All Episodes
Episodes
Ep. 117 | Is NCSA worth it?
In this week's podcast, I discuss organizations like NCSA (Next College Student Athlete).
These programs promise to connect your child with college coaches with the goal of securing athletic scholarships.
If your...
View Episode
Ep. 116 | Is ROTC the perfect hedge?
In this week's podcast, I explore whether ROTC may be the perfect hedge for students who are not prepared for the rigors of a service academy but also don't want to be part of the chaos on traditional college...
View Episode
Ep. 115 | Pain now or later?
In this week's podcast, I juxtapose two very different views on life after high school.
The Case A student chooses the "pain later" path. This student wants college to be the best four years of their life - bar none....
View Episode
Ep. 114 | Do college majors matter anymore?
In this week's podcast, I share a story about my son and a small group of "Fellows" who are trying to land jobs with Palantir.
The scenario encapsulates a lot of what's happening in the real-world right now as it...
View Episode
Ep. 113 | Nomination vs Appointment
In this week's podcast, I do my best to distinguish between a nomination and an appointment.
These terms are often used interchangeably despite having very different meanings.
Please listen to this episode to make...
View Episode
Ep. 112 | How to become a fighter pilot
In this week's podcast, I walk through what it takes to get selected for one of the most sought-after jobs in the Navy and Air Force:
Fighter pilot
I will dig into these important dimensions:
SAT and ACT
Class...
View Episode
Ep. 111 | Which military branch suits you best?
In this week's podcast, I suggest how to pick the branch of service that suits you best.
Part of the analysis has to do with what you are optimizing for:
undergraduate experience?
early work experience?
long-term...
View Episode
Ep. 110 | Financial Literacy Maxxing
In this week's podcast, I encourage students to open up an individual brokerage account and a ROTH IRA.
For students who aspire to a service academy or ROTC program, this is the ultimate move.
I walk them through...
View Episode
Ep. 109 | DoDMERB: A cautionary tale
In this week's podcast, I review what DoDMERB is and how to avoid the pitfalls it may present.
When your child applies to a service academy or ROTC program, they will eventually be prompted to complete an online...
View Episode
Ep. 108 | 5 Nothing-Burger Activities to Avoid
In this week's podcast, I review the 5 biggest nothing-burger extracurricular activities that you should not include in your applications - unless you have no choice.
You might be surprised by the list.
Even though...
View Episode
Ep. 107 | Ethan vs Roman
In this week's episode, I compare the trajectory of two similar students as they transition into college. [Though inspired by real-world stories, these students are fictitious and the outcomes are for illustration...
View Episode
Ep. 106 | The service academy interview
In this week's episode, I review how to prepare for a service academy interview.
Last week, my youngest son sat down with his Blue & Gold officer for his official USNA interview. It was the fourth time the Blue...
View Episode
