Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

In this episode, host Thomas Caleel addresses an important listener question about taking a gap year. Have a question? Send us an email at hello@thomascaleel.com or DM us on Instagram @admittedlypodcast with your question you'd like answered on the podcast. Today's question, coming from a student in New York, asks how to determine if a gap year is the right choice and if it will impact the admissions process. Key Points Gap year: Typically more common in UK countries, less common in the US Key question: Why are you considering a gap year? Overwhelm isn't a strong reason; stress will persist in different forms Meaningful reasons: Research or work opportunities with significant impact Weighing pros and cons: Consider the benefits and growth potential Timing: Depends on the individual student Applying senior year and requesting a deferral can be advantageous Approach universities with a well-explained request for a gap year Many schools may be sympathetic and accommodate a deferral request Stay connected by subscribing to our email list, and share your thoughts and questions with Thomas. Be part of the ongoing exploration of student experiences and college admissions as we head into another busy admissions season. Thanks for being here!

Season 2 Premiere: This episode highlights the upcoming release of the Common App for university applications. Thomas urges students to pause before writing supplemental essays, as they might change due to the recent affirmative action ruling and stresses the significance of personalizing applications to align with a school's offerings and culture. Additionally, this episode provides valuable advice for students, emphasizing the importance of fully engaging in summer activities and making the most of internship, job, or research opportunities. Thomas encourages students to maintain records of their experiences and consider requesting informal letters of recommendation. He also offers guidance on using the recommender feature in the Common App strategically and provides insights on dealing with the dilemma of disliking summer activities. The episode concludes by briefly addressing the needs of rising eighth graders applying to prep schools and MBA candidates, advising early preparation and thorough research. Want to submit a question for Q&A? DM Admittedly on Instagram @admittedlypodcast Episode Highlights: Advice for summer activities, emphasizing engagement and record-keeping Extracting valuable lessons from disliked summer activities Leveraging relationships for informal letters of recommendation Strategic use of the Common App's recommender feature Caution in writing supplemental essays before changes are announced Personalizing applications by aligning with a school's offerings and culture Early action and early decision strategies for high school seniors Deep research and personal reflection for the best application strategy Advice for rising eighth graders applying to prep schools Preparing for MBA program applications, including exam and portfolio preparation About Thomas Thomas is a parent and alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was director of admissions and financial aid at Wharton School. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to create 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, he works with diverse and underserved communities to help them become successful college students. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for parents and applicants. Follow Admittedly on social media TikTok: @admittedlypodcast Instagram: @admittedlypodcast

Episode Overview: In this special "Best of" episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Natasha presents some of the most memorable clips from Season One. Join Thomas, an expert in college admissions, as he shares valuable insights on extracurricular activities and summer planning. Thomas offers guidance on standing out, the value of work experience, sports considerations, the importance of depth in activities, and making the most of summer vacations. JOIN our mailing list for important updates and special bonus features. Episode Highlights: Episode 4- Finding the Right Activities to Stand Out: Thomas acknowledges the stress surrounding the quest for the best extracurricular activities. He emphasizes the need to avoid blindly following trends and seeking out superficial uniqueness. Instead, he encourages students to focus on personal growth and meaningful engagement. Episode 4- Balancing Work and Extracurriculars: Thomas highlights the importance of understanding individual circumstances when it comes to balancing work and extracurricular activities. He explains how universities now recognize the value of work experience and how it can shape an applicant's character and development. Episode 4- Sports Considerations for College Admissions: Thomas delves into the hard truth about high school sports and their impact on college admissions. He urges students to critically evaluate their athletic abilities and potential for recruitment. While sports teach valuable life lessons, he encourages students to consider other activities that can truly set them apart in a competitive applicant pool. Episode 4- Depth vs. Breadth in Activities: Thomas discusses the significance of depth in activities when building an admission strategy. He advises students to align their activities with their intended majors or areas of interest. Rather than engaging in a wide range of activities, students should seek depth and meaning in their chosen pursuits. Episode 6- Making the Most of Summer Breaks: Thomas stresses the importance of using summer breaks effectively. He cautions against simply indulging in leisure or taking lavish vacations without meaningful engagement. Instead, students should consider activities that foster personal growth, align with their academic goals, and provide valuable experiences. Episode 6- Choosing Academic Summer Programs: Thomas provides insights into choosing academic summer programs. He advises students to carefully examine the offerings and distinguish between third-party programs and those directly offered by universities. Students should consider the relevance of courses to their academic interests and motivations behind selecting specific programs. Episode 8- Live Coaching Session: Identifying Passions and Pursuits: In a live coaching session with Maui, a high school freshman, Thomas helps him explore his current activities and passions. They discuss swimming, music, language learning, and part-time work. Thomas guides Maui in evaluating his abilities and interests to identify activities with potential for further development. Episode 9- Developing Depth and Consistency in Activities: Thomas emphasizes the importance of developing depth and consistency in chosen activities throughout high school. He explains how demonstrating progress and dedication over time helps students stand out as interesting and unique applicants. Episode 9- Avoiding Last-Minute Superficial Activities: Thomas cautions against the temptation to hastily engage in activities without genuine passion or commitment. He highlights the significance of demonstrating a genuine and authentic interest in a pursuit, rather than resorting to shallow experiences. Tune in to the full episodes to gain valuable insights into extracurricular activities, summer planning, and strategies for making your college application shine. Remember, it's about meaningful engagement, personal growth, and showcasing your unique journey to universities. About Thomas Thomas is a parent and alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was director of admissions and financial aid at Wharton School. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to create 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, he works with diverse and underserved communities to help them become successful college students. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for parents and applicants. Follow Admittedly on social media Instagram: @admittedlypodcast

