EPISODE · Jun 4, 2026 · 18 MIN
From Uncertain Freshman to USC Admit: Chase Ott's College Readiness Journey
from Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready? · host Shellee Howard
In this episode, you'll learn: • How Chase explored different career paths before choosing engineering • Why passion projects helped him gain clarity about his future • The role leadership and service played in his college journey • How internships can help students test potential career interests • What colleges look for beyond grades and test scores • How students can build a meaningful application without trying to impress everyone • Why starting early can create more opportunities and less stress • What Chase would tell his freshman-year self if he could start over • The lessons he learned while preparing for competitive engineering programs • How finding direction helped him approach college admissions with confidence Whether your student is interested in STEM, still exploring their options, or simply trying to figure out what's next, Chase's story is a powerful reminder that success comes from consistent growth, curiosity, and purposeful action. 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact 🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes? 📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook 🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready?Email or call [email protected] (949)235-7350
Embed this episode
What this episode covers
Many parents worry that their teen doesn't know what they want to do after high school. In this inspiring student spotlight episode, Shellee Howard sits down with College Ready senior Chase Ott to discuss his journey from an uncertain freshman exploring different career options to earning admission to USC's highly competitive engineering program. Chase shares how passion projects, leadership opportunities, internships, and consistent effort helped him discover his interests and build a strong college application. He also reflects on what he wishes he had done earlier, how he explored STEM fields before choosing engineering, and why finding direction matters more than having everything figured out. If your student feels unsure about their future, this conversation offers practical insights and encouragement for both parents and teens navigating the college planning process.
NOW PLAYING
From Uncertain Freshman to USC Admit: Chase Ott's College Readiness Journey
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Feb 4, 2026 ·18m
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.