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Phil started coaching kids at Colorado Academy sometime after college. He deferred his admission to Law School to do this. But Phil found himself enjoying coaching. He enjoyed working with kids.

Today, 3 decades later, Phil is the Director of College Counseling at St. Mary’s Academy.

Phil joins us on our podcast to talk about his background, St Mary’s Academy, Counseling Approach, Challenges, Success Stories, and his Advice for High School students.

Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Phil Gentry’s Background
• Approach to College Counseling
• Challenges
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Phil Gentry, St Mary’s Academy []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Why Counseling? []
• St Mary’s Academy []
• Approach to Counseling []
• Starting Early vs Later []
• The Challenges []
• Test Optional & FAFSA Delays []
• Reflecting on the 27 years []
• Success Stories []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Staying Excited []

Our Guest: Phil Gentry is the Director of College Counseling at St Mary’s Academy in Colorado..

Memorable Quote: “ You know, I would say it would seem like it should be the predictability of the job, but it's the unpredictability of the job.” Phil Gentry.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences, College Application Workbook

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In High School, Emily was a theater kid. She was into music. She was in a number of clubs ranging from National Honor Society to Science Olympiad.

Her favorite subjects were STEM courses, but she was really confused about what major to pursue in college. But Emily was clear that she wanted to do UG Research, from Day One in college!

Emily joins our podcast to share her undergraduate college journey at the Honors College at Drexel University, Infant Heart Research, Co-Op, Choosing Biomed engineering Major, and Advice for High Schoolers.

Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Drexel Honors College Experience
• Infant Heart Research
• Biomed Engineering Major
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Emily Woodland, Drexel U []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Drexel & Honors College Experience []
• Why Drexel? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Academics []
• The Honors Program []
• Infant Heart Research []
• Majoring in Biomedical Engineering []
• Co-Op Experience []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Emily Woodland is studying Biomedical Engineering at Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University in Philadelphia.

Memorable Quote: “So I think happiness is a large part of success. Because if you're motivated, and you're excited to wake up every day and study what you're studying, you're going to do great things.” Emily Woodland.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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Shilpi has a varied set of interests. In High School, Shilpi pushed herself academically taking a heavy load of AP courses, did credit card research as part of AP Capstone.

She started a cricket club in her Freshman year which grew to 50 people.

In this Podcast, Shilpi talks about her High School Journey, her interest Quilting, Choosing Math as a Major, her college search process, and her advice for high schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Who is Shilpi Bardhan?
• Extracurricular Interests
• College Process
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Shilpi Bardhan, Jenks High School, OK []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Who is Shilpi Bardhan? []
• High School Academic Interests []
• Extracurricular Activities []
• Passion to Quilt []
• Research []
• Major? []
• College Search Process []
• Challenges & Surprises []
• Applying for Scholarships []
• Why Case Western? []
• Ready for College? []
• Advice to High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Shilpi Bardhan is a recent graduate of Jenks High School, Oklahoma. Shilpi will be a Freshman at Case Western Reserve University in Fall 2024.

Memorable Quote: “I probably applied for a total of 50, outside of college specific scholarships, including colleges probably would go up to around 60 or 70.” Shilpi Bardhan.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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The 2023-24 College Application Season is almost in the books. It is a good time to step back and reflect for the benefit of the next set of high school seniors and parents.

And who better to help us than the College Counselors who guided the current graduating seniors through the college process. I talked to over half-dozen High School College Counselors from across the US to put together this episode.

Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing The Look Back Episode []
• FAFSA Impact []
• No of Selective Colleges is Growing []
• Fashioning College Lists - Deliberately []
• About Majors []
• Standardized Testing []
• Advice for Rising Seniors []

Our Guests:

• Sean Kennedy of Ravenscroft High School
• Bill Hancock of Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School
• Jodi Foxx of Charlotte Christian
• Sandra Foy of Seattle Prep
• Colleen Koppes of Dowling Catholic High School
• Tom Stepkoski of Westhill High School, and
• Shveta Bagade, Private Counselor.

Memorable (& Prescient) Quote: “I think the FAFSA, the opening of the application period being delayed to December[2023] is really a kind of sleeping giant…”, Sean Kennedy of Ravenscroft School, June 2023.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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It is not often that I get to go back and have a follow up conversation with a guest. When I last spoke with Rishika, she had just won the Coke Scholarship, just graduated from High School and was headed to Brown University.

Rishika has just completed her sophomore year at Brown.

In this episode, Rishika shares her undergraduate experiences at Brown University, Passion for Disability & Design, Research, and Custom Design Major.

Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• The Brown Experience
• Transition to College
• Custom Design Major
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Rishika Kartik, Brown University[]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• The Brown Experience []
• Transition to Brown []
• The Academics []
• Peers []
• Profs []
• Activities & Interests []
• Extracurricular Activities []
• Research []
• Summers []
• Custom Design Major []
• Picking Courses []
• The Process []
• Memories []

Our Guest: Rishika Kartik is a rising junior at Brown University.

Memorable Quote: “So the biggest thing I learned throughout college is that a good life consists of good days.” Rishika Kartik.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Brian was a long distance runner in High School. He was the co-president of the Outdoor Adventure Club.

In the classroom, he enjoyed STEM courses. He decided to attend CSU Long Beach which offered him the Presidential Scholarship and it was close to home.

Brian joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at the Honors Program CSU Long Beach, The Presidential Scholarship, Transition to College, Internship, EE Major, and Advice for High Schoolers.

Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• CSU Long Beach Honors Experience
• Presidential Scholarship
• Electrical Engineering Major
• Internship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Brian Rogers, CSULB Honors []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall CSU Long Beach Experience []
• Why CSULB ? []
• High School Interests []
• Honors Program []
• Summer Internships []
• CSULB Redo? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Brian Rogers graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Honors Program at CSU Long Beach.

Memorable Quote: “I wanted to do something to help my community. And I want to tackle those problems that don't have answers right now, I want to be the one at the forefront, trying to solve everything that's out there, and that's unknown currently.” Brian Rogers.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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In the 9th Grade while in High School in India, Nia decided that she wanted to pursue college abroad. She was interested in Biology, Math. She was part of Model UN.

When it was time to apply for college, Nia approached Education USA for guidance.

Nia joins us on our podcast to share her freshman experience at Creighton, Transition to Creighton, Research, Campus Activities, and Advice for International Applicants.

Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Freshman Experience at Creighton University
• Transition to a US College
• Majoring in Biochemistry
• Advice to International Applicants

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Nia Sequeira, Creighton U []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Creighton Experience []
• Why Creighton? []
• Major Switch! []
• High School Interests []
• Why US College? []
• Transition to US College []
• Profs []
• Research []
• Clubs, Organizations []
• Advice for Int’l Applicants[]
• Memory []

Our Guests: Nia Sequeira, an International Student, is a rising sophomore at Creighton University.

Memorable Quote: “… I was super interested in research ever since I landed in the US. My advisors back at Education USA kept telling me to engage in research and they were like getting involved in research in your freshman year would be really good.” Nia Sequeira.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Taylor has always loved Science. Particularly Biology & Math. In High School, she discovered Photography, which provided her with a creative outlet.

Taylor discovered research through a summer program in high school, something that has shaped her education career so far.

Taylor joins our podcast to share her undergraduate experience at Loyola University Chicago, Interest in Viruses and Diseases, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Loyola University Chicago Experience
• Insects and Diseases Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Taylor Miller-Ensminger, Loyola University []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Loyola Experience []
• Why Loyola? []
• High School Interests []
• Interest in Viruses and Diseases []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Profs []
• Starting UG Research []
• The Research []
• Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
• The GW Difference []
• Majoring in Bioinformatics []
• Impact of Research []
• Research Skills Gained []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memory []

Our Guest: Taylor Miller-Ensminger is a Goldwater Scholar who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Bioinformatics from Loyola University Chicago. Taylor is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Pennsylvania.

Memorable Quote: “Yeah, so bioinformatics really sits at this interesting intersection of biology, computer science and statistics. So it takes a lot of different fields and combines them so that we're able to ask some really complex biological questions. I think that's the beauty of informatics too, is if you're someone who's situated in that field, you kind of have one of three choices on where you end up research wise.” Taylor Miller-Ensminger.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Prof. Weldon got his start in research early. As a sophomore in High School, he worked at the National Institutes of Health.

He pursued Biology in college leading up to his doctorate. During his post-doctoral fellowship at the National Cancer Institute, Prof Weldon became very interested in Protein Engineering.

Prof. Weldon joins us on our podcast to talk about UG Research in Biological Sciences at Towson University, CUR’s role, Impact of Research on UG Students, Success stories, and finally Advice for High Schoolers.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Prof. John Weldon, Towson University []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Background []
• The Importance of UG Research []
• Departmental Role []
• UG Research Programs []
• CUR’s Role []
• Success Stories []
• Students Doing UG Research []
• Skills Gained through UG Research []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Prof. John Weldon of the Department of Biological Sciences at Towson University in Maryland. Prof. Weldon earned his PhD in Biology from Johns Hopkins University, Maryland.

Memorable Quote: “ Every week in a lab meeting, I asked my students to get up and talk about their project to everybody else. And then eventually, they're asked to do it on a larger scale at these poster presentations, and sometimes even oral presentations. And it really helps them to slowly become confident in what they're doing.” Prof. Weldon.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Tarana’s family love to travel and explore. Touring Sainte Chapelle in Paris, for example, made a lasting impression on young Tarana.

In her High School in India, Tarana found herself drawn to the theater and arts. She especially enjoyed the creative aspects like script writing, set production design.

When time came for guidance on US colleges, Tarana turned to Education USA. Advisor Deborah Rosario guided & helped her with the college process.

Tarana joins us on our podcast to share her undergraduate experience at SCAD, Interest in Art & Design, Transition to SCAD, Outside Activities, Summers, and Advice for International Applicants.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Experience at SCAD
• Interest in Arts and Design
• Majoring in Architecture
• Advice to International Applicants

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Tarana Pahlajani of SCAD []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall SCAD Experience []
• Why SCAD? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to US College []
• Academics []
• Peers []
• Outside Class Activities []
• Summers []
• IPAL []
• Work study []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memory []

Our Guests: Tarana Pahlajani is graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Architecture from Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD).

Memorable Quote: “ … stay in touch with your peers and your professors, even from high school, if they can give you referrals, if they can give you recommendations, things like that. They are always going to be invaluable sources for advice, and support as well as job opportunities down the line.” Tarana Pahlajani.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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This April, I had the privilege of doing a series of conversations with undergraduate researchers at NCUR 2024 in Long Beach, California.

This is the last in a series of 3 episodes based on those conversations.

On this Episode we feature 4 Student Researchers on a variety of topics from College Athlete Brand Valuation, Impact US Military base presence in Japan Study, Web Comics and Music Curriculum for the Hard of Hearing.

The students are Mikes LeBlanc of Northern Arizona University, Levi Mahler of CSU Monterey Bay, Starr Swanson of LA City College, and Ryan Lofland of University of Michigan Ann Arbor.

Our Guests:

• The students are Mikes LeBlanc of Northern Arizona University, Levi Mahler of CSU Monterey Bay, Starr Swanson of LA City College, and Ryan Lofland of University of Michigan Ann Arbor.

Memorable Quote: “I'm a very firm believer that just because someone's deaf or hard of hearing does not mean they can, they can't experience music. It might be a little different than how an abled hearing person would be, but it's not something that they can't do, and they can equally do it as much as anyone else.” Ryan Lofland, UMichigan Ann Arbor.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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This April, I had the privilege of doing a series of conversations with undergraduate researchers at NCUR 2024 in Long Beach, California.

This is the Second in a series of 3 episodes based on those conversations.

On this Episode we feature 4 Student Researchers on a range of topics from Hospitals to School Boards.

The students are Tobi Ojo of Virginia Commonwealth University, Susanna Kim of Johns Hopkins University, Tim Schulz of St. Catherine University in MN, and Natalie Castro of University of Colorado Boulder.

Our Guests:

• The students are Tobi Ojo of Virginia Commonwealth University, Susanna Kim of Johns Hopkins University, Tim Schulz of St. Catherine University in MN, and Natalie Castro of University of Colorado Boulder.

Memorable Quote: “I think one primary skill that I learned is self confidence. I think where I went to school for my first undergrad, it just created such a stigma that you had to be a certain type of person to, mainly a hard sciences type person, like lab research, bench research, that sort of thing, to be a researcher. And when I saw the effects that I could have with populations just with analyzing data, and making recommendations to public health agencies and both private and public. I thought I saw how much capability I have to affect the world and affect change.” Tim Schulz, St. Catherine University.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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This April, I had the privilege of doing a series of conversations with undergraduate researchers at NCUR 2024 in Long Beach, California.

This is the First in a series of 3 episodes based on those conversations.

On this Episode we feature 3 Student Researchers. Their research is broadly related to Inequities in society.

Our Guests:

• The students are Lucas Wolk of Moravian University in Pennsylvania, Sriman Thangarajan of American Univ in DC, and Willem Flaugher of UW OshKosh.

Memorable Quote: “ And everyone's like, Oh, you're gonna become a teacher? And I was like, No, I'm gonna just keep fighting to make sure that kids across the state have better educational opportunities, like as a whole.” Lucas Wolk, Moravian University.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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In High School. Maura was known for 2 things: Environment Sustainability and an obsession with Japan. She was the president of the Ecology club. She was creative. Good at Science. Math, not so much. So, she felt she wouldn’t be successful as a technical environmental professional.

Maura joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at the Honors College at Drexel University, Environmental Sustainability, Co-Ops Experiences, Custom Design Major, and Advice for High Schoolers.

Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Drexel Honors College Experience
• Co-Op
• Custom Design Major
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Maura Jarvis, Drexel []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Drexel & Honors College Experience []
• Why Drexel? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to Drexel []
• Peers []
• Co-Op Experience []
• Campus Activities []
• Drexel Redo []
• Custom Design Major []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Maura Jarvis graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Custom Design Major from Honors College at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Memorable Quote: “Like even if you go to Drexel, I feel like everybody can have a truly unique experience, even if you're in the same major as somebody else, you guys could do completely different things based off of what your Co Ops are, ended up doing study abroad, what things you do on campus. So yeah, I just thought that was the coolest thing. ” Maura Jarvis.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Christina was involved in a lot of activities in High School. She was at Science Fairs. She was on the Tennis team, quiz bowl. She did choir, theater, acapella, and leadership roles.

But Science was her main thing.

Christina joins our podcast to share her undergraduate experience at Haverford College, Interest in Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Haverford Experience
• Natural Product Biosynthesis Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Christina McBride, Haverford College []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Haverford Experience []
• Why Haverford? []
• High School Interests []
• Research in High School []
• Transition to College []
• Peers & Profs []
• Starting UG Research []
• The Research []
• Research Outcomes []
• Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
• Winning The Goldwater Scholarship []
• The GW Difference []
• Research Impact []
• Majoring in Chemistry []
• Campus Activities []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memory []

Our Guest: Christina McBride is a Goldwater Scholar who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Haverford College in Pennsylvania. Christina is currently pursuing her PhD in Chemical Biology at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor.

Memorable Quote: “I can say my main thing is to really explore and to kind of take that jump, even if you feel unprepared, or that you don't necessarily have the skills that other people do, because you want to be able to explore so many different areas. Because even if something is tough, that doesn't mean that it's impossible. ” Christina McBride.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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US Colleges cost quite a bit, to put it mildly. For International Students, cost is quite often the primary factor. Given Aparna’s experience guiding Int’l students, we turned to her for a Primer and tips on Financial Aid for International students.

On our podcast, Aparna gives us an overview of Financial Aid for Int’l Students, College Cost, Merit Scholarships, Graduate Study Aid, Resources and Tips for Int’l High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Introduction to International Financial Aid
• College Cost
• Applying for Merit Scholarships
• Tips for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Aparna Chandrasekharan, 10X Int’l School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Int’l Financial Aid Introduction []
• College Cost? []
• Applying for Merit Scholarship []
• Resources []
• Getting Scholarships []
• Aid for Graduate Study in the US []
• Does the Major Matter? []
• Closing Thoughts []

Our Guest: Aparna Chandrasekharan is the Head of College Placements at 10X International School in Bengaluru, India. Previously, Aparna was EducationUSA Advisor in Chennai, India. Aparna graduated with Bachelor’s degree in Botany from Ethiraj College, Chennai India, and Masters in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

Memorable Quote: “I would ask them [college applicants] to be more open minded, explore liberal arts and science colleges, which are known to give more scholarships generally. And also look at some public universities like Colorado State University has a $12,000 Scholarship for international students, Michigan State University has a somewhat similar scholarship.” Aparna Chandrasekharan.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

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Dean Nicola Foote discovered Honors education, when she came to the US after getting her PhD in History from University College London. She found that Honors education allowed students to explore different disciplines in addition to being part of a community.

Three years ago, Dean Foote became the Dean of Frederick Honors College University of Pittsburgh.

On this Podcast, Dean Foote introduces the Frederick Honors College, BPhil & Experiential Programs, Undergraduate Research, Scholarships, How to Apply, and Career Opportunities.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Dean Nicola Foote’s Background
• Frederick Honors College
• Student Requirements
• Career Opportunities

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dean Foote, Frederick Honors College University of Pottsburgh []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Background []
• Frederick Honors College []
• Program Highlights []
• Experiential Programs []
• UG Research Process []
• Types of Research []
• Applying to Honors College []
• HC Student Body Profile []
• Program Size []
• Scholarships []
• Career Opportunities []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Dr. Nicola Foote is the Dean of the Frederick Honors College University of Pittsburgh. Dean Foote is a Distinguished English Professor, writer and novelist.

Memorable Quote: “And then most significantly, what I'm most proud of is that we also offer a BPhil degree. And we're one of only a handful of universities anywhere in the world that offer that it's the highest research distinction available to an undergrad.” Dean Foote.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Growing up, Deniz was interested in Science. He enjoyed AP classes in High School. He was on the robotics team for 8 years, and went to summer STEM camps.

When COVID happened Deniz cold emailed a Prof in Dept of Neuroscience in Virginia Tech to do research. Shortly thereafter, Deniz was doing cognitive tests on mice, with touchscreen devices!

Deniz joins our podcast to share his University of Virginia undergraduate experience, Interest in Neuroscience, UG Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Majoring in Neuroscience and CS, and his Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Overall UVA Experience
• UG Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Neuroscience and Computer Science Major
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Deniz Olgun, UVA []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Experience at UVA []
• Why UVA? []
• High School Interests []
• Neuroscience Research []
• Transition to UVA []
• Academics & Profs []
• Starting UG Research []
• Was Research Intentional? []
• Research Details []
• Research Outcomes []
• Impact of Research []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• Winning the GW Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Scholarship Difference []
• Broadening the Major []
• Helping with Earthquake in Turkey []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Deniz Olgun is a Goldwater Scholar, who is studying Neuroscience and Computer Science at the University of Virginia.

Memorable Quote: “What you major in is, of course, important, but more important is your flexibility in transitioning and kind of just general thinking skills, right? And how fast can you get up to deal with something that's hard? How well can you identify new opportunities? And then how can you learn to like, really just ask good questions and think critically? ” Deniz Olgun.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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This admissions season, FAFSA delays have cast a huge shadow.

Jodi Foxx of Charlotte Christian and Tom Stepkoski of Westhill High School have different perspectives based on the experiences at their school.

In this episode, the two Counselors share the FAFSA Impact on their students, How Colleges have been Responding, the New FAFSA features, and Learnings from this experience.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• FAFSA Delays Impact []
• Current Status []
• Is New FAFSA Simpler? []
• The Learnings []

Our Guests:

• Jodi Foxx is the Director of College Counseling at Charlotte Christian School, North Carolina.
• Tom Stepkoski is the Career and College Counselor at Westhill High School in Stamford, Connecticut. In addition, Tom also runs Tom Step Coaching for Personal Development.

Memorable Quote: “...we have found out that if you personally are having a problem, you can call and most universities will actually talk to you about the deadline and actually work with you.” Tom Stepkoski.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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Rayyan was working 30 hour weeks while in High School. Outside of that, Rayyan was more likely to be playing basketball or video games.

Then in his senior year he took some “sciency” classes, as he calls it, and did well and liked them! He felt Science might be his thing.

Rayyan joins our podcast to share his UC Riverside undergraduate experience, UG Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Pursuing in Bioengineering, and his Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Overall Undergraduate Experience
• UG Research in Tissue Engineering
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Bioengineering Major
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Rayyan Ayoub, UCR []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Experience at UCR []
• Why UCR? []
• High School Interests []
• Research Interest []
• Starting UG Research []
• The Research []
• Impact of Research []
• Goldwater Scholarship []
• The GW Difference []
• Challenges in School []
• What’s Next? []
• Majoring in Bioengineering []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Rayyan Ayoub is a Goldwater Scholar who is studying Bioengineering at the University of California Riverside.

Memorable Quote: “If work is play, no one can beat you.” Rayyan Ayoub.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Swimming took up a lot of Grant’s time in high school. So he had little time to think about his career and beyond.

He did get interested in Biology later in high school, and was involved in Biology competitions.

Grant joins our podcast to share his UC Irvine undergraduate experience, UG Research in Antibiotics, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Pursuing in Chemistry, and his Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Overall Undergraduate Experience
• UG Research in Antibiotics
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Chemistry & Biological Sciences Major
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Grant Lai, UCI []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Experience at UCI []
• Why UCI? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Peers & Profs []
• Starting UG Research []
• Antibiotics Research []
• Research Impact []
• Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
• Winning the GW Scholarship []
• The GW Difference []
• Outside Class Activities []
• Majoring in Chemistry []
• What’s Next? []
• Impact of Research on Education []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Grant Lai is a Goldwater Scholar who is studying Chemistry and Biological Sciences at the University of California Irvine.

