Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

Thomas Caleel
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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.

  1. 2D AGO

    S5E10: ADHD, Executive Functioning, & College Readiness: What Parents Need to Know Before Senior Year

    To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply. In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel speaks with Mike McLeod, founder of GrowNOW ADHD, about the real factor that determines whether students thrive in college: executive functioning skills. Strong grades and test scores can help students gain admission, but independence, motivation, and resilience determine what happens next. Thomas and Mike break down how ADHD affects executive functioning, why many students struggle with the transition to college, and what families can do now to build the internal skills students need to succeed without constant supervision. From screen dependence to time management to real-world responsibility, this conversation offers a practical framework for helping students develop the habits and mindset that selective colleges — and future employers — expect. Key Takeaways • ADHD is primarily a challenge of executive functioning, not intelligence or effort. • Executive functioning skills include self-regulation, task initiation, motivation, and follow-through. • Many students arrive at college academically prepared but struggle with independence. • Screen overuse can interfere with the development of focus, resilience, and delayed gratification. • Real-world experiences like jobs, activities, and responsibilities build executive functioning skills. • Accommodations can support students, but independence must still be developed. • Parents should prioritize long-term readiness, not just short-term academic performance. College success requires more than academic ability. Students who develop independence, resilience, and ownership over their time are far better positioned to thrive once they arrive on campus.  *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-698ba4c4-86c0-8332-bb91-d1ab5e770345-2" data-testid= "conversation-turn-132" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Executive functioning development is one of the most important long-term investments families can make, particularly for students navigating ADHD or motivation challenges. When students learn how to manage their time, regulate their focus, and take ownership of their responsibilities, they are better prepared not only for selective colleges, but for life beyond the classroom. For families looking to go deeper, the following resources can help support next steps: • Learn more about GrowNOW ADHD: https://www.grownowadhd.com/  • Explore The Executive Function Playbook: https://www.grownowadhd.com/grownow-book/  • Listen to the ADHD Parenting Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheADHDParentingPodcast  Follow Admittedly on Instagram and TikTok for weekly strategy insights: @admittedlyco  Book a Complimentary Strategy Call with our advising team: admittedly.co/apply

    41 min

  2. MAR 20

    S5E9: How to Recover Your Admissions Strategy If You Fell Behind in High School (Course Rigor, GPA & Strategy)

    To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply. In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel tackles a question many students quietly worry about: What if I didn't take high school seriously early on and now I'm behind? Whether it's limited access to AP or honors courses, a lighter course load freshman and sophomore year, or a late realization about college goals, this situation is more common than families think. Drawing on his experience in selective admissions, Thomas explains how academic rigor is evaluated in context—and what students can do if they find themselves off track. He breaks down why early planning matters, how schools limit flexibility later on, and what it really takes to recover strategically. This episode is a reality check but also a roadmap. While you can't go back and change your transcript, you can take control of what happens next.   Key Takeaways: • Admissions officers evaluate course rigor relative to what your school offers. • Falling off the honors/AP track early can limit options—but doesn't automatically disqualify you. • Strong grades and testing become critical if rigor is lighter. • Students can pursue outside coursework (community college, online) to demonstrate initiative. • Your intended major matters—some paths require stronger academic alignment than others. • A clear narrative of growth, maturity, and course correction can strengthen your application. • The sooner you act, the more opportunities you have to improve your positioning.   If this episode resonated with you, you're not alone. This is something many families navigate. The key is moving forward with clarity and intention. Listeners can continue the conversation by following @admittedlyco on Instagram and TikTok, where Thomas answers questions and shares weekly admissions strategy. You can also find additional resources at admittedly.co. To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, visit admittedly.co/apply to book a Complimentary Strategy Call.

    14 min

  3. MAR 12

    S5E9: What Exceptional Applicants Actually Do: How 5 Unique Students Beat the Odds in Ivy League Admissions

    To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply. In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas shares real stories from students he has worked with who reached their dream schools... sometimes in ways that surprised even them. These stories include a student who pivoted away from STEM pressure to pursue a passion for law and local government, a journalism student who built an international reporting experience around immigration issues, and a student who turned personal trauma into a national nonprofit supporting other young people. Each story highlights the same underlying truth: the most compelling applicants aren't following a formula. They are pursuing something that genuinely matters to them and pushing far beyond what's expected. Thomas also reflects on what families often misunderstand about differentiation in admissions. Standing out isn't about money, prestige, or building the longest résumé. It's about initiative, courage, and the willingness to take ownership of your interests and turn them into real impact. This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how authentic stories and meaningful effort can transform an application even when a student's path isn't perfectly conventional. Key Takeaways: • Exceptional applications come from depth and authenticity, not résumé stacking. • Students often differentiate themselves by leaning into what genuinely excites them. • Academic imperfections don't necessarily close doors when a narrative is compelling. • Admissions officers respond to evidence of initiative, curiosity, and resilience. • The most powerful student stories often come from risk-taking and personal growth. Listeners can continue the conversation by following @admittedlyco on Instagram and TikTok, where Thomas answers questions and shares weekly admissions insights. Free guides, downloads, and additional resources are available at admittedly.co. To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply.

