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

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 hello@thomascaleel.com or DM us on Instagram @admittedlypodcast Passion projects, as commonly presented, often involve activities outside of your daily life that showcase your dedication and enthusiasm. While initiatives like volunteer work and charitable endeavors are commendable, the way passion projects are often framed can sometimes appear disingenuous. As an experienced reader of countless applications, I've come to recognize genuine passion when I see it. Key Points:  Common portrayal of passion projects can seem insincere, often tied to volunteer or charity work. Genuineness is crucial; experienced readers can distinguish true passion. Advice: No need for separate passion project; focus on what genuinely excites you. Example: If chemistry is your passion, engage in lab work, internships, or research. For public service enthusiasts, meaningful volunteer work aligns better than contrived projects. Authenticity prevails; your passion is reflected in consistent, deep involvement over high school. Don't force a passion project—concentrate on what truly drives you. Admissions officers value dedication and growth, not artificially created projects. 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 subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content. 

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.