Maanya Ailawadi
Rupali and Ashish are the dream team of mentors, making the whole application process a walk in the park.
Rupali took on the job of my tennis trainer by always ensuring that I was on my toes with my deadlines and choices. She always tried to help us make college lists which were tailor-made according to my preferences and habits, and I’m truly sorry for the list-changing sprees, Rupali!
My experience with Ara was a game-changer, thanks to Rupali and Ashish. They made every moment count, transforming me into a new, confident version of myself. The me from 9 months ago wouldn’t even recognize the powerhouse I’ve become, all thanks to these two precious mentors of mine!
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My journey with Ara was smoother than a buttered pancake! Despite joining fashionably late, I never felt like I missed the boat. School essays were a snooze fest, but college essays? Oh boy, they turned into a blast! Thanks to Ashish, I now strut around like a college essay guru. Rupali and Ashish are the dream team of mentors, making the whole application process a walk in the park.
There were moments when I needed a nudge, times when my essays fell short, and instances where I doubted myself. But Ashish? He never lost faith in me. He’d give me a pep talk, a reality check, and sprinkle me with confidence and motivation (Ashish, seriously, motivational speaker – think about it!). He’s a gem of a human and also someone I can relate to a lot (despite the fact that he is middle-aged and I have not even attained a quarter of my life yet).
Rupali took on the job of my tennis trainer by always ensuring that I was on my toes with my deadlines and choices. She always tried to help us make college lists which were tailor-made according to my preferences and habits, and I’m truly sorry for the list-changing sprees, Rupali!
My experience with Ara was a game-changer, thanks to Rupali and Ashish. They made every moment count, transforming me into a new, confident version of myself. The me from 9 months ago wouldn’t even recognize the powerhouse I’ve become, all thanks to these two precious mentors of mine!
And yes, Rupali, our party is due, I remember. And Ashish, I still owe you a cup of chai with Parle-G. I’m not running away from both of those.
Maanya Sethi
I came for mentorship. I left with wisdom, a friend… and a mild fear of Ashish’s brutally honest pep talks. Ara didn’t just guide us—they Jedi mind-tricked us into taking action through storytelling.
Ara is always a text away, transparent, patient, ready to make changes, and never afraid to say: ‘Yikes, maybe don’t do that.’ 10/10 would get mentored (and roasted) again.
One thing that Ashish has taught me is I can do whatever I want. Quite Literally. He not only mentors but he truly believes in his mentees even if they let him down. Ara will enable you to take control of your life because when you join Ara you (the mentees) do the work, you are completely in control and involved in the process…no team handing out and doing work for you.
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I came for mentorship. I left with wisdom, a friend… and a mild fear of Ashish’s brutally honest pep talks. Ara didn’t just guide us—they Jedi mind-tricked us into taking action through storytelling.
No ‘do this, do that’—just tales so good, we had no choice but to level up. Ara calls initially might feel like they just told you stories, incidents, news headlines, etc., and ended the call…but slowly and steadily the work will happen automatically by the mentee.
Ashish has this magical ability to describe your potential disastrous future if you don’t use your time wisely — and somehow, you thank him afterward. It’s terrifying. It’s beautiful. It works.
Ara is always a text away, transparent, patient, ready to make changes, and never afraid to say: ‘Yikes, maybe don’t do that.’ 10/10 would get mentored (and roasted) again.
One thing that Ashish has taught me is I can do whatever I want. Quite Literally. He not only mentors but he truly believes in his mentees even if they let him down. Ara will enable you to take control of your life because when you join Ara you (the mentees) do the work, you are completely in control and involved in the process…no team handing out and doing work for you.
It might be irritating at first but after you get the results you realize you wouldn’t have it any other way, it feels worth it because you did the work. Not a stranger. At the end of the day if you listen and DO what the Ara team says you’ll be completely fine and safe in life 😅
Eklavea Shah
I came into Ara with just a rough idea of what I wanted to study, and they patiently showed me a bigger picture with endless possibilities I hadn’t even dreamed of. Our sessions never felt forced or formal—they were always filled with healthy discussions, debates, and tons of brainstorming, naturally inspiring me to do something meaningful.
Under Ashish’s mentorship, I didn’t just complete college applications; I grew immensely as a person. He was the one who motivated me to write and publish my first book—something I never imagined doing at this age. His patient guidance, constant feedback, and insightful advice transformed what seemed impossible into one of my proudest achievements. Ashish also encouraged me to go ahead with publishing patents, constantly showing that Ara was about real growth and transformation, not just standard consulting.
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After spending more than two years with Ara, I can honestly say joining them was hands-down one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Ashish and Rupali didn’t just guide me through my college applications; they genuinely became part of my extended family, always supporting and deeply caring about my future. I came into Ara with just a rough idea of what I wanted to study, and they patiently showed me a bigger picture with endless possibilities I hadn’t even dreamed of. Our sessions never felt forced or formal—they were always filled with healthy discussions, debates, and tons of brainstorming, naturally inspiring me to do something meaningful.
Ashish has truly been the backbone of this whole journey for me. His incredible style of thinking and constant ideation always pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Honestly, our Monday sessions at 6:30 PM quickly became my favorite part of the week. They weren’t just about college—they were about life, big ideas, and creating real impact. I genuinely looked forward to sitting down and diving into conversations about current affairs, exciting new projects, or just interesting news we’d both read. It was never boring—it was always something that sparked my curiosity.
Under Ashish’s mentorship, I didn’t just complete college applications; I grew immensely as a person. He was the one who motivated me to write and publish my first book—something I never imagined doing at this age. His patient guidance, constant feedback, and insightful advice transformed what seemed impossible into one of my proudest achievements. Ashish also encouraged me to go ahead with publishing patents, constantly showing that Ara was about real growth and transformation, not just standard consulting.
Something I deeply admire about Ashish is how humble, simple, and incredibly knowledgeable he is—honestly, I’ve never met someone who matches his ethical standards. Knowing I was guided by someone so genuine and down-to-earth always made me feel confident that I was with the right mentor. Ashish felt more like a close friend who I could count on anytime. Whenever I reached out, he was there, ready with the perfect advice or a simple “proud of you, dost,” which honestly meant the world and inspired me to achieve milestones like winning prestigious international economics competitions.
One of the best parts about working with Ashish was how he always managed to make things lighter and stress-free. We planned everything so meticulously ahead of time that deadlines never felt overwhelming. Instead, the entire process was seamless and genuinely enjoyable. Ashish gave immense feedback on my college essays, and we went through countless iterations. Each round of feedback wasn’t just about improving the essays—it pushed me to think deeper, understand my own motivations better, and express myself more authentically.
Through Ara, I’ve learned to value critical thinking and introspection. Before, I’d often jump straight to conclusions, thinking my first idea was always the best. But the insightful debates and discussions with Ashish taught me the importance of pausing, reconsidering, and truly understanding different perspectives.
Ara didn’t just help me get into a great college—they shaped me into a thinker, a creator, and most importantly, a better human being. The warmth, trust, and family-like bond created by Ashish and Rupali made this journey genuinely unforgettable. I can’t thank Ara enough—not just for their academic guidance, but for helping me discover who I am and who I truly want to become. Thank you so much for everything.
Tanvi Agarwal
Compared to my peers, who had to constantly trail their counsellors and battle for their advisers’ attention, my experience with Ara was exactly opposite and absolutely fantastic! Ara would constantly follow-up with me and kept me on my toes to meet deadlines.
My mentor made sure I always understood where I needed to improve, constantly inspiring me, and always made sure that I realised there was always room for improvement and progress.
All my dream universities accepted me, without any exception. So much so that my mom asked: “Is it so easy to get into top Design universities?!”
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Compared to my peers, who had to constantly trail their counsellors and battle for their advisers’ attention, my experience with Ara was exactly opposite and absolutely fantastic! Ara would constantly follow-up with me and kept me on my toes to meet deadlines.
Although I started off late, which was a terrible mistake, by the time I was done, it didn’t seem like the delay impacted my chances of admission to my dream colleges compared to my peers who had been receiving counselling for much longer than I had. My mentor made sure I always understood where I needed to improve, constantly inspiring me, and always made sure that I realised there was always room for improvement and progress.
Ara was persistent with the help they provided with my writings, my portfolio and ensured that the quality of my work and my applications never suffered. The multiple revisions and renditions of each essay gave me a greater understanding of what was required in my writing, which was crucial to my acceptances. What started as a slow drive became exhilarating and highly gratifying as each admission letter came in! I got into every single dream university that I applied to. All my dream universities accepted me, without any exception. So much so that my mom asked: “Is it so easy to get into top Design universities?!”
No, it is not easy at all to get into all the top universities, in every one of them. And yet, I got into all. For which, I’m really grateful to Ara.
Lavanya Gadia
Working with Ara was an incredible experience that made a huge difference in my college application journey. Our sessions were a mix of serious work and great conversations. Ara paid attention to every little detail, ensuring my essays and applications were the best they could be. Their feedback was always spot-on and really helped me tell my story in a compelling way.
What I loved most was how comfortable Ashish made me feel. He was always approachable and genuinely interested in my growth.
Ashish’s working style was a balance of being thorough and demanding while also being encouraging and understanding. This approach kept me motivated and ensured I was putting in my best effort.
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Working with Ara was an incredible experience that made a huge difference in my college application journey. Our sessions were a mix of serious work and great conversations. Ara paid attention to every little detail, ensuring my essays and applications were the best they could be. Their feedback was always spot-on and really helped me tell my story in a compelling way.
What I loved most was how comfortable Ashish made me feel. He was always approachable and genuinely interested in my growth. We used to debate and I was given the freedom to put forth my opinions as they were. These conversations would often give me a breather during the stressful times of college applications.
The time we spent together also helped me grow personally. Ashish encouraged me to reflect deeply on my experiences and articulate my thoughts clearly. Our conversations were always insightful, making me feel heard and valued. It was these exercises that helped me in the interview process for college applications.
Ashish’s working style was a balance of being thorough and demanding while also being encouraging and understanding. This approach kept me motivated and ensured I was putting in my best effort. The positive and constructive atmosphere Ara created was key in building my confidence.
