Author | Lightnews

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · 17d

In school, we often tell students to avoid failure.

In the gym, failure's the goal.

After 16 weeks with World Arm Wrestling Champion Monster Michael Todd, I’ve learned growth comes from "going until failure" in both fitness and in learning.

🎧 Listen: wix.to/U4gmdOc

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · 21d

Why do gifted students leave behind the comfort and familiarity of their local schools to take on something harder?

It isn’t about prestige — it’s about dissatisfaction.

🎧 Preview my series exploring how this becomes the spark for growth.

🔗 Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/3eXE...

Spotify – Web Player

open.spotify.com

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Sep 25

Five questions. One true story.

A better college essay that only YOU can tell.

Listen now 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/1WMM...

#CollegeEssays #CommonApp #CollegeAdmissions

Five Questions for a Strong Common App Essay

open.spotify.com

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Sep 20

🎉 Slice #100 is here!

No clip show. No celebrity cameos. No mushy monologues.

Just reflections on gifted education, leadership, Arkansas schools, and the joy (and messiness) of learning.

🍰 Grab the centennial slice: open.spotify.com/episode/5P5r...

#GiftedEd #EdLeadership #Podcast

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Sep 17

Prestige TV taught us about Surf Dracula—the show that takes forever to deliver the surfing we tuned in to see. 🧛‍♂️🏄

Schools do the same when they delay the joy of authentic learning until “later.”

Let students surf early, surf often. 🎧 #GiftedEd

alderdice.buzzsprout.com/2398131/epis...

"Surf Dracula" and Why Students Need to Catch Waves Early - A Slice with 'Dice

Prestige TV has given us a new metaphor for education: Surf Dracula. The idea comes from a viral critique of shows that delay their own premise—spending entire seasons on backstory before ever letting...

alderdice.buzzsprout.com

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Sep 7

Stronger recommendation letters start with better details. 🎓

This week’s episode explores why every senior needs a brag sheet—and how it can turn generic letters into powerful endorsements for college or scholarships.

🎧 Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/3RJ0...

How “Brag Sheets” Help Your Recommenders Help You

open.spotify.com

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Aug 30

As the long holiday weekend arrives, many students are nearing the one-month mark of the school year. 🎒📚

It’s the perfect moment for parents to pause, check in, and open space for honest conversations.

🎧 New episode: open.spotify.com/episode/3wUH...

First Month Finished: A Gifted Parent’s Moment to Connect

open.spotify.com

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Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Aug 27

What if this year is actually one of the easiest times in recent memory to get into the Ivy League? 👀

Visa shifts. Testing back. Fewer seniors applying.

🎧 Here’s why the Class of 2026 has a slight edge:

open.spotify.com/episode/1buT...

Is This the Best Year in a Decade to Apply to the Ivies?

open.spotify.com

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Aug 24

A year ago, I started a podcast about education, leadership, gifted students, and admissions.

It’s a space for reflection I didn’t know I needed, and I’m grateful to everyone who’s listened and joined the conversation.

🎧 slicewithdice.com or wherever you listen to pods.

A Slice with 'Dice

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice shares personal reflections, lessons learned, and insights from the ever-evolving world of education in Arkansas and beyond.

slicewithdice.com

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Aug 23

“Ready” isn’t something you feel — it’s a decision you make. 🎓

A new school year is the perfect time for gifted students to stop waiting for confidence and start choosing readiness.

🎧 Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/4Bqa...

#GiftedEducation #BackToSchool #StudentSuccess

Why Readiness Is a Choice, Not a Feeling

A Slice with 'Dice · Episode

open.spotify.com

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Aug 20

Grind culture tells gifted students their worth depends on how busy they are. In reality, it robs them of the school experience itself.

🎧 Read more or listen to this week's episode here: coreyalderdice.wixsite.com/index/post/g...

