Don't Chuck It Up - College Search and Application Process

Are you navigating the complex world of the college search and wondering if an Engineering major is the right path? In this essential episode of "Don't Chuck It Up," host Chuck brings in expert Independent Educational Consultant Dr. Jennifer Stephan to demystify the most popular and challenging field in college planning. We explore the critical differences between a traditional Engin...

Don't wait until junior year to start the college planning process! In this essential episode of the Don't Chuck It Up Podcast, host Chuck sits down with Independent Educational Consultant and Certified Education Planner Kristina Dooley to discuss starting the college search as early as eighth grade and ninth grade. Learn how to navigate the complex journey of applying to colleges and the...

Tune in to the "Don't Chuck It Up" podcast episode for an essential guide to higher education in the United Kingdom! Host Chuck welcomes Certified Educational Planner and Independent Educational Consultant, Terry Mady-Grove, to demystify the process for American students considering studying in the UK. Terry provides expert insight into the differences between the US college search and applying th...

In this episode of "Don't Chuck It Up," host Chuck welcomes Independent Educational Consultants Holly Ramsey and Dr. Michele Evard to share expert college application tips for homeschooling parents. As homeschooling grows, applying to college presents unique documentation challenges for families. Holly and Michelle, both experienced homeschool parents, dive into their 10 great tips f...

This episode of "Don't Chuck It Up" features host Chuck and guest Amy Trinnaman, an independent educational consultant and certified career counselor, discussing the critical role of career exploration and assessments in the college admissions process. Amy highlights the stress teens face when asked to decide on a career with limited exposure to the work world and emphasizes that the goal is to fi...

Tune into Don't Chuck It Up for an essential guide on applying to the University of California (UC) and Cal State University (CSU) systems, featuring Independent Educational Consultant Evelyn Jerome-Alexander. In this episode, host Chuck and Evelyn dive deep into the often-confusing world of California public university systems' admissions, clarifying key differences between the UC applica...

This essential episode of the Don't Chuck It Up podcast is your comprehensive guide to the college search and admissions journey for aspiring dancers. Host Chuck welcomes dance specialist Kathy Hain-de Jong to demystify the distinct collegiate paths, analyzing the key differences between the rigorous BFA dance major—ideal for pre-professional training—and the more flexible BA in dance, which p...

On this can't-miss episode of the Don't Chuck It Up podcast, host Chuck welcomes Ricardo Ortegón, an expert Independent Educational Consultant and former Vice President of Enrollment and Director of Academic Advising, to provide essential strategies for student success during the crucial first semester of college. Move beyond the initial college search process to focus on retention and max...

This episode of the Don't Chuck It Up podcast features host Chuck and guest Kathryn Ely, a licensed professional counselor, attorney, and mother of three, who specializes in anxiety treatment and gained her expertise after realizing her own severe anxiety while in college. (https://courageouscourse.com/) The discussion focuses on social anxiety, which is defined as an intense worry about what...

Ready to conquer the college application process? On this essential episode of the Don't Chuck It Up Podcast, host Chuck dives into his College Application Tips to help students and families navigate the wild journey of the college search and streamline their path to higher education. Learn the key strategies that can significantly boost your chances for college admissions in this competitive...

This essential episode of the Don't Chuck It Up podcast features host Chuck tackling the complexities of International Student Admissions to U.S. universities. Bringing over 25 years of experience in higher education and college consulting, Chuck welcomes expert Independent Educational Consultant John Sy. from the Philippines to provide listeners with unparalleled expert advice. They break dow...

On this episode of the "Don't Chuck It Up" podcast, host Chuck welcomes financial expert Dan Bisig, CEO of College and Beyond LLC (https://collegeandbeyondllc.com/), to discuss the ins and outs of financial aid for college. 🎓 They explain the difference between the FAFSA and the CSS Profile, emphasizing that nearly every family should fill out the FAFSA regardless of their income or...

