Sweet 13 Bonus: Thirteen Years of Homeschool Help

October 1, 2026 by Ultimate Homeschool Leave a Comment

College Prep Genius is part of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network — and the network has a birthday this month.

This month the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network turns thirteen, and this is the birthday episode.

The format is simple. Hosts from across the network each took one real question from a homeschool parent — the kind that actually lands in an inbox — and answered it. Thirteen questions, about half an hour, running on every feed in the network this week.

Who you will hear: Felice Gerwitz on whether to homeschool at all · Hal and Melanie Young on boys who will not sit still · Dr. Melanie Wilson on why you are already behind · Sabrina and Vicki from 7Sisters on the high school transcript · Sue Myers on a fever and a two-year-old · Meryl van der Merwe on teenagers and AI · Meredith Curtis on getting the joy back · Lisa Nehring on life skills before they launch.

Felice closes it herself, with the part she does not usually say out loud: what it cost to keep this network on the air for thirteen years, and why the people who podcast here are unsung heroes.

If you have only ever listened to this one show, consider this your introduction to the rest of them.

🎂 The Sweet 13 Giveaway is open. More than $1,500 in prizes, four drawings across October, and a free party favor for everyone who enters. Enter at ultimateradioshow.com/sweet-13 — October 1 through 29. No purchase necessary, US residents 18+, official rules here.

Presented by Eden’s Table. Use code EDEN13.

Checklist For College 11-12 (Replay)

June 9, 2025 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

Checklist for College 11-12 Grades ~ Episode 82 with Jean Burk

Additional Podcasts:

Testing in the time of COVID

*****

Why go to College?

Why go? College child the ability to get jobs that require a college degree.
Teach children to interact with and
Freedom, responsibility, learn to deal with a schedule, learn good work ethics ready for a job.

Excuses For Not Attending College:

Too expensive
Too hard
Low GPA

Additional Test Prep Tests is the CLT which will allow you to stand out from the other standardized tests. Reach out to the CLT for more information.

Jean can help you with these issues by using a well thought out plan. Once you remove the excuses and the financial burden what else will you do the next four years that this as productive? If you need a plan here it is!

Juniors and Seniors here are the various areas you need to work on:

Seniors – taking AP courses to get college credits and shows mastery

Low GPA? Alternative transcript – dual enrollment at a college.

What if you do not know what you want to do, or what you are good at? Jean recommends:

Juniors: This is your “to-die” year. This is the year for many tests.

Don’t be too aggressive. but stay strong in your course load/ AP classes and will help your GPA

To-Do List Checklist for College 11-12 Grades:

Separate email just for college correspondence
Think about the types of colleges you want to attend
What do you want to major in? Personality and aptitude tests can help. *Jean names a few on air.
Look at college websites. (US Dept. of Education has a link to colleges based on degree.)
Make up a list of the safe, reach, and dream colleges. At least 10 of the colleges you want to attend.
Contact colleges for more information (to the new email)
Reach out to the admission counselors in the colleges.
Check the Tuition Tracker.

Checklist for College 11-12

Great information you need to know. Be sure to use black ink if you are using something filled out. Never leave a blank space, put in N/A if it does not apply to you. Use registered mail when you send something in the mail. Be sure to write a stand-out essay. (Information on air about the details of this.) Use ZeeMee – a very cool app to add additional information to make you stand out. You can upload photos and videos to this app.

Must-Know Information:

Transcripts up to the 1st-semester senior year
Test scores
Letter of recommendation

Filed Under: College Prep Genius Tagged With: ACT prep, alternative transcripts, checklist for college, CLT test, college admissions checklist, college application tips, college planning, college prep, college prep genius, college roadmap, college scholarships, college testing, dual enrollment, financial aid for college, high school juniors, high school seniors, homeschool college admissions, homeschool high school, homeschool podcast, Homeschool Transcripts, Jean Burk, SAT Prep

FAFSA 12 Best kept secrets

September 26, 2024 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

FAFSA – 12 Best Kept Secrets Application Tips with Jean Burk

Episode 62

FAFSA Quick Start for Homeschool Families

If your student is college-bound, the FAFSA is one of the most important financial aid forms to complete—even if you think you won’t qualify for aid.

