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College Matters. Alma Matters.
By Venkat RamanEducation
College Matters. Alma Matters. episodes
- Karen Doster on Dartmouth: Challenging Courses, Sophomore Summer and College as Imagined.
Episode summary introduction: Karen wanted to be in a small liberal arts college and Dartmouth certainly fit that bill. In addition to being the “perfect size”, Dartmouth turned out to be everything Karen imagined college to be.
Karen Doster is a graduate of Dartmouth College with a Bachelor’s degree in Government, Public Policy and Native American Studies.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Why Dartmouth?
- Academic and Campus Life
- Settling on a Major
- Advice to aspiring students
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction [0:50]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:39]
- “Loved my time at Dartmouth” [6:01]
- Why Dartmouth? [7:38]
- High School Interests [11:19]
- To Dartmouth from High School [13:00]
- Peers & Profs [18:00]
- On Majoring in Government [20:22]
- Dorms & Excellent Food [22:33]
- About DREAM Mentoring Program [29:42]
- “Sophomore Summer” [33:49]
- Summer Internships [35:55]
- What would you have done differently at Dartmouth? [40:42]
- Tips for Aspiring Students [44:21]
- Bonding in the Wilderness [48:41]
Our Guest: Karen Doster is a graduate of Dartmouth College with a Bachelor’s degree in Government, Public Policy and Native American Studies. Karen later received her MBA from Northwestern University.
Memorable Quote: Karen says that schools are looking for students “who have a genuine love of learning”.
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.
- To Make a List of Colleges to Explore Visit almamatters.io and signup.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
53 min - Seth Shapiro: Penn attracts Smart, Ambitious and Friendly Students.
Episode summary introduction: Seth was quite clear that he wanted to go to the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). So sure that he applied for Early Decision.
Seth Shapiro is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Why Penn?
- Academic and Campus Life
- Smart and Social Penn Students
- Advice for Aspirants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction [0:45]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:28]
- “Monumental Period in my life” [5:12]
- Why Penn? [6:14]
- Interests in High School [8:09]
- Transition from High School to Penn [9:41]
- Smart and Social Peers [11:53]
- Dorms & Food [16:18]
- Friendly Penn Culture [19:19]
- College Summers [21:51]
- Redo: How would you relive the Penn Years? [23:40]
- Advice to Aspirants [27:24]
- Fav Penn Memories [31:28]
Our Guest: Seth Shapiro is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Seth subsequently got an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Memorable Quote: Seth on leaving home for college: “It is a little bit of a shock to go from coming home & having your meal prepared, and having a set schedule by which you live most of your life by, to having a little bit more autonomy.”
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.
- To Make a List of Colleges to Explore Visit almamatters.io and signup.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
38 min - How Srihari Balaji of Union College landed Financial Aid.
Episode summary introduction: Srihari Balaji, an international student, is a sophomore at Union College, New York. Srihari shares his experience and learnings while searching for Financial Aid and how he went about applying for Aid.
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Available Financial Aid Options
- How Srihari found Aid-Friendly Colleges
- Tips/Advice for Applicants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Kinds of Financial Aid [2:04]
- Financial Aid Friendly Colleges [3:07]
- Exploring Colleges for Fit and Aid [5:52]
- How to Apply for Financial Aid [10:20]
- The Next Genius Scholarship [11:47]
- Advice to Applicants [17:01]
Our Guest: Srihari Balaji is an aspiring astronaut who is pursuing undergraduate studies at Union College, New York. Srihari is studying Mechanical Engineering. He was awarded the NextGenius Scholarship to pursue his studies at Union College.
Memorable Quote: “I would suggest students to prudently select colleges based on the financial aid needs they require.”
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.
- To Make a List of Colleges to Explore Visit almamatters.io and signup.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
22 min - College News Fit to Digest. November 30, 2020.
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 Application Deadline Extension [1:20]
- 11th-Hour Tips for College Applications [2:49]
- New College Safety Protocols [7:20]
- Int’l Students Migrate from Australia [9:22]
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:12]
- ABC News [7:20]
- Money [2:49]
- Study International [9:22]
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 - College News Fit to Digest. November 23, 2020.