#gifteded #gtchat #ARed

Gifted, Grinding, and Missing the Moment

Grind culture doesn’t just live in tech startups or TikTok hustle videos—it’s alive and well in the halls of our specialized schools, magnet programs, and gifted education at large. It’s the quiet exp...

coreyalderdice.wixsite.com

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Aug 16

Clarity isn’t a light switch—it’s a fog that lifts slowly. In this episode, I explore how real clarity emerges not through certainty, but through connection, reflection, and the next right step.

🎧 Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/5t7V...

Moving Toward Clarity

A Slice with 'Dice · Episode

open.spotify.com

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Aug 7

Think your “backup” school is a sure thing? Think again.

In this episode, I unpack why getting into a “New Ivy” like Vanderbilt or WashU is just as tough as the Ivy League—and what seniors need to understand as they apply this fall.

🎧 Listen up!

open.spotify.com/episode/5VAA...

Admissions Officers are Casting a Play, Not Grading a Test

A Slice with 'Dice · Episode

open.spotify.com

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Aug 7

All right. Let’s do this one last time. PD underway. Student Leaders are now back on campus. We’re gearing up for move-in on Saturday. It’s gonna be a ‘Phintastic year at #ASMSA.

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Aug 5

Day two of PD week of trainings, discussions, and #ASMSA campus updates. This afternoon, our colleagues are learning more about the work and impact of the #STEM Pathways initiative. Last year, it served more than 3,600 students and teachers across Arkansas.

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Jul 24

It was a joy to attend the Sister Cities International convening this week in Ft. Worth. The Hot Springs Sister City Program was honored as the Best Overall Program for our community size for our comprehensive experience to connect with Hanamaki, Japan! hotsprings.pressreader.com/article/2814...

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Jul 17

College apps are more than test scores and GPAs.

Things like your course choices, major selection, even your zip code can matter more than you think.

This episode breaks it all down—so you can apply smarter, not just harder.

youtu.be/2mlKg7fYB-k

Five Hidden Traps That Trip Up Selective College Applicants

YouTube video by Corey Alderdice

youtu.be

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Jul 2

What do students say when they’re the ones handing out the grades? The 2025 Walton Family Foundation and Gallup Report Card reveals rising satisfaction in classrooms but lingering gaps on future readiness. I'm breaking the report down in this week's podcast.

open.spotify.com/episode/4ZrZ...

The 2025 Report Card: How Students Grade America’s Schools

A Slice with 'Dice · Episode

open.spotify.com

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Jun 28

A student at Orientation today showed me his iPod Classic playing my podcast and I have so many questions…

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · Jun 11

🎓 Heading out for college campus visits this summer?

In this week's pod, I we break down how to make every visit count.

From asking the right questions to trusting your gut, we’ve got tips to help you find your perfect college fit.

Tune in now! 🎙️

open.spotify.com/episode/7hCx...

Notes from the Quad: How to Turn Campus Visits into Clarity

A Slice with 'Dice · Episode

open.spotify.com

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · May 19

It’s kind of fitting that the 1,000th download of my podcast came from yesterday’s special Commencement episode. You can check them all out at slicewithdice.com or wherever you get your sound stories!

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · May 18

A volcanic eruption. A barren wasteland. A few frightened gophers. In my latest podcast, I share a story of quiet resilience and what it means for the Class of 2025—and for all of us.
Dig in: open.spotify.com/episode/1hpD...

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Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · May 17

The big day is finally here for #ASMSA’s Class of 2025! Looking forward to honoring these 95 outstanding students today for their achievements, resilience, and persistence.

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · May 16

A word of thanks to the Jacksons for celebrating our amazing # ASMSA
Student Ambassadors this evening. Two more days until graduation!

Corey Alderdice @alderdice.bsky.social · May 14

Explore the different parenting styles for gifted children. Are you a Lawnmower, Tiger, or Dolphin parent? Find out how to guide your gifted child towards thriving. Read or Listen: wix.to/zFBPACH #GiftedEducation #Parenting #ChildDevelopment #ARed #gtchat

Lawnmowers, Tigers, and Dolphins—Which Gifted Parent Are You?

Trust that by guiding, not controlling, you’re giving your gifted child exactly what they need to thrive.

wix.to