Working with Ashish at Ara was an incredible experience that made a huge difference in my college application journey. I highly recommend Ashish to any student looking for comprehensive guidance through the college application process.
Aditi Shriram
Rupali was my lighthouse throughout this journey. She helped me find my way whenever I was feeling lost or uncertain by providing direction, support, and clarity. She was an absolute lifesaver when it came to my college list! From helping me research programs to helping me decide the university that I finally committed to, she guided me through every step like a human GPS for college applications. Rupali didn’t just suggest universities—she helped me choose the one where I’d truly thrive. She perfectly balanced ambition with fit.
Ashish’s feedback and suggestions didn’t simply teach me how to write better and express myself more clearly in my essays. But they also helped me become a better version of myself, a version who isn’t afraid to be anything but herself, a version who is confident and self-believing, and for that I am truly grateful.
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I am so glad that I chose Ara. Both Rupali and Ashish were so involved and supportive throughout the whole journey that I never felt like I was going through it all alone.
Rupali was my lighthouse throughout this journey. She helped me find my way whenever I was feeling lost or uncertain by providing direction, support, and clarity. She was an absolute lifesaver when it came to my college list! From helping me research programs to helping me decide the university that I finally committed to, she guided me through every step like a human GPS for college applications. Rupali didn’t just suggest universities—she helped me choose the one where I’d truly thrive. She perfectly balanced ambition with fit.
Before I started working on my essays and applications, my friends and cousins had told me that the application process would be extremely grueling and that I would have to write a lot of essays. I was terrified of the process before it even began, simply because of all the things I had heard about it. But each call with Ashish made me fall in love with the process.
I started looking forward to our brainstorming sessions and our interactions. Ashish’s feedback and suggestions didn’t simply teach me how to write better and express myself more clearly in my essays. But they also helped me become a better version of myself, a version who isn’t afraid to be anything but herself, a version who is confident and self-believing, and for that I am truly grateful.
The atmosphere that he created so effortlessly in each call was so comforting that I couldn’t help but open up to him about my ideas, opinions and perspectives. These calls weren’t just comforting for me, they were empowering! I became more vocal about my thoughts and outlooks. Ashish always surprised me with his superpower of making each essay unique by his ability to think outside of the box while interpreting an essay prompt. This encouraged me to look beyond the surface. His unique perspective broadened my thinking, helping me look at things in a more layered and meaningful way.
I cannot express enough gratitude to them for their unwavering support, patience, and expertise throughout this journey. Their guidance has been absolutely invaluable. They took the time to understand my goals, strengths, and aspirations and offered insights and advice that went beyond just checklists and deadlines. Their encouragement kept me going even when things felt overwhelming, and their belief in me made all the difference.
Every step of the way, they have been more than just advisors—they have been mentors, motivators, and a source of constant reassurance. I am deeply grateful for their dedication and for helping me navigate this path with clarity and confidence. I truly couldn’t have done it without them!
Supriyaa Hejib
It’s one thing to build a better application, but you have built a better person. The person I was ten months ago would be proud of who I am today, and the credit truly belongs to you. You’ve significantly boosted my confidence, and that is something I will carry with me forever. I never imagined an organization could be so welcoming and warm, but you, Ashish, and Rupali made me feel right at home. From drafting my resume together to securing my US visa, you have been by my side every step of the way.
Ashish, I still distinctly remember our first call and how you asked me not to call you “Sir.” Since then, every conversation we’ve had has imparted wisdom that shapes who I am today. Your constant reassurance, determination, humour, faith in me, and teachings make you both a mentor and a friend—a rare and invaluable combination.
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Dear Ara Team,
It’s one thing to build a better application, but you have built a better person. The person I was ten months ago would be proud of who I am today, and the credit truly belongs to you. You’ve significantly boosted my confidence, and that is something I will carry with me forever. I never imagined an organization could be so welcoming and warm, but you, Ashish, and Rupali made me feel right at home. From drafting my resume together to securing my US visa, you have been by my side every step of the way. I sincerely hope this connection I’ve formed with Ara will continue throughout my college journey.
Ashish, I still distinctly remember our first call and how you asked me not to call you “Sir.” Since then, every conversation we’ve had has imparted wisdom that shapes who I am today. Your constant reassurance, determination, humour, faith in me, and teachings make you both a mentor and a friend—a rare and invaluable combination.
Rupali, your understanding of all my needs and your keen insight helped me make some difficult choices, from selecting the country to continue my education in to choosing the right college. Without your guidance, I wouldn’t have made the best decisions.
Thank you both for everything. I am forever indebted to you, but I will start repaying with a cup of chai!
| When all my roads had filled with haze, In search of a consultant, walking in a daze. That’s when Rupali appeared like a guiding light, And slowly the fog vanished from my sight. |
I’ve written essays in every format, whatever it may be From standard essays, letters, poems and even a recipe. All brilliant ideas sprouting from Ashish’s mind, Although risky, they made my work one of a kind. |
| With a resume crafted and stories to tell, Ashish taught me to weave them well. Another lesson he made crystal clear, Was creating tales for my grandchildren to hear. |
But these risks proved to work in my favour, And that’s how Ara spiced up my application with flavour. And the lesson of “one essay at a time”, Will remain with me in all endeavours of mine. |
| Shortlisting universities was a tedious chore, But Rupali’s insights opened every door. And when I was stuck on my common app essay, Ashish’s valuable edits showed me the way. |
I know our journey together will never come to an end, Let’s meet in Gurgaon, as mentors-mentee and as friends. Dear Ara, thank you for all that you have done for me, Our journey together will forever be a golden memory. |
Mihika Srikrishna
One aspect I am particularly grateful for is Ara’s assistance in building my profile, especially with my organization STEMinist (name suggested by Ashish) and my book of the same name.
Ara significantly bolstered my profile and instilled confidence in me as I approached the college application process.
Additionally, Ara provided invaluable support as I prepared to deliver my TEDx speech (with help on the script and the presentation). Navigating the college application journey can be daunting, but Ara’s guidance was instrumental in helping me manage my time effectively, ensuring I had ample time for my studies.
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My overall experience with Ara was exceptionally rewarding.
One aspect I am particularly grateful for is Ara’s assistance in building my profile, especially with my organization STEMinist (name suggested by Ashish) and my book of the same name.
Ashish played a pivotal role in curating a solid framework for the book and served as my editor, meticulously fine-tuning over ten chapters. Ara significantly bolstered my profile and instilled confidence in me as I approached the college application process.
Our conversations spanned a broad spectrum, from light-hearted and easygoing to intense brainstorming sessions. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to discuss any topic without hesitation.
Additionally, Ara provided invaluable support as I prepared to deliver my TEDx speech (with help on the script and the presentation). Navigating the college application journey can be daunting, but Ara’s guidance was instrumental in helping me manage my time effectively, ensuring I had ample time for my studies.
Over the past two years, Ara has been a steadfast support, and I am deeply appreciative of their help.
Parnika Vaidya
My favourite thing about our sessions is that he has always treated me like an equal. He has always taken my opinions and ideas into consideration and instead of rejecting them completely, he has helped to streamline them and guided me in the correct direction.
From helping build my extracurricular profile, to helping brainstorm topics for college essays, to helping write those essays, to helping with visa application and interviews. Ara helps with literally everything.
The entire course of working with Ara was very smooth, primarily because Ashish has always made me comfortable and heard me. He has never made me feel judged for any idea or question that I have had and I have always felt accepted and appreciated.
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The first time I spoke to Ashish, I called him by his name because I already had a friend working with Ara who told me that he doesn’t like being called sir. I will never forget the surprise on his face. He said, “Wah! Calling me by name directly? I like it!”
And from there, my equation with him grew into so much more than a mentor-mentee relationship. Ashish and I are like friends, except one is significantly more driven and punctual than the other :)) All my conversations with him have been a perfect blend of productively working on our essays and having fun while sharing our life experiences.
My favourite thing about our sessions is that he has always treated me like an equal. He has always taken my opinions and ideas into consideration and instead of rejecting them completely, he has helped to streamline them and guided me in the correct direction.
The help Ara provides is very extensive too. From helping build my extracurricular profile, to helping brainstorm topics for college essays, to helping write those essays, to helping with visa application and interviews. Ara helps with literally everything.
Ara has always worked in a very structured manner. We always completed one application before starting the next one, never worked on multiple essays simultaneously, and always focused on completing one thing before starting another. Each essay first started with incredibly long discussions on multiple topics which we could explore. And each draft came back to me with numerous notes and edits. However, this entire process was rewarding in the sense that it gave me a lot of confidence in myself. Each idea that Ashish approved made me feel more confident and each correction he made taught me something new and useful.
The entire course of working with Ara was very smooth, primarily because Ashish has always made me comfortable and heard me. He has never made me feel judged for any idea or question that I have had and I have always felt accepted and appreciated.
Overall, choosing Ara over all the other college counsellors was the best decision I made. Ara has given me so much support and I am so thankful that they have worked so hard to see me succeed:))
Shreya Lall
Over the course of my application journey, I met with counsellors who focused on colleges that I would not be able to get into, rather than ones I could, which led to a drop in my confidence. After meeting Ashish and Rupali, I felt a sense of comfort that the only thing I had to do was broaden my horizons.
Over the course of 11 months, Ashish prepared me for interviews and ensured that my essays were perfected (and everything was incredibly quick!). What I hugely appreciate about ARA was how I never felt pressured during any of the meetings. On several instances, Ashish and I would simply discuss world events, which broadened my knowledge of subjects I did not know about, along with functioning as a stress buster.
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Working with Ara was an exceptional experience.
Over the course of my application journey, I met with counsellors who focused on colleges that I would not be able to get into, rather than ones I could, which led to a drop in my confidence. After meeting Ashish and Rupali, I felt a sense of comfort that the only thing I had to do was broaden my horizons.
During my sessions with Ashish, I learnt about what defined me as an individual, and how I should use that to find the college that works best for me.
Over the course of 11 months, Ashish prepared me for interviews and ensured that my essays were perfected (and everything was incredibly quick!). What I hugely appreciate about ARA was how I never felt pressured during any of the meetings. On several instances, Ashish and I would simply discuss world events, which broadened my knowledge of subjects I did not know about, along with functioning as a stress buster.