    26 min

  4. FEB 21

    S5E8: Inside the Minds of Elite Admissions Officers: How AOs Are Trained To Review Your Application (Interview with Former Duke AO)

    To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply. In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas sits down with Admittedly's Interim Director of College Counseling and former Senior Admissions Officer at Duke University, Sonam, for a candid look inside how highly selective admissions offices actually evaluate applications. Sonam reviewed more than 10,000 applications during her time in admissions. She holds degrees from Duke and an MBA from Rice, and she has worked across nearly every side of the process — inside a top university admissions office, in high schools, and in community-based organizations. In short: she understands both how decisions are made and how students should prepare. Together, Thomas and Sonam pull back the curtain on how admissions officers are trained, how institutional priorities shape decisions, and why the process is far more nuanced than most families realize. They discuss the return of standardized testing, what transcripts really signal, how committee rooms actually function, and why trying to "reverse engineer" a school's priorities is often a mistake. The conversation also dives deep into extracurricular strategy — what meaningful involvement looks like, how admissions officers spot inconsistencies, and why students don't need ten perfectly aligned activities to be compelling. From late bloomers to school list strategy to regional admissions nuances, this episode gives families a rare insider perspective grounded in real experience. This is especially valuable for parents and students aiming at highly selective colleges who want clarity about how decisions are made — and how to position themselves with intention rather than guesswork. Key Takeaways: • Admissions officers are trained — extensively — to evaluate applications within institutional priorities. • The supplemental essays often reveal more about what a school values than the personal statement. • Standardized testing is returning as a tool to combat grade inflation and assess academic readiness. • Admissions decisions are not pure meritocracies — they are shaped by institutional needs and shifting applicant pools. • Extracurriculars should demonstrate action and authenticity, not just alignment with a proposed major. • Changing direction mid-high school is acceptable — if it's explained thoughtfully and reflects genuine growth. • Students should build school lists based on fit, not assumptions about what a college "wants." Listeners can continue the conversation by following @admittedlyco on Instagram and TikTok, where Thomas and the Admittedly team answer real admissions questions weekly. Free resources, guides, and webinars are available at admittedly.co. If your family is ready for strategic, experience-driven guidance, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply.

    32 min

  5. FEB 11

    S5E7: Why I Built Admittedly After 20 Years in College Admissions — and Where We're Going Next

    To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply. In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel steps away from tactical admissions advice to share the story behind Admittedly — how it started, why it exists, and where it's headed next. With nearly two decades inside selective admissions, including leading MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton, Thomas reflects on the experiences that shaped his philosophy as an educator, advisor, and parent. He talks candidly about his own path through boarding school, Penn, entrepreneurship, business school, and admissions leadership — and how working with thousands of families ultimately led him to build an education-first company focused on clarity, strategy, and integrity. Thomas also explains why Admittedly has grown so quickly: families are exhausted by hacks, shortcuts, and resume-stuffing advice — and are looking instead for honest guidance grounded in real admissions experience. From launching the podcast and free resources to building Early Edge Plus and Early Edge Premium, this episode lays out the long-term vision for how Admittedly supports students not just to get into college, but to become confident, independent, resilient adults. This episode is especially valuable for new listeners, parents considering professional guidance, and families who want to understand what truly differentiates Admittedly from traditional college consulting. Key Takeaways: Admissions outcomes are driven by strategy and intention, not checklists or hacks. Experience inside elite admissions offices fundamentally changes how guidance should be delivered. Education sits at the core of Admittedly's mission. Group learning, multiple admissions perspectives, and intentional planning create stronger outcomes. The goal isn't just college admission, but building confident, capable young adults. Listeners can continue the conversation by following @admittedlyco on Instagram and TikTok, where Thomas shares weekly guidance and answers real family questions. Free downloads, webinars, and additional resources are available at admittedly.co. To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply.

    23 min

  6. FEB 3

    S5E6: What Parents Should Know About Academic Tutoring & Test Prep: Fit, Timing, & Real Progress

