Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

With the school year winding down, it’s time for a strategic check-in. In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down what students in each grade level — from freshmen to juniors — should be doing right now to close out the year strong and set themselves up for summer (and beyond). From building study habits and exploring new interests to locking in your college list and prepping your recommenders, Thomas offers clear, actionable guidance tailored to where you are in your high school journey. Plus, he shares inspiring success stories from real students who’ve taken control of their path — and how you can too.   Key Topics: Freshman: Why reflection is key, how to explore interests and prep for sophomore year Sophomore: What to cut, what to double down on, and how to make this summer count Junior: The most pivotal year — from GPA and testing to activities, majors, and Common App prep Tips for academic improvement and relationship building with teachers Real success stories from Admittedly students in each grade How to approach summer with intention and set yourself up for success next year   College admissions isn’t about last-minute scrambles — it’s about intentional, thoughtful planning. No matter what grade you’re in, the steps you take right now can set you apart in a sea of applications later. Take stock. Get real about your progress. And take ownership of your path. Follow Admittedly on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights, and drop us a comment! Visit www.admittedly.co to learn more about how Thomas and the Admittedly team can help you navigate your admissions journey.

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel addresses a question that has been coming up more and more often: “I made a mistake—am I done?” Whether it’s academic dishonesty, a suspension, or even a school dismissal, students are understandably afraid these missteps have ended their college dreams. But as Thomas explains, what matters most is how you respond, own your mistake, and demonstrate growth. This episode dives into the real consequences of disciplinary and academic infractions, how colleges evaluate these issues, and—most importantly—how students can take back control of their narrative and future. Redemption is not only possible, but it can be powerful—if handled the right way. Key Topics Discussed: Can one mistake really ruin your college admissions chances? The difference between academic and disciplinary issues in the application process Why academic dishonesty is taken so seriously—and how to move forward What to do if you’ve been suspended or disciplined How and when to disclose infractions on your college application The importance of owning your mistake and showing maturity and growth Steps to rebuild trust with your school and future colleges Letters of support: who to ask and why they matter Stories of redemption and what admissions officers are truly looking for Everyone makes mistakes—it’s part of being human. What sets successful applicants apart isn’t perfection, but their willingness to take responsibility, grow, and keep pushing forward. If you’re facing a setback, don’t despair. Get in front of it, take the right steps, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your future is still in your hands. We want to hear from you. If you've gone through something similar and come out stronger—share your story with us on social media @admittedlyco on Instagram and TikTok. Let’s uplift and support each other.

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a break from the usual admissions talk to share six inspiring success stories that prove there’s no single path to college admissions success. These students faced unique challenges—limited resources, late-changing interests, international barriers—but found creative ways to stand out. Their journeys highlight the power of reframing experiences, seeking the right opportunities, and crafting compelling personal stories. Success Stories: Andie: A student from a middle-class, single-parent home who worked after school instead of doing traditional extracurriculars. By reframing her story, she leveraged her experience into a successful application to Wharton and is now a highly successful graduate. Susan: An artist passionate about architecture, Susan used local resources and an international nonprofit to build a strong application—earning close to $1 million in scholarships and admission to top architecture programs. Bob: An international student passionate about environmental science, Bob found a hands-on path outside the lab with Outward Bound and the U.S. Forest Service, leading him to NYU and a unique blend of fieldwork and academics. James: A boarding school student with an unimpressive resume transformed his passion for healthcare and technology into impactful telehealth advocacy, influencing state laws and earning a spot at Penn—now pursuing a PhD in the Ivy League. Alice: A high-achieving student in Hong Kong’s top school shifted from STEM to social sciences, leading impactful work on period poverty in Cambodia. Her advocacy work helped her stand out and become the only student from her school admitted early to an Ivy League. Alex: A sophomore passionate about real estate and fluent in Japanese, Alex found an internship in Japan with Admittedly’s guidance. His experience set him apart and helped him gain admission into Wharton’s Huntsman Program. With over 8 million applications submitted through the Common App this year, standing out requires more than just strong academics—it demands a compelling personal story. These students prove that by embracing their unique interests, seeking out meaningful opportunities, and telling authentic stories, they were able to beat the odds and gain admission to top universities. Follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights and updates! Visit www.admittedly.co to discover how Admittedly can support you in your college admissions journey.

