Episode summary introduction: Segment #1 of the 10-Segment Podcast Series to help students in 11th Grade build their best US College Application. Each segment includes an Assignment based on the topic discussed. Subscribe for Assignments. In this segment we have Athena Lao of Admissionado lead us through the discussion. In particular, we discuss the following: What are US Colleges looking for? What makes a “great” applicant? Our Guest: Athena Lao , is the Head College Mentor at Admissionado , Co...
Jan 20, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 76
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: As Pandemic wears on, Colleges struggle to survive [] Students ask for more transparency during the Pandemic [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters...
Jan 15, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 75
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: Pluses and Minuses of an Undeclared Major [] Top Countries that Int’l Students are from [] Dartmouth has the largest pool of Early Applicants [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this epis...
Jan 13, 2021•16 min•Season 1Ep. 74
Episode summary introduction: Joey grew up with two passions: Tennis and Languages. Tennis enabled him to go to Amherst as a scholar-athlete and pursue his love for Languages and Cultures. Joey Fritz is a graduate of Amherst College with a Bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why Amherst? Being a Scholar-Athlete Progressive Student Body Love for Languages Advice for Applicants Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction [] Hi Fives - Podca...
Jan 08, 2021•37 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Episode summary introduction: Ike loves languages. He studied French in middle school and Spanish in High School. He loves music. Ike wanted to go to a college that would allow him to pursue Languages, American Culture, and things international. Ike Wilson is a graduate of Yale University with a Bachelor’s degree in French. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why Yale? Adjusting to Academics at Yale Residential Colleges and Activities Study Abroad in Paris Advice for Applicants Top...
Dec 18, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Episode summary introduction: Mike chose Brown because it would allow him to check out and explore a variety of courses in his bid to find the subject that would excite him the most. Mike Mochizuki is a graduate of Brown University with a Bachelor’s degree in History. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why Brown? About Academic Exploration Vibrant Student Body Advice for Students Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction [0:39] Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:27] “College is...
Dec 17, 2020•51 min•Season 1Ep. 71
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: Virtual Semesters Continue into Spring [] Lifestyle Tips for US College Students [] Colleges where more Alumni Donate [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alm...
Dec 17, 2020•16 min•Season 1Ep. 70
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: Fall 2021 Deadline Extensions [] US Colleges looking for $120B in Aid [] OPT Restored [] Ranking Int’l College Destinations [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News ...
Dec 14, 2020•13 min•Season 1Ep. 69
Episode summary introduction: Karen wanted to be in a small liberal arts college and Dartmouth certainly fit that bill. In addition to being the “perfect size”, Dartmouth turned out to be everything Karen imagined college to be. Karen Doster is a graduate of Dartmouth College with a Bachelor’s degree in Government, Public Policy and Native American Studies. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Why Dartmouth? Academic and Campus Life Settling on a Major Advice to aspiring students To...
Dec 12, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 68
Episode summary introduction: Seth was quite clear that he wanted to go to the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). So sure that he applied for Early Decision. Seth Shapiro is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why Penn? Academic and Campus Life Smart and Social Penn Students Advice for Aspirants Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction [0:45] Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:28] “Monumental Pe...
Dec 12, 2020•37 min•Season 1Ep. 67
Episode summary introduction: Srihari Balaji, an international student, is a sophomore at Union College, New York. Srihari shares his experience and learnings while searching for Financial Aid and how he went about applying for Aid. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Available Financial Aid Options How Srihari found Aid-Friendly Colleges Tips/Advice for Applicants Topics discussed in this episode: Kinds of Financial Aid [2:04] Financial Aid Friendly Colleges [3:07] Exploring Colle...
Dec 03, 2020•22 min•Season 1Ep. 66
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: UC Application Deadline Extension [1:20] 11th-Hour Tips for College Applications [2:49] New College Safety Protocols [7:20] Int’l Students Migrate from Australia [9:22] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources ...
Dec 02, 2020•13 min•Season 1Ep. 65
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: Faculty and Career Exploration [1:53] Early Apps Rise, Regulars Fall [7:06] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:12] Inside Higher Ed [1:53] ABC ...
Dec 02, 2020•15 min•Season 1Ep. 64
Episode summary introduction: While Ajan was in High School in India, he was looking at Colleges in the US where he could pursue Engineering and Drama. One such school was the University of California Irvine. Ajan Subramanian is a graduate of the University of California Irvine with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why UC Irvine? Nurturing Interest in Research Advice for Aspiring students Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction...
Nov 19, 2020•51 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Episode Title: College News Fit to Digest. November 9, 2020. 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: SUNY 2021 Reopening Plan [2:05] IELTS vs SAT/ACT [5:43] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Ma...
