At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Anu Arora for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Anu is an Entrepreneur, Chief Counsellor and Founder of UGrad Overseas Education Consultancy. Let’s learn more about her background, her inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Anu:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I am a finance professional with a degree in cost and management accounting(ICMA/ICWA). During my college years, I was not only a university topper but also a consistent class topper, reflecting my dedication and ability to excel academically. What truly brought me joy during that time was mentoring my peers after classes, helping them grasp complex concepts and achieve their academic goals. This early experience planted the seeds of my passion for guiding others.
Professionally, I worked on a World Bank project for several years in a finance role, where I honed my skills in strategy, analysis, and problem-solving. However, about a decade ago, my career took a meaningful turn. When my son was in high school, I was searching for a college counsellor for him. Navigating the complexities of the admissions process gave me a firsthand understanding of the anxieties and aspirations families face during this pivotal stage.
This experience reconnected me with my passion for mentoring, and I realized I could make a real difference by guiding students through one of the most important journeys of their lives.
Over the past 9+ years, I’ve helped numerous students secure spots at some of the world’s top institutions, including Ivy League universities and prestigious schools in the UK. My approach combines personalized mentorship with strategic planning to help students discover their unique strengths, build standout applications, and approach their future with confidence.
What sets me apart is not just my academic and professional background, but also my ability to connect deeply with students and families. I view each student as a unique individual with untapped potential, and I am committed to helping them craft a path that aligns with their aspirations.
As a counsellor, I bring empathy, structure, and a results-oriented mindset to the table, ensuring that every student I work with feels supported and empowered throughout the college admissions journey.
‘UGrad Education’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
The name UGrad Education reflects the very essence of our philosophy and approach. The ‘U’ represents ‘You,’ emphasizing our unwavering commitment to the individual student. At UGrad Education, we believe that every student’s journey is unique, and our mission is to tailor our guidance to their specific strengths, aspirations, and circumstances.
High school students today are navigating a complex maze of challenges. They face immense pressure—balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and personal aspirations, all while managing societal and parental expectations. It’s not uncommon for students to feel overwhelmed, unsure of their direction, or even hesitant to aim high.
At UGrad Education, we’re solving this problem by offering personalized, empathetic, and expert guidance to make this journey not just manageable but truly empowering. My vision is to help students find clarity, confidence, and purpose as they embark on this transformative phase of their lives.
Our work goes beyond helping students gain acceptance to their dream colleges. We focus on preparing them for the journey ahead—whether it’s by helping them discover their unique strengths, build impactful extracurricular profiles, or make informed decisions about their future. College admissions is not the end goal; it’s the beginning of a thriving, fulfilling college experience and, ultimately, a successful career.
Through UGrad Education, we aim to make the admissions process less stressful and more meaningful for families, transforming it into a growth experience for students. By prioritizing each student’s individuality and potential, we empower them to achieve not just their academic goals but also the resilience and confidence to tackle challenges far beyond the college years
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
What keeps me going, even during challenging times, is the profound joy of seeing my students achieve their dreams—whether it’s gaining admission to their dream schools or helping families secure scholarships and financial assistance. Witnessing the transformative impact of these milestones on both students and their families is immensely fulfilling.
For me, college counselling isn’t just “work”; it’s a passion that fuels me daily. I love engaging with high school students—their energy, curiosity, and innovative ideas make every interaction exciting and rewarding.
Even during high-pressure periods, like the busy October application season, I find myself thriving on the challenges. Then there are higher educator groups that I am a part of like IACA, AIIEC and TOC where I can brainstorm and bounce off any problem with fraternity colleagues.
When you truly love what you do, the obstacles along the way feel like opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks. They become an integral part of the journey, enriching the experience and driving me forward.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
I’m no Gandhi, so I wouldn’t claim to have profound life lessons for others—haha! But reflecting on my journey as a college counsellor and a lifelong learner, here are three lessons that have truly defined my path:
Listen to Yourself and Stay Authentic – As a counsellor, I’ve realized that authenticity is not just about being true to myself but also helping my students discover their authentic selves. Whether it’s guiding them to write personal statements that reflect their unique voices or encouraging them to pursue unconventional passions, authenticity keeps me—and them—grounded and purposeful. Staying true to who I am has allowed me to build meaningful connections with students and families alike.
