Maya Okafor
UCLA isn't just a big state school — it's one of the most distinctive research universities in the country, and I help students understand and communicate why they genuinely want to be there.
About Maya
UCLA was my first choice, and I'm tired of people underestimating it. UCLA's research programs, its unique interdisciplinary approach, and its culture of engaged scholarship are genuinely different from any other school — and admissions readers can tell immediately when a student actually understands that versus when they're just putting UCLA on a list.
I help students applying to UCLA, UC Berkeley, USC, and similar schools understand what makes these programs distinctive and write essays that demonstrate real engagement with the school. I also specialize in environmental and policy-focused students who need help positioning their interests for programs that aren't the traditional STEM or humanities tracks.
Academic Credentials
Extracurriculars
- UCLA Luskin School Environmental Policy Clinic
- Climate Justice Coalition (Co-Founder)
- UCLA Grand Challenges Research Team
- Varsity Soccer
- Environmental Education Outreach (Elementary Schools)
Awards & Honors
- UCLA Sustainability Award
- Robert C. Birkby Leadership Award
- National AP Scholar
Services Offered
Line-by-line feedback on your Common App personal statement and supplemental essays. Specific, actionable edits — not just vague encouragement.
Big-picture application strategy: how to position your profile, which schools to target, and how to differentiate yourself from other applicants.
Build a balanced, researched school list based on your academic profile, personality, and goals — not just rankings.
Navigate FAFSA, CSS Profile, merit aid, and financial aid appeals with someone who has been through it.
Student Reviews
Maya helped me understand what actually makes Duke special — and once I could articulate that, my supplemental essays practically wrote themselves. She's incredibly knowledgeable about the school.
I came to Maya knowing I wanted to study environmental policy but not knowing how to make that compelling. She helped me connect my passion to specific Duke programs and research — and it showed.
Maya's financial aid guidance session was super practical and clear. She walked me through the FAFSA process, explained what to expect from Duke's aid, and helped me ask the right questions.
Weekly Availability
By The Numbers
More Mentors
Simone Thompson
IVY VerifiedI know how overwhelming the college process can feel — I was a first-gen student with no guidance. Now I help students like you build the application that gets you in.
Aisha Johnson
IVY VerifiedYale taught me that your story is your strongest application asset. I help students find their authentic voice and translate it into essays that admissions officers remember.
Diana Chen
IVY VerifiedGot into MIT with a 3.88 GPA, not a 4.0. Your grades don't define you — your projects, your curiosity, and your story do. I help STEM students show admissions offices who they really are.