Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share College Matters. Alma Matters.
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
College Matters. Alma Matters.
By Venkat RamanEducation
College Matters. Alma Matters. episodes
- Ben Stern of IvyAchievement: Finding Financial Aid to attend US Colleges.
Episode summary introduction: One big factor, if not the most predominant one, for college-bound students and parents is the cost of attending college. So, it is natural to explore what options are available to fund college education.
Benjamin Stern is the founder and CEO of IvyAchievement, a college counseling firm, tells us all about financial aid.
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Types of Financial Aid
- Criteria and Prerequisites
- COVID-19 Impact on Financial Aid for Fall 2021 Applications
Topics discussed in this episode:
- The Financial Aid Landscape [1:29]
- Types of Financial Aid [5:16]
- What is needed to Qualify? [10:00]
- How does an Expert pick “Aid Friendly” Target Colleges [17:43]
- Financial Aid Application Process [20:41]
- Counseling the Financial Aid Process [23:56]
- What will Aid look like for Fall 2021? [28:04]
- IvyAchievement Successes with Financial Aid [31:05]
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: “Need-based [Financial Aid] means, it’s the College that decides what you Need, not your forms!”
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.
39 min - Types of Financial Aid
- College News Fit to Digest. September 11, 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:
- Plight of International Students []
- Why the mad rush to take the SATs? []
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- Daily Emerald []
- USA Today []
- The PIE News []
- EdSource []
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 - Plight of International Students []
- Iris Li: Taiwan to UC Santa Barbara to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies and Field Trips to the beach.
Episode summary introduction: When Iris Li was in the 11th grade in Taiwan, her teachers strongly encouraged her to apply to the US for college. Iris went on to apply to UC Santa Barbara.
Iris graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Global Studies.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Why US? Why UCSB?
- Adjusting to Campus Life in the US
- Advice to Aspiring Students
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Diverse, Enjoyable UCSB Experience []
- Why UC Santa Barbara? []
- From Taiwan to US []
- Academics at UCSB []
- Peers and Profs []
- Dorm Life []
- Social and Organized Activities []
- The Summer Initiatives []
- COVID-19 Quarter []
- Graduate Study Plans []
- Advice for Aspiring Students []
- Takeaway: People and Relationships []
Our Guest: Iris Li is a graduate of University of California Santa Barbara with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Global Studies. Iris plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Policy at the University of California Los Angeles in Fall 2021.
Memorable Quote: Iris to aspiring UCSB applicants: “If you want to study here [UCSB], have a[n] open heart, and have the heart to try out new things”.
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.
36 min - Why US? Why UCSB?
- Athena Lao on Harvard: Studying Classics, Teaching Abroad and Wanting to Make Things Better.
Episode Title: Athena Lao on Harvard: Studying Classics, Teaching Abroad and Wanting to Make Things Better.
Episode summary introduction: The mere mention of “Harvard” is intriguing. A good fraction of the high school students have Harvard on their list of Colleges they aspire to.
Athena Lao is a graduate of Harvard University with a Bachelor’s degree in Classics.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Why Harvard?
- The Academic and Campus Experience at Harvard
- Advice to Aspiring Students
Topics discussed in this episode:
- “Loved going to Harvard” [2:01]
- Why Harvard? [5:26]
- From Athens, Georgia to Harvard [13:15]
- Incredible Academics! [16:40]
- Amazing Peers! [19:07]
- Choosing Classics as a Major [23:09]
- Living in “Halls” and Brain Breaks [26:02]
- Campus Activities [33:50]
- Int’l Sojourns during Summers [36:32]
- “Life Changing” Fulbright Grant [39:08]
- Advice to Aspiring Students [43:30]
- Forward Thinking Passion at Harvard [48:09]
Our Guest: Athena Lao is a graduate of Harvard University with a Bachelor’s degree in Classics. Athena then went on to get a Master’s degree in International Education Development Program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Memorable Quote: Athena to aspiring Harvard applicants “Don’t want it so much.”
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 - Why Harvard?