Memorable Quote: “For most people, I would say almost all my friends did chemistry, because they had a great chemistry teacher in high school. ” Grant Lai.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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While he was in grad school, Chris Boehm applied for a College Admissions job at Albright College after seeing an ad in the Newspaper.Chris didn’t get that job, but the job description intrigued him.

So, he cold emailed the President of the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling. The President invited him for a chat and connected him with 3 College Admissions professionals. One of them was the Director of Admissions at Albright.

Things worked out better this time, and Chris started as a summer intern at Albright College.

Chris joins us on our podcast to talk about his background, Archmere Academy, Counseling Approach, Challenges, Success Stories, and his Advice for High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Chris Boehm’s Background
• Approach to College Counseling
• Managing Expectations
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Chris Boehm, Archmere Academy []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Background []
• Why Counseling? []
• Archmere Academy []
• Counseling Philosophy []
• Managing Expectations []
• The Challenges []
• Success Stories []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Christopher Boehm is the Director of College Counseling at Archmere Academy in Delaware.

Memorable Quote: “if we start with the student, and the student honestly assesses what they need to be successful and happy then that will guide them towards certain types of schools.” Chris Boehm.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences, College Application Workbook

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College Campus Visits are a crucial part of the College Process.

It is a great way to get a feel for College in general, and certainly can help you, if that college is of particular interest to you.

Paula Dennis joins our podcast to share her insights into College Campus Visits, The Benefits, How to Plan for them, Senior Shilpi Bardhan on her Fly-in Experiences and Advice for Juniors.

In particular, we discuss the following with them:

• The Importance of College Campus Visits
• What should students look for on these visits
• Shilpi Bardhan's Experiences
• Advice for Juniors

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Paula Dennis, Jenks High School []
• Counselor College Visits []
• Why Students should visit colleges []
• Things to look for on a college visit[]
• Red Flags []
• Visits Timeline; []
• Shilpi’s Fly-in Visits []
• Shilpi’s Questions []
• Impact of the Visits []
• Advice for Juniors []
• Shilpi’s Likely Letter []

Our Guests:

• Paula Dennis is a College Counselor at Jenks High School in Oklahoma.
• Shilpi Bardhan, Senior Jenks High School, OK.

Memorable Quote: “...the current students can give you the best idea of what is available on campus, how the students are and how you can be very well engaged in the school and the campus. And what opportunities there are.” Shilpi Bardhan.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

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When Dr. Chakravarthy was deciding what to study in college, she chose Physics because her father wanted her to. Left to herself, she would have pursued Nutrition and Dietetics.

Today, decades later, she heads 10X International School, where Experiential Programs allow the High Schoolers to explore and experience different disciplines & ideas, do research, build products, and in the process get a really good idea of what college program or career they want to pursue.

Dr. Chakravarthy joins us on our podcast to share her educational background, her research experience, her pivot to teaching, about 10X Int’l School, The goals & value of Experiential Learning, and her Advice for High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Dr. Savita Chakravarthy’s Background
• Why 10X International School?
• Experiential Learning
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dr. Savita Chakravarthy, 10X Int’l School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• BioPhysics []
• Offer From US University []
• PhD & Beyond in the US []
• Teaching the Young []
• Back in India []
• 10X International School []
• Entrepreneurial Mindset []
• Experiential Learning []
• Preparing Students for the Real World []
• How Students are Handling 10X? []
• 10X vs Non-10X Students []
• What’s Next? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Dr. Savita Chakravarthy is the Director of 10X International School in Bengaluru, India. Dr. Chakravarthy graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Stella Maris College, Chennai India, and PhD in Physics from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.

Memorable Quote: “So I think they should explore as much as possible if they can, while they are in high school. Before they decide that you know what it is they would eventually like to do.” Dr. Savita Chakravarthy.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Phillip liked to build things. Like growing popsicle sticks in elementary school. Technology fascinated him. At the same time he loved Humanities. He loved History.

When he started applying to Colleges, he hadn’t figured out whether he wanted to take the Liberal Arts route or pursue Engineering.

Phillip joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at Olin College, Researching Government databases, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Internship at FCC, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Olin College Experience
• UG Research - Space Filings
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Phillip Post, Olin []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Olin Experience []
• Why Olin? []
• High School Interests []
• Liberal Arts or Engineering? []
• Transition to Olin []
• The Classes []
• Profs []
• Starting UG Research []
• The Research - Space Filing []
• Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
• Winning the Goldwater Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• FCC Internship []
• Majoring in ECE []
• What Next? []
• Impact of Research []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memory []

Our Guests: Phillip Post is a Goldwater Scholar studying Electrical Computer Engineering at Olin College of Engineering.

Memorable Quote: “So it's important to keep as much of an open mind as possible. And really think about what skills, even if I changed my path, what skills am I gonna take from path to path!” Phillip Post.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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This is a special episode of the Podcast “College Matters. Alma Matters.”, featuring UG students from CUR’s Program called Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR) 2024.

In this episode, Student Researchers from Five Institutions, Mercer University, McLennan Community College, University of Rochester, Piedmont University, and Towson University, tell their stories.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction []
• Mercer University UG Research []
• Mclennan Community College UG Research []
• U of Rochester UG Research []
• Piedmont University UG Research []
• Towson University UG Research []

Our Guests: Undergraduate Researchers and Faculty Mentors

Memorable Quote: “Well, after participating in research, my career aspirations actually had shifted from initially an MD to now wanting an MD PhD ” Sumra Chaudhry, Towson University.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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When Deborah was doing her PhD in the UK, she would help International students transition to studying and living in another country. She liked working with students individually and broadly.

After graduating she came back to Mumbai, and found that the kind of academic roles she desired were in short supply.

So when the Adviser opportunity at EducationUSA came up, she felt she was ready for it.

On our Podcast, Deborah talks about her background, Experience as EducationUSA Adviser, her Counseling approach, Challenges, Success Stories and her Advice for High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Deborah Rosario’s Background
• Being EducationUSA Adviser
• Approach to College Counseling
• Challenges
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Deborah Rosario, EducationUSA Adviser []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Why Counseling? []
• Typical Day []
• Working with Institutions []
• Approach to Counseling []
• The Challenges []
• Team of Counselors []
• Student Profiles []
• How Students Have Changed Over the Years []
• Success Stories []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Dr. Deborah Rosario is a Senior EducationUSA Adviser based in Mumbai, India. Dr.Rosario received her PhD in English from the University of Oxford.

Memorable Quote: “I really can't say, I can't overemphasize how much difference, self reflection and self awareness, and therefore, reflection can make the process when it comes to selecting universities really exposing, you know, not just a being sort of blinded by the glare of fame of, or big name, or even the good experience of someone else at an institution.” Deborah Rosario.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

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Jillian was an ambitious and competitive High Schooler. She was very interested in Science and in music. She spent her sophomore and junior summers at Harvard and Brown studying Astro and Quantum Mechanics.

But Jillian knew from a very young age that she wanted to do something with Astronomy in College.

Jillian joins our podcast to share journey through Colgate University, Interest in Astronomy, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Dark Matter Research, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Colgate Experience
• Love for Astronomy
• Dark Matter Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Jillian Paulin, Colgate University []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Colgate Experience []
• Why Colgate? []
• High School Interests []
• Astronomy []
• Transition to College []
• Profs & Classes []
• Starting UG Research []
• Research Outcomes []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
• Winning The Goldwater Scholarship []
• Majoring in Astronomy Physics []
• Role of Research in Education []
• Awards & Scholarships []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memory []

Our Guest: Jillian Paulin, a Goldwater Scholar graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy Physics and minor in Applied Mathematics from Colgate University. Jillian is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania.

Memorable Quote: “...make sure you can find good mentors who will give you good advice and are willing to listen to you.” Jillian Paulin.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The Dartmouth Decision []
• What Should Students Do? []
• How Colleges Use Test Scores[]
• Closing Thoughts []

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 Hill []
• The New York Times []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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Adriana came to the US when she was 10 years old from Romania. While she had a lot of catching up to do, her determination and competitive spirit helped her.

She was a science nerd in high school. She loved Earth Science, Geology & Biology. She was into Languages, Music, Photography. She was also on the Varsity Tennis team.

Adriana cut her teeth in research at a 2-year research program in her High School.

Above all, she really wanted to be a doctor!

Adriana joins our podcast to share her undergraduate experience at Skidmore, UG Research in Computational Biophysics, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Majoring in Chemistry, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Skidmore College Experience
• Interest in Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Adriana Cuibus, Skidmore []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Skidmore Experience []
• Why Skidmore? []
• High School Interests []
• Dealing with Challenges []
• Transition to College []
• Peers & Profs []
• Starting Research []
• Research Topics []
• Impact of Research []
• Why Computational Clicked? []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
• Winning The Goldwater Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• Campus Activities []
• Majoring in Biochemistry []
• What’s Next? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests:Adriana Cuibus, a Goldwater Scholar is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a Biochemistry concentration at Skidmore College.

Memorable Quote: “But then there's this other side, to me, that always gets so intrigued by things that I don't understand. So I think it was, you know, that also part of me that's like, oh, my gosh, I don't understand it [Chemistry]. So I have to understand it.” Adriana Cuibus.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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The University Honors Program at CSULB has been around for at least 3 decades and has grown organically.

3 years ago, Dr. Perez became the first Director of the Honors Program and started to give it “cohesion” as she puts it. Prior to that, Dr. Perez was the Director of the University Honors Program at CSU Fullerton.

In this podcast, Director Perez introduces the University Honors Program at CSU Long Beach, Honors Courses, Experiential Programs, How to Apply, Scholarships and Career Opportunities.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Dir. Sandra Perez’s Background
• CSULB University Honors Program
• Student Requirements
• Career Opportunities

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dir. Sandra Perez, CSULB University Honors []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Background []
• CSULB Honors Program []
• Honors Courses []
• Honors Course Requirements []
• Popular Courses []
• Experiential Programs []
• Thesis []
• UG Research Participation []
• Honors Program Benefits []
• How to Apply? []
• Acceptance Criteria []
• Scholarships []
• Research Grants []
• Career Opportunities []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Director Sandra Perez of CSU Long Beach Honors Program, Long Beach California.

Memorable Quote: “My thoughts for current high schoolers is to try to fend off that pressure to please others, right, or to do things to comply with expectations. I think all of us thrive when we are allowed to be ourselves. And so I encourage them to be themselves. And to really pay attention to where their interests lie academically.” Director Perez.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly NewsletterUndergraduate students in US Colleges have the opportunity to do Research. I have been fortunate enough to talk to a number of these students over the last couple of years on my Podcast.In this episode, I have used select snippets from the numerous stories in this Podcast, to give you a flavor of undergraduate research at US Universities and Colleges.Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction [] Getting Started with UG Research [] Examples of the Research [] Impact of Research []Our Guests: College Students and Alumni featured on our Podcast over the last 3 years.Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.Calls-to-action: Follow us on Instagram. To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

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Kaitlyn had a lot of different interests in High School. She was a lot into sports - rowing, taekwondo. She loved math, sciences, and languages.

She didn’t really know what she wanted to study in College.

So, she was looking for a college with the opportunity to study across a number of disciplines and be able to interact with students from fields other than her own.

Kaitlyn joins our podcast to share her undergraduate experience at Northwestern, UG Research in Aging, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Majoring in Biological Sciences, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Experience
• Interest in Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Kaitlyn Hung, Northwestern []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Northwestern Experience []
• Why Northwestern? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Interest in Research []
• Kinds of Research []
• Impact of Research []
• Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
• Goldwater Scholarship Application []
• Winning The Goldwater Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• Taekwondo []
• Majoring in Biological Sciences []
• Skills Gained by Doing Research []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Kaitlyn Hung, a Goldwater Scholar is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and minor in Data Science at Northwestern University.

Memorable Quote: “ And the way that my mentor phrased, it was that even if I don't get it [Goldwater Scholarship], I'm going to learn a lot in the process. And it might even be better if I don't get it initially, because then I will get feedback from the committee and from my mentors on how I can improve and be an even stronger applicant in the future.” Kaitlyn Hung.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. This week Dr. Jay Jacobs, Vice Provost of Enrollment Management at the University of Vermont talks about the Impact of the FAFSA Delays.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Impact to UVM []
• What Should ED Students do? []
• Federal Roadblocks []
• Advice for ED Students []
• Is May 1 Deadline in Trouble? []

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.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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Gabrielle loved school. She loved science. Her school years were tough because she used to be homeless off and on.

Despite that, she graduated High School with Honors.

After graduating from high school, she knew she wanted to get a Bachelor’s degree. She couldn’t afford it then.

She worked 16-hour days, and 4 years later decided to study Nursing at Mercyhurst University in PA.

Gabrielle joins our podcast to share her undergraduate college journey, starting at Mercyhurst, Transferring to SUNY Fredonia, UG Research in Regeneration in Zebrafish, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Majoring in Molecular Genetics, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Experience
• 4-Year Gap
• Going Back College
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Gabrielle Cruz, SUNY Fredonia []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall UG Experience []
• High School Interests []
• Personal Challenges []
• Transition to College []
• SUNY Fredonia Experience []
• Starting UG Research []
• Regen Research []
• Outcomes []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• Winning The Goldwater Scholarship []
• The Research Impact []
• Majoring in Molecular Genetics []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Ready to Start College []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Gabrielle Cruz, a Goldwater Scholar is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Genetics at SUNY Fredonia.

Memorable Quote: “ I think a lot of us like the suffering, a little bit of like, getting through the tough parts. But it's okay to suffer. And it's okay to be scared. It's okay to doubt yourself. But you’ve got to pick yourself back up, you’ve got to keep going on to the next thing.” Gabrielle Cruz.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Founded in 1791, the University of Vermont (UVM for short) has the distinction of being the 5th oldest university in the US.

Allison graduated from Mississippi State with a degree in Sports Administration. Upon graduation, she found it challenging to find a job. A friend from the Sports department suggested she look at admissions recruiting at the College of Agriculture and Liberal Sciences at Mississippi State. She loved to travel and recruit.

That launched Allison in College Admissions.

In this podcast, Allison gives us an overview of UVM programs, Her Role at UVM, What UVM looks for in their Students, Merit Scholarships, Importance of SACAC, and advice for High School Students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• About UVM
• Flagship Programs & UG Research
• What they look for in their Students
• Merit Scholarships
• Advice to Applicants

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Allison North, UVM []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Allison’s Professional Journey []
• Why College Admissions? []
• About UVM []
• The Regional Role []
• Key UVM Programs []
• What UVM Looks for in their Students []
• Merit Scholarships []
• SACAC Impact []
• Advice to High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Allison North, Regional Associate Director at the University of Vermont. Allison is a graduate of Mississippi State University.

Memorable Quote: “...just seeing others when they visit campus and seeing how the light bulb goes off for someone. I think you truly do not know until you put yourself on that campus. And you can see yourself there .” Allison North.

Episode Transcript: Please visit this episode’s transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences, Admissions Talk

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Daniel took all the AP Classes his High School offered. He loved AP US History. He was also very active in the Science Olympiad and really enjoyed it because it involved building things.

He was also fortunate to have been in a high school where there was a class dedicated to doing research. It was here that Daniel cut his teeth in research, and got his hands dirty doing Battery technology.

Daniel joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at UIUC, Battery Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Summer Internships, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• UIUC Experience
• UG Research - Battery Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Daniel Cudzich, UIUC []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall UIUCExperience []
• Why UIUC? []
• High School Interests []
• Battery Research[]
• Why Battery Research []
• Transition to UIUC []
• Peers []
• UG Research []
• Impact of Research []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• Summer Internships []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Daniel Cudzich is a Goldwater Scholar studying Material Science & Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Memorable Quote: “And this goes to one of the things that I really want to emphasize about the research process and it's that you will fail. You quite literally are doing things that nobody else has ever done. But there's so much value in that even if what you learned from the research project is what not to do, right. ” Daniel Cudzich.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Episode Title: The Meaning of The FAFSA Delays, in College News Fit to Digest. January 5, 2024.

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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The Background []
• Soft Launch []
• Glitches and Changes []
• End of January Delivery []
• Limited Application Availability []
• How Colleges Will Deal With the Delay []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• NPR []
• NBC Bay Area []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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Megan was working full time while she was in High School. She found it challenging to balance school and full time work. Megan didn’t go directly to College after High School.

She had a lot of fear and also lacked the confidence then, about going to college. After working in Health care for almost a decade, Megan joined the Gaston Community College in North Carolina to get a 2-year degree in Nursing.

Little did Megan know where college would take her.

Megan joins our podcast to share journey to college, Working after High School, Going back to a Gaston Community College, Discovering Science, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, UG Research, Transferring to UNCC for a 4-year degree program, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Experience
• Challenges and Jobs
• Going Back to Community College
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Megan Mitchem, UNCC []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Experience []
• High School Interests []
• Challenges and Jobs []
• Transition to Community College []
• Moving into Science []
• Starting UG Research []
• Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
• Winning The Goldwater Scholarship []
• The GW Difference []
• Transition to UNCC []
• Research at UNCC []
• Why Biology? []
• Role of Research in Education []
• Awards & Scholarships []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Being Thankful []

Our Guest: Megan Mitchem, a Goldwater Scholar graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Megan is currently pursuing a PhD in Biological Sciences at UNCC.

Memorable Quote: “ Once I got this [Goldwater] scholarship, I was like, Okay, well, I should probably keep going. I should, I should probably at least get a bachelor's degree.” Megan Mitchem.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Gavin went to a high school in the rural south where the focus was greater on athletics & sports. Gavin was more academically inclined.

He was fascinated by Extreme Weather - tornadoes, damaging winds, snow storms etc. He was known as the weather guy in school!

Gavin joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at Dartmouth, Being a Storm Spotter, Volunteering at National Weather Service, UG Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Majoring in Earth Sciences, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Dartmouth Experience
• UG Research - Extreme Weather
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Gavin Fry, Dartmouth College []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Dartmouth Experience []
• Why Dartmouth? []
• High School Interests []
• The BME Interest []
• Transition to College []
• Academics []
• Starting UG Research []
• Why Research []
• Goldwater Scholarship []
• The GW Application []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• Why the Weather? []
• Blog - College Access for All []
• What Next? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Gavin Fry is a Goldwater Scholar studying Earth Sciences with Physics and minoring in Public Policy at Dartmouth College.

Memorable Quote: “And, you know, I've been interested in the physical aspects of weather for a very long time, since I was a toddler. And those interests, you know, stuck with me throughout my middle school years. And in my high school years, if there were any kind of notable weather events that would be upcoming in my area, the students and, and some of my teachers would say, hi, you need to go to Gavin, he's the weather guy! ” Gavin Fry.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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AP Physics was the first course Isabella took in High School that challenged her. It really pushed her to think outside the box.

Then a senior project opened her eyes to diseases that affected not only the elderly but young people as well. That got her thinking about college and Pre Med.

Isabella joins us on our podcast to share her undergraduate experience at Rice, Transition to college, Autoimmune Disease UG Research, Impact of Research, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Experience at Rice
• UG Research & Its Impact on UG study
• Majoring in Biochem & Cell Biology
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Isabella Osuna of Rice U []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Rice Experience []
• Why Rice? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Professors []
• Starting UG Research []
• Autoimmune Disease Research []
• Noteworthy Outcomes []
• Impact of UGR []
• Skills Gained Through Research []
• Campus Activities []
• Summers []
• Majoring in Biochemistry & Cell Biology []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memory []

Our Guests: Isabella Osuna graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry & Cell Biology from Rice University.

Memorable Quote: “... If I had to give one word, probably determination, I don't know if it's a skill you necessarily pick up or learn. But it was. I mean, research is hard, science is hard and difficult. And at first my research wasn't working, I was finding my results were the opposite of what we want and what we expected. But I didn't stop.” Isabella Osuna.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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John calls himself an “average nerd” while in High School. He enjoyed learning and Chemistry was his favorite class. In addition to classes, he was into debate, was in the school orchestra, concertmaster for the local youth symphony.

Since he loved science and liked helping people, he decided to be Pre Med in college.

John joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at WashU, UG Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Moving away from Pre Med, Majoring in Biochemistry, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• The WashU Experience
• UG Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to John Georgiades, WashU []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall WashU Experience []
• Why WashU? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Starting UG Research []
• Impact of Research []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• Winning the GW Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• Majoring in Biochemistry []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: John Georgiades is a Goldwater Scholar studying Biochemistry at Washington University at St. Louis.

Memorable Quote: “And, and so I, legitimately you know, did want to be Pre Med, and I thought it was the right decision. But it wasn't really until I kind of, you know, saw the other angle and saw the other opportunities that were out there, that I really came to understand that research is more something that I'm interested in. You know medicine is really interesting. But I think science itself has enough merit for me to, you know, launch myself fully into that area.” John Georgiades.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What is Rolling Admissions? []
• Which Colleges Offer RA? []
• Is there a Good Time or Best Time to Apply? []
• Are Rolling Admissions Binding? []
• Are there any Downsides? []
• Closing: Great Honors Programs too! []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• USNews []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

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In the Spring of 2023, Tom conducted a special workshop at Westhill High School. In this episode, we talk to Tom & 3 Students, Melissa, Anne and Chelsea, from the Workshop,

Motivated by his experiences and based on our discussions, Tom decided to pilot a workshop for rising seniors using episodes from this Podcast to build college lists.

