College Matters. Alma Matters.

What is the Study of Medicine? With Dr. Sanjeet Rangarajan of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Episode summary introduction: The goal of this series is to serve as a primer for High Schoolers about a Major, through our conversations with Faculty Experts in the various US Colleges and Universities. We continue this series with the Study of Medicine, with Dr. Sanjeet Rangarajan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. In particular, we discuss the following with him: What is the Study of Med...

Prof. James Hewlett of Finger Lakes on CCURI: Bringing UG Research to Community Colleges.

Episode summary introduction: Prof. James Hewlett first tells How UG Research started at Finger Lakes Community College, the origins and structure of CCURI, How they help other Community Colleges start UG Research and finally, advice to students & faculty. Professor Hewlett is the Executive Director of Community College UG Research Initiative (CCURI) and Director of BioTechnology and BioManufacturing at Finger Lakes Community College, New York. In particular, we discuss the following with ...

Dartmouth Need-Blind for Int’l Students in College News Fit to Digest. January 24, 2022.

Episode summary introduction: Making sense of the College News of the week curated by Alma Matters. Coronavirus continues to drive the news. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news. Topics discussed in this episode: International STEM Visas [] California offers $10K to College Students for Public Service [] Dartmouth goes Need Blind for Int’l Students [] 1M Fewer Students Enrolled [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. ...

About Majors: What is Engineering? With Profs. Glenn Beltz & Kevin Plaxco of UC Santa Barbara.

Episode summary introduction: The goal of this series is to serve as a primer for High Schoolers about a Major, through our conversations with Faculty Experts in the various US Colleges and Universities. We continue this series with Engineering, with UC Santa Barbara Professors - Glenn Beltz, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and the Associate Dean in the  College of Engineering, and Kevin Plaxco, Professor of BioEngineering. In particular, we discuss the following with him: What is Eng...

Kaivallya Dasu on Berkeley: Molecular Biology, Creative Writing and Indian Fusion.

Episode summary introduction: Kaivallya grew up in the US and India. From an early age she had a passion for writing. She even published a book when she was in High School. While in high school, she also developed a strong interest in Chemistry, Biology, especially genetics. Kaivallya Dasu is a senior at the University of California Berkeley and plans to major in Molecular Biology and minor in Creative Writing. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Choosing Berkeley Majoring ...

Miri Choi on MIT: Computer Science, 8 Internships and Pistol Team.

Episode summary introduction: Miri says she was a Math and Science girl in High School. She knew she was very good at Math. In addition, she liked to play the flute, participated in lots of events and won awards in a number of competitions. Miri Choi is a graduate of MIT with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. In particular, we discuss the following with her: On choosing MIT Majoring in Computer Science Campus Activities Summers of Internships Advice to Aspirants Topics discuss...

More Colleges Test Optional for Now in College News Fit to Digest. January 10, 2022.

Episode summary introduction: Making sense of the College News of the week curated by Alma Matters. Coronavirus continues to drive the news. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news. Topics discussed in this episode: Colleges Struggle as COVID Cases Rise [] Canada’s Over Reliance on Int’l Students [] Test Optional for a little longer [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated N...

Miya Walker, Sr. Asst. Dean Admissions at Emory: Exploration & Discovery, Rigorous Academics, and Community Oriented.

Episode summary introduction: Founded in 1836, Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia is the second oldest private institution of higher education in Georgia. Miya Walker gives us an overview of Emory, their innovative approach to education, their flagship programs, what they look for in their students, Financial Scholarships and advice for aspiring students. In particular, we discuss the following with Miya: About Emory University Flagship Programs What they look for in their Students F...

More Full-Time Jobs for Grads in College News Fit to Digest. December 13, 2021.

Episode summary introduction: Making sense of the College News of the week curated by Alma Matters. Coronavirus continues to drive the news. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news. Topics discussed in this episode: UW Madison Test Optional [] Indian Students avoid Australia [] More Full-Time Jobs for Grads [] Last Minute Application Notes [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: C...

What is Renewable Energy? With Prof. Mads Almassalkhi, University of Vermont.

Episode summary introduction: The goal of this series is to serve as a Primer for High Schoolers about a Major, through our conversations with Faculty Experts in the various US Colleges and Universities. We continue this series with Renewable Energy, with Mads Almassalkhi, Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering and the Director of the Control and Optimization Renewable Energy (CORE) Systems Lab at the University of Vermont. In particular, we discuss the following with him: What is ...

