Get to know me

For the past 12 years, I’ve worked as an Educational Adviser in one form or another. I consider myself extremely fortunate—I had access to solid guidance when I was a student, and that changed my life. After completing my own education, I felt a strong pull to help others the same way I had been helped, all while pursuing my other passions.

Let me tell you about my journey. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I want you to know: there are people who can guide you to your potential. I was lucky enough to find them—and you can too.

I was raised in Mumbai and studied at Don Bosco High School, Matunga, up to the 10th grade (SSC board). Though I was fortunate to have exceptional teachers who went beyond the curriculum, I felt something missing in the education system itself. It lacked the breadth and depth to prepare students for the real world—both professionally and personally.

After the 10th, I joined Ramnivas Ruia College in Matunga, one of Mumbai’s most prestigious junior colleges. Like many students, I also enrolled in coaching classes for entrance exams. But I soon realized I was just chasing marks(grades). Actual learning—of the kind that excites and empowers you—was missing.

Despite being clear that I wanted to work with cars, I had no roadmap to get there. I began exploring—visiting the IIT Bombay campus, speaking to professionals, and involving myself in extracurricular activities. It became clear: I needed a different kind of education. One that gave me academic freedom, practical knowledge, and a holistic worldview.

I took a gap year and spent most of it at the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) library. I studied the U.S. education system, entrance tests, and possible career paths. It was a lonely time—but it was also a period of immense clarity and growth.

Eventually, I scored 780/800 on the Math section of the SAT, which caught the attention of the advisers at USIEF. Dr. Ryan Pereira, a senior adviser, recommended I apply to large state universities that offered scholarships. I applied to five U.S. universities and was accepted by all. Oklahoma State University offered me a 50% scholarship, which sealed the deal. Coming from a middle-class family, that financial aid made higher education abroad possible.

I arrived in Stillwater in January 2013. From the beginning, I knew I had made the right decision. The U.S. education system—at least at OSU—was truly holistic. I took advanced engineering courses alongside general education classes which led to a minor in Sociology. I like to think that I apply a problem-solving mindset to social situations and a human mindset to technical problems. 

During my summers, I returned to India, which was always my final destination. I also stayed connected to USIEF, interning with the Fulbright section and joining the Pre-Departure Orientation panels for five straight years. After I graduated, Dr. Pereira offered me a job at USIEF to guide other Indian students with their studies in the United States. In 2019, I joined USIEF Mumbai as an Educational Coordinator/Adviser. 

I believe in the U.S. education system because it emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and interdisciplinary learning—skills that are essential no matter your career. This platform exists to counter the flood of unethical consultants and inauthentic information surrounding foreign education. (In case you cannot afford education abroad, I would highly recommend understanding some of the educational pedagogy of Western universities and applying it to yourself. I try to explain that in my articles.) 

Most of the resources you need are already free—YouTube is a goldmine if you know what to look for. But if you ever feel you need personal guidance (an Adviser, not a Consultant), I’m here to help.

While education is my core mission, I wear a few other hats:

• Automotive Work: I build, test, and drive cars and motorcycles for various purposes. I co-run a drifting school in Mumbai with another U.S. university alumnus, where I teach students how to drift cars professionally.
   
• Photography: I’ve been pursuing photography for 13 years and have been shooting professionally for the past year.
   
• Canine Behaviorist: I trained under Shirin Dhabhar as a Dog Trainer and Behaviorist. I consult on dog training and behavior cases and mainly focus on educating dog owners on understanding their beloved pets. I own a fully trained sniffer dog and can find us on Marine Drive most nights.
   

I want to make quality educational and professional advice accessible to anyone who needs it. Whether you’re trying to choose a university, navigate the application process, or prepare mentally for life abroad, I’m here to help.

Wishing you all the best in your academic and professional journey.

                                                                                                                                   -Manmohan