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 provides room for a double major. Discover effective strategies for combining dance with challenging academic pursuits like engineering or pre-med. The conversation also unpacks the growing popularity and evolving landscape of the college dance team path, stressing the non-negotiable importance of strong academic requirements for all prospective dancers, ensuring your college application is strong enough to secure your spot and launch your post-graduate dance career. (https://danceintocollege.com/)
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 maximizing the higher education experience, tackling the real-world challenges that students face once they are on campus. This episode offers immense value by addressing a common student pain point: navigating complex academic choices. Learn the critical importance of planning ahead when considering a double major or a major and minor and discover how leveraging your university's alumni network can illuminate your future career path through powerful informational interviews. Tune in for actionable tips to ensure you don't "chuck it up" and set yourself up for a successful, well-planned college journey. If you like to see more of Ricardo https://gpscollegeguidance.org/ and on Instagram @gpscollegeguidance
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 others think of you, making new social situations feel uncomfortable. They address key myths about social anxiety, the first being the misconception that it is purely situational; instead, it stems from a negative self-perception that leads to projecting judgment onto others. The second myth is that one needs to feel confident before taking action, when the reality is the reverse: confidence follows action. The third myth is that avoidance improves anxiety, when in fact, avoidance acts as "steroids" for anxiety, making it stronger and shrinking one's life. Kathryn encourages listeners, particularly students facing college stress, to focus on courage and their personal values (their "why") as a compass to push past anxiety and avoidance, emphasizing that focusing on one's character and seeking connection with others is vital for mental well-being.
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 cycle. Chuck provides straight-to-the-point application tips, including the crucial advice to answer all questions—even the optional ones—and how to correctly detail your extracurricular activities.
You'll also get expert guidance on crafting a standout personal statement, focusing on using powerful 'I' statements in your essays. Don't miss the pro-tip on connecting your recommenders early and a critical reminder to double-check your grammar and capitalization before hitting submit. Tune in for the actionable steps you need to make this application season a success, submit a polished application, and ultimately secure your spot in college.
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 down the intricacies of the US college application process for a global audience, offering vital tips and insider insights for international students and their families to help them navigate their college search and application journey with confidence.
www.universitasph.com Questions? Contact John at johnsy0809@gmail.com
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 savings 💰. The conversation covers the new Student Aid Index (SAI), formerly known as the Expected Family Contribution, and the importance of using the FAFSA estimator early in the college search process. Dan and Chuck also provide a detailed guide on navigating the FSA ID and how to complete financial aid forms in specific situations, such as for divorced parents. They advise listeners to be aware of college deadlines 🗓️ but to wait a week or two after the October 1st opening to avoid system overload. The episode also touches on the value of Net Price Calculators to help families understand the true cost of attendance. Tune in to learn about the FAFSA and CSS Profile so you don't chuck it up!
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 universities, and also delves into how private universities can sometimes be a more affordable option due to merit scholarships. This podcast episode provides essential financial information for the college search process, ensuring parents and students can make educated decisions about where to attend. Tune in so you don't chuck it up when going to college out of state!
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 students and families to pause, take time for themselves, and know that there is still time to apply to colleges. He emphasizes the importance of having multiple options, including a plan B and C, and encourages listeners to look beyond well-known schools and college rankings. Chuck highlights that over half of U.S. colleges have rolling applications, and many are growing and exceeding enrollment expectations. He recommends Jeffrey Selingo's new book, Dream School: Finding the College that's Right for You, as a resource for finding great schools that may not be on a student's radar.
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-driven consultant, emphasizes the importance of using accurate, data-driven information rather than relying on personal anecdotes. They debunk common myths, such as the value of taking AP exams, the relevance of a high GPA compared to course rigor, and the notion that a family's alumni status guarantees admission. The episode stresses that the college search is a personalized journey, and a school's "prestige" or popularity is less important than finding the right fit for the student academically, socially, and financially. They encourage parents to play "chess, not checkers" by considering the long-term goals for their child's education and career, rather than just short-term status symbols. They also highlight the value of in-person college visits and relying on reliable sources like high school websites, counselors, and educational consultants instead of rumor mills. The episode concludes with a reminder that there are many paths to success, and students shouldn't feel pressured to follow a specific trajectory. Learn how to avoid the parent BS so you don't chuck it up!
