S3E26: You Asked, We Answered

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel answers listener questions from Instagram and TikTok (@admittedlyco) on a range of topics surrounding the college admissions process. He offers advice on balancing academic and extracurricular pressure to avoid burnout, and discusses strategies for applicants not targeting Ivy League schools. Thomas also covers gap years, when to hire a college advisor, international applicants, and how deferred applicants should approach their LOCI. Key Questions: "How do we balance not burning these kids out before they even arrive on campus? Feels like a feedback loop that needs to change. College admissions are expecting more, students are doing more, or doing more elite activities, and then admissions expects these things are the norm." "Would you mind addressing how your intent applies to students that aren't looking at the big Ivies?" "How to balance life as a teen and top academic achievement in a manner that is healthy and avoids burnout?" "Thoughts on a gap year? How do you make the most of a gap year?" "As a parent of a rising ninth grader, when do you recommend hiring a college advisor?" “How important is having national or international awards for top schools? Is having none going to get you rejected?" Advice for international applicants, especially in creating opportunities when extracurricular activities may not be as prevalent in their countries. How deferred applicants are reviewed during regular decision and how to strategically approach a letter of continued interest. Remember, navigating college admissions is all about finding the right balance, staying true to yourself, and focusing on what truly matters. Trust in your unique journey.  Be sure to follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco. Feel free to DM your questions or drop them in the comments—there’s a lot of great engagement happening between students, parents, and those with experience!

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.