice test. Once you receive the tests, ArborBridge will schedule a time for you to take the exams using an online proctor tool that guides you through every section of the tests. You take the tests from home (ideally, one week apart).

Then, ArborBridge grades the exams and supplies you with a comprehensive report on how you performed and where you need to focus your efforts. This is a free service. ArborBridge does offer tutoring services, but you are under no obligation to commit to anything.

Some students have an opinion on which test is better for them. Some even base their decision on a friend's advice. I prefer to let the numbers do the talking. This test is too important to be lazy. If you want to get an idea of the differences between the tests:

In the summary of your scores, ArborBridge will advise which test is better-suited to you. If you decide not to use ArborBridge and use two pre-existing scores, you should use the "concordance chart" link below to figure out if you are pre-disposed to performing better on one test over the other. In many cases, the results are even and there is no discernible difference.

SAT vs ACT Concordance Chart

Okay, by now, you should know which test to focus on.

STEP 2: Register for the test

STEP 3: Study your face off

This is where you will have to consider where you live, available tutors, how much you are willing to spend (if anything), how motivated you are, and your summer schedule. 

Options? Khan Academy, Study Guides, Classroom tutoring, 1-on-1 tutoring

How much should you study? Well, I tell all of my PrepWellers that it depends on how well you want to do. As in life, there is typically a strong correlation between work and results.

A student who wants to do their best should be willing to commit the month of August to significant study. For some students, this means 10 hours a week. For others, 25+ hours a week.

I hope it's clear how important I believe this summer can be for you. I know as a parent, that not every child will have the motivation or discipline to execute this plan to its fullest. I try to give you my best advice assuming you're a student who wants to be their best.

Enroll in PrepWell Academy

I wish you luck.

Author: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank, etc.

Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

Will Erin Get Into Princeton?

As a college admissions counselor specializing in students with big ambitions (e.g. Ivy League, Military Service Academies/ROTC, Athletic scholarships), I have seen dreams realized, shattered, and everything in between.

Case Study

In this case study, I reveal what goes through a college admissions officer's mind as they review an application. What do they care about, what do they disregard, what jumps out, and what factors might seal the deal (for good or bad)?

In this blog, I review Erin's profile. Erin is a junior at a public high school in CA. She's an elite soccer player, near straight-A student, member of student government, and involved in community service.

Sound familiar?

Many parents of talented 9th and 10th-grade athletes tell me similar stories. They want to know their child's chances. 

Here's how the story goes:

Hi, Phil. I've heard you're the expert in helping kids get into highly-selective colleges by mentoring them early in their high school careers. Can I tell you about my daughter? She's a [freshman or sophomore] and a very good [enter name of sport] player. She was pulled up to varsity as a [freshman or sophomore] and plays on the most competitive club team in our area. She's a 4.0 student, scored in the [enter any number in the 90s] percentile on her PSAT, is very involved in [enter generic student club], and just won the Presidential Award for community service. She really wants to go to [enter Ivy League school]. We think [enter name of sport] could be her ticket in. Our [enter random relationship]'s friend just got into [name of Ivy League school] for [enter name of other random sport] and my daughter has much better board scores. What do you think?

If this is how you find yourself describing your son or daughter, please watch the full video above. It will give you insights into what matters, when it matters, and why it matters.

Here are the summary findings for Erin:

Objective Academic Metrics:
So-so (for Princeton standards).

Extracurriculars:
I see a lot of "soccer-related" activities in this section. That's okay, as long as it translates to an ability to play soccer at Princeton. If not, it just shows me that Erin really likes soccer. Good for her. The other activities are relatively generic and not overly compelling. I hope there's more to the application.

Honors & Awards:
Generic and uninspiring

Letters of Recommendation:
Assume these will be strong, but not earth-shattering.

Demonstration of Interest:
The 3-year relationship with the Princeton Soccer Coach gets my attention.

Essays:
Assume these will be strong, but Erin is no JK Rowling.

