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. 091 | How college/career decisions impact pathway to adulthood

In today's episode, I discuss three common college/career pathways and how they may impact your child's road to adulthood: Ivy League schools Non-Ivy League schools Service academies & ROTC Which way is your...
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Ep. 090 | State Maritime Academies

In today's episode, I discuss the uniqueness of the 6 state maritime academies: Cal Poly Maritime Academy Great Lakes Maritime Academy Maine Maritime Academy Massachusetts Maritime Academy SUNY Maritime Academy Texas...
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Ep. 089 | Letters of Recommendation

In today's episode, I discuss how to ensure that your child secures outstanding letters of recommendation. Unfortunately, a lot of students take this part of the process lightly. They think the teacher is the one who...
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Ep. 088 | How to become a commissioned officer

In today's episode, I discuss different ways individuals can become commissioned officers in the U.S. military. Service Academies ROTC Officer Candidate School (OCS) Senior Military Academies (ROTC) Direct...
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Ep. 087 | How will AI impact these 4 cohorts

In today's episode, I discuss how AI will impact 4 cohorts: recent college graduates college students high school students middle school students I will also opine on how AI might affect students who choose to...
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Ep. 086 | What to expect from your guidance counselor

In today's episode, I discuss what you should expect from your school's guidance counselor.  Extracurricular activity audit? Suggestions for leadership roles? Summer strategy and planning? College essay...
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Ep. 085 | How will AI impact college graduates?

In today's episode, I wrestle with the tension between sticking to the old playbook (e.g. traditional college) vs. doing something more non-traditional (e.g. service academies/ROTC) in light of the AI revolution that...
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Ep. 084 | Traditional colleges vs. service academies

In today's episode, I compare various activities/experiences at traditional colleges versus service academies. dorm life social life academics job placement finances adversity shared mission leadership Which path...
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Ep. 083 | How to get on the right math track

In today's episode, I discuss the importance of the SAT (especially the math section) for students interested in service academies and ROTC scholarships. In a perfect world, your child will be at least one grade-level...
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Ep. 082 | Ship Selection

In today's episode, I walk through how midshipmen at the Naval Academy choose the ship they will serve on upon graduation. Note: Not every midshipman will be assigned to a ship. Only midshipman who are drafted into...
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Ep. 081 | Leadership opportunities

In today's episode, I go through a list of leadership opportunities that may be worth pursuing to beef-up your leadership credentials. school-based sports-based JROTC-based Summer-based Community...
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Ep. 080 | Athletic vs Military Scholarships

In today's episode, I compare what it takes to secure a DI athletic scholarship compared to a military scholarship (e.g. service academy or ROTC). what are the odds? what are the risks? How do you improve your...
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