Rupali was always a form of support, even though I did not have many interactions with her. She quickly found opportunities that would suit me and encouraged me to at least ‘take the shot.’
I am thankful to Ara for the guidance, the knowledge, and support they provided me on my college journey. Special thanks to Ashish for being the best ‘dost’!
Haamiz Hakim
Looking back, I realize you didn’t just help me overcome the ever-daunting tasks of university selection, college essays, stressful edits, and checklists—you, my friend, served as a mirror, helping me understand and reflect on myself better. It wasn’t just my journey; it was our journey.
Rupali brought structure and wisdom right from the beginning. Her practical yet thoughtful suggestions helped keep my dream of studying abroad alive. She helped me narrow down my university list—not by playing it safe, but by asking the right questions: “Where would you thrive?” “What kind of environment are you really looking for?” She didn’t just look at my profile; she looked at me. That honesty in approach made me feel truly seen.
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Dear Ashish (Sir? Friend? Editor? Therapist? All of the above?)
Let’s just stick with Ashish! Only I know the number of times you’ve fined me for calling you “sir.”
Looking back, I realize you didn’t just help me overcome the ever-daunting tasks of university selection, college essays, stressful edits, and checklists—you, my friend, served as a mirror,helping me understand and reflect on myself better. It wasn’t just my journey; it was our journey.
Rupali brought structure and wisdom right from the beginning. Her practical yet thoughtful suggestions helped keep my dream of studying abroad alive. She helped me narrow down my university list—not by playing it safe, but by asking the right questions: “Where would you thrive?” “What kind of environment are you really looking for?” She didn’t just look at my profile; she looked at me. That honesty in approach made me feel truly seen.
I used to get overwhelmed by the slightest things, but both of you stood by my side and helped me become more self-aware, confident, and articulate. You took all my chaotic brain dumps and turned them into coherent, meaningful drafts.
So, here’s to all those Google Meet calls with the orange background, the humorous conversations that turned into essay gold, and of course—to the countless cups of chai that powered your patience through it all!
Wouldn’t have wanted to do this with anyone else. Thank you for everything!
Looking forward for our next one with a cup of chai 😉
Daksh Gupta
From day one, Ashish brought a rare mix of homely reassurance and rigor. His personalized approach made me feel seen and understood. Ashish would crack jokes during tense moments to lighten the mood, but was brutally honest regarding my work – never settling for anything less than my best. More than a mentor, he was a sounding board and a trusted friend. Our brainstorming sessions were honest and unfiltered, and I never felt judged for thinking differently. He always went the extra mile to ensure that every response was top-notch, never letting me get away with a half-baked essay.
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About 2 years before hitting “submit” on my college applications, I felt uncertain about competing with a global pool of applicants for a spot at top aerospace universities. With no concrete plan, I was lost in the maze of holistic admissions. That jumbled mess slowly unraveled into clarity after I joined Ara.
From day one, Ashish brought a rare mix of homely reassurance and rigor. His personalized approach made me feel seen and understood. Ashish would crack jokes during tense moments to lighten the mood, but was brutally honest regarding my work – never settling for anything less than my best. More than a mentor, he was a sounding board and a trusted friend. Our brainstorming sessions were honest and unfiltered, and I never felt judged for thinking differently. He always went the extra mile to ensure that every response was top-notch, never letting me get away with a half-baked essay.
Rupali was instrumental in helping me shortlist colleges and explore summer opportunities. She proactively connected me with admission officers when needed, and was always just a message away.
My journey with Ara wasn’t a rat race to gain admission to a prestigious university, but an experience of personal growth that will support me throughout my life. I carry myself more confidently now, and I am grateful to the team for making the application process enjoyable.
Sashwath Narayanan
Ara took the time to listen attentively, offering personalized insights and tailored recommendations. Moreover, they were available beyond the confines of our scheduled meetings. Whether it was offering encouragement during moments of self-doubt, or simply lending a sympathetic ear when the pressures seemed insurmountable, they were always there, a steadfast pillar of support upon which I could lean all the time.
Their guidance not only facilitated my acceptances at my dream universities but also empowered me with invaluable skills and insights.
All who have known me for years have told me about the complete change in my personality since my interactions with Ara started.
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Words seem inadequate to convey the depth of appreciation I hold for the unwavering support shown by Ara toward my dreams of studying abroad.
Navigating the landscape of college applications is a daunting task, one filled with uncertainty and anxiety. Yet, from the moment I sought Ara’s counsel, their dedication and expertise shone through, illuminating the path ahead with clarity and reassurance. Their commitment to my success, evident in every interaction we shared, instilled in me a newfound confidence and sense of purpose.
Ara took the time to listen attentively, offering personalized insights and tailored recommendations. Moreover, they were available beyond the confines of our scheduled meetings. Whether it was offering encouragement during moments of self-doubt, or simply lending a sympathetic ear when the pressures seemed insurmountable, they were always there, a steadfast pillar of support upon which I could lean all the time.
As I reflect on the outcome of this arduous yet rewarding journey, I am filled with gratitude for the pivotal role Ara played in shaping my future. Their guidance not only facilitated my acceptances at my dream universities, but also empowered me with invaluable skills and insights.
All who have known me for years have told me about the complete change in my personality since my interactions with Ara started. My style of conversation with people changed. My ability to write has become much better.
Indeed, Ara’s mentorship has equipped me with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of life with resilience and determination.
Prashanthini Sundar
My experience with Ara in three words: Amazing, Real, Ambitious
From helping me understand my interests and aspirations to analyzing the best colleges to apply to, Ashish, Rupali, and the Ara team provided quick, clear, and firm support.
With every edition of every essay, I unlocked a new corner of my personality, and Ashish helped me express each of my complex sides in beautifully framed words. He was quick to respond to every doubt and always lent an open ear, even when I was doubting myself. Through all my messes and slip-ups, he never stopped supporting me and rooting for me.
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My experience with Ara in three words: Amazing, Real, Ambitious
Just as we were confused and concerned about diving headfirst into the application whirlpool, Ara showed up and helped us navigate the ocean of college applications with ease. Even before the essays and applications began, Ara helped me add a few more pins to my belt, which greatly helped my applications stand out to colleges.
From helping me understand my interests and aspirations to analyzing the best colleges to apply to, Ashish, Rupali, and the Ara team provided quick, clear, and firm support.
With every edition of every essay, I unlocked a new corner of my personality, and Ashish helped me express each of my complex sides in beautifully framed words. He was quick to respond to every doubt and always lent an open ear, even when I was doubting myself. Through all my messes and slip-ups, he never stopped supporting me and rooting for me.
Beyond just applications, Ara has helped mold me into a more confident individual ready to face the real world. Over the year I spent with Ara, I went from being confined to my small world to becoming someone who can clearly communicate her ideas and isn’t afraid to seize and utilize any opportunity that comes her way.
College applications seem pretty scary at first, but don’t worry; Ara’s got you!
Gaurika Adlakha
Working with Ara (Ashish and Rupali) was one of the best parts of my college application journey. They didn’t just help me with essays and interviews — they truly mentored me in life.
Ara made me think deeply about who I am. Our sessions were honest, detailed, and sometimes challenging — but always helpful.
Ashish was always there — whether it was to discuss ideas, edit essays, or prepare for interviews. More than that, he gave me guidance in moments when I was unsure or nervous. He felt like a mentor I could always reach out to — even outside application work.
Rupali kept everything organized. Her calm and helpful nature made sure the whole process went smoothly.
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Working with Ara (Ashish and Rupali) was one of the best parts of my college application journey. They didn’t just help me with essays and interviews — they truly mentored me in life.
Ara made me think deeply about who I am. Our sessions were honest, detailed, and sometimes challenging — but always helpful. They pushed me to write in my own voice and made sure every line in my application reflected my real self. We had moments where we didn’t fully agree, but those discussions helped me grow. Their support gave me clarity and confidence.
Ashish was always there — whether it was to discuss ideas, edit essays, or prepare for interviews. More than that, he gave me guidance in moments when I was unsure or nervous. He felt like a mentor I could always reach out to — even outside application work.
Rupali kept everything organized. Her calm and helpful nature made sure the whole process went smoothly.
Together, they helped me improve not just as a student but as a person. Their mentorship built my confidence and made me believe in myself. I’m truly grateful to have worked with them — they went far beyond what I expected.
What stood out most in this journey was not just how much they helped me develop my application, but how much they helped me develop myself. Through our conversations, I learned how to articulate my story with honesty. My confidence didn’t just grow in how I presented myself to a university — it grew in how I saw myself.
Sahana Naik
Working with Ara felt more than college guidance – it was a journey of confidence building and thoughtful decision making.
I always felt heard, never rushed. We did not just brainstorm; we dug in. I remember coming into one session with a vague idea, and by the end of it, I had a fully formed narrative. And when there were moments of disagreement—like choosing which experience to highlight or how to frame a particular story—those conversations were always productive. Ara never imposed ideas, but rather guided me to my own clarity.
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Working with Ara felt more than college guidance – it was a journey of confidence building and thoughtful decision making.
I worked with Rupali for college shortlisting, and her clarity and insight helped me align my choices with who I truly am. With Ashish, I worked on building my profile and crafting my essays—our sessions were reflective, iterative, and pushed me to think deeply about my experiences and values.
I always felt heard, never rushed. We did not just brainstorm; we dug in. I remember coming into one session with a vague idea, and by the end of it, I had a fully formed narrative. And when there were moments of disagreement—like choosing which experience to highlight or how to frame a particular story—those conversations were always productive. Ara never imposed ideas, but rather guided me to my own clarity.
The process was structured yet flexible, and I always felt supported—even during moments of uncertainty or disagreement. Ara’s approach was not just about admissions; it was about helping me grow. I left the process with strong applications, but more importantly, with a deeper sense of self and confidence. I am truly grateful for the journey.
Khwaish Amarnani
Our conversations pushed me to reflect on who I was and who I wanted to become. Together, we have discussed a range of topics from our shared love of literature to our views on a variety of global issues to little idiosyncrasies, fostering critical thinking. Discussing topics like these, in turn, helped me craft essays that I am proud of, which Ashish patiently edited for me.