Hooks:
Eureka! Erin's name is indeed on Princeton Women's Soccer Coach Driscoll's list of "supported athletes". Okay, now I'm sitting up in my seat. I've got a live one...

Will Erin get in?
Yes.

When an Ivy League athlete has "official support" from the coach, the Admissions Officer's job is to determine whether or not Erin can handle Princeton academically. The answer to that question is yes. No question.

Unless something materially changes in the next 6-9 months, Erin will apply Early Action (usually a pre-requisite for supported athletes) and get her acceptance letter by Christmas. She may even receive a piece of paper called a "likely letter" from Princeton Admissions which will give her extra confidence about her chances of acceptance.


LESSON LEARNED:

WHERE ARE THE PITFALLS?

As talented as Erin is, she still beat the odds. She is the exception - not the rule. She did EVERYTHING right, and still had to be lucky.

Here are some potential scenarios that must be considered:

As you can see, the list of obstacles is long and ever-growing.


MORAL OF THE STORY

If your child is a talented high school athlete that hopes to use athletics to get into an Ivy League school, please review these insights with them. 

If you want your son or daughter to follow in Erin's footsteps, I suggest that you help.

Enroll them in the PrepWell Academy Athlete or Ivy Program. These programs will address each of these pitfalls (and dozens more) and will give your son or daughter the best chance of making their dreams come true.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I hope to see your son or daughter inside PrepWell Academy soon.

Enroll in PrepWell Academy

Keep Prepping,

Author: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank, etc.

Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

The Golden Years | Freshman and Sophomore Year

A Broken Model

After years of engaging with hundreds of high school students, parents, and guidance counselors from around the country, I've witnessed an unfortunate pattern.

These individuals continue to operate under the assumption that "college preparation" should begin in junior year.

I strongly disagree.

In fact, before stepping one foot into junior year, students should have a firm understanding of the expectations, milestones, and context for what lies ahead. [More on exactly what these factors are in a subesquent post].

Otherwise, students (and parents) risk feeling overwhelmed, paralyzed, and ill-prepared to manage the onslaught of information dumped in their laps. Once a student enters junior year, there are no do-overs.

In my private counseling practice, I find that a student's freshman and sophomore years (The Golden Years) have a disproportionate impact on their readiness for the college admissions process, college selection, and life itself.

They are - as an economist would say - reliable leading indicators.

Unfortunately, these early years are largely ignored in today's system.

This model is broken. And I aim to fix it.

But, No One Told Us...

Unfortunately, when I speak to parents of juniors for the first time, this is what I hear:

And, to make matters worse, when parents realize that their child has some "catching up" to do - it's often too late.

When they try to start a conversation about "college admissions" - they hear the universal go-to refrain - "I can't deal with that now. It's junior year. I'm too busy. Leave me alone."

Why Are the Golden Years So Powerful?

As you can see, a high percentage of a high school student's grades, habits, experiences, and education have been established prior to junior year:

Yes, with the right plan in place, 70% of a student's college preparation readiness should be accomplished by the time they begin junior year.

What Does My Child Do Junior Year?

That's a great question. Instead of stressing-out trying to manage EVERYTHING in junior year, students should focus on what matters most.

  1. Academics (60%): Junior year is typically the most challenging academic year with the most difficult courses. Great! 60% of your child's time should be spent digging into classwork, labs, homework, papers, projects, AP exam prep, etc. If they did not perform as well as expected on their early SAT or ACT, they have time to recover and take it again.
  2. Extracurricular Activity (25%): Deep engagement in their most significant extracurricular activity. They can make an impact through their performance, spirit, or leadership. This could be a varsity sport(s), drama club, debate team, entrepreneurship, volunteer work, etc.
  3. Refine Thoughts on College (15%): Toward the end of junior year, students will finally have a significant body of work to match to a certain "tier" of college. Now is the time to build a viable list of colleges to further explore.

