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Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly Newsletter Dean Vakharia has an interdisciplinary background. An Engineering undergraduate, master’s in arts administration and Phd in Information Science. He has experience working in the corporate sector as well with non-profits. When the opportunity to be Dean of the HC came up, he threw his hat in the ring. On this podcast, Dean Vakharia shares his background, his vision for Pennoni Honors College, Honors Programs, Scholarships & Grants, Role of AI, Career Opportunities, and Advice for High Schoolers. In particular, we discuss the following with him:  Dean Neville Vakharia’s BackgroundPennoni Honors CollegeImpact of AICareer OpportunitiesTopics discussed in this episode: Introducing Dean Vakharia, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel U []Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []Background []Becoming the Dean []Vision for Honors College []Flagship Programs []Custom Design Major []Fostering UG Research []Fellowship Programs []Financial Aid []HC Applicants []AI Impact []Career Opportunities []Advice for High Schoolers []Closing Thoughts []Our Guest: Dr. Neville Vakharia is the Dean of the Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Dean Vakharia is an Associate Professor in the Arts Administration program at the Antoinette Westphal College. Memorable Quote: “...put the focus on you as a student, as a learner, and focus on your own growth, and that will get you where you want to go.” Dean Vakharia.  Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript. Similar Episodes: College Experiences Calls-to-action: Follow us on Instagram.To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected] or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly Newsletter After finishing High School, Dr. Cannon joined the Marine Corps as an Arabic Cryptologic Linguist. Dr. Cannon loved the process of learning a language. So, after the Marine Corps, Dr Cannon attended the University of Pittsburgh where he discovered archaeology which he combined with his love for languages.  Dr. Cannon joins us on our podcast to talk about UG Research at Frederick Honors College, Research Infrastructure, Research Fellowships, Success stories, and Advice for High Schoolers. Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Dr. Josh Cannon, University of Pittsburgh [] Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [] Background [] Why Languages? [] Interest in Research [] Research Infrastructure and Resources [] Students’ Research Participation [] Fellowships [] Success Stories [] Advice for High Schoolers [] Our Guest: Dr. Josh Cannon is the Director of Research at Frederick Honors College, University of Pittsburgh. Memorable Quote: “So if you're going to spend time doing this research, you really should present, or you should try to publish, or you should try to use it as kind of a launching pad for a different research project that you do by yourself or you do with another faculty member. So we kind of work with them on how would that, what would that look like? And how do you find a professional conference that you might want to present at? Oh, you found it now. How do you write an abstract? And how do you submit it?”Dr. Cannon. Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript. Calls-to-action: Follow us on Instagram. ToAsk the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected]. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly Newsletter Making sense of the College News. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take. Topics discussed in this episode: College Visits and Why you should do them [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript. Calls-to-action: Follow us on Instagram. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.  For Podcast Transcripts, visitalmamatters.io/podcasts.

Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly Newsletter In the Fall semester of 2024, Dr. Cannon used the Getting Started with UG Research Workbook as a resource in a class he taught the Honors College freshmen In this special episode, we talk to Dr Cannon and 3 students - John, Preeti and Jacob about their experience with the workbook! On our podcast, Dr Cannon talks about using the workbook, the students describe their experiences and suggestions, and finally some advice for high schoolers. To learn more about the Workbook, please email using the subject line ‘UGR Workbook’ [email protected] the subject line ‘UGR Workbook’) In particular, we discuss the following with them:  Dr. Cannon on Using the Workbook in a classUse of Podcast StoriesStudents’ Feedback on the WorkbookStudent TakeawaysAdvice for High SchoolersOur Guests:  Dr. Josh Cannon, Director of Research, Frederick Honors College, University of Pittsburgh.3 Current Freshmen - John Logue, Preeti Rao and Jacob Halka.Memorable Quote: “My biggest takeaway was really just seeing that process kind of laid out [in the Workbook]. I think coming in, I feel like the biggest obstacle for me was really understanding where to go to look for research. It seems there's not like a set way to just go about doing it. ”John Logue, Freshman. Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript. Recommended Episodes:College Experiences Calls-to-action: Follow us onInstagram.ToAsk the Guest a question, or tocomment on this episode, [email protected] orFollow our podcasts at any of these locations:Apple Podcasts,Spotify.

Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly Newsletter This episode is part of a series of conversations related to AI and Education. In this Episode, Dean Harper shares a Historical Perspective on AI, An approach to Gen AI, AI related Courses, Digital Infrastructure, Policies, Faculty use, Impact on Admissions Applications, Ethics, and Future of AI in Higher Ed. Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Dean Graeme Harper, Oakland University [] Historical Perspective [] Approach to Gen AI [] AI Courses [] Digital Infrastructure [] AI Policies [] Faculty Use of AI [] Admissions Impact [] Ethics [] Future with AI [] 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: “We can't assume that the students are going to be AI literate, and the faculty are not. That's a blanket assumption that we can't make. So it's actually about all of us. It's about staff as well.” Dean Harper. 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 [email protected]. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly Newsletter I first spoke with Dean when he was a Sophomore at Whitewater. Since then, his research experience has grown and  he has found his own research to pursue in the form of analyzing volcanic rocks from Iceland. This has not only equipped him with a number of skills, it has opened opportunities to pursue Grad School or  industry.  Dean joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Getting started with Research, Volcanic Rock Research, Summer Internships, Minoring in Music, Performing at Carnegie Hall, and Advice for High Schoolers. Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors In particular, we discuss the following with him:  UW Whitewater Experience Volcano Rock Research Geography Major Advice to High Schoolers Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction to Dean Wink, UW Whitewater [] Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [] Overall Whitewater Experience [] Starting Research [] Volcanic Research [] Research Impact [] Campus Activities [] Summers [] What Next? [] Minoring in Music [] Advice for High Schoolers [] Memories [] Our Guests: Dean Wink is studying Geography with a Geology emphasis, and Minoring in Music and Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. Memorable Quote: “The first time I think seeing my research abstract get accepted to present at the Geological Society of America was big for me. Now this conference is kind of like the big deal for us in the geology world.” Dean Wink. Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript. Similar Episodes: College Experiences  Calls-to-action: Follow us on Instagram. To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected]. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly Newsletter In this series of episodes, College Counselors share their takeaways from College Alumni and Student stories featured in this Podcast. In this episode, Paula shares her takeaways from the Podcast episode with Emily Woodland, Drexel University. Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Paula Dennis, Jenks High School, OK [] Emily’s Story Takeaways [] A Question or Two to Reflect on [] Closing Thoughts [] Our Guest: Paula Dennis is a College Counselor at Jenks High School in Oklahoma. Memorable Quote: “...when Emily shared her own advice for students, it was even better, because a lot of times students would listen to someone that has just gone through the process, as Emily did last year.” Paula Dennis. 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 [email protected]. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly Newsletter In High School Kalen took internationally focused courses. He loved Public Speaking and Debate and participated in a number of competitions and won the state championship in his senior year. At 16, even though he couldn’t vote, he actively volunteered in political action organizations.  Kalen joins us on our podcast to share his UG Experience at CU Boulder, Studio Lab, UG Research in Political Science, TEDxCU, and Advice for High Schoolers.  In particular, we discuss the following with him:  Overall Experience at CU Boulder Studio Lab & UG Research Majoring in Political Science & Evolutionary Biology Advice to High Schoolers Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction to Kalen Sieja, CU Boulder [] Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [] Overall CU Boulder Experience [] High School Interests [] Interest in Political Advocacy [] Transition to College [] New Study Skills [] Peers [] Professors [] UG Research with Studio Lab [] The Research [] The Research Difference [] TEDxCU [] Majoring in PoliSci and Evolutionary Biology [] Grad School Plans [] Advice for High Schoolers [] Memories [] Our Guests: Kalen Sieja is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado Boulder. Memorable Quote: “And there's so many ways that you can customize your college experience to fit you, and you shouldn't be like, ashamed or scared or anything like that, to ask for help when you need it, and really make your college experience something that's going to benefit you long term, rather than just like, following the exact traditional path that's completely cookie cutter that other people follow. ” Kalen Sieja. Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript. Similar Episodes: College Experiences Calls-to-action: Follow us on Instagram To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode,email [email protected]. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly Newsletter 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: How Students, Colleges and Counselors are using AI in College Applications 2024[] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript. Calls-to-action: Follow us on Instagram. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.  For Podcast Transcripts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.

Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly Newsletter I last spoke to Thomas when he was a sophomore at Davidson and was pursuing an entrepreneurial venture called Portfolio Kings. Thomas stayed entrepreneurial in the second half of his college years and co-founded MESA, a startup to provide independent musicians an administrative infrastructure and also ensure that all rights holders on music NFT get paid. In this episode, Thomas shares his undergraduate & entrepreneurial journey at Davidson, co- founding MESA, Winning the Hub Pitch Competition, Building MESA, The Hub’s Role and What’s Next for MESA. Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors In particular, we discuss the following with him:  The Davidson College Experience Entrepreneurial Pursuits Co-founding Mesa Role of the Hurt Hub Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Thomas Athey, Davidson College [] Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [] The Davidson Experience [] Portfolio Kings [] Exploring Tech-based Ideas[] Co-founding Mesa [] Winning The Hub Pitch Competition [] Building Mesa [] Raising Funds [] Beta Testing [] Campus Activities [] What’s Next? [] Memories [] Our Guest: Thomas Athey graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE), and History at Davidson College.  Memorable Quote: “...it's hard to figure out what you want, and it's also hard to not cave to sort of societal pressures of what you think you should do. And so I think you just got to stay strong in that process and trust yourself, and put the work in, right?” Thomas Athey. Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript. Similar Episodes: College Experiences Calls-to-action: Follow us on Instagram. To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected]. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly Newsletter When I last spoke with Rebecca, she had just graduated from High School and was headed to the University of Texas Austin. Rebecca is a junior at UT Austin. In this episode, Rebecca shares her undergraduate experiences at UT Austin, Her Internships, Study Abroad in Ireland, and Majoring in Journalism. Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors In particular, we discuss the following with her:  The UT Austin Experience Transition to College Journalism Major Advice for High Schoolers Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Becca Youngers, University of Texas Austin[] Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [] The UT Experience [] Transition to College [] The classes [] Professors [] Internships [] Study Abroad [] Extracurricular Activities [] Memories [] Our Guest: Rebecca Youngers is a junior at the University of Texas Austin. Memorable Quote: “My study abroad? Oh, my gosh, literally, like the best experience ever. I'm like, I know everyone that goes abroad does not shut up about it, and I am included in that pool of people for sure. ” Becca Youngers. Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript. Similar Episodes: College Experiences Calls-to-action: Follow us on Instagram. To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected]. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly Newsletter In this series of episodes, College Counselors share their takeaways from College Alumni and Student stories featured in this Podcast. Tom Stepkoski picked the 3 episodes from “College Vignettes Tell Tales”, my handbook for sophomores and juniors. In this episode, Tom shares his takeaways from Podcast episodes with Lorena of Davidson College, Aidan of UCLA, and Avinash of Princeton. Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Tom Stepkoski, Westhill High School, CT [] 3 Podcast Stories and Takeaways [] A Question or Two to Reflect on [] The Process of Picking 3 Stories [] Closing Thoughts [] 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: “And I'm sure that you know, you've heard me say before on your podcast, that kids love to listen to kids. And I say kids, you know, I'm referring to students of 16, 17, 18, years old, or primarily, they're juniors in high school, and they're starting to look at colleges.” Tom Stepkoski. 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 [email protected]. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly Newsletter Tracy got her PhD from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. For years after that, she taught college students in programs called “Semesters at Sea”. During that time she was also an instructor for the Outward Bound with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). She noticed that all her students were wealthy. That insight led Tracy to found the STEP - an amazing program to provide guidance to high achieving, low income students to get to college. Tracy joins us on our podcast to talk about her background, the origins of STEP, The Organization and the program, How to apply for STEP, Success Stories, and finally Tips for High Schoolers. In particular, we discuss the following with her:  Tracy Baynes’ Background Founding STEP How to Apply Learnings from STEP Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Tracy Baynes, Founder, CEO of STEP [] Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [] Background [] Origins of STEP [] The STEP Org [] Becoming a STEP Student [] Internal Motivation of Students [] Engaging Parents [] Success Stories [] What makes STEP tick? [] How Students have changed in 20 years? [] What’s Next? [] Closing Thoughts [] Our Guest: Tracy Baynes is the Founder and CEO of STEP - Student Expedition Program in Tucson Arizona. Memorable Quote: “What we say is, we can't want this more than you do. Like in the end, you have to do the hard work, and you have to do the hard work when nobody's looking, you have to do the hard work when nobody's giving you accolades. And that's what it takes, right?  Anything you want, is on the other side of hard work.” Tracy Baynes. Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript. Similar Episodes: College Experiences, College Application Workbook  Calls-to-action: Follow us on Instagram. To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected]. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly Newsletter 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: Lower Acceptance Rates at the Top US Colleges [] Enrollment Decline [] Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California. Resources referred to in this episode: Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11] EducationNext [] New York Times [] Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript. Calls-to-action: Follow us on Instagram. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.  For Podcast Transcripts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.

Subscribe to Receive Venkat’s Weekly Newsletter Digital SAT is here. Today we feature 2 high school seniors, Eva and Emily from Jenks High School to share their experiences with the Digital SAT. They talk about the structure of the test, how they prepared for it, The differences between the Paper and Digital Test, and their Advice for Juniors. Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Eva Mahajan, Emily Seo, Jenks High School [] Digital SAT Overall Experience  [] Setup [] Parts of the Test [] Dynamic Modules [] Eva “Prefers Paper” [] Scratch Paper [] Practice Tests [] Differences between the Practice and Real Test [] Paper versus Digital [] Advice for Juniors [] Retaking the Test? [] Our Guests: Eva Mahajan and Emily Seo, Senior Jenks High School, Tulsa OK. Memorable Quote: “So first I would tell them to take as many practice tests as possible, because that's how I like to study. And I soon learned the grammar patterns and the formatting pretty well. And then I would also say, Make sure not to cram study the day or even week before, and to create a schedule over a longer period of time.” Emily Seo. 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 [email protected]. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.