In high school Maya did a lot of different things including Languages, Theater, Musical Theater, Dance and Cheerleading. Maya was in high school at the time of the Great Recession of ‘08. So, when time came for college, she wanted to focus on whatever gave her the best chance of getting a job after graduating from college. Maya Brooks is a graduate of New York University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Now, as a member of the NYU Alumni, Maya shares her Undergraduate Experience. In partic...
Jun 07, 2022•45 min•Season 1Ep. 224
In his sophomore year of college, John was losing interest in Physics. Then he stumbled upon UG Research that changed things completely for him. John subsequently went on to get his Phd in Nuclear Physics. Today he is the President of the Goldwater Scholarship and the Excellence in Education Foundation. Set up in 1986 to honor Senator Barry Goldwater’s distinguished public service, the Scholarship promotes undergraduate research by awarding scholarships to students. In this podcast, John gives u...
Jun 03, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 223
Colleen went to a high school with about 1000 students in rural Iowa. She rarely interacted with her counselor, given the student volume. Her family, teachers and friends provided her the support and guidance as she mapped out her future Colleen Koppes, College and Career Coordinator at Dowling Catholic High School in Des Moines, Iowa. On our podcast, Colleen shares her background, her counseling approach, dealing with Dream Colleges, the COVID impact, and advice to high school students. In part...
May 23, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 222
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 Find Ways to Help with Tuition [] MSU goes Test Optional [] Berkeley Housing Shortage [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] Nasdaq [] KRQE [] Fox47News [] Berk...
May 19, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 221
While doing her graduate program in Geology, Prof. Bhattacharyya found that Research shaped her understanding of her discipline. While teaching undergraduate classes, she wanted to bring that research experience to undergraduate students. That drew her to UW Whitewater. Prof. Bhattacharayya joins us on our podcast to talk about UG Research at UW Whitewater, CUR’s role, Infrastructure for Students & Faculty, success stories, and finally the skills needed to do research. In particular, we disc...
May 18, 2022•48 min•Season 1Ep. 220
In High School, Kayla loved every course she took. She was quite stressed trying to figure out what course to pursue. David on the other hand, was pretty set on studying medicine early on. He loved the Sciences. Kayla and David join us on our podcast to share their Undergraduate Research experiences, their work with Sagebrush-based research, and their college journey at Utah State University. In particular, we discuss the following with them: Choosing Utah State University Benefits of doing UG R...
May 12, 2022•54 min•Season 1Ep. 219
Elizabeth says she wasn’t a very good student in high school. When time came for college, her family recommended that she attend the local Finger Lakes Community College. This would turn out to be a Life Changer. She met Prof James Hewlett and discovered undergraduate research in his BioTech lab. Elizabeth received her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from State University of New York Upstate Medical University. She shares her amazing college journey in this podcast. In particular, we discuss ...
May 07, 2022•50 min•Season 1Ep. 218
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: Stevens Institute Attracts More Applicants [] Cost and Stress Drive Enrollments Down [] College Students Struggle to Find Housing [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] ...
May 06, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 217
At 14, Carson started carrying an Invention Book in her backpack to doodle & jot down ideas for innovation. If she got bored in a class, she would escape to her invention book to think of problems and come up with solutions. Carson Crochet is a graduating senior at Davidson College majoring in German Studies and Arab Studies. Carson started the CA’Buddy venture at Davidson. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Choosing Davidson College Entrepreneurial Pursuit & The Hurt Hub ...
May 04, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 216
Kelly started as a somewhat reluctant College Counselor. But once she jumped into college counseling, she was hooked. She was able to make an impact in students’ lives, while keeping them even-keeled. Kelly Jorgensen is the Director of College Counseling at Nichols School in Buffalo, New York. On our podcast, Kelly shares her background, her approach to counseling, about “intentionality”, managing families expectations, the COVID impact, and advice to high school students. In particular, we disc...
Apr 30, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 215
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 Visits Internet Style [] What Applicants’ Parents Need to Know [] Int’l Students Allowed to Take Online Courses [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] University...
Apr 29, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 214
Aidan’s deep interest in History and World Politics was shaped by his own and extended family, being displaced by the civil war in Sri Lanka, to different parts of the world. Aidan Arasasingham is a graduate of UCLA with a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies. Now, as a member of the UCLA Alumni, Aidan shares his Undergraduate Experience. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Choosing UCLA Majoring in Global Studies Passion for Politics and Government President of UC Students System-w...
Apr 27, 2022•54 min•Season 1Ep. 213
Carolyn was a Second Grade School Teacher in Virginia with a desire to do more in non-profit education. She moved to Atlanta and in a few years landed a role as the Alumni Relations Manager at the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. The Foundation has awarded $78M in scholarships to 6600 Scholars since its founding in 1986. Carolyn gives us an overview of The Coca-Cola Scholarship, How Students can Apply, What they look for in their Scholars, Alumni Network, and Advice for High Schoolers. #CokeSchola...
Apr 23, 2022•44 min•Season 1Ep. 212
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: More than 200 Colleges have Open Seats [] Williams College Drops Loans [] Over Half the Increase in Applications are Int’l [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] Higher D...
Apr 21, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 211
When Rohan was getting ready to apply to College in Kolkata, India, his high school did not have a College Counselor to guide him. Three years later his sister was preparing to apply to college, and going through the same pains and anxieties that he had gone through, without a college counselor. In this podcast, Rohan shares How Cialfo got started, The difference they make to Students, Schools, Counselors and Colleges, the goal of serving 100M students by 2030, and Advice for college-bound stude...