In this episode of the Don't Chuck It Up podcast, host Chuck helps students and families navigate the financial challenges of affording an out-of-state college. He shares valuable tips and advice, along with websites to find affordable college options outside of your home state. The episode explores the differences in financial aid and assistance for in-state versus out-of-state public univers...

In the "Don't Chuck It Up" podcast episode titled "Chaotic Times," host Chuck offers advice on navigating the college application and search process amidst a chaotic world. He shares a personal story about his experience at Lawrence University on September 11, 2001, and discusses more recent events, such as a tragedy on a Utah campus and lockdowns at HBCUs. Chuck encourages...

Chuck, the host of the "Don't Chuck It Up Podcast," and guest Lee Norwood, an independent educational consultant and founder of College Sharks, discuss the widespread misinformation about the college application process that circulates among parents. They share their experiences hearing "parent BS" on the sidelines of kids' games and other social gatherings. Lee, a data...

In episode 59 of the podcast "Don't Chuck It Up," host Chuck provides a comprehensive timeline for high school seniors and their parents on navigating the college application process for admissions, scholarships, and financial aid. The episode emphasizes that applying to college is a marathon, not a sprint, and encourages students to start finalizing their list of colleges in the fal...

In this episode of the "Don't Chuck It Up" podcast, host Chuck welcomes Iuri Melo, co-founder of School Pulse, to discuss the critical importance of student mental health and proactive support in education. Melo, a licensed clinical social worker, explains that School Pulse is a proactive service for schools and districts to provide students with resources on positive psychology and...

This episode of the "Don't Chuck It Up" podcast offers an in-depth overview of the college recruitment process for students interested in the fine and performing arts, including music, dance, theater, and studio art. The discussion covers different levels of college study, ranging from extracurricular activities to a major or minor in the arts. Key topics include the various types of...

In episode 56 of the "Don't Chuck It Up" podcast, host Chuck and guest Margaret Rothe, co-founder of CounselMore, discuss the significant changes and responsibilities that come when a student turns 18, particularly regarding the college application process. They cover key topics such as Selective Service registration for male students between 18 and 25, the importance of registering...

In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up , host Chuck Erickson unpacks one of the most misunderstood parts of the college application process: extracurricular activities . Whether you're applying through the Common App , Coalition App , or University of California system , Chuck explains how to build a compelling activities list that truly reflects who you are. 🚀 ✅ Myth-busting moment: You d...

In this practical and empowering episode of Don't Chuck It Up , Chuck is joined by college success coach Mya Andersen from The Student Empowered , where they deliver essential college prep tips for parents whose students are heading off to college this fall. Drawing from her professional expertise and personal experience as a college parent , Mya shares proven strategies to help families ease...

In this insightful episode of Don't Chuck It Up , host Chuck is joined by Kate Malczewski from College Connectors to discuss how parents can effectively support their students throughout the college search and application journey—without taking over the wheel. We share actionable advice for each stage of high school . For 9th and 10th graders, it’s all about building strong academic foundation...

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I good enough to go to college?” —this episode of Don't Chuck It Up is for you. 🎓 Host Chuck Erickson dives into one of the most common fears students face during the college application process: self-doubt. He busts the myth that success only comes from getting into a “Top 20” school (T20), which actually represents less than 1% of colleges in the U.S. Here’s wha...

Feeling overwhelmed by the financial aid process? You’re not alone — and this episode of Don't Chuck It Up is here to help! 🎓 Host Chuck Erickson demystifies the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the newly introduced Student Aid Index (SAI) in clear, simple terms. You'll learn: ✅ What the FAFSA is and why it’s essential for federal, state, and institutional aid ✅ How...

In this episode, Chuck dives into one of the most overlooked factors in choosing a college: LOCATION. Discover how to evaluate travel costs, climate, and weather for your school year. Learn why it’s important to consider medical and nutritional needs, the cost of living off-campus, and local hobbies like sports, concerts, and outdoor activities. Get a well-rounded perspective to help you find a co...