ServeWell Podcast

ServeWell Podcast

Hosted by: Phil Black

Phil Black discusses the strategies and tactics that will help your child earn: (1) service academy appointments, (2) ROTC scholarships, and (3) acceptances to their top-choice colleges. If your child is pursuing any...

All Episodes

Episodes

Ep. 58 | What happens if you get rejected from a service academy

Despite your child's best efforts, preparation, and focus, they may fail to get an appointment to their preferred service academy. Their active participation in ServeWell Academy will certainly reduce those odds, but...
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Ep. 57 | All-Things-PSAT

This week, I review some important facts about the PSAT and whether it matters when it comes to service academies and ROTC scholarships. What is the PSAT? Do colleges care about it? Do service academies care about...
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Ep. 56 | Which students should consider service academies?

This week, I share a conversation that I have had with hundreds of parents over the years. In this case, a mom. The mom gives me the following rundown about her son: smart (AP classes, high GPA, PSAT) athletic...
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Ep. 55 | Mid-Summer Check-In

Can you believe we're already halfway through the summer? This week, I review the most important summer tasks your child should be doing right now. Please don't assume that your child is doing these things. Trust, but...
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Ep. 54 | The new job market (American Dynamism)

When it comes to defense technology and investing, the United States has taken on a much different posture today compared to 5 years ago. What has changed in the investment world? How will your child take advantage...
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Ep. 53 | AP Exam scores are in. Now what?

If your child took an AP Exam(s) in May, they probably just received their scores a few days ago. Do service academies care about AP exams? Do ROTC programs care about AP exams? Does anyone care about AP exams...
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Ep. 52 | How to "pre-study" over the summer (9:32)

Junior year will be your child’s most challenging “academic” year. Beyond academics, they will also face high expectations, leadership demands, standardized tests, AP exams, and extracurricular commitments. One way...
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Ep. 50 | How to prepare for the SAT/ACT

In this episode, I review how your child should prepare for the SAT or ACT. Historically, these strategies didn't change much. Today, the strategies change by the month. If you are the parent of a rising junior or...
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Ep. 51 | Rapid Fire Q&A (Test Yourself)

In this episode, I read through a bunch of questions that I've collected over the last few weeks from social media, 1-on-1 calls, private coaching calls, DMs, etc. My answers are short, to-the-point, and, I hope,...
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Ep. 49 | How to square the circle

In this week's episode, I attempt to reconcile two common (but diametrically opposed) pieces of advice often given to college graduates. 1. Save as much money as you can in your twenties in order to maximize the magic...
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Ep. 48 | How to talk to your child about the summer

Summer is the perfect time to prepare for the service academy and ROTC application process. What’s the best way to approach your child to make sure they are making the most of these critical three months? Answer: A...
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Ep. 47 | What happened to Air Force ROTC?

In today's episode, I review the problems plaguing the Air Force ROTC programs. - fewer scholarships - rise of non-scholarshipped candidates - cancellation of scholarships halfway through college - questionable...
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