11/18/2015

Hello PrepWellers,

We all know the Big 3 admissions criteria that colleges use to begin their selection process: academic ability (gpa), test-taking prowess (SAT/ACT), and extracurricular interest (soccer/piano).

The best candidates, however, develop an awareness of events happening outside the classroom, athletic field, and music hall.

Especially in today’s turbulent times, it is impressive when an applicant can demonstrate a working knowledge (and an opinion) related to current events (both domestic and international).

If you are not inclined to keep up with current events on a weekly or monthly basis, spend a few hours this winter break reviewing the biggest events of 2015 – especially if you are a junior or senior with college interviews and essays just around the corner.

I will post more detailed “college interview” preparation tips in a few weeks, but now would be a great time to ensure that you haven’t missed something really big going on in the world.

There are many “2015 Year in Review” options to choose from. One that I found particularly user-friendly is below:

2015 YEAR IN REVIEW

https://www.cnn.com/2015/09/09/world/2015-in-review-fast-facts/

Please take an hour of your time, in a quiet space, and review these important events.

Citizenship is often a value we take for granted. Given today’s political environment, we do so at our own peril.

It’s been an honor and privilege to work with all of you this year. I deeply appreciate all of your support, feedback, and interest in PrepWell’s mission.

Expect bigger and better things in 2016.

Never stop preparing,

Phil Black