Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at info.admittedly.co/path-to-admissions.
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel examines the rise of alternative education paths, from tech and startup programs to AI-driven schools and direct-to-work opportunities. As students are increasingly told that a traditional four-year degree may no longer be necessary, families are facing a much more complicated question: how do you know which path will actually serve you long term?
Drawing on examples from emerging education models and the tech industry, the conversation explores what students should weigh before stepping away from a traditional college path, from career flexibility and transferable skills to networks, mentorship, and the value of education beyond a credential.
Key Takeaways
• Is college still worth it as AI and technology reshape the workplace?  
• How should families evaluate new alternatives to a four-year college degree?  
• What should students consider before choosing a tech or direct-to-work opportunity?  
• How much do college networks, professors, and alumni matter long term?  
• How are trade schools different from emerging tech-focused education programs?  
• What could students be overlooking when they choose a faster path into the workforce?
The goal is not to choose college simply because it is traditional or reject new educational models because they are unfamiliar. It is to understand the tradeoffs, protect your long-term options, and make an informed decision about the path that serves you best.
To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at info.admittedly.co/path-to-admissions.

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel sits down with Sarah Bernbach, Associate Director of Advantage Testing's New York offices, to explore what more than two decades of tutoring has taught her about how students learn, build confidence, and find their voice.
Drawing on 22 years of experience (and her own unconventional path as a pastry chef, bookbinder, writer, and costume designer), Sarah explains why struggling is often part of learning, why a lack of motivation can actually be fear, and what helps students move from uncertainty to mastery. Thomas and Sarah also dive into college essays, including why students often focus too much on what happened to them instead of what their story reveals about who they are.
Key Topics:
Why student resistance or lack of motivation may actually be rooted in fear

How great tutors build trust and confidence with students

What being a beginner teaches us about learning and mastery

Why authenticity is so difficult (and important) in personal writing

How to find a college essay topic that reveals who you are

Why imitating successful college essays can work against your own voice

Guest:
Sarah Bernbach is the Associate Director of Advantage Testing's New York offices and has spent 22 years as an elite tutor helping students strengthen their academic skills, writing, and confidence as learners.
Learn more about Admittedly's partnership with Advantage Testing:
admittedly.co/programs
Follow Admittedly:
Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco
Follow Advantage Testing:
Instagram: @advantagetesting

🎓 Need help building your academic and college admissions strategy? Learn more about Admittedly and how our team of former Ivy+ admissions officers helps students make strategic decisions
Course selection is one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of building a competitive college application. The classes you choose don't just determine your GPA; they show admissions officers how you've challenged yourself, where your academic interests lie, and how you've taken advantage of the opportunities available to you.
In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel breaks down how students should approach course selection across AP, IB, A-Level, and other academic systems. He also explains how to think ahead from middle school through senior year—and what students can do if they realize they need to strengthen their academic trajectory or their school doesn't offer the courses they need.
Key Takeaways
Why course selection and academic rigor matter beyond your GPA
How early academic decisions can shape your options later in high school
How to approach AP, IB, A-Level, honors, and other advanced curricula
Why your most rigorous courses should align with your intended academic interests
How to use outside courses, community colleges, and other options to strengthen your academic trajectory
What to do if you realize you're behind or made the wrong course choices
Why senior year should represent the strongest point in your academic progression
Conclusion
There isn't one perfect high school schedule for every student. The goal is to build an academic trajectory that makes sense for your interests, your goals, and the opportunities available at your school—and to think ahead before individual course decisions limit your options. And if you haven't followed the ideal path so far, there may still be ways to strengthen it.
🎓 Need help building your academic and college admissions strategy? Learn more about Admittedly and how our team of former Ivy+ admissions officers helps students make strategic decisions around course selection, testing, extracurriculars, college lists, applications, and more.


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Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco

🎓 Want help building a thoughtful high school and college admissions strategy? Learn more about Admittedly and how our team of former Ivy+ admissions officers helps students and families plan academics, extracurriculars, summers, testing, college lists, applications, and more.
Freshman year isn't about building the perfect college application. It's about building the habits, academic foundation, relationships, and curiosity that will give you more options later.
In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel shares what ninth graders (and their parents) should actually be thinking about as they begin high school. From choosing rigorous courses and building relationships with teachers to exploring extracurriculars, asking for help early, and making the most of freshman summer, Thomas explains how to start strong without turning ninth grade into an admissions pressure cooker.
Key Takeaways
Why your ninth-grade academic choices can shape your options later in high school
How to build strong relationships with teachers from day one
Why freshman year is the time to explore activities
How to recognize academic struggles early and ask for help before you're playing catch-up
Why intellectual curiosity matters more than knowing your future major at 14
How parents can support exploration without imposing their own expectations
What to start thinking about now to make freshman summer meaningful
Conclusion
Ninth grade is a transition, and no student needs to have everything figured out. But for students with highly selective college ambitions, drifting through freshman year isn't a strategy either. Focus on strong academic habits, explore what genuinely interests you, build relationships, ask for help when you need it, and use this year to create a foundation you can build on throughout high school.
🎓 Want help building a thoughtful high school and college admissions strategy? Learn more about Admittedly and how our team of former Ivy+ admissions officers helps students and families plan academics, extracurriculars, summers, testing, college lists, applications, and more.
📱 Follow Admittedly for more college admissions strategy:
Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-698ba4c4-86c0-8332-bb91-d1ab5e770345-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-698ba4c4-86c0-8332-bb91-d1ab5e770345-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-turn="assistant"> Get Expert Feedback on Your College Essay
Not sure if your essay is ready to submit? Admittedly's Essay Review Service gives students direct, strategic feedback on their essays from experts who understand how admissions officers actually evaluate an application.
Our team can help identify what's working, what's missing, and where your essay could be stronger—without rewriting it for you or replacing your voice.
✍️ Learn more about Admittedly's Essay Review Service Here
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In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel goes inside the college essay review process from an admissions officer's perspective. With admissions readers moving through thousands of applications, a "beautiful" essay isn't enough—your essays need to communicate something meaningful about who you are and make sense within the larger story of your application.
Thomas breaks down the Common App personal statement, supplemental essays, additional information, and circumstances essays—and the role each should play. He also tackles some of the most common mistakes he sees, from manufactured trauma and résumé-style essays to copying successful essays, misusing AI, and letting parents over-edit a student's voice.
Key Takeaways
Why your essays need to support the strategy of your entire application
What admissions officers are actually trying to learn from your personal essay
Why great essays need a strong hook—but shouldn't start with one
Common essay topics and approaches that often miss the mark
How to use supplemental, additional information, and circumstances essays strategically
Why copying "essays that worked" can actually make your writing less effective
Where parents and AI can—and shouldn't—fit into the writing process
Your college essay should sound like you, but that doesn't mean you have to figure out whether it's working on your own. Before you submit, make sure your essay is doing its job: adding something meaningful to your application, communicating your story clearly, and giving an admissions officer a reason to keep reading.
🎓 Looking for more comprehensive admissions support? Learn more about working with Admittedly's team of former Ivy+ admissions officers.
📱 Follow Admittedly: Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco




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