S4E25: The 2025 Admissions Reality — How Funding Cuts, Student Visas, and Campus Culture Will Shape This Cycle
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
Release Date: 08/15/2025
S4E39: How to Plan a Strategic Summer (Before It’s Too Late)
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel explains why freshmen, sophomores, and juniors should begin planning their summer programs and activities long before spring. Drawing on decades of experience in college admissions, he breaks down what actually matters, what doesn’t, and why early planning is one of the most overlooked competitive advantages in high school. Rather than chasing “name-brand” programs, Thomas helps families understand how to build a summer that aligns with a student’s interests, goals, and developing narrative without getting caught in the trap...
info_outline
S4E38: The Hidden Half of College Admissions: What Students Overlook (and What Actually Matters)
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel reveals the hidden half of the college admissions process, the part most families never think about. Students spend years stacking achievements and building resumes, but the truth is that admissions officers care less about what you have done and far more about why you have done it. Drawing from two decades of experience, including his time as Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School, Thomas explains why resume racing does not work, how to uncover authentic motivation, and what real introspection looks like in practice....
info_outline
S4E37: The 3 Biggest Mistakes Students Make in High School (And How to Fix Them Before Senior Year)
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down the three most common mistakes he sees students make year after year in the college admissions process — and how to correct them before it’s too late. Drawing on more than two decades of admissions experience, including his time as Director of MBA Admissions at UPenn’s Wharton School, Thomas explains why the strongest applicants aren’t just the ones with high GPAs or perfect test scores. They’re the ones who build a compelling story, act strategically, and take ownership of their journey. Whether your student...
info_outline
S4E36: No, College Admissions Aren’t Getting Easier in 2026: Here’s What You CAN Control
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down why college admissions at Ivy League and other top universities are more competitive than ever—and what students and parents can still control in the process. Despite social media myths about an “easier” year ahead, Thomas explains why application numbers remain high, selectivity rates are dropping, and grade inflation is blurring academic distinctions. Drawing on decades of admissions experience, he reveals how to focus on what actually moves the needle: differentiation, strategy, and authentic engagement. Key...
info_outline
S4E35: Confidence, Clarity, and College Admissions: Global Tutoring Insights with Advantage Testing’s Matthew Demmer
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel speaks with Matthew Demmer, Associate Director of Advantage Testing New York and Director of Advantage Testing UK. With over 22 years of experience tutoring students across the U.S., U.K., and Middle East, Matt shares how one-on-one tutoring helps students build confidence, reduce anxiety, and perform at their best — whether preparing for the SAT, ACT, UCAS, or Oxbridge interviews. Key Topics: Lessons from the UK’s tutorial system and how they shape effective tutoring Why confidence is the antidote to test-day stress UCAS vs....
info_outline
S4E34: Inside the Review Room – How Admissions Officers Read Applications
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions at Wharton, takes you behind the scenes of the admissions office to show how applications are actually read. From transcripts and essays to activities, recommendations, and test scores, Thomas explains what admissions officers focus on and how they build a three-dimensional picture of each applicant. Key Takeaways: Applications are often reviewed in just three to five minutes, so clarity and strategy matter. Transcripts are scored separately, then weighed alongside essays, activities, and...
info_outline
S4E33: Do The SAT and ACT Still Matter? Test Optional Policies and the Ivy League Explained
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel unpacks one of the most debated topics in college admissions: test optional policies. Are they really leveling the playing field, or just creating more confusion? Drawing from his decades of admissions experience, Thomas explains how test optional began, what it means for students today, and why the future of standardized testing is shifting once again. Key Takeaways The Origins of Test Optional: COVID-19 accelerated the move away from testing, with schools adopting test optional to expand diversity and boost application numbers. ...
info_outline
S4E32: Applying to Columbia: How to Write Your 2025 Supplements For Success
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down Columbia University’s 2025 supplemental essays and guides you through how to approach each one strategically. From the famous “list question” to the diversity prompt, the disagreement essay, the adversity question, and the two-part “Why Columbia” response, Thomas explains how to build thoughtful, authentic answers that actually help you stand out. You’ll hear why your list should balance intellectual depth with curiosity, how to write about disagreement and adversity without falling into cliché or forced...
info_outline
S4E31: Cracking the UPenn Supplements: Thank-You Note & Community Essay Tips
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions & Financial Aid at UPenn’s Wharton School, breaks down the University of Pennsylvania’s 2025 writing supplements and how to approach them strategically. Thomas explains how to make the most of Penn’s two required prompts: the “Thank You Note” and the Community Essay. You’ll learn why the thank-you letter should be written last, how to use it to reveal an untold part of your story, and how to reflect thoughtfully on sharing gratitude with someone who has impacted your life. He also...
info_outline
S4E30: Applying to Yale: A Guide to the Short Answers and Essays
Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down Yale’s 2025 writing supplements and short answers so you can respond with clarity, strategy, and genuine voice. From selecting up to three academic areas on the application to explaining a topic that truly excites you, Thomas shows how to demonstrate curiosity without becoming monothematic and how to tie your interests authentically to Yale. You’ll hear practical guidance for the “why Yale” short answer, how to keep the 200-character list questions fresh and human, and how to choose among the 400-word prompts...
info_outlineIn 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 ahead of the curve and play this year’s admissions game with eyes wide open.
Key Takeaways:
-
Funding Cuts Have Ripple Effects: Multi-million-dollar hits to endowments mean less money for research, professors, and student services. While no one is officially admitting it, full-pay and legacy applicants could benefit as schools seek financial stability.
-
International Students Face More Uncertainty: Visa approvals may be shakier, and aid for non-U.S. students could shrink. If you’re applying from abroad, diversify your list globally and take a long-term view toward grad school opportunities.
-
“Non-Controversial” Is the New Campus Buzzword: Universities are feeling pressure to avoid volatile environments. Expect closer scrutiny of your online presence.
-
This Is Not Carte Blanche: Even with shifts in seat allocation, hyper-selective schools will still reject most applicants. Strategy, rigor, and impact still matter more than ever.
The bottom line? This may be a year of advantage for certain applicants, but the bar for admission remains sky-high. Your best play is to get strategic, stay authentic, and present your story with discipline and clarity.
Are you feeling these changes in your own application plans? Share your thoughts with Thomas directly @admittedlyco on Instagram and TikTok. For deeper guidance, join our free monthly webinars and explore resources at www.admittedly.co.