Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

• S4E38: The Hidden Half of College Admissions: What Students Overlook (and What Actually Matters)

  In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel reveals the hidden half of the college admissions process, the part most families never think about. Students spend years stacking achievements and building resumes, but the truth is that admissions officers care less about what you have done and far more about why you have done it. Drawing from two decades of experience, including his time as Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School, Thomas explains why resume racing does not work, how to uncover authentic motivation, and what real introspection looks like in practice. Through powerful examples from students he has guided, from costume designers to community leaders, this episode unpacks how self-awareness, focus, and coherence make the difference between a good application and a great one.   Key Takeaways 1. The Resume Myth Admissions is not a checklist. Doing more does not make you stand out; it makes you blend in. Top schools see thousands of "captains," "presidents," and "founders." What matters is why you chose what you did and what you learned along the way. 2. Depth Over Breadth Students who slow down and invest deeply in a few meaningful pursuits instead of chasing every opportunity demonstrate maturity, focus, and authenticity. Less really can be more. 3. Introspection Is Power Reflection builds connection. Admissions officers can feel when an applicant understands themselves. The best essays do not just describe activities; they reveal growth, intention, and purpose. 4. Narrative Coherence Wins When your choices, experiences, and essays fit together naturally, you tell a story that admissions officers can remember and advocate for. That is the hidden skill behind every standout applicant.   College admissions is not just about proving what you have done; it is about showing who you have become. Visit www.admittedly.co for free resources, guides, and upcoming webinar dates.

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• S4E37: The 3 Biggest Mistakes Students Make in High School (And How to Fix Them Before Senior Year)

  In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down the three most common mistakes he sees students make year after year in the college admissions process — and how to correct them before it's too late. Drawing on more than two decades of admissions experience, including his time as Director of MBA Admissions at UPenn's Wharton School, Thomas explains why the strongest applicants aren't just the ones with high GPAs or perfect test scores. They're the ones who build a compelling story, act strategically, and take ownership of their journey. Whether your student is just starting high school or in the middle of the application process, this episode offers practical advice on how to stand out in today's hyper-competitive admissions landscape. Key Takeaways 1. No Story Top students don't just collect activities — they craft a clear narrative. Admissions officers want to understand who you are, what drives you, and how your choices connect. Story-building starts earlier than most families think, and it requires intentional reflection. 2. No Strategy Doing everything is not a strategy. Students who spread themselves too thin dilute their impact. Thomas shares how to audit your commitments, focus on meaningful pursuits, and show depth over breadth — the key to a memorable application. 3. No Ownership Parents, counselors, and peers can offer support, but the most powerful applications come from students who take charge of their journey. True ownership builds voice, maturity, and self-awareness — qualities that can't be faked in essays or interviews.   Even in a world of rising selectivity and grade inflation, students who approach the process with story, strategy, and ownership stand out. Visit www.admittedly.co for free resources and guidance on college admissions.    

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• S4E36: No, College Admissions Aren't Getting Easier in 2026: Here's What You CAN Control

  In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down why college admissions at Ivy League and other top universities are more competitive than ever—and what students and parents can still control in the process. Despite social media myths about an "easier" year ahead, Thomas explains why application numbers remain high, selectivity rates are dropping, and grade inflation is blurring academic distinctions. Drawing on decades of admissions experience, he reveals how to focus on what actually moves the needle: differentiation, strategy, and authentic engagement. Key Takeaways: Admit Rates Stay Low: Even with visa changes and testing shifts, top schools like Columbia, Penn, and Stanford continue to see rising applications and falling admit rates. The qualified applicant pool is bigger, not smaller. Qualified Isn't Enough: Perfect grades and test scores don't guarantee admission anymore. What separates top candidates is coherence—the ability to connect activities, essays, and recommendations into a clear, intentional story. Differentiate or Disappear: Students who follow formulas or copy peers' paths blend into the crowd. The strongest applicants take risks, pursue genuine interests deeply, and craft an application that reflects individuality, not perfection. Parents, Step Back Strategically: Thomas offers a direct message to parents—how to support without pressuring, and why old admissions playbooks no longer apply. Honest evaluation, early preparation, and outside perspective are key. Control What You Can: Grades and scores matter, but the true edge lies in strategy—building academic rigor, refining narratives, and making decisions with long-term intention. Admissions to top universities aren't getting easier. But with clarity, focus, and the right approach, students can still stand out. Follow @admittedlyco on Instagram and TikTok for more college admissions strategy, and visit www.admittedly.co for webinars, guides, and expert support.  

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• S4E35: Confidence, Clarity, and College Admissions: Global Tutoring Insights with Advantage Testing's Matthew Demmer

  In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel speaks with Matthew Demmer, Associate Director of Advantage Testing New York and Director of Advantage Testing UK. With over 22 years of experience tutoring students across the U.S., U.K., and Middle East, Matt shares how one-on-one tutoring helps students build confidence, reduce anxiety, and perform at their best — whether preparing for the SAT, ACT, UCAS, or Oxbridge interviews. Key Topics: Lessons from the UK's tutorial system and how they shape effective tutoring Why confidence is the antidote to test-day stress UCAS vs. Oxbridge admissions: what students need to know The real timeline for SAT/ACT prep (and why 3 months usually isn't enough) Writing authentic personal statements for U.S. and U.K. schools Advice for parents: how to support without adding pressure Why top colleges are reinstating testing — and what it means for students Matt's perspective is essential for families planning ahead for competitive college admissions in the U.S. or abroad. Guest: Matthew Demmer – Associate Director of Advantage Testing New York and Director of Advantage Testing UK, veteran tutor, and international education expert Learn more about Admittedly's partnership with Advantage Testing: admittedly.co/programs Follow Admittedly: Instagram and TikTok: @admittedlyco  Follow Advantage Testing: Instagram: @advantagetesting  

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• S4E34: Inside the Review Room – How Admissions Officers Read Applications

  In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions at Wharton, takes you behind the scenes of the admissions office to show how applications are actually read. From transcripts and essays to activities, recommendations, and test scores, Thomas explains what admissions officers focus on and how they build a three-dimensional picture of each applicant. Key Takeaways: Applications are often reviewed in just three to five minutes, so clarity and strategy matter. Transcripts are scored separately, then weighed alongside essays, activities, and recommendations. Admissions officers don't always read in order—they jump across sections to connect the dots. Context matters: family responsibilities, school resources, and personal chall enges shape how an application is viewed. Strong recommendations highlight character and classroom presence, not just academic success. Additional essays should clarify key details, not overload with extra information. The best applications give admissions officers a clear, memorable story they can advocate for in committee. Whether you're aiming at Ivy League and T20 schools, or simply want to understand how admissions officers evaluate files at competitive colleges, this episode will help you prepare an application that works under real review conditions. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @admittedlyco for more admissions insights, and visit www.admittedly.co for free resources, webinars, and expert guidance.  

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