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

Chuck Erickson - Independent Educational Consultant and College Counselor

Don't Chuck It Up is your go-to podcast for college admissions guidance. Hosted by Chuck Erickson, this show helps students and parents navigate applications, essays, financial aid, scholarships, campus visits, test prep, and more. Each episode features actionable advice and expert guests to reduce stress and increase success. Whether you're aiming for a big university or a small liberal arts college, this podcast gives you the tools to make smart, informed decisions. Tune in and don’t chuck it up—your college future starts here!

  1. The Full-Ride Myth: What International Families Need to Know About Paying for College Ep. 83

    1 DAY AGO

    The Full-Ride Myth: What International Families Need to Know About Paying for College Ep. 83

    In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, college counselor Chuck sits down with Manila-based independent educational consultant John Sy. to demystify the complexities of financing a US education for international students. The duo explores the critical differences between public vs. private universities, explaining how out-of-state tuition impacts non-US passport holders and why some institutions offer "discount" merit scholarships to attract global talent. John provides a reality check on the highly competitive nature of full-ride scholarships, the limitations of on-campus employment under student visa regulations, and the importance of reading the fine print on full tuition offers that may exclude room and board. Whether you are searching for affordable US colleges or navigating the international admissions process, this conversation provides essential strategies for finding a school that fits your family's budget without sacrificing academic quality.

    55 min
  2. The College Search Shift: From Coastal Dreams to Small Liberal Arts Reality Ep. 82

    5 MAR

    The College Search Shift: From Coastal Dreams to Small Liberal Arts Reality Ep. 82

    In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, college counselor Chuck interviews Mason Campbell, a sophomore at Coe College who pivoted from dreaming of coastal schools and Disney to finding his fit at a small liberal arts college in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mason discusses the realities of being a D3 student-athlete, balancing a biology pre-med major with the rigorous schedule of a starting center on the football team. He highlights the benefits of Coe’s 4-4-1 academic calendar, specifically his upcoming May Term study abroad trip to Europe, and explains how the close-knit community and Supplemental Instruction (SI) helped him transition from a high schooler who never studied to a successful college student. Whether you are navigating the college recruitment process or curious about the pre-med track, Mason’s journey offers essential advice on finding a school where you stay for the people and the relationships with your professors.

    36 min
  3. Beat the Sophomore Slump: Essential College Success Strategies with Mya Anderson Ep. 81

    19 FEB

    Beat the Sophomore Slump: Essential College Success Strategies with Mya Anderson Ep. 81

    In this episode of Don’t Chuck It Up, host Chuck is joined by college success expert Mya Anderson to tackle the often-overlooked "sophomore slump" and provide essential parenting tips for supporting students during their second year of college. The conversation dives deep into student success strategies, emphasizing the importance of shifting mindsets from "not knowing what you don't know" to identifying current knowledge gaps and utilizing academic resources like professor office hours. Aimed at helping families navigate the complexities of higher education with clarity, this episode explores how to foster independence while maintaining a strong family support system to ensure long-term student retention and academic growth. Whether you are a parent of a rising sophomore or an educator, these insights offer a roadmap for moving beyond the first-year transition and into a thriving college experience. If you want more info about Mya Visit her website here: https://thestudentempowered.com/

    51 min
  4. Small Town to D1 University: Finding Your College Fit Outside Your Home State Ep. 80

    13 FEB

    Small Town to D1 University: Finding Your College Fit Outside Your Home State Ep. 80

    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.

    46 min

  5. 5 FEB

    ROTC Scholarship Secrets: How to Get College Paid for with Lisa Hillhouse Ep. 79

    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/

    58 min
  6. The Upward Trend: How Focusing on GPA Junior Year Opens College Doors Ep. 78

    31 JAN

    The Upward Trend: How Focusing on GPA Junior Year Opens College Doors Ep. 78

    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.

    34 min
  7. Beyond the Classroom: Why Passion is the Secret Engine for Struggling High Schoolers Ep 77

    23 JAN

    Beyond the Classroom: Why Passion is the Secret Engine for Struggling High Schoolers Ep 77

    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.

    39 min
  8. The College Application Process: Why It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint Ep. 76

    15 JAN

    The College Application Process: Why It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint Ep. 76

    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

    28 min
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About

Don't Chuck It Up is your go-to podcast for college admissions guidance. Hosted by Chuck Erickson, this show helps students and parents navigate applications, essays, financial aid, scholarships, campus visits, test prep, and more. Each episode features actionable advice and expert guests to reduce stress and increase success. Whether you're aiming for a big university or a small liberal arts college, this podcast gives you the tools to make smart, informed decisions. Tune in and don’t chuck it up—your college future starts here!

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