Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

I get lots of questions regarding alumni interviews. What should I talk about? What if I didn't get an interview? What questions should I ask? How to write a thank you note? In this week's question of the week we will be answering all these questions about alumni interviews for college admissions.

Have your own question of the week? Send us a DM for a chance to have it featured @admittedlypodcast

About Thomas Caleel

Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate the best possible MBA class. Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities LLC, he works as a high level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants.

Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and @admittedlypodcast on TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content.

Today, we're diving into a topic that's close to my heart – MBA admissions. As former Director of MBA Admissions at Wharton, I could talk about this all day. In this episode, we'll explore the essays required by three top MBA programs: Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. These essays are critical in shaping your application and demonstrating your fit for your chosen school. Let's get started.

We now offer essay review services. Get more information at http://thomascaleel.com/services

Key Points:

1. Why Pursue an MBA? MBA programs aim to understand why you want to pursue an MBA and why now is the right time in your career. They also want to know why their school is the ideal fit for you and how it will help you achieve your short-term and long-term goals. Self-reflection is crucial before beginning the application process.

2. The Grandmother Test: When crafting your responses, consider the "grandmother test." Can you explain your reasons for pursuing an MBA clearly and concisely to someone who isn't familiar with the process? Simplicity and clarity in your writing are key.

3. Deferred Admission MBA Programs: Some MBA programs allow students to matriculate directly from undergraduate studies. Consider whether going directly from undergrad or waiting a few years aligns better with your career goals and the school's culture.

4. Standardized Tests (GRE vs. GMAT): Choose your standardized test based on your background and the specific program you're applying to. Some schools prefer the GMAT for its quantitative rigor, while the GRE can be suitable for non-traditional candidates.

5. Recommendations Matter: Select recommenders who know you well and can provide detailed insights into your strengths and weaknesses. Avoid chasing prestigious titles and focus on those who can genuinely speak to your abilities.

Conclusion: The MBA admissions process is multifaceted, and crafting compelling essays is just one piece of the puzzle. Whether you're targeting Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, or any other top MBA program, the essays serve as a powerful tool to communicate your aspirations and fit for the school. Remember to stay authentic, follow word limits, and never resort to essay-writing services or AI-driven tools, as they can jeopardize your application. We'll be covering more aspects of MBA admissions in future episodes, so stay tuned for valuable insights. Good luck on your MBA journey!

About Thomas Caleel

Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate the best possible MBA class. Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities LLC, he works as a high level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants.

Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and @admittedlypodcast on TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content.

Question of the Week: Should I take the GRE or GMAT if I want to apply to an MBA program?

Want to submit your own question of the week? Send us a message @admittedlypodcast for a chance to have your question featured.

There are many different aspects to consider when choosing which standardized test to take if you want to apply to a MBA program. Listen to see which one is right for you.

About Thomas Caleel

Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate the best possible MBA class. Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities LLC, he works as a high level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants.

Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and @admittedlypodcast on TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content.

In today's episode, we have an incredible guest, Daniel Lim, also known as Limmy (@limmytalks). He's a highly innovative and entrepreneurial rising senior from Duke University. Limmy is widely followed across various social media platforms for his unique insights, especially into college applications and admissions. We'll be discussing college admissions, AI technology, future ventures, and more.

Key Points:

• Diverse Interests: Limmy is a rising senior at Duke University with a passion for numerous hobbies, including skateboarding, tennis, cooking, and traveling.
• Shifting Paths: Initially, Limmy aspired to pursue a career in medicine. He gained experience through internships and research, including exploring his interest in the stomach through Crohn's disease research.
• Entrepreneurial Journey: Limmy's journey took a different direction when he realized the long-term commitment and financial burden of medical school. He explored alternative paths and discovered his love for content creation.
• Content Creation: Limmy began making diverse content, touching on philosophy, psychology, sports, and more. His exploration led him to create content about the college admissions process, which garnered significant interest (and a massive following!) from students seeking guidance.
• Dreamschool.ai: Limmy's latest venture, Dreamschool.ai, aims to democratize admissions guidance. He's working on how to use AI to personalize college application advice for students, leveling the playing field and addressing information gaps in the college application process.

Conclusion:

Limmy's journey from aspiring doctor to successful content creator and entrepreneur is inspiring. He's taken risks and explored various interests, ultimately finding his passion and creating value for students navigating the admissions process. With his innovative startup, dreamschool.ai, Limmy is poised to make a meaningful impact on the way students approach college applications. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from this multi-talented rising star! You can find Limmy @limmytalks on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Join the waitlist for dreamschool.ai HERE.

