S2E14: Why To Avoid Talking About Family in Common App Essays

Question of the Week: Should I talk about my family in my Common App essay? 

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In this episode, Thomas Caleel delves into a compelling topic that ignited discussions on social media – the role of family narratives in Common Application essays. While Thomas generally advises against extensive discussion of family in essays, he recognizes the nuances that surround this choice. He acknowledges scenarios where family involvement can enhance an essay, such as being part of a family business or undertaking caregiving responsibilities. However, he underscores the importance of maintaining a personal focus and avoiding excessive emphasis on family aspects, as these narratives tend to become homogenized and may lose their impact.

About Thomas Caleel

Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate the best possible MBA class. Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities LLC, he works as a high level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants.

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