Are top coaching students truly securing spots in the world’s top 20 universities, or is there more to the story?
In recent years, coaching institutes like Allen have expanded their services to include study abroad guidance through divisions such as Allen Global Studies Division (AGSD). They showcase impressive statistics: multiple students placed at MIT, Ivy League admissions, and over 800 admit calls from top 200 international universities . However, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced picture.
The Claims vs. The Reality
AGSD promotes success stories of students gaining admissions to prestigious institutions. For instance, they highlight students receiving offer letters from the University of Oxford and the University of Glasgow . While these achievements are commendable, it’s essential to understand the context:
Offer Letters vs. Final Admissions: An offer letter indicates a conditional or unconditional offer, but it doesn’t always translate to enrollment. Factors like visa approvals, financial constraints, and personal choices play a role.
Representation in Top 20 Universities: Despite claims, there’s limited public evidence of a significant number of AGSD students enrolling in top 20 global universities. Most showcased admissions are to universities ranked beyond the top 50.
Case Study: Ved Lahoti
Ved Lahoti, a standout student, achieved a perfect score of 1600/1600 on the SAT and secured AIR 1 in JEE Advanced 2024 with a score of 355/360 . Despite his exceptional credentials, he chose to pursue Computer Science at IIT Bombay . This decision underscores a trend where top-performing students from coaching institutes opt for premier Indian institutions over foreign universities.
Student Experiences and Feedback
Discussions on platforms like Reddit reveal mixed feelings about AGSD’s effectiveness. One user expressed concerns about the high costs and questioned the value provided, stating, “Allen is very expensive but we’re hoping it would significantly boost my chances of getting into a college abroad AND get a scholarship” . Such sentiments highlight the need for prospective students to critically assess the return on investment.
Understanding the Admission Process
Top global universities, especially those in the US and UK, adopt a holistic admissions approach.
Beyond standardized test scores, they evaluate:
- Extracurricular Activities: Leadership roles, community service, and unique talents.
- Personal Essays: Narratives that reflect the applicant’s personality, aspirations, and fit for the institution.
- Letters of Recommendation: Insights from teachers and mentors about the student’s character and capabilities.
Coaching institutes primarily focus on academic excellence, which, while crucial, is just one facet of the comprehensive evaluation process adopted by top-tier universities.
The Real Need: Guidance That Goes Beyond Posters and Percentiles
The dream of studying abroad is bigger than just scoring well. It’s about building a complete profile that speaks your story — beyond ranks, beyond results, and beyond what your coaching institute tells you.
Most coaching setups — even big names like Allen — are built for domestic success. They’re exceptional at JEE prep. But when it comes to navigating the international admissions process, that same structure doesn’t always translate. It’s like using a JEE Advanced syllabus to answer a Creative Writing paper — you’re showing up with the wrong toolkit.
That’s where platforms like AFBF come in. We’re not here to sell a brand, we’re here to build your path — side by side. From crafting your SOPs to understanding how to match your profile with the right country and university, we focus on real outcomes, not Instagram posts.
We’ve seen this firsthand — students who didn’t top JEE or NEET but got full-rides to top European and Asian universities.
Because they had strategy. Support.
And a real understanding of what admissions committees look for globally.
So What Should Students Actually Do Instead?
- Build early: Start exploring abroad options before or during Class 11, not after the JEE results.
- Go beyond the syllabus: Invest time in extracurriculars, volunteering, research, even independent projects.
- Speak your truth: Learn to write compelling essays. Universities don’t want perfect, they want real.
- Find the right people: Get help from those who’ve actually studied abroad, not just cracked exams in India.
If your coaching center says they’ll help with study abroad, ask the right questions:
- Who’s mentoring me?
- What’s the exact support you’ll give?
- How many students have actually enrolled — not just received “letters”?
If it sounds like a brand flex — it probably is.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I actually apply to universities in the US after 12th?
You apply through portals like Common App or Coalition App.
You’ll need:
- Your Class 9–12 transcripts
- SAT/ACT scores (optional at many unis now)
- TOEFL or IELTS
- A strong SOP/Personal Essay
- LORs from teachers/school heads
- Extracurricular list (this matters a lot)
It’s not just about marks. They want to see who you are outside the classroom.
Do US universities care about JEE Mains or Advanced?
Nope. Not officially. They might appreciate a strong JEE Advanced rank as academic proof, especially for STEM majors — but it won’t replace the SAT or their own holistic review.
So yes, it’s nice, but not necessary.
Is there any shortcut or magic trick to get into MIT or Stanford?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: There’s no magic, but there is strategy.
Top universities want depth. That means:
- One thing you’re insanely good at
- Genuine impact or curiosity (not 10 fake certificates)
- Consistency and authenticity in your story
You don’t have to be the best in everything — but you do need to be you, fully.
Can coaching centers help with study abroad applications?
They can help — if they’ve built the right team for it.
Some are trying (like Allen Global), but most of them treat it like a side hustle.
You need mentors who understand:
- International university fit
- Visa and documentation
- Course and country alignment
- Cultural & academic expectations
That usually comes from people who’ve been there, not just scored well in India.
What’s better: going to IIT or going abroad?
That depends entirely on your goals.
- Want research + global exposure early? → Go abroad
- Want strong peer competition and brand name? → IIT is elite
- Want affordability + academics + future EU work options? → Try Germany or Netherlands
- Want flexible degrees and internships? → US, Canada, UK
Don’t follow hype. Choose what aligns with your future.
If you’re even thinking about studying abroad, we’ll say this one last time:
Do it smart. Do it with real guidance. And don’t fall for the posters — build your profile instead.
Join the AFBF community — we’re not here to sell a dream. We’re here to help you make it happen.
