College Matters. Alma Matters.

Episode summary introduction: Segment #4 of the 10-Segment Podcast Series to help students in 11th Grade build standout US College Applications. This segment describes a framework for students to figure out what to write in their college essay. Subscribe for Assignments . In this segment, Athena Lao and Rob Franklin of Admissionado lead us through the discussion. In particular, we discuss the foll...

Episode summary introduction: Eric was quite sure he wanted to get a business degree in college. In fact his hobby in high school was making money buying iPhones for cheap from Craigslist, and flipping them for a profit. Eric Yu is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why U Michigan? Why Computer Sc...

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: Inequalities in College Applications [] Fiske Guide to drop SAT/ACT Scores [] Temple U students study abroad during Pandemic [] Tufts in-class Program in China...

Episode summary introduction: Sujata Gupta is Social Sciences Reporter at Science News. Sujata is an alum of Cornell University and Johns Hopkins. In this podcast, Sujata gives us a peek into the world of Science Journalism, and how one goes about becoming a Science Journalist. In particular, we discuss the following with her: What is Science Journalism? How do you become a Science Journalist? How...

Episode summary introduction: Conor studied French and Chinese in High School. He loved languages. Grammar, the sounds. Literature and the culture. In College, he wanted more. Conor Walsh is a graduate of Harvard University with a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics. In particular, we discuss the following with him: Why Harvard? Love for Languages Homeless Shelter & Summer Academy The Himalayan T...

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...

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...

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 Counsel...

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 parti...

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...

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] Locat...

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...

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 follow...

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...

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 Un...

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 Counsel...

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...

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 part...

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 i...

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 Uni...

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 S...

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...

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...

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 Bot...

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?...