Arjun Seth Edbrand in conversation with Adam Sapp from Pomona College CA

CBSE Global Webinar Series - Interview 2 [00:00:00] Introduction & Arjun's Pomona Connection [01:25] Adam Sapp Introduction & The Value of Understanding Liberal Arts [02:55] Pomona College Overview: Curriculum & West Coast Advantage [05:51] Understanding the Claremont Colleges (5Cs) Consortium [08:48] Deep Dive: The 5C Student Experience & Connections [12:33] Liberal Arts Education: Beyond Academics & Developing Key Skills (Interdisciplinary Approach) [16:24] Academic Support Systems for Students (Writing, Quantitative Skills) [19:24] Social & Emotional Support at Pomona (Mentorship, Adjusting) [23:04] Addressing Curriculum Differences (e.g., CBSE vs. US) & Admissions Perspective [32:27] Connecting Liberal Arts to Career Paths & Support Services [37:53] Surprise Guest: Introducting Pomona Alum Shreyas Kava (HBS) [43:03] What Makes a Strong Teacher/Counselor Recommendation? [44:54] Recent Shifts in How Students Present Themselves in Applications [50:50] Surprise Guest Shreyas Kava Shares His Pomona Experience Takeaways [54:40] Shreyas Kava's Advice on Managing Distractions in College [01:00:31] Final Thoughts & Contacting Pomona Key Takeaways: Question: What is the student experience really like across the 5Cs, especially regarding the intimacy, connections formed, and curated experiences? (Derived from Arjun's prompts around [08:20] and [08:38]) Category: Student Life/Experience, The Claremont Consortium Question: Can you elaborate on the unique non-academic aspects (like clubs, the overall environment) of a small liberal arts college experience, especially compared to larger university formats? (Derived from Arjun's prompt around [12:22]) Category: Student Life/Experience, Liberal Arts Education Question: What academic resources and support systems (like writing centers, advising for critical writing) are available, particularly for international students transitioning from different educational systems (e.g., national boards)? (Asked by Arjun around [16:13]) Category: Support Systems, International Students, Academics Question: What is your take on students taking on "extra" academic load (like AP exams) versus using that time for other experiences? What message do you have for students (e.g., from CBSE) who might feel pressure or an "inferiority complex" about their preparation compared to others? (Asked by Arjun around [22:24]) Category: Admissions Philosophy/Advice, Curriculum/Academics, International Students Question: How does the career success office support students, particularly international students, in navigating career paths, making decisions, and dealing with the idea that careers evolve over time? (Asked by Arjun around [31:13]) Category: Career Services/Outcomes, International Students Question (Adam to Shreyas): How do you use or apply liberal arts thinking and skills in a professional program like Harvard Business School? (Asked by Adam around [37:40]) Category: Liberal Arts Education / Outcomes, Alumni Experience Question (Arjun to Shreyas): What lesson or aspect from your time at Pomona will always stay with you? (Implied focus on personal growth/values, asked around [51:55] but rephrased for clarity based on the answer's direction) Category: Student Life/Experience, Alumni Experience, Values Question (Arjun to Shreyas): What advice would you give your junior self (or current students) about managing distractions (like phones) and focusing, given the demands and opportunities of college/high school? (Asked by Arjun around [54:40]) Category: Student Life/Experience, Advice for Students Question (Relayed by Niti/Arjun): What kind of information or qualities in a teacher or counselor recommendation letter are particularly helpful or effective for the Pomona admissions committee? (Asked around [42:27]) Category: Admissions Process (Recommendations) Question (Relayed by Niti/Arjun): Have you observed any recent shifts or trends in the way students are presenting themselves in their college applications? (Asked around [44:18]) Category: Admissions Trends / Admissions Process (Applications)