Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

S3E21: Why (and How) You Should Plan Ahead

Dec 6, 2024

Planning ahead in high school can significantly ease the college admissions process. Early academic support and identifying learning differences are crucial for success. Each year should focus on building strong foundations, refining interests, and engaging in meaningful extracurriculars. Junior year is particularly decisive, emphasizing deep engagement and consistent test preparation. Parents are encouraged to balance guidance with fostering student autonomy, ensuring authentic passions shine through in applications.

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ADVICE

Plan Early To Reduce Future Stress

Invest a little time early to plan so you reduce stress and improve outcomes later in high school.
Planning ahead turns ad hoc choices into a strategic path that boosts college competitiveness.

ANECDOTE

Parenting Juggle Informs Advice

Thomas Caleel shares being an overwhelmed parent juggling three children and many commitments.
That experience informs his empathy for parents managing college-prep logistics.

INSIGHT

Authenticity Outperforms Orchestration

Over-managing students can erase their authentic voice and leave them unable to write compelling essays.
Admissions officers detect orchestration and prefer genuine student-driven choices.

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In this episode, Thomas provides a detailed roadmap for parents to support their children throughout high school to maximize success in the college admissions process. Addressing each high school year individually, Thomas highlights how intentional planning, academic focus, and extracurricular depth can set students apart. This episode equips parents with practical strategies to guide their children while allowing them to explore and pursue their authentic passions.

Key Takeaways

Start Freshman Year with Intentional Foundations
- Focus on acclimating to high school, building study habits, and exploring interests.
- Establish a strong academic base, as grades from freshman year are critical for long-term success.
Prioritize Academic Support and Adaptation
- Ensure your child gets extra help when needed, whether through tutoring, peer support, or teacher engagement.
- Early identification and accommodation of learning differences can be crucial, especially for standardized testing.
Sophomore Year: Focus and Refine Interests
- Narrow extracurricular activities to a few key areas that align with your child's passions.
- Encourage deeper involvement outside of school activities to help them stand out in competitive applicant pools.
Junior Year: Academic Excellence and Strategic Planning
- Junior year is the time to excel academically; grades here are particularly impactful.
- Begin standardized test preparation early and be consistent with practice.
- Engage with college counselors and begin crafting a well-balanced college list.
Leverage Summer Opportunities Thoughtfully
- Summers should involve meaningful activities like internships, academic programs, or work experience.
- Activities should demonstrate initiative, leadership, and alignment with academic or personal interests.
Empower Authentic Interests
- Encourage students to explore what they genuinely love without overly managing their path.
- Admissions officers value self-awareness and authentic passion over highly curated resumes.
Prepare for the Application Process Early
- Start data entry for applications over the summer and identify key narratives for essays.
- Foster relationships with teachers and counselors to ensure strong recommendation letters.

Conclusion:Planning ahead is the foundation of a successful college admissions journey. By fostering your child's authentic interests, focusing on strategic choices, and supporting their academic and extracurricular growth, you can help them navigate this process with confidence. For more tips and guidance, follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco.