Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the evolving college admissions landscape, comparing the challenges of today's process with that of previous generations. He offers insights into how applicant expectations, the applicant pool, and the criteria for top schools have changed, and answers some questions from listeners! Key Takeaways: The Shifting Admissions Landscape: While admit rates have decreased, the fundamental traits that colleges value—intellectual curiosity, academic achievement, and community involvement—have remained constant. The Dangers of Over-Scheduling: More isn't always better. Thomas discusses the importance of choosing a few activities that truly matter to you, rather than overloading on extracurriculars for the sake of impressing admissions officers. Quality Over Quantity: Schools prefer applicants who show passion and depth in one or two areas, rather than those who scatter their focus across numerous activities. Parental Support: Parents can play a crucial role by encouraging their children to pursue their true interests and avoid the pressure of "keeping up" with peers. Authenticity in the Application Process: Schools are looking for genuine applicants, not overly-polished versions of what they think admissions officers want. Be true to yourself and let your story shine through. Navigating the college admissions process can be daunting, but it's about finding balance, focusing on what truly matters, and being authentic. Embrace the journey, trust in your unique story, and aim for colleges that truly align with who you are. Follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights and updates!

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel addresses the growing pressures high school students feel during the college admissions process. Exploring the sources of this stress—whether self-imposed or external—Thomas emphasizes the importance of intentionality and clarity of purpose. He offers insights into balancing extracurricular activities, maintaining mental health, and avoiding the trap of overloading schedules to "keep up" with others. With a focus on authenticity and depth over breadth, this episode provides actionable advice for students and parents alike. Key Takeaways: The Danger of Comparison: Students often model their activities after peers who gained admission to selective schools, leading to unnecessary pressure and burnout. Quality Over Quantity: Admissions committees value meaningful, sustained engagement in a few areas over a laundry list of shallow commitments. Intentional Engagement: Focus on activities that genuinely align with your interests and passions, rather than attempting to "do it all." Mental Health Matters: Both parents and students need to prioritize balance and well-being. Frazzled and overworked students are not what admissions officers are looking for. Dispel Myths About Admissions: Many stressors stem from misunderstandings or rumors about what colleges expect. Focus on facts and clarity. More is not always better in the college admissions process. By focusing on intentionality, authenticity, and personal well-being, students can present a compelling and balanced profile without overwhelming themselves. For more guidance on navigating this journey, follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco.

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel delves into the ongoing debate surrounding Ivy League education. He explores the allure, benefits, and potential drawbacks of attending an Ivy or Ivy Plus school. Thomas emphasizes that while these schools can offer transformative opportunities, they are not the singular path to success. He breaks down the reputational effect, alumni networks, financial considerations, and career impact of an Ivy League education while encouraging families to make thoughtful, individualized decisions. Key Takeaways: What is the Ivy League? The Ivy League started as an athletic conference comprising eight schools: Penn, Dartmouth, Princeton, Columbia, Harvard, Yale, Brown, and Cornell. Ivy Plus schools like MIT, Stanford, and UChicago expand the list of prestigious institutions but are not part of the original Ivy League. Benefits of Ivy League Education: Access to world-class professors and intellectually stimulating peers. Deep, powerful alumni networks that can enhance career opportunities and personal connections. A strong reputational effect that can open doors in competitive industries or regions. Financial Considerations: Many Ivy League schools offer generous grants to families earning less than $200,000 annually, but those in higher income brackets may face steep costs. For families in the middle, the decision to take on significant debt for an Ivy degree requires careful evaluation of potential career returns and long-term goals. Regional and Career Fit: Alumni networks often have stronger influence in certain regions (e.g., USC for Southern California vs. Dartmouth for New England). Consider your intended career path—certain degrees (like law or medicine) might make Ivy tuition less justifiable at the undergrad level. Plan Strategically: Ivy League admissions require thoughtful planning and foresight, starting as early as freshman or sophomore year. Understand your goals, strengths, and passions early to align your high school experience with Ivy League expectations. An Ivy League education can be transformational for the right student, offering unique opportunities and networks that last a lifetime. However, it's not the only path to success, and families should weigh financial, career, and personal factors when making this decision. Thoughtful planning and self-awareness are key to determining whether the Ivy League is the right fit. For more tips and guidance, follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco.

