Swami Swaminathan
@swamus.bsky.social
Founder and CEO of LifeLaunchr, a coaching company that helps students find their best-fit college and get in.
Reposted by Swami Swaminathan
Lessons After a Successful Admissions Season: Seek Growth, Not Perfection
After a year like this, I should be feeling unbridled joy. But my happiness is tempered by the realization of the anxiety that shapes so much of students' lives.
open.substack.com/pub/swamista...
After a year like this, I should be feeling unbridled joy. But my happiness is tempered by the realization of the anxiety that shapes so much of students' lives.
open.substack.com/pub/swamista...
Lessons After a Successful Admissions Season: Seek Growth, Not Perfection
Four Principles to Remember: return to the basics—the things that actually matter, and don'r get lost in the pressure to do everything "right."
open.substack.com
May 9, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Lessons After a Successful Admissions Season: Seek Growth, Not Perfection
After a year like this, I should be feeling unbridled joy. But my happiness is tempered by the realization of the anxiety that shapes so much of students' lives.
open.substack.com/pub/swamista...
After a year like this, I should be feeling unbridled joy. But my happiness is tempered by the realization of the anxiety that shapes so much of students' lives.
open.substack.com/pub/swamista...
Reposted by Swami Swaminathan
My latest on Substack: "What 1,600 College Essays Taught Me About Standing Out: Write to Communicate, Not to Impress."
These MIT, NYU, and Berkeley admits' essays weren’t perfect. They were personal and communicated something meaningful.
swamistakeoncollege.substack.com/p/what-1600-...
These MIT, NYU, and Berkeley admits' essays weren’t perfect. They were personal and communicated something meaningful.
swamistakeoncollege.substack.com/p/what-1600-...
What 1,600 College Essays Taught Me About Standing Out
What do MIT, NYU, and Berkeley admits have in common? Their essays weren’t perfect. They were personal and communicated something meaningful.
swamistakeoncollege.substack.com
April 27, 2025 at 3:29 PM
My latest on Substack: "What 1,600 College Essays Taught Me About Standing Out: Write to Communicate, Not to Impress."
These MIT, NYU, and Berkeley admits' essays weren’t perfect. They were personal and communicated something meaningful.
swamistakeoncollege.substack.com/p/what-1600-...
These MIT, NYU, and Berkeley admits' essays weren’t perfect. They were personal and communicated something meaningful.
swamistakeoncollege.substack.com/p/what-1600-...
Reposted by Swami Swaminathan
This is absolutely extraordinary. What does this mean for student organizations, religious and cultural organizations, or clubs on campus?
Ed Department: DEI Violates Civil Rights Law
In a sweeping and unprecedented letter issued over the weekend, the Office for Civil Rights declared race-based scholarships, cultural centers and even graduation ceremonies illegal. #HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky bit.ly/4hCrabL
In a sweeping and unprecedented letter issued over the weekend, the Office for Civil Rights declared race-based scholarships, cultural centers and even graduation ceremonies illegal. #HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky bit.ly/4hCrabL
Trump administration threatens to rescind federal funds over DEI
In a sweeping and unprecedented letter issued over the weekend, the Office for Civil Rights declared race-based scholarships, cultural centers and even graduation ceremonies illegal.
bit.ly
February 16, 2025 at 1:01 AM
This is absolutely extraordinary. What does this mean for student organizations, religious and cultural organizations, or clubs on campus?
Reposted by Swami Swaminathan
Having students do detailed, in-depth college research is a big part of the process of helping our students find their best-fit colleges. Here's a snippet from one of our students' research into the @ucriverside.bsky.social
www.lifelaunchr.com/user/univers...
www.lifelaunchr.com/user/univers...
February 10, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Having students do detailed, in-depth college research is a big part of the process of helping our students find their best-fit colleges. Here's a snippet from one of our students' research into the @ucriverside.bsky.social
www.lifelaunchr.com/user/univers...
www.lifelaunchr.com/user/univers...
