Physics & STEM Admissions Mentoring — Niraj

My mission is to help ambitious students — especially those applying to Oxbridge and other top UK and US universities — think like young scientists: developing the intellectual curiosity, depth, and clarity that lead to exceptional admissions outcomes and lasting intellectual confidence.My Approach:
Having seen university admissions from every side — applicant, student, tutor, and interviewer — I know talented students often struggle not with ability, but with expressing their ideas clearly and confidently. My goal is to help them find their authentic intellectual voice and genuine intellectual confidence — qualities that serve them far beyond admissions.

Personalised academic coaching for ambitious students applying to top UK and US universities.

Oxbridge-trained astrophysicist with hands-on experience in tutoring and interviewing Physics applicants, helping students express intellectual curiosity, confidence, and academic depth in their applications to top universities.

About the Mentor

I spent seven years at the University of Oxford - four as an undergraduate in Physics (Master of Physics, MPhys) and three as a Beecroft (Postdoctoral) Research Fellow in Astrophysics. During my Fellowship, my research contributed to the ESA/NASA Euclid mission - work later recognized with Builder status for significant contributions to the mission. I also contributed to the ESA /NASA Planck mission and remain active in research as an Honorary Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, continuing to publish work in astrophysics and cosmology. I also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science at the University of Cambridge, giving me first-hand insight into both Oxford and Cambridge systems - tutorials versus supervisions, admission standards, and what each university values in applicants.During my Fellowship at Oxford, I conducted Physics admissions interviews at St Catherine’s College and tutored fourth-year MPhys students in astrophysics through Oxford’s rigorous tutorial system. Prior to this, I taught undergraduate astronomy for a year at the University of Pittsburgh (USA) as part of my PhD, which gave me direct experience with American academic expectations alongside British ones.Alongside mentoring, I am developing an early-stage space robotics startup that builds on my ESA/NASA Euclid mission experience. This gives students a window into how scientific research connects to real-world innovation in AI, computer vision, and entrepreneurship.These experiences shape how I help students connect their studies to real scientific discovery, innovation, and entrepreneurship. My approach encourages them to think like young scientists - curious, analytical, and articulate - building the intellectual confidence that top universities value.

What I Offer

  • 1:1 Mentoring: Personalised academic coaching in Physics, Maths, and related STEM fields.

  • Application Strategy: Academic and narrative guidance for Oxbridge, Ivy League, and other selective universities.

  • Admissions Interview Preparation: Training using authentic Oxbridge-style problems to develop clear, calm reasoning under pressure.

  • Research & Enrichment: Support for independent projects or advanced reading to strengthen intellectual maturity.

  • STEM Futures Mentoring: Insight into pathways in research, entrepreneurship, AI, deeptech, and space technology - showing how strong academic foundations lead to impactful careers.

Outcomes

After working with me, students will be able to:

  • Understand how to approach challenging Physics or STEM problems methodically

  • Communicate complex ideas clearly in essays and admissions interviews

  • Build confidence discussing their interests with genuine intellectual depth

  • See how their studies connect to research, innovation, and future careers

Why Parents Choose This

Parents choose this mentoring because it combines real academic insight with a deep understanding of student potential. Having seen admissions from the inside, I know what distinguishes capable students from exceptional ones - and how to nurture the curiosity, problem-solving, and communication skills that last well beyond the application process.Many students begin with strong technical skills but struggle to express their ideas with clarity and confidence. Through structured mentoring, they learn to articulate their thinking, deepen their intellectual curiosity, and connect their goals to real-world STEM paths.Every student’s path is different. I offer flexible options - from individual sessions to full Oxbridge or US application programmes.Programmes Available:- Oxbridge Admissions Support (2025 & 2026-27 applicants)- Oxbridge Standalone Admissions Interview Coaching- US University Applications (MIT, Stanford, Caltech, Princeton, Harvard, Yale)- Physics Mastery ProgrammeOxbridge and US application programmes are structured packages ($1,500-$6,000) including several personalised sessions and ongoing guidance over a flexible 4-12-week period. The Physics Mastery Programme is session-based, with flexible hourly or monthly options.Recent WorkCurrently supporting 2025 Oxford applicants across Physics and other subjects. Recent mentee secured unconditional offer to University of Edinburgh (Experimental Psychology) and is awaiting Oxford decision.Next StepsContact me to schedule a brief call to discuss your goals and find the right programme.
For 2025 applicants: Limited availability (coaching available for December Oxbridge admissions interviews)
For 2026-27 applicants: Optimal time to begin comprehensive preparation