Start with these essentials:

Use the official FAFSA site only: StudentAid.gov
Create your student + parent FSA IDs early
File as early as possible once it opens
Double-check names, Social Security numbers, and signature

🎧 Prefer to Listen?

Listen to Jean Burk walk through FAFSA mistakes families make—and how to avoid leaving money on the table.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

New Here?

If you have a college-bound homeschool teen, start here:

Here are the FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets. Did you know that 80-90% of families make mistakes on the FAFSA that cost them tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship money? This information is timely before October 1 – so please listen and share this show with your friends with college-bound students.

Visit College Prep Genius, and Jean Burk- author of the award-winning curriculum for SAT prep.

Important Note

FAFSA timelines, school limits, and filing details can change over time. This episode is still helpful for avoiding common mistakes, but always verify current deadlines and instructions at StudentAid.gov before filing.

This Episode Is Especially Helpful If…

you have a homeschool high school student applying to college
FAFSA paperwork feels confusing or intimidating
you’re worried about missing scholarships or aid
you think your income might be “too high” to bother filing
you want to avoid expensive mistakes

Show Notes: FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets

Did you know that many times students do not complete the FAFSA application completely? You must complete the FAFSA all the way through. It is an application for low-interest student loans and grants. If you don’t complete it, you can lose out on thousands of dollars.

You can do this beforehand to be prepared to fill out the FAFSA application. Pre-work – download the PDF from the website. http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov

FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets:

Scams: Be aware of scam copies – A company purchased this website àcom they will charge you for the FAFSA – it is a FREE application. http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov
ID: Get your FAFSA ID ahead of time. You get a username and a password. If you are considered a dependent student, you need your separate ID. It can take a few weeks to get your ID. There can be a backlog at the last minute. Do not share your ID with others. This information you are putting on your FAFSA is sensitive information. Store it in Lastpass.com (you can get a free account) or a paid account is $20 per year, and it keeps your ID safe.
Date October 1 in your senior year. Many states will run out of money early. You can put in ten colleges when you are filling out your FAFSA. You use your prior-prior taxes or two years before you apply for the loan. You need to pull that out and bring out the information. If you have had a decrease in income from 2015 to now – that can also be adjusted – an addendum must be filled out with each college.
Deadlines: To maximize your scholarship opportunities, fill it out by October 1 – Each school and state will set their deadlines. October 1 is the FIRST day you can apply – deadlines are months later, but why wait?
Which ID? Do not use your ID (parents) when you start your FAFSA – they will give you the option to enter the student information. USE the student ID – it will automatically add your personal information.
Knowing the lingo on the FAFSA helps – certain questions that you automatically know, but you may make mistakes –
1. Legal guardianship – Students will answer yes here. You are not considered a legal guardian of yourself! So the answer is NO.
NUMBER: The number of family household members – specific definition. Many students put the wrong number down. It has no bearing on who claims the parents in a divorce situation. How many are in your household – that is in your entire family. Siblings. Read instructions carefully.
1. The number of family members who are in college and private school. If you are thinking about just your siblings. Don’t forget to include yourself. You are also going to college.
Common Mistakes:
- If it says You or YOUR – it means the student.
- Put in your full name as it appears on your social security card – no nicknames. It will bring you delays if you are not accurate.
- Double-check your social security number.’
Income Information:
- How much income tax – not your AGI (adjusted gross income) – IRS data retrieval tool that will tell you how to fill it out.
- Be sure to see if they ask for your income vs. your parent’s income. Do not get them confused.
The parent section is color coded – you can fill out the parent information. (Even if you live on your own. It still can help you.)
Add More Colleges: Students may only consider one or two colleges. You have up to ten schools you can list. Take advantage of this tool; the other colleges cannot see the schools you are sending this to. You can always remove and add more schools.
Sign It! Don’t forget to sign your FAFSA; this will cause an incomplete FAFSA. You sign it with your ID number. You can mail a signature page if you want. It is not necessary. You can check the status of your application at any time.