Meanwhile, the Washington Post website now has this bizarre popup. Are they TRYING to turn off readers?
February 4, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Meanwhile, the Washington Post website now has this bizarre popup. Are they TRYING to turn off readers?
Keep saying it. "Trump backed down."
The fact that Trump backed down from tariffs so easily is a sign that he simply is not used to people actually pushing back against him.
February 3, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Keep saying it. "Trump backed down."
Neither of my Senators' - @schiff.senate.gov and @padilla.senate.gov - voicemail boxes accept messages (they're full). So, I wrote the following to them via their email systems.
February 3, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Neither of my Senators' - @schiff.senate.gov and @padilla.senate.gov - voicemail boxes accept messages (they're full). So, I wrote the following to them via their email systems.
Reposted by Swami Swaminathan
Oh Canada!
Cartoon by Bruce MacKinnon
Cartoon by Bruce MacKinnon
February 3, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Oh Canada!
Cartoon by Bruce MacKinnon
Cartoon by Bruce MacKinnon
@schumer.senate.gov Shut down the #Senate. We need to know that our tax refunds depend on the kindness of #musk. We need to know we're not going to be paying additional taxes on all imports because of #trump's arbitrary tariffs. Shut it down.
February 1, 2025 at 10:36 PM
@schumer.senate.gov Shut down the #Senate. We need to know that our tax refunds depend on the kindness of #musk. We need to know we're not going to be paying additional taxes on all imports because of #trump's arbitrary tariffs. Shut it down.
Reposted by Swami Swaminathan
Discover the evolving landscape of higher education! From admissions to financial aid, I break down the complexities of college life. With over a decade of experience as LifeLaunchr's CEO, I'm here to guide you. Dive into my blog "Swami's Take on College" now!
swamistakeoncollege.substack.com/
swamistakeoncollege.substack.com/
January 19, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Discover the evolving landscape of higher education! From admissions to financial aid, I break down the complexities of college life. With over a decade of experience as LifeLaunchr's CEO, I'm here to guide you. Dive into my blog "Swami's Take on College" now!
swamistakeoncollege.substack.com/
swamistakeoncollege.substack.com/
Reposted by Swami Swaminathan
If you work with families who are in the U.S. on temporary work, student, or tourist visas (or are here without documentation), remind them to get passports and social security cards for their children ASAP if they don't have them.
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/u...
Change to Birthright Citizenship Would Affect Visa Holders, Too
President Trump’s public rhetoric has focused on undocumented immigrants, but the raft of new orders he signed would also affect those seeking to enter the U.S. legally.
www.nytimes.com
January 22, 2025 at 7:39 PM
If you work with families who are in the U.S. on temporary work, student, or tourist visas (or are here without documentation), remind them to get passports and social security cards for their children ASAP if they don't have them.
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/u...
1/2 What a sad coda to the year. In some ways, it's best that Jimmy Carter, a decent human being above all, doesn't live to see the awfulness that is about to unfold. He visited India when Morarji Desai was Prime Minister.
www.ajc.com/news/former-...
www.ajc.com/news/former-...
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, 100, dies
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died at home in Georgia.
www.ajc.com
December 29, 2024 at 9:28 PM
1/2 What a sad coda to the year. In some ways, it's best that Jimmy Carter, a decent human being above all, doesn't live to see the awfulness that is about to unfold. He visited India when Morarji Desai was Prime Minister.
www.ajc.com/news/former-...
www.ajc.com/news/former-...
Reposted by Swami Swaminathan
Early Decision applications can be a great tool to help ease the stress of college applications, especially if your financial plans are solid.
The Early Bird Gets Admitted
Colleges have been criticized for admitting more students through early decision, which benefits wealthier applicants. Without affirmative action, it could be a boon for diversity as well—depending how colleges use it. #HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky bit.ly/3ZKYrda
Colleges have been criticized for admitting more students through early decision, which benefits wealthier applicants. Without affirmative action, it could be a boon for diversity as well—depending how colleges use it. #HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky bit.ly/3ZKYrda
Early decision is on the rise. Is it just for wealthy students?
