Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel walks sophomores and their families through a critical midyear check-in. With first semester complete and winter break underway, this is the moment to take an honest look at academics, extracurriculars, and overall direction before junior year raises the stakes. Thomas explains why sophomore year often feels harder than expected, how small gaps now can turn into major problems later, and what students should be doing right now to stay competitive for selective college admissions. Freshmen can use this episode to look ahead, and juniors can use it as a benchmark to see what they may need to adjust. Key Takeaways Sophomore Year Is a Pressure Jump: Classes get harder fast, and this is often when students realize that high school rigor is cumulative. Fix Academic Gaps Now: Winter break is the best time to address weak foundations in math, science, and core subjects before they compound. Rigor Matters More Than Ever: Taking the most challenging courses available and performing well is essential for competitive college admissions. Extracurriculars Need Focus: Sophomore year is the time to narrow activities, say no to what no longer serves you, and go deeper where interest and impact align. Be Honest About Athletics: If recruitment is unlikely, students need to rebalance early to avoid becoming one dimensional. Start Planning for Summer Early: Applications for summer programs, jobs, and volunteering often open now, and early action creates real options. Testing Preparation Starts Here: Reading consistently and beginning light SAT or ACT prep now pays off significantly later. Families can explore free college admissions resources, guides, and blogs at admittedly.co. For daily advice, follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @admittedlyco

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel speaks with Michelle Chasin, Associate Director of Advantage Testing New York and senior tutor with more than 30 years of experience working with high school students. Michelle specializes in tutor development, long-term academic mentorship, and supporting students through test preparation, foundational skill-building, and the emotional challenges of high-pressure academic environments. Together, Thomas and Michelle discuss how students actually learn, why academic anxiety is rising, and how consistent practice and strong process habits set students up for success not only on standardized tests but throughout high school, college, and beyond. Key Topics: Why academic anxiety has increased and how to help students break through it What "missing foundations" look like and how long-term tutoring repairs them How consistent, incremental practice outperforms last-minute cramming Why failure and "messing up" are critical parts of real learning Effective ways parents can support academic growth without increasing pressure How to motivate gifted students who appear disengaged Lessons from competitive chess that apply directly to test prep and high-level academics Why there is no such thing as a "natural test taker" — only strong processes and habits Guest: Michelle Chasin: Associate Director of Advantage Testing New York, senior tutor, mentor, and parent of a seven-time national chess champion, with three decades of experience supporting students through deep, long-term academic development. Learn more about Admittedly's partnership with Advantage Testing: admittedly.co/programs Follow Admittedly: Instagram and TikTok: @admittedlyco

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down what freshmen (and their parents) should be thinking about as they wrap up their first semester of high school. From academic foundations to extracurricular exploration to strategic planning for summer, Thomas explains why the habits students build now will shape their options in junior and senior year — especially if they're aiming for selective or highly selective colleges. Rather than overwhelming families with long-term predictions, Thomas focuses on practical, immediate steps freshmen can take to stay on track, reduce future stress, and explore their interests with intention. Key Takeaways Academic Foundations Matter: Freshman year grades and mastery—not just passing—set the tone for your entire transcript. Weak foundations now become big problems in junior year. Teachers Should Know You: Asking questions, checking in after class, and building relationships early pays off later when rigor increases and recommendations matter. You Must Be Doing Something Outside of Class: Clubs, sports, jobs, community involvement—freshman year is about exploration, not perfection. But doing nothing is not an option. Summer Planning Starts Now: Applications for competitive or meaningful summer programs open between December and February. Freshmen need to be ahead of the curve, not scrambling in April. Choose Activities With Intention, Not Prestige: Freshman summer doesn't need to be fancy. Programs, jobs, volunteering, or personal projects all count—admissions officers care about why you did something and what you gained from it. Reading Is a Superpower: Regular reading builds critical thinking and reading speed, two skills that make a huge difference for future SAT/ACT prep and AP courses. Freshman year sets the foundation for high school. This episode walks you through how to self-assess, course-correct, and plan ahead without burning out or getting caught up in panic culture. Follow along on Instagram and TikTok @admittedlyco for more tips to stay ahead.

