Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down the five short essay questions in the Harvard University supplement. With each response limited to 100 words, Thomas provides strategic advice on how to approach these prompts with clarity, brevity, and a focus on personal storytelling.

Summary of Key Points:

1. Diversity and Life Experiences: The first essay asks applicants to highlight what makes them unique. Thomas emphasizes the importance of isolating one or two key experiences or perspectives that define your individuality and how they shape your worldview.

2. Handling Strong Disagreements: This essay requires you to describe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone. Thomas advises focusing on how you engaged in the disagreement, what you learned, and the importance of showing maturity and openness to change, rather than simply "winning" the argument.

3. Impactful Extracurriculars or Responsibilities: For this prompt, Thomas suggests selecting one significant extracurricular activity, employment experience, or family responsibility that has shaped who you are. He recommends going deep into why this experience is meaningful to you and how it has influenced your development.

4. Future Use of a Harvard Education: Applicants are asked how they hope to use their Harvard education. Thomas encourages grounding your aspirations in reality while being aspirational, clearly articulating how Harvard will equip you to achieve your future goals and make an impact in your chosen field.

5. Top Three Things Your Roommates Should Know: This final essay allows for some creativity and personality. Thomas suggests sharing quirks, hobbies, or unique traits that would help a future roommate get to know you better, blending seriousness with light-heartedness as appropriate.

The Harvard supplement offers applicants the opportunity to present a well-rounded and authentic picture of themselves in just 500 words across five prompts. By following Thomas Caleel’s advice, students can craft responses that are clear, concise, and reflective of their true selves, helping them stand out in the competitive admissions process.

For more insights and tips on college admissions, follow @admittedlypodcast on TikTok and Instagram.

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel provides an in-depth guide to tackling the four main essays in the Columbia University supplement. He offers strategic advice on how to approach each essay, ensuring that applicants present their most authentic and compelling selves.

Summary of Key Points:

1. Selection of Texts and Resources: This essay asks for a list of texts, resources, and outlets that shape your intellectual interests. Thomas advises students to be creative and authentic, choosing items that reflect their true passions and relate to their intended field of study, while avoiding the temptation to overthink the format.

2. Diversity Essay: Applicants are encouraged to define what diversity means to them and how their unique perspective will contribute to the Columbia community. Thomas emphasizes the importance of specificity, urging students to tie their personal experiences to how they will actively engage with Columbia's campus life.

3. Challenges and Failures: This essay asks applicants to reflect on a significant challenge or failure and how they grew from it. Thomas advises students to focus on meaningful experiences, even small ones, and to be honest about the lessons learned, showing how they have matured and how these insights will shape their future contributions to Columbia.

4. Why Columbia?: Thomas cautions against generic praise and encourages applicants to focus on specific aspects of Columbia that align with their academic and personal goals. He stresses the importance of making each sentence unique to Columbia, showing genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of what the university offers.

The Columbia supplement provides a platform for applicants to showcase their intellectual curiosity, diversity of thought, and personal growth. By following Thomas Caleel’s advice, students can craft authentic and compelling essays, helping them stand out in the competitive admissions process.

For more insights and tips on college admissions, follow @admittedlypodcast on TikTok and Instagram.

Welcome to the third season of Admittedly. In this episode host Thomas Caleel highlights the purpose of this podcast, to connect with students globally and offer guidance through educational challenges. In this episode we discuss admissions decisions, waitlists, and how to prepare for this summer. 

Summary of Key Points:

• Reflections on Seniors:

• Acknowledges the different scenarios seniors face post-application submission, whether awaiting responses or grappling with decisions.

• Encourages seniors to utilize resources like admitted students' weekends to gain insights into prospective institutions.

• Considerations for Decision-Making:

• Advocates for a thorough evaluation of factors like school size, location, and financial implications.

• Shares a case study emphasizing the importance of assessing the return on investment and considering alternative options strategically.

• Handling Admissions Outcomes:

• Advises students not to panic if they don't get into their dream school, offering alternatives like community college or taking a gap year.

• Discusses the option of transferring if a student feels dissatisfied with their initial choice.

• Navigating Waitlists:

• Provides insights on managing the waitlist process, cautioning against excessive pressure tactics and emphasizing patience.

