Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

• S4E40: Results Guaranteed? The Real Story Behind Stats, Success Rates, and College Consulting Claims

  In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down one of the most confusing (and often misleading) parts of the college admissions landscape: how to evaluate a college consultant. With firms advertising guaranteed results, inflated acceptance lists, and "proprietary systems," Thomas explains what families should actually be looking for when choosing an advisor for their high school student. Drawing on his years inside highly selective admissions, he clarifies why true expertise goes far beyond flashy claims, why transparency is non-negotiable, and how the right counselor helps a student build confidence, independence, and an authentic narrative… not a manufactured profile. Key Takeaways Look Beyond the Marketing: Many firms inflate their success statistics by counting recruited athletes or pro bono admits. Families must ask how results apply to students like theirs. No One Can Guarantee Admissions: Any consultant offering guaranteed outcomes is using unethical practices or misleading data. Admissions results are never certain. Experience Matters: A strong counselor brings depth of knowledge, years in admissions or advising, and a proven ability to guide students—not just their own application story. Personalization Beats Templates: The best consultants help students uncover who they are, not fit into a preset formula or checklist. Parents Need Trusted Guidance: Over-involvement creates pressure and weakens student voice; a good counselor serves as a neutral, stabilizing force. Time Is Your Biggest Advantage: Starting early allows students to grow, develop interests, build self-awareness, and avoid last-minute panic before senior year.   Choosing a college consultant should be an informed, transparent process… not a leap of faith. This episode gives families the tools to ask better questions, understand how the industry really works, and identify who can genuinely support their student's long-term success. Families can find more guidance and explore Admittedly's advising approach at www.admittedly.co, and follow along on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco.

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• S4E39: How to Plan a Strategic Summer (Before It's Too Late)

  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 of expensive pre-college programs that don't move the needle.   Key Takeaways Start Early: Selective summer programs open applications between December and February, and scholarships disappear quickly. Early planning gives students real options. Not All Programs Matter: Most pre-college programs hosted on university campuses do not impact admissions. Only a small handful are truly selective. Depth Beats Prestige: Admissions officers care about why you chose an experience and what you learned—not the brand name attached to it. Strong Summers Don't Require Money: Jobs, volunteering, community work, or building your own project can be just as impactful as formal programs. Explore With Intention: The best summer activities for high school students show curiosity, consistency, and growth (not a checklist of unrelated activities).   Summer is one of the most misunderstood pieces of the college admissions puzzle. Whether you're a freshman, sophomore, or junior, planning early helps you create meaningful experiences, avoid rushed decisions, and build a narrative that stands out. This episode breaks down how to think strategically about summer programs, jobs, volunteering, and independent opportunities so your choices actually support your long-term goals. Families can find more resources on summer planning at www.admittedly.co and on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco.  

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• S4E38: The Hidden Half of College Admissions: What Students Overlook (and What Actually Matters)

  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. Through powerful examples from students he has guided, from costume designers to community leaders, this episode unpacks how self-awareness, focus, and coherence make the difference between a good application and a great one.   Key Takeaways 1. The Resume Myth Admissions is not a checklist. Doing more does not make you stand out; it makes you blend in. Top schools see thousands of "captains," "presidents," and "founders." What matters is why you chose what you did and what you learned along the way. 2. Depth Over Breadth Students who slow down and invest deeply in a few meaningful pursuits instead of chasing every opportunity demonstrate maturity, focus, and authenticity. Less really can be more. 3. Introspection Is Power Reflection builds connection. Admissions officers can feel when an applicant understands themselves. The best essays do not just describe activities; they reveal growth, intention, and purpose. 4. Narrative Coherence Wins When your choices, experiences, and essays fit together naturally, you tell a story that admissions officers can remember and advocate for. That is the hidden skill behind every standout applicant.   College admissions is not just about proving what you have done; it is about showing who you have become. Visit www.admittedly.co for free resources, guides, and upcoming webinar dates.

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• S4E37: The 3 Biggest Mistakes Students Make in High School (And How to Fix Them Before Senior Year)

  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 is just starting high school or in the middle of the application process, this episode offers practical advice on how to stand out in today's hyper-competitive admissions landscape. Key Takeaways 1. No Story Top students don't just collect activities — they craft a clear narrative. Admissions officers want to understand who you are, what drives you, and how your choices connect. Story-building starts earlier than most families think, and it requires intentional reflection. 2. No Strategy Doing everything is not a strategy. Students who spread themselves too thin dilute their impact. Thomas shares how to audit your commitments, focus on meaningful pursuits, and show depth over breadth — the key to a memorable application. 3. No Ownership Parents, counselors, and peers can offer support, but the most powerful applications come from students who take charge of their journey. True ownership builds voice, maturity, and self-awareness — qualities that can't be faked in essays or interviews.   Even in a world of rising selectivity and grade inflation, students who approach the process with story, strategy, and ownership stand out. Visit www.admittedly.co for free resources and guidance on college admissions.    

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• S4E36: No, College Admissions Aren't Getting Easier in 2026: Here's What You CAN Control

  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 Takeaways: Admit Rates Stay Low: Even with visa changes and testing shifts, top schools like Columbia, Penn, and Stanford continue to see rising applications and falling admit rates. The qualified applicant pool is bigger, not smaller. Qualified Isn't Enough: Perfect grades and test scores don't guarantee admission anymore. What separates top candidates is coherence—the ability to connect activities, essays, and recommendations into a clear, intentional story. Differentiate or Disappear: Students who follow formulas or copy peers' paths blend into the crowd. The strongest applicants take risks, pursue genuine interests deeply, and craft an application that reflects individuality, not perfection. Parents, Step Back Strategically: Thomas offers a direct message to parents—how to support without pressuring, and why old admissions playbooks no longer apply. Honest evaluation, early preparation, and outside perspective are key. Control What You Can: Grades and scores matter, but the true edge lies in strategy—building academic rigor, refining narratives, and making decisions with long-term intention. Admissions to top universities aren't getting easier. But with clarity, focus, and the right approach, students can still stand out. Follow @admittedlyco on Instagram and TikTok for more college admissions strategy, and visit www.admittedly.co for webinars, guides, and expert support.  

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