College Matters. Alma Matters.

10 Tips to Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay in College News Fit to Digest. February 14, 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: COVID Drives Students Away from College [] Colleges Start to Centralize Operations [] 10 Tips on Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Cura...

About Majors: What is Environmental Studies? With Prof. Josh Schimel of UC Santa Barbara.

Episode summary introduction: The goal of this series is to serve as a primer for High Schoolers about a College Major, through our conversations with Faculty Experts in the various US Colleges and Universities. We continue this series with Environmental Studies, with Josh Schimel, Professor of Environmental Studies at University of California Santa Barbara. In particular, we discuss the following with him: What is Environmental Studies ? Areas of Environmental Studies Biggest Challenges Skills ...

Lawmakers look to Ban Legacy Admissions in College News Fit to Digest. February 7, 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: Teachers leaving the field [] Law to Ban Legacy Admissions? [] Int’l Students Risk Going 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 [] ...

Tyler Gathman on ISU: Chemical Engineering, Intramural Sports, and Standing in Line for Basketball Games.

Episode summary introduction: Tyler grew up around engineers. Tyler liked Math and even participated in the “Project Lead the Way” program for Engineering in Minnesota. He was a Boy Scout and played varsity baseball. Tyler Gathman is a graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Choosing ISU Majoring in Chemical Engineering Intramural Sports and Church Groups Advice to Aspirants Topics discussed in this epi...

SAT Goes Online to Stay Relevant in College News Fit to Digest. February 2, 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: SAT to go Online [] CSU to drop SAT/ACT [] 5 Reasons for European Students to Study in the US [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] WABE []...

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 Medicine? ...

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 hi...

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. Resource...

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 Engineering...

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 in Molec...

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 discussed in this e...

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 News at Al...

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 Financial S...

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: Curated New...

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 Renewab...

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 this episode...

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 System &...

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 Wire [] Ha...

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: Jeanne &amp...

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: Introduction to ...

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 in th...

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 d...

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 episode:...

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 particular,...

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 Alma Matters...

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 and ...

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 and Faculty ...

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 Manageme...

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 to Keep in...