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.

In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, college counselor Chuck interviews former student Elijah Greene, who shares his journey from an unmotivated high schooler in Wisconsin to an elite senior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Despite a "shaky" academic start and a 3.16 high school GPA, Elijah found his drive by focusing on his lifelong dream of becoming an airline pilot, eventually earning straight A's his senior year and writing a standout college essay. Elijah discusses the importance of visiting college campuses to find the right "vibe" and explains how he navigated a "no" from admissions by enrolling in a summer bridge program to prove his capability. Now graduating a full year early with a degree in Aeronautical Science and a minor in Meteorology, Elijah reflects on balancing 19-credit semesters, flight training in 737 simulators, and joining a fraternity. His story serves as an inspiring guide for students interested in aviation careers and the college application process, proving that passion and persistence can overcome early academic hurdles.

In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, college counselor Chuck returns from a holiday hiatus to kick off 2026 with a deep dive into the 2025 podcast data and essential advice for the year ahead. Chuck reveals that since its October 2024 launch, the podcast has reached nearly 3,000 streams across 30 countries, with a global audience particularly active on YouTube. The episode transitions into a candid discussion about the college search and application process, emphasizing that it is a marathon, not a sprint.

Chuck acknowledges the high stress levels fueled by social media "perfection," confusing application portals, and the heavy influx of university communications. To combat this, he outlines six actionable strategies for families: taking a breath away from social media, organizing the campus visit calendar, meticulously reading college communications, dealing with the reality of rejection, understanding financial aid costs, and maintaining optimism. Whether you are a senior facing the May 1st deadline or a junior just starting, this episode provides the clarity and confidence needed to navigate the journey to higher education.

linktr.ee/dontchuckitup

In this episode of Don’t Chuck It Up, host Chuck sits down with Scott Garbini, an independent educational consultant and expert in LGBTQ+ college resources. Together, they dive into the unique challenges and essential considerations for LGBTQAI+ students and their families during the college application process.

From identifying inclusive campuses to understanding when and how to "come out" in a college essay, Scott provides actionable advice for finding a school where students can truly be themselves. Whether you are looking for gender-neutral housing, LGBTQ+ student organizations, or simply a safe and accepting campus culture, this episode is a must-listen for navigating the higher education journey with confidence.

Scott Garbini is the founder of Garbini Education and Career Consulting. As a seasoned independent educational consultant, Scott specializes in helping students find non-linear paths to success and identifying inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ youth. http://www.garbinied.com

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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 Engineering degree and an Engineering Technology degree, clarifying which path leads to more theoretical design versus hands-on learning and implementation. Dr. Stephan provides key insights on why ABET accreditation is fundamental for certain professional engineering careers and how to choose an environment that fosters true creative problem-solving—a necessary skill for every aspiring engineer. This is a must-listen for families seeking clarity on this high-demand degree. (https://www.lanterncollegecounseling.com/ ) (https://www.lanterncollegecounseling.com/insights/which-type-of-engineering-is-right-for-you)

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 often-overlooked financial realities. Kristina emphasizes that families must explore the cost of college early on, utilizing tools like price calculators and understanding the difference between merit awards and need-based aid to ensure the school is actually in the family's budget. Tune in for expert guidance to make the journey of college application less stressful. If you'd like to learn more about Kristinas work! (http://www.estrelaconsulting.com)