Use code "chuck50" on www.collegesharks.com for a 50% discount
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 fall. Chuck explains the difference between colleges with specific deadlines and those with rolling admissions, noting that many private and public flagship universities have deadlines in November or later, with some southern colleges having deadlines as early as October 15. The podcast also covers the importance of the FAFSA, which can be started as early as October 1st, and advises parents to complete it by November 1st. Additionally, the episode explains that a student's admission application often doubles as their scholarship application for many colleges, while others may require a separate application later. Finally, Chuck outlines the post-submission timeline, from the review process in the winter to the release of decisions and financial aid awards in the spring, reminding students that they have until at least May 1st to make a final decision.
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 a growth mindset, fostering optimism and academic success. Our chat highlights the growing mental health crisis among youth, noting that a significant number of college dropouts are due to mental health issues. Mello advocates for a shift from reactive intervention to proactive prevention, providing students with foundational skills to protect them from depression, anxiety, and suicide. School Pulse offers a multi-tiered solution for schools, students, and families, including live text-based support, video content, and activities that help teachers, parents, and students navigate challenging topics like anxiety, self-harm, and peer issues. Equipping students with these tools at a young age can lead to a healthier and happier adult population. Tune in and learn how optimism and proactive support can help you.
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 degrees available, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or Bachelor of Music. The episode also offers crucial guidance on preparing for college art portfolio and music audition submissions, which are often required for admission and scholarships. Prospective students will learn about the importance of early preparation, how to research specific program requirements, and the benefits of connecting with faculty. Additionally, the episode addresses the timing of the application process, which is often later than for other fields, and debunks the myth that students must attend a specific, prestigious college to succeed in the arts. This podcast will prepare you for the artistic recruitment process so you don't chuck it up.
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 to vote, and the ability to sign contracts. The episode also delves into financial topics like signing up for student loans, including the Stafford Loan program, and the risks of signing contracts for credit cards or vocational programs without fully understanding the terms. A major focus is on privacy and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), with a detailed discussion on how students' educational records are handled during the application process and once they enroll in college. The hosts emphasize the importance of open communication between students and parents about these new adult responsibilities to help navigate the transition from dependence to independence.
In this episode of "Don't Chuck It Up," your host, Chuck, dives deep into extracurricular activities for college applications. He guides listeners on how to craft a compelling activities list for platforms like the Common App, Coalition App, and University of California App. Chuck debunks the myth that all ten activity slots must be filled, reassuring students that most do not, and that authenticity trumps quantity. Discover the broad definition of an extracurricular, encompassing anything outside of graded class time, including summer activities and online involvement. The episode highlights often-overlooked categories such as volunteering and community service (even helping elderly relatives counts if extensive time is involved!), paid work and employment (yes, babysitting too!), and summer camps. Chuck also discusses traditional school clubs and organizations, music, and sports, advising students to count all practice and travel time not included in class hours. Crucially, he emphasizes including hobbies and personal passions such as reading, baking, collecting moss, working out, and caring for family members or younger siblings. The key takeaway? Don't pick activities to impress, but rather choose those that bring you joy and that you can discuss with genuine passion. So go forth, list those passions, and conquer your college applications like a boss!
This episode of the "Don't Chuck It Up" podcast, hosted by Chuck and featuring college success coach Mya Andersen from The Student Empowered (https://thestudentempowered.com/), provides invaluable college preparation tips for parents whose children are embarking on their higher education journey this fall. Drawing on both professional expertise and personal experience as a parent of a soon-to-be college student, Mya guides listeners through effective parent engagement strategies to ensure a smooth transition to college. Mya discusses helping students manage direct college communications via email and student portals, establishing a "college day" each week to consolidate tasks and discussions, and creating comprehensive to-do lists for university preparation. Our discussion also emphasizes the importance of familiarizing oneself with essential college resources, such as contact information for student accounts, housing, campus security, and counseling services, as well as local community support. This comprehensive parent guide for college readiness aims to equip families with the tools needed to support their students in becoming successful college students. Tune in to get empowered and help your student conquer college like a boss!
