In this episode of Admittedly, Thomas addresses families with high schoolers in their junior year. Admissions counselors at schools are contacting juniors, parents are scrambling over how and when to get started, and the pressure is on to get everything ready for college applications.

Thomas touches on the importance of grades junior year, why leadership roles can make you a better candidate for university, and how you should spend your summer leading up to senior year.

These topics will be further explored in future episodes, but with the tips discussed in this episode, you can start planning and thinking about schools that work for your family, your budget, and your goals right now.

Key Highlights

• When to start the admissions process
• The first step juniors need to take
• Examining your grades and extracurriculars
• Showing initiative and work ethic
• What to do during the summer
• Some questions to ask yourself about the academic and physical environment you want to be a part of
• What to look for in a college when you're researching
• How you can get started right now
• Selecting the right schools to apply to

About Thomas

Thomas Caleel is the former Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid for his alma mater, The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Thomas also served on the Dean’s Globalization Committee and was a member of the Wharton Graduate Executive Board.    Thomas has been an entrepreneur his whole life and is currently the Chairman and Founding CEO of Global Education Opportunities, LLC, an international education consulting and Admissions Advisory firm. Although education is his passion he has also worked in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, skincare, and sporting goods.    Thomas received his MBA in Finance from the Wharton School and his BA from the University of Pennsylvania. Thomas started the Admittedly Podcast because he is passionate about demystifying the application process and wanted to be provide helpful information and advice to parents and students who are feeling overwhelmed by the whole process.   

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