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College Matters. Alma Matters.
By Venkat RamanEducation
College Matters. Alma Matters. episodes
- Emma Steele on Villanova: PolSci, Community Outreach and Basketball Ball Games.
Episode summary introduction: Emma was very artistically inclined in school. She was a dancer. She played the piano, violin, and participated in musicals in high school. Emma grew up in a family where Politics and Policy were dinner time conversations.
Emma Steele is a graduate of Villanova University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Why UW Madison?
- Transferring to Villanova
- Majoring in PolSci
- Community Outreach at Villanova
- Advice to Aspiring Students
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Emma Steele, Villanova [0:50]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:46]
- “Loved Villanova” [4:55]
- Why UW Madison? [6:01]
- High School Interests [9:19]
- Tough Transition to UW Madison [10:46]
- Why Transfer? [12:31]
- The Villanova Transition [14:57]
- “Better” Academic Transition [16:36]
- Friendly Peers & Classmates [18:09]
- The Profs [19:10]
- Off Campus Living [20:29]
- Women’s Shelter, Campus Publication, etc. [22:14]
- Summers in Politics [25:04]
- Majoring in PolSci and Gov [26:41]
- Villanova’s Impact on Career [28:07]
- Working on Capitol Hill [29:37]
- Villanova Redo? [33:30]
- Advice to Aspiring Students [35:01]
- Memories: Basketball Traditions [37:26]
Our Guest: Emma Steele is a graduate of the Villanova University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government.
Memorable Quote: “It's okay to transfer if you don't like where you are. I think I felt a lot of shame and thought I was a failure because I transferred when in reality, it's your experience, you know, ...it's four of the most pivotal years of your life.”
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.
42 min - UCs drop & Georgia Univs require SAT in College News Fit to Digest. May 17, 2021.
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:
- Georgia Universities to require SAT in Fall 2022 []
- U of California will drop SATs from consideration []
- How Int’l Students can stay connected with their homes []
- Int’l Students in US will qualify for Pandemic 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]
- US News May 15, 2021 []
- US News May 41, 2021 []
- US News May 13, 2021 []
- Study International []
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- 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.
12 min - Segment #5 on College Selection: Making the Initial List of Colleges. A Guide to Build a Standout US College Application.
Episode summary introduction: Segment #5 of the 10-Segment Podcast Series to help students in 11th Grade build standout US College Applications. This segment tells students how to make the Initial List of Colleges in order to reach the best possible outcomes. Subscribe for Assignments.
In this segment, Athena Lao and Nick Wyville of Admissionado lead us through the discussion.
In particular, we discuss the following:
- What is “Funneling”?
- What is Echelon?
- Building the Initial “My Colleges” List
- How to Explore Colleges
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Segment #5 [1:08]
- General Principles for College Selection [6:07]
- “Funneling” to Make the List [10:35]
- What is Echelon? [11:59]
- Sorting Colleges [12:38]
- How many Colleges to apply to? [15:07]
- Applying “Filters” [16:19]
- Dealing with Family Pressures [20:00]
- Building “My Colleges” list [21:56]
- Steps to Explore Colleges [23:30]
- Call 2 Action - Subscribe for Assignments [26:53]
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.
- Nick Wyville is a Mentor at Admissionado.
Memorable Quote: “The process is a funnel. Expand your horizons and then begin to narrow down...”, Nick Wyville on the College Selection’s process.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
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.
29 min - O’Brien & Calderon on ISU: Hidden Jewel, Innovation Thrust, and 900 Student Clubs.
Episode summary introduction: Founded in 1858, Iowa State University became the nation’s first land grant institution in 1862. ISU’s Design Programs are highly ranked in the nation, and is well known for its programs in Engineering, Sciences and Business.
Brendan O’Brien, Director of International Students and Scholars Office, and Jorge Calderon, Assistant Director, International Student Recruitment share Iowa State’s programs, the facilities, what they look for in their students, and their community.
In particular, we discuss the following with Brendan and Jorge:
- About Iowa State University
- Flagship Programs
- What they look for in their Students
- Innovative International Outreach Plans
- Advice to Applicants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Brendan and Jorge, ISU [0:51]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [2:04]
- ISU - “Hidden Jewel” [6:08]
- Brendan’s Professional Background [7:35]
- Integrated Approach to Int’l Programs [11:45]
- Jorge’s Professional Background [14:44]
- Strong Engineering and Business Programs [16:18]
- Flagship UG Programs [18:09]
- Types of Students ISU is looking for [20:23]
- Cool I-FIT Program [25:07]
- Advice for Fall 2022 Applicants [28:31]
- Financial Aid [30:48]
- COVID-19: Learning Happened [35:10]
- Prepping for Fall 2021 [39:18]
- 900 Clubs & $84M Innovation Center [41:40]
Our Guests:
- Brendan O’Brien, Director of International Students and Scholars Office at ISU
- Jorge Calderon, Assistant Director, International Student Recruitment at ISU
Memorable Quote: “...any good school can give you a good education. But what is that school going to give you outside of that classroom, and outside of those programs, to really form a very sharp professional in all aspects?”, Jorge Calderon.
Episode Transcript: Please visit this episode’s transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- To Learn more visit Iowa State University Admissions.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Breaker, Anchor.
- Email your comments or questions on this episode to [email protected].
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
47 min - Choosing College by Location in College News Fit to Digest. May 10, 2021.
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:
- Which Vaccine will my college accept? []
- UK snapping up stranded Australian Int’l Students []
- Arizona creates 4-year degree program in Community College []
- Choosing College by Location []
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- Precision Vaccinations []
- SMH []
- US News []
- US News []
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- 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.
