College Matters. Alma Matters. - podcast cover

College Matters. Alma Matters.

Venkat Ramanwww.almamatters.io
Podcast for High Schoolers about College. We chronicle personal experiences on College Life, College Preparation with College Alumni, Faculty, Admissions and Counselors. The goal of these stories is to Inform & Inspire students all over the world to pursue their college dreams.
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Episodes

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 Students, Fac...

Oct 17, 202153 minSeason 1Ep. 165

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 Process, and A...

Oct 15, 202130 minSeason 1Ep. 164

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, India [0...

Oct 15, 202130 minSeason 1Ep. 163

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 Topics dis...

Oct 08, 202124 minSeason 1Ep. 162

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 Claremont McK...

Oct 06, 202137 minSeason 1Ep. 161

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 Advice to...

Oct 04, 202138 minSeason 1Ep. 160

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 Planning Topics di...

Sep 30, 202127 minSeason 1Ep. 159

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 Applications 5 T...

Sep 24, 202132 minSeason 1Ep. 158

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 Interests [4:48...

Sep 22, 202130 minSeason 1Ep. 157

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 & Resource...

Sep 16, 202133 minSeason 1Ep. 156

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 referred t...

Sep 16, 202116 minSeason 1Ep. 155

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 Fulb...

Sep 14, 202154 minSeason 1Ep. 154

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 Interests [3:09] P...

Sep 09, 202131 minSeason 1Ep. 153

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 French &...

Sep 09, 202137 minSeason 1Ep. 152

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 stud...

Sep 07, 202135 minSeason 1Ep. 151

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. Resource...

Sep 07, 202115 minSeason 1Ep. 150

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 Biochemistry Bra...

Sep 02, 20211 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 149

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 Gupta, Grade...

Aug 30, 202133 minSeason 1Ep. 148

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 List To...

Aug 26, 202146 minSeason 1Ep. 147

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: Curated N...

Aug 25, 202111 minSeason 1Ep. 146

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 Psychology Div...

Aug 19, 202129 minSeason 1Ep. 145

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 Innovation? Wh...

Aug 17, 202128 minSeason 1Ep. 144

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 this ...

Aug 16, 202112 minSeason 1Ep. 143

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 Innovat...

Aug 15, 202131 minSeason 1Ep. 142

“Drop SAT/ACT Scores in US News Ranking” in College News Fit to Digest. July 19, 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: "Drop SAT/ACT Scores in US News Ranking" [] University of California to provide vaccines on campus [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] In...

Aug 07, 202115 minSeason 1Ep. 141

Jemina Bouma Perez on Rice: Cognitive Science, Passion for Education, and Culture of Care.

Episode summary introduction: When Jemina was looking at colleges, her high school counselor suggested she look at Rice University. Jemina had not heard of Rice, but all that changed after visiting the campus. Jemina Bouma Perez is a graduate of Rice University with a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Choosing Rice University Majoring in Cognitive Science A Passion for Teaching & Education Advice to Aspiring Students Topics discussed in...

Aug 07, 202141 minSeason 1Ep. 140

Michelle Setiawan of Sekolah Lentera Indonesia: Guiding Students to Colleges Abroad.

Episode summary introduction: This episode sheds light on college-bound students at Sekolah Lentera Indonesia, a K-12 school, who are looking to study abroad. Michelle Setiawan, who is a College Counselor at the school, gives us an overview of the school, the students, their college choices, and how Michelle & the counseling team help students navigate the college application process. In particular, we discuss the following with her: About Sekolah Lentera Indonesia (School) and Students Wher...

Jul 31, 202131 minSeason 1Ep. 139

What is a Community College? “A Smarter Option”, says Dr Miloni Gandhi of Foothill College, California.

Episode summary introduction: This podcast is to serve as a primer on Community Colleges in the US. Dr Miloni Gandhi, Adjunct Faculty at Foothill College in California tells us why US and International students should seriously consider applying to them. In particular, we discuss the following with her: What is a Community College? Why should a student consider Community College? How do you Select Community Colleges to Apply to? How do you Apply? Advice to Students once they get there Topics dis...

Jul 25, 202142 minSeason 1Ep. 138

UCs to Admit Fewer Int’l Students in College News Fit to Digest. July 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: UCs to Admit Fewer Int’l Students [] Foreign Languages helps with SAT/ACT [] Twinning Programs for Int’l Students [] Visa Time Limit Extended for Int’l Students [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources refer...

Jul 20, 202112 minSeason 1Ep. 137

Sydney Dinenberg on Georgetown: Foreign Service, Ultimate Frisbee, and Joining the Peace Corps.

Episode summary introduction: Ever since high school, Sydney had an interest in all things Global. She loved languages and history and enjoyed traveling. Her teachers, counselors told her about Foreign Service program at Georgetown. Sydney Dinenberg is a graduate of Georgetown University with a Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Service and International Politics. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Choosing Georgetown University Majoring in Foreign Service Teaching English in Thailand D...

Jul 19, 20211 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 136
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