Show originally aired 9/17/2024

🎧 Listen Next: More College Prep Help

Filed Under: College Prep Genius Tagged With: college prep, college prep genius, homeschool help, homeschool high school, homeschooling high school, organization

Special Replay: College Selection Checklist

February 20, 2020 by Joy Rhodes Leave a Comment

Special Replay: Jean Burke explains the importance and gives a detailed college selection checklist for students looking for the ideal college. She explains the college search, the type of school to consider, where to look, large vs. small school and criteria to consider. This college selection checklist also contains a list to some amazing website recommendations to help you make your own custom spreadsheet using the criteria you want to select the perfect school for you.

Celebrate with us! Jean Burke is a Fox News Contributor – she was recently a guest on Fox and Family with Lisa Brady!

Visit our sponsor – College Prep Genius

Podcast by Jean on Transcripts – https://ultimateradioshow.com/transcripts-your-key-to-free-college/

Show Notes: College Selection Checklist

College Search
1. Personal Criteria –make a list.
2. Location
3. Cost
4. Size of the school
Type of School
1. Community College
2. 4-Year University
3. Technical / Military School
Where to Look –Nearly 5,000 Colleges in USA
1. Internet sites
  1. Start at a school
    1. College Board – great resource
    2. Accreditation Search
    3. College Navigator
    4. Cappex.com – creates a profile
    5. Best College Rankings
  2. Talking to family and friends
  3. Visit College
    1. Safe school
    2. Reach school
    3. Dream school

Large vs Small schools:
1. Large: more courses, anonymity, greater ranges of activities and organizations, larger libraries, graduate departments.
2. Small school, more personal atmosphere, meet professors and students, individual participation and interaction, flexible programs
Request Information via mail
School criteria:
1. Scores
2. Size – depends on personality
  1. 5000
  2. 10000
  3. 30000 or more

College worksheet, application and college selection checklist
1. High school Prep Genius Book by Jean Burke – 50 things to look for
  1. Downloadable Worksheet
  2. Location
  3. Size – not only physical size, enrollment of students
  4. Cost – not only tuition –
    1. Fees
    2. Room and Board
    3. Transportation
    4. Application Fees
    5. More expensive schools have more money to give out
    6. Tuition Tracker -online
    7. Affiliation –public, private, proprietary school
    8. Urban or rural locations
    9. Religious Affiliation
    10. Diversity – looking for this and will “pay”
      1. protestant look for a Catholic school – schools look for diversity
    11. Facilities on Campus –
      1. Campus security
      2. Recreation –gym on site
      3. Medical or Clinic facilities
    12. Majors and academic requirements
      1. School requirements – have way lower than your score they will
      2. Some broad majors
      3. Specific majors
      4. Undecided
      5. Want a 4-year major and be done or…
      6. Some majors don’t lend themselves into jobs afterward

Filed Under: College Prep Genius Tagged With: ABC, as seen on CBS, choosing a college, college prep genius, college selection checklist, fox news contributor, Jean Burk, NBC

Special Replay: All About Mandatory Testing

February 6, 2020 by Joy Rhodes Leave a Comment

Special Replay! Want to know all about mandatory testing? Or is testing even mandatory? Want to know all about mandatory testing? Or is testing even mandatory? In this podcast with author, Jean Burke you’ll learn what is expected for college entrance and the standard – as of now, that yes, testing is mandatory for college entrance. Learn more in this podcast.

Jean Burke is a contributor on Fox News – featured on Fox & Family with Lisa Brady

Sign up for Jean’s ezine to receive her free eBook: Goodbye student loans – visit her website here. Give Jean’s show a “star” rating on iTunes! Click iTunes above! Or listen on your favorite podcast app.

