Meet Sujit Pai | High School Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sujit Pai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sujit, is there something you believe many others might not?
One piece of conventional advice I disagree with is the idea that “students should follow a strict, traditional path to success.” This often means focusing only on getting top grades, following a standard list of extracurriculars, and aiming for certain “prestigious” colleges. While these things are valuable, they don’t define success for everyone, and they can create unnecessary pressure to conform. As a high school student, I saw many of my peers’ struggles with balancing academics, extracurriculars, college applications, and mental well-being. I realized there was a need for a platform that offered both academic guidance and peer support—something created by students, for students. We started with the goal of making academic success achievable for everyone, regardless of background or resources. Instead of just being a tutoring service, we envisioned a platform that would be a comprehensive resource hub. Academic Insider became a solution to connect students with valuable, easy-to-digest tips, personalized college application support, and mentorship from experienced students. This holistic approach aims to empower students to succeed both academically and personally. Through Academic Insider, I’ve seen that each student’s journey is unique, and the most successful students are often those who explore their genuine interests, take unconventional paths, and find ways to build skills and experiences that resonate with them. I believe students should be encouraged to pursue projects, subjects, and activities that ignite their passion—even if they don’t fit a “traditional” mold. This approach not only makes them more fulfilled but also allows them to develop a true sense of purpose and resilience, which are invaluable for future success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Academic Insider is more than just a tutoring service or academic resource platform—it’s a mission-driven community created by students, for students. What sets us apart is our commitment to making academic guidance accessible, genuine, and tailored to the real-life experiences of high school students. We’re not just another educational platform; we’re a resource that truly understands what students need because we’re in the same boat, facing similar challenges.

We’re most proud of how we’ve grown from a small social media page into a platform with global reach. Today, we’re impacting thousands of students with resources like SAT/ACT prep, college essay reviews, free tutoring services, and unique learning content. Building something that’s become a trusted, go-to platform for so many young people is incredibly rewarding.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. We’ve faced challenges with social media fluctuations, shadowbans, and building credibility as a youth-led organization. But each obstacle taught us a valuable lesson. For instance, when social media algorithms made it hard to reach students consistently, we expanded our efforts by creating a website, launching a newsletter, and developing services beyond just social media. This adaptability has been key to our growth.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that perseverance and authenticity make a difference. Our team’s passion for helping others has driven us to keep evolving, no matter the challenges. We want the world to know that Academic Insider is here to empower students by providing them with resources, support, and a community where they can thrive. We’re dedicated to breaking down barriers to academic success and inspiring students to dream big. Our story is one of resilience, collaboration, and the belief that every student deserves the tools to succeed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d kick things off with a trip to Stonebriar Mall. It’s the perfect spot to hang out, shop, and enjoy great food. We’d explore the stores, grab a bite at one of the restaurants—probably something casual and fun like Shake Shack or The Cheesecake Factory—and maybe catch a movie at the AMC theater. For a little excitement, we could hit up the escape room or go bowling at Strikz nearby to keep the energy up.

After a day out, we’d head home for a more laid-back vibe, playing basketball with friends. There’s something unbeatable about a good game with people you know well, sharing laughs and friendly competition. It’s the perfect way to wind down and connect, especially after a day spent exploring. The mix of a bustling mall scene and chill backyard hoops make for a week full of fun and memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate a huge shoutout to the incredible team that has been with me since the beginning of Academic Insider: Caleb Manickam, Pamir Sanyal, Lakshman Vidadala, Amogh Mahadar, and every person who has served as a mentor to us. Each of them has brought unique skills, perspectives, and dedication that have been essential to our growth and success.
As high school students, our team at Academic Insider shares core values centered around accessibility, authenticity, and the desire to help our peers succeed. We all experienced the pressures and challenges of high school firsthand—navigating tough classes, managing extracurriculars, preparing for standardized tests, and planning for college. We understand that these years can be overwhelming and isolating, especially without clear, reliable guidance. One of the biggest motivators for us was the clear gap we noticed in online resources for high school students. The information we found on academic success, college admissions, or even extracurricular planning was often fragmented, inconsistent, or geared toward generic advice that didn’t resonate with our unique experiences. Much of the guidance online felt impersonal, sometimes outdated, and often failed to address the realities of being a student today. There were plenty of resources, but they were scattered across platforms, often behind paywalls, or written in a way that didn’t feel approachable for young people.

We wanted to create a resource that was genuinely helpful, relatable, and, above all, honest about what it takes to succeed in high school today. At Academic Insider, our shared values drive us to bridge this gap by providing content that reflects our own experiences and speaks directly to the needs of high school students. We’re committed to making information accessible to everyone, whether it’s offering free tutoring to low-income students or providing insider tips on navigating high school life. Our team strives to give students a voice, offering guidance that we wish we had when we were freshmen. We want Academic Insider to be a supportive community where students can find reliable information, encouragement, and the tools they need to succeed—not just academically but personally as well.

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