Episode summary introduction: When Iris Li was in the 11th grade in Taiwan, her teachers strongly encouraged her to apply to the US for college. Iris went on to apply to UC Santa Barbara. Iris graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Global Studies. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Why US? Why UCSB? Adjusting to Campus Life in the US Advice to Aspiring Students Topics discussed in this episode: Diverse, Enjoyable UCSB Experience [] Wh...
Sep 23, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Episode Title: Athena Lao on Harvard: Studying Classics, Teaching Abroad and Wanting to Make Things Better. Episode summary introduction: The mere mention of “Harvard” is intriguing. A good fraction of the high school students have Harvard on their list of Colleges they aspire to. Athena Lao is a graduate of Harvard University with a Bachelor’s degree in Classics. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Why Harvard? The Academic and Campus Experience at Harvard Advice to Aspiring Stude...
Sep 17, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 46
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: Univ of California asked to go “Test Blind” [1:20] Status of Colleges Fall Reopening [6:42] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] USA Today [1...
Sep 11, 2020•17 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Episode summary introduction: Anu Ramachandran chose the University of Southern California (USC), among other things, for its location, access to culture and their generous scholarship. But Anu’s big takeaways occurred during summers, far away from campus, in the middle of the Amazon and a village in Tanzania. Anu shares her amazing undergraduate experience with us in this episode. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Summer Experiences The Marshall Scholarship Topics discussed in t...
Sep 11, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Episode summary introduction: Anu Ramachandran chose the University of Southern California (USC), among other things, for its location, access to culture and their generous scholarship. But Anu’s big takeaways occurred during summers, far away from campus, in the middle of the Amazon and a village in Tanzania. Anu shares her amazing undergraduate experience with us in this episode. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Why USC ? The Academic Experience at USC Summer Pursuits Topics d...
Sep 04, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 43
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: 7-tips for International Students during COVID-19 #1 Minimize Expenses #2 Get an Insurance #3 Travel only if you must #4 Look for Safe Accommodation #5 Keep Building your Resume #6, #7 Communication & School Focus are Key! One more thing: We have different...
Aug 27, 2020•13 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Episode summary introduction: Standardized Tests have fallen victim to COVID-19. Over 80% of the Top US Colleges have gone Test Optional, which means they are waiving Standardized Test Scores requirements for Admissions. For now. Nitin Jain, Co-founder of Oncourse shares his views on how students should handle College Applications without Standardized Tests. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Role of Standardized Tests in College Admissions What does Test Optional really mean? How...
Aug 25, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 41
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: US Colleges walk back their reopening [] Still a Mad rush to get Testing Dates! [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] Inside Higher Ed [] T...
Aug 21, 2020•14 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Episode summary introduction: Sibi Venkatesan knew he wanted to study Computer Science. He had always enjoyed it and was good at it. When time came to go to College, Sibi moved from Bangalore, India to Berkeley, California to pursue the prestigious Electrical Engineering and Computer Science program. Sibi gives us a ringside view into his experiences at University of California Berkeley. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why he chose Berkeley Being an International Student at Ber...
Aug 20, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Episode summary introduction: Anika Gupta wasn’t very keen on MIT. A campus visit to MIT changed all that. She was taken in by the “air of humility” that she felt in the students she interacted with during the campus visit. Anika went on to get a joint major at MIT in Computer Science and Molecular Biology. Anika shares her undergraduate MIT experience in vivid detail. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Why MIT ? The Intense Academic Program, the Peers Advice for MIT Aspirants Top...
Aug 18, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Episode summary introduction: College counselors have enormous power to do good, to guide students to the right college destinations. Athena Lao, Head College Mentor at Admissionado, talks about their hands-on approach to counseling. In particular, we discuss the following with him: What is Admissionado? About students in the US, India, China College Admissions in the Pandemic World Topics discussed in this episode: How Athena got into Counseling [2:18] Birth of Admissionado [4:23] Counseling Su...
Aug 08, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 37
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-19 Infection rates in the States in the US [] ACT Closes Registrations [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] Inside Higher Ed [] Episo...
Aug 06, 2020•11 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Episode summary introduction: A chance summer research led him to becoming an Experimental Particle Physicist. Kevin Black majored in Physics as part of his undergraduate program at Wesleyan University and PhD in Physics from Boston University. Today Kevin Black is a Professor at University of Wisconsin Madison. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why Physics? Being an Experimental Particle Physicist His Love for Teaching Topics discussed in this episode: The Road to Academia [] Wh...
Aug 05, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Episode summary introduction: Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) offered Chetan Vakkalagdda the right resources and the appropriate experiences to validate his interest in medicine. Chetan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a minor in Music. Chetan shares his undergraduate experience at WashU. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why WashU ? Student Life at WashU Advice for Aspiring WashU students Topics discussed in this episode: The WashU Years Overview [] Choosin...
Aug 03, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 34
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: ACT Cancels Test. Students not notified. [] New Int’l Students. Stay Home. [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] CNN [] Inside Higher Ed [] ...
