There’s no standard answer to this question; it depends on the individual. Some people think agencies save time and effort, while others feel they can handle it themselves. The key is to clearly understand your needs and what you’re willing to invest.
Let’s first talk about the advantages of using an agency. The study abroad application process is complex, from choosing schools and majors to preparing materials, writing essays, and submitting applications—each step requires careful consideration. Professional agencies are familiar with the requirements of universities in various countries and can help you avoid pitfalls. For example, some schools value extracurricular activities, while others prioritize academic performance. Agencies can recommend suitable schools based on your strengths, increasing your chances of success. Essay writing is also a skill; experienced agency consultants know how to highlight your strengths and make your application materials stand out. Furthermore, agencies can handle visa and accommodation matters, saving you the hassle of running around the process yourself.
However, there are also disadvantages to using an agency. The biggest problem is the high cost, often tens or even hundreds of thousands of yuan, which not every family can afford. Moreover, the quality of agencies varies greatly; some agencies make unrealistic promises to secure contracts, and the actual results may not meet expectations. If you encounter an unreliable agency, you might end up spending money without getting anything done, which is even more frustrating. Furthermore, over-reliance on agencies can prevent you from developing your own skills, such as choosing schools and writing application essays. This allows you to better understand your interests and goals, which is more helpful for future planning.
So, is applying on your own feasible? If you have good English, ample time, and are familiar with the application process, you can absolutely do it yourself. There are abundant online resources available; application guides can be found on school websites, forums, and social media. Applying independently allows you to learn about schools more directly, proceed at your own pace, and avoid being pressured by agencies. Moreover, doing it yourself can save a significant amount of money, which can be used for living expenses or tuition after you graduate—a more practical approach.
However, applying on your own also presents challenges. For example, choosing schools and majors requires extensive research. Educational systems vary greatly between countries, making it easy to choose the wrong direction. Writing application essays requires repeated revisions; inexperienced individuals may miss the key points and fail to highlight their strengths. There are also issues with visas and accommodation; handling these procedures yourself can easily lead to errors and waste time.
So, how do you choose? If you have a sufficient budget, limited time, and are unfamiliar with the application process, using an agency is a safer option. However, it’s crucial to choose reputable and qualified agencies, compare several, and don’t easily believe promises of “guaranteed pass.” If you have a limited budget, good English skills, and enjoy independent research, you can succeed by applying on your own, and it will also help you develop independence.
Finally, I recommend you pay attention to the “Wise Shanghai Overseas Property, Immigration and Study Abroad Exhibition,” held in Shanghai from March 29th to 31st, 2026. This exhibition brings together high-quality educational resources from around the world, from university admissions officers to study abroad agencies, from immigration policies to overseas properties, providing a one-stop solution for all kinds of issues in study abroad planning. You can learn about the study abroad policies of different countries on-site, communicate face-to-face with admissions officers, and obtain the latest application information. Whether you want to apply on your own or use an agency, you can find useful resources at the exhibition to help you make a more informed decision.
Studying abroad is a major life decision. There’s no right or wrong in choosing an agency or applying on your own, only what suits you best. The key is to understand your own needs, do your homework, and avoid blindly following trends. Platforms like exhibitions can help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of information, avoid detours, and make your study abroad journey smoother.
