Status: First-time applicant
Pre-MBA industry: Business Development/Technology
Years of experience at time of matriculation: 4
GMAT/GRE score: 321 (V: 164 Q: 157)
Undergraduate GPA: 3.62/4.00
Admitted to: HBS, Stanford
If you are like most candidates, you are doing all the research you can and taking calls with every consultant possible. I even bought hours with consultants to test who I liked most. Kathryn and Square One Prep shined above the rest. 3 people (two from my company, one from my high school) had also recommended SOP and had stellar results. And here’s why – Kathryn is the most candid, ruthless, empathetic and dependable person. Despite being the founder (who is naturally busy), she replies to every communication within minutes and gives you personal attention throughout the process.
I initially requested to speak with a few consultants who I thought would be the right fit, but those weren’t a match. Kathryn graciously suggested others that may fit my personality, and soon I was excited to work with Lee Kaplan. Lee pushed me to my limits. She is an unimaginably strong writer, and compassionate partner through months of stress. Lee was very honest with me, and showed me ways to highlight strengths and mitigate my weaknesses. I really respected her – she would return revisions quickly and thoroughly till the work was perfect. I think we did 18 iterations of my resume! I was also fighting against a very low Quant test score, but Lee and Kathryn packaged my application in a way that M7 schools couldn’t resist.
This was all supplemented by Wendy and Bailey. I struggled with my Career Narrative work and finding my story. Wendy was patient with me as I stumbled, and she guided and nurtured my story into a work of art. Bailey ensured I was always on top of things, and provided friendliness and rapport amidst the “stay on schedule” communications!
If you are thinking twice, choose SOP. You will not regret it. They work with a small, niche set of clients every year and guarantee success. I was accepted into both my dream schools, HBS and Stanford GSB! There is truly no way I could have done it without Square One. The amount of personal attention, genuine care, and relentless revising till the product is perfect, is unlike any other admissions consulting firm. And now, I have a touch decision ahead between 2 top schools.