S4E11: Your Summer Fell Apart… Now What?
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
Release Date: 04/18/2025
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...
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S4E16: Harvard, International Students, and How We Got Here
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel unpacks the recent controversy surrounding Harvard and the broader implications for international students in the U.S. While Harvard may be in the spotlight, this is bigger than one school. These shifts have the potential to reshape the future of admissions, influence how schools fund themselves, and even impact American students directly. Thomas walks through the timeline of events that led to this moment, exploring the implications for international students and US families alike. Key Takeaways: Harvard Is Just the Beginning:...
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S4E15: The Introvert’s Guide to Standing Out in College Admissions
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel tackles a concern we hear often from families: “What if my kid isn’t the extroverted type who starts clubs or rallies crowds?” What happens when a student is deeply curious, authentic, and passionate—but in a quieter, more individual way? Thomas breaks down what admissions officers actually value, why solo work can absolutely shine, and how to ensure your quieter approach still connects outside your own bubble. With real examples from students who were more introspective but still successful at the most competitive schools,...
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S4E14: The ‘Passion Project’ Trap (And What Actually Works)
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel tackles a big question many students have heading into summer: What should I do for my passion project? The truth? Passion projects can either be a meaningful expression of who you are—or a major red flag. This episode unpacks the difference between performative efforts and authentic impact. Thomas explains why passion projects often fall flat in the admissions process and what to do instead: follow your curiosity, pursue meaningful work, and focus deeply on what actually drives you. He shares real stories of students—some with...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel disrupts the regular schedule to talk about the disruptions hitting students’ summer plans—especially research and enrichment programs at top universities. With Ivy League campuses and other institutions making budget cuts and shifting resources, students across the country are watching valuable opportunities vanish. But this doesn’t have to derail your admissions story. Thomas breaks down what’s going on, what it means for your application, and how to pivot with purpose and strategy.
Key Takeaways:
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Disruptions Are Real—But They’re Not Fatal: Summer research programs and opportunities are evaporating, especially at top schools. But admissions officers know what’s happening. These changes won't ruin your application—as long as you respond thoughtfully.
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Keep the Door Open: If something falls through, don’t just walk away. Reach out to the professor or program lead. Ask for recommendations, referrals, or alternate ideas. Maintain the relationship and keep building in your field.
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Revisit the ‘Why’: Ask yourself—what was I trying to get from this opportunity? Identify the core purpose and find another way to meet it. It’s not about checking a box; it’s about showing growth and curiosity.
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Commit to the Pivot: Whatever you do next, commit fully. A two-week filler won’t cut it. This is still your story. And it can be just as compelling—if not more—when you show how you made something meaningful out of a setback.
There’s going to be a lot of change in the coming months. More programs may disappear. More plans may fall through. Take a breath. You’ve got this.
The truth is—life doesn’t go according to plan. But how do you respond to these changes? That’s what admissions officers are really watching for. Show them resilience, creativity, and drive. That’s what sets you apart.
Have you had a summer opportunity disrupted? What are you planning to do instead? Let us know on Instagram or TikTok @admittedlyco. We want to hear from you and help others navigate this too.