College Connectors - Wisconsin

In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, host Chuck speaks with Rebecca Stuart-Orlowski (Orlowski College Consulting) about supporting non-traditional students through the college admissions process.
Highlights:
• Who is Non-Traditional? Beyond adult learners over 23, this includes homeschooled students, online degree seekers, gap-year takers, and anyone taking an unconventional path.
• Flexible Degree Options: Exploring part-time college, accelerated 3-year bachelor's degrees, and credit for work experience.
• Transcripts & Financial Aid: Why you must submit transcripts from every school attended—and why admissions offices are forgiving of past academic bumps.
• The Community College Advantage: Using local colleges to reset GPAs, gain accommodations, and successfully transfer to a 4-year university.
No matter the detour, there is always a clear path to finishing your degree!

In this episode of the Don't Chuck It Up podcast, host Chuck sits down with Dr. Eric Endlich—a clinical psychologist, independent educational consultant, and founder of Top College Consultants—to discuss navigating the college search and transition process for neurodivergent students, including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and executive functioning challenges. The conversation dives deep into the critical distinction between getting admitted to college and true college readiness, emphasizing how non-academic independent living skills like time management, self-advocacy, and daily routines often determine long-term success. Dr. Endlich explains the differences between legally mandated, fee-free disability accommodations and specialized, comprehensive support programs that offer dedicated executive functioning coaches and peer cohorts, while also tackling the cost considerations and alternative options like external academic success coaching.
Beyond campus support systems, the discussion highlights practical steps parents and high school students can take to build confidence and independence well before move-in day. The hosts explore how high schoolers can leverage their genuine special interests—whether through unique hobbies, summer programs, or digital portfolios featured on college applications—to stand out in admissions without needing to fit the outdated mold of a "well-rounded" student. Finally, Dr. Endlich highlights the value of post-grad gap years and summer bridge experiences, explaining how giving a student's brain extra time to mature can help them explore career paths, develop essential life skills, and ensure they thrive once they arrive on campus.

🎉 10,000 plays! 🎉

Don't Chuck It Up just crossed 10,000 plays and downloads on Spotify, and I'm so grateful.

When I started this podcast, the goal was simple: help families find the college that fits, not just the one with the biggest name. Every play means someone took time to listen, and I don't take that lightly.
Thank you to every listener, guest, and family who has shared an episode or sent a kind note along the way. You're the reason this keeps going.

If you haven't tuned in yet, now's a great time to start. Episodes cover everything from essays and majors to test prep and finding fit without the panic. 🎧

👉 Listen anywhere: https://linktr.ee/dontchuckitup
Here's to the next 10,000! 🦫🎓

Don't Chuck It Up Consultant Business Coach - Book a Strategy Call - Business & Professional Services on Instagram, TikTok | Linktree Don’t Chuck It Up — College Plans That Actually Work

The best college is the one that’s right for YOU! Focus your search on Your wishlist and you’ll find a community where you will thrive! Learn more about how to keep your centered on YOU by visiting https://ctcl.org/read-the-ctcl-guide-how-to-choose-a-college/PPP

Navigating college admissions? You don't have to figure it out alone!
Check out my YouTube channel, Don't Chuck It Up — where we cut through the noise on college admissions and focus on what actually matters: finding the right fit, not chasing rankings.

You'll find videos on everything from writing a standout college essay, to choosing a major (without the panic), to ACT/SAT prep, and supporting gifted teens through the process. Whether you're a student, a parent, or just curious about the world of admissions, there's something for you — plus quick Shorts if you want the highlights on the go.

