Episode Description

In this conversation, Suraj Peri shares his journey from a traditional engineering background to founding GradRide, an education consulting service aimed at helping students navigate the complexities of studying abroad. He discusses the cultural shocks he faced while adapting to life in the US, the challenges of the education system, and the biases present in traditional counseling services. Suraj emphasizes the importance of providing accurate, unbiased information to students and highlights the success of GradRide in helping students gain admission to top universities. In this conversation, Suraj Peri discusses the dynamics of university admissions, particularly for international students, and how Gradvine operates as an unbiased educational counseling platform. He emphasizes the importance of ethical practices in counseling, the need for students to aim higher in their applications, and the unique mentorship model that connects current students with prospective applicants. Suraj also shares insights into the company's hiring practices and the collaborative opportunities available in the education sector. In this conversation, Suraj Peri discusses the evolving landscape of university admissions, particularly the shift towards holistic review processes in both US and Indian universities. He highlights the importance of referrals in their business model, the innovative marketing strategies they employ without spending on ads, and the profitability of their education consulting services. Suraj also emphasizes the significance of co-founders in entrepreneurship and introduces a new initiative aimed at providing comprehensive career guidance for 10th graders, aiming to broaden their understanding of career options beyond traditional streams. The discussion concludes with a call for collaboration within the education sector to enhance student support services.