Summary

In all of my interactions with high school students and parents, I have found that freshman and sophomore years are the most underappreciated and underutilized years in a student's high school career. 

To me, they represent a "Golden Age" when students can learn the habits, routines, and milestones that will set them up for ultimate success in junior year and beyond.

Unfortunately, these years are often overlooked. There is so much hype surrounding the "crazy and stressful" junior year, that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. It does not have to be that way.

Closing Thoughts

My goal is to mentor my freshman and sophomore PrepWellers (including my own freshman twins) by providing a carefully designed roadmap that helps them build the skills, perspectives, and habits of a high-performer. 

I want them to enter junior year with a mental map of what to expect along with an ability to place new information into context.

The transition from sophomore to junior year is a significant one for parents. Once a teen can drive themselves to and fro, the physical and emotional separation becomes even more apparent.

This is the perfect time to let your high-schooler go.  With proper planning, they should be more than ready.

Tips/Advice

Start early. Don't wait to explore the ins-and-outs of college admissions until junior year. It will be too late to maximize your child's options.

Of course, this type of early teen development and mentoring is the premise behind PrepWell Academy.

Please share this blog with others who may have middle school and high schoolers coming up the ranks.

Keep Prepping,

Author: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank, etc.

Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

Is it Worth Pursuing an Athletic Scholarship?

The Dream

Many young athletes today aspire to play Division I sports in college. This dream is fueled, in part, by the prospect of securing the ever-elusive "full-ride athletic scholarship".

The dream often originates as early as 3rd or 4th grade, when young athletes are shunted onto "elite" travel teams if they show above-average skill for their age. Unfortunately, once this train leaves the station - it's hard to get off.

For the next 4-6 years, most weekends and holidays are dedicated entirely to the sport - no matter the cost, travel, time, or energy required. And the beat goes on for years - with an unwavering devotion. Parents and children are equally afraid to step off the train for the fear of missing out.

Though rarely admitted in public, most parents mistakenly assume that their child is on a path to some type of athletic scholarship. They don't really know what this means exactly - and are afraid to ask too many presumptuous questions - but they sure hear a lot of chatter about athletic scholarships. It must just be a matter of time for them.

At some point, usually in 7th grade, the sport becomes a family obsession. The money spent for uniforms, tournament fees, league dues, equipment, personal trainers, hotels, travel, coaches' gifts, etc. is seemingly unlimited. The parents and child are all-in.

Other factors that feed our obsession with athletic scholarships:

The Advantages of an Athletic Scholarship

To be sure, there are many benefits to playing a Division I sport:

The Pitfalls of an Athletic Scholarship

However, the quest for the elusive athletic scholarship is often met with broken dreams.  Below is a sampling of issues that prospective athletes must acknowledge before blindly pushing forward in their sport in search of a Div I scholarship.

With all of these potential challenges, it's a wonder that anyone has a successful athletic campaign as a Division I athlete. 

How to Know When the Writing is On the Wall

Here are some signs that your child is not Div I scholarship material:

If you see some combination of these signs, your child's dream (and maybe yours) of a Div I scholarship is probably over. That's okay. The sooner you find out the better.

Most students realize they are not viable Div I scholarship athletes during sophomore year in high school. All of the delusions of recruiting trips and letter signing days come to an abrupt end.  The bubble has popped. Hopefully, this still gives them enough time to reorganize and reorient their lives.

How to Regroup after Realizing You're Not that Good

When a successful high school athlete finally realizes that they aren't as good as they thought, it's time to act. The student must begin to engage in many of the activities that sports had crowded out for 4-6 years. They should consider school clubs, employment, internships, and the like. This transition is not always easy, as most athletes strongly identify with their sport.

Summary

Be careful about blindly accepting sports as the path to a Div I scholarship - no matter how much the club soccer coach sings the praises of your 7-yr-old son or daughter.

Don't believe all the hype about Div I sports. There are more potential risks than rewards.