CollegePrepGenius.com/roadmap – download free ebook from Jean Burke

Show Notes: Mandatory Testing

What is a standardized test?
Will people stop using standardized tests?
Standardized tests are required for typical college entrance.
SAT and ACT tests level the playing field
0 differs from high school to high school
85% percent of colleges admit and give scholarships on test scores alone.
Use reliable sources, don’t believe just anyone who says students no longer need to take standardized tests
Standardized tests level the playing field.
Homeschoolers typically score higher on SAT or ACT
Prep books don’t help as well as understanding strategies
Roadmap to studying for tests – see Jean’s site at CollegePrepGeinus.com
As homeschoolers, you can incorporate test prep in your homeschool curriculum
Not understanding the test can be more stressful
Once you understand the recurring patterns and standardization of the test you can answer the questions in thirty seconds or less.

Important information for college entrance – includes mandatory testing

GPA
Rankings – not as important but a factor
Community Service, Sports, clubs, part-time jobs
Test score

Filed Under: College Prep Genius Tagged With: college prep genius, fox and family with lisa brady, Jean Burk

Best of College Prep Genius: College Selection Checklist

July 12, 2019 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

College Selection Checklist with Jean Burke and Felice Gerwitz

Jean Burke explains the importance and gives a detailed college selection checklist for students looking for the ideal college. She explains the college search, the type of school to consider, where to look, large vs. small school and criteria to consider. This college selection checlist also contains a list to some amazing website recommendations to help you make your own custom spreadsheet using the criteria you want to select the perfect school for you.

Celebrate with us! Jean Burke is a Fox News Contributor – she was recently a guest on Fox and Family with Lisa Brady!

Visit our sponsor – College Prep Genius

Podcast by Jean on Transcripts – https://ultimateradioshow.com/transcripts-your-key-to-free-college/

Show Notes: College Selection Checklist

College Search
1. Personal Criteria –make a list.
2. Location
3. Cost
4. Size of the school
Type of School
1. Community College
2. 4-Year University
3. Technical / Military School
Where to Look –Nearly 5,000 Colleges in USA
1. Internet sites
  1. Start at a school
    1. College Board – great resource
    2. Accreditation Search
    3. College Navigator
    4. Cappex.com – creates a profile
    5. Best College Rankings
  2. Talking to family and friends
  3. Visit College
    1. Safe school
    2. Reach school
    3. Dream school

Large vs Small schools:
1. Large: more courses, anonymity, greater ranges of activities and organizations, larger libraries, graduate departments.
2. Small school, more personal atmosphere, meet professors and students, individual participation and interaction, flexible programs
Request Information via mail
School criteria:
1. Scores
2. Size – depends on personality
  1. 5000
  2. 10000
  3. 30000 or more

College worksheet and college selection application checklist
1. High school Prep Genius Book by Jean Burke – 50 things to look for
  1. Downloadable Worksheet
  2. Location
  3. Size – not only physical size, enrollment of students
  4. Cost – not only tuition –
    1. Fees
    2. Room and Board
    3. Transportation
    4. Application Fees
    5. More expensive schools have more money to give out
    6. Tuition Tracker -online
    7. Affiliation –public, private, proprietary school
    8. Urban or rural locations
    9. Religious Affiliation
    10. Diversity – looking for this and will “pay”
      1. protestant look for a Catholic school – schools look for diversity
    11. Facilities on Campus –
      1. Campus security
      2. Recreation –gym on site
      3. Medical or Clinic facilities
    12. Majors and academic requirements
      1. School requirements – have way lower than your score they will
      2. Some broad majors
      3. Specific majors
      4. Undecided
      5. Want a 4-year major and be done or…
      6. Some majors don’t lend themselves into jobs afterward

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Bridgeway Academy!

