S3E7: How to Succeed on the Common Application
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
Release Date: 08/01/2024
S4E8: Real Students, Real Success: How They Beat the Odds in College Admissions
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
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...
info_outline
S4E7: Maximizing College Guidance: School Counselors & Outside Experts
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
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...
info_outline
S4E6: Doing Extracurriculars Right (and Wrong)
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
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...
info_outline
S4E5: Are Safety Schools Actually Safe?
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
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...
info_outline
S4E4: Who IS Thomas Caleel? Revisiting Our 'Why'
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
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...
info_outline
S4E3: What's The Deal With Deferrals?
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel dives deeper into deferrals. He breaks down what deferrals are, why schools do it, and what it means for YOU! Key Takeaways: Deferrals Are NOT Rejections: Understanding what it means to be deferred is critically important to your application process if you’re applying Early Action or Early Decision. Yield Management is a Big Factor: Schools act in their best interest, and have ideal yield margins to hit each year. Yield is the number of students who accepted an offer over the number of offers given out and can be a big indicator...
info_outline
S4E2: Expanding the Ivy League Isn't That Simple
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the question, “Why doesn’t the Ivy League expand?” As a former Director of MBA Admissions at UPenn’s Wharton School, Thomas offers an insider’s perspective on the challenges and limitations elite universities face when it comes to growth. Key Takeaways: Ivy League schools aren’t responsible for educating everyone – Expanding these colleges would reduce scarcity, ultimately diminishing the exclusivity and prestige they leverage. Most Ivy League schools lack the space to expand – Many Ivies are located in...
info_outline
S4E1: Let's Talk About Transferring
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the workings of transferring colleges. He breaks down the process of transferring, why schools do it, why you might care, and answers some questions from listeners! Key Takeaways: You Need to Ask Yourself WHY: Whether it’s in your personal statement or individual essays, schools will ask why you want to transfer, and transferring for ranking is not a good reason. Is your current school a bad fit? Have your priorities shifted? Dig deep. How Schools Consider YOU: Schools consider more than your reason for...
info_outline
S3E26: You Asked, We Answered
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel answers listener questions from Instagram and TikTok (@admittedlyco) on a range of topics surrounding the college admissions process. He offers advice on balancing academic and extracurricular pressure to avoid burnout, and discusses strategies for applicants not targeting Ivy League schools. Thomas also covers gap years, when to hire a college advisor, international applicants, and how deferred applicants should approach their LOCI. Key Questions: "How do we balance not burning these kids out before they even arrive on campus?...
info_outline
S3E25: College Admissions Have Changed. But How?
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the evolving college admissions landscape, comparing the challenges of today’s process with that of previous generations. He offers insights into how applicant expectations, the applicant pool, and the criteria for top schools have changed, and answers some questions from listeners! Key Takeaways: The Shifting Admissions Landscape: While admit rates have decreased, the fundamental traits that colleges value—intellectual curiosity, academic achievement, and community involvement—have remained constant. The Dangers of...
info_outlineIntroduction: In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel discusses the opening of the Common Application and the beginning of the college application season. He provides essential advice for students and parents on navigating the Common App, including the importance of attention to detail, strategic planning, and understanding the various components of the application process.
Summary of Key Points:
1. The Common Application Opening: The Common App opens on August 1, signaling the start of the application season for students worldwide. Parents can also create an account to view their child's progress without interfering.
2. Data Entry Importance: Accurate data entry in the Common App is crucial, with attention to detail in spelling and punctuation being highly important. Admissions officers evaluate these aspects as part of the application.
3. Strategic Planning for Applications: Students should select their schools early, understand supplemental requirements, and ensure their activity lists are well-curated and relevant. Each application component should align with the student's overall strategy.
4. Crafting Effective Essays: The Common App essay should be integrated into the broader application narrative and tailored for different types of schools if necessary. The additional information section should be used for significant disruptions, not for extra essays or resumes.
5. Managing the Application Timeline: It's important not to rush the application process, as quality is more important than speed. Early submissions do not receive extra consideration, so students should focus on creating the best possible application within the given timeline.
Conclusion: The Common Application season is a critical time for students aiming for higher education. By planning strategically, paying attention to details, and understanding each component of the application, students can present themselves effectively to their chosen colleges. Thomas Caleel encourages listeners to stay calm, take their time, and reach out on social media for any questions during this process.
About Thomas Caleel
Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate the best possible MBA class. Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities LLC, he works as a high-level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants.
Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on Instagram and TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber-only content.