S3E8: Benefits to Dual Enrollment and Middle Colleges with Delenn Ganyo
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
Release Date: 08/08/2024
S4E27: Complacency or Commitment: The Choice That Defines Ivy+ Outcomes
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes on a recurring theme in his conversations with students and families: complacency. For those aiming at Ivy+ and other highly selective schools, “coasting” is a red flag. Thomas unpacks why admissions officers notice when students take their foot off the gas, how drifting summers and watered-down academics hurt an application, and the difference between burnout, changing direction, and simply checking out. He also explains what top schools actually want to see: consistency, curiosity, and commitment to meaningful growth....
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S4E26: The Joy of Tutoring: Arun Alagappan on Reducing Anxiety and Unlocking Potential
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel sits down with Arun Alagappan, founder and president of Advantage Testing, one of the most respected names in academic tutoring and test preparation. A Princeton and Harvard Law alum, Arun has spent nearly four decades redefining what tutoring can and should be: an uplifting, empowering experience that fosters both academic mastery and lifelong curiosity. Arun shares his journey from his very first tutoring session as a teenager to building Advantage Testing into a nationally recognized institution. He reflects on the clarity it took to...
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S4E25: The 2025 Admissions Reality — How Funding Cuts, Student Visas, and Campus Culture Will Shape This Cycle
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a strategic pause to break down the seismic shifts hitting higher education right now—and what they mean for your application this year. From sweeping funding cuts at top universities, to uncertainty for international students, to new pressures for changes in campus culture, the landscape is changing fast. Thomas unpacks how these forces intersect with admissions strategy, why legacy students may have an edge once again, and why you still can’t rely on luck or shortcuts. This is the episode to hear if you want to stay...
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S4E24: The Road Starts Early — Middle School Advice With Dr. Peggy Burich Smith
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this special episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel sits down with Dr. Peggy Burich-Smith, a senior counselor at Admittedly and a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience in independent school leadership. Together, they explore what it really takes to raise grounded, successful students—starting in middle school. From managing the parent-child dynamic during high-pressure school years to navigating high school admissions with authenticity and strategy, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and heartfelt perspective. Peggy brings her unmatched insight...
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S4E23: The 2025 Common App (What to Know Before You Start)
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel walks through everything students and families need to prepare as the Common App opens on August 1. From how to set up your account to the mistakes students often make in the academic and activities sections, this is a clear, practical guide to starting the application season the right way. Key Takeaways: Getting Started with the Common App: Why you should create your account early, what to expect when you log in, and the key things to get right from the beginning. Academic History & Activities: How to report...
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S4E22: Applying Early to College (When It Helps—and When It Hurts)
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel dives into one of the most misunderstood parts of the college application process: applying early. Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), and Restrictive Early Action (REA) each offer different opportunities—and different risks. And while the internet might tell you that applying early boosts your chances, the truth is more complicated. We’ll walk you through what these application types actually mean, how colleges use them strategically, and why those higher admit rates aren’t as simple as they seem. We’ll also talk about...
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S4E21: Playing to Win—How Student Athletes Get Admitted
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel addresses student athletes—and the families supporting them. Whether you're competing at the national level or playing for the love of the game, it’s time to unpack how admissions officers actually view athletics. Thomas breaks down the value of sports in college admissions, the expectations student athletes must meet, and why athletic ability alone won’t carry you through the process. He offers guidance for both recruited and non-recruited athletes—and reminds listeners that sports are one part of a much bigger admissions...
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S4E20: The Additional Info Section—What to Say (and What to Skip)
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel dives into one of the most misunderstood parts of the college application: the Additional Information section. With the word count now reduced from 650 to 300 words, this section is no longer a free-for-all—it requires strategy, clarity, and discipline. Thomas breaks down what this section is actually for, who should use it, and how to avoid the common mistakes that can hurt your application more than help. He also explains how to think about resumes in the context of your application and how the smartest students use every part...
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S4E19: Don’t Write Your Essay Yet (Start Here Instead)
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a step back from structure and word count to focus on what matters most when writing your college essay: the story itself. It’s that time of year when the pressure to write “the perfect essay” starts to build—but before you start typing, you need a clear foundation. This episode is all about helping you find your story, understand what colleges are really looking for, and begin your essay process with clarity and confidence. Key Takeaways: Your Story Is the Only Story That Matters: The Common App essay isn’t...
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S4E18: Sophomore Year Done Right (Q&A for Rising 10th Graders)
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
You made it through freshman year—now what? In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel tackles the real questions rising sophomores are asking: What should I focus on? How many activities is enough? Do I need APs? Is it too early to think about college? Whether you're aiming for the top universities, or just want to feel more confident heading into 10th grade, Thomas offers a clear and supportive breakdown of what matters most right now. From extracurricular strategy to GPA and summer planning, this is your roadmap for making sophomore year count—without burning out....
info_outlineIntroduction: In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel interviews Delenn Ganyo, a colleague in college admissions and professional academic tutor. They discuss the topic of dual enrollment, middle colleges, and the benefits and challenges of pursuing non-traditional educational paths.
Summary of Key Points:
1. Introduction to Dual Enrollment: Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college-level courses alongside their high school curriculum, often earning college credits. This approach provides students with an accelerated learning path and can lead to early graduation or advanced standing in college.
2. Middle Colleges as an Accelerated Learning Model: Middle colleges represent a "supercharged" dual enrollment model, allowing students to earn significant college credits and potentially complete an associate's degree while still in high school. Delenn shares personal experiences of thriving in this environment and highlights the importance of student-driven motivation.
3. Comparing Dual Enrollment and AP Courses: Unlike AP courses taught by high school teachers, dual enrollment classes are taught by college instructors and often provide guaranteed transferable credits. This distinction makes dual enrollment a potentially more reliable option for students aiming to cut down on college time or costs.
4. Benefits of Middle Colleges: Attending a middle college can provide academic challenges, make students more competitive in university applications, and allow for early specialization or interdisciplinary study. Delenn discusses the personal advantages and opportunities they gained from this educational path.
5. Considerations for Non-Traditional Educational Paths: While middle colleges and dual enrollment offer exciting opportunities, they may not be suitable for everyone. Students should assess their own academic interests and readiness, ensuring that their educational path aligns with their goals and learning style.
Conclusion: Thomas Caleel and guest Delenn Ganyo emphasize the importance of understanding one's educational preferences and exploring non-traditional paths like dual enrollment and middle colleges. These options can offer accelerated learning and unique opportunities for students who are passionate about academics and eager to challenge themselves.
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.
About Delenn Ganyo (@delennganyo):
Delenn Ganyo is an academic tutor and admissions coach from Santa Barbara, California. They completed their Master’s in English in December 2023, graduating previously from UC Santa Barbara in 2021 with Bachelor’s degrees in chemistry, anthropology, and writing. Attaining their first college degree—an Associates of mathematics—the day before their high school graduation, Delenn has placed a lifelong emphasis on education and academic achievement. Delenn’s experience tutoring includes academic subjects such as English composition, creative writing, mathematics, and chemistry, as well as standardized tests including the new digital SAT. Post-graduation, Delenn has completed additional certifications in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Generative AI for Educators, and in their free time they write literary analysis papers about science-fiction and fantasy.
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