Status: First-time applicant
Pre-MBA industry: Health Insurance, Pharma Strategy
Years of experience at time of matriculation: 8
GMAT/GRE score: 645 (V:83 Q:184 DI:78)
Undergraduate GPA: 14.0/20.0
Admitted to: Darden, Fuqua, HBS, Tuck
Scholarship(s): $70,000
Service Type: Premium Need-based
Going into the MBA application process, I had a ton of doubts. With my GPA on the lower side (14/20), I honestly didn’t know if I stood a real chance at a top program. Choosing Square One Prep – and specifically picking Vi Mai as my advisor –was hands down the best decision I could’ve made.
From day one, SOP’s incredibly structured approach gave me so much peace of mind. Instead of just jumping blindly into essays, we spent the first few weeks doing some serious heavy lifting. Working with Vi, Horatiu (Career Narrative Advisor) and Kelsey Kephart (my Team Lead) to completely overhaul my resume and map out my actual career goals was incredible. They helped me connect the dots in my professional background to find a cohesive, powerful narrative that I never would have seen on my own. Getting that intense clarity upfront gave me a clear roadmap for all of my applications.
But working with Vi was the real game-changer. She didn’t just help me find my best stories, she showed me how to actually make them compelling. More importantly, she kept me grounded and out of my own head. Balancing the applications with a crazy, travel-heavy work schedule wasn’t easy, but Vi’s proactive approach kept everything on track. She was incredibly responsive, making sure I hit every single deadline no matter what time zone I was in. When it came time for interviews, her prep work was also absolutely key in making sure I felt confident. I truly felt like I had a partner who was just as invested in my success as I was.
In the end, the outcome honestly couldn’t have been better. Not only did I get into Harvard, but I get to go alongside my partner – who also worked with Square One Prep! It still feels completely surreal. I’m so incredibly grateful to Vi and the entire team for their passion and professionalism.