Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

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.

I get lots of questions regarding alumni interviews. What should I talk about? What if I didn't get an interview? What questions should I ask? How to write a thank you note? In this week's question of the week we will be answering all these questions about alumni interviews for college admissions. Have your own question of the week? Send us a DM for a chance to have it featured @admittedlypodcast 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, we're diving into a topic that's close to my heart – MBA admissions. As former Director of MBA Admissions at Wharton, I could talk about this all day. In this episode, we'll explore the essays required by three top MBA programs: Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. These essays are critical in shaping your application and demonstrating your fit for your chosen school. Let's get started. We now offer essay review services. Get more information at http://thomascaleel.com/services Key Points: Why Pursue an MBA? MBA programs aim to understand why you want to pursue an MBA and why now is the right time in your career. They also want to know why their school is the ideal fit for you and how it will help you achieve your short-term and long-term goals. Self-reflection is crucial before beginning the application process. The Grandmother Test: When crafting your responses, consider the "grandmother test." Can you explain your reasons for pursuing an MBA clearly and concisely to someone who isn't familiar with the process? Simplicity and clarity in your writing are key. Deferred Admission MBA Programs: Some MBA programs allow students to matriculate directly from undergraduate studies. Consider whether going directly from undergrad or waiting a few years aligns better with your career goals and the school's culture. Standardized Tests (GRE vs. GMAT): Choose your standardized test based on your background and the specific program you're applying to. Some schools prefer the GMAT for its quantitative rigor, while the GRE can be suitable for non-traditional candidates. Recommendations Matter: Select recommenders who know you well and can provide detailed insights into your strengths and weaknesses. Avoid chasing prestigious titles and focus on those who can genuinely speak to your abilities. Conclusion: The MBA admissions process is multifaceted, and crafting compelling essays is just one piece of the puzzle. Whether you're targeting Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, or any other top MBA program, the essays serve as a powerful tool to communicate your aspirations and fit for the school. Remember to stay authentic, follow word limits, and never resort to essay-writing services or AI-driven tools, as they can jeopardize your application. We'll be covering more aspects of MBA admissions in future episodes, so stay tuned for valuable insights. Good luck on your MBA 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.

Question of the Week: Should I take the GRE or GMAT if I want to apply to an MBA program? Want to submit your own question of the week? Send us a message @admittedlypodcast for a chance to have your question featured. There are many different aspects to consider when choosing which standardized test to take if you want to apply to a MBA program. Listen to see which one is right for you. 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, we have an incredible guest, Daniel Lim, also known as Limmy (@limmytalks). He's a highly innovative and entrepreneurial rising senior from Duke University. Limmy is widely followed across various social media platforms for his unique insights, especially into college applications and admissions. We'll be discussing college admissions, AI technology, future ventures, and more. Key Points: Diverse Interests: Limmy is a rising senior at Duke University with a passion for numerous hobbies, including skateboarding, tennis, cooking, and traveling. Shifting Paths: Initially, Limmy aspired to pursue a career in medicine. He gained experience through internships and research, including exploring his interest in the stomach through Crohn's disease research. Entrepreneurial Journey: Limmy's journey took a different direction when he realized the long-term commitment and financial burden of medical school. He explored alternative paths and discovered his love for content creation. Content Creation: Limmy began making diverse content, touching on philosophy, psychology, sports, and more. His exploration led him to create content about the college admissions process, which garnered significant interest (and a massive following!) from students seeking guidance. Dreamschool.ai: Limmy's latest venture, Dreamschool.ai, aims to democratize admissions guidance. He's working on how to use AI to personalize college application advice for students, leveling the playing field and addressing information gaps in the college application process. Conclusion: Limmy's journey from aspiring doctor to successful content creator and entrepreneur is inspiring. He's taken risks and explored various interests, ultimately finding his passion and creating value for students navigating the admissions process. With his innovative startup, dreamschool.ai, Limmy is poised to make a meaningful impact on the way students approach college applications. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from this multi-talented rising star! You can find Limmy @limmytalks on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Join the waitlist for dreamschool.ai HERE. 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.

Question of the Week: Should I talk about my family in my Common App essay? Want to submit your own question? Send us a DM on social media @admittedlypodcast In this episode, Thomas Caleel delves into a compelling topic that ignited discussions on social media – the role of family narratives in Common Application essays. While Thomas generally advises against extensive discussion of family in essays, he recognizes the nuances that surround this choice. He acknowledges scenarios where family involvement can enhance an essay, such as being part of a family business or undertaking caregiving responsibilities. However, he underscores the importance of maintaining a personal focus and avoiding excessive emphasis on family aspects, as these narratives tend to become homogenized and may lose their impact. 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, we'll delve into why essays are crucial, the use of AI in college applications, utilizing every word available in the Common Application and how to find your unique voice, and making your application truly resonate with your top schools. Want to have your essay reviewed by our expert college admissions team? Now offering essay review services. You can learn more at http://thomascaleel.com/services Key Points: Why Essays Matter: Essays play a pivotal role in the college application process as they offer a platform for applicants to convey their unique stories and experiences. Unlike grades and test scores, essays allow schools to understand an applicant's life journey, values, and perspectives. Essays provide context to achievements and allow applicants to stand out from the sea of similar academic credentials. Crafting an Effective Story: Stories can stem from seemingly mundane experiences but should reflect your passions and intellectual curiosity. Sharing genuine interests, even if not overly dramatic, can showcase valuable qualities like curiosity, cultural awareness, and creativity. While stories don't have to be traumatic, they should provide insights into your character and values. Economy of Language: Shorter essays require concise language and an efficient narrative. Avoid excessive preambles or fluff; dive straight into the heart of your story. Choose impactful details over grandiose language; focus on effective communication. The Use of AI to help write your essay It can certainly be helpful to help generate ideas but perfectly polished essays get lost in the stack of applicants. Slick essays can raise suspicions about authenticity and the only person who can truly tell your story, is you. Takeaway: The college essay process is an opportunity to convey your unique story and character to admissions committees. Embrace the power of storytelling and authenticity. Be true to yourself, find your own voice, and use essays as a platform to showcase your passions, interests, and values. Communication skills gained from the essay process are invaluable in both academics and professional life. So remember, the journey of self-discovery and effective communication begins with crafting a compelling narrative in your college essays. 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 TikTok @admittedlypodcast and subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content.

Question of the Week: Can I include social media as one of my activities in the common application, and will admissions officers look at my social media before deciding if I am accepted or not? This is a two part question today, and one that we have been getting alot on our own social media. As someone who recently started a TikTok myself, I know how much work and effort goes into creating high quality content. If you are an influencer, have a large following, or participate in brand partnerships you can certainly include social media as a component of your Common Application. Do admissions officers go and look at everyone's social media? The answer...maybe. Listen to the full episode for more details. 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 tiktok @admittedlypodcast and subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content.