About Thomas Caleel

Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate the best possible MBA class. Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities LLC, he works as a high level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants.

Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and @admittedlypodcast on TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content.

Question of the Week: Should I talk about my family in my Common App essay?

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In this episode, Thomas Caleel delves into a compelling topic that ignited discussions on social media – the role of family narratives in Common Application essays. While Thomas generally advises against extensive discussion of family in essays, he recognizes the nuances that surround this choice. He acknowledges scenarios where family involvement can enhance an essay, such as being part of a family business or undertaking caregiving responsibilities. However, he underscores the importance of maintaining a personal focus and avoiding excessive emphasis on family aspects, as these narratives tend to become homogenized and may lose their impact.

About Thomas Caleel

Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate the best possible MBA class. Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities LLC, he works as a high level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants.

Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and @admittedlypodcast on TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content.

In this episode, we'll delve into why essays are crucial, the use of AI in college applications, utilizing every word available in the Common Application and how to find your unique voice, and making your application truly resonate with your top schools.

Want to have your essay reviewed by our expert college admissions team? Now offering essay review services. You can learn more at http://thomascaleel.com/services

Key Points:

• Why Essays Matter:

  • Essays play a pivotal role in the college application process as they offer a platform for applicants to convey their unique stories and experiences.
  • Unlike grades and test scores, essays allow schools to understand an applicant's life journey, values, and perspectives.
  • Essays provide context to achievements and allow applicants to stand out from the sea of similar academic credentials.

• Crafting an Effective Story:

  • Stories can stem from seemingly mundane experiences but should reflect your passions and intellectual curiosity.
  • Sharing genuine interests, even if not overly dramatic, can showcase valuable qualities like curiosity, cultural awareness, and creativity.
  • While stories don't have to be traumatic, they should provide insights into your character and values.

• Economy of Language:

  • • Shorter essays require concise language and an efficient narrative.
    • Avoid excessive preambles or fluff; dive straight into the heart of your story.
    • Choose impactful details over grandiose language; focus on effective communication.

• The Use of AI to help write your essay

  • It can certainly be helpful to help generate ideas but perfectly polished essays get lost in the stack of applicants.
  • Slick essays can raise suspicions about authenticity and the only person who can truly tell your story, is you.

Takeaway: The college essay process is an opportunity to convey your unique story and character to admissions committees. Embrace the power of storytelling and authenticity. Be true to yourself, find your own voice, and use essays as a platform to showcase your passions, interests, and values. Communication skills gained from the essay process are invaluable in both academics and professional life. So remember, the journey of self-discovery and effective communication begins with crafting a compelling narrative in your college essays.

About Thomas Caleel

Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate the best possible MBA class. Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities LLC, he works as a high level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants.

Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and TikTok @admittedlypodcast and subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content.

Question of the Week: Can I include social media as one of my activities in the common application, and will admissions officers look at my social media before deciding if I am accepted or not?

This is a two part question today, and one that we have been getting alot on our own social media. As someone who recently started a TikTok myself, I know how much work and effort goes into creating high quality content. If you are an influencer, have a large following, or participate in brand partnerships you can certainly include social media as a component of your Common Application.

Do admissions officers go and look at everyone's social media? The answer...maybe. Listen to the full episode for more details.

About Thomas Caleel

Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate the best possible MBA class. Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities LLC, he works as a high level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants.

Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and tiktok @admittedlypodcast and subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content.

In this episode, we're joined by a special guest, Ryan Long, the CEO and Founder of Learn Untethered, a private academic tutoring business. Ryan's journey from a teacher in Santa Barbara to the owner of Learn Untethered is highlighted. His background as a wilderness education facilitator and passion for outdoor activities adds a unique flavor to his approach. Learn Untethered offers individualized education support, both online and at home, catering to students of all ages.

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Apply HERE!

Key Points:

• The value of individualized attention in tutoring is discussed, emphasizing the benefits of meeting students' specific needs and misunderstandings.
• Addressing concerns about tutoring being only for high-achieving students, Ryan argues that tutoring benefits students of all levels, providing additional support and understanding.
• The significance of transitioning to middle school and high school is discussed, highlighting the role of tutoring in helping students develop executive functioning skills and adapt to new academic challenges.
• The podcast also addresses common concerns about the workload and stress levels of students, emphasizing the role of tutoring in efficient learning.
• Ryan shares his approach of making tutoring a support system that simplifies homework and provides more time for other activities.

