S3E25: College Admissions Have Changed. But How?

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the evolving college admissions landscape, comparing the challenges of today’s process with that of previous generations. He offers insights into how applicant expectations, the applicant pool, and the criteria for top schools have changed, and answers some questions from listeners! Key Takeaways: The Shifting Admissions Landscape: While admit rates have decreased, the fundamental traits that colleges value—intellectual curiosity, academic achievement, and community involvement—have remained constant. The Dangers of Over-Scheduling: More isn’t always better. Thomas discusses the importance of choosing a few activities that truly matter to you, rather than overloading on extracurriculars for the sake of impressing admissions officers. Quality Over Quantity: Schools prefer applicants who show passion and depth in one or two areas, rather than those who scatter their focus across numerous activities. Parental Support: Parents can play a crucial role by encouraging their children to pursue their true interests and avoid the pressure of “keeping up” with peers. Authenticity in the Application Process: Schools are looking for genuine applicants, not overly-polished versions of what they think admissions officers want. Be true to yourself and let your story shine through. Navigating the college admissions process can be daunting, but it’s about finding balance, focusing on what truly matters, and being authentic. Embrace the journey, trust in your unique story, and aim for colleges that truly align with who you are. Follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights and updates! 

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.