• Stresses the significance of maintaining academic excellence, particularly in the final year of high school.

• Summer Preparation:

• Highlights the importance of utilizing the upcoming summer wisely, balancing relaxation with productive activities to prepare for the transition to college.

• Encourages seniors to approach the next phase of their journey with enthusiasm and readiness for change.

Conclusion:

• Encourages seniors to focus on their achievements and remain calm amidst the uncertainty of admissions decisions.

• Promises further exploration of decision-making strategies and practical advice in future episodes.

• Invites continued engagement with the podcast community on social media platforms.

Overall, the episode offers comprehensive guidance for seniors navigating the final stages of the college admissions process, urging them to make informed decisions and embrace the opportunities ahead.

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 of the Admittedly Podcast, hosted by Thomas Caleel, listeners are guided through the nuances of the University of California application process. With the November 30 deadline looming, Thomas takes a moment to commend his audience for successfully navigating the early decision/early action deadlines, only to now embark on a fresh challenge—applying to the University of California system.

Key Points:

1. The Unique UC Application: Thomas emphasizes that the UC application is distinct from the Common App, pointing out some of the crucial differences. Notably, there are no recommendation letters required, and UCs do not consider SAT or ACT scores, which can either relieve or concern applicants.
2. The All-Encompassing UC App: Applicants are reminded that they are applying to multiple UC schools simultaneously through one application. The choice of schools, majors, and secondary majors is an important step within the application.
3. The UC Personal Insight Questions: Thomas introduces the eight UC personal insight questions and emphasizes the significance of strategizing before selecting which ones to answer. It's crucial to showcase who you are as a candidate rather than targeting specific schools.
4. Understanding the UC Personal Insight Questions: Thomas breaks down the different prompts. He discusses "Leadership" and "Creativity" and the need to provide context for creative outlets, even if they aren't included in the activities section. "Talent or Skill" prompts applicants to explain how they developed their skills. "Educational Opportunity or Barrier" requires discussing how opportunities were leveraged or obstacles overcome. "Significant Challenge" allows applicants to narrate their responses without requiring extensive background information. "Academic Subject That Inspires You" lets applicants express their intellectual curiosity. "How You've Made Your Community a Better Place" permits a broad interpretation of "community." Lastly, "What Else" encourages sharing anything unique about the applicant.
5. Craft Your Narrative: Thomas advises applicants to craft their stories, giving concrete examples for each personal insight question. There is no need to manufacture challenges, and answering "What Else" allows you to introduce any exceptional aspect of yourself.

Conclusion:

As the UC application deadline approaches, Thomas concludes by encouraging applicants to engage with the UC personal insight questions thoughtfully. Providing a 360-degree view of themselves is crucial since the UC application doesn't rely on recommendation letters, making it their responsibility to portray a comprehensive image of who they are. Thomas also mentions that he welcomes questions via the podcast's social media channels and wishes all applicants the best of luck in the UC application process.

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. 

This weeks' question of the week: It's November 1st, now what? If you applied early action/early decision you would of submitted your application by the deadline so it's time to talk a breath and talk about next steps. 

Have your own question of the week you'd like answered? Send us a DM on social media @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's QOTW is in regards to contacting the school or admissions rep after submitting your application.

Have your own question you'd like answered? Send us a message on social media @admittedlypodcast for a chance to be featured. 

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's question of the week- "How do I check my progress after I submit?" In today's episode we go through a brief overview of the applicant portal, what you will find in there, and how to check your status and update your application. 

Have your own question you want answered? Leave us a comment on social media @admittedlypodcast for a chance to get featured. 

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. 

As we approach the November 1st early decision and early action deadline, we delve into an exciting yet perplexing aspect of college applications - the unique supplements, with a particular focus on the University of Chicago.

Key Points:

1. UChicago's Unconventional Approach: UChicago is notorious for its unconventional supplements that challenge applicants to think outside the box. It's often seen as the "fun goes to die" school, but that couldn't be further from the truth. This institution is on the lookout for disruptively creative and intelligent students who can make a difference.

2. Insight into the Culture: UChicago's supplement questions are a window into the university's culture. They reveal what the school values in a student and the kind of intellectual environment they seek to foster.