Apr 20, 2022•44 min•Season 1Ep. 210
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: Acceptance Rates 2022 [] MIT Reinstates SAT/ACT [] Int’l Students want to Stay in the US After Graduation [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0...
Apr 17, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 209
When MaryLynne was in High School, she noticed that the amount of attention students received from counselors depended on their grades. MaryLynne Rodriguez is the Guidance and College Counseling Chair at St. Francis High School in California. On our podcast, MaryLynne shares her background, experience & insights, her approach to counseling, the COVID impact, her advice to high school students. In particular, we discuss the following with her: MaryLynne Rodriguez’s Background Approach to Coll...
Apr 12, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 208
Sachin was a typical high school kid. He was a good student. Got good grades. Liked Math and Science. Played tennis for his High School. Played basketball. Loved video games. But , he didn’t have an outsized interest or passion for any of the subjects. Sachin Ravi is a graduate of University of Wisconsin Madison with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. As a member of the University of Wisconsin Madison Alumni, Sachin shares his Undergraduate Experience. In particular, we discuss the followi...
Apr 08, 2022•45 min•Season 1Ep. 207
3 different High Schools. 3 very different types with College Counseling. This experience as a high schooler, has inspired Katy Murphy’s 4 decade career in College Admissions Counseling. In this podcast, Katy combines straight talking with wit to share her experiences & insights on college counseling, how to deal with COVID-impacted changes, and her advice for high school students. Katy Murphy is the Director of College Counseling at Bellarmine College Prep in San Jose, California. In partic...
Apr 04, 2022•44 min•Season 1Ep. 206
Thomas found entrepreneurship at a young age. He taught himself investing and then along with his best friend started a summer camp for 7, 8th graders to teach them finance and investing. At the end of high school he started Portfolio Kings. Thomas Athey is a sophomore at Davidson College and plans to double major in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE), and History. Thomas is continuing to build Portfolio Kings at Davidson. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Choosing Davidson...
Mar 31, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 205
In this Podcast for High Schoolers, Dr. Raines shares how UG Research changed his career trajectory. He discusses Emory’s UG Research Program, How CUR helps Emory, the Resources they offer the Students & Faculty, Student Successes, and his Advice for High Schoolers. Dr. Tim Raines is the Senior Associate Director, Undergraduate Research Programs at Emory University. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Dr. Tim Raines’ Background UG Research at Emory Program & Student Success...
Mar 29, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 204
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a liberal arts institution established in 1855 as a Public University in New Jersey. Amanda Simpson gives us an overview of TCNJ, their Flagship Programs, Undergraduate Research, How COVID has changed what they look for in their students, Financial Aid and advice for High School Students. In particular, we discuss the following with her: About TCNJ Flagship Programs & UG Research What they look for in their Students Financial Aid Advice to Applicants Topic...
Mar 25, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 203
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: GPAs are Up, Test Scores are Not [] California Law to Berkeley’s Rescue [] List of “Dream” Colleges [] MIT to increase Financial Aid [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Cura...
Mar 24, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 202
While growing up, music was a big part of Aya’s life. She played the piano and violin. She loved foreign languages. French in particular. Aya recalls her transition from her public school in Oakland, California to Stanford as being rough. Aya Yagi is a graduate of Stanford University with a Bachelor’s degree in French and Music. Now, as a member of the Stanford University Alumni, Aya shares her Undergraduate Experience. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Choosing Stanford Majoring...
Mar 22, 2022•50 min•Season 1Ep. 201
A Physics Professor hustling to move Labs online, a college senior finally learning to play chess, a high school senior who discovers her public speaking skills, student entrepreneurs and more. 10 Vignettes showcasing those, who in spite of being forced to be Online during the Pandemic, had something to offer that was positive, inspiring, noteworthy or worthy of celebrating. The 10 Positive Stories fall into 5 different buckets. Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Episode #200 [0:17] A...
Mar 15, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 200
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 Davis Receives Record Applications for Fall 2022 [] Berkeley Enrollment Situation Less Dire [] Princeton to accept more Transfer Students [] Solution to lower Enrollment - Fewer Dropouts [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valle...
Mar 12, 2022•11 min•Season 1Ep. 199
Bill Hancock is the Senior Associate Dean of College Counseling at Cranbrook Kingswood High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Bill gives us an overview of his Experiences in College Counseling, his “How?What?Why? Where?” approach to College Counseling, today’s opportunities and challenges for students & colleges, and finally, his advice for high schoolers as they navigate the college process. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Bill Hancock’s Background College Counseling P...
Mar 09, 2022•53 min•Season 1Ep. 198
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: Berkeley may have to cut 3000 Students this Fall [] Bill to Retain Int’l STEM talent [] Choosing between Public and Private College is about more than Tuition [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referre...
Mar 03, 2022•9 min•Season 1Ep. 197
Alexa Sand is a Professor of Arts History and the Associate VP of Research at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. Prof. Alexa Sand joins us on our podcast to talk about Undergraduate Research at Utah State, the role Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) plays, the services her group provides Students & Faculty, their successes, and finally the skills and characteristics needed to do research. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Prof. Alexa Sand’s Background Undergraduate Re...
Feb 24, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 196
Dominic grew up playing Football. He was in the National Honor Society. He was involved in community service in school. When time came for college, He was recruited to play football. Dominic Perkaj is a graduate of Columbia University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Choosing Columbia Majoring in Political Science & Government Varsity Football Advice to Aspirants Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction to D...
Feb 21, 2022•40 min•Season 1Ep. 195
