Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

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In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel breaks down one of the most misunderstood trends in modern college admissions: passion projects. From student-founded nonprofits to performative research projects, Thomas explains why many of these activities fail to stand out — and why admissions officers are becoming increasingly skeptical of formulaic extracurricular strategies.
Instead of chasing impressive-sounding titles or copying what other applicants are doing, Thomas argues that students should focus on authentic engagement, meaningful contribution, and real-world responsibility. He also explains why jobs, family responsibilities, and sustained involvement in existing organizations often carry more weight than students realize.
Key Takeaways
• Most "passion projects" today are highly performative and rarely differentiate applicants. • Admissions officers care more about authenticity and impact than flashy titles. • Starting a nonprofit or business is extremely difficult — and most student projects never gain traction. • Students often waste valuable time pursuing activities they think will "look good." • Meaningful involvement in an existing organization can be more powerful than founding something new. • Jobs, caregiving responsibilities, and real-world work experience demonstrate maturity, grit, and resilience. • Strong extracurriculars should reflect genuine curiosity and sustained commitment — not admissions trends.
Conclusion
The strongest applications are not built around manufactured passion projects or impressive-sounding titles. They are built around authentic curiosity, meaningful action, and a clear sense of who the student actually is. Colleges are not looking for perfect applicants — they are looking for students who engage deeply, contribute meaningfully, and pursue what matters to them with intention.
If you're looking for guidance on building an extracurricular profile that actually stands out, you can book a Complimentary Strategy Call here: 👉 https://admittedly.co/path-to-admissions/?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=&utm_contentid=
🔗 Explore more admissions resources: admittedly.co/resources  📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco

To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at: 👉 apply.admittedly.co
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel breaks down why it feels like leadership titles are losing value in modern, holistic college admissions and what admissions officers are actually looking for when it comes to extracurricular involvement.
For years, students have been told to chase titles like "president," "founder," or "co-founder" to stand out. But as more applicants follow the same playbook, these titles have become increasingly common (and far less meaningful). Admissions officers are no longer impressed by titles alone. They are looking for something deeper: initiative, ownership, and real impact.
Key Takeaways
• Leadership titles like "president" and "founder" are no longer strong differentiators on their own. • Admissions officers prioritize initiative, impact, and sustained engagement over titles. • Starting a club without building it into something meaningful rarely adds value. • Leadership can be demonstrated within existing organizations — not just by creating new ones. • Growth and responsibility in real-world environments (jobs, nonprofits) carry strong credibility. • Initiative — identifying a problem and acting on it — is often more powerful than formal leadership. • The most compelling applicants show ownership, follow-through, and measurable results.
Conclusion
Leadership in today's admissions landscape is not about titles — it's about action. Students who take ownership, create impact, and engage deeply with what they care about will stand out far more than those who simply follow a formula.
If you're looking for guidance on how to build a strong, strategic extracurricular profile, you can book a Complimentary Strategy Call here: 👉 apply.admittedly.co
🔗 Explore more admissions resources: admittedly.co/resources  📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco

To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply.
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel breaks down one of the most misunderstood parts of college admissions: extracurricular activities. Families often believe there is a "perfect list" of activities that guarantees admission to selective colleges. In reality, admissions officers are not evaluating what students do, they are evaluating how students engage.
Thomas explains why depth, ownership, and genuine curiosity matter far more than checking boxes, and why students often weaken their applications by spreading themselves too thin. He discusses the difference between performative activities and meaningful experiences, how to think strategically about summer programs, and why real-world experiences like part-time jobs often provide stronger signals than expensive enrichment programs.
Listeners will learn how to evaluate activities through the lens of academic interests, how to refine involvement over time, and why intentional engagement is one of the strongest ways students can stand out in an increasingly competitive applicant pool.
Key Takeaways
• There is no universal "best" extracurricular list for college admissions. • Admissions officers evaluate depth, initiative, and impact... not just participation. • Doing fewer activities with greater intentionality often produces stronger outcomes. • Summer programs only add value when they connect to broader intellectual exploration. • Entry-level jobs can demonstrate responsibility, resilience, and real-world maturity. • Students should pursue activities aligned with genuine academic curiosity. • Authentic engagement is far more compelling than performative résumé-building.
Strong extracurricular profiles are built through curiosity, ownership, and sustained engagement over time. Students who pursue meaningful experiences develop both stronger applications and stronger preparation for college-level work and independence.
To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply.