US versus European Degrees in College News Fit to Digest. November 15, 2021.

Episode summary introduction: Making sense of the College News of the week curated by Alma Matters. Coronavirus continues to drive the news. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news. Topics discussed in this episode: College Tuition Historically Low [] Colleges and Digital Divide [] US versus European Degrees [] Australian Allure Dims [] UC Apps Updates [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in th...

Craig Chu on CalTech: Applied Mathematics, SURF and Ditch Day.

Episode summary introduction: Craig loved math and science while he was in high school in Texas. Math came easily to him. He says it just flowed and he could read it like a book. He wanted to grow up and create the next big thing or do game changing research. Craig Chu is a graduate of CalTech with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied and Computational Mathematics. In particular, we discuss the following with him: On choosing CalTech Majoring in Applied and Computational Mathematics House Sys...

Majors that Pay the Most in College News Fit to Digest. November 8, 2021.

Episode summary introduction: Making sense of the College News of the week curated by Alma Matters. Coronavirus continues to drive the news. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news. Topics discussed in this episode: Int’l Students Pick US as Top Choice [] Econ as a STEM Major [] Top Salary Majors [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] Business ...

Jeanne and Lindsay on CUR: UG Research is Transformative & Changes Career Trajectory.

Episode summary introduction: Jeanne Mekolichick, President of Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), Associate Provost and Professor of Sociology at Radford University, and Lindsay Currie, Executive Officer for CUR. Jeanne and Lindsay talk about Why UG Research is transformative, the role CUR plays in nurturing and expanding UG Research, the services it provides to College and Students and How to prepare to do research in college. In particular, we discuss the following with them: Jean...

Segment #10: You Just Clicked Submit. What Next? A Guide to Build a Standout US College Application.

Episode summary introduction: Segment #10 of the 10-Segment Podcast Series to help students in 11th Grade build standout US College Applications. This segment focuses on the things  that need to be done after submitting the Application. Subscribe for Assignments. In this segment, Athena Lao leads us through the discussion. In particular, we discuss the following: Early Decision Outcomes and what they mean ED2 Alumni Interview Admissions Decision Topics discussed in this episode: Intr...

Rankings are Meaningless in College News Fit to Digest. October 26, 2021.

Episode summary introduction: Making sense of the College News of the week curated by Alma Matters. Coronavirus continues to drive the news. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news. Topics discussed in this episode: Rankings are Meaningless & Harmful [] 10 Univs with Most Applications [] College Enrollment Stats [] 50% of College Students take Classes Online [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to ...

David Kastelman on Yale: Econometrics, Summer in Ghana and The Glory of Intramurals.

Episode summary introduction: During High School, David grew up thinking he loved Biology and was passionate about Global Development & Poverty. He was involved in a number of related clubs in school, played baseball and was in the student government. David Kastelman is a graduate of Yale University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics & Cognitive Science. As a passionate member of the Yale University Alumni, David shares his Undergraduate Experience in this podcast. In particular, we dis...

5 Most Valuable Majors in College News Fit to Digest. October 11, 2021.

Episode summary introduction: Making sense of the College News of the week curated by Alma Matters. Coronavirus continues to drive the news. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news. Topics discussed in this episode: Success = 6-Year Graduation [] 5 Valuable Majors [] Common Myths about US Colleges [] Int’l Students can benefit from small town Colleges [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this...

Ruby Hsu on UVM: Community Entrepreneurship, Different Cultures and Exploring to Find Answers.

Episode summary introduction: Ruby grew up in Taiwan and did her High School in a boarding school in Northfield, Massachusetts. One of her High School teachers of Chinese origin took her to a Chinese restaurant in Burlington, Vermont. The restaurant owners told her that she could walk to their restaurant if she joined the University of Vermont in Burlington. Ruby Hsu is a graduate of the University of Vermont with a Bachelor’s degree in Community Development and Applied Economics. In parti...

Colleges Ranked Differently in College News Fit to Digest. September 13, 2021.

Episode summary introduction: Making sense of the College News of the week curated by Alma Matters. Coronavirus continues to drive the news. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news. Topics discussed in this episode: Int’l Education Demand Grows [] Vaccinate or Else..? [] Ranking Differently [] Freshman 15: Myth or Reality? [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Al...

