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College Matters. Alma Matters.
By Venkat RamanEducation
College Matters. Alma Matters. episodes
- 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 Management Information Systems
- Campus Jobs and Internships
- Advice to Aspirants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Tushar Sharma, Iowa State University [0:46]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:46]
- Overall Experience [4:35]
- Why ISU? [5:47]
- High School Interests [8:23]
- Transition from India to ISU [12:07]
- The Peers [15:45]
- Profs & Teaching [17:46]
- Campus Living [21:13]
- Campus Activities [24:30]
- The Summers [25:48]
- Major: From Computer Engineering to MIS [31:30]
- ISU Impact post-College [34:13]
- ISU Redo [38:24]
- Advice to Aspirants [42:09]
- Memories: The Zodiac Jinx [45:05]
Our Guest: Tushar Sharma is a graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems.
Memorable Quote: “... I was a total total introvert who would just love to sit in a corner, don't talk to anybody, keep focused, keep your focus on your studies and go home after that. But that switched to being more towards the extrovert style. I don't know why that happened. ” Tushar on his personality change over the first couple of semesters.
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.
51 min - 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 Mind [1:17]
- Step 1: Create an Online Account [4:16]
- Step 2: About You [5:09]
- Step 3: Campus and Major [5:40]
- Step 4: Academic History [7:10]
- Step 5: Test Scores [8:54]
- Step 6: Activities & Awards [10:13]
- Step 7: Scholarships and Programs [13:05]
- Step 8: PIQs [14:10]
- Step 9: Addl. Comments [15:02]
- Step 10: Review the Entire Application [17:23]
- One More Thing: Check Email Regularly [18:08]
- Call 2 Action [19:23]
Our Guests:
- Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley, California.
Memorable Quote: “I tell the students to read it [PIQs] out loud. It sounds a little cheesy and hokey to do that. But it's a great way to catch grammatical errors, spelling errors, and then you also hear the flow of what you've written.” Shveta Bagade on PIQs.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Recommended: Similar Podcasts.
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe for Assignments
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Breaker, Anchor.
- To Make a List of Colleges to Explore Visit almamatters.io and signup.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
21 min - Liz Brigham on Davidson College’s Jay Hurt Hub: The Entrepreneurial Pursuit.
Episode summary introduction: Liz Brigham is the Director of The Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Davidson College.
Liz joins us on our podcast today to share Why The Hurt Hub was created, programs & activities, what it offers its stakeholders, and how the students at Davidson College benefit.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Liz Brigham’s Professional Background
- The Birth of the Jay Hurt Hub
- Programs and Activities in the Center
- Benefits for Students, Faculty & the Community
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Liz Brigham [0:45]
- Liz’s Professional Background [2:08]
- The Transition back to Davidson [7:49]
- What is Innovation? [10:04]
- The Jay Hurt Hub [11:38]
- The Origins of the Hub [13:22]
- On Liberal Arts and Innovation [15:59]
- The Structure & Programs [19:02]
- Student Participation in the Hub [24:19]
- Breaking down Perception - Hub for All [27:56]
- Success Stories [31:41]
- Measuring Success [37:26]
- Where is the Hub Headed? [42:51]
- Advice for Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs [48:38]
Our Guest: Liz Brigham is the Director of The Jay Hurt Hub at Davidson College. Liz has a Bachelor’s degree in English from Davidson College, and MBA from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Liz had a number of product and marketing roles at companies like Disney, Jive Software, MorningStar.
Memorable Quote: “So we offer educational programming like our Lean Startup class... where you have sort of purposeful serendipity of an entrepreneur out in the community, sitting alongside, you know, a sophomore at Davidson. And what happens at that intersection.” Liz on bringing diverse groups together in a class at the Hub.
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 - Segment #9: Merit-based Financial Aid. A Guide to Build a Standout US College Application.
Episode summary introduction: Segment #9 of the 10-Segment Podcast Series to help students in 11th Grade build standout US College Applications. This segment covers the Cost of College, Financial Aid avenues, the Criteria for Financial Aid and Applying for Merit-based Aid. Subscribe for Assignments.
In this segment, Ben Stern leads us through the discussion.
In particular, we discuss the following:
- The College Cost
- What is Financial Aid?