On our podcast, Tom talks about Why he created the Workshop, its structure, the content, Classroom discussions, and 3 Students share their experience with the Workshop.

(If you would like the Podcast-based Workbook, please email podcast@almamatters.io.)

In particular, we discuss the following with them:

• Need for the Workshop
• Workshop Details
• Use of Podcast Stories
• Students’ Feedback

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Tom Stepkoski & Seniors, Westhill High School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Workshop Objectives []
• 4 1-Hour Sessions []
• Prepping for the Workshop []
• Selecting Students []
• Classroom Setup []
• Student Interactions []
• Enhancements for Next Workshop []
• Calibrating/Tracking Students Progress []
• 3 Students Share Their Feedback []
• Closing Thoughts []

Our Guests:

• Tom Stepkoski is the Career and College Counselor at Westhill High School in Stamford, Connecticut. In addition, Tom also runs Tom Step Coaching for Personal Development.
• 3 Current Seniors from Westhill High School - Melissa, Ann, and Chelsea.

Memorable Quote: “And they [students] take advice from their peers a lot faster and a lot quicker and absorb it a lot better than they would when they get the advice from a parent, a teacher or an educator. So the fact that you have students on, talking about their experiences on College Matters [Alma Matters], I think it resonates with that. Would you say that ladies?” Tom Stepkoski.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

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“International” has always been a part of Lewis’s vocabulary. He was the first International Studies major at Albion College. He had lots of International Student friends on campus & loved traveling.

That has led him to opportunities in international recruiting, admissions over the last 15 years.

Today, Lewis is the Regional Manager for South Asia with EducationUSA REAC based in New Delhi, India.

On our podcast, Lewis talks about his background, EducationUSA, His Role, How it helps International Students, Education Advisors, 5-Step Process, International Student Trends and Challenges, and his Advice for High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Lewis Cardenas’ Background
• EducationUSA REAC
• Advising Services to International Students
• International Trends and Challenges
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Lewis Cardenas, Regional Manager South Asia, EducationUSA []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• International Admissions []
• EducationUSA Mission []
• Advising Services []
• Advisors in Each Country []
• Finding Students []
• 5 Step Process []
• Financial Aid Opportunities []
• International Student Trends []
• Hurdles for Int’l Students []
• Community Colleges []
• Collaborating with Counselors []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Lewis Cardenas is the Regional Manager for South Asia with EducationUSA REAC. Lewis graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Albion College. He earned his Master’s degree in International Public Service and Non-Profit from DePaul University.

Memorable Quote: “... so these advisors still stay in touch with students even many years after, after they've come back after completing their journey to the US. And they're encouraged to come back and attend an alumni fair, serve as a volunteer for a future event.” Lewis Cardenas.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

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In High School, snowboarding and photography were Tanner’s passions. He would have loved to do that for the rest of his life.

Then towards the end of his sophomore year, his architecture teacher involved him in building an engineering program for his school. Tanner found himself hooked on engineering - the idea of building things, touching people and making life better.

Tanner joins our podcast to share his Duke University undergraduate experience, Interest in Neurosurgery, UG Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Applying Engineering for Medicine, and his Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Overall Undergraduate Experience
• UG Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Mechanical Engineering Major
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Tanner Zachem, Duke []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Experience at Duke []
• Why Duke? []
• High School Interests []
• Overcoming Reading Challenges []
• Transition to Duke []
• Peers []
• Starting UG Research []
• Learnings from UG Research []
• When Research Doesn’t Go As Expected []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• GW Application []
• The Goldwater Scholarship Difference []
• Campus Activities []
• Majoring in Mechanical Engineering []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Tanner Zachem is a Goldwater Scholar who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering applied to Neurosurgery from Duke University. Tanner is currently a PhD student at Duke University.

Memorable Quote: “Yeah, things, things don't go your way a lot in research. I have learned how to really be able to detach and take a deep breath. And you know, things break. You know, you don't get funding, paper gets, you know, rejected, you name it, it happens. ” Tanner Zachem.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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The Honors Programs at Drexel U started in 1991, and became the Pennoni Honors College in 2002.

10 years ago, Prof Cohen became the Dean of the Pennoni Honors College. Dr. Cohen is a Distinguished English Professor, a writer, a novelist.

On this Podcast, Dean Cohen introduces the Pennoni Honors College, Honors Programs, Experiential Programs including the Co-Op, Scholarships & Grants, How to Apply, and Career Opportunities.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Dean Paula Marantz Cohen’s Background
• Pennoni Honors College
• Student Requirements
• Career Opportunities

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dean Cohen, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel U []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Background []
• Honors College Origins and Highlights []
• Honors Courses Flavor []
• Faculty []
• Popular Courses []
• Experiential Programs []
• Grants for Research []
• Students doing UGR []
• Balancing Experiential Programs []
• Thesis []
• Honors College Benefits []
• HC Applicants []
• HC Student Body Profile []
• Test Optional []
• Career Opportunities []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Closing Thoughts []

Our Guest: Dr. Paula Marantz Cohen is the Dean of the Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Dean Cohen is a Distinguished English Professor, writer and novelist.

Memorable Quote: “But overall, I would say our students are used to being leaders of one sort or another. They're not afraid to voice their opinions. But they're also, I would say, very respectful.” Dean Cohen.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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Erick pursued a lot of interests in High School which included marching band, wrestling and volunteering at Give the Kids the world. But Engineering always interested him, because his dad was an engineer. He just wasn’t sure what kind of engineering.

In middle school a friend of his fought through cancer. He is doing well now. Seeing his friend go through that journey, inspired Erick to leverage engineering to find better medical treatments.

Erick joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at Johns Hopkins University, UG Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Majoring in Biomedical Engineering, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Johns Hopkins University Experience
• UG Research - Therm Optic Device
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Erick Rocher, Johns Hopkins U []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Johns Hopkins Experience []
• Why Johns Hopkins? []
• High School Interests []
• The BME Interest []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Profs []
• Starting UG Research []
• The Research []
• Research Outcomes []
• Thermo Optic Device []
• Impact of Research []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• Winning the GW Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• Wrestling []
• Majoring in BME with Medicine []
• Impact of UG Research on Education []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Erick Rocher is a Goldwater Scholar studying Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

Memorable Quote: “So try those classes [in High School] that are kind of maybe on the edge of your knowledge, or maybe are pushing your skill set a little bit. And I think you'll find them really rewarding and or at least very formative. ” Erick Rocher.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why Apply to FAFSA? []
• What Kind of Financial Aid Can You Get By Filling FAFSA? []
• When is FAFSA Due? []
• Will I still be Eligible, if my parents don’t provide their financial info? []
• Do I reapply for FAFSA every year of college? []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• Bankrate.com []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

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Bobbi-Jo started in higher education after her undergraduate degree. While she enjoyed her work, the money wasn’t enough. So she took a detour through the Insurance Industry.

After the crash of 2008, Bobbi-Jo decided to take an “Interest Inventory” and figure out her next career move. That pointed her to School Counseling. Bobbi-Jo went to grad school and became a high school counselor.

12 years later, she is the Director of School Counseling at Middletown High School.

On our podcast, Bobbi-Jo talks about her background, about Middletown High School, Data-Driven Counseling Approach, Belief Gap Challenges, Success Stories, and her Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Bobbi-Jo Wathen’s Background
• Approach to College Counseling
• The Belief Gap
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Bobbi-Jo Wathen, Middletown High School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Background []
• Middletown High School []
• The Role []
• Counseling Approach []
• The Challenges - Belief Gap []
• Impact of Belief Gap []
• Making a College Plan []
• Students’ Response []
• Test Optional []
• More Students Applying Now []
• Success Stories []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Staying Excited []

Our Guest: Bobbi-Jo Wathen is Director of College Counseling at Middletown High School in Connecticut.

Memorable Quote: “But our college going rates are going up, as opposed to down like the rest of the nation, right.” Bobbi-Jo Wathen.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences, College Application Workbook

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In High School Hanh wasn’t very focused on academics. While STEM came naturally to her, she was more interested in relationships with people.

After high school, she joined Nursing School, but soon dropped out because of personal and financial hardships.

After working a number of years and saving up some money, Hanh decided to enroll in a local Community College for a Trigonometry course.

Hanh joins our podcast to share her road to undergraduate college, Dropping out of Nursing School, Going back to a Community College, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, UG Research on Diseases, Transferring to NCSU for a 4-year degree program, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Experience
• Gap Years
• Going Back College
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Hanh Tran, NCSU []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall UG Experience []
• High School Interests []
• Dropping Out of Nursing School []
• Back in School - bioMed []
• Starting at a Community College []
• More Classes at Community College []
• Getting into Research []
• Goldwater Scholarship []
• Goldwater Research Proposal []
• Why This Proposal? []
• Winning The Goldwater Scholarship []
• The GW Difference []
• Transition to a 4-Year College []
• Majoring in BioMedical and Health Sciences []
• Impact of UG Research []
• Research at NCSU []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Hanh Tran, a Goldwater Scholar is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at North Carolina State University.

Memorable Quote: “ So it wasn't until being out of school that I realized that the things I want to do in life, like what I found to be my purpose in life. Unfortunately, I could not get far unless I got an education. So the last few years, I have worked really hard to put myself in this position to be back in school.” Hanh Tran.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research

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Education was always important to Paula’s family. So, she did her Master’s in School Counseling and became a School Counselor. Over the years Paula has worked as a Counselor in 4 states, both, in private and public schools.

Today, she is a College Counselor at Jenks High School, which she calls the “very best” Oklahoma.

On our podcast, Paula talks about her background, about Jenks High School, her Counseling Approach and Challenges, Success Stories, and her Advice for High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Paula Dennis’ Background
• Approach to College Counseling
• Students over the Decades
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Paula Dennis, Jenks High School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Background []
• Career Journey []
• Jenks High School []
• Counseling Approach []
• Survey of Students []
• The Challenges []
• Applying Early []
• Test Optional []
• Impact of the SC Decision []
• Counseling Timeline []
• Students over the Decades []
• Success Stories []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Staying Excited []

Our Guest: Paula Dennis is a College Counselor at Jenks High School in Oklahoma.

Memorable Quote: “I feel my role as the college counselor is to find what those colleges want to know about that student that they don't find any place else in their application.” Paula Dennis.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences, College Application Workbook

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In High School, Haylie was very interested in STEM. She did a lot of research, experiments, poring over research papers. In her senior year, she found herself moving away from STEM into Political Science and Psychology.

Haylie joins us on our podcast to share her UG Experience at CU Boulder, Studio Lab, UG Research, Climbing, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Experience at CU Boulder
• Studio Lab & UG Research
• Majoring in Political Science & Psychology
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Haylie Schramm, CU Boulder []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall CU Boulder Experience []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Professors []
• UG Research []
• Why Studio Lab? []
• Studio Lab Experience []
• Benefits of Studio Lab []
• Year 1 Research []
• Year 2 Research []
• From STEM to Social Sciences []
• Campus Activities - Climbing []
• Impact of Research []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Haylie Schramm is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Psychology at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Memorable Quote: “And actually working on a project that's going to be published has helped me refine and revise the things that I'm doing for class, and implement these projects in a meaningful way, and be able to really engage with class concepts really nicely.” Haylie Schramm.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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In High School, Lea was interested in a variety of activities. Her driving passion had to do with helping people.

Her Chemistry teacher told her Chemistry was her future and she should pursue it. She joined college as an undeclared major, with the idea of pursuing Chemistry.

That would soon change!

Lea joins our podcast to share her undergraduate College journey at Northwestern so far, Role at Matriculate, Counseling College-bound Students, and her Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Northwestern Experience
• Majoring in Psychology & Social Policy
• Advising Fellow at Matriculate
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Lea Kalkowski, Northwestern []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Northwestern Experience []
• Why Northwestern? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Choosing a Major []
• About Matriculate []
• Being an Advising Fellow []
• Students Being Advised []
• The Advising Experience []
• Northwestern Advising Fellow Coordinator []
• Summer Internship []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guest: Lea Kalkowski is studying Psychology and Social Policy at Northwestern University.

Memorable Quote: “...my biggest piece of advice is, don't be scared. Don't be scared of rejection. Don't be scared that you will make a fool of yourself if you aim for something because you won't. You know, that's how people get places.” Lea Kalkowski.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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Anna enjoyed learning in school.

When Anna was in 8th grade, in her Earth Science class, the teacher told the class that the Universe is expanding! That fact completely captivated Anna and launched her interest in Astronomy and Physics in high school.

Anna was socially engaged in school as well. Her crowning achievement was being high school valedictorian & being voted Senior Prom Queen!

Anna joins our podcast to share her University of Pittsburgh undergraduate journey, Interest in Astronomy, UG Research on Quasars, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Being a Marshall Scholar, Career in Policy, and her Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Undergraduate Experience
• UG Research
• The Goldwater & Marshall Scholarship
• Physics & Astronomy; Religious Studies Major
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Anna Quider, U of Pittsburgh []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Experience at Pitt []
• Why Pitt? []
• High School Interests []
• Interest in Science & Astronomy []
• Transition to Pitt []
• About Profs & Teaching []
• UG Research []
• Research Outcomes []
• Goldwater Scholarship []
• Winning the GW Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Scholarship Difference []
• Majoring in Physics & Astronomy and Religious Studies []
• The Marshall Scholarship []
• Post Phd Career []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Anna Quider is the Founder and Principal of the Quider Group. Anna, a Goldwater Scholar, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics & Astronomy, and Religious Studies & The History and Philosophy of Science, from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Quider holds a Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Cambridge, where she was a Marshall Scholar and NSF Graduate Research Fellow.

Memorable Quote: “I really carried that with me to this day, that you know, if you're at a, you know, ‘poop plant’ level of school level of resource, you can still you can still develop into a wonderful scientist, because it's about how you approach and interact with nature and problems. It's not about what kind of fancy equipment you have.” Anna Quider.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Paul had a well-rounded experience in High School. He loved the Sciences and took every science course offered in school.

He had a number of leadership positions in the student government. He was on the soccer team, track team, and managed the girls soccer team.

From a career point of view, he was interested in medicine.

Paul joins our podcast to share his undergraduate Honors College journey so far at SDSU, UG Research, Passion for Medicine, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• SDSU Weber Honors College Experience
• Passion for Medicine
• UG Research
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Paul Destefano, SDSU HC []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall SDSU Honors College Experience []
• Why SDSU Honors College? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Honors Courses []
• UG Research []
• Skills Gained from Research []
• Campus Activities - APPHO []
• Summer 2023 []
• Passion for Medicine []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guest: Paul Destefano is studying Pre Med Biology at San Diego State University Weber Honors College.

Memorable Quote: “So Dr. Cork and Mrs. Nicole and Mrs. McFadden and Mr. Stricker, they've all had a huge impact on me. So I would say that my curiosity for medicine and science, science especially, was sparked when I was very young”. Paul Destefano.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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As a kid, Science for Dr Anil Menon was a dinner table conversation with his parents, who were both scientists. Dr Menon enjoyed those discussions.

As a young boy, he was fascinated with Mendeleev’s Periodic Table of the Elements. This fascination led to his lifelong commitment for science in general, and Molecular Genetics in particular.

Dr. Anil Menon is Professor of Molecular Genetics & Associate Dean of the UG Program in Medical Sciences.

In this Podcast, Dr. Menon reflects on his journey into the then emerging field of Molecular Genetics, Working in Cold Spring Harbor Lab at SUNY Stony Brook, PhD in Jerry Lingrel’s Lab at the U Cincinnati, Postdoctoral work with the Human Genome Project at Harvard, and his Professional Career at the University of Cincinnati.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Dr. Menon’s Passion For Science
• PhD in Jerry Lingrel’s Lab, UC
• Human Genome Project at Harvard
• Embryonic Stem Cells Research, UC

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dr. Anil Menon, U of Cincinnati []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• The Passion For Science []
• UG to PhD []
• Jerry Lingrel’s Lab []
• PhD Work []
• Fast Forward 35 Years! []
• Yamanaka Factors []
• The OCT4 Potential []
• Reflecting on the elusive OCT4 []
• Postdoc at Harvard - Human Genome Project []
• Jim Gazella’s Lab - Gene Sequencing []
• UC - Embryonic Stem Cells []
• Why Molecular Biology? []

Our Guest: Dr. Anil Menon is the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Dr. Menon received his PhD at the University of Cincinnati and did his Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard Medical School.

Memorable Quote: “So, I think I will always be a scientist, I think I'm a little more you know, I view it with less, less naivety now than I did when I first started, but it has not changed. I think the atoms that comprise me, have been touched with, with just the joy of doing science, and I will always be a scientist.” Dr. Anil Menon.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Suggestions for you: College Experiences, UG Research

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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What’s New in FAFSA []
• OPT Changes []

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 []
• National Law Review []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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Derek’s high schools changed quite frequently. Despite that he loved school and enjoyed science and math, and engaged in activities like Robotics.

About half way through high school, Derek realized that he would need scholarships to go to college. He then mapped out a plan to raise his aggregate GPA & achieved it to qualify for the Zell-Miller scholarship that would pay for all his college tuition.

Derek joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at Kennesaw State University, UG Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Majoring in Engineering, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Kennesaw State University Experience
• The Wrestling Story
• UG Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Derek Price, KSU []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall KSU Experience []
• Why KSU []
• High School Interests []
• The Wrestling Story []
• Transition to College []
• Classmates []
• UG Research []
• Goldwater Scholarship []
• Winning the GW Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• Passion for Engineering []
• Impact of UG Research []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Derek Price is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Kennesaw State University and Georgia Tech.

Memorable Quote: “I realize there's no reason to approach anything to do in life with fear. Fear is only going to inhibit you from being the best that you can be.” Derek Price.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research

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In this episode we will introduce you to a College Application Workbook. The impetus for this workbook came after I wrote a piece in my newsletter Alma Matters Letter last fall about how college application readers have about 8 mins to read an application.

In this Podcast with Athena, we cover, What is Self-Phrase and How to Create Your own Self-Phrase; The Workbook Sections - which include Superpower, Academics, Experiential, Testimony and Fit, and Guidance using Ian’s Story as an example.

You can find the Workbook here.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to College Application Workbook []
• The Back Story []
• What is a Self Phrase? []
• Workbook Sections []
• Superpower []
• Academic Proficiency []
• Experiential []
• Testimony []
• Fit []
• Close []

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.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Workbook: Download from here.

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While Aparna was working in the Social Development sector, she would save newspaper and magazine clippings of higher education and scholarship opportunities.

When she took a break from work, when her daughter was very young, she found herself working at a primary school.

Eventually, with some powerful nudging from a friend, Aparna jumped into college counseling with both feet.

On our podcast, Aparna talks about her background, EducationUSA & Experience as EducationUSA Advisor, Counseling approach, 10X International School, and Advice for High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Aparna Chandrasekharan’s Background
• EducationUSA in India
• Approach to College Counseling
• Challenges for Indian Students
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Aparna Chandrasekharan, 10X Int’l School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• EducationUSA in India []
• How EducationUSA Helps Students []
• Student Profiles []
• Scholarship Opportunities []
• Approach to College Counseling []
• About Essays & Extracurriculars []
• The Challenges for Indian Students []
• 10X International School []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Aparna Chandrasekharan is the Head of College Placements at 10X International School in Bengaluru, India. Previously, Aparna was EducationUSA Advisor in Chennai, India. Aparna graduated with Bachelor’s degree in Botany from Ethiraj College, Chennai India, and Masters in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

Memorable Quote: “I would recommend all students looking to study in the United States to either visit or connect virtually with an Education USA center in their region, whether they're in India, South Asia. Like I said, there are centers in 175 countries.” Aparna Chandrasekharan.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

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While growing up in India, Prateek participated in Model UN. He found that he enjoyed meeting students from other parts of the world, discussing and debating issues. With these experiences, his interest in Journalism grew. He already loved writing, reporting on world issues.

He decided to apply to the US for college, to study journalism.

As it turned out, the University of Cincinnati had something else in mind for him!

Prateek joins us on our podcast to share his UG Experience as an International Student, Transition to the US, UG Research in Feminist Issues, Majoring in Int’l Affairs, and Advice for high schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Overall Experience at U of Cincinnati
• Transition to the US and UCincinnati
• Majoring in International Affairs
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Prateek Raj, U Cincinnati []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall UC Experience []
• High School Interests []
• Why the US? Why U Cincinnati?
• Transition to College[]
• The Peers []
• Doing UG Research []
• About Research Paper []
• More Research on Feminist Causes []
• Capstone []
• Majoring in Int’l Affairs []
• Women of Sri Lankan Civil War []
• Collecting Field Data []
• Advice for Int’l High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Prateek Raj graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the University of Cincinnati. Prateek is currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science at the University of Cincinnati.

Memorable Quote: “So I can definitely say that…being open to that, being having a little bit of open mind is really important. Because you meet a lot of new people, you get a new perspective about your own field, your own life, your own experiences as a student in the University. ” Prateek Raj.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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As an undergraduate, Prof. Townsend was only able to be a part of a small research project. At that time only a select number of students were able to participate in research.

Today, Prof. Townsend is championing CURE - Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience in her Department and across CCRI so that an entire class of students can experience research - not just a select few.