The interview simulations also gave me the confidence and assurance in myself for my college interview, due to Ashish’s questions that covered all possibilities and his detailed feedback on each of my answers, which made the interview successful.
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Working with Rupali and Ashish was pivotal to my college application journey. From the beginning, Ashish treated me not just as a student, but as a ‘dost’, as he calls his mentees, open, honest and invested in my growth.
The brainstorming process was detailed, covering facets of my personality through a variety of thought-provoking questions. Our conversations pushed me to reflect on who I was and who I wanted to become. Together, we have discussed a range of topics from our shared love of literature to our views on a variety of global issues to little idiosyncrasies, fostering critical thinking. Discussing topics like these, in turn, helped me craft essays that I am proud of, which Ashish patiently edited for me.
The interview simulations also gave me the confidence and assurance in myself for my college interview, due to Ashish’s questions that covered all possibilities and his detailed feedback on each of my answers, which made the interview successful.
Ara is both precision and heart, which I truly appreciated.
PBindra
Working with Ara was a terrific journey that made a huge difference in my college application journey.
Ashish always treated me as an equal, forbidding me to call him sir, insisting that we are friends. He paid attention to every little detail. He pushed me to reflect deeper, to ask why behind every experience I wrote about, and to never settle for surface-level answers. What stood out most was his ability to strike the perfect balance between encouragement and critique.
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Working with Ara was a terrific journey that made a huge difference in my college application journey.
My sessions with Ashish were always a mix of work, meaningful conversations and jokes . Ashish always treated me as an equal, forbidding me to call him sir, insisting that we are friends. He paid attention to every little detail. He pushed me to reflect deeper, to ask why behind every experience I wrote about, and to never settle for surface-level answers. What stood out most was his ability to strike the perfect balance between encouragement and critique. He recognised my ideas but never hesitated to point out where I could do better.
Thanks to Ashish and Rupali, I didn’t just build a strong college application—I built confidence in my voice. I’ll always be grateful for that.
Anvi Pathak
I personally learnt a lot from Ashish. He created an easy, soothing and comfortable environment. I found Ashish to be a great mentor, giving me space and also pushing me when needed.
Despite my journey with Ara starting late, I did not feel the burden of the lack of time. And of course, all the applications were done in due time.
Without Rupali, the application process would have been tedious. She was always accessible with her plethora of knowledge on all the universities and availability of connections. I got through most of the universities I had applied for. I truly believe that I underwent a change in personality throughout the entire application process.
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I recall my initial interactions with Ashish, and the first time I addressed him as ‘sir’. The moment that happened, the entire conversation paused. Ashish told me to address him by his first name, which took me by surprise since authority had always been prominent when I had worked on such things earlier. That was when I realized this was going to be an entirely different experience.
I personally learnt a lot from Ashish. He created an easy, soothing and comfortable environment. I found Ashish to be a great mentor, giving me space and also pushing me when needed.
Despite my journey with Ara starting late, I did not feel the burden of the lack of time. And of course, all the applications were done in due time.
A very important aspect of applications was to creatively express myself through whatever the college would be receiving from my end. The essays, the way I depicted my extracurriculars and my personality. Ara’s feedback on my essays prompted me to do better each time. Brainstorming sessions were very helpful, and thinking out aloud allowed me to express my thoughts without being afraid to share what was on my mind. My ideas were never put down but encouraged and built upon if they weren’t headed in the best direction. The conversations helped me understand myself better and there was a lot of friendly talk which helped me gain more opinions on things happening around me and outside of applications. One thing I’m very grateful for is my newfound passion for writing which I discovered through Ara. I’ve been open to trying new things and I believe learning from working with Ashish and Rupali will aid me in my life rather than just the application process.
Without Rupali, the application process would have been tedious. She was always accessible with her plethora of knowledge on all the universities and availability of connections. Ashish and Rupali both complement each other, with both being experts of their domain. I got through most of the universities I had applied for. I truly believe that I underwent a change in personality throughout the entire application process, and I also believe in the importance of having people who support you, surround you during this integral moment. The Ara team did not falter in being the backbone for my entire experience, Thank you Ara for making this possible.
Karan Chavan
Ashish provided exceptional one-on-one guidance throughout the application process. He reviewed each application with meticulous attention, offering insightful feedback that elevated my submissions. A key focus was my Statement of Purpose (SOP), which we refined over several days through constant editing and brainstorming sessions. His expertise helped me craft a compelling narrative that truly reflected my strengths and goals. Additionally, Ashish assisted in building my resume, suggesting critical inclusions and actionable steps to enhance it, ensuring it stood out to admissions committees.
Rupali was instrumental in helping me select and refine my list of target colleges. She offered expert advice tailored to my academic background and career aspirations, guiding me to finalize top choices that perfectly aligned with my ambitions. Her strategic input made the decision-making process seamless.
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I selected Ara for my admission process based on their outstanding reputation and proven success in guiding students to top universities.
Ashish provided exceptional one-on-one guidance throughout the application process. He reviewed each application with meticulous attention, offering insightful feedback that elevated my submissions. A key focus was my Statement of Purpose (SOP), which we refined over several days through constant editing and brainstorming sessions. His expertise helped me craft a compelling narrative that truly reflected my strengths and goals. Additionally, Ashish assisted in building my resume, suggesting critical inclusions and actionable steps to enhance it, ensuring it stood out to admissions committees.
Rupali was instrumental in helping me select and refine my list of target colleges. She offered expert advice tailored to my academic background and career aspirations, guiding me to finalize top choices that perfectly aligned with my ambitions. Her strategic input made the decision-making process seamless.
A memorable moment was when Ashish recommended including a specific story in my SOP that I had initially overlooked. This addition significantly strengthened my application. Similarly, Rupali’s suggestion to apply to an additional university proved pivotal, as it led to an unexpected admission offer.
Ara’s personalized support, dedication, and expertise were vital to my successful admission into my dream program. I am immensely grateful to Ashish and Rupali for their unwavering commitment and highly recommend their services to anyone pursuing academic goals.
Masoom Mishra
Ara helped me with shortlisting the most suitable universities according to my interests and major choices, while my mentor made sure I always knew where I needed to improve, kept motivating me, and always made sure that I knew that there is always scope for improvement.
I could not have asked for better counselors. The journey was like a rollercoaster with ups and downs but with every admission letter that came in, I started liking the rollercoaster even more!
Ara did not only help me with the admissions process but also with personal growth. I learned how to manage time better and to articulate my thoughts rather than letting them flood all over the place.
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Ara consulting has been the best part of my admissions process!
I made a huge mistake by starting off late but it didn’t feel like I was late by the end of the process. Ara guided me throughout the process, watching my every step and showing me the right path.
Ara helped me with shortlisting the most suitable universities according to my interests and major choices, while my mentor made sure I always knew where I needed to improve, kept motivating me, and always made sure that I knew that there is always scope for improvement.
My bond with Ara’s leadership grew stronger as months passed and I am extremely grateful for it. I could not have asked for better counselors. The journey was like a rollercoaster with ups and downs but with every admission letter that came in, I started liking the rollercoaster even more!
Ara did not only help me with the admissions process but also with personal growth. I learned how to manage time better and to articulate my thoughts rather than letting them flood all over the place.
I cannot thank Ara enough for all the help, trust, and hard work they put into me! I wouldn’t have been able to manage my admissions process without Ara.
Vihaan Ravishankar
From the outset, Rupali provided invaluable support in carefully curating my college shortlist, aligning perfectly with my academic goals and career aspirations. Her insightful guidance was crucial in helping me confidently select my desired degree, navigate critical decisions, and skillfully manage the complexities associated with the visa application process. Rupali’s expertise ensured that every step of this challenging journey was handled with clarity and precision.
Ashish’s meticulous support with my applications was instrumental to my success. His strategic approach to crafting compelling essays significantly enhanced the strength of my application. Ashish’s thoughtful attention to detail and his commitment to understanding my background and ambitions truly made the difference, ultimately paving the way for my acceptance into UPenn.
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It is with immense gratitude and appreciation that I wholeheartedly recommend Ara for their exceptional guidance and dedicated support throughout my graduate school application process. Thanks to their professional and personalized assistance, I was successfully admitted to the Electrical Engineering program at the University of Pennsylvania.
From the outset, Rupali provided invaluable support in carefully curating my college shortlist, aligning perfectly with my academic goals and career aspirations. Her insightful guidance was crucial in helping me confidently select my desired degree, navigate critical decisions, and skillfully manage the complexities associated with the visa application process. Rupali’s expertise ensured that every step of this challenging journey was handled with clarity and precision.
Ashish’s meticulous support with my applications was instrumental to my success. His strategic approach to crafting compelling essays significantly enhanced the strength of my application. Ashish’s thoughtful attention to detail and his commitment to understanding my background and ambitions truly made the difference, ultimately paving the way for my acceptance into UPenn.
I am deeply thankful to the entire team at Ara for transforming what could have been an overwhelming process into a structured, manageable, and successful endeavor. Their professionalism, commitment, and genuine dedication set them apart as outstanding consultants.
Pranjali Revdandekar
I am immensely grateful to Ara for their unwavering support throughout my journey.
What truly sets Ara apart is their continuous support beyond the application process. Even after securing admissions, they remain actively involved, providing ongoing guidance through regular catch-ups, placement simulations, and a lot more.
Ara has delivered personalized attention, as they addressed all my doubts and concerns with tailored solutions.
I will always cherish the boost of confidence I received during interviews, where questions mirrored those from our mock sessions.
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I am immensely grateful to Ara for their unwavering support throughout my journey.
From offering invaluable career guidance during my undergraduate years to meticulously preparing me for B-school interviews, Ara has been my guiding light every step of the way.
What truly sets Ara apart is their continuous support beyond the application process. Even after securing admissions, they remain actively involved, providing ongoing guidance through regular catch-ups, placement simulations, and lot more.
Ara has delivered personalized attention, as they addressed all my doubts and concerns with tailored solutions.
I will always cherish the boost of confidence I received during interviews, where questions mirrored those from our mock sessions. Thanks to Ara, I felt equipped to tackle any challenge, both inside and outside interview rooms, meetings, and classes.