Jul 30, 2020•13 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Episode summary introduction: A tip from his brother’s friend takes Bharath Rabindranath to Jacobs University in Bremen, Germany. Bharath goes on to earn the Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Bharath looks back at his years at Jacobs, and how he adjusted to life in Germany. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why Jacobs University? About Studying and Living in Germany Students at Jacobs University Topics discussed in this episode: Jacobs University Experience [] On Choosing Ja...
Jul 25, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Episode summary introduction: She grew up enjoying Math and Science, overcoming societal biases about girls and science. She went on to pursue a PhD in Physics from the University of Wisconsin Madison, making a stop at RPI for her undergraduate degree in Physics and Mathematics. Today Isobel Ojalvo is a High Energy Particle Physicist, and Assistant Professor at Princeton University. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Being a Girl in STEM Decision to be in Academia Why High Energy ...
Jul 23, 2020•51 min•Season 1Ep. 31
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: Rescinding the International Student Visa Policy [] Dealing with the Prospect of Fall Campus Outbreak [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] ...
Jul 21, 2020•14 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Since becoming part of the University of California system in 1944, University of California Santa Barbara has become one of the premier Public Universities in the world. 110K Students from all over the world applied study at UC Santa Barbara this year. Lisa Przekop, Director of Admissions at UC Santa Barbara shares an insider’s view on the school, students and applications. Join the UC Santa Barbara Mailing List for updates. In particular, we discuss the following with Lisa: The University of C...
Jul 18, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Episode summary introduction: International students nurture dreams of making it to a competitive US College. It requires planning, discipline and a lot of hard work for a chance to get one of the coveted spots in these colleges. Counselors’ expertise and experience can make a difference in the outcome. Benjamin Stern is the founder and CEO of IvyAchievement, a college counseling firm shares his approach. In particular, we discuss the following with him: What is IvyAchievement? About the student...
Jul 15, 2020•41 min•Season 1Ep. 28
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 Students may have to go home in Fall. Colleges Challenge. [] College Faculty upset about Optional Safety Measures [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated Ne...
Jul 13, 2020•13 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Episode summary introduction: Uddeshya Nigam found a different route to get an Economics undergraduate degree. Uddeshya’s journey takes him to Sciences Po in France, Emory University in the United States, and a final semester of internship in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why Sciences Po? Adjusting to Life & Living in France Final Year in Emory University & Buenos Aires Topics discussed in this episode: Why Sciences Po [] Bokaro to Paris [] Ca...
Jul 06, 2020•59 min•Season 1Ep. 26
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: OPT Visa lives for now [1:13] Colleges go Creative to Reopen in Fall [3:24] College cut programs with Lower Pay Potential [6:32] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News...
Jul 04, 2020•10 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Episode summary introduction: Gobi Dasu, a Stanford University alum talks about his college years. How he finished his undergraduate program in 2 years, and became a “digital nomad” after graduating, and then returned to Stanford for Graduate study and enjoyed “all that Stanford had to offer”. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Being a student at Stanford University The Decision to graduate in 2 years Why he came back to graduate school Topics discussed in this episode: “The Race ...
Jun 30, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Episode summary introduction: Students have a right to Dream BIG. The challenge for College Counselors is to morph those BIG Dreams into achievable ones, while still harnessing the arrogance of youth. Nitin Jain, Co-founder of Oncourse, discusses how they set and manage students’ College expectations using Counseling Tenets they have developed over the last 10 years. In particular, we discuss the following with him: How to deal student expectations The process evaluating potential and recalibrat...
Jun 28, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Episode summary introduction: Dr Subhasish Dasgupta was smitten by a nascent field called Information Systems, while doing his MBA at University of Calcutta. Dr Dasgupta traces his journey of how he transformed that passion into a career in academia at George Washington University. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Being a PhD student at Baruch College, NY The dive into academia How students have changed over the last few decades Topics discussed in this episode: Calcutta Beginni...
Jun 22, 2020•45 min•Season 1Ep. 22
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: Students are changing their college plans [1:21] COVID-19 Testing on Campuses [3:28] Top US Colleges also go Test Optional. What next? [5:23] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode:...
Jun 21, 2020•11 min•Season 1Ep. 21
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: Tech Graduate Students from India dropping off [1:47] International Students in the US in limbo [5:32] Prepping for 2nd wave of COVID-19 in Fall [9:46] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in thi...
Jun 17, 2020•13 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Episode summary introduction: Narayan Subramanian, a Columbia University alum reflects on his years in college. He paints a vivid picture of life in school, the dorms and regales us with anecdotes on the activism on campus and the taste of the Big Apple. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Being a student at Columbia University What it is like being in a big city Benefits of being in a school like Columbia Topics discussed in this episode: The Columbia Experience [] The First Semes...
Jun 13, 2020•45 min•Season 1Ep. 19
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: US Colleges Fall Reopening - Senate hearing [1:47] SAT Online Test - A No Go! [8:21] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] CNBC [1:47] BisNow [...
Jun 07, 2020•14 min•Season 1Ep. 18
