The Iceberg Illusion

You may look at me and think

'WOW, this guy got such a high ATAR against all odds, he's so smart'

And if you aren't thinking this about me, you definitely are about other people (whether that's a student, athlete or whoever else).

The truth is, my friend, is that it's all an illusion.

When someone succeeds, you only see what's on the outside.

The END result.

You don't see the sacrifice, dedication, hardwork, failure and difficulties that that person went through.

I am telling you this not to scare you; but to shed light on what's actually required if you want to make an academic comeback and score a 95+ ATAR.

If you truly want to succeed, you MUST:

• Put in the hard work

• Be dedicated and serious (not half-assing everything)

• Get back up after failing

• Push through the resistance

• Invest in yourself

• Be disappointed and learn from it

• Do what others aren't willing to do.

Don't listen to anyone online who tries to convince you that you can succeed by putting in barely any work (trust me when I say this, they put in so much work, but they want to seem like they're super smart and that there is this 'secret hack to scoring a 99 ATAR by studying 30 mins a day').

Everyone who tries to convince you that they studied only 30 mins a day and scored a 99+ ATAR either:

1. Is completely lying to you

2. Has always been a good student and goes to a private/selective school

3. Is referring to a single day where they studied for only 30 mins

That's the truth - sorry if your hopes of putting in barely any work has been shattered.

And this is ESPECIALLY TRUE if you have odds against you and you want to make an academic comeback./

I can't believe some students are low-performing right now, yet are trying to find the shortcut and study for only 1 hour a day. It doesn't make sense!

Don't seek any shortcuts. Focus, put in the work, and you'll succeed!

And always remember, I am here for you 💪

If I can make an academic comeback, why in the world can't you?