Adviti Gautam
My experience with Ara can be described as stepping onto a normal looking ship and quickly realising I am onboard a luxury cruise.
From the get go, Ashish and Rupali were nothing but dependable, genuine and brilliant. From Ashish’s no-nonsense approach to his ability to make me feel at ease, I not only gained amazing college admissions but also a friend.
Through every interaction I gained more confidence, more wisdom and most of all, life skills that I will continue to use throughout my life.
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What started off as an extremely stress ridden year, quickly turned into the smoothest sail of my entire life. My experience with Ara can be described as stepping onto a normal looking ship and quickly realising I am onboard a luxury cruise.
From the get go, Ashish and Rupali were nothing but dependable, genuine and brilliant. From Ashish’s no-nonsense approach to his ability to make me feel at ease, I not only gained amazing college admissions but also a friend.
Through every interaction I gained more confidence, more wisdom and most of all, life skills that I will continue to use throughout my life. Ashish never failed to inspire me to be better through his own stories, his encouragement, his knowledge and sometimes even with a little bit of wrath!
Though I started my journey very late, he taught me how to really put in the hard-work that is required to get through the storm that is college admissions.
Also, Rupali would take my father’s and my calls no matter how frequently and when we called!
After having gone through my journey with Ara, I can proudly say that I am a world citizen and they deserve all the credit!
Mrunmayi Karnik
A special thanks to Rupali, who meticulously helped me shortlist universities and programs that aligned perfectly with my academic background and career aspirations. Her insights and suggestions ensured that I applied to institutions that truly matched my goals.
I am also thankful to Ashish, whose invaluable feedback and mentorship helped me craft excellent essays. He didn’t just refine my writing—he encouraged me to dive deep into my own journey, uncover my strengths, and present my story in the most compelling way. His keen eye for detail and ability to bring out the best in me made all the difference.
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I am incredibly grateful to Ara for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my journey of securing admission to my desired university in the U.S. Their expertise, and personalized approach made the entire process smooth and rewarding.
A special thanks to Rupali, who meticulously helped me shortlist universities and programs that aligned perfectly with my academic background and career aspirations. Her insights and suggestions ensured that I applied to institutions that truly matched my goals.
I am also thankful to Ashish, whose invaluable feedback and mentorship helped me craft excellent essays. He didn’t just refine my writing—he encouraged me to dive deep into my own journey, uncover my strengths, and present my story in the most compelling way. His keen eye for detail and ability to bring out the best in me made all the difference.
Thanks to Ara, I am now set to embark on this new chapter with confidence and excitement!
Atyantika Mookherjee
When we first met, I did not realize that our conversations wouldn’t just be an effort to get me into a respectable university, but would also be moulding me into the person I am today. By pushing me out of my comfort zone and making me “uncomfortable” you’ve allowed me to realize how much I can do and how I far I can go. Your mentorship has taught me to “show” and not “tell”; to be a reflective leader but also one that isn’t afraid of risks and it has made me a person infinitely more prepared to go out into the world and carve a place for myself.
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Hello sir,
I hope you and Rupali ma’am are doing well. As I’m most probably not going to meet you before I leave in August, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to both of you for changing my life.
I will always carry your teachings with me. From working to creating stories for my children and grandchildren to realizing that out of 10 endeavors, 7 will fail, 2 will be a moderate success, and 1 will be life-changing, and to always be cognizant of the fact that there is someone working harder than I am – these are just some lessons you’ve taught me. They’ve allowed me to shed the persona of an individual seeking only perfection, yet always remember to nonetheless work towards it. Thank you for teaching me that ambition is nothing without being conscientious and always working to improve myself and my surroundings.
When we first met, I did not realize that our conversations wouldn’t just be an effort to get me into a respectable university, but would also be moulding me into the person I am today. By pushing me out of my comfort zone and making me “uncomfortable” you’ve allowed me to realize how much I can do and how I far I can go. Your mentorship has taught me to “show” and not “tell”; to be a reflective leader but also one that isn’t afraid of risks and it has made me a person infinitely more prepared to go out into the world and carve a place for myself.
Thank you for everything. On that note, you have my word about the much-coveted एक कप चाय in writing.
Handwritten Note by Atyantika
Tanya Agarwal
Ara helped me prepare not only for college but also develop skill sets that would help me for life.
They recognized my capabilities in business and ensured that that became the spike of my application by encouraging me to build new ideas, brainstorming and applying to TiE’s TYE Business program! My team was India runner-up, thanks to a lot of support from Ashish.
Ara was available round the clock during the application season and, despite a family emergency, they ensured that they were available for my applications.
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I was very lucky to find a counselor like Ashish as he was unique in making sure that I do not have to spend large amounts of money on summer programs and research projects.
Ara helped me prepare not only for college but also develop skill sets that would help me for life.
They recognized my capabilities in business and ensured that that became the spike of my application by encouraging me to build new ideas, brainstorming and applying to TiE’s TYE Business program! My team was India runner-up, thanks to a lot of support from Ashish.
Ara was available round the clock during the application season and, despite a family emergency, they ensured that they were available for my applications.
I am truly grateful to Ara for all their support in helping me land my admissions to great universities.
Dia Samra
From profile building to submitting applications, Ara has been with me every step of the way. The countless hours we spent together, not only helped me secure admissions but also develop as an individual. One thing that really stood out to me was the time that Ara has given me. Be it interview prep or the smallest query, Ara has always made time for me.
Everything I have learnt from them has put me on the right path towards, as Ashish says, ‘creating stories for my grandchildren’.
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Around late 2020 and early 2021, I had no idea what I was going to do after school! I did not have a plan in place, not an idea about college or even the course I wanted to pursue. That is when we found Ara, and what an amazing journey it has been, over almost 3 years!
From profile building to submitting applications, Ara has been with me every step of the way. The countless hours we spent together, not only helped me secure admissions but also develop as an individual. One thing that really stood out to me was the time that Ara has given me. Be it interview prep or the smallest query, Ara has always made time for me.
I hold immense gratitude for Ara. Everything I have learnt from them has put me on the right path towards, as Ashish says, ‘creating stories for my grandchildren’.
Kai Hosokawa
From the outset, when I was unsure about which universities or even which countries would be the best fit for me, the university research team at Ara provided invaluable guidance. They created a tailored list of universities in each country that aligned with my academic interests, personal goals, and preferences. This comprehensive, organized approach allowed me to navigate my options efficiently and make confident decisions about where to apply.
When it came to the application process itself, Ara’s expertise was invaluable. For my U.S. applications via the Common App and U.K. applications through UCAS, they offered guidance on crafting essays that authentically expressed my passion, achievements, and aspirations while effectively addressing each prompt.
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Ara has been incredibly supportive throughout my entire university application journey. From the outset, when I was unsure about which universities or even which countries would be the best fit for me, the university research team at Ara provided invaluable guidance. They created a tailored list of universities in each country that aligned with my academic interests, personal goals, and preferences. This comprehensive, organized approach allowed me to navigate my options efficiently and make confident decisions about where to apply.
Ara also supported me in creating a structured weekly schedule, ensuring that I could balance the various components of a competitive application, including leadership activities, extracurriculars, and academic commitments. We had online meetings regularly, often a few times each week, to track my progress, keep me motivated, and ensure that my profile was becoming as strong as possible for university applications.
When it came to the application process itself, Ara’s expertise was invaluable. For my U.S. applications via the Common App and U.K. applications through UCAS, they offered guidance on crafting essays that authentically expressed my passion, achievements, and aspirations while effectively addressing each prompt. Their feedback helped me articulate why I was a strong fit for each institution within the word limit, resulting in essays that felt both impactful and personal.
The support from Ara extended beyond just university applications. I felt a genuine sense of community and friendship. During a family trip to India, I had the opportunity to meet Ashish and Rupali, who welcomed us warmly and shared a memorable evening. This personal touch made my experience with Ara feel incredibly unique, leaving me with not just practical results but also meaningful connections.
Anushka Prashanth
Throughout my college application process, Ara provided exceptional guidance and support. Their deep understanding of the college admissions process, coupled with their genuine care for each student’s success.
Thanks to Ara, I was able to gain admission to all the universities of my choice.
Ara took their time to get to know me personally, understanding my strengths, interests, and aspirations, helping me build and create my resume. They offered insightful advice on selecting colleges that aligned with my goals and provided prompt feedback on my application materials, including my SOPs and resume. Their encouragement and constructive critique helped me present the best version of myself to admissions committees.
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Throughout my college application process, Ara provided exceptional guidance and support. Their deep understanding of the college admissions process, coupled with their genuine care for each student’s success.
Ara took their time to get to know me personally, understanding my strengths, interests, and aspirations, helping me build and create my resume. They offered insightful advice on selecting colleges that aligned with my goals and provided prompt feedback on my application materials, including my SOPs and resume. Their encouragement and constructive critique helped me present the best version of myself to admissions committees.
Both Rupali and Ashish were always approachable and available, promptly addressing any concerns or questions I had. Their positive attitude and reassuring demeanour made the stressful process of college applications much more manageable.
Thanks to Ara, I was able to gain admission to all the universities of my choice,I am deeply grateful for Ara’s dedication and support. I highly recommend them to any student seeking expert advice and a compassionate mentor in their college application journey.
Dersh Savla
Before joining Ara, I was unsure if I would be admitted to my dream university! But Ara’s mentoring opened many doors for me!
Ara led me through every step of the process, from resume building to my application to Interview preparation. They were deeply involved in each step that I had to take in the process.
Rupali ma’am is a great strategist; who carefully curates the perfect choice of universities according to your course needs, and they turn out to be the best ones too.
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Before joining Ara, I was unsure if I would be admitted to my dream university! But Ara’s mentoring opened many doors for me!
Ara led me through every step of the process, from resume building to my application to Interview preparation. They were deeply involved in each step that I had to take in the process.
Ara’s coaches are life coaches! With each session, you will leave with a lesson to learn and apply in life.
Rupali ma’am is a great strategist; who carefully curates the perfect choice of universities according to your course needs, and they turn out to be the best ones too.
Overall, my experience with Ara was phenomenal, and I feel a sense of family working with Ara.