In this special "Best of" episode, former MBA admissions director Thomas Caleel shares valuable insights and tips for high school juniors as they approach the college admission process. The selected clips from Season One cover a range of topics, including the importance of academic performance, how to stand out in extracurricular activities, choosing recommenders, navigating college visits, planning a strategic summer, and the significance of the Common Application opening on August 1. Join Thomas as he draws upon his extensive experience to provide guidance and help students and parents prepare for their educational goals. Have questions you want answered? Now accepting applications for parents and students to participate in a live 1:1 coaching session with Thomas. Apply HERE Key Highlights: Clip 1: Importance of Academics in Junior Year: Episode 2 Clip 2: Standing Out in Extracurricular Activities: Episode 2 Clip 3: Choosing Meaningful Extracurricular Activities: Episode 8 Clip 4: Selecting Recommendation Letter Writers: Episode 18 Clip 5: Preparing to Ask for Recommendation Letters: Episode 18 Clip 6: Visiting Colleges and Demonstrating Interest: Episode 18 Clip 7: Planning a Summer with College Admissions in Mind: Episode 18 Clip 8: The Importance of August 1st and Common Application: Episode 19 About Thomas Caleel Thomas is a parent and alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was director of admissions and financial aid at Wharton School. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to create 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, he works with diverse and underserved communities to help them become successful college students. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for parents and applicants. JOIN our mailing list for important updates and special bonus features. Follow Admittedly on social media Instagram: @admittedlypodcast

We will be back! Wrapping up Season 1 and preparing for the launch of Season 2. Let's reflect on all of this years' achievements and celebrate the end of another school year. Join our mailing list HERE for important *BONUS* content and updates. Follow us on instagram @admittedlypodcast Key notes: The podcast will be taking a brief hiatus for the start of summer, but Thomas assures listeners that an exciting second season is on the horizon. Exclusive content and special guides are in the works for the summer, specifically for those who have joined the mailing list. Thomas expresses his gratitude to the supportive community, as the podcast has achieved an impressive feat of being in the top 10% of all podcasts globally during its first season. What's to come in Season 2? In season 2 the podcast will explore topics such as prep school admissions, graduate school admissions, and the admission cycle for high school juniors. Engaging guests and students will join the show to discuss their candidacies and experiences. Subscribers on the mailing list can anticipate exclusive and valuable content. Special guides on writing essays and preparing for the fall admission cycle will be available. Additionally, subscriber-only podcasts will be released, offering unique perspectives and information. As summer approaches, Thomas encourages listeners to take a well-deserved break and indulge in activities they are passionate about. He emphasizes the importance of conveying personal journeys and aspirations to schools during the admissions process. Season two of the podcast will delve further into this theme.

