S4E19: Don’t Write Your Essay Yet (Start Here Instead)
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a step back from structure and word count to focus on what matters most when writing your college essay: the story itself. It’s that time of year when the pressure to write “the perfect essay” starts to build—but before you start typing, you need a clear foundation. This episode is all about helping you find your story, understand what colleges are really looking for, and begin your essay process with clarity and confidence. Key Takeaways: Your Story Is the Only Story That Matters: The Common App essay isn’t a report or a resume. It’s a moment of insight—into you. Don’t chase a prompt or a gimmick. Don’t copy the essays you see online. Start with self-reflection and honesty. Don’t Just Tell—Show: One of the biggest mistakes students make is summarizing their growth instead of illustrating it. Let the reader walk through the moment with you. Use specifics. Invite them in. Simple Is Powerful: Admissions officers are reading hundreds of essays. If your voice is authentic and clear, it will stand out. Avoid over-complicating your structure or language. Let your story breathe. No Trauma Required: The best essays aren’t necessarily dramatic. Many standout essays are grounded in small moments—written with heart, self-awareness, and intention. How Do You Find Your Topic? Through deep reflection. We share some of the key questions to ask yourself as you start the process, and real-life examples of students who transformed ordinary experiences into extraordinary essays. Writing your essay isn’t about finding a magic formula—it’s about getting to the heart of who you are. If you’re just getting started, this episode will help you build a strong foundation for everything that follows. Have questions about your essay? DM us on Instagram or TikTok @admittedlyco—we’re here to support you. Visit www.admittedly.co for more free resources and expert guidance.
--------
25:31
--------
25:31
S4E18: Sophomore Year Done Right (Q&A for Rising 10th Graders)
You made it through freshman year—now what? In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel tackles the real questions rising sophomores are asking: What should I focus on? How many activities is enough? Do I need APs? Is it too early to think about college? Whether you're aiming for the top universities, or just want to feel more confident heading into 10th grade, Thomas offers a clear and supportive breakdown of what matters most right now. From extracurricular strategy to GPA and summer planning, this is your roadmap for making sophomore year count—without burning out. Sophomore year is your time to explore deeply and begin building a foundation that reflects your values, interests, and strengths. You don’t need to do everything—but you do need to start making intentional choices. If you’re overwhelmed, behind, or unsure what to prioritize, this episode gives you a clear place to start. Have a question or want to share what you’re working on? DM us @admittedlyco on Instagram or TikTok—we’d love to hear from you. Visit www.admittedly.co for free tools, expert advice, and admissions resources tailored to where you are now.
--------
39:10
--------
39:10
S4E17: Rising Seniors: Planning, Positioning, and Building Your Edge
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel speaks directly to rising seniors and their families. First, congratulations—junior year is done. Now it’s time to look ahead. The next six weeks before the Common App opens are critical. This is when you take everything you’ve done and shape it into a focused, compelling strategy. Thomas outlines how students should be using this time: revisiting standardized test plans, reflecting on academic interests and potential majors, and identifying the schools and environments that truly fit. He emphasizes the importance of deeper research, from courses to campus culture, and how these insights should inform your application narrative. Key Topics Discussed: Start With Testing: ACT and SAT scores are becoming more important. Decide now if you need to retake your test, and explore free resources, tutoring, or study groups to help you succeed. Build Your College Framework: Work backward—think about your intended major, then identify the right-fit schools. Research deeply and critically: course offerings, campus culture, and opportunities for involvement. Strategize for Essays: Don’t write yet, but start reviewing last year’s supplemental essay prompts to understand what different schools value. Shape your approach based on what each school is actually looking for. Summer Isn’t Just for Applications: Highly selective schools expect you to be engaged. Volunteer, get a job, read, or explore something that moves you forward. This is your final summer—use it well. Advice for Parents: Support your student, but give them room to process. If your child doesn’t want to share their essay, that’s okay—find a third-party expert to help with feedback. Get Ahead on the Common App: Create your account and start basic data entry. Getting organized now will save stress later. You don’t need to have everything figured out today—but you do need to start moving with purpose. Thoughtful planning now can make the difference between a chaotic senior year and a strategic, confident one. Where are you in the process? We’d love to hear from you—DM us on Instagram or TikTok @admittedlyco with your questions or concerns. Visit www.admittedly.co for free resources, tools, and expert support to help you stay on track.