Luke Neureiter on Swarthmore: Peace Engineering, Soccer, and Lang Scholar.

Episode summary introduction: Swarthmore did not make Luke’s initial list, because his dad went to Swarthmore. Then, late fall of his senior year, he visited Swarthmore and stayed overnight with the soccer team. Luke was blown away by the people he met at Swarthmore. Luke Neureiter is a Senior at Swarthmore College pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and Peace & Conflict Studies. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why Swarthmore ? Why Major in Engineering ...

Prof. Sivakumar on Georgia Tech’s CREATE-X: Building Entrepreneurial Confidence.

Episode summary introduction: Prof Raghupathy Sivakumar is the Founding Director of CREATE-X at Georgia Tech. Prof Sivakumar joins us on our podcast today to share Why CREATE-X was born , the structure, instruction and opportunities it offers, startups it helps launch and how students and faculty benefit from it. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Prof. Sivakumar’s Professional Background Origins of CREATE-X The Entrepreneurial Confidence Program Benefits for Students an...

College Matters. Alma Matters. (Trailer)

College Matters. Alma Matters. (Trailer)

Tushar Sharma on Iowa State University: MIS, People Networking and Career Fairs.

Episode summary introduction: In his high school in Punjab India, Tushar pursued Physics, Chemistry and Math, with Math being his strong suit. He participated in a number of Olympiad competitions. He was part of the Indian Red Cross Society and volunteered at social events and causes. Tushar Sharma is a graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Choosing Iowa State University Majoring in ...

Segment #3: Applying to University of California. 10-Steps to Submit.

Episode summary introduction: The last Segment in the 3-Segment Podcast Series to help students with their University of California (UC) Applications. This segment builds on the last 2 Segments, and walks the student through the UC Application in 10 Steps. Shveta Bagade leads us through the discussion. In particular, we discuss the following: 4 Things to Keep in Mind 10 Steps to filling out the Application Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction to Segment #3 [0:32] Four Things...

Liz Brigham on Davidson College’s Jay Hurt Hub: The Entrepreneurial Pursuit.

Episode summary introduction: Liz Brigham is the Director of The Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Davidson College. Liz joins us on our podcast today to share Why The Hurt Hub was created, programs &  activities, what it offers its stakeholders, and how the students at Davidson College benefit. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Liz Brigham’s Professional Background The Birth of the Jay Hurt Hub Programs and Activities in the Center Benefits for Studen...

Segment #9: Merit-based Financial Aid. A Guide to Build a Standout US College Application.

Episode summary introduction: Segment #9 of the 10-Segment Podcast Series to help students in 11th Grade build standout US College Applications. This segment covers the Cost of College, Financial Aid avenues, the Criteria for Financial Aid and Applying for Merit-based Aid. Subscribe for Assignments. In this segment, Ben Stern leads us through the discussion. In particular, we discuss the following: The College Cost What is Financial Aid? Criteria for Merit-based Financial Aid The Proce...

College & Beyond: Hartejas Sekhon 12th Grade, India.

Episode summary introduction: In this Podcast, Hartejas Sekhon talks about a wide range of topics, the Saathi NGO, her interest in Software Engineering, her views on the future, career, and how she is navigating the college process. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Who is Hartejas Sekhon? High School Interests The Future, Priorities & Readiness College Plans Abroad Parents’ & Peers’ Support Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Hartejas Sekhon, Grade 12, Indi...

Segment #2: Applying to University of California.Getting Ready.

Episode summary introduction: Segment #2 of the 3-Segment Podcast Series to help students with their University of California (UC) Applications. This segment outlines the preparatory work that needs to be done to get ready to fill out the UC Application. Shveta Bagade leads us through the discussion. In particular, we discuss the following: How to Create an Online Application Account Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) - Drafts and Review Researching UC Campuses and Majors Financial Aid ...

Reid Furubayashi on Claremont McKenna: PPE, Fulbright Scholar and International Experience.

Episode summary introduction: Reid had a well rounded High School experience. He did mock trial, speech and debate, played soccer, and was a pole vaulter. When time came to look for colleges, he wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to study. But he knew gaining International experience was important. Reid Furubayashi is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE). In particular, we discuss the following with him: Choosing Clarem...