In this mini-series, Thomas talks about the top things to do as a junior student applying to college. It is an important time because the students start to feel that their time is coming, and several questions are now coming to mind. As a follow-up to the previous episode, today, Thomas highlights the best tips to follow during your application. Usually, August 1st is the day when students are allowed to start their applications, but you don't get any extra points for being too early. A lot can happen during summer, so living all the experiences before writing about them is the way to go. When writing an essay, certain things like punctuation, conciseness, and grammar are fundamental. In parallel, writing more doesn't always mean writing better. Tune in to learn more! Key Highlights Grammar is important when working on your application. Be honest and genuine with your answers. Be conscious about the strategy you want to follow. Don't forget: the university wants to know more about you. More is not your friend: be concise and original. You don't get extra points for being too early, so take your time. About Thomas Thomas is a parent and alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was director of admissions and financial aid at Wharton School. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to create 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, he works with diverse and underserved communities to help them become successful college students. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for parents and applicants. Follow Admittedly on social media TikTok: @admittedlypodcast Instagram: @admittedlypodcast

In this mini-series, Thomas talks about the top things to do as a junior student applying to college. It is an important time because the students start to feel that their time is coming, and several questions are now coming to mind. Although it is normal to be confused and overwhelmed, it is also important to take a moment and start to organize things. For example, making a list of schools the student wants to apply to, visiting these same schools, gathering recommendations, and researching are all great things to focus on during this time. It is also valuable to take advantage of the summer break. It is perfectly ok to want to relax, travel, or spend time with family and friends, but now is also the time to start preparing for the future ahead. Key Highlights Learn what you need to do between now and the fall. How are you presenting yourself to the university? Recommendations are fundamental during this time. It's helpful to have a list of desired schools. Get to know the university if you pay a visit. Important aspects to consider during this time are your grades and leadership skills. Take advantage of summertime to organize things. About Thomas Thomas is a parent and alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was director of admissions and financial aid at Wharton School. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to create 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, he works with diverse and underserved communities to help them become successful college students. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for parents and applicants. Follow Admittedly on social media TikTok: @admittedlypodcast Instagram: @admittedlypodcast

MBA is the perfect program for students looking to accelerate their careers and strengthen their skills. These programs are designed to help young students succeed in any business area. In this episode, Thomas highlights the best strategy for college students to begin an MBA program. First and foremost, it is helpful to look up all the options and all the different courses that universities have to offer. From there, to apply to a program, it is also fundamental to understand the DNA of the program. Other questions to think about when applying for an MBA are: What are my goals? Why is now the right moment to do it? These are questions that most likely the university will also ask. Tune in to learn more! Key Highlights Learn everything about the matriculation of MBA programs. Usually, April is the end of the admission cycle. Look up the programs and all the options from all universities. Things to consider when applying: why is now the right time? What do you hope to achieve with an MBA degree? In order to be accepted, it's important to understand the DNA of the program. MBA programs teach a variety of skills, including networking and leadership. About Thomas Thomas is a parent and alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was director of admissions and financial aid at Wharton School. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to create 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, he works with diverse and underserved communities to help them become successful college students. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for parents and applicants. Follow Admittedly on social media TikTok: @admittedlypodcast Instagram: @admittedlypodcast

Explore the intriguing world of using ChatGPT for admissions essays. Discover the balance between leveraging AI for inspiration and maintaining your unique voice. Thomas dives into the ethical dilemmas of outsourcing your essay writing while emphasizing the importance of authenticity. Learn tips for effectively using this technology without sacrificing personal expression. It’s a conversation that tackles the risks and rewards of blending AI with your individual narrative!

In this episode of Admittedly Podcast, Thomas breaks down the different types of financial aid students can get. Although it's an important topic, it's also highly individual; every situation needs to be analyzed separately. Thomas explains that there are two main types of financial aid: merit-based and need-based. Need-based scholarship involves a form called FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This form will ask questions that may or may not grant the student financial aid for college or graduate school. Whether or not the student applies for scholarships, it's essential to analyze the whole scenario, put together information from all the possible scholarships, and make the decision consciously. Key Highlights It's a very individual topic. There are two main types of financial aid: merit-based and need-based. Before making a decision, be aware of the investment in the long term. Analyze if the investment is worth it. There are services that can help you find scholarships. There are ways to pay the college back . It's important to put together a sheet with all the possible scholarships. At the end of the process, examine what the best scenario is. About Thomas Thomas is a parent and alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was director of admissions and financial aid at Wharton School. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to create 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, he works with diverse and underserved communities to help them become successful college students. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for parents and applicants. Follow Admittedly on social media TikTok: @admittedlypodcast Instagram: @admittedlypodcast