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College Matters. Alma Matters.
By Venkat RamanEducation
College Matters. Alma Matters. episodes
- College News Fit to Digest. March 1, 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:
- 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 Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- Inside HigherEd []
- VOA News []
- Inside HigherEd []
- MN Daily []
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.
16 min - Ettie Nikolova on Cornell: International Relations, Teaching Youth, and Fulbright in Bulgaria.
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 University?
- Majoring in Government
- Passion to Teach Youth
- Fulbright in Bulgaria
- Advice to Applicants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Ettie Nikolova, Cornell []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- “Loved Cornell” []
- Why Cornell? []
- High School Interests []
- High School to Cornell []
- Diverse Student Body []
- “Loved the Professors” []
- Hectic Campus Life []
- Passion - Teaching Youth []
- Choosing to Major in Government []
- Cornell Redo? []
- RE: Missing out on STEM []
- Cornell’s Role in Prepping for the Future []
- Advice for Aspiring Students []
- UG - “Make Lifelong Friends” []
Our Guest: Ettie Nikolova is a graduate of Cornell University with Bachelor’s degree in Government and Russian Studies. Ettie later graduated with a MBA from Yale School of Management.
Memorable Quote: “Use your undergraduate as an opportunity to make lifelong friends.”
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- 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 - College News Fit to Digest. February 22, 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:
- Building US STEM Workforce []
- Lawmakers want Tuition Refunds for COVID Disruption []
- College Students and Vaccines []
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- APS News []
- US News []
- VOA 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.
- To Make a List of Colleges to Explore Visit almamatters.io and signup.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
18 min - Andrew Maguire on Vanderbilt: American Studies, Study Abroad Decision, and Tale of Two Halves.
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 of Majors
- Campus Activities
- Study Abroad in Denmark
- Advice to Applicants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Andrew Maguire, Vanderbilt [0:53]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:43]
- The Vanderbilt Experience [4:45]
- Why Vanderbilt? [5:52]
- High School Interests [7:43]
- Transition to Vanderbilt [8:58]
- Peers - Diversity of Thought [11:33]
- Engaging Profs [14:08]
- Dorms - Residential College Style [16:31]
- VUcept, Model UN and Common Center [18:19]
- Summers - Teaching High Schoolers [22:04]
- Study Abroad - “Best Decision” [23:50]
- On Choosing Majors [26:07]
- “50-50 Kind of Experience”?[29:37]
- Vanderbilt Redo? [34:00]
- Advice to Aspiring Students [36:59]
- Vanderbilt Memories and Traditions [40:50]
Our Guest: Andrew Maguire is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with Bachelor’s degree in American Studies and Psychology. Andrew then graduated with a Master’s in Public Administration from New York University. He is also the author of an upcoming book Hidden Curriculum.
Memorable Quote: “I think every prestigious Southern University claims that they are the Harvard of the South”.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- 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.
45 min - Mirka Martel of IIE: Interpreting Trends and Patterns Data on International Education.
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 particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Mirka Martel’s Role at IIE
- What is International Education Research?
- The Open Doors Data Project
- Project Atlas
- Takeaways for Students and Parents
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Mirka Martel, IIE [0:46]
- Professional Background [2:55]
- Skills needed for Int’l Education Research [6:07]
- IIE Research Mission [7:44]
- Open Doors Data Project [11:19]
- Project Atlas [31:46]
- Emerging Areas of IIE Research [43:08]
- Rising Int’l Applications to the US [46:15]
- Takeaways for Aspiring Students and Parents [48:52]
Our Guest: Mirka Martel is the Head of Research, Evaluation and Learning at Institute of International Education (IIE for short). Mirka has a BA in International Relations and Affairs from The George Washington University, Master’s in International Relations from Columbia University and a PhD International and Comparative Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Memorable Quote: “IIE has been collecting data for Open Doors for over 70 years, that’s 7,0 so quite a long time...”.
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.
52 min - Professor Nikil Dutt of UC Irvine on Serendipity, Bright Students and Good Relationships.