To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply.
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel speaks with Mike McLeod, founder of GrowNOW ADHD, about the real factor that determines whether students thrive in college: executive functioning skills.
Strong grades and test scores can help students gain admission, but independence, motivation, and resilience determine what happens next. Thomas and Mike break down how ADHD affects executive functioning, why many students struggle with the transition to college, and what families can do now to build the internal skills students need to succeed without constant supervision.
From screen dependence to time management to real-world responsibility, this conversation offers a practical framework for helping students develop the habits and mindset that selective colleges — and future employers — expect.
Key Takeaways
• ADHD is primarily a challenge of executive functioning, not intelligence or effort. • Executive functioning skills include self-regulation, task initiation, motivation, and follow-through. • Many students arrive at college academically prepared but struggle with independence. • Screen overuse can interfere with the development of focus, resilience, and delayed gratification. • Real-world experiences like jobs, activities, and responsibilities build executive functioning skills. • Accommodations can support students, but independence must still be developed. • Parents should prioritize long-term readiness, not just short-term academic performance.
College success requires more than academic ability. Students who develop independence, resilience, and ownership over their time are far better positioned to thrive once they arrive on campus. 
*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-698ba4c4-86c0-8332-bb91-d1ab5e770345-2" data-testid= "conversation-turn-132" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Executive functioning development is one of the most important long-term investments families can make, particularly for students navigating ADHD or motivation challenges. When students learn how to manage their time, regulate their focus, and take ownership of their responsibilities, they are better prepared not only for selective colleges, but for life beyond the classroom.
For families looking to go deeper, the following resources can help support next steps:
• Learn more about GrowNOW ADHD: https://www.grownowadhd.com/  • Explore The Executive Function Playbook: https://www.grownowadhd.com/grownow-book/  • Listen to the ADHD Parenting Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheADHDParentingPodcast  Follow Admittedly on Instagram and TikTok for weekly strategy insights: @admittedlyco 
Book a Complimentary Strategy Call with our advising team: admittedly.co/apply

To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply.
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel tackles a question many students quietly worry about: What if I didn't take high school seriously early on and now I'm behind? Whether it's limited access to AP or honors courses, a lighter course load freshman and sophomore year, or a late realization about college goals, this situation is more common than families think.
Drawing on his experience in selective admissions, Thomas explains how academic rigor is evaluated in context—and what students can do if they find themselves off track. He breaks down why early planning matters, how schools limit flexibility later on, and what it really takes to recover strategically.
This episode is a reality check but also a roadmap. While you can't go back and change your transcript, you can take control of what happens next.
 
Key Takeaways:
• Admissions officers evaluate course rigor relative to what your school offers. • Falling off the honors/AP track early can limit options—but doesn't automatically disqualify you. • Strong grades and testing become critical if rigor is lighter. • Students can pursue outside coursework (community college, online) to demonstrate initiative. • Your intended major matters—some paths require stronger academic alignment than others. • A clear narrative of growth, maturity, and course correction can strengthen your application. • The sooner you act, the more opportunities you have to improve your positioning.
 
If this episode resonated with you, you're not alone. This is something many families navigate. The key is moving forward with clarity and intention.
Listeners can continue the conversation by following @admittedlyco on Instagram and TikTok, where Thomas answers questions and shares weekly admissions strategy. You can also find additional resources at admittedly.co.
To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, visit admittedly.co/apply to book a Complimentary Strategy Call.