S3E23: Is an Ivy League Education Worth It?
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
Release Date: 12/27/2024
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....
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S4E17: Rising Seniors: Planning, Positioning, and Building Your Edge
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel speaks directly to rising seniors and their families. First, congratulations—junior year is done. Now it’s time to look ahead. The next six weeks before the Common App opens are critical. This is when you take everything you’ve done and shape it into a focused, compelling strategy. Thomas outlines how students should be using this time: revisiting standardized test plans, reflecting on academic interests and potential majors, and identifying the schools and environments that truly fit. He emphasizes the importance of deeper...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel delves into the ongoing debate surrounding Ivy League education. He explores the allure, benefits, and potential drawbacks of attending an Ivy or Ivy Plus school. Thomas emphasizes that while these schools can offer transformative opportunities, they are not the singular path to success. He breaks down the reputational effect, alumni networks, financial considerations, and career impact of an Ivy League education while encouraging families to make thoughtful, individualized decisions.
Key Takeaways:
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What is the Ivy League?
- The Ivy League started as an athletic conference comprising eight schools: Penn, Dartmouth, Princeton, Columbia, Harvard, Yale, Brown, and Cornell.
- Ivy Plus schools like MIT, Stanford, and UChicago expand the list of prestigious institutions but are not part of the original Ivy League.
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Benefits of Ivy League Education:
- Access to world-class professors and intellectually stimulating peers.
- Deep, powerful alumni networks that can enhance career opportunities and personal connections.
- A strong reputational effect that can open doors in competitive industries or regions.
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Financial Considerations:
- Many Ivy League schools offer generous grants to families earning less than $200,000 annually, but those in higher income brackets may face steep costs.
- For families in the middle, the decision to take on significant debt for an Ivy degree requires careful evaluation of potential career returns and long-term goals.
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Regional and Career Fit:
- Alumni networks often have stronger influence in certain regions (e.g., USC for Southern California vs. Dartmouth for New England).
- Consider your intended career path—certain degrees (like law or medicine) might make Ivy tuition less justifiable at the undergrad level.
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Plan Strategically:
- Ivy League admissions require thoughtful planning and foresight, starting as early as freshman or sophomore year.
- Understand your goals, strengths, and passions early to align your high school experience with Ivy League expectations.
An Ivy League education can be transformational for the right student, offering unique opportunities and networks that last a lifetime. However, it’s not the only path to success, and families should weigh financial, career, and personal factors when making this decision. Thoughtful planning and self-awareness are key to determining whether the Ivy League is the right fit. For more tips and guidance, follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco.