Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

S4E8: Real Students, Real Success: How They Beat the Odds in College Admissions


Listen Later

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a break from the usual admissions talk to share six inspiring success stories that prove there’s no single path to college admissions success. These students faced unique challenges—limited resources, late-changing interests, international barriers—but found creative ways to stand out. Their journeys highlight the power of reframing experiences, seeking the right opportunities, and crafting compelling personal stories.

Success Stories:
  • Andie: A student from a middle-class, single-parent home who worked after school instead of doing traditional extracurriculars. By reframing her story, she leveraged her experience into a successful application to Wharton and is now a highly successful graduate.

  • Susan: An artist passionate about architecture, Susan used local resources and an international nonprofit to build a strong application—earning close to $1 million in scholarships and admission to top architecture programs.

  • Bob: An international student passionate about environmental science, Bob found a hands-on path outside the lab with Outward Bound and the U.S. Forest Service, leading him to NYU and a unique blend of fieldwork and academics.

  • James: A boarding school student with an unimpressive resume transformed his passion for healthcare and technology into impactful telehealth advocacy, influencing state laws and earning a spot at Penn—now pursuing a PhD in the Ivy League.

  • Alice: A high-achieving student in Hong Kong’s top school shifted from STEM to social sciences, leading impactful work on period poverty in Cambodia. Her advocacy work helped her stand out and become the only student from her school admitted early to an Ivy League.

  • Alex: A sophomore passionate about real estate and fluent in Japanese, Alex found an internship in Japan with Admittedly’s guidance. His experience set him apart and helped him gain admission into Wharton’s Huntsman Program.

With over 8 million applications submitted through the Common App this year, standing out requires more than just strong academics—it demands a compelling personal story. These students prove that by embracing their unique interests, seeking out meaningful opportunities, and telling authentic stories, they were able to beat the odds and gain admission to top universities.

Follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights and updates! Visit www.admittedly.co to discover how Admittedly can support you in your college admissions journey.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas CaleelBy Thomas Caleel

  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6

4.6

18 ratings


More shows like Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

View all
Getting In: A College Coach Conversation by Elizabeth Heaton

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

273 Listeners

10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

10% Happier with Dan Harris

12,573 Listeners

The College Essay Guy Podcast: A Practical Guide to College Admissions by Ethan Sawyer

The College Essay Guy Podcast: A Practical Guide to College Admissions

222 Listeners

Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission Interviews by Mark Stucker

Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission Interviews

322 Listeners

Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed by Jeff Selingo, Michael Horn

Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

132 Listeners

Demystifying College Admissions by Julie Kim

Demystifying College Admissions

76 Listeners

Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers by InGenius Prep

Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers

101 Listeners

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting by Dr. Lisa Damour/Good Trouble Productions

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting

813 Listeners

Accepted: A College Admissions Podcast by Tokyo Academics

Accepted: A College Admissions Podcast

32 Listeners

Admissions Beat by Lee Coffin • Vice President and Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid at Dartmouth College

Admissions Beat

86 Listeners

The College Admissions Process Podcast by John Durante

The College Admissions Process Podcast

103 Listeners

The Truth about College Admission by Johns Hopkins Press

The Truth about College Admission

26 Listeners

Shift - College admissions in a changing world by shiftcollegeadmissions

Shift - College admissions in a changing world

9 Listeners

The Game: A Guide to Elite College Admissions by Great Minds Advising

The Game: A Guide to Elite College Admissions

32 Listeners

College Matters from The Chronicle by The Chronicle of Higher Education

College Matters from The Chronicle

55 Listeners