Sandra got her start in College Counseling when Seattle Prep changed direction to become a 4-year High School Program in the late ‘80s. She was part of the team that began offering a program to prepare their students for college. Today, she is the Director of College Counseling at the school. On our podcast, Sandra shares her background, her counseling approach, changes over the decades, managing expectations, and advice to high school students. In particular, we discuss the following with her: ...
Jan 20, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 283
In High School, Ian was deep into Math, Science and Technology. He did AP courses, and also Engaged in creative and research projects. He was a member of the school’s baseball varsity team. And when time came for college, he wanted one close to home with good Science programs. Ian joins our podcast to share his undergraduate Honors College journey at Oakland University, about being a student-athlete, his UG Research experiences, and Advice for college-bound students. In particular, we discuss th...
Jan 20, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 282
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: High School Ranking Relevance in Admissions [] Waiving Enrollment Deposit [] Slashing Tuition By Half [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] US News [] The Daily Pennsyl...
Jan 18, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 281
Nathan lives with a rare neurological diagnosis. In his upper class in high school, he started getting involved with the community, focusing on how to be compassionate towards people with disabilities. Nathan joins our podcast to share his experiences on his undergraduate college journey at MassBay Community College & Merrimack, on Founding a Scholarship, and his Advice for High School Students with disabilities. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Overall Undergraduate Experie...
Jan 13, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 280
According to Rohan Pasari, CEO of Cialfo, while some schools have College Counselors on their staff, globally around 95% of the students do not have access to dedicated counselors. As high schoolers and their parents start to seriously think about college in their sophomore years, one of the important resources they start to look for is a College Counselor . Athena Lao walks us through the Things to Consider as you choose your College Counselor. Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction to ...
Jan 08, 2023•9 min•Season 1Ep. 279
When Prof. Chiang started doing research as an undergraduate, she found she had lots of questions. They were good questions. And when the Graduate Assistants couldn’t answer her questions, they told her she should go to graduate school. Today, Prof. Chiang runs a UG Lab in Social Emotional Development and is on the Advisory Board of the Mentored UG Research and Creative Endeavors program. Prof. Chiang joins us on our podcast to talk about UG Research at Georgia College, CUR’s Role, Success Stori...
Jan 06, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 278
Prof. Jenemann did not grow up dreaming of being the Dean of an Honors College. He didn’t think he’d be working with such extraordinary people either. Today, he is the Dean of University of Vermont Honors College - which traces its model to the philosopher, education reformer & an 1879 graduate of UVM, John Dewey. In this podcast, Dean Jenemann introduces the UVM Honors College, Highlights of Key Programs, How to Apply, UG Research, Study Abroad and Career Opportunities. In particular, we di...
Dec 16, 2022•37 min•Season 1Ep. 277
Tim discovered undergraduate research as a student at Oklahoma State University when a peer introduced him to this idea of partnering with Faculty and doing research. Tim graduated with 3 different UG degrees - in English, History and Political Science, each one with a thesis project. Today, Tim champions and coordinates UG Research at the U of Colorado, Boulder. On our podcast, Tim O’Neil talks about UG Research at UC Boulder, the role CUR plays, Impact of Research on Students, and finally the ...
Dec 12, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 276
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: Gap Year Preparation [] Juniors College Prep During Winter Break [] Preparing for Digital SAT Exam [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] US News (Gap Year) [] US News [...
Dec 09, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 275
Prof. Niels Christensen’s first experience with Honors College was as a faculty member at San Diego State University and was randomly assigned to teach the Honors Introductory Psychology course. Prof. Christensen loved teaching these engaged, interesting students so much that he asked the Dept Chair if he could teach this honors class again. His Dept Chair asked him to get in line! Today, Prof. Christensen is the Director of the Honors College at Radford University. In this podcast, Director Chr...
Dec 01, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 274
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 Enrollments Rise [] More US Colleges Offer Direct Admissions [] Top Law Schools Leave US News Ranking [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] CBS News [] Th...
Nov 26, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 273
When Prof. Coleman was in college, she got to know a close friend’s parents, who were University Professors. She really liked the life they were leading. She wanted to emulate them. They advised her to find a “rock star” Professor whose class she really liked, and ask to do research in their lab. She did. That UG Research started her off into a decades-long journey into academia and research. Prof. Coleman joins us on our podcast to talk about UG Research at Western New Mexico University, CUR’s ...
Nov 22, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 272
When Herb was in High School, he wanted to be an architect, though he didn’t quite know what it was. After High School he went to college, but dropped out after 2 years. After working in retail for a number of years, he went back to college to pursue Architecture. In this podcast, Herb shares his College Journey, Career Flow, About US Colleges, Exploring Colleges, Majors, Impact of College and Advice for High Schoolers and Parents. In particular, we discuss the following with him: College Journe...
Nov 18, 2022•47 min•Season 1Ep. 271
In High School Ian was constantly exploring. He took a number of different classes to figure out what he liked and didn’t like. He loved Math, French. He enjoyed being part of the crew in Theater. He was involved in the Orchestra. When he was applying to college, he didn’t even know that Research was a thing! Ian joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at Grand Valley, his UG Research experiences, and Advice for college-bound students. In particular, we discuss the following...
Nov 15, 2022•50 min•Season 1Ep. 270
Prof. Fernandes’ journey into research, took flight while studying Fruit Flies as part of her PhD. It brought excitement and enthusiasm to her graduate program as she created new knowledge But, her first encounter with UG Research occurred when she joined the Faculty at Miami University. Now, she is the Director of Undergraduate Research at Miami University in Ohio. On our podcast, Prof. Fernandes talks about UG Research at Miami University, the role CUR plays, Impact of Research on UG Students,...
