Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel is joined by Sonam Aidasani, Director of Product & Strategy at Admittedly and former Duke admissions officer, to break down one of the most misunderstood areas of college admissions: transferring.

Is transferring actually an easier way into a highly selective college? What makes a compelling reason to transfer? And if you're already thinking about transferring before freshman year even begins, what should you be doing now?

Thomas and Sonam unpack the different paths students take—from community college to four-year universities, to students realizing their current college simply isn't the right fit, to families considering transfer as a deliberate admissions strategy. They also explain why transfer admissions is its own process and why strong college grades alone aren't enough.

• The different reasons students pursue transfer admissions (and which ones make the strongest case)
• Why your high school transcript can still matter in transfer admissions
• The importance of college grades, professor relationships, recommendations, and campus involvement
• Why admissions officers scrutinize your reason for leaving your current institution
• Whether you can reuse essays from your original freshman application
• How SAT and ACT scores can factor into a transfer application
• Transfer vs. gap year: what students should consider before choosing either path
• Why every college's transfer policies, requirements, priorities, and credit rules need to be researched individually

Admittedly's transfer programs are designed for students preparing to apply now as well as students who are earlier in college and want to position themselves strategically for a potential transfer later.

From course selection and academic performance to campus involvement, recommendations, testing, school selection, and the application itself, the decisions you make before applying can significantly shape your options.

📅 Speak with the Admittedly team about your transfer strategy: Apply for a Complimentary Strategy Call

📱 Follow Admittedly: Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco

To speak with an advisor and learn more about Admittedly's Middle School Program, book a Complimentary Strategy Call: https://admittedly.co/middle-school/

Parents often think college admissions starts in high school. In reality, many of the habits, skills, and decisions that shape a student's future begin much earlier.

In this episode, Thomas Caleel explains why middle school isn't about building a college résumé... it's about building the foundation for future success. From developing study skills and exploring interests to understanding academic pathways and preparing for the transition to high school, Thomas shares how families can support students without creating unnecessary pressure.

• Why middle school should focus on exploration.
• How study habits and executive functioning become long-term advantages.
• Why extracurricular involvement is about curiosity and discipline, not checking boxes.
• The importance of preparing for the transition into ninth grade.
• How early academic decisions can impact future course options.
• Why parents should guide the process without taking it over.
• How Admittedly's Middle School Program helps families prepare with confidence.

Middle school isn't about getting ahead for the sake of getting ahead. It's about giving students the time, support, and confidence to discover who they are before the stakes get higher. A thoughtful foundation today creates more opportunities tomorrow.

To speak with an advisor and learn more about Admittedly's Middle School Program, book a Complimentary Strategy Call: https://admittedly.co/middle-school/

Watch our Middle School Episode With Dr. Peggy: https://youtu.be/2pNkKqLh1CU?si=guJKzHZnroSokVIk

Watch our Episode About Executive Functioning: https://youtu.be/ywv1arlTbkY?si=eYGOLSxhZ7y5lz_h

Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco

To speak with an advisor and build a smarter college admissions strategy, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at: 👉 https://admittedly.co/path-to-admissions/

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel is joined by internationally recognized storytelling expert, podcaster, author, and keynote speaker Gabrielle Dolan to discuss why authentic storytelling matters more than ever in the age of AI. Together, they explore how students can use storytelling to communicate who they are, why authenticity continues to stand out in competitive admissions, and where AI can (and can't) play a role in the application process.

From college essays and admissions interviews to personal branding and professional communication, Thomas and Gabrielle unpack what makes stories memorable, why admissions officers connect with authenticity over perfection, and how students can leverage AI as a coach without allowing it to replace their own voice.

• Why storytelling is becoming even more valuable in an AI-driven world.
• How admissions officers distinguish authentic writing from AI-generated content.
• The right way to use AI as a brainstorming and coaching tool.
• Why memorable stories are often ordinary moments told honestly.
• Why the strongest applications tell one cohesive story across every component.

As AI becomes increasingly common, authenticity is becoming increasingly valuable. The students who stand out aren't necessarily the ones with the most polished applications. They're the ones whose stories feel genuine, memorable, and unmistakably their own.

If you're looking for guidance on essays, application strategy, or building a stronger admissions narrative, book a Complimentary Strategy Call here: 👉 https://admittedly.co/path-to-admissions/

📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco

📚 Learn more about Gabrielle Dolan and her work: https://gabrielledolan.com/

To speak with an advisor and build a smarter college admissions strategy, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at: 👉 apply.admittedly.co

The Common Application is more than a collection of forms and essays; it's a strategic opportunity to tell a cohesive story about who you are and why you belong at your target colleges.