This episode of the "Don't Chuck It Up" podcast, hosted by Chuck and featuring Kate Malczewski from College Connectors, focuses on empowering parents to guide their students through the college search and application journey. Our advice includes encouraging a strong high school experience in 9th and 10th grades by fostering academic curiosity and exploring diverse extracurriculars, which build leadership and self-advocacy skills. We recommend that parents introduce college concepts early by visiting campuses for events or casual tours, as well as utilizing virtual tours, to make the idea of college more tangible and accessible. For juniors and seniors, parents should be in the passenger seat, empowering their student to lead the process and encouraging self-reflection on their needs and study habits. We also discuss the importance of setting clear financial expectations early, as college costs are rising and student contributions are increasingly expected. Furthermore, parents are encouraged to broaden their perspective beyond just well-known or "ESPN" schools, as the admissions landscape is highly competitive for selective institutions, and a wide variety of schools can offer excellent opportunities. Finally, we provide practical tips for fostering independence, including having students make their own appointments, run errands, understand basic health information, and fill out forms, all of which prepare them for the transition to college life.
Join Chuck on "Don't Chuck It Up" as he tackles the pervasive student concern: "Am I good enough to go to college?" This episode reassures students that college is attainable for everyone, regardless of their academic profile. Chuck debunks the myth that only "T20" schools (the top 20 colleges, representing less than 1% of all U.S. institutions) guarantee success. He encourages listeners to look beyond popular social media trends and instead focus on the hundreds, if not thousands, of colleges actively seeking students like them. Discover how to identify schools that want you and why being open to different locations and types of institutions can lead to finding your perfect college fit.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of applying for financial aid? In this essential episode of the "Don't Chuck It Up" podcast, your host, Chuck, breaks down the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and sheds light on the crucial Student Aid Index (SAI).
Chuck breaks down exactly what the FAFSA is, why it's so important for accessing Federal, state, and institutional aid, and guides listeners through the entire application process. Chuck delves into the newly implemented Student Aid Index (SAI), explaining its purpose and the calculation method. He will walk you through how to complete the FAFSA Estimator so you can discover what your SAI could be. He'll clarify that the SAI is not what you'll pay for college, but rather a number colleges use to determine your financial need and ultimately, your financial aid package. Learn what factors influence your SAI, why a lower SAI is generally better for maximizing aid eligibility (even potentially going negative!), and how colleges utilize this figure to craft your offer.
Whether you're a student preparing for college or a parent navigating the financial aid landscape, this episode is packed with practical advice and insider tips to help you confidently complete your FAFSA Estimator and understand your Student Aid Index, putting you on the path to securing the financial assistance you need for your higher education journey. Don't chuck up your chances at valuable financial aid – tune in and let Chuck guide the way!
Welcome to the Don't Chuck It Up podcast. In this episode, I discuss the often overlooked but oh so important part of college: LOCATION. I'll start with places you know and help you think about other possibilities. What are the travel costs? Make sure you consider the climate and the weather for the school year. Will you have your necessary medical and nutritional needs met? What is the cost of living off-campus, and what hobbies might you have nearby? This could be sporting events, concerts, outdoor activities, and more! This discussion aims to equip you with a holistic view of your college selection, urging you to think beyond the campus gates and consider the broader context of your potential new home.
In this insightful episode of the "Don't Chuck It Up" podcast, Chuck sits down with Cheryl Rapp to enlighten us on 529 plans- a powerful tool for saving towards future educational expenses. Cheryl Rapp is the College Investment Program Finance Officer with EDVest529 in Wisconsin. https://www.edvest.com/ She explains 529 plans as tax-advantaged savings for education, growing tax-deferred with tax-free withdrawals for qualified expenses, including tuition and student loan repayments. Investing early maximizes growth through compounding interest, but it's never too late to start your 529 plan. We dive into who can start one, how to get it started, what plans might be best for you, and much more! Listen as Cheryl's insights make understanding and utilizing 529 plans straightforward, helping families financially secure their children's educational future.