Mabel Tie on Barnard College: Psychology, Caring Student Body, and Public Service without Borders.

Episode summary introduction: Mabel admits that her high school version did too much. She ran the Community Service Board, Weekly Homeless Shelter dinner, was in Student Government, played Soccer, Piano, Clarinet in Symphony and was in the band! Mabel Tie is a graduate of Barnard College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education Studies. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Choosing Barnard College Majoring in Psychology & Education Studies Community Service Adv...

Segment #1: Applying to University of California. Criteria & Requirements.

Episode summary introduction: Segment #1 of the 3-Segment Podcast Series to help students with their University of California (UC) Applications. This segment covers What the UCs are looking for in their students, Requirements and Help Decide whether to apply to the UCs . Shveta Bagade leads us through the discussion. In particular, we discuss the following: Introduction to the UCs What the UCs are looking for in their applicants Criteria to Apply Which UCs to Apply to Timeline Plannin...

Segment #8: Planning, Letters of Recommendation & Timeline. A Guide to Build a Standout US College Application.

Episode summary introduction: Segment #8 of the 10-Segment Podcast Series to help students in 11th Grade build standout US College Applications. This segment takes time to recap previous Segments, to discuss Letters of Recommendation and Timeline Planning. Subscribe for Assignments. In this segment, Athena Lao leads us through the discussion. In particular, we discuss the following: Recap of the Past Segments How Students should Organize themselves Tips for Responses on College Applicat...

College & Beyond: Putri Aimee Srijaya 12th Grade, Indonesia.

Episode summary introduction: In this Podcast, Putri talks about her love for writing, her broad range of interests in high school, her cooperative friends and how sees her future and college plans. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Who is Putri Aimee Srijaya? High School Interests The Future, Priorities College Plans Parental Support Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Putri Srijaya, Grade 12, Indonesia [0:37] Who is Putri Aimee Srijaya? [1:52] Standout I...

Andrew Maguire on Hidden Curriculum and International Students.

Episode summary introduction: Andrew Maguire is the author of a new book Teaching Between the Lines, about the Hidden Curriculum. Andrew joins us on our podcast today and talks about the Academic and Social Impact to International Students during the college applications process, the college years, and ways to mitigate the impact. In particular, we discuss the following with him: What is Hidden Curriculum? How does the Hidden Curriculum impact Int’l Students Role of Colleges Tools & Re...

College Rankings without SAT in College News Fit to Digest. August 23, 2021.

Episode summary introduction: Making sense of the College News of the week curated by Alma Matters. Coronavirus continues to drive the news. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news. Topics discussed in this episode: COVID Fee for the unvaccinated [] How College Costs have changed over the years [] College Rankings w.o./SAT [] Reshaping of the College Admissions Process [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources r...

Rifat Mursalin on Emory: Transformative Experience, Social Entrepreneurship and Halloween Tradition.

Episode summary introduction: A first generation student, Rifat was in student government in High School, involved in Social Science projects, math club and tutoring other kids. He worked on programs for middle school kids from the inner city. Rifat Mursalin is a graduate of Emory University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics & French. In particular, we discuss the following with him: On choosing Emory University Majoring in Economics and French Tutoring & Social Entrepreneurship Fu...

College & Beyond: Sanya Goyal 12th Grade, India.

Episode summary introduction: In this Podcast, Sanya talks about her passion for entrepreneurship, her broad range of interests in high school, her NGO, peer support group and how sees her future and college plans. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Who is Sanya Goyal? High School Interests The Future, Priorities College Plans Parental Support Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Sanya Goyal, Grade 12, India [0:44] Who is Sanya Goyal? [2:24] High School Inte...

Chloe Heskett on UVA: Rich Traditions, The Cavalier Daily, and Career Abroad.

Episode summary introduction: As a high schooler, Chloe was a student-athlete. She carried a full load of APs in her junior and senior years. She was a cross-country and track runner, in addition to riding and rowing. For good measure, she was in the Orchestra as well. Chloe Heskett is a graduate of the University of Virginia (UVA for short), with a Bachelor’s degree in French and Politics. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Choosing The University of Virginia Majoring in ...

Stacey Kostell on The Coalition: College Access for All.

