Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

Today's QOTW is in regards to contacting the school or admissions rep after submitting your application. Have your own question you'd like answered? Send us a message on social media @admittedlypodcast for a chance to be featured.  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. Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and @admittedlypodcast on TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content. 

Today's question of the week- "How do I check my progress after I submit?" In today's episode we go through a brief overview of the applicant portal, what you will find in there, and how to check your status and update your application.  Have your own question you want answered? Leave us a comment on social media @admittedlypodcast for a chance to get featured.  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. Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and @admittedlypodcast on TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content. 

As we approach the November 1st early decision and early action deadline, we delve into an exciting yet perplexing aspect of college applications - the unique supplements, with a particular focus on the University of Chicago. Key Points: UChicago's Unconventional Approach: UChicago is notorious for its unconventional supplements that challenge applicants to think outside the box. It's often seen as the "fun goes to die" school, but that couldn't be further from the truth. This institution is on the lookout for disruptively creative and intelligent students who can make a difference. Insight into the Culture: UChicago's supplement questions are a window into the university's culture. They reveal what the school values in a student and the kind of intellectual environment they seek to foster. Open-Ended Prompts: UChicago's supplement questions are deliberately open-ended. They encourage applicants to take risks and, most importantly, have fun. This might be challenging, especially in a 250-word essay where you need to discuss your desire for a specific kind of learning and how the university fits into that. Intellectual Curiosity and Creativity: Rather than traditional essays, UChicago seeks to gauge your intellectual curiosity and creativity. How deeply do you love your chosen subject? How does your passion manifest in your writing? It's not about being a comedian; it's about being yourself, expressing your personality, and provoking thought. Demonstrating Creativity: To succeed at UChicago, applicants must break free from the expected and demonstrate intellectual creativity. An example is an applicant who humorously discussed a "batha Maddix" course due to a printer error, using baths as an analogy for mathematical concepts. This creative approach impressed the admissions committee. Conclusion UChicago's essay prompts are a challenge, but there's no definitive "right answer." The admissions team isn't looking for a template response. They want to see how you approach unfamiliar and unconventional questions, revealing your unique thought process. It's a chance to be unapologetically yourself, strip away pretenses, and let your personality shine. UChicago is about celebrating disruptive thinking, and if that resonates with you, this is your chance to join a community that values intellectual creativity. Explore their past essay questions for inspiration, and remember, your application is an opportunity to speak from the heart. If UChicago's culture aligns with your personality, embrace the challenge and let your unique self shine. Wishing you the best of luck in the coming weeks! 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. Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and @admittedlypodcast on TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content. 

What does test optional really mean? In today's episode your host Thomas Caleel interviews David Blobaum from National Test Prep Association. They discuss important issues around test prep, test-optional schools, and other helpful insights into standardized testing.  About David   David Blobaum is a nationally recognized expert in the entrance exam and college admissions industry and is the Director of Outreach for the National Test Prep Association, which works to support the appropriate use of testing in admissions. He graduated from the University of Chicago with honors both from the college and in his major, and he received his Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology. In college, he took seriously the University of Chicago’s aim of a “Renaissance” or well-rounded education and took courses in 17 different disciplines, ranging from Statistics and Economics to Philosophy and Art History. Since then, he has devoted himself to helping students reach their potential through education and, more broadly, to help empower them to succeed in life. To do so, he co-founded the education company Summit Prep in 2013 with a classmate from college, Eva Addae. When David is not teaching the next generation of students, he enjoys reading and hiking. His favorite travel spot is Brazil -- his wife's home country. Find him HERE  NTPA Social Website: https://nationaltestprep.org/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NTPAssociation  Twitter: https://twitter.com/TruthAndTests  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-test-preparation-association/  David’s Social Twitter: https://twitter.com/David_Blobaum  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-blobaum000/  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. Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and @admittedlypodcast on TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content. 

In this episode, your host, Thomas Caleel, delves into the world of college supplements and supplemental essays. With the approaching November 1 deadline for early action and early decision applications, Thomas aims to ease concerns and provide a roadmap for success in tackling these critical components of the college application process. Key Points: Understanding the Significance of Supplements: Supplements are an essential part of your college application, offering schools the chance to convey their values and interests to prospective students. Careful reading and research are vital when responding to supplement questions. Planning Ahead for Interactive Supplements: Some schools have interactive supplements, meaning your choice of major or academic interest can trigger specific essay prompts. Avoid last-minute panic by indicating your academic interest early and considering all potential essay prompts. Honesty and Alignment: Be honest about your academic interests and goals. Ensure your chosen major aligns with your extracurricular activities and experiences, as inconsistencies may raise questions. Crafting Effective Essays: Supplemental essays typically revolve around why you want to study at a particular school and how you intend to contribute to the community. Avoid generic responses and instead focus on your unique experiences, interests, and how they relate to the school's offerings. Short Answers and Lists: Don't overthink short answer questions or lists. Use them to showcase your genuine interests, hobbies, and quirks. Avoid trying to conform to perceived expectations and instead be yourself. Conclusion: College supplements and supplemental essays are crucial elements of the application process. Start early, thoroughly research each school's values and offerings, and craft authentic responses that reflect your unique personality and goals. Remember, this process is an opportunity to show how you'll contribute to the school's community and make your mark on campus. Best of luck as you navigate this important step in your college journey! 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. Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and @admittedlypodcast on TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content. 

In this weeks' question of the week Thomas is addressing whether additional recommenders are important to stand out in your common application.  Have your own question of the week you'd like answered? Send us a DM on instagram @admittedlypodcast or email us hello@thomascaleel.com for a chance to have your question featured.  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. Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and @admittedlypodcast on TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content. 

