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Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

Podcast Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
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 ...

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  • S4E8: Real Students, Real Success: How They Beat the Odds in College Admissions
    In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a break from the usual admissions talk to share six inspiring success stories that prove there’s no single path to college admissions success. These students faced unique challenges—limited resources, late-changing interests, international barriers—but found creative ways to stand out. Their journeys highlight the power of reframing experiences, seeking the right opportunities, and crafting compelling personal stories. Success Stories: Andie: A student from a middle-class, single-parent home who worked after school instead of doing traditional extracurriculars. By reframing her story, she leveraged her experience into a successful application to Wharton and is now a highly successful graduate. Susan: An artist passionate about architecture, Susan used local resources and an international nonprofit to build a strong application—earning close to $1 million in scholarships and admission to top architecture programs. Bob: An international student passionate about environmental science, Bob found a hands-on path outside the lab with Outward Bound and the U.S. Forest Service, leading him to NYU and a unique blend of fieldwork and academics. James: A boarding school student with an unimpressive resume transformed his passion for healthcare and technology into impactful telehealth advocacy, influencing state laws and earning a spot at Penn—now pursuing a PhD in the Ivy League. Alice: A high-achieving student in Hong Kong’s top school shifted from STEM to social sciences, leading impactful work on period poverty in Cambodia. Her advocacy work helped her stand out and become the only student from her school admitted early to an Ivy League. Alex: A sophomore passionate about real estate and fluent in Japanese, Alex found an internship in Japan with Admittedly’s guidance. His experience set him apart and helped him gain admission into Wharton’s Huntsman Program. With over 8 million applications submitted through the Common App this year, standing out requires more than just strong academics—it demands a compelling personal story. These students prove that by embracing their unique interests, seeking out meaningful opportunities, and telling authentic stories, they were able to beat the odds and gain admission to top universities. Follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights and updates! Visit www.admittedly.co to discover how Admittedly can support you in your college admissions journey.
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  • S4E7: Maximizing College Guidance: School Counselors & Outside Experts
    In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a deep dive into one of the most important questions in the college admissions process: What’s the difference between a school counselor and an independent college counselor? Thomas explores when and why families may want to seek outside help, how to ensure school and independent counselors work in harmony, and the key advantages of taking a proactive approach to admissions guidance.  Key Takeaways:  The Role of School Counselors: School counselors work hard and care deeply about student success. Any work with an independent counselor should complement—not replace—the guidance of your school counselor. Respect and collaboration with your school counselor are essential. A strong relationship can lead to a great recommendation letter and additional support in the admissions process.  The Different Kinds of School Counseling: In large public schools, counselors often have overwhelming caseloads, making outside help invaluable in the admissions process. In smaller public, charter, and private schools, counselors tend to have dedicated staff for the admissions counseling process, making it easier to access guidance. However, they still balance multiple responsibilities, large caseloads, and often conflicting priorities.  Limitations of School Counselors: Counselors must serve entire student populations, balance school relationships with universities, and often don’t have the bandwidth for deep, personalized strategy work.  Strategic College Planning: Outside counselors can help with detailed aspects of the application process, including essays, recommenders, extracurricular strategy, and overall positioning for top schools.  Why Some Schools Disapprove of Private Counselors: Certain schools may discourage outside counselors for various reasons. Families should understand their school’s stance and decide what’s best for their specific situation.  Who Benefits the Most From Outside Counselors?: Students aiming for competitive schools, students without strong school counselor support, and those needing additional advocacy may benefit most from outside counseling. Counseling can make a huge difference in the college admissions process. While school counselors are dedicated and doing their best, their priorities and responsibilities extend beyond just one student’s success. That’s why it’s crucial for families to take control of their child’s college journey. If you have the resources, consider investing in outside counseling or dedicating time to independent research and strategic planning. Don’t rely solely on your school counselor—proactively seek the best guidance to maximize opportunities. Most importantly, keep pushing forward! Every student’s journey is unique, and learning from others’ experiences can be incredibly valuable.  We invite you to share what has worked (or hasn’t) for your family on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco—your insights could help others navigate the same challenges. Give us a follow, drop a comment, and let’s keep the conversation going!  
