Status: First-time applicant
Pre-MBA industry: Aerospace
Years of experience at time of matriculation: 6
GMAT/GRE score: 700 (V: 35 Q: 50)
Undergraduate GPA: 5.9/10.0
Graduate GPA: 6.9/10.0
Career Gap: 6 months
Admitted to: Stanford, Sloan, Wharton
I had calls with over 5 different companies and 15 consultants, but Square One Prep seemed the most thorough and detail-oriented company and they did not disappoint! With a below-average GMAT I got admitted into Stanford GSB, MIT Sloan and Wharton!
What surprised me the most about Square One Prep is the detailed methodology developed by Kathryn over many years – bringing in several experts like Wendy, the career expert, Bailey, who sets the pace of the work, Ram Iyer, my consultant and, of course, Kathryn herself, to get to know me and craft a strong and genuine story, focusing on what is relevant for business schools and leaving out the rest. The result was an application which I loved.
I mainly worked with Ram Iyer, for over 4 months, we had long phone calls and email exchanges during that period almost on a daily basis. Ram’s quick-witted mentality and empathy allowed him to get to know me much better than anyone else has ever done in such a short time span. Those initial conversations for the Square One Prep assessment proved extremely valuable later in the process.
Over these 4 months, Ram Iyer helped me define my story and refine relevant content for each application to put together a compelling application. On some essays we made over 20 revisions and collaborated to refine my ideas and maintain my voice in the essays. He also conducted mock interviews over the phone and gave me tips that made me more confident with a business mindset that interviewers are looking for. He prepped me before the Wharton and Sloan interviews giving me tips from his extensive business experience. I walked into the interviews confidently and obviously did well.
His writing skills are superb; he is very eloquent and is able to express complex ideas in simple language. He is a tireless worker, expeditious and efficient, even when working with tight schedules. Ram does not need to prepare to do something; due to his broad experience, he can quickly understand any situation, and give the best advice on how strengthen a weakness or put an idea into words.
Ram Iyer and the Square One Prep process and team were the key to my success. Thank you!