Prof. Townsend joins us on our podcast to talk about UG Research at CCRI, CURE, Re-engineering Courses for Research, Evangelizing Research, Research Impact, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Prof. Heather Townsend’s Background
• UG Research via CURE at CCRI
• Evangelizing UG Research
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Prof. Heather Townsend, CCRI []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Importance of UG Research []
• UG Research @ CCRI
• Re-engineering Courses for Research []
• Evangelizing CURE []
• Impact of Research on Students []
• Career Trajectory []
• Pervasive UGR []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Prof. Heather Townsend is a Professor of Biology at Community College of Rhode island. Prof. Townsend received her PhD in Veterinary Medical Science from the University of Florida.

Memorable Quote: “And so for me, personally, I want a CURE [Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience] on every one of my courses for college, and even just community colleges in general. I try as much as I can to get the word out about these CUREs and how rewarding they are.” Prof. Heather Townsend.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: UG Research

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Saoirse was interested in microbiology in High School. This may have had a lot to do with all the volunteering she did at the Hot Springs National Park. She loved nature and hiking.

She also did some research focused on bats at the Park.

Saoirse joins us on our podcast to share her undergraduate journey at Rice, Transition to college, UG Research, Impact of Research, and Advice for high schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Experience at Rice
• UG Research
• Quiz Bowl
• Majoring in Cell Biology
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Saoirse Disney-McKeethen of Rice U []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Rice Experience []
• Why Rice? []
• High School Interests []
• Importance of UG Research []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Professors and Teaching []
• Introduction to UG Research []
• Flavor of Research []
• Takeaways from UGR []
• Impact of UGR []
• Campus Activities []
• Majoring in Cell Biology []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guest: Saoirse Disney-McKeethen recently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Cell Biology from Rice University.

Memorable Quote: “So learning like not just like your immediate friends and asking them for help forming study groups, but also knowing who sort of like your peer academic mentors are, how to go to their study hours, take advantage of that resource, knowing when your professors office hours are, how to get help from them. ” Saoirse Disney-McKeethen.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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Elizabeth is a first-generation college graduate. When she was applying to college, she didn’t have anyone in her family that could help her with the process. Luckily, she found people who could help her with her questions.

Today, Elizabeth guides students like her younger self, with the college application process.

On our podcast, Elizabeth talks about her background, her role at Bottom Line, Counseling approach and challenges, and her Advice for High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Elizabeth Nieto’s Background
• Approach to College Counseling
• Challenges
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Elizabeth Nieto, Bottom Line []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Role at Bottom Line []
• Student Profiles []
• Recruiting Students []
• Approach to College Counseling []
• The Challenges []
• Topic Issues []
• Choosing Majors[]
• Success Stories []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Staying Excited []

Our Guest: Elizabeth Nieto is a Senior College Access Advisor with Bottom Line. Elizabeth is a graduate of Loyola University, Chicago.

Memorable Quote: “The end goal is helping them [students] make the most informed decision about their college commitment.” Elizabeth Nieto.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

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Every year the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation awards a select set of High School Seniors the Coca Cola Scholarship. Sarah is a 2023 Coke Scholar.

In this Podcast, Sarah talks about her passion for CS & AI, Winning the Coca Cola Scholarship, her college search process, and his advice for high schoolers. #CokeScholars

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Who is Sarah Dufays?
• Extracurricular Interests
• Winning the Coke Scholarship
• College Process
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Sarah Dufays, Coke Scholar []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Who is Sarah Dufays? []
• High School Interests []
• CS & AI []
• Why Tech? []
• Why Coke Scholarship? []
• The Interview []
• College Process []
• Scholarship Applications []
• Future Priorities []
• Advice to High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Sarah Dufays is a 2023 Coke Scholar, and a recent graduate of American Heritage Schools, Broward Campus, Florida. Sarah will be a Freshman at MIT in Fall 2023.

Memorable Quote: “And I definitely struggle with FOMO [Fear Of Missing Out]. But academically. And it often leads me to sign up for way too many things that I don't have time for. So I think one of my priorities is in college not doing that, you know, and instead, I'm kind of pushing myself to have that balanced, ideal life that I think I need to be at my best. So that's one of my priorities there.” Sarah Dufays.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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The Supreme Court handed its momentous verdict about Race in College Admissions on June 29, 2023.

To help us understand and to guide students and parents about what it means for them, we are joined by Sean Kennedy, President of SACAC and Co-Director of College Counseling at Ravensport School in North Carolina

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Overview of the Supreme Court Decision []
• How To Provide Race Info in College Application []
• Thinking Differently About Elite Colleges to Apply To []
• Closing Thoughts []

Our Guest: Sean Kennedy is the Co-Director of College Counseling at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

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Every year the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation awards a select set of High School Seniors the Coca Cola Scholarship. Raymond is a 2023 Coke Scholar.

In this Podcast, Raymond talks about his passion for Math, Winning the Coca Cola Scholarship, his college search process, and his advice to high schoolers. #CokeScholars

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Who is Raymond Jiang?
• Extracurricular Interests
• Winning the Coke Scholarship
• College Process
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Raymond Jiang, Coke Scholar []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Who is Raymond Jiang? []
• High School Interests []
• Interest in Math []
• Passion for Tutoring []
• The Tutoring Framework []
• Why Coke Scholarship? []
• The Interview []
• Winning The Coke Scholarship []
• The College Process []
• College and Beyond []
• Advice to High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Raymond Jiang is a 2023 Coke Scholar, and a recent graduate of Jenks High School, Oklahoma. Raymond will be a Freshman at Harvard University in Fall 2023.

Memorable Quote: “ …if you really put your values in the right place, I have faith that you will land exactly where [college] you're supposed to be”. Raymond Jiang.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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Every year the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation awards a select set of High School Seniors the Coca Cola Scholarship. Gianna is a 2023 Coke Scholar.

In this Podcast, Gianna talks about her passion for Public Health, STEM Curriculum, Winning the Coca Cola Scholarship, her college search process, and his advice for high schoolers. #CokeScholars

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Who is Gianna Thomas?
• Extracurricular Interests
• Winning the Coke Scholarship
• College Process
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Gianna Thomas, Coke Scholar []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Who is Gianna Thomas? []
• High School Interests []
• Public Health Research []
• STEM Curriculum Innovation []
• Teaching Kids []
• Applying for the Coke Scholarship []
• The Coke Application []
• The Interview []
• The Coke Scholarship Difference []
• College Process []
• Initial College List []
• Why Yale? []
• The Future - Yale and Beyond []
• Advice to High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Gianna Thomas is a 2023 Coke Scholar, and a recent graduate of Middletown High School, Connecticut. Gianna will be a Freshman at Yale University in Fall 2023.

Memorable Quote: “So going into my senior year, I really made it a goal to apply to one scholarship day, it was a pretty loose goal with the amounts really fluctuating each week.” Gianna Thomas.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Every year the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation awards a select set of High School Seniors the Coca Cola Scholarship. Gabriel is a 2023 Coke Scholar.

In this Podcast, Gabriel talks about his passion for Climate Policy, Winning the Coca Cola Scholarship, his college search process, and his advice to high schoolers. #CokeScholars

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Who is Gabriel Nagel?
• Extracurricular Interests
• Winning the Coke Scholarship
• College Process
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Gabriel Nagel, Coke Scholar []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Who is Gabriel Nagel? []
• High School Interests []
• Climate Justice []
• Carbon App []
• Applying for the Coke Scholarship []
• The Application []
• The Coke Scholarship Difference []
• The College Process []
• The Initial College List []
• Surprises in the College Process []
• No of Colleges Applied To []
• Future Outlook []
• Advice to High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Gabriel Nagel is a 2023 Coke Scholar, and a recent graduate of Denver East High School, Colorado. Gabriel will be a Freshman at Stanford University in Fall 2023.

Memorable Quote: “So later, I had actually lived in Boulder for a year, and we were quite close to a wildfire that caused evacuations across our neighborhood. And as a result of that, I realized that climate change is not something of the future”. Gabriel Nagel.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Every year the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation awards a select set of High School Seniors the Coca Cola Scholarship. Asanshay is a 2023 Coke Scholar.

In this Podcast, Anna talks about her passion for Poetry, Beekeeping, Winning the Coca Cola Scholarship, her college search process, and his advice to high schoolers. #CokeScholars

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Who is Anna Yang?
• Extracurricular Interests
• Winning the Coke Scholarship
• College Process
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Anna Yang, Coke Scholar []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Who is Anna Yang? []
• High School Interests []
• Poetry []
• Poet Laureate []
• The Winning Poems []
• Is Poetry in Anna’s Future? []
• Beekeeper []
• The College Process []
• Applying for the Coke Scholarship []
• The Coke Scholarship Difference []
• College and Beyond []
• Advice to High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Anna Yang is a 2023 Coke Scholar, and a recent graduate of Notre Dame High School, San Jose, California. Anna will be a Freshman at Stanford University in Fall 2023.

Memorable Quote: “I went to coffee shops, and I like talk to the youth poets who are also involved. It felt like more, like both daunting and like, very empowering, to be speaking, like your poetry to an audience where they clap and they like, tell you, Oh, your poem was so good.” Anna Yang.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Sky was a very active student in high school - inside and outside the classroom. He was into sciences, writing and Science research projects. Research took him to the International Science Fairs starting in the sophomore year.

Sky was also very involved in the Student Government. He was the President of the Student Body in his senior year.

Sky joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University, Passion for Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, The Truman Scholarship, Majoring in Chemistry, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Drexel & Honors College Experience
• UG Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship, Truman and Udall Scholarships
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Sky Harper, Drexel []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Drexel & Honors College Experience []
• Why Drexel Honors College? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• UG Research []
• Goldwater Scholarship Application []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• Getting the Truman Scholarship []
• The Importance of Scholarships []
• Why Chemistry Major? []
• Impact of UG Research []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Sky Harper is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Drexel University and Pennoni Honors College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Memorable Quote: “My favorite thing to do on campus is just kind of hang around at the Honors College with my friends. And at the same time, every now and then some of the Honors College faculty will come out of their offices and just kind of start having casual conversations with us.” Sky Harper.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Every year the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation awards a select set of High School Seniors the Coca Cola Scholarship. Asanshay is a 2023 Coke Scholar.

In this Podcast, Asanshay talks about his passion for building products, Winning the Coca Cola Scholarship, his college search process, and his advice to high schoolers. #CokeScholars

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Who is Asanshay Gupta?
• Extracurricular Interests
• Winning the Coke Scholarship
• College Process
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Asanshay Gupta, Coke Scholar []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Who is Asanshay Gupta? []
• High School Interests []
• Product-based Learning []
• Eye-Controlled Wheelchair []
• Next Steps for the Wheelchair []
• The Oxygen App []
• Applying for the Coke Scholarship []
• The Coke Scholarship Difference []
• The College Process []
• Why Product-based Thinking? []
• College and Beyond []
• Advice to High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Asanshay Gupta is a 2023 Coke Scholar, and a recent graduate of Atlanta International School, Georgia. Asanshay will be a Freshman at Stanford University in Fall 2023.

Memorable Quote: “...you don't really see many high schoolers making products, which is interesting to me, because that's always how I was approaching things. But yeah, it'll be interesting to see if things shift in that direction”. Asanshay Gupta on Product-based Thinking.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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The 2022-23 College Application Season in the books. It is a good time to look back and learn from the experience for the benefit of the next set of high school seniors and parents.

And who better to help us than the College Counselors who guided the current graduating seniors through the college process.

I talked to 6 High School College Counselors from across the US to put together this episode.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing The Takeaways []
• The Learnings - Applications, Earlies, Decisions, Financial Aid []
• Preparing to Apply Early []
• Popular Majors []
• Scholarships []
• Advice for High School Seniors and Parents []

Our Guests:

• Tyler Sant of Atlanta International School
• Sean Kennedy of Ravenscroft High School
• Bill Hancock of Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School
• Colleen Koppes of Dowling Catholic High School
• Tom Stepkoski of Westhill High School, and
• Shveta Bagade, Counselor.

Memorable Quote: “I think the FAFSA, the opening of the application period being delayed to December[2023] is really a kind of sleeping giant…”, Sean Kennedy of Ravenscroft School.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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After her freshman year in high school, Ella did not play a lot of sports to focus on getting good grades and pursuing her college dreams. She did join the Youth and Government club and held various officer positions during the 4 years of High School.

Ella will be a Freshman at North Carolina State University in Fall 2023.

In this Podcast, Ella talks about her High School Experiences, her college search process, Digital SAT, and her advice to college aspirants.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Who is Ella Smith?
• High School Interests
• College Process
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Ella Smith []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Who is Ella Smith? []
• High School Interests []
• Dreams for the Near Future []
• College Process []
• Senior Year []
• College Guidance []
• The College Decision []
• Digital vs Paper SAT []
• College Readiness []
• Advice to High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Ella Smith is a recent graduate of Ravenscroft High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ella will be a Freshman at NC State in Fall 2023.

Memorable Quote: “So when the digital SAT was on a computer it was basically all self paced, and the time was cut in half, I thought it was amazing. You were out of there before 10am kind of thing.” Ella Smith.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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It all started over 10 years ago, with College Faculty using Wikipedia for college coursework, and their students editing its content. Wiki Education was created to support these Faculty members.

LiAnna Davis is the Chief Programs Officer and the Dy. Director at Wiki Education.

LiAnna joins us on our podcast to tell us all about Wiki Education, Types of Content, Process to Edit Content, Why Students Should Engage, Success Stories, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• What is Wiki Education?
• How do Profs and Students Participate?
• Why Should Students Engage?
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing LiAnna Davis of Wiki Education []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Background []
• What is Wiki Education? []
• Role of Students[]
• Student Contributions []
• The Approval Process []
• Types of Articles []
• Distribution of the 700 Courses[]
• Why Should Students Engage with Wiki Education? []
• Success Stories []
• What’s Next? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: LiAnna Davis is the Chief Programs Officer and the Dy. Director at Wiki Education. LiAnna has a Master of Arts degree in Communication, Culture and Technology from Georgetown University.

Memorable Quote: “So one of the things that we find is college students are sort of starved for meaningful assignments in higher education. And, you know, when you [write] traditional academic paper, it goes to an audience of one person, who's your professor. And you know, and they give you a bunch of feedback on it, and they give you a letter grade, and you probably don't do anything with it ever again” LiAnna Davis.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• College Cost Confusion []
• Acceptance Rates in Elite Colleges Have Bottomed Out []
• 90% of College Grads Say College is “Worth It”! []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• NBC []
• CNBC []
• Yahoo Finance []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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Kyrstal thought her first three years of High School weren’t that memorable. She was just doing things she thought she was supposed to do. Classes like AP Biology, Soccer, and the rest.

In her senior year she really got involved in leadership. Organized student rallies for football games & was the Class treasurer. She found that these experiences gave her access to lots of opportunities.

Krystal joins our podcast to share her undergraduate honors college journey at SDSU, Honors College courses, Internships, Majoring in Finance, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• SDSU Weber Honors College Experience
• Majoring in Finance
• Summer Internships
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Krystal Nzeadibe, SDSU HC []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall SDSU Honors College Experience []
• Why SDSU Honors College? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Honors College Courses []
• The Peers []
• Campus Activities []
• Summer Internships []
• Majoring in Finance []
• The HC Difference []
• SDSU Redo []
• Why MBA? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guest: Krystal Nzeadibe graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from San Diego State University Weber Honors College. Krystal is currently pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School. Krystal can be reached at krystal.nzeadibe@gmail.com.

Memorable Quote: “So things like doing public speaking engagements, being like a student on different University Board committees. And I think being comfortable in uncomfortable situations allowed me to be confident when it came to working my first job”. Krystal Nzeadibe.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Prof. Abmayr discovered UG Research during the Summer after her Junior year in college. She subsequently did research in her senior year in genetics. These research experiences were instrumental in her decision to go to graduate school.

Dr. Beth Beason-Abmayr joins us on our podcast to talk about UG Research in Biosciences at Rice University, CUR’s role, Impact of Research on UG Students, Success stories, and finally Advice for High Schoolers.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dr. Beth Beason-Abmayr of Rice University []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• The Research Difference []
• The Importance of UG Research []
• Departmental Role []
• Transforming Courses for Research []
• Student Participation []
• CUR’s Role []
• Research in Other Departments []
• Students Start Research Early []
• Success Stories []
• Percentage of Students Doing UG Research []
• What’s Ahead? []
• Grants and Scholarships []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Dr Beth Beason-Abmayr is a Teaching Professor of BioSciences at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Dr. Beason-Abmayr earned her PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from the University of Alabama Birmingham.

Memorable Quote: “And so in these courses, we're introducing building and reinforcing not only research, but science communication skills. So with the goal of helping our students become expert thinkers, our lab courses, unlike some of their independent research experiences, are team based.” Dr. Beason-Abmayr.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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As a high schooler in Germany, Daniel cared only about Sports. Specifically American Football. He wanted to go to college to play football.

Daniel came to a US College on a Sports Scholarship.

Things, however, didn’t go as planned.

Daniel joins us on our podcast to share his UG Experience as an International Student, At UC Blue Ash, and then the 4-year UC program, UG Research in Financial Aid, The Scholarships, and Advice for high schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Overall Experience at U of Cincinnati
• Exchange Student to US College Student
• Majoring in Economics & Data Analytics
• Advice to Int’l High Schoolers
• Topics discussed in this episode:
• Introduction to Daniel Posmik, U Cincinnati []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall UC Experience []
• High School Interests []
• Exchange Student from Germany []
• Transition to UC Blue Ash []
• UG Research - Edu Policies []
• Research Outcomes []
• Advocacy based on Research Outcomes []
• Campus Activities - New Initiative []
• Climate Policy []
• Securing Scholarships []
• Advice for Int’l High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Daniel Posmik graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics & Data Analytics from the University of Cincinnati.

Memorable Quote: “One thing that I will always recall is that the transition phase was mostly marked by me trying to identify financial support opportunities, because going from Blue Ash to the Uptown campus also meant doubling the fees that I had to pay. So I keep in mind, all the money that I had to pay had to come out of pocket from me, with no loans.” Daniel Posmik.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• USNews to Update Rankings Methodology []
• Paying for Higher Education []
• Community College Enrollment Drops []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• USNews []
• Yahoo []
• Axios []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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In her 24 years in College Counseling, Jodi has seen a lot of things change, but the joy of working with students 1-on-1 remains unchanged.

Today, with her counselor colleagues, Jodi is helping students find the college that is right for them.

On our podcast, Jodi talks about her background, about Charlotte Christian School, her Counseling approach, managing expectations, and her advice for high school students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Jodi Foxx’s Background
• Approach to College Counseling
• Challenges & Managing Expectations
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Jodi Foxx, Charlotte Christian School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Charlotte Christian School []
• Approach to College Counseling []
• The Challenges & Managing Expectations []
• Changes over the Years []
• COVID Impact []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Staying Excited []

Our Guest: Jodi Foxx is the Director of College Counseling at Charlotte Christian School, North Carolina.

Memorable Quote: “Sometimes if they [students] get too stuck on this perfectionist mindset, you know, can't make any mistakes. [They] have to always succeed and thrive in everything they touch. You know, that's not going to be realistic.” Jodi Foxx.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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After taking Spanish in middle school, Vismaya had dreamed of spending a semester in Spain.

However, when she got to high school, she found out that it wasn’t going to be easy to get away to Spain for a semester. It hadn’t been done before.

But Vismaya and the school found a way.

Vismaya Gopalan will be a Freshman at Dartmouth College in Fall 2023.

In this Podcast, Vismaya talks about her High School Experiences, Semester Abroad in Spain, her college search process, and her advice to college aspirants.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Who is Vismaya Gopalan?
• High School Interests
• Semester in Spain
• College Process
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Vismaya Gopalan[]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Who is Vismaya Gopalan? []
• High School Interests []
• Being a Tutor []
• Junior Semester in Spain []
• Coming Back for the Senior Year []
• Colleges Criteria []
• College Guidance []
• Number of Colleges []
• Major? []
• College Process Surprises []
• College Readiness []
• Advice to Rising Seniors []

Our Guest: Vismaya Gopalan is a recent graduate of Notre Dame High School in San Jose, California. Vismaya will be a Freshman at Dartmouth College in Fall 2023.

Memorable Quote: “I'm really looking forward to going there [Dartmouth]. So one of the best parts, something that I really appreciate was that I am, I'm not locked into a major like I, you know, I only have to declare at the end of my sophomore year. So I'm really excited to sort of go there and try different things.” Vismaya Gopalan.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Chiara is a “chronic achiever” with a Passion for Fashion. In High School she was in the Orchestra, Band, Student Council, Scholastic Bowl to name a few. In class she loved History, French.

But the class that changed everything for her was a Sports Marketing course. After that she was hooked on Business and Marketing.

Chiara joins our podcast to share her undergraduate honors college journey at Ball State, her UG Research experiences, Passion for Fashion, Deep Campus Involvement, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• BSU Honors College Experience
• Majoring in Fashion Merchandising
• UG Research
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Chiara Biddle, BSU HC []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall BSU Honors College Experience []
• Why BSU Honors College? []
• High School Interests []
• Passion 4 Fashion []
• Transition to College []
• Honors College Classes []
• UG Research []
• Takeaways []
• What’s Next? []
• The Honors College Experience []
• Campus Activities []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guest: Chiara Biddle recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from Ball State University Honors College.

Memorable Quote: “And it's [Honors College] been really like a grounding experience learning that, you know, if someone in like the 1300s, like, had these issues, and anxieties, and like they were able to overcome it, then I can, too.” Chiara Biddle.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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UG Research, they say, changes career trajectories. However, the challenge for most undergraduates is knowing where to start.

This is precisely where Studio Lab comes in.