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel introduces the Admittedly NEATER Framework, a six-part approach to building stronger college applications. He explains how narrative, extracurriculars, academics, testing, essays, and recommendation letters work together to create a compelling application (and why students who think strategically throughout the Common App often outperform equally qualified applicants who don't).

• Why the Common Application should be approached strategically... not section by section.
• The six pillars of the NEATER Framework and how they work together.
• The role of academics, extracurriculars, testing, essays, and recommendation letters in holistic admissions.
• How to create an application that tells one consistent, memorable story.

The strongest college applications are built by presenting a clear, intentional narrative across every part of the application. By approaching the Common App strategically, students can better communicate their interests, strengths, and potential to admissions officers.

If you're looking for guidance on building a stronger application strategy, book a Complimentary Strategy Call here: 👉 apply.admittedly.co

🔗 Explore more admissions resources: https://admittedly.co/resources/ 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel sits down with Charles Loxton, Chief Communications Officer at Advantage Testing and an experienced application consultant, to explore one of the most misunderstood parts of the admissions process: the college essay. Drawing on decades of experience helping students develop their personal narratives, Charles explains why essays matter, how storytelling works in admissions, and why the best essays often start in unexpected places.

• Why the college essay is one of the few places students can show who they are beyond grades, scores, and activities

• The connection between storytelling, listening, and authentic self-reflection

• How to think about family, adversity, mental health, and other sensitive topics in admissions essays

• What the Additional Information section is really for — and the mistakes students make when using it

• The difference between Common App essays, UC personal insight questions, and UCAS personal statements

• Why students should stop obsessing over the perfect hook and focus on telling a compelling story first

• How to approach "Why This College?" essays in a way that feels genuine rather than formulaic

Charles Loxton is the Chief Communications Officer at Advantage Testing and has spent more than two decades helping students develop compelling application essays and personal narratives. With a background in creative writing, documentary filmmaking, and educational consulting, Charles specializes in helping students uncover authentic stories that resonate with admissions officers.

Learn more about Admittedly's partnership with Advantage Testing: admittedly.co/programs

Follow Admittedly: Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco

Follow Advantage Testing: Instagram: @advantagetesting

To speak with an advisor and build a smarter college admissions strategy, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at: 👉 https://admittedly.co/path-to-admissions-organic/

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel speaks directly to rising seniors and their families about one of the most important periods in the college admissions process: the summer before senior year. After years of hard work, many students make critical mistakes during this final stretch that weaken otherwise competitive applications. Thomas explains how students can avoid those pitfalls and use the summer strategically to strengthen their candidacy.

From summer planning and extracurricular positioning to application strategy and essays, Thomas breaks down the three areas where students most commonly go wrong. He also explains why strong grades and activities alone are often not enough, and how students can connect the final pieces of the application puzzle before deadlines arrive.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Why the summer before senior year is one of the most important periods in the admissions process • How to evaluate whether your summer plans are actually strengthening your application • The difference between being busy and building meaningful experiences • Why application strategy should come before essay writing • How intended majors, extracurriculars, and academic interests need to work together • Common essay mistakes students make when they focus on storytelling without strategy • Why many highly qualified applicants still struggle to gain admission to top colleges

The strongest college applications are not built during senior fall — they are built through intentional planning during the summer before senior year. Students who take the time to clarify their goals, strengthen their activities, and develop a cohesive application strategy put themselves in the best possible position when application season begins.

If you're looking for guidance on summer planning, essays, or overall admissions strategy, you can book a Complimentary Strategy Call here: 👉 https://admittedly.co/path-to-admissions-organic/

🔗 Explore more admissions resources: https://admittedly.co/resources 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco

To speak with an advisor and build a smarter college admissions strategy, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at: 👉 https://admittedly.co/path-to-admissions/

College application essays are one of the biggest opportunities students have to differentiate themselves in competitive admissions.

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel breaks down what admissions officers are actually looking for in college essays, why essays matter in a world of grade inflation and strong test scores, and how students should think strategically about telling their story. He explains why essays are not English assignments, why authenticity matters more than polished prose, and how students should approach the Common App personal statement, supplemental essays, and additional information sections with intention and clarity.

• Essays help admissions officers understand the person behind grades, scores, and activities. • Strong essays are strategic... students should think about what they want admissions officers to understand about them before writing. • College essays are not English essays and should prioritize clarity, reflection, and authenticity. • Over-editing by parents, consultants, or AI can undermine authenticity and weaken applications. • Admissions officers value voice, self-awareness, and intellectual curiosity over perfect writing. • The Common App personal essay, supplements, and additional information section should work together as a cohesive narrative. • Reading, writing, and self-reflection are critical skills for developing stronger essays.

A great college essay is not about sounding impressive... it IS about helping admissions officers understand who you are, how you think, and what you will contribute to a campus community. The strongest essays are authentic, intentional, and deeply reflective of the student behind the application.

