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Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel

Thomas Caleel
College Admissions
Extracurricular Activities
Common Application
College Applications
Stanford University
Standardized Testing
Admittedly
Diversity
University Of Pennsylvania
Early Decision
Deferrals
Admissions Process
Essays
Wharton School
Academic Rigor
Admissions Essays
Mental Health
Yale Supplement
Ivy League
Leadership

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 t... more

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Artwork for Admittedly: College Admissions

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To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply.

Are expensive summer programs and paid research opportunities actually helping students get into selective colleges? Or are f... more

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To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply.

SAT or ACT? Does the PSAT matter? When should your student start preparing? Should they submit their scores to test-optional ... more

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To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply.

Should you apply Early Decision, Early Action, or wait until Regular Decision? With early application deadlines approaching, ... more

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To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at info.admittedly.co/path-to-admissions

Your child may be bright, hardworking, involved, and genuinely impressive. But does that make them... more

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Recent Guests

Sarah Bernbach
Associate Director at the New York Offices of Advantage Testing
Advantage Testing
Episode: S5E26: What 22 Years of Tutoring Teaches You About Students: Motivation, Mastery, and Finding Your Voice (With Advantage Testing's Sarah Bernbach)
Sonam Aidasani
Director of Products and Strategy at Admittedly; former Duke Admissions Officer
Admittedly
Episode: S5E21: How College Transfer Admissions Really Work | Strategy, Timing, & What Top Schools Look For
Gabrielle Dolan
A acknowledged expert in the art of storytelling, author and keynote speaker
Story Intelligence, author of Story Intelligence
Episode: S5E19: Can AI Tell Your Story For You? | AI, Authenticity, & the Human Storytelling That Connect Us All
Charles Loxton
Chief Communication Officer at Advantage Testing and Advantage Testing Foundation
Advantage Testing
Episode: S5E17: What Makes a Great College Essay? Storytelling, Authenticity, & Finding Your Voice | Interview With Charles Loxton From Advantage Testing
Mike McLeod
Founder of GrowNOW ADHD and creator of the Internal Skills Executive Function Strengthening Model
GrowNOW ADHD
Episode: S5E10: ADHD, Executive Functioning, & College Readiness: What Parents Need to Know Before Senior Year
Kathy Yellen
Senior Program Consultant at Advantage Testing with a background in education and experience as a professional actor and singer
Advantage Testing
Episode: S5E6: What Parents Should Know About Academic Tutoring & Test Prep: Fit, Timing, & Real Progress
Michelle Chasin
Associate Director of Advantage Testing and an expert in tutor development and academic mentorship
Advantage Testing
Episode: S4E42: Inside the Mind of a Top Tutor: Why Students Struggle and How to Help Them Thrive (With Advantage Testing's Michelle Chasin)
Dr. Peggy Burich-Smith
Educator, counselor, and lifelong school leader with over 30 years of experience in independent school leadership.
Admittedly
Episode: S4E24: The Road Starts Early — Middle School Advice With Dr. Peggy Burich Smith
Delenn Ganyo
Academic passionate about dual enrollment and middle colleges
Episode: S3E8: Benefits to Dual Enrollment and Middle Colleges with Delenn Ganyo

Host

Thomas Caleel
Host of Admittedly Podcast; former MBA admissions director; experienced admissions coach and founder of Admittedly Coaching/Agency

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 70 ratings
  • Be unapologetic

    Phenomenal. Would recommend you refrain from saying “people are going to come for me but..” in every episode. Your guidance is fact based, those coming for you shouldn’t be listening and getting themselves triggered. You don’t have to acknowledge them every episode. Their kids would be happy at ASU.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JTH080
    United States2 months ago
  • Thanks

    Appreciate your straightforward advice

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    fgweIhub
    United States2 months ago
  • Reality check

    I appreciate your honesty. You mentioned in your latest podcast, this is the new reality of college admissions. For the haters saying you are ruining it for kids, your podcast is not meant for them. And that’s ok. It actually doesn’t apply to my child either, but I like to listen because I still want my child to be successful for state schools, not ivys. So thank you for your advice!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ck198177
    United States10 months ago
  • Interesting take!

    Love your unique perspective on admissions and what to focus on. Lots of ideas I hadn’t even thought of before! Going to make my 15 year old start listening. Thank you!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Natasha444_
    United States3 years ago
  • SUCH GREAT INFO!

    Thomas is the real deal. He has lived his life not only attending great schools, but at Wharton he helped students put MBA on their resume. He is now sharing his valuable information here for free! PLEASE, do yourself and/or your future student a favor and take the time to listen to his wisdom.

    I know him personally, and can tell you he is a person with integrity, a devoted husband and father and knows what he’s talking about!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PamPfromSB
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Content blends coaching with real-world stories to help families plan early.
Clear, practical guidance for families navigating admissions.
Host comes across as experienced and candid about admissions realities.
Guests bring credible expertise and actionable tips.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#35
United States/Education/How To
Apple Podcasts
#76
Italy/Education/How To
Apple Podcasts
#116
France/Education/How To
Apple Podcasts
#2
Singapore/Education/How To
Apple Podcasts
#30
Hong Kong/Education/How To
Apple Podcasts
#37
India/Education/How To

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

S5E30: The Return of Standardized Testing: What PSAT, SAT, & ACT Scores Mean for 2027 Admissions and Beyond
Q: What does applying test optional signal to highly selective admissions officers? How do I decide if I should submit my score?
Caleel says applicants should compare their scores with a college's reported ranges, consider whether the college is familiar with their high school's rigor, and weigh whether a score supports the academic strengths relevant to their intended field.
S5E30: The Return of Standardized Testing: What PSAT, SAT, & ACT Scores Mean for 2027 Admissions and Beyond
Q: Does it matter whether my student takes the SAT or ACT? Is one better for selective college admissions?
Caleel says colleges do not favor one test over the other, so students should take diagnostic versions of both and focus on the one that fits them better. He advises against taking both unless there is a reason to switch after hitting a plateau.
S5E26: What 22 Years of Tutoring Teaches You About Students: Motivation, Mastery, and Finding Your Voice (With Advantage Testing's Sarah Bernbach)
Q: Should students read other admissions essays to guide their own writing?
Reading broadly can be helpful, but avoid imitation; authentic voice is not found by copying someone else's work.
S5E26: What 22 Years of Tutoring Teaches You About Students: Motivation, Mastery, and Finding Your Voice (With Advantage Testing's Sarah Bernbach)
Q: What makes a writer truly good in the context of a personal statement?
Humility and an understanding that truth lies outside the writer; the best essays reveal genuine voice rather than manufactured bravado.
S5E26: What 22 Years of Tutoring Teaches You About Students: Motivation, Mastery, and Finding Your Voice (With Advantage Testing's Sarah Bernbach)
Q: How do you help a student who is bright but not motivated to start an admissions essay?
Start with small, non-ambitious steps to prove you're on their side, then gradually build momentum so they feel supported rather than judged.

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What guests have appeared on Admittedly: College Admissions?

Recent guests on Admittedly: College Admissions include:

1. Sarah Bernbach
2. Sonam Aidasani
3. Gabrielle Dolan
4. Charles Loxton
5. Mike McLeod
6. Kathy Yellen
7. Michelle Chasin
8. Dr. Peggy Burich-Smith

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