In this episode host Thomas Caleel welcomes Chris Holloway, a licensed educational psychologist with 16 years of experience in assessing and supporting students with disabilities. Chris's expertise in educational psychology and counseling, along with his dedication to tailoring assessments and strategies for each student, makes him a valuable resource for families seeking to understand and address their unique needs. Join us as we delve into the world of educational psychology and the importance of accommodations for students with disabilities. Key Points: Comprehensive Assessments: Chris specializes in conducting comprehensive assessments for students with disabilities, providing detailed insights into their strengths and weaknesses. Individualized Plans: Through these assessments, Chris helps create individualized plans for students, tailoring strategies to improve their academic, social, and emotional performance. Accommodations and Advocacy: Chris emphasizes the importance of accommodations and advocacy for students with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to education and support. Transition to College: As students transition to college, Chris highlights the significance of updated assessments to secure appropriate accommodations and navigate the post-secondary education system effectively. International Students: Chris clarifies that students with disabilities, including international students, are entitled to accommodations and protection against discrimination in the United States. About Chris Holloway  Chris Holloway is a Licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Educational Psychologist and is a founding member of: The Learning Detectives: Holloway Psychological and Educational Services. Chris has a Master’s of Science in Educational Psychology and Counseling along with a Credential in School Psychology. Chris has 16 years of experience in this field and has conducted well over 1000 assessments for students with wide ranging disabilities. His experience working with students from Pre-K through High School along with college students and those in private schools allows for a broad perspective that deepens his understanding of how to help students with disabilities. Chris is passionate about conducting detailed and meaningful assessments that ultimately aide students (and their families) to have a deeper understanding of their unique needs and how to advocate for themselves in order to progress academically, social and emotionally. You can reach him at hollowaypsyched@gmail.com    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. Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and @admittedlypodcast on TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content. 

This week we are discussing major selection when applying to college. Do you need to be strategic about it? Thomas Caleel, former Director of Admissions gives his take. Make sure to follow for more college admissions tips.  Have your own question you'd like answered? Send us a DM on social media @admittedlypodcast for a chance to be featured.  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. Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and @admittedlypodcast on TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content. 

On today's episode we are delving into the questions pouring in from our vibrant social media community, filled with students from across the globe. Interacting with you all has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey, and the questions you bring are incredibly thoughtful and relevant to the college application process. So, today, we'll explore recurring themes and specific questions I've received, aiming to shed light on this collective learning experience. Key Points: The Illusion of Sparkling Essays: Often, schools showcase exceptional essays as examples, but they tend to select the "sparkly" ones, those with extraordinary stories. What's lost is the beauty of intimate personal narratives. The most captivating essays are those reflecting deep self-awareness and candid introspection. The Pitfall of Emulation: Many applicants try to replicate these "sparkly" essays by inflating ordinary experiences. Authenticity and depth are key. Overstating your achievements can be transparent to admissions officers. Passion Projects vs. Depth of Involvement: Avoid the trend of superficial "passion projects." Admissions officers seek candidates with a sustained and meaningful commitment to their endeavors, demonstrating genuine expertise and dedication. Addressing Learning Disabilities: While it's essential to acknowledge challenges like learning disabilities, the focus should be on how you overcame them and the impact on your growth and contributions, not just the adversity itself. Cultural Norms and Religion: These can be valuable aspects of your identity, but they need to extend beyond mere descriptions. Showcase how they inform your actions, values, and contributions, especially within a university setting. Conclusion: In the ever-evolving world of college applications, remember that authenticity, depth, and the ability to connect your experiences to meaningful growth are the keys to crafting compelling essays. Don't chase the illusion of "sparkly" essays or fall into the trap of emulating others. Instead, embrace your unique journey, whether it involves overcoming challenges, expressing your passions, or finding inspiration in your cultural background. As application deadlines approach, stay true to yourself, and good luck in your academic endeavors! 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. Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and @admittedlypodcast on TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content. 

In today's episode Thomas Caleel is joined by a very special guest, Christian Hernandez. Christian, a technologist and experienced venture capitalist, has an impressive background. Prior to co-founding 2150, a venture capital firm focused on climate solutions, Christian launched White Star Capital, a venture capital fund with over 250 million dollars in assets under management and a global presence. Christian also held leadership roles through the scale-up phase of some of the world's largest technology companies, notably as Head of International Business Development at Facebook and Head of New Markets at Google. Christian holds a BA in economics from Duke University and an MBA from the Wharton School.  Key Points: The Birth of 2150: Christian shared the story of how he transitioned from the world of technology and venture capitalism to co-founding 2150, a venture capital firm focused on climate solutions. He mentioned attending a Princeton executive education event on climate, which inspired him to apply his expertise to address the climate crisis. Career Evolution: Christian's journey from considering a career in medicine to becoming deeply involved in technology and venture capitalism showcases the importance of flexibility and staying true to one's passions. Encouraging Flexibility: Christian emphasized the importance of encouraging young individuals to explore their passions and interests, even if they change over time. Flexibility is key to finding the right path. Summer Experiences: Christian discussed the value of summer experiences for students. While some may benefit from academic programs related to their interests, others might find value in working minimum-wage jobs to gain life experience. Climate Action: Christian outlined three crucial aspects of addressing climate change: education on climate issues, voting for policy change, and taking personal agency to contribute to climate solutions. Conclusion: In conclusion, Christian Hernandez's journey from technology to climate tech venture capital serves as a testament to the importance of staying true to one's passions and being flexible in career choices. His insights into climate change and the need for action, both at the individual and policy levels, highlight the urgency of addressing this critical issue. We appreciate Christian's time and wisdom on the Admittedly Podcast. 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. Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and @admittedlypodcast on TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content.