Prof. Sarah Sokhey started the Studio Lab in the Political Science department to train students to do their first research project.

Prof. Sarah Sokhey joins us on our podcast to talk about the Studio Lab, How it is Helping Students Get Started with Research, Scaling Studio Lab, Success Stories, and finally the Advice for high schoolers.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Prof. Sarah Sokhey University of Colorado Boulder []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Why UG Research? []
• Is Research Teachable []
• What is Studio Lab? []
• Infrastructure & Resources []
• Why Studio Lab Works? []
• Scaling Across Disciplines []
• Studio Lab Timeline []
• Funding for Studio Lab []
• Student Participation []
• Success Stories []
• What’s Next? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Dr. Sarah Wilson Sokhey is Assoc. Professor of Political Science & Studio Lab Director at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Dr. Sokhey earned her PhD in Political Science from Ohio State University.

Memorable Quote: “So I did it [Studio Lab] in large part because I was inspired by the fact that there seem to be a lot of students who are interested in connecting with faculty, and doing research and collaborating on research. But they didn't know where to get started. And they didn't know about some of the existing opportunities we have.” Prof. Sarah Sokhey.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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In High School, Hana was into Science. Especially Biology. She also felt an affinity for engineering, because her dad is an engineer.

Interestingly, an English Teacher introduced her to Bioengineering, as part of a writing assignment. And so when time came for college, she was looking to major in Bioengineering.

Hana joins our podcast to share her undergraduate honors college journey at SDSU, her UG Research experiences, the Pfizer Internship, Playing Club Tennis, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• SDSU Weber Honors College Experience
• Majoring in Bioengineering
• Internship at Pfizer
• UG Research in Microbiology
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Hana Julazadeh, SDSU HC []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall SDSU Honors College Experience []
• Why SDSU Honors College? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• The Classmates []
• The Professors []
• Microbiology UG Research []
• Research Impact []
• Majoring in Bioengineering []
• Pfizer Internship []
• Internship Takeaways []
• What’s Next? []
• Campus Activities - Tennis []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guest: Hana Julazadeh is graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with an Emphasis on Bioengineering from San Diego State University Weber Honors College.

Memorable Quote: “So I think because this experience [internship] went so well for me, and it was so completely outside of what I saw for myself, it really taught me that you know, any experience is a good experience and you never know what could end up inspiring you or telling you that you really enjoy something, if you don't try it!”. Hana Julazadeh.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Int’l Student Enrollment Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels []
• 9 College App Tasks for Rising Seniors During the Summer []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• Erudera []
• USNews []

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• Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Newsletter
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In college, Elisa was a student ambassador who gave campus tours and was an orientation guide. After college, she joined college admissions at her alma mater, the University of Kansas, and worked there for more than a decade!

For the last 4 years, Elisa has been the Director of Counseling at Regis Jesuit High School.

On our podcast, Elisa talks about her background, about Regis Jesuit High School, her Counseling approach and challenges, managing expectations, and her advice for high school students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Elisa Krapcha’s Background
• Approach to College Counseling
• Challenges & Managing Expectations
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Elisa Krapcha, Regis Jesuit High School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• From College to High School []
• Regis Jesuit School []
• Approach to College Counseling []
• The Challenges []
• Managing Expectations []
• Students over Time []
• COVID Impact []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Staying Excited []

Our Guest: Elisa Krapcha is the Director of College Counseling at Regis Jesuit High School, Colorado.

Memorable Quote: “And then from the emotional side, I think the challenges sometimes I see our students put this expectation on themselves to be able to find like, the perfect fit and like the glass slipper and know that when they step foot on somewhere, or they read a certain brochure that it's gonna be like, Oh, this is it!” Elisa Krapcha.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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In High School, Isaac loved Chemistry and the Environment. He was heavily into performing arts and music. He did Opera with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. He was the President of his senior year class in the Student Government.

Isaac joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at the University of Cincinnati, his UG Research & Co-op experiences, Being Student Body President, Majoring in Environmental Engineering, and Advice for college-bound students.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Overall U Cincinnati Experience
• UG Research
• Being President of Student Government
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Isaac Smitherman, U Cincinnati []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Experience []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• UG Research []
• Research Takeaways []
• What’s Next for Research []
• Interest in Student Government []
• Being President []
• Co-op Experience []
• Majoring in Environmental Engineering []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guest: Isaac Smitherman, who is graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering and Legal Study Certificate at the University of Cincinnati.

Memorable Quote: “There's more to take away from a class than just like, the vocabulary and the equations. Like there's, there's a larger picture here that I should be striving for.” Isaac Smitherman.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Colleges are expensive. So students going to college should have a clear idea of What College Success is and How to achieve it.

We are fortunate to have Dean Graeme Harper of Oakland University Honors College to guide us through this conversation.

In this Podcast, Dean Harper tells us How Students Should Think of Success, Your College Ingredients, Taking Advantage of College Resources, and finally Measuring Your Progress towards Success.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Why Do Students Attend College?
• How Should Students Think of Success?
• How Colleges Help with Success
• Measuring Progress Towards Success

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dean Graeme Harper, OU Honors College []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Why Do Students Attend College? []
• How Should Students Think of College Success []
• Ingredients for Success in College []
• Is Individual Attention Possible? []
• How College Can Support Students Secondary Goals []
• How Should Students Take Advantage of College Resources []
• Why Honors Colleges []
• Experiential Learning []
• Smaller Community []
• Monitoring Student Progress in College []
• Closing Thoughts []

Our Guest: Professor Graeme Harper is the Dean of the Oakland University Honors College, Rochester, Michigan. Dean Harper received the Bachelor of Arts degrees in History, English, Economic History from the University of Sydney. He then earned his Master of Letters from the University of New England (AU), PhD in Creative Arts from University of Technology Sydney. Dean Harper also received a PhD in from the School of English and American Studies from the University of East Anglia (UK).

Memorable Quote: “Student success is a buzz term at the moment. It's out there a lot. You'll hear a lot of people use it, you know. I would encourage families and students to question when somebody says, Oh, we really want students to be successful. Ask the question like we've done today - What do you mean by that? ” Dean Harper.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Adam was really interested in STEM while in high school. He loved tutoring and mentoring other students. At that time, he was really into dentistry.

He entered college as Pre-Dental. But soon, the breadth and diversity of medicine captivated him.

Adam joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at the University of Cincinnati, about double majoring in medical sciences and liberal arts, Mentoring Refugees, Co-op, winning the Truman Scholarship, Critical Language Scholarship, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• University of Cincinnati Experience
• DoubleMajoring in Medical Sciences and Liberal Arts
• Being a Truman Scholar
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Adam Elzarka, U of Cincinnati []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall UC Experience []
• Why U of Cincinnati? []
• Passion for Medicine []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Mentoring Refugees []
• Truman Scholarship []
• Winning the Truman Scholarship []
• Medical Sciences Program []
• Co-Op []
• How Co-Op Helped Decide? []
• Critical Language Scholarship []
• What’s Next? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Adam Elzarka is graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Sciences and Liberal Arts at the University of Cincinnati.

Memorable Quote: “And I also think there's value in exploring things outside of your field. A lot of my study abroad, were simply focused on language learning, you know, really trying to strengthen my Arabic, even though my primary majors, you know, medical sciences, really taking a step back and looking at the humanitarian side of healthcare by studying philosophy, you know, there are a lot of ethical questions that come within life, how can we answer those or even psychology, looking at the importance of mental health.” Adam Elzarka.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Dr. Stacey Sinclair loved the idea of working with bright motivated students. So when an opportunity came up to work with the Honors Program in 2005, Dr Sinclair jumped in with both feet.

In 2014, the Honors Program transitioned to Honors College and Dr. Sinclair became the Director of the Weber Honors College.

On this Podcast, Director Sinclair introduces the Weber Honors College, Honors as a “Minor”, the Interdisciplinary Programs, UG Research & Study Abroad, Scholarships, How to Apply, and Career Opportunities.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Dir. Stacey Sinclair’s Background
• SDSU Weber Honors College
• Student Requirements
• Career Opportunities

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dir. Stacey Sinclair, SDSU Weber Honors College []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• SDSU Honors College []
• Interdisciplinary Studies []
• HIP []
• Grants for Study Abroad []
• Grants for Research []
• Student Participation in UG Research []
• Student Criteria []
• Student Body Profile []
• Test Optional []
• Capstone Thesis []
• Benefits of Weber Honors College []
• Affordability []
• Career Opportunities []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Dr. Stacey Sinclair is the Director of SDSU Weber Honors College. Dir. Sinclair earned her PhD in Counseling from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

Memorable Quote: “Because we recognize that the solution to life's problems are not in a multiple choice test, [but] that students need to be getting their hands dirty.” Dir. Stacey Sinclair.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Kate took a Gap Year after High School and took part in an International Study Program. When she joined college after her gap year, she felt she was very clear about her goals in college, compared to her peers who had come straight after high school.

The one year gap had energized her!

In this Podcast, Kate first tells us what a Gap Year is, Why Students Take a Gap Year, Benefits & Downsides, and Transition to College after.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Kate Asgari, Overlake School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• What is a Gap Year? []
• Why Take a Gap Year? []
• Types of Students Who Take a Gap Year []
• Do They Do Better in College? []
• Transition to College []
• Downsides []
• Do You Need a Plan? []
• Closing Thoughts []

Our Guest: Kate Asgari is the Director of College Counseling and Associate Dean for Grades 11 & 12 at Overlake School, Redmond WA.

Memorable Quote: “And we simply didn't feel that way. Because we had taken a breath, done something completely different and tried and learned new skills, turned our world upside down and looked at it from a different point of view, and had an appreciation for what a college experience could and should be.” Kate Asgari on joining college after her Gap Year.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Prof. Emert is a first generation college graduate. His undergraduate degree was in music performance. His Doctoral work was in Mathematics. He has had a successful career as a Mathematician & Academic.

Since 2017, Prof. Emert has been the Dean of BSU Honors College.

In this podcast, Dean Emert introduces the BSU Honors College, The Programs, UG Research, Study Abroad, Scholarships, How to Apply, and Career Opportunities.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Dean John Emert’s Background
• Ball State University Honors College
• Student Requirements
• Career Opportunities

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dean John Emert, Ball State Honors College []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Origins of BSU Honors College []
• Honors College Programs []
• Experiential Programs []
• Study Abroad Scholarships []
• Student Participation in Study Abroad []
• Student Body []
• How to Apply []
• Merit Scholarships []
• Career Opportunities []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Dr. John Emert is Professor of Mathematical Science and the Dean of the Ball State University Honors College. Dean Emert earned his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Tennessee.

Memorable Quote: “I'm a first generation college student. And I think some of the best advice that I received came from my parents. When I was finishing high school, they said, we've given you every opportunity. Go forth and take advantage of it. And I couldn't have asked for better advice.” Dean Emert.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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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:

• UPenn Quietly Redefining Legacy Admissions []
• U of Wisconsin Raises Tuition []
• Are AP Classes That Helpful []

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 Pennsylvannian []
• U of Wisconsin []
• Teen Magazine []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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Kate fell into College Counseling due to what she calls “a happy accident”. Kate just followed her first year roommate into an interview to be a campus tour guide. She wasn’t interested in doing the interview.

But an aggressive future Dean persuaded her to do the interview.

Many happy accidents later, Kate is the Director of Counseling at The Overlake School.

On our podcast, Kate talks about her background, The Overlake School, counseling approach and challenges, managing expectations, and her advice for high school students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Kate Asgari’s Background
• Approach to College Counseling
• Challenges & Managing Expectations
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Kate Asgari, Overlake School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Overlake School []
• Approach to College Counseling []
• Challenges []
• Dream & Fit []
• Managing Expectations []
• Test Optional []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Kate Asgari is the Director of College Counseling and Associate Dean for Grades 11 & 12 at Overlake School, Redmond WA.

Memorable Quote: “...what we witnessed in that Test Optional landscape is overwhelming choices that a student faces. And every school having its own policy and way by which those test scores get submitted.” Kate Asgari.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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In High School, Grace was, by her own admission, a nerd and an activist. She took lots of AP classes. She played the viola, cello, and violin. She also played varsity tennis.

As an activist she fought for Educational Equity and Indigenous causes.

When time came to think about college, she felt scared and unprepared. That’s when a good friend introduced her to Matriculate.

Grace joins us on our podcast to share her Undergraduate Experience at Columbia, Matriculate’s Role, Transition to College, Indigenous Causes, Being a Rhodes Finalist, and Advice for high schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Experience at Columbia University
• Transition to College
• Rhodes Finalist
• Majoring in Psychology and Ethnicity & Race Studies
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Grace Fox, Columbia University []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Columbia Experience []
• Why Columbia U? []
• Role of Matriculate []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• COVID Interruption []
• Indigenous Justice Academy []
• Matriculate Advisor []
• Majoring in Psychology []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Rhodes Finalist []

Our Guests: Grace Fox is double majoring in Psychology, and Ethnicity and Race studies for Native American and Indigenous Studies at Columbia University.

Memorable Quote: “So without the Gates Scholarship, I wouldn't have not been able to go to Columbia despite getting in, despite getting a likely letter, despite being you know, inducted as a Kluge Scholar, which is a prestigious, you know, award for incoming freshmen that lasts throughout their senior year.” Grace Fox.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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When Emmi Harward attended her public high school, she did not know anyone in her school, whose job was just college counseling.

After college, Emmi went into College Admissions. She started by supervising college tour guides and loved interacting with students. That led Emmi to College Counseling roles in High Schools.

Today, Emmi is the Executive Director for ACCIS - working with College Counselors in Independent Schools across the country.

On our podcast, Emmi talks about her background, about ACCIS, her Counseling approach, Counselors’ challenges, managing unpredictability, and her advice for high school students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Emmi Harward’s Background
• About ACCIS
• Approach to College Counseling
• The Challenges
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Emmi Harward, ACCIS []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Why Counseling? []
• ACCIS []
• ACCIS Programs []
• Approach to College Counseling []
• The Challenges []
• ACCIS Members’ Concerns []
• Unpredictable Process []
• Test Optional Impact []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Emmi Harward is the Executive Director of ACCIS - Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools.

Memorable Quote: “I would say on my good days, on my best days, I work to listen more than I talk. I think that's kind of the point of any of this is it, the whole point is centering the student, and their journey, that they need to be the ones they need to be the ones in the driver's seat.” Emmi Harward.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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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:

• Columbia Goes Test Optional Permanently []
• Bard College Drops Out of College Rankings []
• College Enrollment Drops Further []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• WCNC []
• Bard College []
• NBC []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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One alum would take more classes, difficult ones, another would attend all the daily talks (followed by dinner) on campus by renowned experts, and yet another would befriend professors as future collaborators. There’s more.

This episode organizes alumni thoughts on this topic from past episodes, into 6 different buckets, while providing a flavor of their thinking in the form of snippets.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Episode #300 []
• Learn More, Explore More []
• Start Something Earlier []
• Paying Attention to Relationships []
• Be Involved on Campus []
• Experiential Programs []
• Take Advantage of College Resources []

Our Guests:

• College Alumni featured on our Podcast over the last 3 years.

Memorable Quote: “...I wish I learned that lesson earlier, follow your heart, follow your passions. I felt like keeping that economics double major was, you know, something that would be better for my job prospects or would help please my family more.” Aidan Arasasingham, UCLA.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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When Jenny was in college, she did not apply for any of the nationally competitive awards. In fact she didn’t even know of their existence.

It so happened that Jenny discovered Fellowship Advising, after she graduated with her PhD. She really liked working with college students, helping them with their writing, and helping develop their goals.

In this podcast, Jenny Hyest shares her background, her role as Director, the various Awards, The Importance of Awards, How they help students apply, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Jenny Hyest’s Background
• Nationally Competitive Awards’ Office
• How to Apply?
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Director Jenny Hyest, University of Cincinnati []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Coming to U of Cincinnati []
• Awards Office Role []
• Why is the Awards Office Important? []
• Types of Awards []
• Fulbright Scholarship []
• Goldwater Scholarship []
• Applying for Truman Scholarship []
• Helping Students Apply []
• Awards Office Student Outreach []
• How Students Apply? []
• Application Trends []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Jenny Hyest is the Director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards at the University of Cincinnati. Director Hyest earned her PhD in English from Lehigh University.

Memorable Quote: “...the last piece of advice that I would give is to embrace the fellowship, the world of fellowships, as an important part of your college experience, and not just something that is kind of tangentially related to it. Because I think I mentioned this before, but I think a great way to use these scholarships is, they can make things that hadn't even been imaginable before, put them in the realm of possibility.” Jenny Hyest.

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Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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The Sciences were Maya’s favorite courses in High School - Chemistry, Biology and Ecology. Especially Chemistry. It seemed aligned with the way her mind worked. Outside of class, she ran cross country, track.

Maya joins us on our podcast to share her UG Experience at CU Boulder, UG Research, Hiking Expeditions, and Advice for high schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Experience at CU Boulder
• UG Research
• Hiking Club
• Majoring in Biochemistry
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Maya Nelson, CU Boulder []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall CU Boulder Experience []
• Why CU Boulder? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Classmates []
• Professors and Teaching []
• UG Research - Synthetic Biology []
• Impact of Research []
• Campus Hiking Club []
• Majoring in Biochemistry []
• Grad School? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Fond Memory []

Our Guests: Maya Nelson is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Memorable Quote: “But the more I've been doing research, and I'm so invested in this project, I'm asking questions about this project, answering them myself through lab work. It really, really deepens your understanding of the classes that you're in. And the classes that you're in, ironically, seem a little bit easier.” Maya Nelson.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Tom admired his coaches in high school. In fact after graduating from High School, he went back to his high school to be a coach under his varsity soccer coach. During that time, he noticed that a number of coaches were also guidance counselors. He liked that enough to get a Master’s degree in School Counseling.

But it would be another 20 years before he actually jumped into counseling full time at Westhill High School.

On our podcast, Tom talks about his background, Westhill High School, Counseling approach & philosophy, the challenges, Success Stories, and his advice for high school students.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Tom Stepkoski’s Background
• Approach to College Counseling
• Challenges
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Tom Stepkoski, Westhill High School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• About Counseling []
• Westhill High School []
• Approach to College Counseling []
• Starting with 9th Graders []
• What’s Next High School Graduation? []
• Success Stories []
• Majors Students Pursue []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Staying Excited []

Our Guest: Tom Stepkoski is the Career and College Counselor at Westhill High School in Stamford, Connecticut. In addition, Tom also runs Tom Step Coaching for Personal Development.

Memorable Quote: “The smartest person in the room, is not the one who has all the answers. It's the one who asked the most questions. So, so keep on going, keep on asking, keep on inquiring, and, you know, always, always, always, always try to learn, and learn about you.” Tom Stepkoski.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Prof. Haseeb Kazi is a fourth generation academic. For the past 2 decades - He has been living his dream - teaching and doing research. Prof. Kazi has been at the forefront of undergraduate research in Mathematics inspiring, promoting, guiding and facilitating student projects.

Prof. Kazi joins us on our podcast to talk about UG Research at Trine University, CUR’s Role, Impact of Research, Success Stories, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Prof. Haseeb Kazi’s Background
• UG Research at Trine
• Student Participation Stories
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Prof. Haseeb Kazi, Trine U []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Why UG Research []
• Is Research Teachable []
• Role []
• CUR’s Role []
• Student Participation Stories []
• One Amazing Autism Story []
• Capstone Project []
• Cross-Disciplinary Projects []
• Study Abroad & Research []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Dr Haseeb Kazi is a Professor of Mathematics at Trine University. Prof. Kazi received the Bachelor’s Degrees in Applied Mathematics and Physics from the University of the Punjab, and Master’s in Applied Mathematics from Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad. He received his Master’s and PhD in Applied Mathematics from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Memorable Quote: “What is a mistake? It is a take that was missed! So what? Do another take.There is nothing as failure. Failure basically means a second iteration towards success. ” Prof. Haseeb Kazi.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: UG Research

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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:

• Stanford Tuition and Financial Aid Up []
• Bill in Senate to Clarify College Costs []
• Tips for Juniors Before Starting The College Process []

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 []
• Senator Smith []
• U of Rochester []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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Lynn was a busy high schooler. She liked a lot of subjects, took a lot of AP classes, and was a good student. She was also into soccer & crochet.

In her senior year she took an engineering class, enjoyed it, and decided to pursue it in college.

Lynn joins us on our podcast to share her Undergraduate experience at U of Cincinnati, Research in Fuzzy Logic, Fulbright Research Scholarship, Co-op programs, and Advice for high schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Experience at U of Cincinnati
• Fuzzy Logic Research
• Fulbright Research Scholarship
• Majoring in Aerospace Engineering
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Lynn Pickering, U Cincinnati []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall UC Experience []
• Why U Cincinnati? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Professors and Classes []
• UG Research - Fuzzy Logic []
• Research Outcomes []
• Impact of Research []
• Campus Activities - Aero Competition []
• Aerospace Major []
• Fulbright Research Scholar []
• Fulbright Application []
• Master’s in the UK []
• Powering Ahead with Fuzzy Logic []
• The U of Cincinnati Difference []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Lynn Pickering graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. Lynn is currently pursuing a Doctoral Program at UC.

Memorable Quote: “I think the Co-Op program is really one of the biggest experiences, because if I hadn't had that, I wouldn't have known that, you know, aerospace maybe isn't the right thing for me, maybe I would have had to go work there for five years to figure that out. ”. Lynn Pickering.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Sean Kennedy’s counseling journey had its origins in High School. Inspired by the impact his High School College Counselor had on him, he jumped at a counseling role early in his career.