- Criteria for Merit-based Financial Aid
- The Process, and Available Resources.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Segment #9 [0:51]
- Cost of College [2:46]
- What is Financial Aid? [6:06]
- Types of Applications [8:17]
- Aid - “All Coupons” [12:32]
- Criteria for Financial Aid [15:52]
- Merit-based Aid Stats [17:55]
- Financial Aid Process [20:18]
- Financial Aid Resources [25:45]
- Call 2 Action - Subscribe for Assignments [30:28]
Our Guests:
- Benjamin Stern, Founder and CEO of IvyAchievement, USA, focuses on international students applying to US Colleges from India, Vietnam and others. IvyAchievement students have been accepted by top universities in the US, a number of them with generous Financial Aid packages. Check out IvyAchievement’s Financial Guide for International Applicants.
Memorable Quote: “And he [Jeffrey Selingo] explains that financial aid is really another way to say both both merit based and need based aid, … they're both more polite ways of saying tuition discounts or tuition coupons.” Ben Stern.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Recommended Podcasts: Segments in this Series.
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe for Assignments
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Breaker, Anchor.
- To Make a List of Colleges to Explore Visit almamatters.io and signup.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
30 min - College & Beyond: Hartejas Sekhon 12th Grade, India.
Episode summary introduction: In this Podcast, Hartejas Sekhon talks about a wide range of topics, the Saathi NGO, her interest in Software Engineering, her views on the future, career, and how she is navigating the college process.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Who is Hartejas Sekhon?
- High School Interests
- The Future, Priorities & Readiness
- College Plans Abroad
- Parents’ & Peers’ Support
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Hartejas Sekhon, Grade 12, India [0:38]
- Who is Hartejas Sekhon? [3:09]
- High School Interests [4:53]
- Future [9:18]
- Priorities & Readiness [12:38]
- What does College look like [15:20]
- Studying in the US or Australia [17:02]
- Counseling Resources [18:12]
- Peers & Parents Influence & Support [20:38]
- Pandemic Impact [24:05]
- Saathi NGO [25:49]
Our Guest: Hartejas Sekhon is a 12th Grade student in Chandigarh, Punjab India.
Memorable Quote: “And I am somebody... who can get swayed by good, good points. If somebody has some good concrete points to tell me in favor of something or against something, then I will likely hear them out, and my decision will change accordingly.” Hartejas.
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.
30 min - Segment #2: Applying to University of California.Getting Ready.
Episode summary introduction: Segment #2 of the 3-Segment Podcast Series to help students with their University of California (UC) Applications. This segment outlines the preparatory work that needs to be done to get ready to fill out the UC Application.
Shveta Bagade leads us through the discussion.
In particular, we discuss the following:
- How to Create an Online Application Account
- Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) - Drafts and Review
- Researching UC Campuses and Majors
- Financial Aid
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Segment #2 [0:34]
- Create an Online Application Account [1:37]
- PIQs’ Drafts [5:58]
- PIQ Review [13:10]
- Researching UC Campuses & Majors [14:54]
- Financial Aid [18:09]
- Scores are for Placement [21:22]
- Call 2 Action - Subscribe for Assignments [23:05]
Our Guests:
- Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley, California.
Memorable Quote: “...it's really important just to kind of look for what you want from each of the [UC] campuses, and make sure they have the opportunities that you're looking for.” Shveta Bagade.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Recommended: Similar Podcasts.
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe for Assignments
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Breaker, Anchor.
- To Make a List of Colleges to Explore Visit almamatters.io and signup.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
25 min - Reid Furubayashi on Claremont McKenna: PPE, Fulbright Scholar and International Experience.
Episode summary introduction: Reid had a well rounded High School experience. He did mock trial, speech and debate, played soccer, and was a pole vaulter. When time came to look for colleges, he wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to study. But he knew gaining International experience was important.
Reid Furubayashi is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE).
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Choosing Claremont McKenna College
- Majoring in Philosophy, Politics and Economics
- International Experience
- Being a Fulbright Scholar
- Advice to Aspirants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Reid Furubayashi, Claremont McKenna College [0:47]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:47]
- Overall Experience [4:12]
- Why Claremont McKenna? [5:58]
- High School Interests[6:49]
- Transition to Claremont [8:21]
- Business-focused Peers [9:45]
- Profs: “Great” [11:51]
- Dorms [12:59]
- Summers [17:42]
- Majoring in PPE [21:52]
- A Fulbright Scholar [23:33]
- How Claremont McKenna prepared you for post-College? [27:07]
- Claremont Redo [29:10]
- Advice to Aspirants [31:20]
- Memories: Birthday Dunk [33:12]
Our Guest: Reid Furubayashi is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
Memorable Quote: “I took a lot of politics courses and philosophy courses. And having the diversity of thought in each course actually made the conversation, like, much richer. I think socially, sometimes it was tough to navigate.” Reid on the diversity on campus.