Find an expert to evaluate your child's talent. If the professionals don't believe they have a chance, believe them. It's time to move on to more mainstream pursuits.

Your child may have a chance at a scholarship if: (1) they are genetically encoded with physical gifts or attributes that match their sport, (2) they are obsessed about their performance and progress, and (3) they are willing to risk it all.

If you and your child need help figuring this out, enroll in PrepWell Academy today.

Keep prepping,

Author: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank, etc.

Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.

Will "Pretty Good Pete" get into UPENN?

As a college admissions counselor specializing in students with big ambitions (e.g. Ivy League, Military Service Academies/ROTC, Athletic scholarships), I have seen dreams realized, shattered, and everything in between.

Case Study

In this case study, I reveal what goes through a college admissions officer's mind as they review an application. What do they care about, what do they disregard, what jumps out, and what factors might seal the deal (for good or bad)?

In this blog, I review Pete's profile. Pete just finished his junior year at a big public high school in NY. He has a pretty good GPA. pretty good SAT score, has taken pretty hard classes, is a pretty good lacrosse player, and has pretty good extracurricular activities.

Are you getting my drift?

Pete is "pretty good" at just about everything. This is the profile of a lot of high school students these days.  That's why we call him "Pretty Good Pete". He has a closely-related friend named "Pretty Good Pamela."

The question is - is pretty good - good enough?

Many parents of talented 9th and 10th-graders tell me similar stories. They think their child is pretty good at school, sports, and academics - and they wonder how far that will get them. Let's find out.

Here's how the story goes:

Hi, Phil. I've heard you're the expert in helping kids get into highly-selective colleges. Can I tell you about my son, Pete?  He's pretty good at just about everything (school, sports, clubs, volunteering, etc.). He does it all and is working so hard.  I don't know how he gets it all done. AP classes, lacrosse, volunteering. We're wondering what his chances will be at some of the most highly-selective colleges. He has no weaknesses. What do you think?

If this is how you find yourself describing your son or daughter, please watch the full video above. It will give you insights into what matters, when it matters, and why it matters.

Here are the summary findings for Pete:

Objective Academic Metrics:
Pretty Good.

Extracurriculars:
He's done a pretty good job in sports, with volunteer work, pretty good school involvement, and pretty good variety of experiences.

Honors & Awards:
pretty good, not great

Letters of Recommendation:
pretty good, not great (he started too late)

Demonstration of Interest:
pretty good, but didn't know the secrets

Essays:
pretty good, but story not overly inspiring

Hooks:
none

Will Pretty Good Pete get into UPENN?
No.


LESSON LEARNED:


MORAL OF THE STORY

If your child seems to be "pretty good" at a lot of things - great.  If they are happy with being "pretty good" then don't rock the boat.

If you want to give your child an opportunity to move from pretty good to great - share the insights from this blog. Let them know that there are resources that can show them the way - before it's too late.

If you don't want your son or daughter to follow in Pretty Good Pete's footsteps, I suggest that you lend a hand.

If you don't know where to start, enroll them in the PrepWell Academy in 9th or 10th grade. This online program will help give your son or daughter a fighting chance to make their dreams come true.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I hope to see your son or daughter inside PrepWell Academy soon.

If you want a copy of the "College Admissions Snapshot" to use with your child or students, please contact me and I'll send you one.

Enroll in PrepWell Academy

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Keep Prepping,

Author: PrepWell Academy's Founder, Phil Black, has spent a lifetime cracking the code on the world's most competitive programs: Yale University, Harvard Business School, Navy SEALs, Goldman Sachs, Entrepreneurship, Shark Tank, etc.

Inside PrepWell Academy, Black teaches students everything they need to know about the college admissions process in a series of expertly-timed, 3-5-minute, weekly training videos starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade [Note: this program can only be joined in 9th or 10th grade]. My specialties include military service academies, ROTC scholarships, Ivy League, and student-athletes.