Gaurika Khanna
I came to Ara uncertain about all the future prospects before me. Overwhelmed by choices, Ara not only showed me the way with the help of aptitude tests and frequent meetings, but constructed the whole process around me while amplifying who I am as an individual. The mock interviews, daunting at first, skyrocketed my confidence to present the best version of my authentic self to universities (I was watching episodes in the waiting room). Every moment at Ara felt as if I was hanging out with a friend because they aim to develop a personal relationship with their students to understand every nook and corner of their psyche and project it towards the applications.
Annika Khara
Ashish had a clear plan about what had to be done and he emphasized the importance of authenticity in the application process, whether it be in extracurricular activities or college essays.
Ashish consistently ensured I was well-prepared for interviews and college essays. While he always suggested improvements, he made sure that ultimately my voice shined through my work. He was very encouraging and helped me play to my strengths.
I appreciate that there was no time limit to interactions. Ashish and Rupali were always there for me, offering sound advice and clear guidance. Due to my experience, I have become a more confident individual and someone who questions the status quo.
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My journey with Ara was certainly fulfilling.
Ashish had a clear plan about what had to be done and he emphasized the importance of authenticity in the application process, whether it be in extracurricular activities or college essays.
Our discussions enabled me to open my mind to different topics, and I always felt extremely at ease expressing my views during meetings. It felt as though I was conversing with a good friend.
Ashish consistently ensured I was well prepared for interviews and college essays. While he always suggested improvements, he made sure that ultimately my voice shined through my work. He was very encouraging and helped me play to my strengths.
I appreciate that there was no time limit to interactions. Ashish and Rupali were always there for me, offering sound advice and clear guidance. Due to my experience, I have become a more confident individual and someone who questions the status quo. I am extremely grateful for their support throughout my college admissions journey. I am sure I will always carry what I have learned with me.
Arjun Hingne
Having participated in a bunch of extracurriculars at school, they helped me choose the right balance to use in my resume. They also were extremely rigorous with my essays and interviews and made sure that the quality never dropped.
Their philosophy of doing all the hard work early and then reaping the rewards later made sure that I had all of my admissions before I had even started my pre-boards! Their way of interacting with me and shaping my thought process for my college and work life was brilliant. They made the very daunting college admissions process look like a breeze!
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My experience with Ara was extremely positive and compared to my friends who went to other counsellors, very different too!
Interacting with Ara on a regular basis helped to guide my thoughts. Having participated in a bunch of extracurriculars at school, they helped me choose the right balance to use in my resume. They also were extremely rigorous with my essays and interviews and made sure that the quality never dropped.
Those hours they made sure I put in helped me make those split-second decisions during on-the-spot essays and interviews which contributed hugely towards me getting admissions.
Their philosophy of doing all the hard work early and then reaping the rewards later made sure that I had all of my admissions before I had even started my pre-boards! Their way of interacting with me and shaping my thought process for my college and work life was brilliant. They made the very daunting college admissions process look like a breeze! In hindsight, it was the perfect decision to choose Ara.
Garv Arya
Ara’s attention to detail and personalized approach ensured that I put forth my best application.
They took the time to understand my goals and strengths, providing valuable feedback on my essays, resumes, and recommendation letters.
With Ara’s guidance, I felt confident and well-prepared when applying to my dream universities.
Ara’s professionalism, attention to detail, and personalized approach create a wonderful experience. I credit them for all my successful applications.
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Working with Ara during my university application process was an absolute pleasure. Their unwavering support and guidance made a significant difference in my journey. Ara’s attention to detail and personalized approach ensured that I put forth my best application.
The level of detail we delved into was remarkable. They took the time to understand my goals and strengths, providing valuable feedback on my essays, resumes, and recommendation letters. Their expertise in the admissions process was evident throughout.
Ara’s responsiveness and timely feedback were exceptional. They were always there to address my questions and concerns, keeping me on track with deadlines. With Ara’s guidance, I felt confident and well-prepared when applying to my dream universities.
Ara’s professionalism, attention to detail, and personalized approach create a wonderful experience. I credit them for all my successful applications.
Tejaswi Lavanya
Making one of the most important decisions of my life was breathtaking, intense, exhilarating, and also stressful as it should be for any student. Attempting to plan out my future seemed at first like a labyrinth of which I do not know the map. So many options and so many decisions. It is very easy to get lost in such an adventure not knowing where to start or where to even look at.
Ara helped me find the map to my adventure; they guided me through one of the toughest to happiest moments in my life. With the help of their experience, I was able to not stray from my path and achieve my goals. Without them, I would not have been able to reach the place I currently am today. I am proud to say that I was under their tutelage and was able to be a learner, a hard worker, a scholar, and most of all a friend.
Anisha Anand
The best thing about Ara is that I was never spoon-fed!
Ara brainstormed with me about everything in my application process, we shortlisted ideas together and I was coached on how to proceed. Once I did my part of the assignment, Ara provided detailed feedback along with specific changes/suggestions. It was reiterative till we achieved what we wanted to. Ara’s focus was always that I learn through the process.
Thanks to Ara, I got admitted to every one of the Colleges I applied to!
Arnav Sawhney
Thanks to Ara, I got acceptances from majority of my dream universities.
The rigor of Ara’s regular, often daily, meetings with me and their detail orientation in everything we did, whether it was university long-listing, university short-listing, every entry in my applications, the essays, were instrumental in my getting the admission offers.
I remember an instance when a meeting scheduled by Ara completely slipped out of mind and I didn’t join. Ashish later had a one on one conversation with me about being on time and making schedules, how it is critical and how it would help me in the future as well. Hence, I would like to add that the best way to utilize Ara’s guidance would be to be proactive and prompt as professionalism is much appreciated at Ara.
Advita Rajaram
What I loved about Ara is their personalized approach, they took the time to understand my academic aspirations, strengths, and preferences and tailored their advice and college list accordingly.
I thoroughly enjoyed every brainstorming session Ashish had with me because it cultivated multiple skills within me without me even realizing it. He made me realize what I was truly capable of and helped me identify and strengthen my strengths.
Thanks to both of them, I not only secured an admission in my dream college but also gained invaluable skills that will help ease my further academic journey.
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My experience with Ara has been fantastic! I would like to thank Rupali Ma’am and Ashish for that.
I always dreamt of studying abroad but was transfixed at the last moment on what to do, how to compile my resume, and what to write in my common app essay. Ara came like a blessing in disguise to me and navigated me smoothly through the whole process.
What I loved about Ara is their personalized approach, they took the time to understand my academic aspirations, strengths, and preferences and tailored their advice and college list accordingly.
I thoroughly enjoyed every brainstorming session Ashish had with me because it cultivated multiple skills within me without me even realizing it. He made me realize what I was truly capable of and helped me identify and strengthen my strengths.
Rupali Ma’am constantly kept track of my deadlines and worked hard to provide me with the perfect college list.
Thanks to both of them, I not only secured an admission in my dream college but also gained invaluable skills that will help ease my further academic journey. I will wholeheartedly recommend Ara to any of my juniors who plan on studying abroad. Ara’s expertise, support, and dedication will remain unmatched!
Poorvi Bhatt
I couldn’t have done this without the help of Ashish, who has been my daily mentor and advisor, and Rupali, whose unwavering commitment to streamlining the shortlisting process has been truly commendable. From the moment I started working with them, I knew I was in capable hands.
The daily sessions with Ara were extremely helpful. They patiently addressed all my queries and personalized every step of the way according to my requirements. Their attention to detail ensured that my applications stood out. Ara has had a huge impact on my educational journey. Without Ara, I genuinely believe I wouldn’t have achieved such remarkable results.
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I want to express my deepest gratitude for the invaluable guidance and support Ara has provided me throughout my admissions process. Ara’s expertise and dedication have played a pivotal role in helping me secure admissions to my target universities.
I couldn’t have done this without the help of Ashish, who has been my daily mentor and advisor, and Rupali, whose unwavering commitment to streamlining the shortlisting process has been truly commendable. From the moment I started working with them, I knew I was in capable hands.
Despite being late to the whole admissions process, Ashish and Rupali never hesitated to go above and beyond to assist me. They meticulously reviewed my applications, offering insightful feedback and suggestions to make them stand out. Their profound knowledge of the admission requirements of each university proved invaluable.
The daily sessions with Ara were extremely helpful. They patiently addressed all my queries and personalized every step of the way according to my requirements. Their attention to detail ensured that my applications stood out. Ara has had a huge impact on my educational journey. Without Ara, I genuinely believe I wouldn’t have achieved such remarkable results.
Thank you once again for everything you have done for me. I am eternally grateful.
Aman Tejuja
My experience with Ara has been nothing short of brilliant. The personalised guidance, time and attention that Ashish and Rupali have given me has been invaluable. The countless brainstorming sessions, advice and guidance on every step of this complex application process has been extremely helpful. The daily calls really made a huge difference to get clarity amidst this stressful application process. With Ara, the smallest detail was given attention to and taken care of immediately.
Ashish has become more than a counsellor, he has become a mentor and an invaluable guide who has gone above and beyond by being accessible and extremely approachable at all times.
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My experience with Ara has been nothing short of brilliant. The personalised guidance, time and attention that Ashish and Rupali have given me has been invaluable. The countless brainstorming sessions, advice and guidance on every step of this complex application process has been extremely helpful. The daily calls really made a huge difference to get clarity amidst this stressful application process. Moreover, Ara has been extremely professional and efficient in their work and has worked in a timely manner. With Ara, the smallest detail was given attention to and taken care of immediately.
And with time, Ashish has become more than a counsellor, he has become a mentor and an invaluable guide who has gone above and beyond by being accessible and extremely approachable at all times.
I am really grateful to Ashish, Rupali Ma’am and Ara for their constant support and I would highly recommend anyone who wants any sort of guidance with the application process to surely go to Ara.
Neil Sudhalkar
Over the years, Ashish and Rupali have helped shape who I am. They stood by me through every breakdown—over grades, rejections, and plans that didn’t quite go to plan. They pushed me to finish the things I was too afraid to complete: articles, competitions, projects that always sat at 50%. And somehow, every time I was stuck, Ashish helped me map out my thoughts, not by handing me answers, but by helping me realise that the answers were already within me. Ara gives you a map. It’s yours to explore. That’s what makes Ara different. The path was mine to walk, to get lost in, and to find my way through eventually.