Sean Kennedy is the Co-Director of College Counseling at Ravenscroft School, as well as an active member of ACCIS, SACAC and other professional organizations.

On our podcast, Sean talks about his background, Ravenscroft School, Counseling approach & philosophy, the challenges, managing expectations, and his advice for high school students.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Sean Kennedy’s Background
• Approach to College Counseling
• Challenges & Managing Expectations
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Sean Kennedy, Ravenscroft School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Why Counseling? []
• Ravenscroft School []
• Role at the School []
• Approach to College Counseling []
• Challenges []
• Shifts to Equity and Access []
• Managing Expectations []
• Guidance for High Schoolers []
• Staying Excited []

Our Guest: Sean Kennedy is the Co-Director of College Counseling at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Memorable Quote: “But no matter what, no matter what those outcomes produced, I think to me, it's, again, how I, I can control. How I show up for students, and that even when there are questions that I can't answer, that they know that I'm committed to finding the answer.” Sean Kennedy.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

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Kayla loved the Sciences in High School, especially Physics, Mathematics & Astronomy. In her junior year, Kayla actually wanted to join the military, but she failed the physical due to bad eyesight.

Kayla joins our podcast to share her undergraduate college journey at Central State University, winning the Goldwater Scholarship, UG Space Research experiences as CalTech WAVE Fellow, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Undergraduate Experience
• Research as CalTech WAVE Fellow
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Kayla Smith, CSU []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall UG Experience []
• High School Interests []
• Why Central State? []
• Transition to College []
• The Academics []
• The Peers []
• UG Research []
• The Research Takeaways []
• Goldwater Scholarship []
• Impact of Goldwater Council []
• UG Research Difference []
• CalTech WAVE Fellow []
• Campus Activities []
• Majoring in Environmental Engineering []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Kayla Smith is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering at the Central State University in Ohio.

Memorable Quote: “ I want to see more HBCU students winning. I want to see more HBCUs, even given the opportunity of knowing what the Goldwater Scholarship is. I didn't know what it was. And I learned from my advisor, I want more students to learn from their academic advisors, I want more students to learn from their friends and their friends and their friends.” Kayla Smith.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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When Shanita Nichols was a senior in High School, Bottom Line guided her to an affordable college for her undergraduate study.

Founded in 1997, Bottom Line addressed the low college graduation rates of first generation students. What started supporting 25 students back then, Bottom Line today, has robust programs for College Access and Success that supports over 7000 students.

Today, Shanita Nichols is the Managing Director of Development at Bottom Line.

Shanita joins us on our podcast to tell us What Bottom Line is, Its origins, Programs it offers, College Advisors, Partners, Success Stories and What’s Next.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Shanita Nichols Background
• Origins of Bottom Line
• Ecosystems & Partners
• How Bottom Line Benefits Students

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Shanita Nichols, Bottom Line [0:44]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [2:11]
• Professional Background [4:51]
• Origins of Bottom Line [6:51]
• Ecosystems and Partners [9:28]
• College Advisors [12:32]
• Student Being Helped [15:23]
• College Access Process [16:38]
• Family Participation [18:29]
• Process Challenges [19:57]
• Help with Costs [22:36]
• Success Stories [24:17]
• More on Bluprint [27:22]
• Shanita’s BL Story [30:04]
• What Next? [32:55]

Our Guest: Shanita Nichols is the Managing Director of Development, National at Bottom Line. Shanita graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics/African American Studies from Smith College. Shanita received her MBA from Simmons University.

Memorable Quote: “And one of the most impressive things that the research has found was that our impact was consistent across time, advisors, human characteristics. So I think the key is to all of this, the secret sauce is our curriculum,...” Shanita Nichols.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Suggested Episodes: College Experiences (Alumni)

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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:

• College Rankings Likely to Stay []
• Paying for Study Abroad []
• $3.75B in Unclaimed Pell Grants! []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• VOA News []
• CNBC []
• NCAN []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

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Dr. Menon and his colleagues came up with an undergraduate program at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine for undergrads to go through a mini-medical program, and decide if medicine is for them.

Dr. Anil Menon is the Associate Dean of the UG Program in Medical Sciences.

In this Podcast, Dr. Menon shares what the medical sciences undergraduate program is, Program Highlights, How to Apply, Scholarships, Career Options and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• What is the UG Program in Medical Sciences?
• Highlights of the Program
• How to Apply?
• Program Outcomes

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dr. Anil Menon, U of Cincinnati []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Why a UG Medical Sciences Program? []
• What is the UG Medical Sciences Program? []
• Program Takeaways []
• How to Apply? []
• Student Body Profile []
• Cost and Scholarships []
• Similar Programs Elsewhere? []
• Better Medical School Odds? []
• Medicine is not for me… []
• Career Options for Those Who do Not Continue? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Dr. Anil Menon is the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Dr. Menon received his PhD at the University of Cincinnati and did his Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard Medical School.

Memorable Quote: “So reframe every defeat into an essential component of your growth and success. And don't look at it as a defeat. Look at it as being sort of this steel being made in a furnace.” Dr. Anil Menon.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Suggestions for you: Primers on College Majors

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Heather was very focused on academics in High School. She took a lot of advanced courses. Lots of English classes because she initially thought she wanted to be a writer.

But Art was where her passion lay, something she had been engaged in, since she was 11.

Heather joins our podcast to share her undergraduate honors college journey at Oakland University, about being an artist, her UG Thesis experiences, and Advice for high school students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Oakland University Honors College Experience
• Being a Studio Art Major
• Thesis Project
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Heather Hamade, OUHC []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall OU Honors College Experience []
• Why OU Honors College? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Honors Classes []
• Thesis Project []
• Passion for the Arts []
• Impact of Research []
• What’s Next? []
• Campus Activities []
• The Honors College Difference []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guest: Heather Hamade received a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from Oakland University Honors College.

Memorable Quote: “...and when you are in college, like I said, it's not really about your GPA, it's not really about, I'm the top student in the class, it's about learning”. Heather Hamade.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Luc grew up and went to a big high school in rural Virginia. With the help of engaged teachers, Luc developed a passion for science and art & photography.

As a high achieving student, they chose to attend Radford University Honors College as a First Gen student.

Luc joins our podcast to share their undergraduate honors college journey at Radford University, UG Research experiences,

Study Abroad, Honors Student Council, and Advice for college-bound students.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Radford University Honors College Experience
• Studying Science and Arts
• Impact of UG Research
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Luc White, Radford HC []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Radford Experience []
• Why Radford? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• The Professors []
• UG Research []
• Impact of Research []
• Passion for the Arts []
• Study Abroad in France []
• What Next? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Fondest Memory []

Our Guest: Lucas White is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Studio Art at Radford University Honors College.

Memorable Quote: “...but advocate for yourself, if you really have a need, or you really have a question, or you really need something, there will be someone there who will listen and who will help you get that. So be, you know, be a polite thorn in someone's side”. Luc White.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research

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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:

• Early Admissions Still Garners Lot of Interest []
• The ChatGPT Challenge []
• Awaiting the Affirmative Action Decision []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• Higher Ed Dive []
• Inside Higher Ed []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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As a first generation college student, Prof. Steve Engel was lucky to have been mentored by some great professors. That shaped his undergraduate experience and motivated him to go into academia.

In 2005, he became the Director of, what was then, the Honors Program at Georgia Southern, and the Dean in 2020, when the Honors Program transitioned to Honors College.

In this podcast, Dean Engel introduces the Georgia Southern Honors College, shares the Highlights of Programs, How to Apply, UG Research, Study Abroad, Scholarships and Career Opportunities.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Dean Steve Engel’s Background
• Georgia Southern Honors College
• Student Requirements
• Career Opportunities

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dean Steve Engel, Georgia Southern Honors College []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Why Honors College? []
• Highlights of GS Honors College []
• Faculty []
• Student Body Profile []
• Scholarships []
• Research Grants []
• Study Abroad []
• How to Apply []
• Career Opportunities []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Steve Engel is Professor of Political Science and the Dean of the Georgia Southern Honors College. Dean Engel earned his PhD in Political Science from Loyola University of Chicago.

Memorable Quote: “I always like to say, Honor students are booksmart, they wouldn't be an Honors, if they weren't booksmart. But I know they're more than booksmart. And I want them to be able to demonstrate that. And so that's what the Experiential Learning requirement really does for them.” Dean Engel.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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By her own admission, Kimber was a book nerd in high school. She also watched True Crime TV Shows. Those shows Inspired her to study some form of forensics by the time she was a senior.

So when time came for college, she only looked at colleges with a strong Forensic Anthropology program.

Kimber joins our podcast to share her undergraduate honors college journey at Radford University, UG Research experiences, Interest in Forensic Science, FBI Internship, and Advice for High School Students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Experience at Radford Honors College
• Why Radford?
• Impact of UG Research
• Majoring in Anthropological Sciences
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Kimber Cheek, Radford HC []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Experience []
• Why Radford HC? []
• Interest in Forensic Science []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Academics []
• Peers []
• Research in Scotland []
• UG Research Outcomes []
• Impact of Research []
• Skills Developed with Research []
• Campus Activities []
• Choosing a Major []
• Honors College DIfference []
• Applying for FBI Internship []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Kimber Creek graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropological Sciences from Radford University Honors College. Kimber is pursuing graduate study in Biological Anthropology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Memorable Quote: “When I was transitioning to college, it was really easy because my suite-mate was in honors, my roommate was in honors. The girl down the hall was, like most of the people in the dorm were, in honors”, Kimber Cheek.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Sandra got her start in College Counseling when Seattle Prep changed direction to become a 4-year High School Program in the late ‘80s. She was part of the team that began offering a program to prepare their students for college.

Today, she is the Director of College Counseling at the school.

On our podcast, Sandra shares her background, her counseling approach, changes over the decades, managing expectations, and advice to high school students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Sandra Foy’s Background
• Approach to College Counseling
• Changes Over the Years
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Sandra Foy, Seattle College Prep []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Why Counseling? []
• Seattle College Prep []
• Role at the School []
• Approach to College Counseling []
• Changes over the Years []
• COVID Impact []
• About Undeclared Majors []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Staying Excited []

Our Guest: Sandra Foy is the Director of College Counseling at Seattle College Preparatory.

Memorable Quote: “So it's rewarding to help kids navigate the process, because there's so many different kids with different points of view. And I really like that.” Sandra Foy.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

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In High School, Ian was deep into Math, Science and Technology. He did AP courses, and also Engaged in creative and research projects. He was a member of the school’s baseball varsity team.

And when time came for college, he wanted one close to home with good Science programs.

Ian joins our podcast to share his undergraduate Honors College journey at Oakland University, about being a student-athlete, his UG Research experiences, and Advice for college-bound students.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Oakland University Honors College Experience
• Being a Student-Athlete
• Impact of UG Research
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Ian Cleary, OUHC1 []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall OU Honors College Experience []
• High School Interests []
• Applying to Honors College []
• Transition to College []
• Academics at OU []
• The Teaching []
• UG Research []
• Skills Developed with Research []
• Challenges of Student-Athlete []
• Campus Activities []
• Choosing Biomedical Sciences as a Major []
• Sports Medicine []
• The Honors College Difference []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guest: Ian Cleary is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at Oakland University Honors College.

Memorable Quote: “Our lab, we have a lot of people that come in from foreign countries. So we have people from Zimbabwe, Mexico, Italy, and Puerto Rico. So I learned a lot about different cultures and stuff like that, and what life is like, sort of around the world”. Ian Cleary.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research

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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:

• High School Ranking Relevance in Admissions []
• Waiving Enrollment Deposit []
• Slashing Tuition By Half []

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 []
• The Daily Pennsylvanian []
• NY Times []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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Nathan lives with a rare neurological diagnosis. In his upper class in high school, he started getting involved with the community, focusing on how to be compassionate towards people with disabilities.

Nathan joins our podcast to share his experiences on his undergraduate college journey at MassBay Community College & Merrimack, on Founding a Scholarship, and his Advice for High School Students with disabilities.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Overall Undergraduate Experience
• Transition to MassBay Community College
• Founding a Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Nathan Persampieri, Merrimack [0:46]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:57]
• Overall UG Experience [4:49]
• High School Interests [5:45]
• Choosing MassBay [8:16]
• Transition to MassBay [11:49]
• MassBay Peers [16:02]
• Choosing a Major [18:10]
• Founding a Scholarship [20:53]
• Transition to 4-year College [26:44]
• Social Justice Major [32:23]
• Campus Activities [34:27]
• Advice for High Schoolers [37:55]
• Memories [40:25]

Our Guests: Nathan Persampieri is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Justice from Merrimack College. Nathan received the Associates degree in Liberal Arts from MassBay Community College.

Memorable Quote: “In a world where you can be anything, Be Kind”. Nathan Persampieri.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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According to Rohan Pasari, CEO of Cialfo, while some schools have College Counselors on their staff, globally around 95% of the students do not have access to dedicated counselors.

As high schoolers and their parents start to seriously think about college in their sophomore years, one of the important resources they start to look for is a College Counselor.

Athena Lao walks us through the Things to Consider as you choose your College Counselor.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Athena Lao []
• What to Look for in a College Counselor? []
• What Really Matters []
• Evaluating Your College Counselor []

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: “I would say, though, that there are some other factors that one should also consider and that in some ways, I think, are more important than those usual categories that people are thinking about.” Athena Lao.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Podcasts:

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When Prof. Chiang started doing research as an undergraduate, she found she had lots of questions. They were good questions. And when the Graduate Assistants couldn’t answer her questions, they told her she should go to graduate school.

Today, Prof. Chiang runs a UG Lab in Social Emotional Development and is on the Advisory Board of the Mentored UG Research and Creative Endeavors program.

Prof. Chiang joins us on our podcast to talk about UG Research at Georgia College, CUR’s Role, Success Stories, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Prof. Tsu-Ming Chiang’s Background
• UG Research at GCSU
• Student Success Stories
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Prof. Tsu-Ming Chiang, GCSU []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Importance of UG Research []
• Is Research Teachable? []
• Prof. Chiang’s UG Research Role []
• CUR’s Role []
• Faculty Participation []
• Across Disciplines []
• Student Participation []
• Success Stories []
• Skills Developed with Research []
• Helping Undecideds []
• What’s Next? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Prof. Tsu-Ming Chiang is a Professor of Psychology at Georgia College and State University. Prof. Chiang received her PhD in Psychology from the University of Wyoming.

Memorable Quote: “As a faculty mentor that it is, it is very exciting to see that your students grow. And I can observe the growth year by year.” Prof. Tsu-Ming Chiang.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Prof. Jenemann did not grow up dreaming of being the Dean of an Honors College. He didn’t think he’d be working with such extraordinary people either.

Today, he is the Dean of University of Vermont Honors College - which traces its model to the philosopher, education reformer & an 1879 graduate of UVM, John Dewey.

In this podcast, Dean Jenemann introduces the UVM Honors College, Highlights of Key Programs, How to Apply, UG Research, Study Abroad and Career Opportunities.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Dean David Jenemann’s Background
• UVM Honors College
• Student Requirements
• Career Opportunities

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dean David Jenemann, UVM Honors College []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• About UVM Honors College []
• Faculty []
• Program Highlights []
• UG Research/Thesis []
• Research Grants []
• Summer Programs []
• Student Participation in Summer Programs []
• Study Abroad []
• How to Apply []
• Student Body Profile []
• Scholarships []
• Career Opportunities []

Our Guest: David Jenemann is Professor of English and the Dean of the University of Vermont Honors College. Dean Jenemann received a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from Swarthmore College. He earned his PhD in Comparative Studies in Discourse and Society from the University of Minnesota.

Memorable Quote: “We really want a thesis to be appropriate to a student's major and appropriate to their discipline, as well as a project that they're excited about taking ownership of and seeing it through from germ of an idea to completion.” Dean Jenemann.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Tim discovered undergraduate research as a student at Oklahoma State University when a peer introduced him to this idea of partnering with Faculty and doing research. Tim graduated with 3 different UG degrees - in English, History and Political Science, each one with a thesis project.

Today, Tim champions and coordinates UG Research at the U of Colorado, Boulder.

On our podcast, Tim O’Neil talks about UG Research at UC Boulder, the role CUR plays, Impact of Research on Students, and finally the Advice for high schoolers.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Tim O’Neil, University of Colorado Boulder []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Personal UG Experience []
• Research is Teachable []
• Tim’s Role []
• Introducing Students to UG Research []
• Research Infrastructure []
• Student Distribution []
• CUR’s Role []
• Success Stories - The Lightbulb Moment []
• Research Impact on Students []
• What’s Next? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Timothy O’Neil is the Asst. Director, Undergraduate Enrichment Programs at University of Colorado, Boulder. Tim received the Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science, History and English from Oklahoma State University. He then earned his Master’s degree in English at Oklahoma State University.

Memorable Quote: “ And yes, everybody can do academic research. We do research all the time, intuitively as we engage with the world. And we bring up prior experience and apply critical thinking. And we're engaging in that activity all the time.” Timothy O’Neil.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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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:

• Gap Year Preparation []
• Juniors College Prep During Winter Break []
• Preparing for Digital SAT Exam []

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 (Gap Year) []
• US News []
• WTKR []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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Prof. Niels Christensen’s first experience with Honors College was as a faculty member at San Diego State University and was randomly assigned to teach the Honors Introductory Psychology course.

Prof. Christensen loved teaching these engaged, interesting students so much that he asked the Dept Chair if he could teach this honors class again.

His Dept Chair asked him to get in line!

Today, Prof. Christensen is the Director of the Honors College at Radford University.

In this podcast, Director Christensen introduces the Honors College at Radford University, Notable Programs, What they look for in their Students, Faculty, and Career Opportunities.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Director Niels Christensen’s Background
• Honors College at Radford University
• Student Requirements
• Career Opportunities

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dir. Niels Christensen of Honors College at Radford U [0:52]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [2:13]
• Professional Background [4:35]
• About Radford Honors College [6:24]
• Honors College Characteristics [9:22]
• Notable Programs [11:04]
• How to Apply [12:21]
• Student Community Profile [13:57]
• Faculty [15:48]
• UG Research/Capstone [17:34]
• Scholarships [19:01]
• SURF - Summer Research [20:18]
• Study Abroad [21:53]
• Career Opportunities [24:04]
• Wrap up [25:23]

Our Guest: Niels Christensen is Professor of Psychology and the Director of the Honors College at Radford University. Director Christensen received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame. He then earned his Master’s and PhD in Social Psychology from Texas A&M University.

Memorable Quote: “ The honors students really liked that sort of conversational discussion, seminar approach to learning. And so all of the honors courses at Radford are capped at 20 students, and they're very small. And that gives the faculty the flexibility to maybe teach the class in somewhat unusual ways.” Director Niels Christensen.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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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:

• International Enrollments Rise []
• More US Colleges Offer Direct Admissions []
• Top Law Schools Leave US News Ranking []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• CBS News []
• The Wall Street Journal []
• CNN []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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When Prof. Coleman was in college, she got to know a close friend’s parents, who were University Professors. She really liked the life they were leading.

She wanted to emulate them. They advised her to find a “rock star” Professor whose class she really liked, and ask to do research in their lab.

She did.

That UG Research started her off into a decades-long journey into academia and research.

Prof. Coleman joins us on our podcast to talk about UG Research at Western New Mexico University, CUR’s Role, Enabling Research Online, Impact of Research, Success Stories, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Prof. Jennifer Coleman’s Background
• UG Research at WNMU
• Doing Research Online
• Student Success Stories
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Prof. Jennifer Coleman, WNMU []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• UG Research in College []
• UG Research For All []
• Prof. Coleman’s UG Research Role []
• CUR’s Role []
• Resources for Students []
• Matching Funds []
• Why Virtual Research []
• Impact of UGR []
• Student Participation []
• Success Stories []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Prof. Jennifer Coleman is a Professor of Psychology at Western New Mexico University. Prof. Fernandes received the Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology from SUNY Geneseo. She received her Master’s degree in College Teaching, and PhD in Cognitive Psychology and Psycholinguistics from the University of New Hampshire.

Memorable Quote: “...if you find the school that's right for you, then that school is awesome! That school is fantastic. So whether or not it's big, or small, whether or not it's you know, online or in person, when you find what's right for you, create the opportunities that you want to have. And I think, they will be there for you.” Prof. Jennifer Coleman.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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When Herb was in High School, he wanted to be an architect, though he didn’t quite know what it was. After High School he went to college, but dropped out after 2 years. After working in retail for a number of years, he went back to college to pursue Architecture.

In this podcast, Herb shares his College Journey, Career Flow, About US Colleges, Exploring Colleges, Majors, Impact of College and Advice for High Schoolers and Parents.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• College Journey
• Types of US Colleges
• How to Explore Colleges, Majors
• College Impact
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dr. Herb Childress [0:50]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [2:01]
• The Initial College Journey [5:08]
• On Going Back to College [9:48]
• Types of US Colleges [11:11]
• How Families Should Approach College Education [19:37]
• Majors - How to Explore [24:25]
• Finding Your Passion [27:23]
• Looking for a College Degree versus College Experience [29:35]
• Finding Your College [32:11]
• Herb’s College Experience [36:28]
• Impact of College [40:08]
• Advice to High Schoolers [42:41]

Our Guest: Dr. Herb Childress is a Writer, Social Researcher and Academic. Dr. Childress received the Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture from the University of California Berkeley. He then earned his PhD in Architecture (Environment- Behavior Studies) from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Dr. Childress has a number of fiction and nonfiction books to his credit.