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  • S4E6: Doing Extracurriculars Right (and Wrong)
    In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UPenn’s Wharton School, delves into the pivotal role of extracurricular activities in the college admissions process—a topic frequently requested by students and parents alike. Thomas emphasizes the importance of aligning extracurriculars with genuine interests, moving beyond the traditional checklist mentality to create a cohesive and authentic application narrative. Key Takeaways:  Why Extracurriculars Matter: Families often approach extracurriculars as a series of obligations rather than opportunities for genuine engagement. Thomas advocates for a shift in perspective, encouraging students to identify and pursue activities that truly resonate with their passions and tell their story. Blurring The Lines: Extracurricular involvement shouldn't be confined to the academic calendar. Thomas highlights that authentic interests should extend beyond the school year, painting a comprehensive picture that admissions officers value. Creating Opportunities: Drawing from successful Admittedly students, Thomas shares innovative approaches to extracurriculars.  From community involvement to practical work experiences, the emphasis is on proactive and thoughtful engagement. Leadership and Impact: Beyond holding titles, demonstrating leadership through tangible contributions and positive changes in chosen activities is crucial. Navigating extracurricular choices can be challenging, but centering them around genuine interests leads to a more fulfilling and impactful experience. By authentically engaging in activities that matter, students not only enrich their personal growth but also present compelling narratives to admissions committees. Follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights and updates! Visit www.admittedly.co to discover how Admittedly can support you in your college admissions journey.
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  • S4E5: Are Safety Schools Actually Safe?
    In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UPenn’s Wharton School, tackles the topic of safety schools. Thomas explores how the concept of a safety school has evolved—from a carefully chosen handful of applications to a broader strategy in today’s Common App era. He dives into the potential pitfalls of this mindset and offers alternative perspectives, including the benefits of community college transfers and the critical importance of genuine interest when applying to any school. Key Takeaways: What Is a Safety School? In short, a safety school is a "fallback school." However, this mindset carries risks—applying to a school you have absolutely no interest in, even if you’re accepted, may not be the best strategy. Rethinking Your Fallback Options: Consider that a community college might be a safer bet than transferring from a low-ranked school. In states like California, transferring from a community college can even come with preferred admission status at some top-tier schools. Why Safety Schools Might Reject You: Schools can detect when they’re being treated as mere backups. They seek students who will thrive on campus—not just use the institution as a stepping stone to another university. They want applicants who genuinely like their school. When a Safety School Is Your True Choice: If you actually want to attend a school traditionally considered a safety school, demonstrated interest becomes crucial. Genuine outreach and expressed enthusiasm can set you apart and improve your chances. Broader Horizons: Remember to broaden your thinking and consider factors beyond prestige and brand.  Explore international opportunities, weigh the return on your investments, and consider your long-term goals to choose a path that sets you up for success. Navigating college admissions is about more than just having a fallback plan—it’s about finding the right fit and investing in opportunities that truly resonate with your goals. Embrace the journey, be intentional in your choices, and stay open to all possibilities. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights and updates! Visit www.admittedly.co to learn how Admittedly can help you achieve your dreams.  
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  • S4E4: Who IS Thomas Caleel? Revisiting Our 'Why'
    In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a moment to reintroduce himself. With so many new listeners joining our community, it’s the perfect time to revisit the story behind Admittedly. Thomas shares his journey—from his early career ventures to becoming a leader in the college admissions space—and why he has spent the past 20 years helping students navigate the admissions process with confidence and clarity. Key Takeaways: Where it all Started – Thomas shares his unconventional path, from business ventures in Europe to launching skincare brands in Colorado, and ultimately, how he found his calling in admissions. Why it Matters – A deep commitment to student success has driven Thomas to help applicants achieve incredible things. His mission is to spread valuable, strategic admissions advice to as many students as possible. Becoming a Voice in Admissions – Engaging with other experts in the online admissions space has been an enriching experience, but not every voice in the industry is created equal.  What Brings us Here – Success isn’t just about strategy; it’s about relationships. Building connections, learning from others, and sharing knowledge is vital to Admittedly's growing community. For two decades, Thomas has been dedicated to reducing stress and uncertainty in the admissions process—helping students avoid mistakes, grow productively, and achieve their goals. And this is just the beginning. Follow Admittedly on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights, and drop us a comment! Visit www.admittedly.co to learn more about how Thomas and the Admittedly team can help you navigate your admissions journey.
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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.
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