Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

S4E42: Inside the Mind of a Top Tutor: Why Students Struggle and How to Help Them Thrive (With Advantage Testing's Michelle Chasin)

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel speaks with Michelle Chasin, Associate Director of Advantage Testing New York and senior tuto...

S4E41: Freshman Year Check-In: The Essential Guide to Grades, Activities & Summer Planning

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down what freshmen (and their parents) should be thinking about as they wrap up t...

S4E40: Results Guaranteed? The Real Story Behind Stats, Success Rates, and College Consulting Claims

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down one of the most confusing (and often misleading) parts of the college admiss...

S4E39: How to Plan a Strategic Summer (Before It's Too Late)

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel explains why freshmen, sophomores, and juniors should begin planning their summer progra...

S4E38: The Hidden Half of College Admissions: What Students Overlook (and What Actually Matters)

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel reveals the hidden half of the college admissions process, the part most families never ...

S4E37: The 3 Biggest Mistakes Students Make in High School (And How to Fix Them Before Senior Year)

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down the three most common mistakes he sees students make year after year in the ...

S4E36: No, College Admissions Aren't Getting Easier in 2026: Here's What You CAN Control

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down why college admissions at Ivy League and other top universities are more com...

S4E35: Confidence, Clarity, and College Admissions: Global Tutoring Insights with Advantage Testing's Matthew Demmer

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel speaks with Matthew Demmer, Associate Director of Advantage Testing New York and Director of ...

S4E34: Inside the Review Room – How Admissions Officers Read Applications

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions at Wharton, takes you behind the scenes of the admiss...

S4E33: Do The SAT and ACT Still Matter? Test Optional Policies and the Ivy League Explained

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel unpacks one of the most debated topics in college admissions: test optional policies. Ar...

S4E32: Applying to Columbia: How to Write Your 2025 Supplements For Success

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down Columbia University's 2025 supplemental essays and guides you through how to...

S4E31: Cracking the UPenn Supplements: Thank-You Note & Community Essay Tips

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions & Financial Aid at UPenn's Wharton School, breaks dow...

S4E30: Applying to Yale: A Guide to the Short Answers and Essays

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 cl...

S4E29: How to Approach Harvard's 2025 Supplemental Essays for Admissions Success

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

S4E28: Stanford Supplements 2025: How to Approach Them (and What to Avoid)

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton, walks through how to ap...

S4E27: Complacency or Commitment: The Choice That Defines Ivy+ Outcomes

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes on a recurring theme in his conversations with students and families: complacency....

S4E26: The Joy of Tutoring: Arun Alagappan on Reducing Anxiety and Unlocking Potential

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel sits down with Arun Alagappan, founder and president of Advantage Testing, one of the most re...

S4E25: The 2025 Admissions Reality — How Funding Cuts, Student Visas, and Campus Culture Will Shape This Cycle

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a strategic pause to break down the seismic shifts hitting higher education right ...

S4E24: The Road Starts Early — Middle School Advice With Dr. Peggy Burich Smith

03 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ve...

S4E23: The 2025 Common App (What to Know Before You Start)

26 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel walks through everything students and families need to prepare as the Common App opens o...

S4E22: Applying Early to College (When It Helps—and When It Hurts)

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel dives into one of the most misunderstood parts of the college application process: apply...

S4E21: Playing to Win—How Student Athletes Get Admitted

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel addresses student athletes—and the families supporting them. Whether you're competing ...

S4E20: The Additional Info Section—What to Say (and What to Skip)

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel dives into one of the most misunderstood parts of the college application: the Additiona...

S4E19: Don't Write Your Essay Yet (Start Here Instead)

28 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a step back from structure and word count to focus on what matters most when writi...

S4E18: Sophomore Year Done Right (Q&A for Rising 10th Graders)

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You made it through freshman year—now what? In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel tackles the real questions rising sophomor...

S4E17: Rising Seniors: Planning, Positioning, and Building Your Edge

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel speaks directly to rising seniors and their families. First, congratulations—junior ye...

S4E16: Harvard, International Students, and How We Got Here

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel unpacks the recent controversy surrounding Harvard and the broader implications for inte...

S4E15: The Introvert's Guide to Standing Out in College Admissions

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel tackles a concern we hear often from families: "What if my kid isn't the extroverted typ...

S4E14: The 'Passion Project' Trap (And What Actually Works)

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel tackles a big question many students have heading into summer: What should I do for my p...

S4E13: The Truth About Competitive Admissions: Hard Work Isn't Optional

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel tackles one of the most important truths in college admissions—and life: Hard things a...

S4E12: Admissions Are Changing for International Students: What You Need To Know

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel dives into the challenges international students are facing amid shifting U.S. policies....

S4E11: Your Summer Fell Apart… Now What?

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel disrupts the regular schedule to talk about the disruptions hitting students' summer pla...

S4E10 End-of-Year Check-In: Are You on Track for College?

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the school year winding down, it's time for a strategic check-in. In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down what ...