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a deep dive into one of the most important questions in the college admissions process: What’s the difference between a school counselor and an independent college counselor? Thomas explores when and why families may want to seek outside help, how to ensure school and independent counselors work in harmony, and the key advantages of taking a proactive approach to admissions guidance.  Key Takeaways:  The Role of School Counselors: School counselors work hard and care deeply about student success. Any work with an independent counselor should complement—not replace—the guidance of your school counselor. Respect and collaboration with your school counselor are essential. A strong relationship can lead to a great recommendation letter and additional support in the admissions process.  The Different Kinds of School Counseling: In large public schools, counselors often have overwhelming caseloads, making outside help invaluable in the admissions process. In smaller public, charter, and private schools, counselors tend to have dedicated staff for the admissions counseling process, making it easier to access guidance. However, they still balance multiple responsibilities, large caseloads, and often conflicting priorities.  Limitations of School Counselors: Counselors must serve entire student populations, balance school relationships with universities, and often don’t have the bandwidth for deep, personalized strategy work.  Strategic College Planning: Outside counselors can help with detailed aspects of the application process, including essays, recommenders, extracurricular strategy, and overall positioning for top schools.  Why Some Schools Disapprove of Private Counselors: Certain schools may discourage outside counselors for various reasons. Families should understand their school’s stance and decide what’s best for their specific situation.  Who Benefits the Most From Outside Counselors?: Students aiming for competitive schools, students without strong school counselor support, and those needing additional advocacy may benefit most from outside counseling. Counseling can make a huge difference in the college admissions process. While school counselors are dedicated and doing their best, their priorities and responsibilities extend beyond just one student’s success. That’s why it’s crucial for families to take control of their child’s college journey. If you have the resources, consider investing in outside counseling or dedicating time to independent research and strategic planning. Don’t rely solely on your school counselor—proactively seek the best guidance to maximize opportunities. Most importantly, keep pushing forward! Every student’s journey is unique, and learning from others’ experiences can be incredibly valuable.  We invite you to share what has worked (or hasn’t) for your family on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco—your insights could help others navigate the same challenges. Give us a follow, drop a comment, and let’s keep the conversation going!  

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UPenn’s Wharton School, delves into the pivotal role of extracurricular activities in the college admissions process—a topic frequently requested by students and parents alike. Thomas emphasizes the importance of aligning extracurriculars with genuine interests, moving beyond the traditional checklist mentality to create a cohesive and authentic application narrative. Key Takeaways:  Why Extracurriculars Matter: Families often approach extracurriculars as a series of obligations rather than opportunities for genuine engagement. Thomas advocates for a shift in perspective, encouraging students to identify and pursue activities that truly resonate with their passions and tell their story. Blurring The Lines: Extracurricular involvement shouldn't be confined to the academic calendar. Thomas highlights that authentic interests should extend beyond the school year, painting a comprehensive picture that admissions officers value. Creating Opportunities: Drawing from successful Admittedly students, Thomas shares innovative approaches to extracurriculars.  From community involvement to practical work experiences, the emphasis is on proactive and thoughtful engagement. Leadership and Impact: Beyond holding titles, demonstrating leadership through tangible contributions and positive changes in chosen activities is crucial. Navigating extracurricular choices can be challenging, but centering them around genuine interests leads to a more fulfilling and impactful experience. By authentically engaging in activities that matter, students not only enrich their personal growth but also present compelling narratives to admissions committees. Follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights and updates! Visit www.admittedly.co to discover how Admittedly can support you in your college admissions journey.

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UPenn’s Wharton School, tackles the topic of safety schools. Thomas explores how the concept of a safety school has evolved—from a carefully chosen handful of applications to a broader strategy in today’s Common App era. He dives into the potential pitfalls of this mindset and offers alternative perspectives, including the benefits of community college transfers and the critical importance of genuine interest when applying to any school. Key Takeaways: What Is a Safety School? In short, a safety school is a "fallback school." However, this mindset carries risks—applying to a school you have absolutely no interest in, even if you’re accepted, may not be the best strategy. Rethinking Your Fallback Options: Consider that a community college might be a safer bet than transferring from a low-ranked school. In states like California, transferring from a community college can even come with preferred admission status at some top-tier schools. Why Safety Schools Might Reject You: Schools can detect when they’re being treated as mere backups. They seek students who will thrive on campus—not just use the institution as a stepping stone to another university. They want applicants who genuinely like their school. When a Safety School Is Your True Choice: If you actually want to attend a school traditionally considered a safety school, demonstrated interest becomes crucial. Genuine outreach and expressed enthusiasm can set you apart and improve your chances. Broader Horizons: Remember to broaden your thinking and consider factors beyond prestige and brand.  Explore international opportunities, weigh the return on your investments, and consider your long-term goals to choose a path that sets you up for success. Navigating college admissions is about more than just having a fallback plan—it’s about finding the right fit and investing in opportunities that truly resonate with your goals. Embrace the journey, be intentional in your choices, and stay open to all possibilities. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights and updates! Visit www.admittedly.co to learn how Admittedly can help you achieve your dreams.  

