College Connectors - Wisconsin

09/15/2026

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/

09/12/2026

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.

09/11/2026

🎙️ 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 🎧

09/10/2026

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.

In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, host Chuck sits down with Mar...

09/10/2026

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.

09/09/2026

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! 🎓

08/29/2026

Navigating the modern college admissions process doesn't have to be overwhelming, and in this episode of the Don't Chuck It Up podcast, host Chuck Erickson teams up with test prep expert Eric Rath (founder of Rath Tutoring) to demystify ACT vs. SAT prep, changing test-optional policies, and effective college entrance exam strategies. Aimed at helping high school students and parents reduce stress, the discussion breaks down how test-optional landscapes are shifting in 2026, why high schoolers shouldn't fear being "bad test takers," and how selecting the right standardized test comes down to student preference rather than regional myths. From creating a realistic 15-month test prep timeline and managing study burnout to treating standardized testing like a skill-building sport rather than an IQ test, this episode delivers actionable college planning advice to help families build confidence, maximize scores, and smoothly navigate the journey to higher education.

08/25/2026

In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, host Chuck draws on his 25-year higher education background and experience reading over 25,000 Common App essays to relieve the high-stakes pressure surrounding the college application essay. He busts the myth that students need an earth-shattering topic or an overly sophisticated, thesaurus-heavy vocabulary to impress admissions officers who often spend just a few minutes reading each application.

In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, host Chuck draws on his 25-ye...

08/25/2026

In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, host Chuck addresses the widespread anxiety surrounding choosing a college major, reassuring students and parents that a chosen field of study is merely a flexible starting point rather than a rigid life sentence.

In this episode of Don't Chuck It Up, host Chuck addresses the wide...

08/25/2026

Parents of high school seniors — is the college search feeling more overwhelming than exciting right now? You're not alone, and you don't have to figure it all out by yourself.

I'm offering free 30-minute consultations to talk through where your student is in the process, answer your questions, and help you figure out your next best step. No pressure, no sales pitch — just a real conversation.

Text me at 920-585-4300 to grab a time. Let's make this year feel a little more manageable.