Bridgeway Academy was founded in 1989 in response to the need for more freedom in education as well as the protection that accreditation offers for homeschooling families. Since then, more than 30,000 K–12 students, and many charter and brick-and-mortar schools, have made Bridgeway Academy their trusted education partner.

As part of our commitment to personalized homeschooling, we are proud to offer both secular and Christian options for homeschool families, charter schools, state organizations, co-ops, athletic organizations, arts schools, and others who seek flexible education options for their families.

Click here to learn more!

Filed Under: College Prep Genius Tagged With: ABC, as seen on CBS, choosing a college, college prep genius, college selection checklist, fox news contributor, Jean Burk, NBC

Best of College Prep Genius: Test Taking Encouragement

May 10, 2019 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

Replay: Test Taking Encouragement with Jean Burke

What is the best news? A great score on a test! In this podcast Jean discusses test taking encouragement that YOU can do it! Success is around the corner and with Jean’s tips your student will benefit tremendously.

Episode 55

Visit today’s sponsor – College Prep Genius

Jean Burk is a Fox News Contributor – she was recently a guest on Fox and Family with Lisa Brady!

This course teaches itself, if the parent did not go to college it will not affect their ability to teach the college readiness program to their student
2 day boot-camp hosts have their child attend free!
Boot-camp costs 249 (at the time of this podcast) to attend with a FREE online course included
Material is eligible for 6^th graders to 12^th graders, earlier is better!
Average increase is 200, the higher percent is 600 points
Have the student take the SAT or ACT first before the class to see the improvement

Filed Under: College Prep Genius Tagged With: college prep genius, college testing, fox and family with lisa brady, Jean Burk

Test Taking Encouragement

July 7, 2017 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

Test Taking Encouragement with Jean Burk

Episode 55

Visit today’s sponsor – College Prep Genius

Jean Burk is a Fox News Contributor – she was recently a guest on Fox and Family with Lisa Brady!

This course teaches itself, if the parent did not go to college it will not affect their ability to teach the college readiness program to their student
2 day boot-camp hosts have their child attend free!
Boot-camp costs 249 (at the time of this podcast) to attend with a FREE online course included
Material is eligible for 6^th graders to 12^th graders, earlier is better!
Average increase is 200, the higher percent is 600 points
Have the student take the SAT or ACT first before the class to see the improvement

Filed Under: College Prep Genius Tagged With: college prep genius, college testing, fox and family with lisa brady, Jean Burk

All About Mandatory Testing

June 9, 2017 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

Mandatory Testing — Episode 52 with Jean Burk

Want to know all about mandatory testing? Or is testing even mandatory? Want to know all about mandatory testing? Or is testing even mandatory? In this podcast with author, Jean Burk you’ll learn what is expected for college entrance and the standard – as of now, that yes, testing is mandatory for college entrance. Learn more in this podcast.

Jean Burk is a contributor on Fox News – featured on Fox & Family with Lisa Brady

CollegePrepGenius.com/roadmap – download free ebook from Jean Burk

Show Notes: Mandatory Testing

What is a standardized test?
Will people stop using standardized tests?
Standardized tests are required for typical college entrance.
SAT and ACT tests level the playing field
0 differs from high school to high school
85% percent of colleges admit and give scholarships on test scores alone.
Use reliable sources, don’t believe just anyone who says students no longer need to take standardized tests
Standardized tests level the playing field.
Homeschoolers typically score higher on SAT or ACT
Prep books don’t help as well as understanding strategies
Roadmap to studying for tests – see Jean’s site at CollegePrepGeinus.com
As homeschoolers, you can incorporate test prep in your homeschool curriculum
Not understanding the test can be more stressful
Once you understand the recurring patterns and standardization of the test you can answer the questions in thirty seconds or less.