Memorable Quote: “ Every good thing that's happened in my career is because I've said yes to some opportunity that I was afraid of.” Dr. Herb Childress.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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In High School Ian was constantly exploring. He took a number of different classes to figure out what he liked and didn’t like. He loved Math, French. He enjoyed being part of the crew in Theater. He was involved in the Orchestra.

When he was applying to college, he didn’t even know that Research was a thing!

Ian joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at Grand Valley, his UG Research experiences, and Advice for college-bound students.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Overall Grand Valley Experience
• UG Research
• Impact of UG Research
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Ian Curtis, GVSU [0:43]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:50]
• Overall Grand Valley Experience [4:14]
• Why Grand Valley? [5:24]
• High School Interests [7:03]
• Research By Accident [9:40]
• 1700’s French Encyclopedia [13:33]
• Detecting Censorship [19:53]
• Other Kinds of UG Research [21:20]
• Music Recommendation Algorithm [23:59]
• Impact of UG Research [27:05]
• Choosing Stat & French as Majors [31:34]
• Language-Culture Study [34:58]
• What Next? [36:47]
• Advice for Freshman [38:22]
• Skills for High Schoolers [42:19]
• Memories [45:42]

Our Guest: Ian Curtis is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics and French at Grand Valley State University.

Memorable Quote: “I'm promoting research on campus because I hope it kind of demystifies the idea of research is like this, you must be an expert to research, and you must know what you're doing, and you must have it perfect and all laid out. That's just not how it works in any research project”. Ian Curtis.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Prof. Fernandes’ journey into research, took flight while studying Fruit Flies as part of her PhD. It brought excitement and enthusiasm to her graduate program as she created new knowledge

But, her first encounter with UG Research occurred when she joined the Faculty at Miami University. Now, she is the Director of Undergraduate Research at Miami University in Ohio.

On our podcast, Prof. Fernandes talks about UG Research at Miami University, the role CUR plays, Impact of Research on UG Students, Success stories, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Prof. Joyce Fernandes’ Background
• UG Research at Miami University Ohio
• Student Success Stories
• Skills for Research

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Prof. Joyce Fernandes, Miami University Ohio [0:47]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [2:13]
• Professional Background [4:30]
• Why is UG Research Important? [8:32]
• Benefits of UG Research to Students [9:59]
• Prof. Fernandes’ UG Research Role [13:08]
• CUR’s Role [16:06]
• Student Participation [18:01]
• Success Stories [22:29]
• Impact on Students [25:25]
• What’s Next for UG Research at Miami U [27:52]
• Advice for High Schoolers [29:37]
• Closing Thoughts [31:16]

Our Guest: Prof. Joyce Fernandes is a Professor of Biology & the Director of Undergraduate Research at Miami University in Ohio. Prof. Fernandes received the Bachelor’s Degrees in Chemistry and Microbiology from St. Xavier’s College in Goa, India. She received her Master’s Degree in Microbiology from MS University in Baroda, India. Prof. Fernandes received her PhD in Developmental Biology from University of Mumbai, India.

Memorable Quote: “...that's what I've really liked about research, is that it is uncharted territory, and there's excitement along the way, it can be as exciting as you make it out to be.” Prof. Fernandes on UG Research .

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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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:

• Enrollment Drop is Letting up []
• These Colleges Look for Test Scores []
• 6 Ways for Your College Application to Stand Out []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• NPR []
• US News (Test Scores) []
• US News []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

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20 years after high school, Stacy started at MassBay Community College. She decided to study science.

The transition to college was hard, especially while managing a family with two very young children.

Stacy joins our podcast to share her undergraduate experiences, UG Research experiences at MassBay Community College and UMass Boston, and winning the Goldwater Scholarship.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Undergraduate Experience
• Going to College after a 20-Year Gap
• Research at MassBay CC and UMass
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Stacy Okada, UMass Boston [0:40]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:45]
• Overall UG Research Experience [4:31]
• High School Interests [5:38]
• The 20-Year Gap [6:39]
• Motivation to Go to College [7:55]
• Transition to MassBay Community College [8:44]
• Introduction to UG Research [9:43]
• Research Impact [12:54]
• Goldwater Scholarship [14:17]
• GW Application [15:59]
• Transition from 2-year to 4-year college [17:12]
• The Classes [18:46]
• Peers & The Age Difference [20:54]
• Research at UMass [22:14]
• MassBay vs UMass [24:07]
• Majoring in Biochemistry [26:38]
• Skills from Research [28:53]
• UG Redo? [30:30]
• More Fulfilling? [33:23]
• Advice for High Schoolers [35:42]
• Memories [37:29]

Our Guests: Stacy Okada graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Stacy received the Associate’s degree in Forensic DNA Science from MassBay Community College. Stacy received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship in 2016.

Memorable Quote: “And I know there are other people out there like me who didn't get it right the first time. And community colleges are just so big on second chances. That's why I love them with my whole heart.” Stacy Okada.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research

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In high school, Holden’s passion for cooking landed him on a TV Show called Man versus Child: Chef Showdown as a child chef.

Naturally, when time came for college, he wanted to go where he could build on his love for food.

Holden joins us on our podcast to share his unusual undergraduate experience at Tufts, The Coke Scholarship, Pursuing his passion for food, and Advice for high schoolers. #CokeScholars

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Overall Experience at Tufts
• Why Tufts?
• Passion for Cooking
• Study Abroad in Germany
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Holden Dahlerbruch, Tufts [0:53]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [2:12]
• Overall Tufts Experience [4:36]
• Why Tufts? [6:02]
• High School Interests [10:33]
• The TV Show [13:01]
• Passion for Cooking [14:40]
• Culinary Playground [16:24]
• Applying for Coke Scholarship [19:55]
• Reasons for Getting the Scholarship [23:69]
• The Coke Difference [27:40]
• The Tufts Transition [30:19]
• The Classes [34:00]
• The Virtual Year [38:30]
• The Year Abroad - Germany [41:33]
• What Next? [45:34]
• Advice for High Schoolers [48:30]
• Memories [53:59]

Our Guests: Holden Dahlerbruch is a Senior at Tufts University double majoring in International Relations and Interdisciplinary Studies. Holden is a 2019 Coke Scholar.

Memorable Quote: “First off, always ask. If you are too afraid to ask, you’ve lost the opportunity”. Holden.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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International students typically apply to colleges and universities in 2-3 destination countries - each with their unique requirements and process. This results in a lot of separate series of steps across portals, not just for the students, but for the entire ecosystem of counselors, teachers, recommenders and schools.

Cialfo has a solution: Direct Apply - a one-stop application for international applicants.

Rohan Pasari is the Co-founder and CEO of Cialfo, a Global Ed-Tech company in Singapore.

Rohan joins us on our podcast to tell us What Direct Apply is, Feature Highlights, Benefits for Int’l Students, Counselors and Schools, and Why even Colleges and Universities like it.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• What is Direct Apply?
• Direct Apply Features
• How Cialfo Benefits Students, Schools & Counselors
• Why Colleges Like Direct Apply

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Rohan Pasari, Cialfo [0:47]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [2:19]
• What is Direct Apply? [4:33]
• Origins of Direct Apply [7:32]
• Direct Apply Highlights [11:25]
• Colleges Connect [15:53]
• Usage Workflow [17:25]
• How Counselors Benefit [22:55]
• Cialfo Education Advisors [26:04]
• How Colleges Benefit [28:14]
• Visa Services [30:04]
• What’s Next? [31:49]
• Competition? [34:09]
• Close [35:24]

Our Guest: Rohan Pasari is the Co-founder and CEO of Cialfo. Rohan graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Economics from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Cialfo currently supports over 300,000 students on its “common application” platform.

Memorable Quote: “And that [Direct Apply] allows students to make well informed decisions, which is in their best interest. And, you know, getting unbiased information on the application process, and what it takes to actually get into these universities, is really important.” Rohan Pasari.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Suggested Episodes: College Experiences (Alumni)

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In 1977, Oakland University Honors College opened its doors. Prof. Graeme Harper joined as the Dean of the Honors College in 2011. At the time there were around 400 students.

Today, it has grown to over 2000 students across majors.

In this podcast, Dean Harper tells us, What is an Honors College?, It's Origins, Introduces Oakland University Honors College, Its Distinctive Programs, What they look for in their Students, Merit Scholarships and Career Opportunities.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• What are Honors Colleges and Programs?
• Oakland University Honors College
• Why Attend OU Honors College?
• Student Requirements
• Career Opportunities

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dean Graeme Harper, OU Honors College []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• What is an Honors College? []
• Origins of Honors College []
• Honors College vs Honors Program []
• Honors College Admissions []
• About OU Honors College []
• Highlights of HC Programs []
• Examples of “Interesting” HC Programs []
• Popular Courses []
• Criteria for Students’ Acceptance []
• Profile of Honors Students []
• Applying for HC []
• Merit Scholarships []
• Impressive Career Opportunities []
• Checklist to Evaluate Honors College []

Our Guest: Professor Graeme Harper is the Dean of the Oakland University Honors College, Rochester, Michigan. Dean Harper received the Bachelor of Arts degrees in History, English, Economic History from the University of Sydney. He then earned her Master of Letters from the University of New England (AU), PhD in Creative Arts from University of Technology Sydney. Dean Harper also received a PhD in from the School of English and American Studies from the University of East Anglia (UK).

Memorable Quote: “ There's quite a strong focus here [Honors College] on doing a project and doing some senior work with mentorship. And there's quite a strong emphasis on collaboration and working with the different faculty and so forth across campus.” Dean Graeme Harper.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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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:

• Class of 2022 has the Lowest ACT Scores []
• SAT Or NOT? []
• Common FAFSA Mistakes []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• ABC News []
• NJFamily.com []
• US News []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

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Kevin fell in love with Physics in High School. Space intrigued him to the extent that he entertained thoughts of being an astronaut. But above all, he loved teaching. So, when time came for college, Kevin looked for schools that would help him be a High School Physics Teacher.

Today, he is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Cincinnati.

Kevin joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey, his UG Research in Physics at Truman State University, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Road to Internal Medicine, and his Advice for high schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Overall Undergraduate Experience
• UG Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Physics Major to Internal Medicine
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Prof. Kevin Haworth, U of Cincinnati [0:51]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:59]
• High School Interests [4:52]
• Choosing Truman State University [7:43]
• Transition to Truman State [10:50]
• UG Research Impact [16:36]
• Applying for Goldwater Scholarship [19:07]
• Why the Application Stood Out? [21:46]
• The Goldwater Scholarship Difference [26:11]
• Grad School to Study Applied Physics [31:05]
• Research Skills Gained [38:30]
• Skills for High Schoolers [42:04]
• Memories [45:32]

Our Guests: Kevin Haworth is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Cincinnati. Kevin is a graduate of Truman State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics. He is the recipient of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship. He received his Masters and Doctorate in Applied Physics from the University of Michigan. Subsequently he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Cincinnati.

Memorable Quote: “..Sometimes I think maybe the reviewer had misread my application, or had it mixed up with somebody else.” Kevin Haworth on winning the Goldwater Scholarship.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research

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As undergraduate students at Radford University in Virginia, Jenny Davis and James Chouinard found themselves doing community-based research at the Women’s Resource Center. They were excited and enthusiastic about the research and in doing so learned the research process.

Today Drs. Davis and Chouinard are with the School of Sociology at ANU and nurturing Faculty Mentors.

Drs. Davis & Chouinard join us on our podcast to talk about their UG Research at Radford University, Impact of UG Research, Pursuit of Graduate work, Experiences as Faculty Mentors, and finally the Advice for high schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with them:

• Dr. Jenny Davis & James Chouinard’s Background
• UG Research Radford University
• Impact of UG Research
• Being Faculty Mentors
• Skills for tomorrow’s Researchers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Drs. Jenny Davis & James Chouinard, ANU [0:42]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [2:18]
• Professional Backgrounds [5:13]
• Getting into UG Research [7:56]
• Initial Research Topics [11:21]
• The Research Experience [13:24]
• Other Research Topics [16:00]
• UG Research Takeaways [18:33]
• Student Participation [22:18]
• Why Sociology? [23:41]
• Impact of UG Research [28:17]
• Being a Faculty Mentor [32:57]
• UG Research in US vs Australia [38:12]
• Skills Developed with Research [41:44]
• Dealing with Wrong Hypothesis [48:37]
• Advice for High Schoolers [52:37]
• Memories [55:19]

Our Guests: Dr. Jenny Davis is a Sociologist and Sr. Lecturer in the School of Sociology at the Australian National University in Canberra Australia. Dr. Davis received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Radford University in Virginia and PhD from Texas A&M University.

Dr. James Chouinard is a Lecturer in the School of Sociology at the Australian National University in Canberra Australia. Dr. Chouinard received his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Radford University in Virginia and PhD from Texas A&M University.

Memorable Quote: “ The research process is so messy, and it's really hard. And you have to sort of trust in yourself that you can do hard things, you have to trust in your faculty mentors, that they'll guide you through those, those hard things. ” Dr. Jenny Davis.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: UG Research

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Almost half the college applicants cite college cost as a huge factor in college selection.

In this Podcast, Ben Stern of IvyAchievement shares his expertise in Factoring Finances while Building College Lists, Figuring out College ROI, and the Impact of Applying for Financial Aid on Admissions.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Ben Stern [0:51]
• College Selection with Finances in Mind [1:34]
• College ROI [3:54]
• Applying for Fin Aid Hurts Admissions Chances [11:08]

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: “It's absolutely pay to play. The more money you have, the better you'll do with the admissions process.” Ben Stern.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Podcasts: College Experiences

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Sophia’s immediate family members have a neurological condition which motivated her to want to go to Medical School. When time came for college, Sophia decided to go to Pasadena City College for financial reasons.

Sophia joins our podcast to share her undergraduate college journey, UG Research at Pasadena City College and UC San Diego, About winning the Goldwater Scholarship, and her advice for high schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Undergraduate & Research Experience
• Research at Pasadena City College
• Impact of UG Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Sophia Barber, UCSD [0:47]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [2:08]
• Overall Experience [4:37]
• High School Interests [6:19]
• Pasadena City College [8:06]
• UG Research at PCC [10:18]
• Impact of UG Research [13:09]
• Research & Internships [16:37]
• Intro to Bio Research at UCSD [20:05]
• Goldwater Scholarship [22:06]
• Why did the GW Application Work? [25:08]
• The Goldwater Scholarship Difference [27:45]
• Tough Transition from PCC to UCSD [29:24]
• Peers & Profs [32:14]
• Research at UCSD [34:56]
• What’s Next? [36:09]
• About Awards & Scholarships [36:48]
• Skills Developed by Research [38:48]
• Advice for High Schoolers [44:37]
• Memories [47:36]

Our Guest: Sophia Barber is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology at University of California San Diego. Sophia received the Associates degree in Biology from Pasadena City College. Sophia received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship in 2021.

Memorable Quote: “And so I think it's important when you're going to [a] lab to realize that you have just as much right to be there as everybody else. And that regardless of you know, you're going to make mistakes when you go in. And that's not a reflection on your person, your personal character or your abilities and lab because everybody makes mistakes. Yeah. And just, you know, enjoy the experience and work hard and it will pay off.” Sophia Barber.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Prof. Vargis was very excited when she started her undergraduate study in Bioengineering. While she made progress in her classes, she felt she had lost her way. Then, she started doing undergraduate research and applying what she was learning in the classroom.

Research was a Life Changer!

Prof. Vargis joins us on our podcast to talk about her background, UG Research in Vargis Lab, Resources for Students, Success Stories, and finally the Skills needed to do research.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Prof. Elizabeth Vargis’ Background
• UG Research at USU
• Student Success Stories
• Skills for Research

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Prof. Juk Bhattacharyya, UW Whitewater []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Importance of UG Research []
• USU Support for UG Research []
• Institutional or Departmental Infrastructure []
• Cross Discipline Research []
• Success Stories []
• Skills Needed for Research []
• Why is Research Inspiring? []
• What’s Next? []

Our Guest: Elizabeth Vargis is Associate Professor in Biological Engineering at Utah State University. Prof. Vargis graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in BioEngineering from the University of California Berkeley and Masters and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University.

Memorable Quote: “...the student may not feel comfortable speaking up to me, or, you know, disagreeing with me, but I, you know, I am at the stage where I've been disagreed with so many times. And, you know, my goal is not to be right, my goal is to do good research. And so that, so to me, it's all communication. And that's number one.” Prof. Vargis.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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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:

• FAFSA Makeover []
• Common Reasons College Applications are Rejected []
• Indians account for 20% of the Int’l Students in the US []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• USC Annenberg Media []
• US News []
• Erudera News []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

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The goal of this series is to serve as a Primer for High Schoolers about a College Major, through our conversations with Faculty Experts in the various US Colleges and Universities.

We continue this series with Art History, with Prof. Alexa Sand of Utah State University.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• What is Art History ?
• Areas of Art History
• Research Topics
• Skills Needed
• Career Opportunities

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Prof. Alexa Sand []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• What is Art History? []
• The Origins []
• Why is Art History a Discipline? []
• Importance of Art History []
• Area of Art History []
• Art Across Geographies []
• Research Topics []
• Skills Needed []
• Is Art History for You? []
• Career Opportunities []
• Prof. Sand’s Art History Journey []

Our Guest: Alexa Sand is a Professor of Art History and the Associate VP of Research at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. Prof. Sand graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Art History and Anthropology from Williams College. She received her Master’s and PhD degrees in Art History from the University of California Berkeley.

Memorable Quote: “And the other great thing about Art History is it is often a really complimentary major to other fields of study. So you're an Anthropology major, or you're a Cognitive Science major, or you're a Civil Engineering major, like art history really plugs into so many different fields, because it touches on so many realms of human experience.” Prof. Alexa Sand.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Suggestions for you: Primers on College Majors

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Prof. Harris was a school teacher before she became a University Professor. As a teacher you collect a lot of data. On academics, achievement test scores, how to motivate students, what time to day do they learn better etc.

Research on that data, helps teachers provide better education to the kids in their classrooms!

On our podcast, Prof. Harris talks about UG Research at Georgia Southern, the role CUR plays, Impact of Research on Students, Success Stories, and finally the Skills for high schoolers to do Research.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Prof. Kymberly Harris, GSU []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Why UG Research? []
• Cascading Impact []
• Chair of UG Research []
• CUR’s Role []
• Student Participation []
• Engaging Students []
• Success Stories []
• Impact on Students []
• What’s Ahead? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Kymberly Harris is an Assoc. Professor in Elementary & Special Education & the Chair of Undergraduate Research Council at Georgia Southern University. Prof. Harris received the Bachelor of Arts degrees in secondary Education and Teaching from Athens State University. She then earned her PhD in Special Education and Teaching from the University of Alabama.

Memorable Quote: “ I mean, it [Research] is for everybody. It helps everybody, but it's especially helpful for those students who, you know, haven't really got their feet set in the path that they want to go because it gives them so much more interest.” Prof. Kymberly Harris on UG Research .

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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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:

• International Applications Rise []
• Georgia Students Try to Study Abroad due to Cost []
• Central Michigan U increases Enrollment []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• VOA News []
• Creative Loafing []
• 9&10 News []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

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Brett Steck, Esther Jeninga and Dean Wink are at the different stages of their undergraduate study.

While they are not even in the same major, they do UG Research together, in an interdisciplinary lab to study and monitor Landslides.

Brett, Esther and Dean join us on our podcast to talk about their Undergraduate Research experiences, their work on Landslide project, and how it is making a difference to them.

In particular, we discuss the following with them:

• How they Started UG Research at UW Whitewater
• The Landslide Project
• Benefits of doing UG Research
• Skills for Research

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Britain, Ethan, UW Whitewater []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Backgrounds []
• High School to UG Research []
• Why UG Research? []
• Landslide Project []
• Impact of Research []
• What’s Next? []
• Skills Needed for Research []

Our Guests: Brett Steck is a recent graduate of UW Whitewater with a Bachelor’s degree in Geology and Minor in Physics.

Esther Jeninga is a Senior studying Art at UW Whitewater.

Dean Wink is a Sophomore at UW Whitewater.

Memorable Quote: “And working with people of other disciplines has been great as well, like Brett said, and like, getting to talk to people who are not in Art Major are not always in the same building that I'm in all the time with all the other majors.” Esther Jeninga.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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Aaron always had an interest in Biology. He spent time outdoors chasing and catching bugs. He liked watching the Discovery Channel. Once he got to University of Florida, he found his research passion working on Regeneration.

Aaron joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey, UG Research in Regeneration at the University of Florida, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship and his advice for high schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Overall Undergraduate Experience
• UG Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Aaron Sandoval, U of Florida [0:50]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:59]
• Overall U of F Experience [4:30]
• Why U of Florida? [5:34]
• High School Interests [6:32]
• Transition to College [9:16]
• Peers [10:56]
• Professors & Teaching [13:08]
• Getting into UG Research [14:46]
• Research Topics [18:01]
• Impact of UG Research [21:46]
• Goldwater Scholarship [26:08]
• GW Process & The Difference [27:48]
• Picking Biology as a Major [33:39]
• Campus Activities [34:54]
• Marshall Scholarship [38:40]
• Applying to Med School [41:20]
• Advice for High Schoolers [43:04]
• Finding your Passion [47:12]
• Memories [50:46]

Our Guests: Aaron Sandoval is a graduate of University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. He is the recipient of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship in 2018. As a Marshall Scholar, he received the Master of Philosophy at the University of Cambridge and Master of Science in Stem Cell and Regenerative Therapies from King’s College, London. Aaron is currently at Harvard Medical School.