13 min - Lydia Piendel on Notre Dame: Dementia Research, Huge Sports Fan, and the Travel Bug.
Episode summary introduction: In high school, Lydia grew up with a love for science, sports and school spirit. When she started to think about college, she looked for colleges that could offer those very same things.
Lydia Piendel is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and Psychology.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Why Notre Dame?
- Dementia Research
- Sports and School Spirit
- Study Abroad
- Advice to Aspiring Students
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Lydia Piendel, U of Notre Dame [0:54]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:48]
- “Overwhelmingly Positive Experience” [5:00]
- Why Notre Dame? [6:07]
- Interests in High School [8:19]
- Transition to Notre Dame [9:45]
- Kind Classmates [14:07]
- Excellent Profs [16:05]
- Dorm Life [18:36]
- Soccer and Other Sports [24:12]
- Summer Experiences [28:36]
- Studying Abroad Down Under [31:37]
- Majoring in Bio and Psychology [34:43]
- Research Grant - Travel Included [38:41]
- What Next for Lydia? [45:08]
- Notre Dame Redo? [46:24]
- Advice to Aspiring Students [48:08]
- Memories: Eve of a Home Game [49:37]
Our Guest: Lydia Piendel is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Psychology and Catholic Social Traditions.
Memorable Quote: “I was not a very open minded person when I first went [to Notre Dame], and I found that I didn't love my roommates right away. And I wish that I had been a little bit more open minded to get to know more people.”
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.
55 min - US Colleges Still Looking for Students in College News Fit to Digest. May 3, 2021.
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:
- Colleges still looking for Students []
- Int’l Students’ Insecurities []
- Provosts on the Pandemic Impact []
- Safest Colleges in America []
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- Politico []
- OUDaily []
- Inside HigherEd []
- Patch []
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- 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.
15 min - Jay Jacobs, Vice Provost Enrollment at UVM: Distinctive Programs, State of the Art Labs, and Welcoming Community.
Episode summary introduction: Founded in 1791, the University of Vermont (UVM) is a land grant research university in the state of Vermont. Located in Burlington, Vermont, it has the distinction of being the 5th oldest university in the US.
Jay Jacobs, Vice Provost Enrollment at UVM talks about the school and its premier programs and shares his experiences and insights for students and parents.
In particular, we discuss the following with Jay:
- About University of Vermont
- Flagship Programs
- What UVM looks for in their Students
- International Student Plans
- Advice to Applicants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Jay Jacobs, Vice Provost Enrollment UVM [0:51]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:47]
- University of Vermont - Welcoming Community [4:42]
- Jay’s Professional Background [6:02]
- Flagship Academic Programs [8:31]
- Types of Students UVM is looking for [13:31]
- Student Evolution over the Decade [15:12]
- Students on different campuses [17:30]
- Int’l Students a Priority [19:07]
- How UVM handled COVID-19 [21:29]
- Advice to 2022 Applicants [24:42]
- About Financial Aid [28:06]
- Contact Info [31:11]
Our Guest: Jay Jacobs is the Vice Provost Enrollment Management at the University of Vermont. Jay has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from St. Lawrence University, a Master’s degree in Higher Education from Drexel University and Doctor of Education from Northeastern University.
Memorable Quote: “My personal favorite part of the CREAM program is the dairy that is is harvested from the farm, is used to make ice cream that's served right here on our campus!” Jay Jacobs on the flagship program, Cooperative for Real Education in Agriculture Management (CREAM).
Episode Transcript: Please visit this episode’s transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- To Learn more about University of Vermont email Request for More Information.
- To Make a List of Colleges to Explore Visit almamatters.io and signup.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Breaker, Anchor.
- Email your comments or questions on this episode to [email protected].
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
34 min - Harder Getting off a Waitlist in College News Fit to Digest. April 26, 2021.
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:
- More Colleges Require Students be Vaccinated []
- MPower gives Int’l Students Financial Aid Hope []
- Harder to Get off a Waitlist? []
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- CNBC []
- PRNewswire []
- Komu []
- USNews []
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- 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.
15 min - Jemmy Chayadi on UW Madison: Mechanical Engineering Major, Becoming a Global Citizen, and Saturday Football Games.
Episode summary introduction: When he was in High School in Jakarta, Indonesia, some students from UW Madison talked about their experiences in college. Young Jemmy was impressed and was motivated to apply to US Colleges.
Jemmy Chayadi is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Madison with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Choosing University of Wisconsin Madison
- Moving from Indonesia to the US
- Studying Engineering
- Campus Life
- Advice to Today’s High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Jemmy Chayadi, Indonesia [0:51]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:48]
- Memorable Experience at UW Madison [5:59]
- Why UW Madison? [8:31]
- High School Interests [10:52]
- From Indonesia to US [16:03]
- Transition to UW Madison [18:17]
- Diverse Peers [20:21]
- World Class Profs [23:17]
- Indonesian Student Assn., ASME, Christian Fellowship [26:27]
- Summer Internships [30:57]
- Majoring in Mechanical Engineering [37:03]
- Impact of UW Madison [39:55]
- UW Madison Redo? [44:48]
- Advice to Aspiring Students [47:53]
- Memories: Saturday Home Games [54:07]
Our Guest: Jemmy Chayadi is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Madison with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Jemmy later earned the Master’s in Industrial Technology and Operations from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois.
Memorable Quote: “...I could actually learn about the country, their culture, their food, and so on, without actually having to go to their countries.” Jemmy about meeting students from other countries.
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
59 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.