Sweet 13 Bonus: Thirteen Years of Homeschool Help

October 1, 2026 by Leave a Comment

College Prep Genius Sweet 13 Bonus Episode

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.

Filed Under: College Prep Genius Tagged With: , ,

Affording College – HIRL Episode 126 (Replay)

June 24, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Affording College | special podcast by HIRL sponsored by CTC mathWhen our students hope to go to college, the perennial question remains: how in the world will they pay for it? We decided to return to the topic of affording college with College Prep Genius Jean Burk because we know she has valuable information to share.

We think you’ll be encouraged and feel equipped as you help your college-bound student get the education they are pursuing!

Affording College EPISODE TIMELINE

1:32 – Fluff : Discussion on tragedy, college visits, real life. 
8:01 – Interview with Jean Burk, Part 1
25:43 – Interview with Jean Burk, Part 2
34:30 – Goodbye! The Show Is Over!

SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:
College Prep Genius

Follow Fletch/Kendra:
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Follow the Studio Dogs:
Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Rasta The Chocolate Lab – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website

Previous Episodes Mentioned:
None

Music clips used on this episode:
None

SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:

Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is:

  1. Follow this link to our iTunes page.
  2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes
  3. The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page.
  4. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone.
  5. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!).
  6. Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

  1. You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below.
  2. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
  3. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

CTC Math | Homeschoolers can save 50%! Details here.

LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podcast Index | Email | RSS

Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades.

Filed Under: Homeschooling IRL Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Checklist For College 11-12 (Replay)

June 9, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Checklist For College 11-12 | Help to chart your course, a checklist for college 11-12 grades! Not everyone goes to college but if you are planning to go this podcast is for you. This is for grades 11 and 12, so juniors and seniors, this is the podcast for you. It is crunch time for the twelfth grade, and last year of prep for the juniors. You will love this great information! | #podcast #homeschoolpodcast #collegeprep #collegeprepgenius #collegeprep11thgrade #collegeprep12thgradeChecklist for College 11-12 Grades ~ Episode 82 with Jean Burk

Sponsored by Judson College.

Help to chart your course, a checklist for college 11-12 grades! Not everyone goes to college but if you are planning to go this podcast is for you. This is for grades 11 and 12, so juniors and seniors, this is the podcast for you. It is crunch time for the twelfth grade, and the last year of prep for the juniors. You will love this great information!

You are going to be blown away by this information! You would have to pay thousands to get this information with a personal coach. Jean Burk’s an amazing author and teacher of getting free college at College Prep Genius has boot camp and classes to help you! There is 24 Billion dollars of worth of college money out there, why can’t you get some of this? Listen to find out how.

First, start your checklist here with Jean Burks Road Map to College you can download it from Jean’s website CollegePrepGenius.com/roadmap

Additional Podcasts on Financial Information for Colleges here.

OFFICE CONTACT INFO
SALES:  817.282.7737 ext. 2.
LIVE VIRTUAL BOOT CAMPS: 817.282.7737 ext. 3 or collegeprepgenius.com/LiveVirtual
HOSTING OUR AWARD-WINNING CLASS: 817.282.7737 ext. 3 or go to collegeprepgenius.com/host.
GENERAL QUESTIONS: 817.282.7737 ext. 4

 

Additional Podcasts:

Testing in the time of COVID

*****

Why go to College?

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

Excuses For Not Attending College:

  1. Too expensive
  2. Too hard
  3. 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:

  1. Separate email just for college correspondence
  2. Think about the types of colleges you want to attend
  3. What do you want to major in? Personality and aptitude tests can help. *Jean names a few on air.
  4. Look at college websites. (US Dept. of Education has a link to colleges based on degree.)
  5. Make up a list of the safe, reach, and dream colleges. At least 10 of the colleges you want to attend.
  6. Contact colleges for more information (to the new email)
  7. Reach out to the admission counselors in the colleges.
  8. 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:

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

 

Filed Under: College Prep Genius Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Affording College – HIRL Episode 126 (Replay)

October 29, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Affording College | special podcast by HIRL sponsored by CTC mathWhen our students hope to go to college, the perennial question remains: how in the world will they pay for it? We decided to return to the topic of affording college with College Prep Genius Jean Burk because we know she has valuable information to share.

We think you’ll be encouraged and feel equipped as you help your college-bound student get the education they are pursuing!

Affording College EPISODE TIMELINE

1:32 – Fluff : Discussion on tragedy, college visits, real life. 
8:01 – Interview with Jean Burk, Part 1
25:43 – Interview with Jean Burk, Part 2
34:30 – Goodbye! The Show Is Over!

SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:
College Prep Genius

Follow Fletch/Kendra:
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Follow the Studio Dogs:
Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Rasta The Chocolate Lab – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website

Previous Episodes Mentioned:
None

Music clips used on this episode:
None

SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:

Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is:

  1. Follow this link to our iTunes page.
  2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes
  3. The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page.
  4. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone.
  5. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!).
  6. Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

  1. You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below.
  2. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
  3. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

CTC Math | Homeschoolers can save 50%! Details here.

LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podcast Index | Email | RSS

Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades.

Filed Under: Homeschooling IRL Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Best of Homschooling IRL: Affording College | Special Replay

October 17, 2023 by Leave a Comment

A special replay in honor of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network’s 10th Birthday! << Click to enter giveaway.

When our students hope to go to college, the perennial question remains: how in the world will they pay for it? We decided to return to the topic of affording college with College Prep Genius Jean Burk because we know she has valuable information to share.

 

It’s that time of year again – graduation is upon us and college is looming into the future.  In this replay of the Best of Homeschooling IRL, listen in as Fletch and Kendra interview Jean Burke of College Prep Genius with tips for affording college.

—-

When our students hope to go to college, the perennial question remains: how in the world will they pay for it? We decided to return to the topic of affording college with College Prep Genius Jean Burk because we know she has valuable information to share.

We think you’ll be encouraged and feel equipped as you help your college-bound students get the education they are pursuing!

 

SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:
College Prep Genius

Follow Fletch/Kendra:
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Follow the Studio Dogs:
Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Rasta The Chocolate Lab – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website

Previous Episodes Mentioned:
None

Music clips used on this episode:
None

ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS: Media Angels & the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

Filed Under: Homeschooling IRL Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Affording College – HIRL Episode 126

July 11, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Affording College | special podcast by HIRL sponsored by CTC mathWhen our students hope to go to college, the perennial question remains: how in the world will they pay for it? We decided to return to the topic of affording college with College Prep Genius Jean Burk because we know she has valuable information to share.

We think you’ll be encouraged and feel equipped as you help your college-bound student get the education they are pursuing!

Affording College EPISODE TIMELINE

1:32 – Fluff : Discussion on tragedy, college visits, real life. 
8:01 – Interview with Jean Burk, Part 1
25:43 – Interview with Jean Burk, Part 2
34:30 – Goodbye! The Show Is Over!

SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:
College Prep Genius

Follow Fletch/Kendra:
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Follow the Studio Dogs:
Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Rasta The Chocolate Lab – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website

Previous Episodes Mentioned:
None

Music clips used on this episode:
None

SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:

Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is:

  1. Follow this link to our iTunes page.
  2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes
  3. The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page.
  4. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone.
  5. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!).
  6. Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

  1. You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below.
  2. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
  3. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

CTC Math | Homeschoolers can save 50%! Details here.

LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podcast Index | Email | RSS

Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades.

Filed Under: Homeschooling IRL Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Special Replay: College Selection Checklist

February 20, 2020 by Leave a Comment

college selection checklistSpecial 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

  1. College Search
    1. Personal Criteria –make a list.
    2. Location
    3. Cost
    4. Size of the school
  2. Type of School
    1. Community College
    2. 4-Year University
    3. Technical / Military School
  3. 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
  1. 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
  2. Request Information via mail
  3. School criteria:
    1. Scores
    2. Size – depends on personality
      1. 5000
      2. 10000
      3. 30000 or more
  1. 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

Photo Credit: DepositPhoto.com All Rights Reserved, Copyright leungchopan

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Special Replay: All About Mandatory Testing

February 6, 2020 by Leave a Comment

mandatory testingSpecial 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

  1. What is a standardized test?
  2. Will people stop using standardized tests?
  3. Standardized tests are required for typical college entrance.
  4. SAT and ACT tests level the playing field
  5. 0 differs from high school to high school
  6. 85% percent of colleges admit and give scholarships on test scores alone.
  7. Use reliable sources, don’t believe just anyone who says students no longer need to take standardized tests
  8. Standardized tests level the playing field.
  9. Homeschoolers typically score higher on SAT or ACT
  10. Prep books don’t help as well as understanding strategies
  11. Roadmap to studying for tests – see Jean’s site at CollegePrepGeinus.com
  12. As homeschoolers, you can incorporate test prep in your homeschool curriculum
  13. Not understanding the test can be more stressful
  14. 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

  1. GPA
  2. Rankings – not as important but a factor
  3. Community Service, Sports, clubs, part-time jobs
  4. Test score
Filed Under: College Prep Genius Tagged With: , ,

Best of College Prep Genius: College Selection Checklist

July 12, 2019 by Leave a Comment

college selection checklistCollege 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

  1. College Search
    1. Personal Criteria –make a list.
    2. Location
    3. Cost
    4. Size of the school
  2. Type of School
    1. Community College
    2. 4-Year University
    3. Technical / Military School
  3. 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
  1. 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
  2. Request Information via mail
  3. School criteria:
    1. Scores
    2. Size – depends on personality
      1. 5000
      2. 10000
      3. 30000 or more
  1. 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

Photo Credit: DepositPhoto.com All Rights Reserved, Copyright leungchopan

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!

 

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Best of College Prep Genius: Test Taking Encouragement

May 10, 2019 by Leave a Comment

test taking encouragementReplay: 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!

CPG Logo

  • 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 6th graders to 12th 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: , , ,
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