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 in the US
- Joining the Academia
- The Pursuit of Research
- UG Students at UC Irvine
- Advice for Applicants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Prof Nikil Dutt, UCI [1:08]
- Professional Journey so far [3:11]
- Grad Study at Penn State and UI Urbana-Champaign [6:59]
- Penn State versus UI Urbana-Champaign [9:14]
- Research thru Serendipity [11:28]
- On Choosing Academia [13:24]
- UC Irvine: Rising thru the Ranks [15:46]
- On Staying Excited about Research [18:24]
- UG Students at Irvine [21:32]
- Research to be Proud of [23:32]
- Computation Self Awareness Systems [25:25]
- Tips for Aspiring Students [27:51]
- UG Students and Research [31:00]
- Advice for Budding Researchers [34:27]
- Close: Follow your passion [37:04]
Our Guest: Professor Nikil Dutt is the Chancellor’s Professor at University of California Irvine with appointments in Computer Science, EECS and Cognitive Science Departments. Professor Dutt is a graduate of Birla Institute of Technology Pilani with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then received his MS in Computer Science from Penn State University and a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Memorable Quote: Prof Dutt: “Academia is not for the faint of heart”.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- 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.
41 min - Clare Overmann on Georgetown: Languages, International Experience, and Talks by World Leaders.
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 University?
- Study Abroad in Korea and Chile
- Advice to Applicants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Clare Overmann, Georgetown [1:00]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:45]
- Georgetown - “Excellent Experience” [4:22]
- Why Georgetown? [5:18]
- High School - Voted “Most Versatile” [7:29]
- Transition to Georgetown [8:36]
- Preppy Peers [10:30]
- “World Class” Profs [12:02]
- The Love for Spanish [13:15]
- Dorm [14:12]
- Involved Student Body [17:05]
- Korea, Chile - Study Abroad [18:24]
- Assorted Summer Activities [22:41]
- Georgetown as a Career Shaper [25:04]
- Georgetown Redo? [30:06]
- Advice to Aspirants [31:23]
- About World Leaders & Traditions [33:26]
Our Guest: Clare Overmann is a graduate of Georgetown University with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Culture. After gaining international experience in Europe, Clare went on to get her Master’s in International Education at New York University.
Memorable Quote: Clare on stereotypes about Georgetown Students: “It is a fairly wealthy population, it is kind of preppy, that many people want to be Politicians..some of it is actually true.”.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- 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.
38 min - College News Fit to Digest. February 15, 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:
- Universities Protecting Int’l Students []
- Best Colleges for Internships []
- List of Remote Summer Jobs []
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- Diverse Education []
- College Post []
- USNews []
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.
- To Make a List of Colleges to Explore Visit almamatters.io and signup.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
16 min - Segment #2: Extracurriculars Review and Summer Break Planning. A Guide to Build a Standout US College Application.
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 featured.
In particular, we discuss the following:
- Why are Extracurriculars (ECs) important?
- What are “good” Extracurriculars?
- Why are we talking about the Summer Break ?
- Making effective/productive use of Summer Breaks
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to the Segment #2 []
- The Importance of Extracurriculars (EC) []
- How Colleges ask about the ECs? []
- Why do Colleges care about ECs? []
- What’s a good EC? []
- What’s a Good Role in an EC? []
- COVID Friendly ECs []
- Case Study: Student "Van" []
- Why are Summer Breaks Important? []
- Effective Use of Summer Breaks []
- Myths & Misconceptions []
- Segment #2 Assignment []
- Close - Subscribe for Assignments []
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.
- Rob Franklin is a Mentor at Admissionado.
Memorable Quote: “The 2 No-Nos for Extracurriculars: 1) To sign up for everything; 2) To sign up for nothing.”
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.
49 min - College News Fit to Digest. February 8, 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:
- Students take the Spring Semester off []
- OPT Legal Win []
- California High Schoolers lose out on Colleges and Scholarships []
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- The Daily Pennsylvanian []
- Inside HigherEd []
- California Globe []
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.
- To Make a List of Colleges to Explore Visit almamatters.io and signup.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
13 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.