Wilderness Education and Outdoor Learning

• Ryan discusses his background in wilderness education, explaining his involvement in developing programs like Warrior Camp, which teaches wilderness skills and nature-based rites of passage to young adults.
• Wilderness education offers opportunities for personal growth, decision-making, and overcoming challenges in a controlled environment, which can be an excellent extracurricular experience for college applications
• The concept of exploring diverse interests and finding opportunities beyond one's comfort zone is discussed in relation to students' career and college admissions choices.
• Ryan advises students to remain open to new possibilities and opportunities beyond their initial passions, keeping their eyes open to peripheral interests and fostering intellectual curiosity.

Related Links

Find Ryan online at learnuntethered.com . Also check out Spirit Hollow Retreat Center in Vermont spirithollow.org and Creekspirit Wildlife Foundation creekspirit.org

About Thomas Caleel

Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate the best possible MBA class. Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities LLC, he works as a high level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants.

Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content.

Question of the Week: "Do I need a separate passion project to help with college admissions?"

Have a question you want answered? Send us an email at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @admittedlypodcast

Passion projects, as commonly presented, often involve activities outside of your daily life that showcase your dedication and enthusiasm. While initiatives like volunteer work and charitable endeavors are commendable, the way passion projects are often framed can sometimes appear disingenuous. As an experienced reader of countless applications, I've come to recognize genuine passion when I see it.

Key Points:

• Common portrayal of passion projects can seem insincere, often tied to volunteer or charity work.
• Genuineness is crucial; experienced readers can distinguish true passion.
• Advice: No need for separate passion project; focus on what genuinely excites you.
• Example: If chemistry is your passion, engage in lab work, internships, or research.
• For public service enthusiasts, meaningful volunteer work aligns better than contrived projects.
• Authenticity prevails; your passion is reflected in consistent, deep involvement over high school.
• Don't force a passion project—concentrate on what truly drives you.
• Admissions officers value dedication and growth, not artificially created projects.

About Thomas Caleel

Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate the best possible MBA class. Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities LLC, he works as a high level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants.

Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content.

Just five days ago, the new Common App dropped for eager applicants, and in this episode, we'll explore key insights and strategies to help you make the most of this crucial process, with a focus on crafting your unique Common App essay. So, if you're a high school senior or a parent looking to support your child, buckle up for an enlightening discussion.

1. Getting Started with the New Common App:

   The August 1 opening of the new Common App marks the beginning of the college application season. Immediate action is advised to set up your Common App account and initiate the process. For parents, this is an opportunity to engage if your child desires your involvement.

2. The Importance of Sections:

   The Common App is multifaceted; each section plays a unique role in your application. Thomas emphasizes exploring each section individually and understanding its contribution.

3. The Main Common App Essay: A Deeper Dive

   Addressing the much-anticipated Common App essay, a central element of the application. Students often feel challenged by crafting a compelling essay that truly reflects their essence. A reminder that an essay without struggle might lack depth and authenticity.

4. Finding Unique Essay Topics:

   The misconception that essays must revolve around immense tragedy or dramatic events. Encouragement to explore personal interests, hobbies, and experiences that define you. Examples of students who turned unconventional topics into compelling narratives.

5. Affirmative Action - Race and Identity in Essays:

   Addressing recent developments, including the Supreme Court affirmative action decision on race in admissions. The importance of incorporating personal identity and background into your narrative. Emphasizing the need to integrate identity seamlessly into the broader context of your story.

6. COVID-19 and Additional Information Essays:

   Assessing the relevance of including COVID-19 experiences in the Common App. The significance of conveying how challenges or changes have shaped your journey. Strategically using the "Additional Information" section to provide context where necessary.

As the Common App season kicks off, remember that your application is your canvas, and your essay is your masterpiece. Reflect on your passions, experiences, and identity, and weave them into a compelling narrative that speaks to who you are. In the upcoming episodes of our series, we'll continue to unravel the mysteries of the college application process, offering insights and advice to help you succeed in crafting your unique Common App essay.

About Thomas Caleel

Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate the best possible MBA class. Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities LLC, he works as a high level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants.

Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content.