Do Summer Programs Really Matter for College Admissions?
Families ask me constantly: Do summer programs really matter for college admissions, or are we just paying for something that “looks good” on paper? The truth is far more nuanced than the glossy brochures or Instagram ads might suggest. Understanding whether summer programs really matter for college admissions requires seeing summer through an admissions officer’s […]
What Most Families Overlook in College Admissions (and How to Fix It Before It’s Too Late)
The Hidden Half of College Admissions: What Families Are Getting Wrong Every year, thousands of students rush to fill their résumés with clubs, awards, and leadership titles—believing that quantity equals success. But in reality, this approach misses what Thomas Caleel, former Wharton Admissions Director and host of The Admittedly Podcast, calls the hidden half of […]
The 3 Biggest College Admissions Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Discover the three biggest college admissions mistakes students make — no story, no strategy, and no ownership — and learn expert advice from former Ivy League admissions officers on how to fix them before application season
Test-Optional Admissions in 2026: Should You Still Submit SAT or ACT Scores?
Confused by test-optional admissions? Discover what colleges really mean, when to submit your SAT/ACT scores, and how test scores impact your chances in 2026 and beyond—straight talk from former Wharton admissions director Thomas Caleel.
Are College Admissions Really Getting Easier in 2026?
Think Ivy League admissions will be easier in 2026? Think again. Former Wharton admissions director Thomas Caleel breaks down the data, debunks the myths, and reveals what families can actually control in today’s hyper-competitive landscape.
Smarter Prep, Authentic Essays, and Global Options: 3 Ways to Strengthen Your Admissions Strategy
Some say tests don’t matter. Others insist on resume-stuffing extracurriculars. Let’s cut through the noise and focus on three areas that matter most.
Behind the Scenes: What Are Admissions Officers Really Looking For?
Former Wharton admissions director Thomas Caleel explains how elite colleges actually evaluate applications. Learn how officers read files, what matters most, and how to make your story stand out.
Ivy League Acceptance Rates 2024: Complete Analysis
See Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, and Penn acceptance rates for 2024, plus what changed at Princeton and Cornell. Strategy tips, data sources, and FAQs included.
Major Shifts in College Admissions: What Families Need to Know in 2025
Learn how college admissions are changing in 2025. From funding cuts and full-pay preferences to visa hurdles and campus culture, here’s what families need to know — plus strategies to stay competitive.
Avoiding Coasting in High School: College Admissions Complacency and How Families Can Stay Competitive
Why Coasting in High School Hurts College Admissions Q: What does “coasting” in high school mean?Coasting means easing up on rigor — taking fewer challenging classes, dropping activities, or treating summers as downtime. For students aiming at selective colleges, this signals disengagement to admissions officers. Q: Why is coasting dangerous for college admissions?Admissions officers look […]