All Episodes
Episodes
Ep. 093 | Why do service academies care so much about academics?
In today's episode, I review why the service academies care so much about:
SAT/ACT
GPA
Rigor of coursework
Why did all the service academies continue to require standardized test scores when nearly every other...
View Episode
Ep. 092 | How to maximize flexibility and minimize cost
In today's episode, I redefine what your child's #1 priority should be when planning for college.
Years ago, the priorities were:
How do I get into an Ivy League, Top 15, or Top 20 college?
What should I major...
View Episode
Ep. 091 | How college/career decisions impact pathway to adulthood
In today's episode, I discuss three common college/career pathways and how they may impact your child's road to adulthood:
Ivy League schools
Non-Ivy League schools
Service academies & ROTC
Which way is your...
View Episode
Ep. 090 | State Maritime Academies
In today's episode, I discuss the uniqueness of the 6 state maritime academies:
Cal Poly Maritime Academy
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
Maine Maritime Academy
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
SUNY Maritime Academy
Texas...
View Episode
Ep. 089 | Letters of Recommendation
In today's episode, I discuss how to ensure that your child secures outstanding letters of recommendation.
Unfortunately, a lot of students take this part of the process lightly.
They think the teacher is the one who...
View Episode
Ep. 088 | How to become a commissioned officer
In today's episode, I discuss different ways individuals can become commissioned officers in the U.S. military.
Service Academies
ROTC
Officer Candidate School (OCS)
Senior Military Academies (ROTC)
Direct...
View Episode
Ep. 087 | How will AI impact these 4 cohorts
In today's episode, I discuss how AI will impact 4 cohorts:
recent college graduates
college students
high school students
middle school students
I will also opine on how AI might affect students who choose to...
View Episode
Ep. 086 | What to expect from your guidance counselor
In today's episode, I discuss what you should expect from your school's guidance counselor.Â
Extracurricular activity audit?
Suggestions for leadership roles?
Summer strategy and planning?
College essay...
View Episode
Ep. 085 | How will AI impact college graduates?
In today's episode, I wrestle with the tension between sticking to the old playbook (e.g. traditional college) vs. doing something more non-traditional (e.g. service academies/ROTC) in light of the AI revolution that...
View Episode
Ep. 084 | Traditional colleges vs. service academies
In today's episode, I compare various activities/experiences at traditional colleges versus service academies.
dorm life
social life
academics
job placement
finances
adversity
shared mission
leadership
Which path...
View Episode
Ep. 083 | How to get on the right math track
In today's episode, I discuss the importance of the SAT (especially the math section) for students interested in service academies and ROTC scholarships.
In a perfect world, your child will be at least one grade-level...
View Episode
Ep. 082 | Ship Selection
In today's episode, I walk through how midshipmen at the Naval Academy choose the ship they will serve on upon graduation.
Note: Not every midshipman will be assigned to a ship. Only midshipman who are drafted into...
View Episode