Ashish and Rupali made me believe I could contribute, whether through the lens of the UN SDGs or by dreaming of ways to make my country a better place. They helped me experiment with courses, with competitions, with entire career paths—when I was torn between economics, IR, and business.
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Working with Ara wasn’t just about getting into college—it was about growing up.
Ashish is a master when it comes to essays, résumés, Common App activity sections, interview prep, and all the complicated forms in between—but to describe Ara as just a college counseling service wouldn’t even scratch the surface.
Over the years, Ashish and Rupali have helped shape who I am. They stood by me through every breakdown—over grades, rejections, and plans that didn’t quite go to plan. They pushed me to finish the things I was too afraid to complete: articles, competitions, projects that always sat at 50%. And somehow, every time I was stuck, Ashish helped me map out my thoughts, not by handing me answers, but by helping me realise that the answers were already within me. Ara gives you a map. It’s yours to explore. That’s what makes Ara different. The path was mine to walk, to get lost in, and to find my way through eventually.
What I’ll remember most aren’t just the college wins, but the movie-watching assignments that turned into lessons on ethics, the endless debates on politics Ashish and I shared, and the conversations we had about a world which I haven’t fully seen yet that pushed me to think deeply about the kind of person I want to become. Ashish and Rupali made me believe I could contribute, whether through the lens of the UN SDGs or by dreaming of ways to make my country a better place. They helped me experiment with courses, with competitions, with entire career paths—when I was torn between economics, IR, and business. And they let me change my mind, again and again, until I could say, with complete confidence, “This is it.”
With Ara, I wasn’t just preparing for college—I was learning how to think, how to reflect, and how to move forward with clarity. I walked in back in 9th grade, hoping for a college admission. I walked out with a deeper understanding of who I am, what I care about, and how I want to present myself in the world. I walked out as a person who is genuinely prepared to go to college.
Dhruhee Shinde
Working with Ara has not only helped build my resume but also grow as a person and step out of my comfort zone.
Each session was uniquely tailored to cater to my unique needs and to help me manoeuvre through the process of building my profile.
The whole admission process has been a beautiful journey with Ara by my side throughout.
Other than helping me build a stellar resume/profile, the whole Ara team built a road map to picking universities that catered to all my needs making the daunting admission process a smooth journey.
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The person I was in 2020 would not recognise the person I am now! Joining Ara has made all the difference in this transformation. Working with Ara has not only helped build my resume but also grow as a person and step out of my comfort zone.
The whole admission process has been a beautiful journey with Ara by my side throughout.
Other than helping me build a stellar resume/profile, the whole Ara team built a road map to picking universities that catered to all my needs making the daunting admission process a smooth journey.
The weekly calls with Ara were a game changer for me. Each week, I got guidance that helped me to grow as a person and to push me out of my comfort zone. Each session was uniquely tailored to cater to my unique needs and to help me manoeuvre through the process of building my profile.
Ara would always be there throughout the journey tirelessly answering all my queries, and clear my doubts.
Working with Ara has been a dream and without them I would not be the person I am. Ashish and Rupali have become more like family members than counsellors.
Raghuraj Mehra
Through their help, I have secured admissions in my target colleges across UK, Europe, Canada, Australia and India, which would have been nearly impossible without them.
Ara kept pushing me to perform at my best, while being always available to guide me in the right direction and keep my efforts focused.
Over and above all of this, Ara taught me the importance of discipline, hard work and respecting elders.
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In the two years I was being mentored by Ara, they haven’t just helped me build my portfolio and profile, but also to develop my character and my personality.
Of course, through their help I have secured admissions in my target colleges across UK, Europe, Canada, Australia and India, which would have been nearly impossible without them.
Ara kept pushing me to perform at my best, while being always available to guide me in the right direction and keep my efforts focused.
Over and above all of this, Ara taught me the importance of discipline, hard work and respecting elders.
I would recommend Ara to everyone!
Aditya Mamdapure
The personalized sessions with Ara were a true game-changer for me. They patiently addressed all of my queries and concerns, tailoring each step of the process to suit my individual needs. Ara’s meticulous attention to detail ensured that my applications were nothing short of exceptional.
Ara meticulously reviewed my resume, helped me update it in the relevant template that universities prefer, were with me while I filled every element of all my applications, offering insightful feedback that transformed my applications into truly exceptional pieces of work! Ara’s profound knowledge of the specific admission requirements of each university proved to be an invaluable asset.
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I am deeply honoured and filled with immense gratitude as I express my heartfelt appreciation for the unparalleled guidance and unwavering support bestowed upon me by Ara during my admissions journey. The expertise and dedication displayed by Ara have played a pivotal role in securing admissions to my dream universities.
Ara provided me with daily support and invaluable guidance at every step of the way. Their exceptional commitment and detail orientation to streamlining the university shortlisting process has been nothing short of commendable.
Ara meticulously reviewed my resume, helped me update it in the relevant template that universities prefer, were with me while I filled every element of all my applications, offering insightful feedback that transformed my applications into truly exceptional pieces of work! Ara’s profound knowledge of the specific admission requirements of each university proved to be an invaluable asset.
The personalized sessions with Ara were a true game-changer for me. They patiently addressed all of my queries and concerns, tailoring each step of the process to suit my individual needs. Ara’s meticulous attention to detail ensured that my applications were nothing short of exceptional. I firmly believe that without Ara’s guidance and support, I would not have achieved the remarkable results I obtained.
Words fail to capture the depth of my gratitude towards Ara and their exceptional team.
Ananya Dhoke
Ara supported me end-to-end, from knowing my aspirations, to helping me identify my subject to apply for, to helping me identify activities that improved my chances of acceptance in my dream universities; all the way to presenting the best of me in my application and taking all relevant decisions till my acceptance.
They have been my right hand at every step of the application process. Everything was customized by Ara for me, based on my unique interests, my unique background and to ensure that my aspirations were met.
Everything we did together, Ara personalized it for me. And that made me feel comfortable with them.
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Ara supported me end-to-end, from knowing my aspirations, to helping me identify my subject to apply for, to helping me identify activities that improved my chances of acceptance in my dream universities; all the way to presenting the best of me in my application and taking all relevant decisions till my acceptance.
My experience with Ara was incredible! They have been my right hand at every step of the application process. Everything was customized by Ara for me, based on my unique interests, my unique background and to ensure that my aspirations were met.
Everything we did together, Ara personalized it for me. And that made me feel comfortable with them.
Their mentorship provided me with an extensive outline for my SOPs and other essays, helping me perfect my communication skills, both written and verbal and always showing a positive attitude throughout the whole process.
Ara does not work as a counselor. They are more like your best friend.
Kriti Mehta
The brainstorming sessions with Ara were truly invaluable. Together, we explored innovative topics and discussed unconventional approaches to writing. Their ability to think outside the box and generate interesting ideas greatly enhanced the quality of my essays.
One aspect that stood out was their expertise in crafting compelling essays. Their insightful feedback and suggestions helped me refine my personal statement, highlighting my unique qualities effectively.
Ara’s leaders have been exceptional mentors throughout my college application journey. Despite the distance, their planned and systematic approach made the entire process seamless. Our well-organized conversations and brainstorming sessions ensured no aspect was overlooked.
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Ara’s leaders have been exceptional mentors throughout my college application journey. Despite the distance, their planned and systematic approach made the entire process seamless. Our well-organized conversations and brainstorming sessions ensured no aspect was overlooked.
One aspect that stood out was their expertise in crafting compelling essays. Their insightful feedback and suggestions helped me refine my personal statement, highlighting my unique qualities effectively. For example, they guided me in showcasing my achievements while encouraging personal reflection on growth and aspirations.
Moreover, their commitment to timeliness was remarkable. They provided prompt feedback, reviewed drafts, and addressed concerns throughout the application process, giving me confidence in my progress.
Additionally, the brainstorming sessions with Ara were truly invaluable. Together, we explored innovative topics and discussed unconventional approaches to writing. Their ability to think outside the box and generate interesting ideas greatly enhanced the quality of my essays.
Thanks to Ara’s guidance, I gained a deeper understanding of myself and developed a clearer vision of my academic and life goals. Their encouragement and genuine interest in my success helped me identify areas of strength and growth, which will undoubtedly contribute to my future endeavors.
Rishika Nathani
Ara’s support has empowered me to make positive changes in society. I am truly grateful for the experience Ara has provided to me and this process wouldn’t have been the same without Ara!
Thank you for guiding me throughout this journey of personal growth and transformation. Your empathetic listening and guidance has helped me navigate through this crucial period of my life.
Cannot ever express how grateful I am for your guidance and support! Couldn’t have done this without our brainstorming sessions and arguments 😊
Bhavika Rawat
Ashish has been a friend to me since our very first meeting, creating an open and warm environment. He taught me unique ways to express myself – how to tell a story that keeps the reader’s attention.
Ara was very honest with me throughout our engagement, giving me valuable feedback about my areas of improvement; and hence, ways in which I could make those improvements.
It goes without saying that Ara comes highly recommended by me.
Shashwat Revdandekar
Ara was a key asset I had with me in my application journey.
Rupali guided me in college selection, and Ashish helped me present myself confidently to admissions committees. Their guidance and support helped me land great internships, which further enhanced my profile.
If you have any query related to global universities, then Rupali is your go-to person. She is very well aware of all the aspects of universities and what they look for.
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Ara was a key asset I had with me in my application journey.
Rupali guided me in college selection, and Ashish helped me present myself confidently to admissions committees. Their guidance and support helped me land great internships, which further enhanced my profile.
They went above and beyond to help me with resume building while Ashish guided me to review essays myself. His unfiltered feedback improved my writing a lot. He instilled the confidence in me to take decisions on my own.
Ara’s ability to analyze potential shortcomings and suggest ways to fix them is what makes Ara unique.
If you have any query related to global universities, then Rupali is your go-to person. She is very well aware of all the aspects of universities and what they look for.
Working with Ara was a pleasure, and their guidance bridged the gap to my dream universities.
