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: Chinese Students Slow to Come back [] 25% of US Colleges may have to close [] 13 US Colleges with most Merit Aid [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Mat...
Apr 11, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 105
Episode summary introduction: In High School, Christian was considering going to a Community College. He would be the first in his family to attend college. His English Teacher, however, persuaded him to consider 4-year colleges. Christian Tanja is a graduate of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor’s degree in PsychoBiology and a minor in Education Studies. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why UCLA? Choosing a Major Marching Band Passion for Education ...
Apr 10, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 104
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’ Pandemic Learnings [] Hard for Int’l Students to Get Jobs [] US Colleges Fall 2021 Reopening Plans [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma M...
Apr 07, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 103
Episode summary introduction: Alana’s father had gone to Pomona. When Alana started looking at Colleges, she was looking for a small student body with resources to nurture her varied interests, including dance - something she was very passionate about. Pomona checked all those boxes. Alana Weiss is a Junior at Pomona College, where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Why Pomona ? Why Major in Molecular Biology? Passion for D...
Apr 05, 2021•43 min•Season 1Ep. 102
Episode summary introduction: Doris did well in Biology in High School, so she thought she would pursue the same in College. In college, she quickly realized that biology labs were not her thing, and that she is more of a people person. Doris Huang is a graduate of Harvard University with a Bachelor’s degree in Government. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Why Harvard ? Majoring in Government Model Congress and An Evening with Champions Shaping the Future Advice to Applicants Top...
Mar 30, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 101
Episode summary introduction: To mark this special episode, I decided to go through the tens of College Alumni podcasts and select the overriding reason they picked their college. The reasons fall into 6 different categories. Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Episode #100 [0:22] Fit [2:40] Top College [14:10] Best College for a Specific Interest [19:27] Freedom to Explore [27:26] Location [33:18] Financial Aid [37:04] Our Guest: College Alumni featured in our podcast over the last ye...
Mar 29, 2021•43 min•Season 1Ep. 100
Episode summary introduction: Miloni wanted to go college in a “real city” like say New York City. Unfortunately for Miloni, her parents were not for it. They wanted her to be in Los Angeles. Miloni Gandhi is a graduate of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) with Bachelor’s degree in International Development Studies and Geography. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Why UCLA ? Focus on International Study Campus Activities Year-long Study in Madrid Advice to Applicants...
Mar 23, 2021•52 min•Season 1Ep. 99
Episode summary introduction: Segment #3 of the 10-Segment Podcast Series to help students in 11th Grade build standout US College Applications. This segment provides a process for students to develop the best strategy for their applications. Subscribe for Assignments . In this segment, Athena Lao and Rob Franklin of Admissionado lead us through the discussion. In particular, we discuss the following: What is a Working Vision? How to Create your own Working Vision How to embed the Working Vision...
Mar 19, 2021•31 min•Season 1Ep. 98
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: TOEFL versus Duolingo [] Federal Aid for Some Int’l Students [] ACT says Test Optional to stay [] Focus on Mental Health for Int’l Students [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episod...
Mar 18, 2021•16 min•Season 1Ep. 97
Episode summary introduction: Ettie, a self-described nerd in High School, applied to Cornell at the last minute. Cornell made it easy, by giving her a great financial aid package. Ettie decided to go to Cornell as an undeclared major. Ettie Nikolova is a graduate of Cornell University with Bachelor’s degree in Government and Russian Studies. In particular, we discuss the following: Why Cornell University? Majoring in Government Passion to Teach Youth Fulbright in Bulgaria Advice to Applicants T...
Mar 17, 2021•37 min•Season 1Ep. 96
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: Building US STEM Workforce [] Lawmakers want Tuition Refunds for COVID Disruption [] College Students and Vaccines [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma M...
Mar 13, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 95
Episode summary introduction: Andrew liked and did well in AP Psychology in High School. He felt Psychology could be his thing. At Vanderbilt, he took courses in Psychology. Then, his interests evolved. Andrew Maguire is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with Bachelor’s degree in American Studies and Psychology. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why Vanderbilt University? Choice of Majors Campus Activities Study Abroad in Denmark Advice to Applicants Topics discussed in this ep...
Mar 06, 2021•45 min•Season 1Ep. 94
Episode summary introduction: At the Institute of International Education (IIE), Mirka Martel runs the Open Doors Data project and Project Atlas to study global mobility trends in International Education. In this podcast, Mirka Martel, Head of Research at IIE, explains the data and translates what that means for Colleges in the US and around the world, and prospective students and parents. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Mirka Martel’s Role at IIE What is International Educatio...
Mar 05, 2021•52 min•Season 1Ep. 93
Episode summary introduction: Professor Dutt believes exciting research comes from a combination of serendipity, bright students and good, collaborative relationships. There is more. Professor Nikil Dutt is the Chancellor’s Professor of Computer Science, EECS and Cognitive Science at the University of California Irvine. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Pursuing Graduate Programs in the US Joining the Academia The Pursuit of Research UG Students at UC Irvine Advice for Applicants...