👇 Give it a watch, hit subscribe, and share it with a family navigating the process right now.

https://youtube.com/

In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, host Chuck Erickson sits down with independent educational consultant Gerene Keesler (owner of Admissions Untangled) to demystify the college search for neurodivergent students, including those with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and hidden learning differences. Highlighting her own journey of being diagnosed with fetal autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy while in college, Gerene shares powerful insights on shifting from feeling ashamed to embracing accommodations early on. Together, they offer crucial college planning advice for parents and students navigating disability services, exploring campus accessibility, and distinguishing between being "college capable" and truly "college ready". From practical campus tour strategies—like asking current students about professor accessibility and test-driving physical campus layouts—to managing FERPA privacy rights and emergency contact plans, this discussion equips families with the tools to reduce stress and find the right higher education fit.
Whether you are a high school student learning to self-advocate or a parent supporting a student with unique learning styles, this conversation illuminates how accessibility offices, virtual info sessions, and reasonable accommodations in housing and academics can transform the college transition into an empowering experience. By taking proactive steps—like securing accommodations before freshman year starts and exploring tailored writing workshops—families can skip the "first-year slump" and build a seamless path toward college success.

🎙️ New episode alert (a little late, but worth the listen!) — we dropped this one a couple weeks ago and totally spaced on sharing it, so here it is now 😅
On this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, I dig into why the college search doesn't have to be a stress-fest. Drawing on Dr. Steve Antonoff's philosophy, we talk about reframing the whole process as a season of discovery instead of a high-pressure sprint.
Inside this one:
✨ Why chasing prestige over fit backfires
✨ How stress literally flattens essays and burns kids out
✨ Real college visit tips (yes, sample the dining hall food!)
✨ How parents can manage their own planning anxiety — and protect quality time with their teen
If your family is deep in college search season, this episode is your permission slip to slow down. Link in bio to listen 🎧

In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, host Chuck sits down with Mark Talaga, host of the Hopelessly Gifted podcast, a licensed professional counselor and director of the Center for Identity Potential, to discuss navigating the college search and transition process for gifted, talented, twice-exceptional (2E), and neurodivergent students. They dive deep into the unique challenges these complex learners face—especially asynchronous development, where high academic capability masks critical gaps in executive functioning, emotional regulation, and independent living skills. The conversation reframes gifted education as a form of special education, highlighting why traditional college prep often falls short for students whose "simple is complex and complex is simple." Packed with actionable college admissions strategies and parenting tips, the episode explores how families and high school counselors can proactively set neurodivergent teens up for post-secondary success. Mark Talaga and Chuck discuss practical solutions like gap year programs, practicing real-world tasks (such as drafting emails to professors or doing dry-runs of campus navigation), utilizing accessibility offices, and shifting focus from GPA perfection to long-term well-being. Whether you are a parent supporting an intense learner or a counselor looking for targeted student guidance, this episode offers vital insights into removing shame, building executive function skills, and choosing the right college fit for asynchronous students.

When the Simple is Complex: Executive Function and College Prep for Gifted Teens w/Mark Talaga Ep106 In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, host Chuck sits down with Mar...

In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, host Chuck sits down with Mark Talaga, host of the Hopelessly Gifted podcast, a licensed professional counselor and director of the Center for Identity Potential, to discuss navigating the college search and transition process for gifted, talented, twice-exceptional (2E), and neurodivergent students. They dive deep into the unique challenges these complex learners face—especially asynchronous development, where high academic capability masks critical gaps in executive functioning, emotional regulation, and independent living skills. The conversation reframes gifted education as a form of special education, highlighting why traditional college prep often falls short for students whose "simple is complex and complex is simple." Packed with actionable college admissions strategies and parenting tips, the episode explores how families and high school counselors can proactively set neurodivergent teens up for post-secondary success. Mark Talaga and Chuck discuss practical solutions like gap year programs, practicing real-world tasks (such as drafting emails to professors or doing dry-runs of campus navigation), utilizing accessibility offices, and shifting focus from GPA perfection to long-term well-being. Whether you are a parent supporting an intense learner or a counselor looking for targeted student guidance, this episode offers vital insights into removing shame, building executive function skills, and choosing the right college fit for asynchronous students.

The hardest part of my job? Finding new clients every year! 😄

If you know a family navigating the college search or getting ready to start applications, I'd love to connect with them. Over the past 12 years, I've had the privilege of working with 300+ students — helping them find colleges that are the right fit academically, socially, and financially.

My goal is simple: reduce the stress, keep things on track, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Know someone who could use a hand? Send them my way — I'd love to chat! 🎓