5. College Admissions: Do You Have the Courage to Succeed?

It’s every parent’s goal for their high school student to stand out. The problem is that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to college admissions. A set of activities that got one child into Stanford might result in a series of rejections for another. In this episode, Thomas will talk about the dangers of the comparison trap, and how courage is a student’s best friend throughout the admissions process. Everybody is different, not only in what they do, but in why they do it and in how they present their accomplishments to the admissions committee. Thomas discusses why it’s so important for parents to uncover that one thing that will allow their child to shine and embrace their authentic self. The secret to discovering what makes one unique, he explains, can be found once they have the courage to step out of their comfort zone, to do something different, meaningful, and with impact. Key Highlights Unlocking your child’s unique potential How courage can be a student’s guiding light in the admissions process The key to successful negotiations Having the courage to embrace a different academic track Starting a club with a strong purpose About Thomas Thomas is a parent and alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was director of admissions and financial aid at Wharton School. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to create 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, he works with diverse and underserved communities to help them become successful college students. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for parents and applicants.  Follow Admittedly on social media: TikTok: @admittedlypodcast Instagram: @admittedlypodcast

Om Podcasten

Does thinking about applying to college, grad school, or prep school make your head spin? The Admittedly Podcast is for both parents and students preparing for or navigating school admissions. We aim to demystify the admissions process and share with you what you really need to know to succeed. Our host, Thomas Caleel, former director of MBA admissions and financial aid for the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, is here to help. He is a lifelong entrepreneur and CEO of a global admissions consulting agency where he works with families worldwide to help them achieve their educational goals. New episodes go live every Tuesday and Thursday. Learn from our guest speakers, live coaching sessions, and weekly solo episodes. Have admissions questions you'd like answered on the show? Apply to be coached by Thomas himself on one of our upcoming recordings. In this podcast, we don't promise easy answers or quick fixes. But with decades of experience under his belt, Thomas will address the practical aspects of applying to school and how to think like an admissions officer to improve your college or prep school application.