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel emphasizes the critical role of courage in crafting standout college application essays. Drawing from his experience reviewing thousands of essays, Thomas shares insights into why authentic, bold storytelling is essential for making an impression on admissions officers. He discusses how vulnerability, self-awareness, and owning your unique story can set applicants apart in a sea of polished but impersonal submissions. Key Takeaways: Courage Over Conformity: Avoid mimicking "successful essays" found online. Let your unique voice and personal experiences guide your storytelling. Own Your Story: Don't soft-sell your accomplishments. Showcase your successes and challenges with pride and authenticity, focusing on what drives you. Embrace Vulnerability: Essays should be personal and sometimes uncomfortable to write, as they offer a glimpse into your motivations, character, and growth. Be Fearlessly Honest: Share your lived experiences—even failures—and how they shaped you. This honesty resonates with admissions officers seeking genuine insight into applicants. Not Every School Will Say Yes—And That's Okay: A bold essay might not appeal to every institution, but it will connect with the schools that are the best fit for you. College essays are an opportunity to share your authentic self and connect with schools that align with your story. Be brave, bold, and unafraid to show your vulnerability. Follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more thoughts and guidance.

Planning ahead in high school can significantly ease the college admissions process. Early academic support and identifying learning differences are crucial for success. Each year should focus on building strong foundations, refining interests, and engaging in meaningful extracurriculars. Junior year is particularly decisive, emphasizing deep engagement and consistent test preparation. Parents are encouraged to balance guidance with fostering student autonomy, ensuring authentic passions shine through in applications.

In this episode of the Admittedly podcast, host Thomas Caleel dives into the college interview process, offering insights for seniors navigating interview invites and juniors preparing for their future applications. From understanding the importance of interviews to tips for making a strong impression, Thomas shares practical advice to help students shine. Summary of Key Points: 1. Understand the Interview Process: Thomas explains the differences between interviews that count as evaluations versus alumni conversations. Knowing whether the interview plays a significant role in admissions helps students tailor their preparation and approach. 2. Professional Communication: Respond promptly and professionally to interview invitations. Thomas provides tips for crafting a thoughtful response to your interviewer, emphasizing the importance of clarity, courtesy, and preparedness. 3. Preparation is Key: Students should reread their essays, review their reasons for choosing the school, and research their interviewer if possible. Thomas also discusses how to approach commonly asked questions like "Tell me about yourself" in a structured and engaging way. 4. Engage Thoughtfully: Be ready to ask meaningful questions about the school and your interviewer's experience. Avoid "Google questions" or overly technical queries. Instead, focus on topics that demonstrate intellectual curiosity and genuine interest. 5. Follow Up and Reflect: After the interview, send a personalized thank-you email or note. If there were unresolved questions during the interview, use the follow-up as an opportunity to provide answers or clarify any points. College interviews are an opportunity to showcase your personality and demonstrate your fit for a school. With preparation, thoughtful engagement, and professionalism, you can turn an interview into a standout moment in your application. For more tips and guidance, follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco.

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel speaks directly to high school juniors and their parents, offering actionable insights on preparing for the college admissions process. With a focus on planning and strategy, Thomas emphasizes steps that students can take now to set themselves up for success next fall. Summary of Key Points: 1. Planning and Academic Preparation: Thomas encourages juniors to think ahead by working backward from their goals, even if those goals are not yet fully defined. He discusses the importance of building a strong academic profile by taking challenging courses in areas related to intended college majors, understanding academic strengths and weaknesses, and developing relationships with teachers for future recommendations. 2. Strategic Testing Preparation: Juniors should begin preparing for standardized tests, selecting either the SAT or ACT based on practice test performance and comfort with the format. Thomas highlights the importance of consistent study, understanding test structures, and being strategic about test dates to achieve the best possible scores. 3. Extracurricular Depth and Leadership: Thomas stresses the value of focusing on a few meaningful extracurricular activities, preferably with leadership roles or community engagement beyond school clubs. Genuine commitment and demonstrated impact, rather than superficial "passion projects," are key to standing out in the admissions process. 4. Planning for Summer and Building on Experience: With summer approaching, Thomas suggests seeking meaningful internships, selective programs, or impactful work experiences. Avoiding pay-to-play programs, juniors should focus on intentional, resume-building activities that reflect genuine interests and make a difference in their communities. Thomas urges juniors to start planning now for their own admissions journey, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and self-reflection. By strategically preparing academically, investing in meaningful extracurriculars, and building strong test scores, students can put their best foot forward when the time comes. Follow @admittedlyco on Instagram and TikTok for ongoing tips and guidance throughout the college admissions process. About Thomas Caleel: Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate 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 LLC, he works as a high-level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants.

