The People Behind Galvanize
Galvanize is led by founders and senior leaders who have studied at premier global institutions and spent years working closely with students navigating high-stakes test prep and admissions decisions.
They didn't set out to build just another consultancy.
They set out to build a professional firm - one that would contrast ability, integrity, and deliver proven results at scale.
Meet the TeamMeet the Galvanize Team
Ram Srinivasan
Co-Founder & CEO
M.B.A., IIM Ahmedabad
The right structure turns ambition into progress. Students don't need more noise - they need clear thinking and accountability behind every decision.
Pavithra Srinivasan
Co-Founder
M.S., Stanford University
Admissions success comes from authenticity, not templates. Every student deserves guidance that aligns who they are with where they want to go.
Sriram Venkataraman
Co-Founder & Chief Architect
B.Tech., IIT Madras
Learning works best when systems support consistency. Thoughtful design and strong pedagogy can turn effort into measurable progress.
Jayanthy Ramakrishnan
Head of Servicing
Ph.D., University of Tennessee
First impressions matter, but thoughtful preparation matters more. Strong guidance helps students present their best selves with clarity and confidence.
Uttara
Editorial Manager
MSc., London School of Economics
Great essays aren't written to impress - they're written to reflect truth. Clear storytelling helps universities see the person behind the profile.
Shanthi Mohan
Mentor
Former EducationUSA Advisor
Guidance should empower students to make their own informed choices. Experience matters most when it helps others move forward with confidence.
Sriram Sridharan
Mentor
MS., Industrial & Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech
Career paths are built through thoughtful decisions, not shortcuts. The right perspective can help students connect today's choices with tomorrow's opportunities.
Our Philosophy
Education decisions should feel calm – not rushed
Good guidance helps students understand why a recommendation exists, not just what to do next.
Asking the right questions before offering answers
Separating ambition from assumption
Evaluating choices in full context - academics, careers, risk, and return
Standing by honest advice, even when it's not the easiest option
Our role isn't to push outcomes.
It's to help students and parents make the right decisions they can stand behind - now and in the future.
Our Core Principles
These principles guide every interaction across founders, mentors, and teams
Clear Thinking
Structured frameworks replace guesswork with strategic clarity
Honest Feedback
No false promises - only realistic, actionable guidance
Team Continuity
Progress never depends on a single individual
Accountability
Every recommendation is reviewed, owned, and explainable


Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is Galvanize different from working with an individual counselor?
Unlike traditional consultancies that rely on a single “star” counselor, Galvanize uses a team-based approach. This means your guidance comes from collective expertise, is reviewed by multiple professionals, and continues seamlessly regardless of any individual’s availability. You get the benefit of diverse perspectives, structured frameworks, and institutional knowledge – not just one person’s opinion.
2. Will I have a dedicated point of contact, or will I be passed around?
You’ll have a primary mentor who coordinates your journey, but they work within a collaborative team structure. This means you get continuity and a familiar face, backed by the expertise of specialists when needed. Think of it as having a dedicated guide who can tap into a full support system – the best of both worlds.
3. What qualifications do your team members have?
Our founders are graduates of IIM Ahmedabad, Stanford, and IIT Madras. Our broader team includes educators with PhDs, master’s degrees from institutions like LSE and Virginia Tech, and former admissions advisors (including EducationUSA). But more importantly, we select team members for their ability to provide clear feedback, work within structured processes, and maintain genuine commitment to student outcomes over quick wins.
4. Do you guarantee admission to specific universities?
No, and you should be wary of anyone who does. University admissions involve many factors outside anyone’s control. What we do guarantee is honest assessment, strategic guidance grounded in what actually works, and support throughout your entire journey. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions and present your strongest possible application – not to make empty promises.
5. Can I start with just test prep and add admissions counseling later?
Absolutely. Many students begin with test preparation and expand to full admissions guidance as their goals evolve. Our systems ensure smooth transitions – we maintain continuity of your profile, progress, and preferences regardless of which services you’re using. There’s no pressure to commit to everything upfront; you can start with clarity and build from there.






