Is College Actually Worth It For Your Kids? (The Seventh Grade Math Test to Decide) featuring Thomas Caleel

The Dad Edge Podcast dives deep into the emotional and strategic complexities of college admissions, challenging the myth that college is a one-size-fits-all path to success. Guest Thomas Caleel, a former admissions officer and founder of Admittedly, reveals that the college application process has shifted from rewarding 'well-rounded' students to seeking deep, authentic passion—what he calls 'vertical spikes' in interests like entrepreneurship, dance, or science. He warns parents that decisions made as early as sixth grade—like skipping a math assessment over summer—can determine whether a student can even take advanced calculus by sophomore year, blocking access to competitive majors like engineering or business. Caleel argues that doing fewer things intentionally and well—like starting a sneaker reselling business—creates more compelling stories than stacking generic extracurriculars. He also dismantles the 'college is a scam' narrative, not by defending traditional four-year degrees, but by advocating for a nuanced approach: community college, trade schools, or even non-traditional paths can be smarter investments than $50,000-a-year private colleges with poor ROI. With federal student loan caps now limiting borrowing to $20,000 total, he urges families to treat college as a financial decision, not just an emotional one, and to negotiate aid aggressively.