Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

Thomas Caleel
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May 2, 2023 • 19min

17. MBA Applications: What You Need to Know About a Deferred Admission MBA

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
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Apr 25, 2023 • 14min

16. Using ChatGPT to Write Your Admissions Essay

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!
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Apr 18, 2023 • 20min

15. Financial Aid: Breaking Down the Different Types

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
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Apr 13, 2023 • 13min

14. Admissions Scandals: How Does This Affect You as an Applicant?

Being honest and truthful in your application is the first step to take when trying to get into the college of your dreams. It's common to try and make ourselves look good in the application, but there is a fine line between trying to look good and lying. In this episode, Thomas shares some tips about this topic, citing the Varsity Blues Scandal - one of the most significant cases of this nature ever investigated. It's crucial to understand this process: admissions based on merit are a priority for schools, and any misinformation provided in the application can result in the revoking of the admission at any time. Key Highlights The Varsity Blues Scandal was classified as a conspiracy. People involved in this fraud took advantage of loopholes in the admission process. You can't control or prevent anyone from cheating. There is a fine line between lying and making yourself look good. All claims and statements need to match reality. Schools can and sometimes will revoke the admission if any misstatement arises. 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
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Apr 11, 2023 • 13min

13. Ivy Day was 3/30: My Thoughts on Next Steps after Receiving Your College Admission Decision

Ivy Day is when all the Ivy League schools release their admissions decisions. It's an important day for students, but also a very stressful one. After all, it's the day when the student sees the result of 4 years of hard work, and it can be positive or negative. Whatever the results are, it's time to be smart and strategic. In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas shares his thoughts on the next steps after receiving a college admission decision. If the results are positive, it's time to celebrate while being sensitive about your colleagues. If the result is not what you wanted, there are things you can do to minimize the loss, process the pain, and prepare for the future. In the end, it's not about being competitive; it's about finding the right place for you. Key Highlights What are the next steps after receiving your college admission decision? There are three possible outcomes: positive, negative, or waitlist. Don't take it personally. Be sensitive about the results involving your colleagues. Evaluate your next steps with strategy. You might want to take some time and be involved in your local school's activities. A "gap year" can be taken during this time to travel, work, research, or volunteer. 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
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Apr 4, 2023 • 24min

12. What Goes into a GREAT Admissions Essay: Interview with Dr. Lauren Rubin [Part 2]

In this episode of Admittedly Podcast, Thomas connects with Dr. Lauren Rubin. Dr. Rubin has over twenty years of experience teaching test prep and essay writing to students of all ages. In today's show, Dr. Rubin talks about the important writing components of an essay and how to organize the ideas on the paper. One of the key steps to making a great essay is to first read the material with attention and fully understand the concept of what was read. After that, the next step should be using evidence to prove your point and structure all the facts and sources. Even before this step, it's also important for the student to have feedback on their previous essays in order to improve their skills. Key Highlights Learn the writing aspects of a great essay. To keep sharpening writing skills is crucial to practice. The student needs to have guidance throughout the practice. The student also needs to understand what is being asked of them. The process of writing needs to take into account the character limits. It's important to revise what was written in the first drafts. 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. Related Links Dr. Lauren Rubin's website: www.centerforscholasticsuccess.com Download Free Writing Guide: www.thomascaleel.com/free-guide Follow Admittedly on Social Media TikTok: @admittedlypodcast Instagram: @admittedlypodcast
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Mar 31, 2023 • 27min

11. Standardized Test Prep: Interview with Dr. Lauren Rubin [Part 1]

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas connects with Dr. Lauren Rubin. Dr. Rubin has over twenty years of experience teaching test prep and essay writing to students of all ages. In today's show, she shares several tips and strategies for standardized tests. For the student to reach their greatest potential, it's important to take the proper test and the one whose particularities the student has more ability with. Dr. Rubin also highlights the differences between SAT and ACT, the importance of reading and writing, and how often the student needs to study for the tests to succeed. Key Highlights Reading is crucial to succeeding on tests. Students should start to study for the tests in their junior year. Sometimes quality is more important than quantity when it comes to studying. Learn the differences between SAT and ACT. Tips for international students (writing and grammar). Reading well and writing well are connected. 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. Related Links Dr. Lauren Rubin's website: www.centerforscholasticsuccess.com Download Free Writing Guide: www.thomascaleel.com/free-guide Follow Admittedly on Social Media TikTok: @admittedlypodcast Instagram: @admittedlypodcast
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Mar 28, 2023 • 20min

10. 1:1 Coaching Session [Part 3]: How to Start Thinking about College Admissions as a Freshman

In this episode of Admittedly Podcast, Thomas takes us through a coaching session with a participant who is currently a freshman. Thinking about college admissions ahead of time can make a difference when it comes to analyzing all the options and alleviating the pressure. Part 3 of this coaching session discusses what a student should do over the summer. There are a lot of courses, extracurricular activities, and summer jobs available for high school students, and colleges really value this type of commitment. These summer activities can also make a difference for students to find out what they like to do, their passions, and which interests they would like to keep and turn into a career. Key Highlights It's normal to feel pressure as a freshman when thinking about college. A good college is fundamental, but it's not a guarantee of success. Why is it important to think about college ahead of time? A lot of students have the same thoughts and concerns by this time. It's ok not to know what you're passionate about as a freshman. 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. Related Links Apply to be a guest: www.thomascaleel.com/apply-for-podcast Follow Admittedly on Social Media TikTok: @admittedlypodcast Instagram: @admittedlypodcast
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Mar 23, 2023 • 23min

9. 1:1 Coaching Session [Part 2]: How to Start Thinking about College Admissions as a Freshman

In this episode of Admittedly Podcast, Thomas takes us through a coaching session with a participant who is currently a freshman. Thinking about college admissions ahead of time can make a difference when it comes to analyzing all the options and alleviating the pressure. Part 2 of this coaching session is all about Thomas explaining how the experiences learned with a summer/temporary job can be applied to college applications. Thomas highlights that nowadays schools tend to look for students who have specific interests and talents, besides having good grades. The 'uniqueness' of a student is what is making the difference, and a job can really help in this way. Key Highlights It's normal to feel pressure as a freshman when thinking about college. A good college is fundamental, but it's not a guarantee of success. Why is it important to think about college ahead of time? A lot of students have the same thoughts and concerns by this time. It's ok not to know what you're passionate about as a freshman. 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. Related Links Apply to be a guest: www.thomascaleel.com/apply-for-podcast Follow Admittedly on Social Media TikTok: @admittedlypodcast Instagram: @admittedlypodcast
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Mar 21, 2023 • 25min

8. 1:1 Coaching Session [Part 1]: How to Start Thinking about College Admissions as a Freshman

In this episode of Admittedly Podcast, Thomas takes us through a coaching session with a participant who is currently a freshman. Thinking about college admissions ahead of time can make a difference when it comes to analyzing all the options and alleviating the pressure. At this stage, it's important to make an inventory of the student's life: favorite hobbies, favorite activities, interests, different languages… Any information is fundamental to help the person make an interesting and effective choice. Although having the courage to follow your passion in college is important, not every student will know what this passion is, and it's ok. That's why talking to professionals can really help. Key Highlights It's normal to feel pressure as a freshman when thinking about college. A good college is fundamental, but it's not a guarantee of success. Why is it important to think about college ahead of time? A lot of students have the same thoughts and concerns by this time. It's ok not to know what you're passionate about as a freshman. 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. Related Links Apply to be a guest: www.thomascaleel.com/apply-for-podcast Follow Admittedly on Social Media TikTok: @admittedlypodcast Instagram: @admittedlypodcast

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