Status: First-time applicant
Pre-MBA industry: Strategy in Non-profit Industry
Years of experience at time of matriculation: 6
GMAT/GRE score: 316 (V: 163 Q: 153)
Undergraduate GPA: 3.88/4.00
Graduate GPA: Merit
Career Gap: 4 months, 5 months
Admitted to: Haas, Ross, Tuck
Scholarship(s): $60,000
When I embarked o this process, i wasn’t even sure I had a shot at business school much less a top 10 program. So I knew I wanted a guide through the process. When I was looking for an admissions consultant to work with, I was impressed by Kathryn’s willingness to discuss my candidacy in detail, which was in stark contrast to other companies that rushed me off the phone after an impersonal fifteen minute conversation. I could tell that Kathryn not only believed in me, but wanted to ensure I aimed high. However, what really sold me on Square One Prep was my conversation with Joan, one of the company’s consultants. By the time I spoke with her I had spoken to many consultants about my b-school candidacy and received almost the exact same feedback on my strengths and weaknesses. However, Joan presented a unique point of view of my strengths and how I could market them that took even me by surprise.
Kathryn has put together a great set of tools for guiding b-school candidates through the process and knows when to jump into the process to inject her expertise. These tools and Kathryn and Joan’s expertise and support are what led me to be successful in an uncertain and anxiety-inducing process. They were willing to get on the phone with me whether I wanted advice on whether I should completely re-write my essay or how to deal with the stress of waiting for interview invitations.
Thus far, I have been accepted to two of the four schools I applied to (with a sizable scholarship at one), and am waiting on the decision from a final school. I know that I would not have been as successful in the process without Square One Prep, and for that, as well as Joan and Kathryn’s continued support and advice as I decide on a school, I am deeply grateful.