Hi everyone 🤍 When I started this group, the goal was to give ambitious students real, strategic admissions guidance for free — not just generic tips. And it’s been amazing to see so many of you take advantage of it. But as things have grown, I need to focus my time on students I work with directly — so this group will now function as a resource hub only, without active Q&A. ✅ How to Use This Group Now You still have access to two core resources: - 70+ strategy posts (all organized in the “One-Stop Hub” pinned post) - The free course module (located in the Classroom tab) Both are incredibly valuable and cover the kind of guidance students usually pay counselors for — so I highly recommend making the most of them. I may still share occasional updates or resources here, but I’ll no longer be answering individual application questions. 📲 Want to Keep Learning? That’s all happening on Instagram — @theivywizard. I post new tips, strategy breakdowns, and student examples there every week. If you’re serious about improving your application, make sure you’re following — that’s where most of the new content will be. 🎓 Want Personalized Support? If you're applying soon and genuinely want guidance, you're welcome to book a free strategy call to explore a potential fit with my Ivy Blueprint coaching program. It's a structured, step-by-step system for building a standout application — with personalized coaching and feedback from me throughout the process. 💬 Don’t Forget — One of the main reasons I started this group was to help students connect. You're always welcome to post, share progress, and support each other here — that part hasn’t changed. Thanks again for being part of this community 💜 / Lisa (The Ivy Wizard)

I know a lot of you are struggling with the personal statement right now. It is one of the most important parts of your app, so I understand the pressure, but most students approach it the wrong way (hence the struggle). So here are some tips: what actually makes an essay stand out? ✅ What admissions officers are really looking for: - A real story — something personal, specific, and meaningful. Not a flex list. - Honest reflection — What did the experience teach you? How did it shape you? - Your voice — No need for perfect grammar or fancy language. Just sound like you. - A clear takeaway — What should we know about you by the end? What direction are you headed? 🚫 Common mistakes that kill a good essay: - Turning it into a resume recap - Faking drama — you don’t need trauma to be interesting - Being super vague — “I learned a lot” doesn’t cut it - Trying to sound impressive instead of authentic 💭 Test your essay: If someone else could write your essay, it’s not personal enough. What’s been the hardest part for you when trying to write yours? Let me know—I’ll reply to help out 🤍

🏆 CHALLENGE #2 1️⃣ Step 1: Watch Video on Application Persona The video was quite informative and I wrote a few notes on a piece of paper ( so that I don't forget it.) 2️⃣ Step 2: Fill Out the Worksheet OKAY THIS REALLY TOLD ME A LOT ABOUT MYSELF. Im still kinda confused about whether to choose my intended major or not but its okk 3️⃣ Step 3: Share What You Found 📌 Use your worksheet to answer these 3 parts in your post. A. Snapshot of You Answer the 3 questions below: - Academic interest: Biology, Chemistry and Physics - Favorite activity: Playing badminton and thinking. Thinking- as in thinking of new ways, possibilities. Like a machine learning AI that tries out every possibility and feels a burst of joy when they find the way out. - Future goal: I hope to work on fields in biotechnology. I've actually been so immersed in biotech this past year, that I can't explain. B. Core Themes 1️⃣Love for thrilling majors that are unexpected ( Biology) 2️⃣A love for scientific research and discovery 3️⃣ A want to return to people their smiles by treating their illnesses. C. Your Application Persona Sentence [Someone who flows in the joy of inventing, someone who wants to use her brain and find her potential by combining things that she loves- AI and Biology] 4️⃣ Step 4: Reality Check Now that you’ve written your Persona, it’s time to test how well your current experiences support it. - Neuroscience course ( currently in the middle), currently making a project - competitions. I'm a little scared, but still, I could try. 5️⃣ Step 5: Invite 3 New Friends @Aradhya S. @Woofoo Waferr @Kikiiiii Nagyanyun I don't have anymore friends to convince to come (haha), so I'm not sure if I can add these names. To be frank, these three haven't even been online for the past week. Not sure how to convince them to come online. Lastly, THANK YOU @Ivy Wizard , because honestly, I managed to find one better story for my applications. Tho it's not any better, it's still something good that I could think of something. The questions were engaging, thanks!

1️⃣ Step 1: Watched video ✅ Done! 2️⃣ Step 2: Completed worksheet ✅ Done! 3️⃣ Step 3: Share What You Found A. Snapshot of You Academic interest: Mathematics, computer science/AI and Physics (strongest grades & taking more advanced classes- Further math and extended physics with a practical component) Extracurricular standouts: Coding classes Math Olympiads Volunteered to teach kids coding Math and coding centric Instagram account @maseehaomarjee on Instagram Future goal: Create more advanced tools in tech from the standpoint of mathematical innovation, with a focus on sustainability B. Core Themes Scientific research and discovery Creativity and exploration Problem solving Sustainability C. Application Persona Sentence "A math-focused student with a desire to revolutionise technology and AI while driving the industry to sustainability" 4️⃣ Step 4: Reality Check Supports my story: Completed several extra courses in CS and computing High marks in mathematics and possible recommendation letter from teachers (math and science) Could improve by: Taking a current AI math tutoring web app I am building to national levels in the ISF Eskom Expo Complete the FNB App Academy course I am enrolled in 5️⃣ Step 5: Invited 3 Friends @Ogto Igog @Tresan Sura @Manaan Chatri (all joined!)

I know a lot of you have reached out about 1-on-1s, which I really appreciate. It means you're serious about your journey, and I love seeing that. Just so everyone’s on the same page, I wanted to clarify how 1-on-1s work — and why I only offer them in specific cases: 🔒 1. Join MasterPath That’s my full admissions program — built from the same 1:1 strategies I used at an elite firm, now structured into a step-by-step course with lessons, tools, and live support from me. ➡️ Members can add 1-on-1s if needed. ➡️ And if you join by June 30, you’ll get a free 1-on-1 automatically. 🏆 2. Win a Challenge Every other week, I run small challenges here to reward the most committed students — and the winner gets a free 1-on-1. 📅 The current challenge ends this Sunday, June 29. Don't miss out! Why it’s set up this way 1-on-1s take real time and care. To keep quality high and prices accessible, I focus personal support on students who are all-in through MasterPath or actively showing up in this group. Have a great weekend — and let me know if you have any questions 🤍