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down one of the most confusing (and often misleading) parts of the college admissions landscape: how to evaluate a college consultant. With firms advertising guaranteed results, inflated acceptance lists, and "proprietary systems," Thomas explains what families should actually be looking for when choosing an advisor for their high school student. Drawing on his years inside highly selective admissions, he clarifies why true expertise goes far beyond flashy claims, why transparency is non-negotiable, and how the right counselor helps a student build confidence, independence, and an authentic narrative… not a manufactured profile. Key Takeaways Look Beyond the Marketing: Many firms inflate their success statistics by counting recruited athletes or pro bono admits. Families must ask how results apply to students like theirs. No One Can Guarantee Admissions: Any consultant offering guaranteed outcomes is using unethical practices or misleading data. Admissions results are never certain. Experience Matters: A strong counselor brings depth of knowledge, years in admissions or advising, and a proven ability to guide students—not just their own application story. Personalization Beats Templates: The best consultants help students uncover who they are, not fit into a preset formula or checklist. Parents Need Trusted Guidance: Over-involvement creates pressure and weakens student voice; a good counselor serves as a neutral, stabilizing force. Time Is Your Biggest Advantage: Starting early allows students to grow, develop interests, build self-awareness, and avoid last-minute panic before senior year. Choosing a college consultant should be an informed, transparent process… not a leap of faith. This episode gives families the tools to ask better questions, understand how the industry really works, and identify who can genuinely support their student's long-term success. Families can find more guidance and explore Admittedly's advising approach at www.admittedly.co, and follow along on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco.

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel explains why freshmen, sophomores, and juniors should begin planning their summer programs and activities long before spring. Drawing on decades of experience in college admissions, he breaks down what actually matters, what doesn't, and why early planning is one of the most overlooked competitive advantages in high school. Rather than chasing "name-brand" programs, Thomas helps families understand how to build a summer that aligns with a student's interests, goals, and developing narrative without getting caught in the trap of expensive pre-college programs that don't move the needle. Key Takeaways Start Early: Selective summer programs open applications between December and February, and scholarships disappear quickly. Early planning gives students real options. Not All Programs Matter: Most pre-college programs hosted on university campuses do not impact admissions. Only a small handful are truly selective. Depth Beats Prestige: Admissions officers care about why you chose an experience and what you learned—not the brand name attached to it. Strong Summers Don't Require Money: Jobs, volunteering, community work, or building your own project can be just as impactful as formal programs. Explore With Intention: The best summer activities for high school students show curiosity, consistency, and growth (not a checklist of unrelated activities). Summer is one of the most misunderstood pieces of the college admissions puzzle. Whether you're a freshman, sophomore, or junior, planning early helps you create meaningful experiences, avoid rushed decisions, and build a narrative that stands out. This episode breaks down how to think strategically about summer programs, jobs, volunteering, and independent opportunities so your choices actually support your long-term goals. Families can find more resources on summer planning at www.admittedly.co and on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco.

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel reveals the hidden half of the college admissions process, the part most families never think about. Students spend years stacking achievements and building resumes, but the truth is that admissions officers care less about what you have done and far more about why you have done it. Drawing from two decades of experience, including his time as Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School, Thomas explains why resume racing does not work, how to uncover authentic motivation, and what real introspection looks like in practice. Through powerful examples from students he has guided, from costume designers to community leaders, this episode unpacks how self-awareness, focus, and coherence make the difference between a good application and a great one. Key Takeaways 1. The Resume Myth Admissions is not a checklist. Doing more does not make you stand out; it makes you blend in. Top schools see thousands of "captains," "presidents," and "founders." What matters is why you chose what you did and what you learned along the way. 2. Depth Over Breadth Students who slow down and invest deeply in a few meaningful pursuits instead of chasing every opportunity demonstrate maturity, focus, and authenticity. Less really can be more. 3. Introspection Is Power Reflection builds connection. Admissions officers can feel when an applicant understands themselves. The best essays do not just describe activities; they reveal growth, intention, and purpose. 4. Narrative Coherence Wins When your choices, experiences, and essays fit together naturally, you tell a story that admissions officers can remember and advocate for. That is the hidden skill behind every standout applicant. College admissions is not just about proving what you have done; it is about showing who you have become. Visit www.admittedly.co for free resources, guides, and upcoming webinar dates.

