Status: First-time applicant
Pre-MBA industry: Entrepreneurship/Financial Advisory
Years of experience at time of matriculation: 4
GMAT/GRE score: 680 (V: 38 Q: 44)
Undergraduate GPA: 4.0/4.0
Admitted to: Fuauq, Kelley, Kenan0Flagler
Scholarship(s): $20,600
I can’t stress enough how much SOP not only made my MBA dreams a reality, but also really helped me discover so much more about me and what I want. I honestly don’t think I would have been awarded an interview to all 7 schools I applied to and be matriculating, with scholarship, to my top choice without their aid. Kathryn was able to laser focus on who I was from the get go and Wonita was unbelievable beyond measure.
Let me preface by saying I had NO intention of hiring any consultant. I didn’t even know that was a thing until I started trolling around GMAT club. When I learned that all companies would give you a free 30 minute consultation and that there were at least 10 companies to talk to, my cheap devious side saw “5 free hours of aid, and I could figure out the rest.” After talking to a couple advisors at different companies, they drilled into my head that my GMAT score was too low for my overrepresented demographic. One even refused to speak with me when they saw my GMAT score and target school list. I was getting quite disheartened. Then I spoke with Kathryn. Our “free 30 minute consult” last well over an hour and she quickly broke down all the bs other advisors had put in my head. She was the only one I spoke to who I felt really understood me and how to use that to make me stand out.
I knew I had to find a way to hire them. In the end, the cost was nothing compared to bombing out. That was a risk I could not take. I signed onto a 1 school package (later added 2 more schools) and was matched with Wonita. I couldn’t have been luckier. Wonita helped craft my story and helped me understand what I was really interested in. She was brilliant and became my biggest fan through the process. I was most excited to call her and give updates even before my own family haha. SOP was always available, always fast to turn drafts, and a great sounding board as I went through many bouts of doubt.
I could go on all d ay, but in the end I’m going to Fuqua this fall, my dream school. I don’t think I would be without SOP. Couldn’t be happier and more excited for my future.