In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, host Chuck Erickson unpacks one of the most misunderstood parts of the college application process: extracurricular activities.

Whether you're applying through the Common App, Coalition App, or University of California system, Chuck explains how to build a compelling activities list that truly reflects who you are. 🚀

✅ Myth-busting moment: You don’t need to fill all 10 activity slots. Authenticity and passion matter more than quantity!

🎯 Chuck covers:

• What actually qualifies as an extracurricular (hint: it's anything outside of graded class time!)
  

• The value of volunteering and community service – even caring for family members or helping a neighbor
  

• Why paid jobs, babysitting, and summer activities count just as much as school clubs
  

• How to accurately include music, sports, and online hobbies – and yes, even collecting moss or baking!
  

• Tips on writing about your activities with genuine enthusiasm and intention
  

💡 Pro Tip: Colleges want to see what makes you unique. So don’t list activities to impress—list what makes you excited.

Whether you’re a student prepping your apps or a parent helping behind the scenes, this episode will help you own your story and stand out on your college applications.

🎧 Tune in now and get ready to crush your activities list with confidence!

In this practical and empowering episode of Don't Chuck It Up, Chuck is joined by college success coach Mya Andersen from The Student Empowered, where they deliver essential college prep tips for parents whose students are heading off to college this fall.

Drawing from her professional expertise and personal experience as a college parent, Mya shares proven strategies to help families ease the transition from high school to higher education. Learn how to support your student without micromanaging—by encouraging independence, teaching them to manage their college emails and portals, and even setting up a weekly “college day” to tackle important tasks together.

We also cover:

• ✅ How to build and track a college prep to-do list
  

• ✅ What campus resources you should know ahead of time (student accounts, housing, counseling, safety & more)
  

• ✅ Tips for engaging in meaningful (and helpful!) college conversations with your student
  

• ✅ The importance of community support and how to find it
  

This episode is your go-to parent guide to college readiness, packed with actionable advice that empowers you and your student for success.

🎧 Whether you're feeling excited, nervous, or both—tune in to learn how to support your student like a pro and help them thrive in their first year of college.

In this insightful episode of Don't Chuck It Up, host Chuck is joined by Kate Malczewski from College Connectors to discuss how parents can effectively support their students throughout the college search and application journey—without taking over the wheel.

We share actionable advice for each stage of high school. For 9th and 10th graders, it’s all about building strong academic foundations, fostering curiosity, and exploring diverse extracurricular activities to develop leadership and self-advocacy skills. For juniors and seniors, we emphasize shifting into the passenger seat—empowering students to take ownership, reflect on what they need in a college, and manage their own application timelines.

Kate and Chuck also explore how to introduce the college conversation early through campus visits (both in-person and virtual) and how this makes college more tangible and less intimidating. We also stress the importance of setting clear financial expectations early on, as college costs continue to rise and students are increasingly expected to contribute.

Parents will learn how to broaden their search beyond the "ESPN schools" (those big-name, high-profile institutions) and discover why great-fit colleges exist all across the country, offering amazing opportunities regardless of brand name.

Lastly, we offer practical life-readiness tips—encouraging students to schedule their own appointments, understand their health needs, fill out forms, and take responsibility for daily tasks, all of which ease the transition to college.

💡 Whether you're a first-time college parent or just looking for new strategies, this episode is packed with real talk and practical steps to help your student succeed—without “chucking it up.”

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I good enough to go to college?”—this episode of Don't Chuck It Up is for you.

🎓 Host Chuck Erickson dives into one of the most common fears students face during the college application process: self-doubt. He busts the myth that success only comes from getting into a “Top 20” school (T20), which actually represents less than 1% of colleges in the U.S.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this empowering episode: ✅ Why college is attainable for every student — not just straight-A achievers ✅ How to look beyond the hype of “elite” schools and social media rankings ✅ Tips for identifying colleges that are actively seeking you ✅ Why being flexible with location, size, and type of school opens more doors ✅ How to shift your mindset from “Am I good enough?” to “Which schools are good for me?”

✨ College isn’t about being the “perfect” student — it’s about finding the right fit. Whether you’re a high-achiever, a late bloomer, or just starting to explore your options, this episode will help you feel confident in your college journey.

🎧 Don’t let doubt hold you back. Tune in now and take your first step toward a future that fits YOU.

Feeling overwhelmed by the financial aid process? You’re not alone — and this episode of Don't Chuck It Up is here to help! 🎓 Host Chuck Erickson demystifies the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the newly introduced Student Aid Index (SAI) in clear, simple terms.

You'll learn: ✅ What the FAFSA is and why it’s essential for federal, state, and institutional aid ✅ How to complete the FAFSA Estimator and get a preview of your SAI ✅ What the Student Aid Index actually means (hint: it’s NOT your out-of-pocket cost) ✅ How colleges use the SAI to calculate your financial aid package ✅ Why a lower SAI can mean more aid — and how yours can even go negative

Whether you're a high school student applying for college or a parent navigating the financial aid maze, this episode gives you the tools and confidence to maximize your financial aid potential. 💸

🔑 Don’t miss out on money for college — tune in and take control of your future today!

In this episode, Chuck dives into one of the most overlooked factors in choosing a college: LOCATION. Discover how to evaluate travel costs, climate, and weather for your school year. Learn why it’s important to consider medical and nutritional needs, the cost of living off-campus, and local hobbies like sports, concerts, and outdoor activities. Get a well-rounded perspective to help you find a college that feels like home beyond just academics. Tune in for practical tips on making your college location work for you!

Join Chuck and Cheryl Rapp, College Investment Program Finance Officer at EDVest529, as they unpack everything you need to know about 529 plans—tax-advantaged savings accounts designed to help families fund future education expenses. Learn how 529 plans grow tax-deferred, offer tax-free withdrawals for qualified costs like tuition and student loans, and why starting early can boost your savings. Cheryl shares who can open an account, how to get started, and tips for choosing the best plan. Secure your child’s college future with smart financial planning! More info at edvest.com.

Want to get recruited by your dream college? Whether it’s athletics, performing arts, or competitive programs, this episode breaks down how to stand out. Learn how to connect with admissions, navigate virtual and in-person visits, and impress coaches and directors. Perfect for students and parents ready to turn college dreams into reality!

Ready to ace your college entrance exams? On this episode of Don’t Chuck It Up, Chuck interviews Dr. Kelly Frindell, founder of In House Test Prep and expert in educational psychology. Discover everything you need to know about the ACT and SAT — including which test fits you best, key differences, and how to prepare effectively.

Learn how to overcome test anxiety, boost executive functioning skills like organization and time management, and maximize your test scores. Whether you’re a high school student, parent, or educator, this episode offers proven strategies to confidently navigate the college admissions testing process.

Don’t miss this empowering conversation packed with actionable advice that will help you unlock your full potential and get closer to your dream college!

Ever wonder what truly sets a dedicated college advisor apart? In this illuminating episode of the Don't Chuck It Up podcast, Chuck pulls back the curtain on what makes his approach to college search and applications so effective. Go beyond the typical high school counselor experience as he deep dives into the unique blend of years of experience, specialized training, and a comprehensive background that enables him to guide students and families through this often-daunting process. Discover the distinctive qualities and insights that empower him to be your ultimate college navigator.