(Written by Shivam M. Founder & CEO of Shivi Study Abroad, University of Cambridge alumnus)
Imagine you’re a starry-eyed teenager dreaming of attending Harvard, MIT, or Stanford. You Google “best study abroad consultants in India” and land on a page teeming with glitzy promises and grandiose claims. They swear they’ll get you into your dream institution—no matter your grades, extracurriculars, or finances. Sounds too good to be true, right? Spoiler alert: It usually is.
I’m no stranger to big dreams and bold undertakings. Having launched rockets into orbit (metaphorically speaking!) in my own career—studying at the University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, and University of Illinois, then working at JPMorgan Chase in the U.S.—I know firsthand how crucial credible guidance is for someone aiming to study overseas.
If you’re here reading this, I want to equip you with real insights into the study abroad “scam” phenomenon in India and show you the right way to get your child (or your students) into top-tier global universities.
The Nasty Truth of “Free” Consultancy
1. “No Consultancy Charges”You’ll encounter some firms that make a big show of not charging students a single rupee. “We do it for you, absolutely free!” they say, channeling a heroic façade. In reality, these consultants often profit massively from hefty commissions paid by lower-ranked universities. The bigger your tuition, the bigger their cut.
TL;DR: If you’re paying zero upfront, you might end up footing the bill in other, more hidden ways.
Commissions: The Industry’s Shadowy Core
2. Commissions from Tier-II and Tier-III UniversitiesElite institutions like Harvard, MIT, or Cambridge rarely, if ever, engage in commission-driven partnerships with consultants. They don’t need to. But plenty of mid-to-low ranked schools do, offering consultants nice payouts to funnel large numbers of Indian applicants their way.
That’s why your dream of an Ivy League acceptance might quickly pivot into “Look at this wonderful Tier-III campus in the middle of nowhere.” Don’t fall for it.
Pro Tip: Ask your consultant, “Are you an official partner of these top-tier schools?” Nine times out of ten, the answer will be “No.”
Test Scores: Don’t Let Optional Fool You
3. Test Scores Are (Mostly) VitalYes, some colleges offer “test-optional” pathways. But if you want to stand out for competitive programs—especially in top universities—scores for SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT can be game-changers.
They showcase your academic preparedness.
They can play a major role in scholarship decisions.
They often help admissions officers gauge how you’ll handle a rigorous workload.
Avoid “Template” Counseling
4. Tailored Profile DevelopmentMass-market consultancies are all about volume. They have tie-ups with certain universities and funnel as many students as possible to meet recruitment quotas. Real profile development requires crafting a bespoke strategy, focusing on each student’s unique strengths, passions, and extracurricular interests.
At Shivi Study Abroad, we dig deep:
What are the student’s real interests?
Which universities have specialized programs that align perfectly with those interests?
How can we optimize standardized test strategies, recommendation letters, and essays to impress specific admissions committees?
100% Refund if you don't get admitted to your choice of university. Read our article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/100-refund-you-dont-get-meet-study-abroad-consultancy-shivam-mishra-lfrfc/?trackingId=HCddm6w%2BBa4XAXDQ7GBFNA%3D%3D to learn more about our Guarantee admission or refund policy.
If you’re looking at Harvard or MIT, guess what? They each want different traits in an applicant. One might look for your entrepreneurial flair, while the other might be more intrigued by your research potential.
Do Your Own Research
5. University Ranking Isn’t Everything—But It’s a StartIf someone recommends a certain program, it’s your job to cross-check it:
Contact alumni on LinkedIn.
Dive into forums like Reddit or specialized student communities.
Investigate career outcomes—especially for professional programs in tech, finance, or healthcare.
Look at on-campus recruitment stats, starting salaries, and the vibe of the campus culture. Also, be sure to pay attention to location—city or suburbs? Are there enough cultural or dietary accommodations (vegan, vegetarian, Halal, etc.) that matter to you?
The Financial Reality
6. Crunching the NumbersA four-year undergrad program at a top U.S. university can easily run you $200,000+ in tuition and living costs. If you’re going to invest that sort of money (or debt), it better be for a brand name that pays dividends down the line. Scholarship opportunities, on-campus jobs, and robust career services can be the difference between thriving or struggling financially after graduation.
Insider Pro Tips: How to Beat the System
Vet the Counselor: Look for actual academic credentials (not a random three-hour online course) and real-life study/work experience abroad.
Avoid Big Names (Sometimes): Large consultancies often mean large quotas, not personalized mentorship.
Test Early and Thoroughly: Don’t wait till the last minute. Register for SAT/ACT/GMAT early and prep intensively.
Profile Development: Start in Class 9 or 10 if possible—engage in meaningful extracurriculars, competitions, and community service that align with your interests.
Local & Global Research: Use the web to talk to real people, not just read fancy brochures.
Shivi Student MSc Actuarial Science offer Closing Thoughts
The Indian study abroad consultancy space can be tough—there are many reputable counselors out there, but there are also plenty of sharks. Much like launching a rocket to Mars, success is about synergy, strategy, and unwavering dedication. Don’t let glitzy marketing overshadow the real question: “Are we on the trajectory to a truly top-tier university, or are we settling for a subpar outcome masked in shiny brochures?”
Remember: Great education is a long-term investment. Do it right and the payoff—career growth, global networking, intellectual enrichment—can be monumental.
About the Author
I’m Shivam Mishra, Founder & CEO of Shivi Learning, which owns Shivi Study Abroad. My academic journey took me through the University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, and the University of Illinois. Professionally, I’ve worked at JPMorgan Chase in the U.S. and lived overseas for over a decade.
I’ve experienced the entire “study abroad” spectrum firsthand: the excitement, the bureaucracy, the anxiety, and ultimately, the reward. Today, I channel that expertise to guide Indian students through the complexities of top-tier university admissions—minus the hidden agendas and false promises.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or drop by our office for a personalized roadmap to help your child’s—or your own—dreams take flight.
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