Status: First-time applicant
Pre-MBA industry: IT Security
Years of experience at time of matriculation: 11
GMAT/GRE score: 700 (V: 37 Q: 48)
Undergraduate GPA: 63/100
Admitted to: Johnson One-year Program
Square One Prep – One thing I like about them is the freedom of choice they would allow their candidates to think about school fit and career narratives.
From the start of the conversation either with Kathryn or with Dione, they were friendly, open-minded, collaborative and of a helping nature. They took that extra effort to understand my story and gave me suggestions.
While working with Dione, I always felt that personal touch to my application and clear response to my queries. It was evident that she was clearly thinking from my perspective. She took that extra effort to give me suggestions that would increase my overall chances of succeeding not only with the application process but in the real world, in my career.
GMAT – This is one factor on which the overall process is heavily dependent. It is in the candidate’s remit to improve the score. I had the support I needed for my preparation, and I also hired a personal trainer based on Square One Prep’s timely suggestion which allowed me to reach my target score on time.
School Selection – Initially my ambitions or goals were very high, and my ask was not realistic. Now, when I look back I can realise the patience both Dione and Kathryn had to get on calls with me to educate me at my pace about what schools were good fits and what schools were not as well as why. I was happy to change my school selection as we worked to build the narrative and as Square One learned more about my background.
Timely Response: Across the overall process, Dione put extra hours in to understand my narrative. She would respond to my emails quickly and always got work back to me within 24 hours. She would drive and urge me to save time and work on my application. I would have lost time and may have missed my application deadlines otherwise.
Admitted to Cornell – Finally, Dione was and is still in touch with me. . Her timely advice, her accurate reflection of my application, her suggestions and feedback were above and beyond all that I could expect as part of the services.