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:
- Faculty and Career Exploration [1:53]
- Early Apps Rise, Regulars Fall [7:06]
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:12]
- Inside Higher Ed [1:53]
- ABC News [7:06]
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.
15 min - UC Irvine: Ajan Subramanian on Engineering Pursuit, Discovering Research and Sunny California.
Episode summary introduction: While Ajan was in High School in India, he was looking at Colleges in the US where he could pursue Engineering and Drama. One such school was the University of California Irvine.
Ajan Subramanian is a graduate of the University of California Irvine with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering.
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Why UC Irvine?
- Nurturing Interest in Research
- Advice for Aspiring students
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Ajan Subramanian []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Amazing Experience at UCI []
- Why UC Irvine? []
- Moving from India to UC Irvine []
- Diverse Peers & Classmates []
- About Profs and Teaching []
- Dorm Life and Food []
- Campus Activities []
- Summers of Research []
- Pursuing PhD at UC Irvine []
- Things I would do Differently... []
- Advice to Aspiring Students []
- Bonding over Projects []
Our Guest: Ajan Subramanian is a graduate of University of California Irvine (UCI) with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering. Ajan is currently in the PhD program at UCI.
Memorable Quote: “I really bonded over those stressful times”, says Ajan about working on difficult projects with classmates.
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.
- To Make a List of Colleges to Explore Visit almamatters.io and signup.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
52 min - College News Fit to Digest. November 9, 2020.
Episode Title: College News Fit to Digest. November 9, 2020.
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:
- SUNY 2021 Reopening Plan [2:05]
- IELTS vs SAT/ACT [5:43]
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:12]
- Spectrum News [2:05]
- Education Dive [5:43]
- Study International [5:43]
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.
15 min - Updates on Financial Aid for Fall 2021 from Ben Stern of IvyAchievement.
Episode summary introduction: Benjamin Stern of IvyAchievement gives us an update on how colleges view Financial Aid for Fall of 2021 and what students need to do differently.
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- College Updates on Financial Aid
- What Students need to do
- Aid Application Deadlines
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Good News on Financial Aid for 2021 [1:28]
- Things Students Need to Note[4:45]
- Double-Check the Application Deadlines [6:06]
- Apply Ethically [7:18]
Our Guest: 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.
Memorable Quote: “Financial Aid is a Zero Sum game.”
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.
- To Make a List of Colleges to Explore Visit almamatters.io and signup.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
12 min - College News Fit to Digest. November 2, 2020.
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:
- University of California cannot accept Test Scores []
- November Calendar Deadlines []
- Colleges reduce Tuition Fees []
- Colleges Adjust Admissions []
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- Whittier Daily News []
- CNBC []
- Key November Dates for College Applicants []
- ABC 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.
17 min - University of California cannot accept Test Scores []
- WashU Alum Namrata Vakkalagadda: An Open Mind attracts Opportunities.
Episode summary introduction: Namrata wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to study, and Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) let her experiment for a couple of years, before she had to decide.
Namrata Vakkalagadda is a graduate of the Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological and Brain Sciences and a minor in Computer Science.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Why WashU?
- The Programs and Resources on Campus
- Advice for College Applicants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction and Podcast Highlights []
- The WashU Experience []
- Why WashU []
- Transition to WashU from High School []
- High Achieving Peers []
- The Profs and Teaching []
- Dorms and Great Food! []
- Clubs and Organizations []
- Summer Experiences []
- Major: Psychological and Brain Sciences []
- Advice to Aspiring Students []
- Keeping Mind Open Pays! []
Our Guest: Namrata Vakkalagadda is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological and Brain Sciences, and a minor in Computer Science. Namrata currently with a leading Consulting Firm.
Memorable Quote: Namrata to applicants “It [WashU] is an easy application process. So definitely recommend adding it to your box”.
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.
- To Make a List of Colleges to Explore Visit almamatters.io and signup.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
45 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.