Shreya Majumdar
Rupali ma’am helped me with shortlisting the most suitable universities according to my interests and major choices, while Ashish always kept motivating me, and made sure that I knew that there was always scope for improvement.
I could not have asked for better counselors. Ara did not only help me with the admissions process but also with personal growth.
Under their guidance, I was able to turn my hobby of writing poems into publishing them. This was a dream come true! A dream I didn’t even have!
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Ara consulting has been the best part of my admissions process!
I made a huge mistake by starting late but it didn’t feel like I was late by the end of the process. Ara guided me throughout the process by showing me the path and guiding me every step of the way. Rupali ma’am helped me with shortlisting the most suitable universities according to my interests and major choices, while Ashish always kept motivating me, and made sure that I knew that there was always scope for improvement. My bond with Ara grew stronger as months passed and I am extremely grateful for it. I could not have asked for better counselors. Ara did not only help me with the admissions process but also with personal growth. I learned how to manage time better and articulate my thoughts rather than letting them flood all over the place. Under their guidance, I was able to turn my hobby of writing poems into publishing them. This was a dream come true! A dream I didn’t even have!
I cannot thank Ara enough for all the help, trust, and hard work they put into me! I wouldn’t have been able to manage my admissions process without Ara.
Prathulya Vadlamudi
On the basis of my profile, background and aspirations, Ara built a shortlist of relevant colleges that would be a perfect fit for me. My essay drafts were reviewed multiple times till I could express myself and articulate my thoughts in the best possible manner.
Ara leadership was always reachable and flexible in scheduling meetings whenever I had the smallest of queries. Although I slacked a little in the middle due to school work, they helped me stay ahead of deadlines and eased the process. The counselling sessions weren’t limited to just the application process but the friendly talks with my mentor helped me gain confidence and groom myself to be a better individual. A ‘better citizen of this world’, as Ara would say!
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My journey with Ara has been extremely fruitful and enriching. Although I joined after 11th grade, Ara helped me make the best use of remaining time to submit the best application possible.
On the basis of my profile, background and aspirations, Ara built a shortlist of relevant colleges that would be a perfect fit for me. My essay drafts were reviewed multiple times till I could express myself and articulate my thoughts in the best possible manner.
Ara leadership was always reachable and flexible in scheduling meetings whenever I had the smallest of queries. Although I slacked a little in the middle due to school work, they helped me stay ahead of deadlines and eased the process. The counselling sessions weren’t limited to just the application process but the friendly talks with my mentor helped me gain confidence and groom myself to be a better individual. A ‘better citizen of this world’, as Ara would say!
Thanks to Ara for helping me throughout the admissions process and making it an extremely memorable journey.
Samarth Anand
I was caught in a lot of self-doubt and confusion in order to decide which colleges I should apply for. After the very first meeting with Ara, I felt at ease and very comfortable.
The one thing I liked about Ara the most is that they never sugarcoated anything for me. They have been brutally honest with me throughout this journey…which was necessary to make me work harder and get admissions I had always wanted! Ara prepared me for my interviews and grilled me in the mocks that they conducted.
it was a great learning experience as Ara would coach me about small but very valuable tips for cracking admissions.
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I was caught in a lot of self-doubt and confusion in order to decide which colleges I should apply for. After the very first meeting with Ara, I felt at ease and very comfortable. We had daily video calls to discuss the application filling process and it was a meeting that inspired me to do better and change the habits I was living with for many years.
The one thing I liked about Ara the most is that they never sugarcoated anything for me. They have been brutally honest with me throughout this journey…which was necessary to make me work harder and get admissions I had always wanted! I developed an extremely friendly bond with Ara’s leadership, and used to look forward to our video calls the entire week. I remember the seriousness and strictness Ara displayed at times but it never made me feel bad as it always left me feeling more motivated than ever before. Time was just a number for Ara as they made sure that they stayed on the call till the time our daily goal was achieved, no matter how much time it took. Ara prepared me for my interviews and grilled me in the mocks that they conducted.
Overall, it was a great learning experience as Ara would coach me about small but very valuable tips for cracking admissions. Interviews were always something that made me nervous at first but now it’s a different story all thanks to Ara. All in all, my experience with Ara was simply outstanding. Words aren’t enough to describe the experience I have had and the bond I have shared with Ara’s leadership.
Srinjay Mukherjee
The best part was that through Ara, I combined my interest in writing and politics to chart a completely new destination for myself which I never knew was possible.
As I slowly went through the weekly meetings, I learned a lot and will be carrying forward some of the lessons I have learned throughout those interactions.
I shall cherish the connections that I made with Ashish and Rupali who taught me to think out of the box, maintain professional integrity, stay grounded, and to broaden my horizons rather than confine myself to one thing.
Anaira Poddar
Ara was more than just perfecting my resume for my applications.
It was developing my personality and skills. With Ara, I learned how to be precise, write impactful essays that do not take from my essence of self and most importantly be myself.
My journey with Ara made filling out college applications fun!
Nathan George
My experience with Ara has been very constructive and beneficial. With the help of Ara, the college admissions process, infamously known for its high-stress and nerve-racking nature became seamless for me.
Ara helped me to portray the best and a genuine version of myself through my applications and essays.
The advice I received from Ara through the entire application process was clearly personalised to my needs. The entire process, including the university list, was customized to fit my background, my interests and my aspirations.
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My experience with Ara has been very constructive and beneficial. With the help of Ara, the college admissions process, infamously known for its high stress and nerve-racking nature became seamless for me.
Ara Consulting made the overwhelming college application process feel manageable and even exciting. Ashish’s hands-on mentorship pushed me to become more organized, focused, and helped me build a much stronger profile overall. Rupali guided me toward universities that truly aligned with my goals and interests. With their support, I not only found the right colleges but also grew into a more confident and capable version of myself. Grateful for everything!
Ara helped me to portray the best and a genuine version of myself through my applications and essays. My applications and the essays demonstrated my life journey in a distinctive way, which I am sure made a positive impression on the numerous college admissions teams, that accepted me in my chosen undergrad subject.
The advice I received from Ara through the entire application process was clearly personalised to my needs. The entire process, including the university list, was customized to fit my background, my interests and my aspirations.
Most importantly, Ara guided me in the process of taking various life defining decisions.
Adya Dalmia
Working with Ara did not only give me a confident approach towards my admissions, but also gave me a learning that I’m sure I’ll be using throughout life. I was hesitant to trust any counsellor to make decisions for my essays, but Ara gave structure and flow to my own ideas and guided me through the best process.
Ara coached me through intense interview sessions and showed me the best ways to navigate through them in ways that would benefit me. They were able to identify the points that I was comfortable with and motivate me to work harder on anything I needed to improve on. Suffice to say, when the actual interviews happened, I felt well prepared and confident.
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Working with Ara did not only give me a confident approach towards my admissions, but also gave me a learning that I’m sure I’ll be using throughout life. I was hesitant to trust any counsellor to make decisions for my essays, but Ara gave structure and flow to my own ideas and guided me through the best process.
I was able to use the advice given to me to view the admission process and forms in different ways, which ultimately helped me to position myself to the Universities in unique and distinctive manner.
Ara coached me through intense interview sessions and showed me the best ways to navigate through them in ways that would benefit me. They were able to identify the points that I was comfortable with and motivate me to work harder on anything I needed to improve on. Suffice to say, when the actual interviews happened, I felt well prepared and confident.
For me, the best part about Ara wasn’t just that they helped me get into the colleges I wanted, but the hands-on coaching that wasn’t limited purely to admissions – it was a training and experience that covered all aspects of life, and is still helping me.
Krishali Parmar
Ara went the extra mile at every step of the way. They broke down every aspect of my application, to make the process seamless. I never heard a ‘no’ for any of my requests to discuss everything; even when we went back and forth with my Business Plan and the SOP. All of this required a lot of brainstorming sessions over multiple days and many hours; till I thought it was ‘perfect’!
I learnt so much while Ara helped me build a background for my application.
I am grateful for the personalized and actionable guidance even at late hours all throughout my application process. Which got me an acceptance to my dream University, with a Scholarship!
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I am sure everyone would agree that University application time is very stressful! Ara made it an easy one and smooth for me!
Ara went the extra mile at every step of the way. They broke down every aspect of my application, to make the process seamless. I never heard a ‘no’ for any of my requests to discuss everything; even when we went back and forth with my Business Plan and the SOP. All of this required a lot of brainstorming sessions over multiple days and many hours; till I thought it was ‘perfect’!
I learnt so much while Ara helped me build a background for my application. This wouldn’t have been possible without them.
I am grateful for the personalized and actionable guidance even at late hours all throughout my application process. Which got me an acceptance to my dream University, with a Scholarship!
Shounak Sarkar
Since the beginning of my engagements with Ara, their entire focus was on my future…it was about my choices, interests and preferences. Every single concern that I had was addressed to my satisfaction. Ara was very patient with me and gave real-life, practical advice.
Ara maintained regular and frequent contact with me; coaching me and helping me with various exercises to improve my essay writing skills. This helped make my application distinctive vis-a-vis my peer group. Through multiple intense sessions of simulated interviews, Ara provided detailed guidance and practice on managing interviews, what to expect, how to respond and turn the interview to my benefit. Hence, when the actual interviews happened, it was like a walk in the park for me!
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I was a bit apprehensive about engaging a counselor for my college admissions. I feared that counselors would tell my parents what my parents wanted to hear rather than taking my preferences into account. My experience with Ara has been nothing but the complete opposite!
Since the beginning of my engagements with Ara, their entire focus was on my future…it was about my choices, interests and preferences. Every single concern that I had was addressed to my satisfaction. Ara was very patient with me and gave real-life, practical advice.
Ara maintained regular and frequent contact with me; coaching me and helping me with various exercises to improve my essay writing skills. This helped make my application distinctive vis-a-vis my peer group. Through multiple intense sessions of simulated interviews, Ara provided detailed guidance and practice on managing interviews, what to expect, how to respond and turn the interview to my benefit. Hence, when the actual interviews happened, it was like a walk in the park for me!
If you are considering applying to competitive colleges in India and outside, I would strongly recommend Ara, to give you that extra edge.