S4E9: Can One Mistake Ruin My College Chances?

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel addresses a question that has been coming up more and more often: "I made a mistake—am...

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

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

S4E7: Maximizing College Guidance: School Counselors & Outside Experts

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a deep dive into one of the most important questions in the college admissions pro...

S4E6: Doing Extracurriculars Right (and Wrong)

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UPenn's Wharton School, delves i...

S4E5: Are Safety Schools Actually Safe?

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UPenn's Wharton School, tackles ...

S4E4: Who IS Thomas Caleel? Revisiting Our 'Why'

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a moment to reintroduce himself. With so many new listeners joining our community,...

S4E3: What's The Deal With Deferrals?

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel dives deeper into deferrals. He breaks down what deferrals are, why schools do it, and w...

S4E2: Expanding the Ivy League Isn't That Simple

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the question, "Why doesn't the Ivy League expand?" As a former Director of MBA ...

S4E1: Let's Talk About Transferring

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the workings of transferring colleges. He breaks down the process of transferri...

S3E26: You Asked, We Answered

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel answers listener questions from Instagram and TikTok (@admittedlyco) on a range of topic...

S3E25: College Admissions Have Changed. But How?

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the evolving college admissions landscape, comparing the challenges of today's ...

S3E24: Managing Stress in College Admissions

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel addresses the growing pressures high school students feel during the college admissions proc...

S3E23: Is an Ivy League Education Worth It?

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel delves into the ongoing debate surrounding Ivy League education. He explores the allure, ben...

S3E22: Don't Be Afraid of Your Admissions Essays!

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel emphasizes the critical role of courage in crafting standout college application essays...

S3E21: Why (and How) You Should Plan Ahead

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Thomas provides a detailed roadmap for parents to support their children throughout high school to maximize success in the college ad...

S3E20: Getting the Most out of Undergrad Interviews

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly podcast, host Thomas Caleel dives into the college interview process, offering insights for seniors navigating inter...

S3E19: College Application Planning Tips for Juniors

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel speaks directly to high school juniors and their parents, offering actionable insights...

S3E18: Getting Creative with the UChicago Supplement (2024)

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the unique and creative nature of the University of Chicago supplement, offer...

S3E17: How to Get into Brown University (2024)

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel provides an in-depth analysis of the Brown University supplement. He highlights the un...

S3E16: Answering the Johns Hopkins Supplement (2024)

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down the Johns Hopkins supplement, focusing on how to strategically approach it...

S3E15: Tips for the Stanford Supplement (2024)

15 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes on the Stanford supplement, providing advice on how to approach its famous quest...

S3E14: How to Answer the Yale Supplement (2024)

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down the Yale University supplement, guiding applicants through the nuances of ...

S3E13: The Best Approach to the Cornell Supplement (2024)

08 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the Cornell supplement essay, which asks applicants to discuss a community th...

S3E12: How to Succeed with the Penn Supplement (2024)

01 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel dives into the Penn Supplement, focusing on the two required essays for all applicants...

S3E11: How to Approach the Harvard Supplement (2024)

25 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down the five short essay questions in the Harvard University supplement. With ...

S3E10: How to Ace the Columbia Supplement (2024)

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

S3E9: How to Choose Between MBA Programs

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the different types of MBA programs available: full-time, part-time or execut...

S3E8: Benefits to Dual Enrollment and Middle Colleges with Delenn Ganyo

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Introduction: In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel interviews Delenn Ganyo, a colleague in college admissions and professio...

S3E7: How to Succeed on the Common Application

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Introduction: In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel discusses the opening of the Common Application and the beginning of the...

S3E6: Is Boarding School the Right Choice?

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel discusses US boarding schools. He shares some details from his own experience as a Taf...

S3E5: How to Respond to Disciplinary Trouble During College Applications

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel advises families and students on how to proceed with college application preparation i...

S3E4: How to Build a College List

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel delves into the intricate process of building a college list, a pivotal task for high ...

S3E3: How to Decide Junior Year Summer Activities

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, former director of MBA admissions Thomas Caleel describes ways for high school Juniors to enjoy their sum...

S3E2: How to Prepare for College Admissions During Junior Year of High School

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Introduction: In the second episode of the third season of the Admittedly Podcast, hosted by Thomas Caleel, the focus is on Juniors in High School who...

S3E1: How to Handle College Admissions Outcomes and Navigate Waitlists

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the third season of Admittedly. In this episode host Thomas Caleel highlights the purpose of this podcast, to connect with students globall...

S2E29: How to Write Your UC College Application. Why are University of California Essays Different

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, hosted by Thomas Caleel, listeners are guided through the nuances of the University of California a...

S2E28: It's Nov 1st -- Now What? College Admissions Next Steps

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

S2E28: Should I Contact The School After I Submit My College Application?

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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? S...

S2E27: College Admissions and the Applicant Portal: What is it?