Embrace Discipline, but on Your Terms – Discipline is the foundation of my work—whether it’s reviewing countless college applications during the October rush or staying updated on admissions trends to offer the best advice. Yet, I’ve learned to tailor discipline to what works best for me. For instance, no matter how busy my day gets, I end it with a walk-in Meghdootam Park. These walks help me clear my mind, often sparking creative solutions for my students. At the same time, I know when to prioritize family time or simply take a break, which keeps me balanced and energized to give my best to my students.
Cherish and Value Your People – As a counsellor, I’ve seen firsthand how the support of loved ones—be it family, teachers, or mentors—can shape a student’s success. My own greatest support system includes my husband (Rajneesh), my children (Sahil and Sanah), our incredible house help and manager Susan, who has been with us for 18 years, and my dog Lego. Just as I encourage my students to lean on their networks, I also prioritize nurturing my relationships. Recognizing and celebrating the people who matter has taught me the importance of fostering connections—not just personally but also professionally, as I continue to build a supportive network for my students and families.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Success depends on the aspect of life you’re referring to—career, relationships, or life in general. To me, success is about how effectively you solve problems, adapt to challenges, and stay aligned with your values. It’s not just about reaching a destination but about the journey and growth along the way.
When it comes to career success, the key is knowing and embracing your passion. Half the battle is won when you work on something you’re truly passionate about. It transforms “work” into something far more fulfilling—a source of joy, energy, and inspiration. This philosophy resonates deeply with my role as a college counsellor. I love what I do, and I firmly believe that when you do what you love, success becomes a natural outcome, every step of the way.
At UGrad Education, my focus is on helping students uncover their passions and talents before they embark on their academic and career journeys. I guide them to reflect on their interests and strengths so they can align their goals with their true aspirations.
Success, in my opinion, is about thriving in ways that bring both achievement and personal fulfilment, and I strive to empower my students to achieve just that—not just in college, but in life.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
Authenticity:
– Stay true to yourself and your values. A successful career is sustainable when it’s built on a foundation of honesty, integrity, and self-awareness.
– Avoid comparing your journey to others’. Each individual has their own unique path—embrace what makes you different and turn it into your greatest strength.
– In any professional setting, authenticity is key to building trust and fostering meaningful relationships, whether with mentors, colleagues, or clients. As a counsellor, I often remind students that their unique stories and genuine passions are what make them stand out to admissions officers and future employers.
Hard Work:
– There’s no substitute for hard work and dedication. Mastery comes from consistently putting in the time and effort, whether it’s learning a new skill, completing projects, or pursuing long-term goals.
– Be intentional about how you work—focus on tasks that create impact. Hard work isn’t about endless hours; it’s about working smart and efficiently.
– As a counsellor, I’ve seen countless students succeed by investing time and energy into their passions, whether it’s excelling in academics, sports, arts, or community service.
Consistency:
– Success is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s achieved through daily habits, small wins, and persistence over time.
– Set clear, achievable goals, and commit to steady progress every day. The habits you cultivate now will shape your future success.
– Even during challenges, stay disciplined and keep moving forward. In my work, I encourage students to view setbacks as part of their growth, reminding them that resilience and consistent effort are the keys to long-term achievement.
Ultimately, a successful career is about finding what you love, working hard to excel in it, and staying true to yourself throughout the journey. Whether you’re just starting out or pursuing bigger aspirations, remember that your uniqueness, perseverance, and authenticity will always be your greatest assets.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What excites me most about my journey is the privilege of watching my students grow, discover their passions, and realize their potential. Guiding them through a process of self-exploration, helping them uncover their strengths and interests, and then seeing them develop into confident individuals who can articulate and showcase those qualities in their applications is deeply fulfilling.
The most rewarding part is witnessing them succeed in gaining admission to their dream colleges—most of the time with scholarships or financial aid that change the trajectory of their lives. Today, I had the joy of celebrating with one of my students, who received an acceptance to Vanderbilt University through Early Decision, with an incredible scholarship of $71,000 per annum and $280,000 for four years.
Just yesterday, I had a conversation with another student, a sophomore at Princeton, who secured an internship at Nvidia—an opportunity that will open doors to even greater achievements. Moments like these reinforce why I do what I do.
Empowering students to unlock their true potential and guiding them toward opportunities that they might not have imagined possible is what makes my journey so exciting and rewarding, every single day.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