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a moment to reintroduce himself. With so many new listeners joining our community, it’s the perfect time to revisit the story behind Admittedly. Thomas shares his journey—from his early career ventures to becoming a leader in the college admissions space—and why he has spent the past 20 years helping students navigate the admissions process with confidence and clarity. Key Takeaways: Where it all Started – Thomas shares his unconventional path, from business ventures in Europe to launching skincare brands in Colorado, and ultimately, how he found his calling in admissions. Why it Matters – A deep commitment to student success has driven Thomas to help applicants achieve incredible things. His mission is to spread valuable, strategic admissions advice to as many students as possible. Becoming a Voice in Admissions – Engaging with other experts in the online admissions space has been an enriching experience, but not every voice in the industry is created equal.  What Brings us Here – Success isn’t just about strategy; it’s about relationships. Building connections, learning from others, and sharing knowledge is vital to Admittedly's growing community. For two decades, Thomas has been dedicated to reducing stress and uncertainty in the admissions process—helping students avoid mistakes, grow productively, and achieve their goals. And this is just the beginning. Follow Admittedly on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights, and drop us a comment! Visit www.admittedly.co to learn more about how Thomas and the Admittedly team can help you navigate your admissions journey.

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel dives deeper into deferrals. He breaks down what deferrals are, why schools do it, and what it means for YOU! Key Takeaways: Deferrals Are NOT Rejections: Understanding what it means to be deferred is critically important to your application process if you’re applying Early Action or Early Decision. Yield Management is a Big Factor: Schools act in their best interest, and have ideal yield margins to hit each year. Yield is the number of students who accepted an offer over the number of offers given out and can be a big indicator of how selective schools are. You Can Make a Difference: Letters of continued interest and other supplementary information may be requested from you. This can have a large impact on your chances of being accepted during regular decision. Deferrals Went Up This Year (And Thomas Has Thoughts): Listen in for Thomas’ personal theory as on why this year we experienced a spike in deferrals. Being deferred is not ideal, but it does not mean you lost your chance at being accepted. If you have thoughts, want to share your experience, or have questions about this episode, drop a comment on Instagram or TikTok at @admittedlyco. For more expert insight on college admissions, follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco! Visit www.admittedly.co to find out more about what we at Admittedly can do to help you aim for top colleges.

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the question, “Why doesn’t the Ivy League expand?” As a former Director of MBA Admissions at UPenn’s Wharton School, Thomas offers an insider’s perspective on the challenges and limitations elite universities face when it comes to growth. Key Takeaways: Ivy League schools aren’t responsible for educating everyone – Expanding these colleges would reduce scarcity, ultimately diminishing the exclusivity and prestige they leverage. Most Ivy League schools lack the space to expand – Many Ivies are located in historic cities with physical limitations, making it nearly impossible to significantly increase campus size or enrollment. Building additional campuses is risky – Maintaining Ivy League standards requires top-tier faculty and staff, which can be difficult to recruit and retain, even for existing campuses. While many students and parents wish Ivy League schools would expand, the reality is far more complex. If you have questions, we’d love to hear them! Follow Admittedly on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights, and drop us a comment! Visit www.admittedly.co to learn more about how Admittedly can help you on your journey to getting admitted into your dream school.

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the workings of transferring colleges. He breaks down the process of transferring, why schools do it, why you might care, and answers some questions from listeners! Key Takeaways: You Need to Ask Yourself WHY: Whether it’s in your personal statement or individual essays, schools will ask why you want to transfer, and transferring for ranking is not a good reason. Is your current school a bad fit? Have your priorities shifted? Dig deep.    How Schools Consider YOU: Schools consider more than your reason for transferring. Your academics, extracurriculars, and recommendations will all have an impact on your chances.   Take Your TIME on The Applications: There may be discrepancies in what is listed in the Common Transfer Application and what is listed on the school’s page. Always make sure you are comparing the requirements and staying on top of your applications.   Local/Community College Transfers: A lot of schools do give preference to local transfers from community colleges – it can be a great option to look into!   The transfer process is complex, requiring a lot of time and hard work – Students set on their path to transfer should embrace the journey, trust in their unique story, and aim for the colleges that truly align with who you are.   Follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights and updates!    Visit www.admittedly.co to find out more about what we at Admittedly can do to help in your transfer journey.