Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down Columbia University's 2025 supplemental essays and guides you through how to approach each one strategically. From the famous "list question" to the diversity prompt, the disagreement essay, the adversity question, and the two-part "Why Columbia" response, Thomas explains how to build thoughtful, authentic answers that actually help you stand out.

You'll hear why your list should balance intellectual depth with curiosity, how to write about disagreement and adversity without falling into cliché or forced resolution, and how to go beyond "I want to live in New York" when describing why Columbia is the right school for you.

Whether you're just beginning your Columbia application or finalizing your essays, this episode will give you the clarity to be intentional, compelling, and memorable in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @admittedlyco for more essay tips, and visit www.admittedly.co for webinars, resources, and guidance on applying to Columbia and other highly selective schools.

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions & Financial Aid at UPenn's Wharton School, breaks down the University of Pennsylvania's 2025 writing supplements and how to approach them strategically.

Thomas explains how to make the most of Penn's two required prompts: the "Thank You Note" and the Community Essay. You'll learn why the thank-you letter should be written last, how to use it to reveal an untold part of your story, and how to reflect thoughtfully on sharing gratitude with someone who has impacted your life.

He also dives into the community question and how to tie your personal background and interests to Penn's collaborative, urban campus culture (without resorting to a laundry list of clubs or clichés). From West Philadelphia connections to Penn-specific opportunities, this episode shows you how to write responses that feel intentional, personal, and connected to your broader application strategy.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @admittedlyco for more application advice, and visit www.admittedly.co for webinars, resources, and expert guidance on applying to Penn and other Ivy+ Schools.

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down Yale's 2025 writing supplements and short answers so you can respond with clarity, strategy, and genuine voice. From selecting up to three academic areas on the application to explaining a topic that truly excites you, Thomas shows how to demonstrate curiosity without becoming monothematic and how to tie your interests authentically to Yale.

You'll hear practical guidance for the "why Yale" short answer, how to keep the 200-character list questions fresh and human, and how to choose among the 400-word prompts without stumbling into confrontational or cliché territory. Thomas also flags common traps to avoid: performative "voluntourism," repetitive inspiration answers, and vague claims that do not map to your actual record.

Whether you are just starting your Yale application or refining final drafts, this episode helps you use the catalog wisely, show cross-disciplinary curiosity, and pick details that make an admissions officer remember you.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @admittedlyco for more essay tips, and visit www.admittedly.co for webinars, resources, and guidance on applying to Yale and other highly selective schools.

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down Harvard's five short-answer supplements and how to approach them strategically.

Thomas explains how to respond authentically, avoid common traps, and show admissions officers exactly what makes you stand out. From Harvard's diversity question to the "disagree with someone" prompt, extracurricular reflections, and roommate insights, this episode helps students connect their story to Harvard's mission and values.

Whether you are starting your Harvard application or polishing your final drafts, this episode gives you practical guidance for writing with clarity, depth, and purpose.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @admittedlyco for more essay tips, and visit www.admittedly.co for webinars, resources, and expert support for applying to Harvard and other Ivy League schools.

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton, walks through how to approach Stanford's three supplemental essay prompts — and the common mistakes that hold students back.

Thomas explains how to write with authenticity, connect your story to the Stanford community, and avoid cliché answers that admissions officers have read thousands of times. From the "intellectual curiosity" prompt to the roommate essay and the diversity question, this episode is a practical guide to building stronger, more intentional responses.

Whether you are just starting your Stanford application or polishing your final drafts, this episode will help you approach these essays strategically, stay authentic, and make a lasting impression.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @admittedlyco for more essay tips, and visit www.admittedly.co for webinars, resources, and guidance on applying to Stanford and other highly selective schools.

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes on a recurring theme in his conversations with students and families: complacency. For those aiming at Ivy+ and other highly selective schools, "coasting" is a red flag.

Thomas unpacks why admissions officers notice when students take their foot off the gas, how drifting summers and watered-down academics hurt an application, and the difference between burnout, changing direction, and simply checking out. He also explains what top schools actually want to see: consistency, curiosity, and commitment to meaningful growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Why admissions officers notice when you take your foot off the gas

• How summers, academics, and extracurriculars reveal your engagement (or lack of it)

• How to prune activities, focus your time, and avoid becoming one-dimensional

• What Ivy League and highly selective schools really want to see in your application

You don't need to do everything. But you can't afford to coast.

Have questions or thoughts on this? Engage with us on Instagram and TikTok @admittedlyco — we want to hear your perspective on complacency and what keeps you motivated. For more support and resources, visit www.admittedly.co

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel sits down with Arun Alagappan, founder and president of Advantage Testing, one of the most respected names in academic tutoring and test preparation. A Princeton and Harvard Law alum, Arun has spent nearly four decades redefining what tutoring can and should be: an uplifting, empowering experience that fosters both academic mastery and lifelong curiosity.