    In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel sits down with Kathy Yellen, Senior Program Consultant at Advantage Testing, to pull back the curtain on what most families misunderstand about tutoring and test prep. With 16 years at Advantage Testing and a background spanning early childhood education, classroom teaching, and performance, Kathy explains what her role actually looks like: listening to families, building a roadmap, and "matchmaking" students with the right tutors so the relationship works, not just the schedule. Together, Thomas and Kathy unpack the real concerns parents bring to the table when they're navigating SAT/ACT prep or academic tutoring for the first time, including confusion, misinformation, and the fear that "we're behind."  Key Topics: What Advantage Testing "program consulting" actually is, and why the student-tutor match matters as much as expertise How families should approach test prep and academic tutoring when they don't know where to start Why there is no "only way" to prep and how to tune out conflicting opinions and social media noise What tutoring is (and is not): scaffolding, mentorship, and confidence-building, not replacement or shortcutting When to consider tutoring, including support, remediation, and enrichment, and why timing depends on the student Why practice test scores often fluctuate and how to evaluate progress using trendlines, not single data points How to handle mid-process stress and what to do if the match isn't working (and why course correction should happen early) Guest: Kathy Yellen: Senior Program Consultant at Advantage Testing with 16 years of experience supporting families through academic tutoring and test preparation. Kathy holds a BA in English from Tufts University and an MST in Early Childhood Education from Fordham University, and has worked as a teacher, tutor, actor, and singer before joining Advantage Testing. Learn more about Admittedly's partnership with Advantage Testing: admittedly.co/programs Follow Admittedly: Instagram and TikTok: @admittedlyco Follow Advantage Testing: Instagram: @advantagetesting

    24 min

  7. JAN 29

    S5E5: The Ivy+ Roadmap: How to Plan Ahead for Competitive Admissions (From 8th-11th Grade)

    To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, apply for a free Family Action Call with us at admittedly.co/apply. In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel explores one of the most powerful but overlooked advantages in college admissions: planning ahead. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in highly selective admissions, he explains why the most successful families don't leave outcomes to chance but instead make thoughtful, flexible decisions early so students can build academic rigor, explore interests, and stay positioned for competitive opportunities. Thomas breaks down the difference between healthy planning and overplanning, showing how early decisions around math placement, course rigor, summer strategy, and extracurricular focus can either expand or limit future options. He emphasizes that students don't need every step mapped out, but they do need direction, awareness, and intentional choices that evolve over time, reducing anxiety while strengthening admissions outcomes. Through real examples, Thomas illustrates how missed opportunities in early academic tracking and last-minute decision-making can quietly close doors to selective programs. He also explains how planning ahead allows students to explore interests with confidence while still staying aligned with long-term academic goals. Key Takeaways: • Planning ahead creates opportunity; waiting limits options. • Early academic choices — especially math track — can significantly impact future admissions paths. • Rigor matters, and students must position themselves early to access advanced coursework. • Summers should build on academic interests, not be left to chance. • Sophomore year difficulty increases — preparation prevents unnecessary stress. • Conversations about interests should be exploratory, not pressure-driven. • Junior year planning is urgent; competitive opportunities require early action. • Momentum matters more than perfection — starting now is always better than waiting. This episode is especially valuable for parents of middle schoolers, freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who want to approach admissions with clarity instead of panic. Thomas offers practical guidance on starting conversations early, helping students identify genuine interests, and maintaining flexibility while moving forward with intention. Listeners can continue the conversation by following @admittedlyco on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where Thomas answers questions and shares weekly admissions guidance. Additional free tools and downloads designed to help families plan with confidence are available at admittedly.co. To speak with an advisor and develop a personalized roadmap for your student, visit admittedly.co/apply for a free Family Action Call.

    23 min

  8. JAN 21

    S5E4: Am I Doing Enough? The Right (And Wrong) Way to Approach Extracurricular Activities in Highschool

    To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, apply for a free Family Action Call with us at admittedly.co/apply. In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel takes on one of the most misunderstood parts of college preparation: extracurricular activities. Parents often worry their students aren't doing enough, while students feel overwhelmed trying to "keep up" with friends who seem to be involved in everything. Drawing on nearly two decades of work in selective admissions, Thomas explains why the real problem isn't a lack of activities — it's a lack of intention. He breaks down what extracurriculars actually signal to admissions officers, why a long list of clubs rarely helps, and how students can create impact by going deeper on the things they genuinely care about. Thomas outlines a clear framework for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, showing how each year plays a different role in forming a student's academic identity and demonstrating curiosity, leadership, and growth. Through real examples of admitted students — from future engineers to artists to first-gen leaders — listeners learn how meaningful contributions often come from everyday opportunities like jobs, family commitments, summer projects, and community involvement. This episode is especially valuable for families navigating burnout, confusion, or pressure around extracurriculars, as well as students aiming for highly selective colleges where depth, impact, and authenticity matter far more than checking boxes. Key Takeaways: • Extracurriculars are about revealing who you are — not proving how busy you can be. • Depth and impact matter more than the number of activities on a list. • Freshmen should explore widely; sophomores should curate; juniors should deepen and lead. • Summers are a major opportunity to show academic interest through real experiences. • Jobs, family responsibilities, and community work carry significant weight in admissions. • The fastest way to fall behind is copying what other students do instead of following your own curiosity. Listeners can continue the conversation by following @admittedlyco on Instagram and TikTok, where Thomas answers questions and shares weekly admissions guidance. Additional tools, guides, and free resources to help your family approach this process with clarity and confidence can be found at admittedly.co. To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, visit admittedly.co/apply for a free Family Action Call.

    24 min
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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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