Colleges have been criticized for admitting more students through early decision, which benefits wealthier applicants. Without affirmative action, it could be a boon for diversity as well—depending ho...
bit.ly
December 23, 2024 at 3:42 AM
Early Decision applications can be a great tool to help ease the stress of college applications, especially if your financial plans are solid.
Reposted by Swami Swaminathan
Using the summer wisely can help you stay ahead, help you choose a major for college, find your community service interest, and explore activities that make your application stand out. #college #admissions #career
open.substack.com/pub/swamista...
open.substack.com/pub/swamista...
Using Your Summer to Get a Head Start on College Admissions
Explore Career and Major Interests, Gain Work Experience, and Build Your Community Service Profile
open.substack.com
December 22, 2024 at 3:19 PM
Using the summer wisely can help you stay ahead, help you choose a major for college, find your community service interest, and explore activities that make your application stand out. #college #admissions #career
open.substack.com/pub/swamista...
open.substack.com/pub/swamista...
www.indiatoday.in/india/story/...
1/2 Utterly heartbroken at this news. What an awful loss. I remember seeing him show up one night many years ago at the Great American Music Hall and play a four hour set with a jam band called Garaj Mahal just for the fun of it.
1/2 Utterly heartbroken at this news. What an awful loss. I remember seeing him show up one night many years ago at the Great American Music Hall and play a four hour set with a jam band called Garaj Mahal just for the fun of it.
'Irreparable loss to India's art': Ministers, industrialists mourn Zakir Hussain
Renowned tabla maestro and Grammy Award winner Ustad Zakir Hussain died on Sunday in a US hospital following a heart ailment. Several politicians paid their tributes to Zakir Hussain.
www.indiatoday.in
December 16, 2024 at 12:29 AM
www.indiatoday.in/india/story/...
1/2 Utterly heartbroken at this news. What an awful loss. I remember seeing him show up one night many years ago at the Great American Music Hall and play a four hour set with a jam band called Garaj Mahal just for the fun of it.
1/2 Utterly heartbroken at this news. What an awful loss. I remember seeing him show up one night many years ago at the Great American Music Hall and play a four hour set with a jam band called Garaj Mahal just for the fun of it.
It has been a year of lots of travel and many interesting experiences. As we get closer to the end, I'm posting some pictures of the year. These are from January when I visited #Mumbai and #Coimbatore.
December 13, 2024 at 10:50 PM
It has been a year of lots of travel and many interesting experiences. As we get closer to the end, I'm posting some pictures of the year. These are from January when I visited #Mumbai and #Coimbatore.
Reposted by Swami Swaminathan
If you have a story pitch that would fit Bolts, we would love to hear from you!
Our guide lays out the sort of topics and stories we're interested in, and how to get in touch:
boltsmag.org/pitch-us/
Our guide lays out the sort of topics and stories we're interested in, and how to get in touch:
boltsmag.org/pitch-us/
Please pitch us! - Bolts
If you have a story pitch that would fit Bolts, we would love to hear from you.
boltsmag.org
December 12, 2024 at 9:30 PM
If you have a story pitch that would fit Bolts, we would love to hear from you!
Our guide lays out the sort of topics and stories we're interested in, and how to get in touch:
boltsmag.org/pitch-us/
Our guide lays out the sort of topics and stories we're interested in, and how to get in touch:
boltsmag.org/pitch-us/
Across the board, complexity and opacity are the hallmarks of America's systems. Whether it's medical care, college admission, education, food, or anything else, Americans put up with systems that suffocate us with bureaucracy, hide prices until it's too late, and reduce access.
