S4E2: Expanding the Ivy League Isn't That Simple

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 Admissions at UPenn’s Wharton School, Thomas offers an insider’s perspective on the challenges and limitations elite universities face when it comes to growth. Key Takeaways: Ivy League schools aren’t responsible for educating everyone – Expanding these colleges would reduce scarcity, ultimately diminishing the exclusivity and prestige they leverage. Most Ivy League schools lack the space to expand – Many Ivies are located in historic cities with physical limitations, making it nearly impossible to significantly increase campus size or enrollment. Building additional campuses is risky – Maintaining Ivy League standards requires top-tier faculty and staff, which can be difficult to recruit and retain, even for existing campuses. While many students and parents wish Ivy League schools would expand, the reality is far more complex. If you have questions, we’d love to hear them! Follow Admittedly on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights, and drop us a comment! Visit www.admittedly.co to learn more about how Admittedly can help you on your journey to getting admitted into your dream school.

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.