Explore the three biggest mistakes in high school that can derail college applications. Learn why crafting a compelling narrative is essential, and how starting early can make a difference. Discover the importance of strategy and depth over breadth in extracurricular activities. Thomas emphasizes the need for students to take ownership of their journey, making their own decisions to stand out. Avoid performative projects and focus on authentic interests to create memorable applications.

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down why college admissions at Ivy League and other top universities are more competitive than ever—and what students and parents can still control in the process. Despite social media myths about an "easier" year ahead, Thomas explains why application numbers remain high, selectivity rates are dropping, and grade inflation is blurring academic distinctions. Drawing on decades of admissions experience, he reveals how to focus on what actually moves the needle: differentiation, strategy, and authentic engagement. Key Takeaways: Admit Rates Stay Low: Even with visa changes and testing shifts, top schools like Columbia, Penn, and Stanford continue to see rising applications and falling admit rates. The qualified applicant pool is bigger, not smaller. Qualified Isn't Enough: Perfect grades and test scores don't guarantee admission anymore. What separates top candidates is coherence—the ability to connect activities, essays, and recommendations into a clear, intentional story. Differentiate or Disappear: Students who follow formulas or copy peers' paths blend into the crowd. The strongest applicants take risks, pursue genuine interests deeply, and craft an application that reflects individuality, not perfection. Parents, Step Back Strategically: Thomas offers a direct message to parents—how to support without pressuring, and why old admissions playbooks no longer apply. Honest evaluation, early preparation, and outside perspective are key. Control What You Can: Grades and scores matter, but the true edge lies in strategy—building academic rigor, refining narratives, and making decisions with long-term intention. Admissions to top universities aren't getting easier. But with clarity, focus, and the right approach, students can still stand out. Follow @admittedlyco on Instagram and TikTok for more college admissions strategy, and visit www.admittedly.co for webinars, guides, and expert support.

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel speaks with Matthew Demmer, Associate Director of Advantage Testing New York and Director of Advantage Testing UK. With over 22 years of experience tutoring students across the U.S., U.K., and Middle East, Matt shares how one-on-one tutoring helps students build confidence, reduce anxiety, and perform at their best — whether preparing for the SAT, ACT, UCAS, or Oxbridge interviews. Key Topics: Lessons from the UK's tutorial system and how they shape effective tutoring Why confidence is the antidote to test-day stress UCAS vs. Oxbridge admissions: what students need to know The real timeline for SAT/ACT prep (and why 3 months usually isn't enough) Writing authentic personal statements for U.S. and U.K. schools Advice for parents: how to support without adding pressure Why top colleges are reinstating testing — and what it means for students Matt's perspective is essential for families planning ahead for competitive college admissions in the U.S. or abroad. Guest: Matthew Demmer – Associate Director of Advantage Testing New York and Director of Advantage Testing UK, veteran tutor, and international education expert Learn more about Admittedly's partnership with Advantage Testing: admittedly.co/programs Follow Admittedly: Instagram and TikTok: @admittedlyco Follow Advantage Testing: Instagram: @advantagetesting

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions at Wharton, takes you behind the scenes of the admissions office to show how applications are actually read. From transcripts and essays to activities, recommendations, and test scores, Thomas explains what admissions officers focus on and how they build a three-dimensional picture of each applicant. Key Takeaways: Applications are often reviewed in just three to five minutes, so clarity and strategy matter. Transcripts are scored separately, then weighed alongside essays, activities, and recommendations. Admissions officers don't always read in order—they jump across sections to connect the dots. Context matters: family responsibilities, school resources, and personal chall enges shape how an application is viewed. Strong recommendations highlight character and classroom presence, not just academic success. Additional essays should clarify key details, not overload with extra information. The best applications give admissions officers a clear, memorable story they can advocate for in committee. Whether you're aiming at Ivy League and T20 schools, or simply want to understand how admissions officers evaluate files at competitive colleges, this episode will help you prepare an application that works under real review conditions. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @admittedlyco for more admissions insights, and visit www.admittedly.co for free resources, webinars, and expert guidance.