Last year Drew Altman and I wrote about how the complexity of our health care and insurance system is the enemy of access and affordability. It all seems newly relevant today.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Complexity in the US Health Care System Is the Enemy of Access and Affordability
This JAMA Forum discusses the complexity of the US health care system, including the types of coverage and many plans offered, denial or other problems accessing coverage, and confusion regarding expl...
jamanetwork.com
December 12, 2024 at 8:55 PM
Across the board, complexity and opacity are the hallmarks of America's systems. Whether it's medical care, college admission, education, food, or anything else, Americans put up with systems that suffocate us with bureaucracy, hide prices until it's too late, and reduce access.
Reposted by Swami Swaminathan
The U.S. needs to make it a lot easier for international students to come here to study, and then stay here. The demographic cliff can have catastrophic consequences for our education system, tax base, and employment, but it doesn't have to, if we increase international enrollment a lot.
A Long Way Down
The anxiously awaited demographic cliff is right around the corner. Is higher education ready for a new normal? #HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky bit.ly/3BqPRZ1
The anxiously awaited demographic cliff is right around the corner. Is higher education ready for a new normal? #HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky bit.ly/3BqPRZ1
College-age demographics begin steady projected decline
The anxiously awaited demographic cliff is right around the corner. Is higher education ready for a new normal?
bit.ly
December 12, 2024 at 8:02 PM
The U.S. needs to make it a lot easier for international students to come here to study, and then stay here. The demographic cliff can have catastrophic consequences for our education system, tax base, and employment, but it doesn't have to, if we increase international enrollment a lot.
Reposted by Swami Swaminathan
The number of U.S. students graduating high school annually will fall 10% by 2041, according to @wiche-edu.bsky.social. That is a catastrophic number for college enrollments, the job market, and GDP. We need a vast infusion of immigrant students to make up for it.
www.wiche.edu/wp-content/u...
www.wiche.edu/wp-content/u...
December 12, 2024 at 3:27 AM
The number of U.S. students graduating high school annually will fall 10% by 2041, according to @wiche-edu.bsky.social. That is a catastrophic number for college enrollments, the job market, and GDP. We need a vast infusion of immigrant students to make up for it.
www.wiche.edu/wp-content/u...
www.wiche.edu/wp-content/u...
Anger and outrage are immensely persuasive, and stories that generate them are even more persuasive. What doesn't work are snarkiness, sarcasm, and calling-out: all behaviors that dominate social media. Neither do abstract please to fairness or justice.
December 11, 2024 at 10:12 PM
Anger and outrage are immensely persuasive, and stories that generate them are even more persuasive. What doesn't work are snarkiness, sarcasm, and calling-out: all behaviors that dominate social media. Neither do abstract please to fairness or justice.
America is for sale. If you're rich enough, you can escape environmental laws, and soon, criminal/civil laws. Money can't buy you love, but in Trump's America, it can buy you anything else. And for those who don't have the money, well, it's your own damn fault, isn't it? Make Bribery Great Again.
Trump announces that billionaires no longer have to comply with environmental regulations
December 11, 2024 at 2:13 AM
America is for sale. If you're rich enough, you can escape environmental laws, and soon, criminal/civil laws. Money can't buy you love, but in Trump's America, it can buy you anything else. And for those who don't have the money, well, it's your own damn fault, isn't it? Make Bribery Great Again.
Reposted by Swami Swaminathan
Navigating the college application process can be challenging, but remember to advocate for your passions and values. By showcasing your unique strengths and inspiring others, you create a community of support and encouragement. 🌟
#CollegeBound #FutureLeaders #RBGInspiration #StudentSuccess
#CollegeBound #FutureLeaders #RBGInspiration #StudentSuccess
December 10, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Navigating the college application process can be challenging, but remember to advocate for your passions and values. By showcasing your unique strengths and inspiring others, you create a community of support and encouragement. 🌟
#CollegeBound #FutureLeaders #RBGInspiration #StudentSuccess
#CollegeBound #FutureLeaders #RBGInspiration #StudentSuccess