Feb 28, 2021•41 min•Season 1Ep. 92
Episode summary introduction: Clare discovered that languages came easily to her starting in Middle School. She learnt Spanish and wanted to pursue it in College. It would turn out to be a great choice. Clare Overmann is a graduate of Georgetown University with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Culture. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Love for Spanish Why Georgetown University? Study Abroad in Korea and Chile Advice to Applicants Topics discussed in this episode: Intr...
Feb 24, 2021•38 min•Season 1Ep. 91
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: Universities Protecting Int’l Students [] Best Colleges for Internships [] List of Remote Summer Jobs [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]...
Feb 23, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 90
Episode summary introduction: Segment #2 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, Athena Lao and Rob Franklin of Admissionado lead us through the discussion. In addition, 1 Admissions Officer and 3 US College Alumni are also featured. In particular, we discuss the following: Why are Extracurriculars (ECs) important? What ar...
Feb 19, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 89
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 take the Spring Semester off [] OPT Legal Win [] California High Schoolers lose out on Colleges and Scholarships [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at...
Feb 18, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 88
Episode summary introduction: Harvey didn’t grow up in Botswana dreaming of coming to the US for College. He was on track to join the University in Botswana after completing his Public School education. A well-meaning cousin changed all that. Harvey Mogojwe is a graduate of Williams College with a Bachelor’s degree in Theater. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why Williams from Botswana? Adjusting in the US Challenges as an Int’l Student Love for Theater Advice for Applicants Top...
Feb 18, 2021•56 min•Season 1Ep. 87
Episode summary introduction: Anna grew up with a romantic notion of Mathematics. When she arrived at Johns Hopkins all set to pursue pure mathematics, her perception of what it was, collided with reality. Anna Bartoli is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. In particular, we discuss the following with her: The Math Infatuation Why Johns Hopkins? The Switch to Applied Math “Tutorial Project” Advice to Applicants Topics discussed in this episode:...
Feb 14, 2021•57 min•Season 1Ep. 86
Episode summary introduction: Dance has been a huge passion for Neha. South Indian Classical dance, Bollywood Fusion were her favorites. Neha didn’t escape Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial dust either. Neha Kumar is a graduate of Northwestern University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Why Northwestern? The Passion for Dance Summers as Career Experiments Advice to Applicants Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Neha Kumar [] High ...
Feb 06, 2021•51 min•Season 1Ep. 85
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: 60% of the Students want SAT dropped [] Financially Shaky Colleges [] Turning ECs into Scholarships [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] Y...
Feb 06, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 86
Episode summary introduction: Founded in 1848, the University of Wisconsin Madison is the flagship campus of the 13-university system across the state. It boasts of highly ranked programs in Engineering and Business. Katie Dunagan, Assistant Director of International Admissions at UW Madison gives us her views and insights on the school, students and applications. In particular, we discuss the following with Katie: About UW Madison What they are looking for in students Advice to 2022 Applicants ...
Feb 02, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 84
Episode summary introduction: A product of Silicon Valley, Rohith decided to pursue a career in Music. His talents in the Arts were in evidence at an early age and nurtured through his teenage years through Indian Classical Music training and Performing Arts in school. Rohith Jayaraman is a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor’s degree in Music and Music Therapy. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Picking a Career in Music Growing up around the Arts Why Berklee? Th...
Feb 01, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 83
Episode summary introduction: Growing up in Los Angeles, from a very young age, theater was a big part of Cleo’s life. She was very interested in Psychology and Neuroscience as well. Cleo Handler is a graduate of Yale University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Theater. In particular, we discuss the following with her: The Obsession with Theater Why Yale? Student Run Shows Enriching Summer Experiences Advice to Applicants Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction to Cleo Handler, ...
Jan 30, 2021•38 min•Season 1Ep. 82
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 to adjust Tuition Fees [] Standardized Tests and Scholarships [] Pandemic Impact on College Students Mental Health [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated Ne...
Jan 29, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 81
Episode summary introduction: Bianca grew up in Long Island, NY speaking no language other than English. She did not know how a second language could be acquired. Williams changed all that. Bianca Brown is a graduate of Williams College with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Asian Studies. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Why Williams? “Generalist” in High School Love for Languages Fulbright Grant Advice for Applicants Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Bia...
Jan 28, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 80
Episode summary introduction: Rob leveraged the Stanford resources for a rich undergraduate experience - both in the classroom and outside. His love for languages took him to Paris as part of the study abroad program. Rob Franklin is a graduate of Stanford University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why Stanford? Adjusting to Stanford Majoring in Political Science Studying Abroad in Paris His Love for Writing Advice for Applicants T...
Jan 25, 2021•53 min•Season 1Ep. 79
Episode summary introduction: Professor Lall joined academia so he could keep learning new things, and inspire new generations of students. Professor Upmanu Lall is the Chair of the Earth and Environmental Engineering Department at Columbia University, NY. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Coming to the US from India Joining the Academia Being at the forefront of Research on Water, Climate & the Environment Being the Chair of the Department Advice for High School Students Top...
Jan 25, 2021•50 min•Season 1Ep. 78
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: SAT drops Optional Essay and Subject SAT Tests [] Top Destination for Transfer Students [] Pandemic Impact on College Applications [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curate...
Jan 21, 2021•19 min•Season 1Ep. 77