Arun shares his journey from his very first tutoring session as a teenager to building Advantage Testing into a nationally recognized institution. He reflects on the clarity it took to leave a traditional legal career path for education, the principles that continue to guide his work, and the vital role of empathy, attention, and kindness in effective teaching.

The conversation also explores:

• The origins of Advantage Testing and what inspired Arun to make tutoring his life's work

• What makes a great tutor beyond test scores and credentials

• Ethics in tutoring, addressing concerns around pressure and fairness

• Managing anxiety in academics and testing with conscious learning strategies

• Equity and access through the Advantage Testing Foundation and university partnerships

• The role of parents in supporting, not pressuring, their children's learning journey

• What truly drives student success: grit, resilience, intellectual curiosity, and joy in learning

Arun's perspective is a refreshing reminder that tutoring, when done with integrity and care, is not just about acing a test. It is about equipping young people with the confidence and tools to thrive far beyond the classroom.

Guest: Arun Alagappan – Founder and President of Advantage Testing, educator, thought leader, and advocate for educational equity.

Learn more: admittedly.co/programs

Follow Admittedly on Instagram and TikTok: @admittedlyco

Follow Advantage Testing on Instagram: @advantagetesting

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a strategic pause to break down the seismic shifts hitting higher education right now—and what they mean for your application this year. From sweeping funding cuts at top universities, to uncertainty for international students, to new pressures for changes in campus culture, the landscape is changing fast.

Thomas unpacks how these forces intersect with admissions strategy, why legacy students may have an edge once again, and why you still can't rely on luck or shortcuts. This is the episode to hear if you want to stay ahead of the curve and play this year's admissions game with eyes wide open.

Key Takeaways:

• Funding Cuts Have Ripple Effects: Multi-million-dollar hits to endowments mean less money for research, professors, and student services. While no one is officially admitting it, full-pay and legacy applicants could benefit as schools seek financial stability.

• International Students Face More Uncertainty: Visa approvals may be shakier, and aid for non-U.S. students could shrink. If you're applying from abroad, diversify your list globally and take a long-term view toward grad school opportunities.

• "Non-Controversial" Is the New Campus Buzzword: Universities are feeling pressure to avoid volatile environments. Expect closer scrutiny of your online presence.

• This Is Not Carte Blanche: Even with shifts in seat allocation, hyper-selective schools will still reject most applicants. Strategy, rigor, and impact still matter more than ever.

The bottom line? This may be a year of advantage for certain applicants, but the bar for admission remains sky-high. Your best play is to get strategic, stay authentic, and present your story with discipline and clarity.

Are you feeling these changes in your own application plans? Share your thoughts with Thomas directly @admittedlyco on Instagram and TikTok. For deeper guidance, join our free monthly webinars and explore resources at www.admittedly.co.

In this special episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel sits down with Dr. Peggy Burich-Smith, a senior counselor at Admittedly and a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience in independent school leadership. Together, they explore what it really takes to raise grounded, successful students—starting in middle school.

From managing the parent-child dynamic during high-pressure school years to navigating high school admissions with authenticity and strategy, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and heartfelt perspective.

Peggy brings her unmatched insight from decades as a middle school head, director of studies, and college counselor to this candid conversation about early adolescence, parenting, and how to build a strong foundation for the road ahead.

Whether you're a parent of a middle schooler or thinking ahead to high school and college applications, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and expert advice on how to support your child—without losing sight of what matters most.

For more resources and counseling support, visit www.admittedly.co

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel walks through everything students and families need to prepare as the Common App opens on August 1. From how to set up your account to the mistakes students often make in the academic and activities sections, this is a clear, practical guide to starting the application season the right way.

Key Takeaways:

• Getting Started with the Common App: Why you should create your account early, what to expect when you log in, and the key things to get right from the beginning.

• Academic History & Activities: How to report your coursework and grades accurately, what matters most in the activities section, and common mistakes students make when trying to "stand out."

• Honors & Awards: What counts as an award, how to present them effectively, and when it's okay to leave this section blank.

• The Common App Essay: How to choose the right prompt, what colleges are really looking for, and why clarity and self-awareness matter more than gimmicks or polish.

• Optional Sections & Strategy: How to decide whether to use the Additional Info section, and how to align every part of your application with your broader story.

The Common App can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Use this episode as your launchpad—then join us live on August 3, 2025 for Thomas' free live webinar with a full Common App walkthrough + live Q&A to go even deeper and get your questions answered.

Register here and explore more resources built for this season.