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.
37 min - Mabel Tie on Barnard College: Psychology, Caring Student Body, and Public Service without Borders.
Episode summary introduction: Mabel admits that her high school version did too much. She ran the Community Service Board, Weekly Homeless Shelter dinner, was in Student Government, played Soccer, Piano, Clarinet in Symphony and was in the band!
Mabel Tie is a graduate of Barnard College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education Studies.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Choosing Barnard College
- Majoring in Psychology & Education Studies
- Community Service
- Advice to Aspirants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Mabel Tie, Barnard College [0:51]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:47]
- Overall Experience [4:31]
- Why Barnard? [5:31]
- High School Interests [6:07]
- Transition to College [7:25]
- Peers - “Cared about the World”[8:44]
- Profs - “Really Great” [11:02]
- Campus Life - Integ w/Columbia [12:52]
- Dorm Life [15:05]
- Summers - Hong Kong & China [16:34]
- Majoring in Psychology and Education [22:53]
- Why Schwarzman Scholar? [26:08]
- How has Barnard prepared you for post-College? [29:49]
- Barnard Redo [32:00]
- Advice to Aspirants [33:18]
- Memories: Greek Games [34:57]
Our Guest: Mabel Tie is a graduate of Barnard College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education Studies. Mabel is a Schwarzman Scholar.
Memorable Quote: “But I think you have to trust that your hard work and your effort and the support networks you have around you is going to take you to where you're meant to be and where you need to be. And once you get there, you'll grow from where you're planted.” Mabel Tie.
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.
39 min - Segment #1: Applying to University of California. Criteria & Requirements.
Episode summary introduction: Segment #1 of the 3-Segment Podcast Series to help students with their University of California (UC) Applications. This segment covers What the UCs are looking for in their students, Requirements and Help Decide whether to apply to the UCs .
Shveta Bagade leads us through the discussion.
In particular, we discuss the following:
- Introduction to the UCs
- What the UCs are looking for in their applicants
- Criteria to Apply
- Which UCs to Apply to
- Timeline Planning
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Segment #1 [0:38]
- Overview of the UCs [1:39]
- What UCs are looking for in their Applicants [7:33]
- Criteria to Apply [14:11]
- Choosing UCs to Apply to [16:02]
- Application Deadlines [21:50]
- Call 2 Action - Subscribe for Assignments [26:00]
Our Guests:
- Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Memorable Quote: “There's what they call Personal Insight Questions, acronym is PIQs. You know, these are not essays. To quote the UCs, these are interviews on paper.” Shveta Bagade.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Recommended: Similar Podcasts.
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe for Assignments
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Breaker, Anchor.
- To Make a List of Colleges to Explore Visit almamatters.io and signup.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
28 min - Segment #8: Planning, Letters of Recommendation & Timeline. A Guide to Build a Standout US College Application.
Episode summary introduction: Segment #8 of the 10-Segment Podcast Series to help students in 11th Grade build standout US College Applications. This segment takes time to recap previous Segments, to discuss Letters of Recommendation and Timeline Planning. Subscribe for Assignments.
In this segment, Athena Lao leads us through the discussion.
In particular, we discuss the following:
- Recap of the Past Segments
- How Students should Organize themselves
- Tips for Responses on College Applications
- 5 Things about Letters of Recommendation
- Timeline Planning
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Segment #8 [0:57]
- Recap of Segments so far [2:40]
- How Students should Plan [4:42]
- Tips for Application Responses [10:02]
- 5 Things about Letters of Recommendations [14:01]
- Timeline Planning [24:55]
- Call 2 Action - Subscribe for Assignments [30:28]
Our Guests:
- Athena Lao is the Head College Mentor at Admissionado. Admissionado has successfully helped students land in the top US universities over the last decade.
Memorable Quote: “When they say something is due 11:59pm, what does that actually mean? So that means on the day that is due, for example, November 1, when it hits 11:59pm in your timezone. Your timezone, not East Coast America or West Coast America or whatever.” Athena Lao.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Recommended Podcasts: Segments in this Series.
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe for Assignments
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Breaker, Anchor.
- To Make a List of Colleges to Explore Visit almamatters.io and signup.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
32 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.