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)
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 through the UCAS system, a crucial step for UK universities. They also dive deep into student life and the reality of UK housing, explaining the differences between US-style "dorm life" and the UK concepts of "accommodations" and "catered" versus "self-catered halls", helping you navigate your college application journey without breaking a sweat. (http://www.uscollegeconsulting.com) Learn more here if you enjoyed the conversation today!
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 for navigating the process. They provide actionable advice on how to correctly categorize activities and academics on the Common App , create a concise, one-page official transcript , and determine the appropriate GPA (recommending a weighted, high ethical GPA). The experts also emphasize the importance of rigor and validation through outside sources like dual enrollment or AP classes, and crafting clear, compelling, and brief course descriptions (avoiding 72-page summaries!). Finally, they detail why parents acting as the school counselor should include a homeschool profile to explain their educational philosophy, grading scale, and provide crucial context about educational partners. For more in-depth guidance, listeners are encouraged to check out their book, College Unmazed. (https://www.collegeunmazed.com/homeschool)
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 find directionality and build intention rather than a final destination. The conversation focuses on two key tools: the evidence-based Myers-Briggs Strong Interest Inventory, which explores natural interests that may change over time, and the Highlands Ability Battery (HAB), which assesses hardwired, natural aptitudes and personal styles that are unlikely to change. These career counseling tools help students understand themselves better, leading to more authentic college applications and better-informed choices about potential college majors. Chuck and Amy also stress the importance of exploring options beyond core academics, utilizing resources like CareerOneStop.org, and developing durable skills (like problem-solving and communication) that are vital for future career pivots. The biggest myth debunked is that applying undecided is a bad choice, especially since 75% of students change their majors. https://www.at-edconsulting.com/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-trinnaman-b6601814)
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 application and the CSU application processes. They emphasize that simply meeting the A-G minimum requirements for subjects like foreign language or math is insufficient for freshman admission competitiveness at the UCs, which evaluate students based on a high count of A-G semesters throughout all four years of high school. This critical discussion is designed to help students and families successfully navigate the rigorous college admissions landscape and apply strategically, especially when considering highly selective or impacted majors and campuses in California. (https://magellancounseling.com/the-california-conundrum/ AND https://magellancounseling.com/uc-advice/) (https://magellancounseling.com/college-counselor-evelyn-jerome-alexander/)
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.