Nov 11, 2020•15 min•Season 1Ep. 62
Episode summary introduction: Benjamin Stern of IvyAchievement gives us an update on how colleges view Financial Aid for Fall of 2021 and what students need to do differently. In particular, we discuss the following with him: College Updates on Financial Aid What Students need to do Aid Application Deadlines Topics discussed in this episode: Good News on Financial Aid for 2021 [1:28] Things Students Need to Note[4:45] Double-Check the Application Deadlines [6:06] Apply Ethically [7:18] Our Guest...
Nov 11, 2020•12 min•Season 1Ep. 61
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: University of California cannot accept Test Scores [] November Calendar Deadlines [] Colleges reduce Tuition Fees [] Colleges Adjust Admissions [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this ep...
Nov 06, 2020•17 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Episode summary introduction: Namrata wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to study, and Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) let her experiment for a couple of years, before she had to decide. Namrata Vakkalagadda is a graduate of the Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological and Brain Sciences and a minor in Computer Science. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Why WashU? The Programs and Resources on Campus Advice for College Applicants Topi...
Nov 06, 2020•45 min•Season 1Ep. 59
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 will buoy US Colleges Financially [] COVID-19 may make it easier to get into some US Colleges [] Average ACT Test Scores dip [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episod...
Oct 28, 2020•17 min•Season 1Ep. 58
Episode summary introduction: The calendar is racing towards the end of the year, which means the College Applications deadlines are fast approaching. COVID-19 has changed the contours of the College Applications. In this podcast, with the help of expertise from Admissions Officers and Counselors, we offer some tips before you submit the College Applications. Topics discussed in this episode: What are Colleges looking for in their students? [1:27] Second Look at your Target Colleges [3:34] Apply...
Oct 28, 2020•19 min•Season 1Ep. 57
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: 5-Tips to Applying for College during COVID-19 [] Spring Semesters starting to go online as well [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] Univ...
Oct 26, 2020•12 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Episode summary introduction: Allegheny College is a historic, private liberal arts college in Western Pennsylvania. Over 200 years since its inception, Allegheny is now being recognized as an innovative school and nurtures students who are trying to figure their future. Cornell LeSane, Dean of Admissions at Allegheny College provides his views and insights on the school, students and applications. Join the Allegheny College Mailing List for updates. In particular, we discuss the following with ...
Oct 22, 2020•39 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Episode summary introduction: Priya wasn’t ready to commit to a major before college, and University of Pittsburgh (“Pitt”) gave her lots of options to try on, before she made a decision. Priya Chandrasekaran is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Psychology and a minor in Sociology. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Why Pitt? The Academic and Extracurricular Resources on campus Insights for college-bound Students Topics discussed ...
Oct 21, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 54
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: Dorm RAs act as COVID-19 Cops [] Liberal Arts Colleges making a play for Int’l Students [] Tips to Manage Money during COVID-19 [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated N...
Oct 15, 2020•14 min•Season 1Ep. 53
Episode summary introduction: For every student, there is a college out there. The challenge, as we know, is figuring out which one. It turned out that for Avinash Nayak, Princeton had his number. Avinash went to study Computer Science and Cognitive Science at Princeton. Avinash gives us an in-depth account of his undergraduate experience at Princeton University. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Choosing Princeton Navigating Princeton as an undergraduate Advice for Students appl...
Oct 08, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 52
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 College Fall Enrollment down [1:18] Calendar Alert: Fall 2021 Application [4:37] U of California Dorms Shutdown cost $1B! [6:13] U of California to appeal “Test Blind” Court Ruling [8:36] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley ...
Oct 02, 2020•11 min•Season 1Ep. 51
Episode summary introduction: There are over 5000 colleges and universities in the US. Each college and university offers a unique experience. A College Counselor’s role is to help find the right college for you. Shveta Bagade is a College Counselor based in the Silicon Valley in California, shares her experiences and the philosophy that drives her. In particular, we discuss the following with her: How Shveta got into Counseling Key Tenets and Elements of her counseling COVID-19 Fallout: For Stu...
Sep 29, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 51
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: Purdue Fall Enrollment is up! [] Colleges that are getting the Fall Reopening right [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] Purdue News [] Ax...
Sep 28, 2020•14 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Episode summary introduction: One big factor, if not the most predominant one, for college-bound students and parents is the cost of attending college. So, it is natural to explore what options are available to fund college education. Benjamin Stern is the founder and CEO of IvyAchievement, a college counseling firm, tells us all about financial aid. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Types of Financial Aid Criteria and Prerequisites COVID-19 Impact on Financial Aid for Fall 2021 ...
Sep 26, 2020•38 min•Season 1Ep. 49
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: Plight of International Students [] Why the mad rush to take the SATs? [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] Daily Emerald [] USA Today [] ...
Sep 26, 2020•12 min•Season 1Ep. 48