Memorable Quote: “But whenever I got involved with an initiative or extracurricular, and I was working with [a] Professor to solve a certain problem, like a research problem, or to start a new organization, that's when I was able to really, really get to know my professor super well. Because I had a lot of one-on-one face time with them. And not for the purpose of having FaceTime with them, but for the purpose of solving a problem.” Aaron Sandoval.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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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:

• How Colleges Make Admissions Decisions []
• UW to Make Admissions Automatic []
• Depression is Up among College 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]
• US News []
• WPR []
• Erudera []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

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Skylar is a 2022 Coke Scholar. Every year the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation awards a select set of High School Seniors the Coca Cola Scholarship.

In this Podcast, Skylar talks about being a Science Media Creator, Winning the Coca Cola Scholarship, her college search process, and advice to college aspirants. #CokeScholars

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Who is Skylar Walters?
• Science Media Creator & Other Interests
• Winning the Coke Scholarship
• College Process
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Skylar Walters, Coke Scholar []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Who is Skylar Walters? []
• High School Interests []
• Science Media Creator []
• The Inspiration []
• Being a Girl in Science []
• Why Coke Scholarship? []
• Coke Scholarship App Process []
• The Coke Scholarship Difference []
• Outlook for the Future []
• College Search []
• Advice to High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Skylar Walters is a 2022 Coke Scholar, and a recent graduate of Madison High School, New Jersey. Skylar will be a Freshman at Brown University in Fall 2022.

Memorable Quote: “I think there's a really big problem in science. And it's that it is way too highbrow. There are so many concepts that you can explain so simply, and so easily with, with better communication. ” Skylar Walters.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Dean loves History and English. He is on the Hockey team, Rowing team. He is part of the Advanced Choir & plays in concerts. His passion is to travel back in time and study the daily lives of people in the past.

In this Podcast, Dean talks about his High School interests, Extracurricular activities and his plans for College & Beyond!

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Who is Dean Kyriakopoulos?
• High School Interests
• College Process
• Priorities & Outlook for the Future

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dean Kyriakopoulos, Cranbrook Kingswood High School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Dean’s High School Interests []
• Passion []
• Future Outlook []
• Priorities []
• What does College look like for Dean []
• College Guidance []
• Memories []

Our Guest: Dean Kyriakopoulos is a Junior at Cranbrook Kingswood High School in Michigan.

Memorable Quote: “I'd say that in terms of what I value from a college, I'd say having a very good community, and involved community is something I find very important because I feel that being socially happy and socially involved, is one way to really drive yourself to be motivated in pursuing things that are educational”, Dean.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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The goal of this series is to serve as a Primer for High Schoolers about a College Major, through our conversations with Faculty Experts in the various US Colleges and Universities.

We continue this series with Creative Writing, with Dean Graeme Harper of Oakland University.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• What is Creative Writing ?
• Elements of Creative Writing
• Process of Creative Writing
• Skills Needed
• Career Opportunities

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dean Harper of Oakland University Honors College []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• What is Creative Writing? []
• “Imaginative State” []
• Elements of Creative Writing []
• Process of Creative Writing []
• Components of Creative Writing []
• Creative Writing over Time []
• Is Creative Writing Teachable []
• Skills Needed []
• Career Opportunities []
• Dean Harper’s Creative Writing Journey []

Our Guest: Professor Graeme Harper is the Dean of the Oakland University Honors College, Rochester, Michigan. Dean Harper received the Bachelor of Arts degrees in History, English, Economic History from the University of Sydney. He then earned her Master of Letters from the University of New England (AU), PhD in Creative Arts from University of Technology Sydney. Dean Harper also received a PhD in from the School of English and American Studies from the University of East Anglia (UK).

Memorable Quote: “... really it's playfulness is a key element to feel words can be used in a set aesthetic fashion, you know, can be used as a form of art, rather than used simply as a communication medium.” Dean Graeme Harper.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Suggestions for you: Primers on College Majors

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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:

• Chinese Students Visa to US Drops Below Pre-Pandemic Levels []
• Is the Cost of Test Prep Worth It? []
• 50% of College Students Fall Behind in Year 1 []
• States with Free Tuition Colleges []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• China Daily News []
• Banking Rates []
• Yahoo News []
• BankRate []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

• Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Newsletter
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Logan is a 2022 Coke Scholar. Every year the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation awards a select set of High School Seniors the Coca Cola Scholarship.

In this Podcast, Logan talks about his interests in Humanities & Sciences, Medicine, Winning the Coca Cola Scholarship, his college search process, and advice to college aspirants.1 #CokeScholars

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• Who is Logan Lau?
• Extracurricular Interests & Passion
• Winning the Coke Scholarship
• College Process
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Logan Lau, Coke Scholar []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Who is Logan Lau? []
• High School Interests []
• Research in High School []
• Indigenous Health []
• Why Coke Scholarship? []
• Coke Scholarship App Process []
• The Coke Scholarship Difference []
• Future Priorities & Aspirations []
• College Search []
• College Guidance []
• Enjoying the Process []
• Advice to High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Logan Lau is a 2022 Coke Scholar, and a recent graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapalama, Hawaii. Logan will be a Freshman in Stanford University in Fall 2022.

Memorable Quote: “ I know personally how stressful the whole process can be. And how, like, really, you can just feel so much anxiety and, and stress about your future, because so much as riding on such few moments.” Logan Lau’s Advice to High Schoolers.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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• Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Newsletter.
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Starting August 1, 2022, students who use the Coalition Application to apply for college, do so on Scoir. Earlier this year, Coalition announced a partnership with Scoir and Technolutions to create a one-stop college application platform.

Stacey Kostell, the Coalition CEO joins us on our podcast to tell us about the Partnership with Scoir and Technolutions, why that significantly accelerates their ability to execute their vision, and how students and all the coalition partners benefit.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Partnering with Scoir & Technolutions
• How Students Benefit
• Partner Benefits
• What’s Ahead

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Partnership with Scoir & Technolutions []
• Why Partner? []
• Migrating Coalition Features to Scoir []
• How CBOs Benefit []
• A Plus for Coalition Colleges []
• International Students []
• What’s Ahead ? []
• Close []

Our Guest: Stacey Kostell is the CEO of The Coalition for College Access. Stacey has a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University and Master’s from Ball State University. Stacey was the Associate Director of Admissions at Arizona State University, Associate Provost and Director of Admissions at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the Vice Provost of Enrollment Management at the University of Vermont.

Memorable Quote: “And Scoir was made differently [in] that any student or any parent could set up an account. And so you know, there's already a number of international students who can go on and set up an account to be on Scoir.” Stacey Kostell.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Suggestions for you: Podcasts with Counselors, College Experiences.

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Cara Skikne became a big believer in International Education after she went through the process of applying, then leaving her native South Africa for her MBA at Oxford in the UK. She then joined Studyportals as Senior Editor to work on International Education everyday.

Studyportals was founded to be a one-stop solution to find international college programs. Today, almost 15 years later, Studyportals lists over 200K programs, from over 3700 Universities in 110 countries, and served 52M prospective students in 2021.

Cara joins us on our podcast to tell us How Studyportals got started, How they help College-bound students & Universities, Global Int’l Student Trends and Advice for college-bound students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Cara Skikne’s Background
• About Studyportals
• How Studyportals Benefits Students and Universities
• Student & College Trends
• Advice for the Students

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Cara Skikne, Studyportals []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• About Studyportals []
• What Studyportals Offers Students []
• Services for Universities []
• Student Trends []
• College Trends []
• Connecting Students & Universities []
• Pandemic Impact []
• What Next? []
• Scholarships Info []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Cara Skikne is the Senior Editor of Studyportals. Cara graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Media Studies from Rhodes University in South Africa. Cara received her MBA from University of Oxford, UK.

Memorable Quote: “I think the biggest benefit of Studyportals for students is the fact that it's so comprehensive, that it actually lists over 90% of English taught programs anywhere on the planet.” Cara Skikne.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Suggested Episodes: College Experiences (Alumni)

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Christina had a number of interests in High school. She liked Math, Photography and Sports. She was the Leader of the Multicultural Alliance in HS. When time came for college, she wanted to go where STEM and Humanities came together.

Christina joins us on our podcast to share her UG Experience at Emory, how she got into UG Research, her research in Fairness in AI and advice for high schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Experience at Emory
• Fairness in AI UG Research
• Impact of UG Research
• Majoring in Mathematics & Computer Science
• Advice to Freshman and High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Christina Chance, Emory []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Emory Experience []
• Why Emory? []
• High School Interests []
• Math & Research []
• Starting UG Research []
• Fairness in AI []
• Interdisciplinary Research []
• Research Impact []
• Why Physics Minor? []
• PhD @UCLA []
• Advice for Freshman []
• Emory Redo []
• Skills for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Christina Chance graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and Physics Minor from Emory University. Christina joins the Doctoral Program at UCLA in Fall 2022.

Memorable Quote: “...there is a group called Girls for Technology, and the whole goal of the organization is to expose, like, young women to like tech. And so I went with them on a visit to Google, in New York City, where we met with a group of black women that worked there. And one of the biggest points of conversation was like, how identity influences tech”. Christina, about a field trip while in school.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research

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After taking a course in Psychology, Aditi found it very interesting. She loves English and Spanish. She writes for the School Newspaper, tutors young kids. As part of an internship, she did research in AI-based diagnosis for a medical company.

In this Podcast, Aditi talks about her High School interests, Extracurricular activities and her plans for College & Beyond!

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Who is Aditi Kapadia?
• High School Interests
• College Process
• Priorities & Outlook for the Future

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Aditi Kapadia, Cranbrook Kingswood High School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Who is Aditi Kapadia? []
• High School Interests []
• Extracurriculars []
• Tutoring Students []
• Medical Research []
• Passion for Psychology []
• Future Priorities []
• College Process []
• Outlook for the Future []
• High School Memories []

Our Guest: Aditi Kapadia is a rising senior at Cranbrook Kingswood High School in Michigan.

Memorable Quote: “So I think it's just the smaller things, you know, going to get coffee after school or whatever, it's just the smaller things, the smaller experiences I've really cherished over the years.” Aditi Kapadia about High School.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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When Prof. Kristen Genet started at Anoka-Ramsey, her plan was to just stay there for a few years. As an ecologist and trained researcher, she wanted to do research as well as teach. Over time, her role evolved to where undergraduate research became a significant part of her job.

Today, 20 years later, Anoka-Ramsey Community College has institutionalized undergraduate research across its programs.

In this Podcast, Prof. Genet first tells us how UG Research started at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, The Role of CCURI, How UG Research was integrated into the coursework, Success Stories and finally, advice for high school students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Anoka-Ramsey Community College
• How did Research come to ARCC?
• Institutionalizing UG Research
• Success Stories
• Advice for High School Students

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Prof. Kristen Genet, ARCC []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• About Research? []
• Is Research Teachable? []
• UG Research at ARCC []
• CCURI’s Role []
• Integ. UG Research into the Curricula []
• Institutionalizing UG Research []
• Cost of Adding Research into a Course []
• Impact of Integ. Research into a Course []
• Success Stories []
• Classroom vs Lab []
• What’s ahead? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Kristen Genet is a Professor of Biology at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Coon Rapids, MN. Prof. Genet earned her PhD from Michigan State University.

Memorable Quote: “And, when they start college with faculty, I would encourage them not to focus on perfection, not to focus on product over process, because it's a long road to learn how to how to learn and to learn how to be successful. And it involves trial, it involves error, it involves trying again.” Prof. Genet’s Advice to High Schoolers.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: UG Research

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• ToAsk the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
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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:

• 5 Ways to Earn College Credit []
• Pitt raises Tuition []
• Colleges Unprepared for Mental Health Issues []
• Most Employable Degrees []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• SILive []
• Post Gazette []
• Fortune []
• CNBC []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

• Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Newsletter
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• Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.
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Every year the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards a select set of High School Seniors the Coca Cola Scholarship. Rishika is a 2022 Coke Scholar.

In this Podcast, Rishika talks about her interests in Science, Arts, her social activism, Winning the Coca Cola Scholarship, her college search process, and her advice to college aspirants. #CokeScholars

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Who is Rishika Kartik?
• Extracurricular Interests
• Winning the Coke Scholarship
• College Process
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Rishika Kartik, Coke Scholar []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Who is Rishika Kartik? []
• High School Interests []
• Passion for the Blind []
• Working with Incarcerated Youth []
• Neuroplasticity []
• Why Coke Scholarship? []
• Coke Scholarship App Process []
• The Coke Impact []
• Career Thoughts []
• College Characteristics []
• Researching Colleges []
• College Counseling []
• College Process Surprises []
• Why Brown University? []
• Beyond College What? []
• Advice to High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Rishika Kartik is a 2022 Coke Scholar, and a recent graduate of St. Mary’s Academy in Englewood Colorado. Rishika will be a Freshman in Brown University in Fall 2022.

Memorable Quote: “I also made a list of what colleges would want to know about me. And something that is useful is [to] stop thinking of just your accomplishments and things like that, but also, who you are, because who you are, is just as important as what you do.” Rishika Kartik’s Advice to High Schoolers.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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• ToAsk the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
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After high school, Justice was forced to take up a job. During that period, a number of personal experiences & trauma motivated her to want to become a brain scientist.

So, after 6 years of selling insurance, Justice enrolled in Tulsa Community College, and opened the door to Research, The Goldwater Scholarship and more.

Justice joins our podcast to share her undergraduate college journey, UG Research experiences at TCC and UNC.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Undergraduate Experience
• Research at Tulsa Community College
• Impact of UG Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Justice Robinson, UNC []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall UG Experience []
• High School Interests []
• The Gap Years []
• Tulsa Community College []
• Why UG Research? []
• Kinds of UG Research []
• Impact of UG Research []
• Goldwater Scholarship []
• GW Application Process []
• Scholarship Impact []
• Transition from TCC to UNC []
• Peers []
• Research at UNC []
• How UG Research shaped her Education []
• UG Redo []
• Skills for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Justice Robinson is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Justice received the Associates degree in Biology from Tulsa Community College. Justice received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship in 2020.

Memorable Quote: “And so I am much more comfortable with not being perfect. And I think it's made a difference in my mentoring. And the way I address school where I'm not as stressed out, I'm planning things better. So taking a step back and kind of experiencing not being the best, really made me better all around, I think” Justice Robinson.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research

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Olivia grew up loving school. She loved most subjects and was very good at it. She was an avid ceramic artist. She was active in student government. When applying to college, she was planning to major in Business and then apply to Law School.

When Olivia joined USU, an introductory Art History class scrambled those plans. Olivia joins our podcast to tell us how, and share her UG Research experiences and her undergraduate college journey at USU.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Experience at USU
• Getting Started in with Research
• Impact of UG Research
• Majoring in Statistics and Art History
• Advice to Freshman and High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Olivia Brock, USU [0:49]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:51]
• Overall USU Experience [4:10]
• Why USU? [5:58]
• High School Interests [7:46]
• Discovering Research [10:21]
• Why Research? [14:27]
• Research Details - Stats & Manuscript [16:16]
• Curator - Art Exhibition [21:51]
• Impact of Research [24:41]
• Majors Selection [28:43]
• What’s Next for Olivia? [32:45]
• Advice for Freshman [34:04]
• Skills for High Schoolers [36:59]
• Memories [39:31]

Our Guests: Olivia Brock graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics & Statistics and Art History from Utah State University.

Memorable Quote: “I am thinking of my high school English teacher, who kind of transformed my ability to write. And it was kind of a harsh experience. He definitely was not easy on me or any of his students. But I think I became a strong writer because of that. And it's, it's paid off many times over since then. So yeah, learn to write.” Olivia Brock.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research

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Dean Graeme Harper did not do research as an undergraduate. Research in a true sense began for him as a Graduate Student. But Dean Harper is no stranger to creativity. He is a writer with dozens of Fiction and Non-fiction books to his credit.

Today, Dean Harper and his team have embedded UG Research into the Oakland University Honors College Program.

In this podcast, Dean Harper talks about UG Research at the Honors College, CUR’s role, Impact of Research on Students, Success Stories, and advice for high schoolers.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dean Graeme Harper, OU Honors College [0:53]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [2:08]
• Professional Background [4:39]
• Personal Impact of UG Research [6:59]
• Research & UG Students [8:28]
• Dean Harper’s Role [10:15]
• CUR’s Role [13:05]
• UG Research Infrastructure & Resources [16:38]
• Faculty Participation [19:18]
• Success Stories [22:15]
• What’s Ahead for Research at OU [26:37]
• Advice for High Schoolers [29:00]
• Closing Thoughts [33:01]

Our Guest: Professor Graeme Harper is the Dean of the Oakland University Honors College, Rochester, Michigan. Dean Harper received the Bachelor of Arts degrees in History, English, Economic History from the University of Sydney. He then earned her Master of Letters from the University of New England (AU), PhD in Creative Arts from University of Technology Sydney. Dean Harper also received a PhD in from the School of English and American Studies from the University of East Anglia (UK).

Memorable Quote: “ I tell people to do this all the time. And I probably got professors out there that, you know, wonder why they're getting these emails. But I tell people to email, go on to a university website and email a professor that looks interesting and say, “I like your research. Can you talk about it to me? Can you tell me what you do?” Prof. Graeme Harper to Students.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: UG Research

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History has always fascinated Charlotte. For Halloween she would be Cleopatra or Marie Antoinette or some other historical figure. Never a superhero!

Charlotte joins us on this Podcast to talk about her High School interests, her involvement in the high school community, and as a rising senior, her plans for College & Beyond!

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Who is Charlotte James?
• High School Interests
• College Process
• Priorities & Outlook for the Future

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Charlotte James, Dowling Catholic High School [0:37]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:31]
• Who is Charlotte James? [3:45]
• High School Interests [5:16]
• Extracurriculars in High School [6:35]
• Passion for Public Speaking [8:07]
• Future Priorities [9:32]
• What does College Look Like? [11:08]
• College Major? [15:12]
• College Process [16:50]
• Outlook for the Future [19:51]
• Memories [21:31]

Our Guest: Charlotte James is a rising senior at Dowling Catholic High School, Des Moines Iowa.

Memorable Quote: “I am confident with the way that I handle myself and how I handle situations that I can't control. The future can sometimes be scary, but when I take a step back and, like, reevaluate, I'm excited.” Charlotte James.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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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:

• Columbia University Unranked! []
• AI Lecturers Shortage []
• Bowdoin College Goes Need-Blind for Int’l Students []
• Tips to Reduce College Debt []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• USNews []
• The Register []
• Bowdoin []
• Kansas City []
• Dartmouth []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

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The goal of this series is to serve as a Primer for High Schoolers about a College Major, through our conversations with Faculty Experts in the various US Colleges and Universities.

We continue this series with Geology, with Prof. Juk Bhattacharyya of UW Whitewater.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• What is Geology?
• Areas of Geology
• Key Discoveries
• Skills Needed
• Career Opportunities

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Prof. Juk Bhattacharyya [0:54]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:50]
• What is Geology? [4:20]
• The Origins [8:11]
• Why is Geology Important? [16:15]
• Branches of Geology [19:54]
• Key Discoveries [23:27]
• What’s Needed to Pursue Geoscience? [25:51]
• The Need for Interdisciplinary Study [31:25]
• Career Opportunities [32:58]
• Grad School vs Industry [37:17]
• Prof. Bhattacharyya’s Geology Journey [41:20]

Our Guest: Juk Bhattacharyya is a Professor of Geology at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. Prof.Bhattacharyya graduated with a Master’s degree in Geology from the University of Calcutta and her PhD in Geology from the University of Minnesota.

Memorable Quote: “So geologists are some of the people who are at the forefront of whenever disaster strikes. So anywhere you have a landslide, you have geologists who are looking at monitoring it. They're trying to address it. Anywhere you have a tsunami, you have geologists jumping in, to provide information, what's going, what to do, what not to do.” Prof. Bhattacharyya.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Suggestions for you: Primers on College Majors

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Ro grew up watching TV shows like “Bones”, “NCIS” and “Castle” which got her excited about Forensic Science. In High School, Biology & Environmental Science were her favorite subjects. When Ro joined Emory University, she started doing research in her very first semester!

Ro joins us on our podcast to share her UG Research experiences, her work in the Ancient DNA Lab, and her undergraduate college journey at Emory University.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Overall Experience at Emory
• Getting Started in Anthropology UG Research
• Impact of UG Research
• Majoring in Anthropology and Human Biology
• Advice to Freshman and High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Rosseirys De La Rosa, Emory [0:49]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:55]
• Overall Experience [4:40]
• Why Emory? [5:22]
• High School Interests [6:41]
• Transition to Emory [8:56]
• Discovering UG Research [11:38]
• Research Details [14:04]
• Takeaways/Outcomes of Research [19:49]
• Research Impact [24:56]
• Picking Majors [26:26]
• What’s Next for Ro? [31:25]
• Advice for Freshman [32:26]
• Skills for High Schoolers [33:54]
• Memories [36:34]

Our Guests: Rosseirys De La Rosa (“Ro”) graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical and Biological Anthropology from Emory University. Ro plans to join the Doctoral Program in Anthropology at Vanderbilt University in Fall 2022.

Memorable Quote: “But definitely, if it wouldn't have been for my research experience, there's no way I would have been able to get into such a good school”. Ro, on being accepted into the Doctoral Program at Vanderbilt University.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research

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