In this episode of the Don’t Chuck It Up podcast, college counselor Chuck chats with former student Hattie Nesvig about her inspiring journey from a rural high school in Western Montana to becoming a biomedical and mechanical engineering double major at Colorado State University (CSU). Designed for families navigating the college search and application process, this conversation explores how students from small towns can overcome limited local resources by leveraging online learning, dual enrollment, and AP classes to build a competitive academic profile. Hattie shares candid insights on managing a high-stakes engineering degree alongside pre-med requirements, balancing multi-sport athletics with community service, and the unique challenges of applying to top universities while recovering from major surgery. Whether you are a student athlete or a woman in STEM, this episode offers a roadmap for finding the right college fit and maintaining the work ethic needed to succeed at a D1 university.

In this episode of Don’t Chuck It Up, host and college counselor Chuck welcomes ROTC scholarship expert and military service academy specialist Lisa Hillhouse to break down the "nuts and bolts" of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. Designed for high school students and families navigating the college application process, this guide explores how ROTC programs offer a "real college experience" combined with elite leadership development and a guaranteed career as a commissioned officer. Listeners will learn about the different branches—including Army ROTC, Navy and Marine Corps ROTC, and Air Force and Space Force ROTC—as well as the specific qualities like physical fitness and academic excellence required to win competitive ROTC scholarships. Whether you are interested in tuition assistance, military service, or finding the right civilian college with a cross-town ROTC agreement, this episode provides the clarity and confidence needed to master the military march to college.

Want more information! Check out the links below.

https://www.hillhousecollegeadvising.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HillhouseCollegeAdvising

https://www.afrotc.com/college-locator/

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/find-your-path/army-officers/rotc/find-schools

https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/NROTC/Program-Information/Navy-ROTC-Schools/

In this episode of the Don't Chuck It Up podcast, host Chuck—a professional college counselor—sits down with former student Cameron Chudacoff to explore the real-world student experience of navigating the college search and application process. Cameron, now a sophomore at the University of Tampa, shares valuable college admissions advice for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors looking to build a realistic strategy for higher education. The conversation dives into the transition from being a high school student-athlete in Appleton, Wisconsin, to finding academic success as an accounting major and aspiring entrepreneur in Florida. Whether you are looking for tips on student recruitment, career planning, or how to find the right college match, this episode provides the clarity and confidence needed to succeed in the competitive 2026 admissions landscape.