MyCoalition or Coalition Application is the signature College Planning tool from the Coalition for College Access. Stacey Kostell is the CEO. Stacey joins us on our podcast today to tell us How The Coalition came together, Why Colleges & other community-based organizations are working with them, How they are helping students, and where they are headed. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Stacey Kostell’s Professional Background The Coalition’s Mission How MyCoalition helps...

Biden has Big Plans for Int’l Education in College News Fit to Digest. August 9, 2021.

Episode summary introduction: Making sense of the College News of the week curated by Alma Matters. Coronavirus continues to drive the news. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news. Topics discussed in this episode: Colleges in US and Canada to accept Virtual Student Ids [] Biden has big plans for Int’l Education [] Confusion on Vaccines for Int’l Students [] No of Colleges Shrink [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. ...

About Majors: What is Biochemistry? With Prof. Dipali Sashital, Iowa State University.

Episode summary introduction: The goal of this series is to serve as a primer for High Schoolers about a Major, through our conversations with Faculty Experts in the various US Colleges and Universities. We continue this series with Biochemistry, with Professor Dipali Sashital, Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Iowa State University. In particular, we discuss the following with him: What is Biochemistry? A Brief History of Biochemi...

College & Beyond: Saumya Gupta 12th Grade, India.

Episode summary introduction: In this Podcast, Saumya Gupta a 12th Grader in India, shares her high school interests, her surprise discoveries about herself during COVID times, her thoughts on college abroad, career, and how she is navigating the college process. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Who is Saumya Gupta? High School Interests The Future, Priorities & Challenges College Plans Abroad Parents’ Support Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Saumya Gupt...

Segment #7 on College Selection: Narrowing the List. A Guide to Build a Standout US College Application.

Episode summary introduction: Segment #7 of the 10-Segment Podcast Series to help students in 11th Grade build standout US College Applications. This segment tells students how to narrow the list of colleges to apply to. Subscribe for Assignments. In this segment, Athena Lao and Nick Wyville of Admissionado lead us through the discussion. In particular, we discuss the following: 5 Key Questions to consider for College Selection 3 Case Studies that provide direction to Narrow the College ...

Fall 2021 College Enrollment in Danger in College News Fit to Digest. August 2, 2021.

Episode summary introduction: Making sense of the College News of the week curated by Alma Matters. Coronavirus continues to drive the news. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news. Topics discussed in this episode: Community Colleges provide Lifeline to millions [] Students may Opt out of Fall 2021 [] California State U require vaccinations [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: ...

Jeet Raut on UI Urbana-Champaign: Cognitive Psychology, Quiz Bowl, and International Classmates.

Episode summary introduction: In school, Jeet played the cello. He did Quiz Bowl. He was into science and technology clubs - robotics and astronomy being his favorite. He also played tennis in high school. Jeet, to put it mildly, had a hectic high school life. Jeet Samarth Raut is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Psychology. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why UI Urbana-Champaign Majoring in Cognitive Psycho...

What is Innovation? With Prof. James Oliver, Director of Student Innovation Center, ISU.

Episode summary introduction: Prof Oliver joins us on our podcast to give us a Primer on Innovation. We cover, What is Innovation, When to Innovate and The Process of Innovating. He offers guidance to high schoolers on how to prepare and develop the skills needed to become tomorrow’s innovators. Professor James Oliver, is the University Professor and Director of Student Innovation Center at Iowa State University, Ames Iowa. In particular, we discuss the following with him: What is Innovat...

Mixed Reaction to Test Optional in College News Fit to Digest. July 26, 2021.

Episode summary introduction: Making sense of the College News of the week curated by Alma Matters. Coronavirus continues to drive the news. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news. Topics discussed in this episode: Mixed reaction to Test Optional [] Financial Aid Applications Drop [] UCs make record number of Admissions [] Int’l Students & Need Blind Aid [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in ...

Prof. James Oliver on ISU’s Student Innovation Center: Bold Experiment

Episode summary introduction: Professor James Oliver is the Director of the Student Innovation Center at Iowa State University, Ames Iowa. Prof. Oliver joins us on our podcast today to share Why the Innovation Center was created, the unique programs, activities and opportunities it offers, and how students, faculty and yes, even High Schoolers benefit from it . In particular, we discuss the following with him: Prof. James Oliver’s Professional Background Origins of the Student Center for...