3. Open-Ended Prompts: UChicago's supplement questions are deliberately open-ended. They encourage applicants to take risks and, most importantly, have fun. This might be challenging, especially in a 250-word essay where you need to discuss your desire for a specific kind of learning and how the university fits into that.

4. Intellectual Curiosity and Creativity: Rather than traditional essays, UChicago seeks to gauge your intellectual curiosity and creativity. How deeply do you love your chosen subject? How does your passion manifest in your writing? It's not about being a comedian; it's about being yourself, expressing your personality, and provoking thought.

5. Demonstrating Creativity: To succeed at UChicago, applicants must break free from the expected and demonstrate intellectual creativity. An example is an applicant who humorously discussed a "batha Maddix" course due to a printer error, using baths as an analogy for mathematical concepts. This creative approach impressed the admissions committee.

Conclusion

UChicago's essay prompts are a challenge, but there's no definitive "right answer." The admissions team isn't looking for a template response. They want to see how you approach unfamiliar and unconventional questions, revealing your unique thought process. It's a chance to be unapologetically yourself, strip away pretenses, and let your personality shine. UChicago is about celebrating disruptive thinking, and if that resonates with you, this is your chance to join a community that values intellectual creativity. Explore their past essay questions for inspiration, and remember, your application is an opportunity to speak from the heart. If UChicago's culture aligns with your personality, embrace the challenge and let your unique self shine. Wishing you the best of luck in the coming weeks!

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. 

What does test optional really mean? In today's episode your host Thomas Caleel interviews David Blobaum from National Test Prep Association. They discuss important issues around test prep, test-optional schools, and other helpful insights into standardized testing. 

About David  

David Blobaum is a nationally recognized expert in the entrance exam and college admissions industry and is the Director of Outreach for the National Test Prep Association, which works to support the appropriate use of testing in admissions. He graduated from the University of Chicago with honors both from the college and in his major, and he received his Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology. In college, he took seriously the University of Chicago’s aim of a “Renaissance” or well-rounded education and took courses in 17 different disciplines, ranging from Statistics and Economics to Philosophy and Art History. Since then, he has devoted himself to helping students reach their potential through education and, more broadly, to help empower them to succeed in life. To do so, he co-founded the education company Summit Prep in 2013 with a classmate from college, Eva Addae. When David is not teaching the next generation of students, he enjoys reading and hiking. His favorite travel spot is Brazil -- his wife's home country.
Find him HERE 

NTPA Social
Website: https://nationaltestprep.org/   
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NTPAssociation 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TruthAndTests 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-test-preparation-association/ 

David’s Social
Twitter: https://twitter.com/David_Blobaum 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-blobaum000/ 

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, your host, Thomas Caleel, delves into the world of college supplements and supplemental essays. With the approaching November 1 deadline for early action and early decision applications, Thomas aims to ease concerns and provide a roadmap for success in tackling these critical components of the college application process.

Key Points:

1. Understanding the Significance of Supplements: Supplements are an essential part of your college application, offering schools the chance to convey their values and interests to prospective students. Careful reading and research are vital when responding to supplement questions.

2. Planning Ahead for Interactive Supplements: Some schools have interactive supplements, meaning your choice of major or academic interest can trigger specific essay prompts. Avoid last-minute panic by indicating your academic interest early and considering all potential essay prompts.

3. Honesty and Alignment: Be honest about your academic interests and goals. Ensure your chosen major aligns with your extracurricular activities and experiences, as inconsistencies may raise questions.

4. Crafting Effective Essays: Supplemental essays typically revolve around why you want to study at a particular school and how you intend to contribute to the community. Avoid generic responses and instead focus on your unique experiences, interests, and how they relate to the school's offerings.

5. Short Answers and Lists: Don't overthink short answer questions or lists. Use them to showcase your genuine interests, hobbies, and quirks. Avoid trying to conform to perceived expectations and instead be yourself.

Conclusion:

College supplements and supplemental essays are crucial elements of the application process. Start early, thoroughly research each school's values and offerings, and craft authentic responses that reflect your unique personality and goals. Remember, this process is an opportunity to show how you'll contribute to the school's community and make your mark on campus. Best of luck as you navigate this important step in your college 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.