Important information for college entrance – includes mandatory testing

GPA
Rankings – not as important but a factor
Community Service, Sports, clubs, part-time jobs
Test score

Filed Under: College Prep Genius Tagged With: college prep genius, fox and family with lisa brady, Jean Burk

College Selection Checklist

May 19, 2017 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

College Selection Checklist with Jean Burk and Felice Gerwitz

Podcast #53

Jean Burk explains the importance and gives a detailed college selection checklist for students looking for the ideal college. She explains the college search, the type of school to consider, where to look, large vs. small school and criteria to consider. This college selection checlist also contains a list to some amazing website recommendations to help you make your own custom spreadsheet using the criteria you want to select the perfect school for you.

Celebrate with us! Jean Burk is a Fox News Contributor – she was recently a guest on Fox and Family with Lisa Brady!

Visit our sponsor – College Prep Genius

Podcast by Jean on Transcripts – https://ultimateradioshow.com/transcripts-your-key-to-free-college/

Show Notes: College Selection Checklist

College Search
1. Personal Criteria –make a list.
2. Location
3. Cost
4. Size of the school
Type of School
1. Community College
2. 4-Year University
3. Technical / Military School
Where to Look –Nearly 5,000 Colleges in USA
1. Internet sites
  1. Start at a school
    1. College Board – great resource
    2. Accreditation Search
    3. College Navigator
    4. Cappex.com – creates a profile
    5. Best College Rankings
  2. Talking to family and friends
  3. Visit College
    1. Safe school
    2. Reach school
    3. Dream school

Large vs Small schools:
1. Large: more courses, anonymity, greater ranges of activities and organizations, larger libraries, graduate departments.
2. Small school, more personal atmosphere, meet professors and students, individual participation and interaction, flexible programs
Request Information via mail
School criteria:
1. Scores
2. Size – depends on personality
  1. 5000
  2. 10000
  3. 30000 or more

College worksheet and college selection application checklist
1. High school Prep Genius Book by Jean Burk – 50 things to look for
  1. Downloadable Worksheet
  2. Location
  3. Size – not only physical size, enrollment of students
  4. Cost – not only tuition –
    1. Fees
    2. Room and Board
    3. Transportation
    4. Application Fees
    5. More expensive schools have more money to give out
    6. Tuition Tracker -online
    7. Affiliation –public, private, proprietary school
    8. Urban or rural locations
    9. Religious Affiliation
    10. Diversity – looking for this and will “pay”
      1. protestant look for a Catholic school – schools look for diversity
    11. Facilities on Campus –
      1. Campus security
      2. Recreation –gym on site
      3. Medical or Clinic facilities
    12. Majors and academic requirements
      1. School requirements – have way lower than your score they will
      2. Some broad majors
      3. Specific majors
      4. Undecided
      5. Want a 4-year major and be done or…
      6. Some majors don’t lend themselves into jobs afterward

Filed Under: College Prep Genius Tagged With: ABC, as seen on CBS, choosing a college, college prep genius, college selection checklist, fox news contributor, Jean Burk, NBC

Checklist for College 11-12 Grades ~ Episode 82 with Jean Burk

Additional Podcasts:

To-Do List Checklist for College 11-12 Grades:

Checklist for College 11-12

FAFSA – 12 Best Kept Secrets Application Tips with Jean Burk

Episode 62

FAFSA Quick Start for Homeschool Families

Start with these essentials:

🎧 Prefer to Listen?

New Here?

Visit College Prep Genius, and Jean Burk- author of the award-winning curriculum for SAT prep.

Important Note

This Episode Is Especially Helpful If…

Show Notes: FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets

🎧 Listen Next: More College Prep Help

Show Notes: College Selection Checklist

College Selection Checklist with Jean Burke and Felice Gerwitz

Show Notes: College Selection Checklist

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Bridgeway Academy!

Replay: Test Taking Encouragement with Jean Burke

Test Taking Encouragement with Jean Burk

Mandatory Testing — Episode 52 with Jean Burk

College Selection Checklist with Jean Burk and Felice Gerwitz

Podcast #53

Show Notes: College Selection Checklist

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