ServeWell Podcast
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 of these ambitious goals, this podcast is for you. With hundreds of success stories, including Phil’s own three sons (Yale Navy ROTC x 2, USNA), this podcast is a must-listen. Lessons are drawn from ServeWell Academy’s 4-yr online mentoring program detailing what students should do every week starting in 9th grade. Learn about the program here: https://www.servewellacademy.com/
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 14 minutes
- Episodes
- 61
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Ep. 41 | When is it too late to become a viable candidate?
In this episode, I try to lay out a timeline for when it becomes too late to become a viable candidate for a service academy or ROTC scholarship.
There is no definitive answer, but there are some gui…
Ep. 40 | How to prepare for an AP exam (Case Study)
In this episode, I sit down with a student (Julius) and ask him how he plans to study for his upcoming AP US History exam.
Their answer may shock you.
The fact that your child may have the same answe…
Ep. 39 | Which colleges are worth $100K/yr?
In this episode, I reveal the colleges that I believe are worth $100K per year.
It's a short list, and one that will no doubt raise a lot of questions.
I also address where service academies and ROTC…
Ep. 38 | Prepare for life
There's more to attending a service academy or ROTC program than just: (1) avoiding onerous student loan debt, (2) learning an actual skill, (3) leadership training, (4) international travel, (5) dis…
Ep. 37 | Everyone is doing it
In this episode, I discuss one of the most frustrating arguments you will hear from your teenager: "everyone else is doing it" (aka EEIDI)
- Why can't I stay out until 2am...EEIDI?
- Why can't I use …
Ep. 36 | Air Force ROTC Options
In this episode, I discuss the many Air Force ROTC options available to high school and current college students, including:
- 4-yr, full tuition scholarships
- 4-yr, partial tuition scholarships
- 3-yr s…
Ep. 35 | How will the surge in patriotism affect SA and ROTC?
With a new administration in the White House and renewed energy at the Department of Defense, American patriotism is surging. How will this affect those interested in the service academies and ROTC s…
Ep. 34 | What are military prep schools?
In today's episode (14 mins), I talk about military prep schools.
- USNA: Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS)
- USMA: West Point Prep
- USAFA: The Prep School
- USCGA: Coast Guard Academy Scholar Progr…
Ep. 33 | What makes students hesitate the most?
In this episode, I dive into one of the most common reasons high school students give for not considering service academies and ROTC programs.
"I don't want to be tied down to a 5-yr commitment after…
Ep. 32 | How to reach Escape Velocity
In this crossover episode, I discuss the concept of "escape velocity".
Escape velocity is the point at which your child has accumulated enough smarts, skills, tools, relationships, wherewithal, and e…
Ep. 31 | Purposeful Overload
In this week's episode, we discuss the long-established training concept known as "purposeful overload".
Some of what you see on TV and the movies is true.
The service academies and ROTC programs hav…
Ep. 30 | 4 Critical Questions
In this episode, I cover 4 critical questions that your child needs to answer during high school. Their answers to these questions will dictate their trajectory in college and beyond.
- Do I care abou…
Ep. 29 | Comfort vs. Challenge in the college search
In today's episode, I urge families to re-think what it means to find a "best-fit" college. In my experience, when students, parents, and counselors talk about "fit", they really mean "comfort".
Is t…
Ep. 28 | The importance of your college GPA
Today's episode focuses on the importance of your GPA. Not your high school GPA, but your college GPA. How much does your college GPA matter based on whether you attend a service academy, ROTC progra…
Ep. 27 | The Army-Navy Football Game
In this episode, I reflect on my first Army-Navy football game. Hear about the unique experiences and traditions that make this one of the best competitions in the country.
Ep. 26 | The power of the service academy network
In this episode, I discuss the long-term benefits of being part of a service academy network.
Ep. 25 | How to triple your chances of success at life
In this episode, I discuss how students who attend service academies or ROTC programs (IMO) are tripling their chances of succeeding in life, compared to students who attend traditional colleges.
The…
Ep. 24 | How some students pick their preferred branch
How so some students select their branch of service? Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine?
Ep. 23 | Why some people hesitate to consider SAs and ROTC
Why do some people hesitate to consider service academies and ROTC programs?
- I don't understand what they are
- I want a "real" college experience
- My child is not disciplined enough
- My child is…
Ep. 22 | 3 reasons why females should apply to service academies
If you have a daughter who is: (1) smart, (2) athletic, and (3) inclined to be a leader... she should consider applying to a service academy. This advice may come as a shock to some. However, there a…