--------
19:41
--------
19:41
S4E16: Harvard, International Students, and How We Got Here
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel unpacks the recent controversy surrounding Harvard and the broader implications for international students in the U.S. While Harvard may be in the spotlight, this is bigger than one school. These shifts have the potential to reshape the future of admissions, influence how schools fund themselves, and even impact American students directly. Thomas walks through the timeline of events that led to this moment, exploring the implications for international students and US families alike. Key Takeaways: Harvard Is Just the Beginning: The current controversy isn’t isolated—it’s likely a test case for broader legal and political challenges facing top schools across the country. International Students Matter—A Lot: From economic impact to intellectual diversity, international students play a vital role in shaping college communities and the U.S. workforce. There Could Be Ripple Effects for U.S. Students: Changes in international enrollment may shift how universities fund programs, offer aid, and build networks—meaning American students could feel the effects too. Don’t Panic, But Stay Informed: The landscape is shifting, but that doesn’t mean it’s collapsing. Thoughtful planning and staying up to date are the best tools families can have. This is about more than just one university or one admissions cycle. It’s about how we define access, opportunity, and the value of global connection in American higher education. Got questions or concerns about international admissions? DM us on Instagram or TikTok @admittedlyco—we’re here to keep you informed and supported. Visit www.admittedly.co for expert resources and insights.
--------
14:00
--------
14:00
S4E15: The Introvert’s Guide to Standing Out in College Admissions
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel tackles a concern we hear often from families: “What if my kid isn’t the extroverted type who starts clubs or rallies crowds?” What happens when a student is deeply curious, authentic, and passionate—but in a quieter, more individual way? Thomas breaks down what admissions officers actually value, why solo work can absolutely shine, and how to ensure your quieter approach still connects outside your own bubble. With real examples from students who were more introspective but still successful at the most competitive schools, this episode will help you reframe what leadership, initiative, and involvement really mean—and how to lean into your strengths, even if they look different from everyone else’s. Key Takeaways: Being Introverted Isn’t a Red Flag: You don’t need to lead 100 people to be seen as a leader. You just need to show passion, initiative, and depth—on your own terms. Independent Work Still Counts as Involvement: Internships, research, and solo projects are valid forms of engagement. If you're working with a local lab, nature center, or professor—that is community involvement. But You Can’t Stay in a Bubble: Doing everything in isolation won’t cut it. Admissions officers are looking for signs that you'll engage with a college community. Find ways to bring your work into the world—through mentorship, volunteering, presentations, or collaboration. Top Schools Value Depth Over Performance: Real curiosity and consistency go further than surface-level leadership. What matters most is how well you understand yourself and how thoughtfully you pursue your interests. You don’t need to be someone else to succeed in this process—but you do need to stretch. That might mean presenting your research, finding collaborators, or simply joining a community tied to your interest. Whatever your personality, the key is showing that your work doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Let your ideas breathe outside your own world. You’re not applying to college to live alone in a lab or in your head—you’re joining a community. Admissions officers want to see that you’re ready for that in a way that’s still true to who you are. Are you an introvert navigating this process? We want to hear your story. DM us your questions @admittedlyco on Instagram or TikTok. Visit www.admittedly.co for more resources and support.
About Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
Does thinking about applying to college, grad school, or prep school make your head spin? The Admittedly Podcast is for both parents and students preparing for or navigating school admissions. We aim to demystify the admissions process and share with you what you really need to know to succeed.
Our host, Thomas Caleel, former director of MBA admissions and financial aid for the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, is here to help. He is a lifelong entrepreneur and CEO of a global admissions consulting agency where he works with families worldwide to help them achieve their educational goals.
New episodes go live every Tuesday and Thursday. Learn from our guest speakers, live coaching sessions, and weekly solo episodes. Have admissions questions you'd like answered on the show? Apply to be coached by Thomas himself on one of our upcoming recordings.
In this podcast, we don't promise easy answers or quick fixes. But with decades of experience under his belt, Thomas will address the practical aspects of applying to school and how to think like an admissions officer to improve your college or prep school application.
Listen to Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel, The Jamie Kern Lima Show and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
USA