In today's episode, I urge families to re-think what it means to find a "best-fit" college. In my experience, when students, parents, and counselors talk about "fit", they really mean "comfort".

Is this the best way to approach the college search?

Are you looking for a college experience that is comfortable -- or challenging?

Today's episode focuses on the importance of your GPA. Not your high school GPA, but your college GPA. How much does your college GPA matter based on whether you attend a service academy, ROTC program, or traditional college.

In this episode, I reflect on my first Army-Navy football game. Hear about the unique experiences and traditions that make this one of the best competitions in the country.

In this episode, I discuss the long-term benefits of being part of a service academy network.

In this episode, I discuss how students who attend service academies or ROTC programs (IMO) are tripling their chances of succeeding in life, compared to students who attend traditional colleges.

The leverage they gain comes from 3 things:

1. Professional training and education in STEM

2. An unparalleled financial package

3. Real-world, leadership experience

How so some students select their branch of service? Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine?

Why do some people hesitate to consider service academies and ROTC programs?

- I don't understand what they are

- I want a "real" college experience

- My child is not disciplined enough

- My child is not interested in combat

- My daughter has ADHD

Listen to the counterpoints to some of these commons friction points when it comes to these unique opportunities.

If you have a daughter who is: (1) smart, (2) athletic, and (3) inclined to be a leader... she should consider applying to a service academy. This advice may come as a shock to some. However, there are inherent advantages for females at the service academies. Find out what they are and how your daughter might take advantage of them.

This episode is only for students with the following characteristics: - Smart - Athletic - Leadership potential - Unsure about college major, career, job prospects - Adventure-oriented - Would prefer $125K in the bank vs. $125K in student loan debt If this describes you or your child, please give this a listen.

Not every college in the United States has an ROTC program on its campus. In this episode, I walk through how to determine which colleges have ROTC programs and for which military branches (e.g. Army, Navy, Air Force). This is Step 1 in creating a target list of colleges. [Based on ServeWell Academy’s online course: Week 51 of Sophomore Year.]

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Learn about ServeWell Academy’s online mentoring program here: https://www.servewellacademy.com/

What are your child’s chances of getting into a service academy? Take this Quiz: https://ezxlxe3zcjj.typeform.com/takethequiz