- College News Fit to Digest. September 4, 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:
- Univ of California asked to go “Test Blind” [1:20]
- Status of Colleges Fall Reopening [6:42]
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- USA Today [1:20]
- NPR [6:42]
- WXIA [6:42]
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 - Univ of California asked to go “Test Blind” [1:20]
- USC Alum Anu Ramachandran: Part II. On Creating her own Undergraduate Experience.
Episode summary introduction: Anu Ramachandran chose the University of Southern California (USC), among other things, for its location, access to culture and their generous scholarship. But Anu’s big takeaways occurred during summers, far away from campus, in the middle of the Amazon and a village in Tanzania.
Anu shares her amazing undergraduate experience with us in this episode.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Summer Experiences
- The Marshall Scholarship
Topics discussed in this episode:
- 2nd Summer Pursuit - HIV Education in Tanzania []
- 3rd Summer Pursuit - Epilepsy Research at Stanford University []
- The Amazing Marshall Scholarship Experience []
- Advice to Aspiring USC Students []
Our Guest: Anu Ramachandran graduated with Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Philosophy from University of Southern California. Anu then received her MD from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Anu is currently a Resident Physician at the Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco.
Memorable Quote: “Medicine as a tool for social justice.”
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.
28 min - Summer Experiences
- USC Alum Anu Ramachandran: On Creating her own Undergraduate Experience. Part I.
Episode summary introduction: Anu Ramachandran chose the University of Southern California (USC), among other things, for its location, access to culture and their generous scholarship. But Anu’s big takeaways occurred during summers, far away from campus, in the middle of the Amazon and a village in Tanzania.
Anu shares her amazing undergraduate experience with us in this episode.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Why USC ?
- The Academic Experience at USC
- Summer Pursuits
Topics discussed in this episode:
- USC - Place to Carve out your own Experience []
- Choosing to go to USC []
- From High School to College []
- Diverse, Ambitious, Enthusiastic Students []
- Excellent Teaching - Fantastic Philosophy Courses []
- Summer Pursuit - Faith Healing in Brazil []
Our Guest: Anu Ramachandran graduated with Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Philosophy from University of Southern California. Anu then received her MD from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Anu is currently a Resident Physician at the Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco.
Memorable Quote: “Medicine as a tool for social justice.”
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.
32 min - Why USC ?
- College News Fit to Digest. August 22, 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:
7-tips for International Students during COVID-19
- #1 Minimize Expenses
- #2 Get an Insurance
- #3 Travel only if you must
- #4 Look for Safe Accommodation
- #5 Keep Building your Resume
- #6, #7 Communication & School Focus are Key!
- One more thing: We have different comfort levels
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 College Post []
Episode Transcript: Please visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
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 - #1 Minimize Expenses
- Test Optional: Nitin Jain on How to Navigate College Applications. Now.
Episode summary introduction: Standardized Tests have fallen victim to COVID-19. Over 80% of the Top US Colleges have gone Test Optional, which means they are waiving Standardized Test Scores requirements for Admissions. For now.
Nitin Jain, Co-founder of Oncourse shares his views on how students should handle College Applications without Standardized Tests.
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Role of Standardized Tests in College Admissions
- What does Test Optional really mean?
- How should Students approach their college applications?
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Role of Standardized Tests [3:16]
- Admissions Officers and Applications w.o Tests [5:54]
- How should Students Modify their Applications [15:52]
- Nitin’s Advice to Applicants [21:34]
Our Guest: Nitin Jain, Co-founder Oncourse, Gurgaon India, focuses on international college applications to US, UK, Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Memorable Quote: “Standardized Test Score is an Indicator of Academic Index.”
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.
28 min - Role of Standardized Tests in College Admissions
- College News Fit to Digest. August 15, 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:
- US Colleges walk back their reopening []
- Still a Mad rush to get Testing Dates! []
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 Higher Ed []
- The Chronicle []
- Tribune News Service []
Episode Transcript: Please visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
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.
14 min - US Colleges walk back their reopening []
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.