S4E8: Real Students, Real Success: How They Beat the Odds in College Admissions

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a break from the usual admissions talk to share six inspiring success stories that prove there’s no single path to college admissions success. These students faced unique challenges—limited resources, late-changing interests, international barriers—but found creative ways to stand out. Their journeys highlight the power of reframing experiences, seeking the right opportunities, and crafting compelling personal stories.

Success Stories:

• Andie: A student from a middle-class, single-parent home who worked after school instead of doing traditional extracurriculars. By reframing her story, she leveraged her experience into a successful application to Wharton and is now a highly successful graduate.

• Susan: An artist passionate about architecture, Susan used local resources and an international nonprofit to build a strong application—earning close to $1 million in scholarships and admission to top architecture programs.

• Bob: An international student passionate about environmental science, Bob found a hands-on path outside the lab with Outward Bound and the U.S. Forest Service, leading him to NYU and a unique blend of fieldwork and academics.

• James: A boarding school student with an unimpressive resume transformed his passion for healthcare and technology into impactful telehealth advocacy, influencing state laws and earning a spot at Penn—now pursuing a PhD in the Ivy League.

• Alice: A high-achieving student in Hong Kong’s top school shifted from STEM to social sciences, leading impactful work on period poverty in Cambodia. Her advocacy work helped her stand out and become the only student from her school admitted early to an Ivy League.

• Alex: A sophomore passionate about real estate and fluent in Japanese, Alex found an internship in Japan with Admittedly’s guidance. His experience set him apart and helped him gain admission into Wharton’s Huntsman Program.

With over 8 million applications submitted through the Common App this year, standing out requires more than just strong academics—it demands a compelling personal story. These students prove that by embracing their unique interests, seeking out meaningful opportunities, and telling authentic stories, they were able to beat the odds and gain admission to top universities.

Follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights and updates! Visit www.admittedly.co to discover how Admittedly can support you in your college admissions journey.