About

My story

My name is Rubin Sagar. I am a freelance higher education consultant, and I specialise in producing high-quality written material for graduate program applications.

I was an engineer and environmental scientist by training and have worked with leading non-profits in the US and India, before my transition to being a full-time higher education consultant. As my LinkedIn profile attests, I hold a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from VIT University, Vellore, and a Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environment, specializing in Conservation Ecology and Environmental Informatics, from SEAS, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

I also produced and hosted ‘After the Master’, a podcast aiming to put the spotlight on the diverse experiences of recent master’s graduates across disciplines for budding aspirants.

I am also a full-time swing trader and investor in the Indian equity market. In my free time, I enjoy badminton, swimming, tennis, cooking, outdoor activities, films, books, and nature photography.

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Why did I get into higher education consulting?

When I first approached a consultancy for assistance, little did I know how the industry works. Despite paying ~INR 40,000, I ended up doing most of the work without their assistance. It was far from an ideal experience.

In 2017, as a graduate student, I began helping friends of friends and even strangers through Facebook groups with their applications. The initial results and words of appreciation were overwhelming! Gradually, I started taking on more work, until I decided to assist and mentor prospective students full-time in 2021!

I can relate to your higher education aspirations

I have three reasons for transitioning to assisting and mentoring applicants who are genuinely interested in pursuing higher education abroad, particularly in the US.

1. Many applicants, if not most, are unaware of the complexities and intricacies of applying to highly competitive universities. People look to their former colleagues, seniors from college, online forums, rely on social networks for advice, or worse, trust a consultancy that doesn’t place the applicant’s best interests first.

Proceeding to graduate school is possibly one of the biggest decisions of your life. Approaching a professional with considerably greater knowledge and experience (as one would, such as seeing a doctor) is the most logical step. I have been in your place several times, and I know that the process can be intimidating, confusing, and busy professionals can’t give the time that applications demand.

2. ‘Conventional’ consultancies with university tie-ups present an inherent conflict of interest. They receive a commission if you decide to choose a university that they suggest. That is, for every successful ‘convert’, they receive a fee from the university. Tie-ups do not mean that the chances of you receiving admission are higher. So, do you think they would place your interests before theirs?

I do not have tie-ups, and hence the applicant’s interests, aspirations, and dreams also become mine.

3. I aim to lower the expenses you incur throughout the process, and perhaps even receive merit-scholarships / assistantships. I try to help you apply to fewer programs (and hence spend less on applicant fees) and offer my services at much lower rates relative to most others.

I also have exclusive partnerships with companies that can help you further reduce expenses on securing the best possible education loan, and on foreign remittances.