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the unique and creative nature of the University of Chicago supplement, offering advice on how to approach the school's open-ended and thought-provoking essay prompts. He discusses the value of creativity and how to craft responses that reflect the university's intellectual spirit. Summary of Key Points: 1. Embrace Creativity: The University of Chicago supplement encourages applicants to think outside the box, offering an "unlimited universe" of prompts, or even the chance to create your own. Thomas emphasizes the importance of being genuinely creative, using fresh ideas to challenge conventional thinking, and crafting a response that reflects your unique perspective on the world. 2. How UChicago Fits You: In the second question, applicants are asked how the University of Chicago's educational environment aligns with their intellectual goals. Thomas advises linking the creative energy from the first essay to your academic aspirations, demonstrating how UChicago's offerings will help you grow and achieve your personal goals. The University of Chicago supplement is a chance to showcase your creativity and intellectual curiosity. By embracing the freedom of the prompts and crafting an essay that aligns with UChicago's values, you can stand out as a fearless, unique thinker. For more insights and tips on college admissions, follow @admittedlypodcast on TikTok and Instagram.

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel provides an in-depth analysis of the Brown University supplement. He highlights the unique aspects of Brown's educational philosophy, particularly the open curriculum, and offers advice on how to approach each of the supplemental essay prompts. Summary of Key Points: 1. The Open Curriculum: Brown's open curriculum offers students the freedom to design their own academic path. Thomas emphasizes the importance of understanding this concept deeply and explains how applicants can illustrate why this educational model suits them and their goals. 2. Community and Growth: The second essay allows applicants to share a meaningful aspect of their background and how it will contribute to the Brown community. Thomas encourages applicants to focus on their personal growth and identity, and how these experiences will shape their engagement on campus. 3. What Brings You Joy: For the third essay, Brown asks applicants to discuss what brings them joy. Thomas advises students to dig deep into the core of what drives their passions and tie that positivity and energy to how they envision their future at Brown. 4. Short Answer Questions: Brown's short answers include describing yourself in three words, discussing a meaningful extracurricular activity, and imagining a class you would teach. Thomas stresses the importance of showing personality and creativity, while maintaining consistency across the entire application. 5. Why Brown (in One Sentence): The final challenge is explaining why Brown is the right fit in just one sentence. Thomas encourages applicants to express their connection to Brown's unique values and educational model simply and directly, from the heart. The Brown supplement is an opportunity to showcase how you'll thrive in the open curriculum and engage with the Brown community. By following Thomas's advice, applicants can craft a thoughtful, authentic application that reflects their fit for Brown. For more insights and tips on college admissions, follow @admittedlypodcast on TikTok and Instagram.

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down the Johns Hopkins supplement, focusing on how to strategically approach its two-part question. He emphasizes the importance of integrating your life experience with your academic goals to create a cohesive narrative. Summary of Key Points: Integration of Community and Academics: Thomas stresses the importance of connecting your personal background and identity to your academic interests, showing how your experiences have shaped your passion for a particular field of study. Strategic Structure: Rather than separating the two parts of the question, Thomas encourages blending them into a unified essay that tells a story of how your life experience has guided your academic journey and future aspirations. The Johns Hopkins supplement offers applicants a chance to reflect on how their life experiences and community have influenced their academic interests. By crafting a well-integrated essay, applicants can show how their journey has led them to Johns Hopkins and how their goals align with what the university has to offer. For more insights on creating strong applications, follow @admittedlypodcast on TikTok and Instagram.