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

S2E26: How to Master University of Chicago's Unconventional Supplement Essays

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we approach the November 1st early decision and early action deadline, we delve into an exciting yet perplexing aspect of college appli...

S2E25: SAT/ACT Prep Discussion with David Blobaum, National Test Prep Association

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What does test optional really mean? In today's episode your host Thomas Caleel interviews David Blobaum from National Test Prep Association. They dis...

S2E24: How to Write Great College Admissions Supplement Essays

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, your host, Thomas Caleel, delves into the world of college supplements and supplemental essays. With the approaching November 1 deadl...

S2E23: Should I Have Additional Recommenders for My Common Application?

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this weeks' question of the week Thomas is addressing whether additional recommenders are important to stand out in your common application.  Have...

S2E22: How to Address Learning Disabilities and Accommodations with Chris Holloway, Educational Psychologist

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode host Thomas Caleel welcomes Chris Holloway, a licensed educational psychologist with 16 years of experience in assessing and supportin...

S2E21: How to Choose Your Major When Applying to College

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are discussing major selection when applying to college. Do you need to be strategic about it? Thomas Caleel, former Director of Admissio...

S2E20: How To Write a WINNING Common App Essay. Answering Your Questions

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today's episode we are delving into the questions pouring in from our vibrant social media community, filled with students from across the globe. I...

S2E19: Career Highlight - How to Drive Change: Navigating the Shift from Tech to Climate Tech with Christian Hernandez

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode Thomas Caleel is joined by a very special guest, Christian Hernandez. Christian, a technologist and experienced venture capitalist,...

S2E18: Do Alumni Interviews Matter?: Tips on How To Crush Your Alumni Interview for College Admissions

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

S2E17: How to Write a Great MBA Admissions Essay. Tips from Ex-Director of MBA Admissions at Wharton

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

S2E16: How to Decide If You Should Take the GRE or GMAT for MBA Admissions

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 me...

S2E15: Interview with @LimmyTalks: How to use AI in College Admissions, Following Your Path, Life as a Student at Duke University

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, we have an incredible guest, Daniel Lim, also known as Limmy (@limmytalks). He's a highly innovative and entrepreneurial rising se...

S2E14: Why To Avoid Talking About Family in Common App Essays

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Question of the Week: Should I talk about my family in my Common App essay?  Want to submit your own question? Send us a DM on social media @admitted...

S2E13: Common App Essay Topics, Using AI, Storytelling & Making the Most Of The Word Count

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 Applicat...

S2E12: Can I Include My Social Media In My College Application?

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 med...

S2E11: Benefits of Tutoring Beyond Academics: Interview with Ryan Long, Tutor & Founder of Learn Untethered

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 jou...

S2E10: Do I Need a Passion Project For Success in College Admissions?

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

S2E9: How to Write A Great Common App Essay: What's your hook?

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Navigating the 2023 Common App and Examples of Unique Common App Essays Just five days ago, the new Common App dropped for eager applicants, and in th...

S2E8: What Book To Read As A Parent of a High School Student Applying to College?

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Question of the week: Looking for a good parenting book recommendation? Raising teenagers is not easy, and it can leave us wondering what the "right w...

S2E7: Your Teacher Doesn't Hate You & Fostering Intellectual Curiosity: Interview with Matt Gainsley

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fostering Intellectual Curiosity: A Conversation with Educator, Matt Gainsley In this episode, your host, Thomas Caleel, sits down with his ...

S2E6: To Go To College Or Not? Why College Isn't the Right Path for Everyone

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, host Thomas Caleel discusses the pros and cons of attending college. In response to many messages and comments from listeners saying ...

S2E5: SAT scores, Legacy Admissions, Common App Essay Topics & More: Answering Your Questions for College Applications

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, our host Thomas Caleel is diving into some common questions about college admissions and applications this time of year.  Want to su...

S2E4: Help! I Got a Bad Grade in Junior Year. Will This Affect My College Application?

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, we tackle an important question from a student in Colorado who is concerned about their final semester grades during their jun...

S2E3: Interview with Sam Hassell - Great Minds Advising - Avoid These Mistakes In Your College Application Essays

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this engaging episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing Sam Hassell, a fellow admissions professional with a fascinating background in research...

S2E2: Should I Take a Gap Year After Senior Year of High School?

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, host Thomas Caleel addresses an important listener question about taking a gap year. Have a question? Send us an email at hello@thoma...

S2E1: Common App Tips, Affirmative Action, Essay Strategy, and Early Decision

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Season 2 Premiere: This episode highlights the upcoming release of the Common App for university applications. Thomas urges students to pause before w...

Best of Season 1: What Extracurricular Activities Look Best On College Applications?

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Episode Overview: In this special "Best of" episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Natasha presents some of the most memorable clips from S...

Best of Season 1: What To Do As a Highschool Junior to Prepare For College Applications

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this special "Best of" episode, former MBA admissions director Thomas Caleel shares valuable insights and tips for high school juniors as they appr...