Admittedly: College Admissions with 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.
- Update frequency
- every 5 days
- Average duration
- 17 minutes
- Episodes
- 106
- Years Active
- 2023 - 2025
S3E13: The Best Approach to the Cornell Supplement (2024)
In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the Cornell supplement essay, which asks applicants to discuss a community that is meaningful to them. With a 350-word limit, …
S3E12: How to Succeed with the Penn Supplement (2024)
In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel dives into the Penn Supplement, focusing on the two required essays for all applicants: the thank you letter and the community essay. H…
S3E11: How to Approach the Harvard Supplement (2024)
In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down the five short essay questions in the Harvard University supplement. With each response limited to 100 words, Thomas provid…
S3E10: How to Ace the Columbia Supplement (2024)
In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel provides an in-depth guide to tackling the four main essays in the Columbia University supplement. He offers strategic advice on how to…
S3E9: How to Choose Between MBA Programs
In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the different types of MBA programs available: full-time, part-time or executive, online, and early career. He provides insigh…
S3E8: Benefits to Dual Enrollment and Middle Colleges with Delenn Ganyo
Introduction: In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel interviews Delenn Ganyo, a colleague in college admissions and professional academic tutor. They discuss the topic of dua…
S3E7: How to Succeed on the Common Application
Introduction: In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel discusses the opening of the Common Application and the beginning of the college application season. He provides essentia…
S3E6: Is Boarding School the Right Choice?
In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel discusses US boarding schools. He shares some details from his own experience as a Taft student and parent through the years, as well a…
S3E5: How to Respond to Disciplinary Trouble During College Applications
In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel advises families and students on how to proceed with college application preparation in the wake of a serious disciplinary issue. Admis…
S3E4: How to Build a College List
In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel delves into the intricate process of building a college list, a pivotal task for high school juniors as they navigate their way through…
S3E3: How to Decide Junior Year Summer Activities
In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, former director of MBA admissions Thomas Caleel describes ways for high school Juniors to enjoy their summers in ways that will strengthen their upcoming …
S3E2: How to Prepare for College Admissions During Junior Year of High School
Introduction: In the second episode of the third season of the Admittedly Podcast, hosted by Thomas Caleel, the focus is on Juniors in High School who are embarking on the college application process…
S3E1: How to Handle College Admissions Outcomes and Navigate Waitlists
Welcome to the third season of Admittedly. In this episode host Thomas Caleel highlights the purpose of this podcast, to connect with students globally and offer guidance through educational challeng…
S2E29: How to Write Your UC College Application. Why are University of California Essays Different
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, hosted by Thomas Caleel, listeners are guided through the nuances of the University of California application process. With the November 30 deadline looming…
S2E28: It's Nov 1st -- Now What? College Admissions Next Steps
This weeks' question of the week: It's November 1st, now what? If you applied early action/early decision you would of submitted your application by the deadline so it's time to talk a breath and tal…
S2E28: Should I Contact The School After I Submit My College Application?
Today's QOTW is in regards to contacting the school or admissions rep after submitting your application.
Have your own question you'd like answered? Send us a message on social media @admittedlypodca…
S2E27: College Admissions and the Applicant Portal: What is it?
Today's question of the week- "How do I check my progress after I submit?" In today's episode we go through a brief overview of the applicant portal, what you will find in there, and how to check you…
S2E26: How to Master University of Chicago's Unconventional Supplement Essays
As we approach the November 1st early decision and early action deadline, we delve into an exciting yet perplexing aspect of college applications - the unique supplements, with a particular focus on …
S2E25: SAT/ACT Prep Discussion with David Blobaum, National Test Prep Association
What does test optional really mean? In today's episode your host Thomas Caleel interviews David Blobaum from National Test Prep Association. They discuss important issues around test prep, test-opti…
S2E24: How to Write Great College Admissions Supplement Essays
In this episode, your host, Thomas Caleel, delves into the world of college supplements and supplemental essays. With the approaching November 1 deadline for early action and early decision applicati…