If you're looking for guidance on essays, application strategy, or building a stronger admissions narrative, you can book a Complimentary Strategy Call here 👉 https://admittedly.co/path-to-admissions/

🔗 Explore more admissions resources: https://admittedly.co/resources/ 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco

To speak with an advisor and build a smarter college admissions strategy, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at: 👉 admittedly.co/path-to-admissions/

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel answers a question we see a lot in our comments: "Why should families trust undergraduate admissions advice from a former Director of MBA Admissions at Wharton?". He shares the story behind his admissions journey — from reading MBA applications at the Wharton School to leading MBA Admissions & Financial Aid, advising governments on holistic admissions systems, and ultimately spending nearly two decades helping high school students navigate undergraduate admissions.

He explains the surprising overlap between MBA and undergraduate admissions, what admissions officers are actually evaluating, and why understanding human potential, narrative, rigor, and intellectual curiosity matters at every stage of the admissions process.

• How Thomas began his career in admissions and ultimately led MBA Admissions & Financial Aid at Wharton. • Why MBA admissions and undergraduate admissions are more similar than families realize. • What admissions officers are actually evaluating beyond grades and test scores. • Why authenticity, intellectual curiosity, and initiative matter across all levels of admissions. • What Thomas learned from working alongside Ivy+ admissions leaders and former deans. • How holistic admissions systems evaluate students as stories, not just statistics. • Why undergraduate admissions work became Thomas's long-term focus and passion.

If you're looking for guidance on building a thoughtful, strategic college admissions plan, book a Complimentary Strategy Call here 👉 admittedly.co/path-to-admissions/

🔗 Explore more admissions resources: admittedly.co/resources/ 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco

To speak with an advisor and build a smarter college admissions strategy, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at: 👉 https://admittedly.co/path-to-admissions/?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=&utm_contentid=

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel breaks down one of the most misunderstood trends in modern college admissions: passion projects. From student-founded nonprofits to performative research projects, Thomas explains why many of these activities fail to stand out — and why admissions officers are becoming increasingly skeptical of formulaic extracurricular strategies.

Instead of chasing impressive-sounding titles or copying what other applicants are doing, Thomas argues that students should focus on authentic engagement, meaningful contribution, and real-world responsibility. He also explains why jobs, family responsibilities, and sustained involvement in existing organizations often carry more weight than students realize.

• Most "passion projects" today are highly performative and rarely differentiate applicants. • Admissions officers care more about authenticity and impact than flashy titles. • Starting a nonprofit or business is extremely difficult — and most student projects never gain traction. • Students often waste valuable time pursuing activities they think will "look good." • Meaningful involvement in an existing organization can be more powerful than founding something new. • Jobs, caregiving responsibilities, and real-world work experience demonstrate maturity, grit, and resilience. • Strong extracurriculars should reflect genuine curiosity and sustained commitment — not admissions trends.

The strongest applications are not built around manufactured passion projects or impressive-sounding titles. They are built around authentic curiosity, meaningful action, and a clear sense of who the student actually is. Colleges are not looking for perfect applicants — they are looking for students who engage deeply, contribute meaningfully, and pursue what matters to them with intention.

If you're looking for guidance on building an extracurricular profile that actually stands out, you can book a Complimentary Strategy Call here: 👉 https://admittedly.co/path-to-admissions/?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=&utm_contentid=

🔗 Explore more admissions resources: admittedly.co/resources 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco

To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at: 👉 apply.admittedly.co

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel breaks down why it feels like leadership titles are losing value in modern, holistic college admissions and what admissions officers are actually looking for when it comes to extracurricular involvement.

For years, students have been told to chase titles like "president," "founder," or "co-founder" to stand out. But as more applicants follow the same playbook, these titles have become increasingly common (and far less meaningful). Admissions officers are no longer impressed by titles alone. They are looking for something deeper: initiative, ownership, and real impact.

• Leadership titles like "president" and "founder" are no longer strong differentiators on their own. • Admissions officers prioritize initiative, impact, and sustained engagement over titles. • Starting a club without building it into something meaningful rarely adds value. • Leadership can be demonstrated within existing organizations — not just by creating new ones. • Growth and responsibility in real-world environments (jobs, nonprofits) carry strong credibility. • Initiative — identifying a problem and acting on it — is often more powerful than formal leadership. • The most compelling applicants show ownership, follow-through, and measurable results.

Leadership in today's admissions landscape is not about titles — it's about action. Students who take ownership, create impact, and engage deeply with what they care about will stand out far more than those who simply follow a formula.

If you're looking for guidance on how to build a strong, strategic extracurricular profile, you can book a Complimentary Strategy Call here: 👉 apply.admittedly.co

🔗 Explore more admissions resources: admittedly.co/resources 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco