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College Matters. Alma Matters.
By Venkat RamanEducation
College Matters. Alma Matters. episodes
- Katy Murphy of Bellarmine on College Counseling: Giving Students the Opportunity to Envision their Future.
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 particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Katy Murphy’s Background
- College Counseling Philosophy
- COVID Impact on Students
- Advice for the College-bound
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Katy Murphy, Bellarmine College Prep [0:40]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:53]
- Professional Background [4:49]
- Why Admissions? [6:03]
- Tools for FirstGen [8:20]
- Approach to Counseling [11:41]
- Are 16 year-olds ready? [16:39]
- When Counseling doesn’t Work? [18:43]
- Good Colleges - Not So Well Known [22:33]
- COVID Impact on Students [26:45]
- Test Optional - To Test or Not to Test? [33:45]
- Advice to College-bound Seniors [38:02]
- On Staying Excited [41:20]
Our Guest: Katy Murphy is the Director of College Counseling at Bellarmine College Prep in San Jose, California. Katy earned a BA in Political Science from Whittier College, and is past president of NACAC and WACAC.
Memorable Quote: “My goal is that each one of those kids understands that they deserve to go to a college, … where they can excel, and that they'll be challenged and supported, [&] they'll graduate. And that's not necessarily the school right down the street, just because it's easy.” Katy Murphy.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.
45 min - Thomas Athey on Davidson College: PPE & History, Student Entrepreneurship, and The Hurt Hub Community.
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 College
- Entrepreneurial Pursuit & The Hurt Hub
- Majoring in PPE and History
- Advice to budding student entrepreneurs
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Thomas Athey, Davidson College [0:48]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:45]
- Overall Experience [4:05]
- Why Davidson? [4:59]
- High School Interests [6:49]
- Portfolio Kings - Startup [8:32]
- Transition to Davidson [15:06]
- The Teaching - Virtual Start [18:30]
- Introduction to the Hurt Hub [21:00]
- Guidance and Grants from The Hub [23:54]
- Choosing Majors [26:51]
- Campus Activities [31:03]
- Advice to Aspiring Student Entrepreneurs [33:17]
- Favorite Memories [35:22]
Our Guest: Thomas Athey is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE), and History at Davidson College. Thomas is a student entrepreneur building Portfolio Kings. He received the Avinger Impact Fund award from The Hurt Hub.
Memorable Quote: “I don't want to be doing the, you know, the corporate world. So I have to work hard to be able to have this [startup] work, you know.” Thomas on why his venture has to succeed.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.
39 min - Dr. Tim Raines of Emory University: Undergraduate Research is a Strategic Priority.
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 Successes in Research
- Advice for High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Dr. Tim Raines, Emory University [0:42]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:45]
- Professional Background [4:13]
- Importance of UG Research [5:27]
- Why UG Research is Important for Students [6:42]
- Role at Emory [8:42]
- Challenges Students face [10:02]
- Freshman Introduction to Research [12:00]
- CUR Support [12:59]
- Connect_UR Conference [14:14]
- UG Research Grants and Resources [15:52]
- “Is UG Research for me?” [20:59]
- Program Successes [22:55]
- Student Success Stories [26:06]
- What’s Ahead? [29:38]
- Faculty Participation [32:23]
- Advice to High Schoolers [35:20]
Our Guest: Dr. Tim Raines is the Senior Associate Director, Undergraduate Research Programs at Emory University. Dr. Raines graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University. He received his Master’s degree in Biological and Physical Sciences, and PhD degree in Oncology and Cancer Biology from the University of Virginia.
Memorable Quote: “My advice has always been for, for all students, whether from high school to college is to try Research, just try it.” Dr. Tim Raines.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: Undergraduate Research
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.
39 min - Amanda Simpson, Admissions Counselor at TCNJ: Welcoming Place, High Quality Programs, and Undergraduate Research.
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
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Amanda Simpson, TCNJ [0:37]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:43]
- Amanda’s Professional Journey [4:08]
- Why Admissions? [5:45]
- About TCNJ [8:16]
- TCNJ Experience and Stats [11:31]
- Research Driven Flagship Programs [15:22]
- Student Participation in Experiential Learning [19:31]
- Typical TCNJ Students [20:49]
- Students Geo Distribution [24:08]
- COVID-19 Impact [25:23]
- How are College Applications Different Now? [29:19]
- Financial Help to Students [33:00]
- Advice to High Schoolers [35:59]
- Close: “Enjoy the Process” [38:27]
Our Guest: Amanda Simpson is an Admissions Counselor at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). Amanda focuses on International & Transfer Recruitment.
Memorable Quote: “...a significant percentage of TCNJ students engage in some form of experiential learning slash practical experiences. And in that umbrella research is a part of that.” Amanda Simpson.
Episode Transcript: Please visit this episode’s transcript.
Similar Episodes: Admissions Talk
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.
42 min - MIT to Increase Financial Aid in College News Fit to Digest. March 22, 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:
- 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:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- Chalkbeat []
- US News []
- IBL News []
- MIT News []
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Email your comments or questions on this episode to [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Breaker, Anchor.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
17 min - Aya Yagi on Stanford: French & Music, Study Abroad in Paris, and Midnight Pizzas.
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 in French and Music
- Study Abroad in Paris
- Stanford Symphony
- Advice to Aspirants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Aya Yagi, Stanford University [0:37]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:22]
- Overall Experience [4:48]
- Why Stanford? [5:44]
- High School Interests [8:04]
- Transition to Stanford [9:07]
- “Great” Peers [10:42]
- Professors [12:20]
- Dorms [13:41]
- Cultural, Social Scene [15:00]
- Stanford Symphony & other Activities [16:58]
- Study Abroad in Paris [18:28]
- Adjusting Back on Campus [23:18]
- Summers [25:53]
- Choosing French and Music as Majors [33;30]
- Stanford’s Impact [37:39]
- Stanford Redo [41:11]
- Advice to Aspiring Students [44:04]
- Memories [46:45]
Our Guest: Aya Yagi is a graduate from Stanford University with a Bachelor’s degree in French Language and Literature, and Music. Aya received her Master’s degree in Education, Culture and Society from the University of Pennsylvania.
Memorable Quote: “I loved the time that I had abroad. And it actually came about because freshman year, I was kind of having a culture shock and adjusting to kind of college, and kind of specifically the elite environment, and really making sense of that. And so, freshman year, I think, January or so I was like, you know, I would like to take a break from campus.” Aya, on her Freshman Year at Stanford.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.
51 min - Episode #200: 10 Positive Online Stories from Students and Faculty during the Pandemic.
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]
- Adapt & Workaround [1:54]
- Learning Something New [7:27]
- Entrepreneurial Ventures [10:28]
- Unexpected Benefits [17:07]
- New Possibilities [20:57]
Our Guests:
- Students, Faculty, AOs, Counselors featured in our Podcast over the last 2 years.
Memorable Quote: “We're all sitting at home alone, like, let's try to make a community. And so we just kind of started this chat room essentially.” Thomas Athey on his High School Senior Pandemic Summer.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- Email your own positive online experiences to [email protected] with the Subject: Pandemic Online Story.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Breaker, Anchor.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
25 min - UC Davis Receives Record Applications in College News Fit to Digest. March 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:
- 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 Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- Sacramento Bee []
- CapRadio []
- Daily Princetonian []
- NBC News []
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Email your comments or questions on this episode to [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Breaker, Anchor.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
11 min - Bill Hancock of Cranbrook Kingswood High School: College Counseling Makes a Difference.
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 Philosophy
- The Pandemic & Changing Landscape
- Advice for Students
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Bill Hancock, Cranbrook Kingswood High School [0:49]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [2:02]
- Professional Background [5:24]
- The Journey to Counseling [10:30]
- Counseling Philosophy [13:08]
- The Changing Counseling Landscape [17:11]
- Figuring College “Match” [20:53]
- Pandemic-driven Changes [27:29]
- Technology Broadens Reach [34:53]
- Advice to College-bound Seniors [41:45]
- On Staying Excited [47:26]
Our Guest: Bill Hancock is the Senior Associate Dean of College Counseling at Cranbrook Kingswood High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Bill has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Union College, NY and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
Memorable Quote: “I work with great people. I have wonderful kids to work with. And I think what we do is important”. Bill Hancock.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Breaker, Anchor.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
54 min - Bill to Retain Int’l STEM Students in College News Fit to Digest. February 28, 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:
- 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 referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- Huff Post []
- NextGov []
- CNBC []
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Email your comments or questions on this episode to [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Breaker, Anchor.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
9 min
About College Matters. Alma Matters.
From the publisher's feed
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.