Nov 08, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 269
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: Enrollment Drop is Letting up [] These Colleges Look for Test Scores [] 6 Ways for Your College Application to Stand Out [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] NPR [] US...
Nov 04, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 268
20 years after high school, Stacy started at MassBay Community College. She decided to study science. The transition to college was hard, especially while managing a family with two very young children. Stacy joins our podcast to share her undergraduate experiences, UG Research experiences at MassBay Community College and UMass Boston, and winning the Goldwater Scholarship. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Overall Undergraduate Experience Going to College after a 20-Year Gap Res...
Nov 03, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 267
In high school, Holden’s passion for cooking landed him on a TV Show called Man versus Child: Chef Showdown as a child chef. Naturally, when time came for college, he wanted to go where he could build on his love for food. Holden joins us on our podcast to share his unusual undergraduate experience at Tufts, The Coke Scholarship, Pursuing his passion for food, and Advice for high schoolers. #CokeScholars In particular, we discuss the following with him: Overall Experience at Tufts Why Tufts? Pas...
Oct 29, 2022•59 min•Season 1Ep. 266
International students typically apply to colleges and universities in 2-3 destination countries - each with their unique requirements and process. This results in a lot of separate series of steps across portals, not just for the students, but for the entire ecosystem of counselors, teachers, recommenders and schools. Cialfo has a solution: Direct Apply - a one-stop application for international applicants. Rohan Pasari is the Co-founder and CEO of Cialfo, a Global Ed-Tech company in Singapore....
Oct 27, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 265
In 1977, Oakland University Honors College opened its doors. Prof. Graeme Harper joined as the Dean of the Honors College in 2011. At the time there were around 400 students. Today, it has grown to over 2000 students across majors. In this podcast, Dean Harper tells us, What is an Honors College?, It's Origins, Introduces Oakland University Honors College, Its Distinctive Programs, What they look for in their Students, Merit Scholarships and Career Opportunities. In particular, we discuss the fo...
Oct 22, 2022•43 min•Season 1Ep. 264
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: Class of 2022 has the Lowest ACT Scores [] SAT Or NOT? [] Common FAFSA Mistakes [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] ABC News [] NJFamily.com [] US News [] Episode Tra...
Oct 20, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 263
Kevin fell in love with Physics in High School. Space intrigued him to the extent that he entertained thoughts of being an astronaut. But above all, he loved teaching. So, when time came for college, Kevin looked for schools that would help him be a High School Physics Teacher. Today, he is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Cincinnati. Kevin joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey, his UG Research in Physics at Truman State University, Winning ...
Oct 20, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 262
As undergraduate students at Radford University in Virginia, Jenny Davis and James Chouinard found themselves doing community-based research at the Women’s Resource Center. They were excited and enthusiastic about the research and in doing so learned the research process. Today Drs. Davis and Chouinard are with the School of Sociology at ANU and nurturing Faculty Mentors. Drs. Davis & Chouinard join us on our podcast to talk about their UG Research at Radford University, Impact of UG Researc...
Oct 14, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 261
Almost half the college applicants cite college cost as a huge factor in college selection. In this Podcast, Ben Stern of IvyAchievement shares his expertise in Factoring Finances while Building College Lists, Figuring out College ROI, and the Impact of Applying for Financial Aid on Admissions. Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction to Ben Stern [0:51] College Selection with Finances in Mind [1:34] College ROI [3:54] Applying for Fin Aid Hurts Admissions Chances [11:08] Our Guests: Benja...
Oct 12, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 260
Sophia’s immediate family members have a neurological condition which motivated her to want to go to Medical School. When time came for college, Sophia decided to go to Pasadena City College for financial reasons. Sophia joins our podcast to share her undergraduate college journey, UG Research at Pasadena City College and UC San Diego, About winning the Goldwater Scholarship, and her advice for high schoolers. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Overall Undergraduate & Research...
Oct 06, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 259
Prof. Vargis was very excited when she started her undergraduate study in Bioengineering. While she made progress in her classes, she felt she had lost her way. Then, she started doing undergraduate research and applying what she was learning in the classroom. Research was a Life Changer! Prof. Vargis joins us on our podcast to talk about her background, UG Research in Vargis Lab, Resources for Students, Success Stories, and finally the Skills needed to do research. In particular, we discuss the...
Sep 30, 2022•54 min•Season 1Ep. 258
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: FAFSA Makeover [] Common Reasons College Applications are Rejected [] Indians account for 20% of the Int’l Students 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] USC ...
Sep 28, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 257
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 Art History, with Prof. Alexa Sand of Utah State University. In particular, we discuss the following with her: What is Art History ? Areas of Art History Research Topics Skills Needed Career Opportunities Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Prof. Alexa Sand [0:59] Hi Fives - Pod...
Sep 26, 2022•47 min•Season 1Ep. 256
Prof. Harris was a school teacher before she became a University Professor. As a teacher you collect a lot of data. On academics, achievement test scores, how to motivate students, what time to day do they learn better etc. Research on that data, helps teachers provide better education to the kids in their classrooms! On our podcast, Prof. Harris talks about UG Research at Georgia Southern, the role CUR plays, Impact of Research on Students, Success Stories, and finally the Skills for high schoo...
Sep 16, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 255
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 Applications Rise [] Georgia Students Try to Study Abroad due to Cost [] Central Michigan U increases Enrollment [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade , College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] VOA...
Sep 16, 2022•9 min•Season 1Ep. 254
