Bangalore, India – Pranjal, a dedicated high school student from Bangalore, recently celebrated his acceptance into MIT. In an exclusive interview, Pranjal shared his journey and how ApplyEdge played a pivotal role in helping him achieve his dream. Here is his inspiring story.
Discovering IvyLeap
“When I started researching colleges and began the application process, I was daunted. I soon realized that I would need some help, and with my parents, I looked at various alternatives. I came across IvyLeap’s website, and it immediately stood out due to its favorable customer feedback and high success rate. Later on, a family friend also mentioned IvyLeap, my choice was made, and I decided to go for it,” Pranjal recounted.
Building a Strong Profile with IvyLeap
ApplyEdge, formerly IvyLeap, was instrumental in guiding Pranjal through the complexities of college applications. From the outset, they conducted a comprehensive 360-degree analysis, identifying the key elements of a strong profile. “They identified all the activities, passion projects, internships, and other things that I should do to help me stand out in the application pool,” Pranjal explained.
The guidance extended to every aspect of the application process. “They helped me brainstorm essay ideas and provided detailed advice along with sample essays from students who had been successfully admitted in the past. These always provided a fresh, eye-opening perspective,” Pranjal said.
Exceptional Essay Guidance
Pranjal highlighted the invaluable essay guidance he received from ApplyEdge. “Members of IvyLeap who were former admissions officers of Ivy League schools went through all of my essays multiple times, helping me fine-tune the points I wanted to make and improve the quality of my writing. They stuck with me till the end and were the first to ask and congratulate me when my acceptance from my first college choice finally came,” he shared.
Comprehensive and Personalized Support
The overall guidance from ApplyEdge was impeccable. Pranjal appreciated the comprehensive coverage of all aspects of college applications and the availability of counselors for any questions he had. “While members of IvyLeap always voiced candid opinions, the final choice was always left with me – something that I liked. The fact that IvyLeap had college counselors with a lot of experience lent credibility to all of their advice,” Pranjal noted.
Individualized Attention and Dedication
One standout aspect of Pranjal’s experience with ApplyEdge was the individualized attention he received. “The best part of the IvyLeap experience was the amount the IvyLeap members were willing to help me and the individualized attention we got,” Pranjal emphasized. He recounted how Mr. Pradeep, one of the founders, personally briefed him about important sessions he had missed, ensuring he was fully up to speed.
Transformative Essay Workshops
The essay workshops were a highlight for Pranjal. “The brainstorming sheets provided gave me the perfect start to essay writing. While it felt tiring to keep reworking essay drafts continuously, the positive tone in the essay reviews ensured that I felt a sense of progress and remained motivated. The constructive feedback and questions the IvyLeap team raised forced me to reassess and think about how I could improve my essay,” he said.
He also extended special thanks to Mr. Pradeep for his guidance. “My application could not have been the same without his efforts,” Pranjal added.
Advice for Future Applicants
For students preparing to apply to colleges, Pranjal offered some valuable advice: “Stay motivated, stay dedicated, and don’t procrastinate. College applications at the start can appear terrifying. It always feels like there is too much to do and too little time to do it. While doing college applications, never lose sight of your goal and let the thought of getting into your dream college drive you forward.”
He emphasized the importance of reaching out to IvyLeap counselors whenever in doubt. “If you have any doubts or want to ask something, reach out to them! While they’re incredibly helpful, they aren’t mind-readers. If you’re struggling with something, you’ll need to take the initiative and ask,” Pranjal advised.
Conclusion
Pranjal’s journey to MIT is a testament to the transformative power of dedicated mentorship and personalized guidance. With the unwavering support of ApplyEdge, he navigated the daunting college application process and emerged victorious. Pranjal’s story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring college students, demonstrating that with the right guidance, achieving one’s dream is indeed possible.