by Thomas Caleel
Does thinking about applying to college, grad school, or prep school make your head spin? The Admittedly Podcast is for both parents and students preparing for or navigating school admissions. We aim to demystify the admissions process and share with you what you really need to know to succeed. Our host, Thomas Caleel, former director of MBA admissions and financial aid for the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, is here to help. He is a lifelong entrepreneur and CEO of a global admissions consulting agency where he works with families worldwide to help them achieve their educational goals. New episodes go live every Tuesday and Thursday. Learn from our guest speakers, live coaching sessions, and weekly solo episodes. Have admissions questions you'd like answered on the show? Apply to be coached by Thomas himself on one of our upcoming recordings. In this podcast, we don't promise easy answers or quick fixes. But with decades of experience under his belt, Thomas will address the practical aspects of applying to school and how to think like an admissions officer to improve your college or prep school application.
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2/22/2023
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April 18, 2025
<p dir="ltr"><strong>In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast,</strong> 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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">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.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">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.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">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.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">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.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p> </p>
April 11, 2025
<p class="" data-start="237" data-end="554">With the school year winding down, it’s time for a strategic check-in. In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down what students in <strong data-start= "401" data-end="476">each grade level — from freshmen to juniors — should be doing right now</strong> to close out the year strong and set themselves up for summer (and beyond).</p> <p class="" data-start="556" data-end="772">From building study habits and exploring new interests to locking in your college list and prepping your recommenders, Thomas offers clear, actionable guidance tailored to where you are in your high school journey. Plus, he shares inspiring success stories from real students who’ve taken control of their path — and how you can too.</p> <p class="" data-start="556" data-end="772"> </p> <p class="" data-start="556" data-end="772"><strong>Key Topics:</strong></p> <ul> <li class="" data-start="930" data-end="1019"> <p class="" data-start="932" data-end="1019">Freshman: Why reflection is key, how to explore interests and prep for sophomore year</p> </li> <li class="" data-start="1020" data-end="1105"> <p class="" data-start="1022" data-end="1105">Sophomore: What to cut, what to double down on, and how to make this summer count</p> </li> <li class="" data-start="1106" data-end="1205"> <p class="" data-start="1108" data-end="1205">Junior: The most pivotal year — from GPA and testing to activities, majors, and Common App prep</p> </li> <li class="" data-start="1206" data-end="1279"> <p class="" data-start="1208" data-end="1279">Tips for academic improvement and relationship building with teachers</p> </li> <li class="" data-start="1280" data-end="1343"> <p class="" data-start="1282" data-end="1343">Real success stories from Admittedly students in each grade</p> </li> <li class="" data-start="1344" data-end="1427"> <p class="" data-start="1346" data-end="1427">How to approach summer with intention and set yourself up for success next year</p> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p class="" data-start="85" data-end="313">College admissions isn’t about last-minute scrambles — it’s about intentional, thoughtful planning. No matter what grade you’re in, the steps you take right now can set you apart in a sea of applications later. Take stock. Get real about your progress. And take ownership of your path.</p> <p dir="ltr">Follow Admittedly on Instagram and TikTok at <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/admittedlyco">@admittedlyco</a> for more insights, and drop us a comment!</p> <p class="" data-start="85" data-end="313"><strong id= "docs-internal-guid-cf4c63af-7fff-cbf3-b66c-becec831c0f0">Visit <a href="https://www.admittedly.co">www.admittedly.co</a> to learn more about how Thomas and the Admittedly team can help you navigate your admissions journey.</strong></p>
April 4, 2025
<p class="" data-start="183" data-end="609"><strong data-start= "183" data-end="229">In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast,</strong> host Thomas Caleel addresses a question that has been coming up more and more often: “I made a mistake—am I done?” Whether it’s academic dishonesty, a suspension, or even a school dismissal, students are understandably afraid these missteps have ended their college dreams. But as Thomas explains, what matters most is how you respond, own your mistake, and demonstrate growth.</p> <p class="" data-start="611" data-end="903">This episode dives into the real consequences of disciplinary and academic infractions, how colleges evaluate these issues, and—most importantly—how students can take back control of their narrative and future. Redemption is not only possible, but it can be powerful—if handled the right way.</p> <p class="" data-start="905" data-end="930"><strong data-start= "905" data-end="930">Key Topics Discussed:</strong></p> <ul data-start="932" data-end="1547"> <li class="" data-start="932" data-end="994"> <p class="" data-start="934" data-end="994">Can one mistake really ruin your college admissions chances?</p> </li> <li class="" data-start="995" data-end="1081"> <p class="" data-start="997" data-end="1081">The difference between academic and disciplinary issues in the application process</p> </li> <li class="" data-start="1082" data-end="1155"> <p class="" data-start="1084" data-end="1155">Why academic dishonesty is taken so seriously—and how to move forward</p> </li> <li class="" data-start="1156" data-end="1210"> <p class="" data-start="1158" data-end="1210">What to do if you’ve been suspended or disciplined</p> </li> <li class="" data-start="1211" data-end="1279"> <p class="" data-start="1213" data-end="1279">How and when to disclose infractions on your college application</p> </li> <li class="" data-start="1280" data-end="1353"> <p class="" data-start="1282" data-end="1353">The importance of owning your mistake and showing maturity and growth</p> </li> <li class="" data-start="1354" data-end="1417"> <p class="" data-start="1356" data-end="1417">Steps to rebuild trust with your school and future colleges</p> </li> <li class="" data-start="1418" data-end="1472"> <p class="" data-start="1420" data-end="1472">Letters of support: who to ask and why they matter</p> </li> <li class="" data-start="1473" data-end="1547"> <p class="" data-start="1475" data-end="1547">Stories of redemption and what admissions officers are truly looking for</p> </li> </ul> <p class="" data-start="1549" data-end="1910">Everyone makes mistakes—it’s part of being human. What sets successful applicants apart isn’t perfection, but their willingness to take responsibility, grow, and keep pushing forward. If you’re facing a setback, don’t despair. Get in front of it, take the right steps, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your future is still in your hands.</p> <p class="" data-start="1912" data-end="2117">We want to hear from you. If you've gone through something similar and come out stronger—share your story with us on social media @admittedlyco on Instagram and TikTok. Let’s uplift and support each other.</p>
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