S5E1: New Year, New Goals: How to Take Control of College Admissions in 2026

Happy New Year, listeners!

In this Season 5 premiere of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel kicks off the new year by addressing one of the most important questions students and families face: how to take control of the college admissions process instead of leaving outcomes to chance.

Drawing on decades of experience in highly selective admissions, Thomas reflects on the lessons of the past admissions cycle and explains why early planning, honest self-assessment, and clear goals matter more than ever in 2026. He breaks down common misconceptions about admissions, the growing emphasis on academic rigor and testing, and why students don't need to reinvent themselves — they need clarity, consistency, and authenticity.

This episode is especially relevant for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who want to approach the year ahead with intention, as well as parents looking for a realistic, transparent framework for supporting their students without unnecessary pressure.

Key Takeaways:

• You don't need a new version of yourself. You need clearer goals.

• Highly selective admissions reward planning, not last-minute effort.

• Academic rigor and grades matter more as schools push back on grade inflation.

• Tutoring, test prep, and support work best when started early — not reactively.

• Doing fewer things well beats chasing checklists or copying other students.

• Authenticity and self-awareness are what help students stand out in large applicant pools.

Listeners can continue the conversation and find ongoing guidance by following Admittedly on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco.

Additional free resources (including guides, blogs, and tools designed to clarify the college admissions process) are available at admittedly.co.