Karen is such a fantastic coach - I cannot recommend her highly enough!! See below for key reasons why Karen is so fantastic. If you have the chance to work her, do not hesitate!!
1. Consistently shares the WHY (teaches you how to think - not what to think):
1. When I first spoke to Karen, I was on the fence about applying in the 2020-2021 cycle. She recommended that I apply now but I was still skeptical. It was the WHY (the context) she shared that ultimately led me to apply earlier than I originally had in mind.
2. When it came to writing my essays, she stopped me in my tracks when my initial idea was not up to par. She highlighted the ideas that had merit and pushed me to dig much deeper. There was about a month during which Karen continually challenged me to start from my scratch on my main story - when I finally came back with my final version, she confirmed that it was compelling and shared several ideas on how I could build on that theme across my application materials
2. Inspires you to go beyond your limits (takes your performance to the next level):
1. I had some pretty tough times with the GMAT. I was prepared to take it at one point but had to sideline it for months because of a religious commitment. When I took my first in-person test, I scored a bit below the score I wanted and I was crushed. When I IM’d and spoke with Karen, she provided an objective assessment of my score and also was a great sounding board as I thought of what I would do differently in my next attempt. I took the exam again two weeks later and got the score I needed to apply. I only knew that I didn’t need to take it a third time because of Karen’s advice. Karen reviewed my scores and confirmed that my GMAT + above-average GPA would not block me from receiving interviews at any of the HSW - she was right (received interview invites at all 3 in same round + major merit-based scholarship).
2. Lastly, she pushed me to sharpen my communication during interview prep. I went in thinking I was prepared and left with so many ways I could improve beyond what I viewed as “great”. She met with me several times to practice the interview types across HSW and other schools - that timely support made a huge difference.
3. Really cares about seeing you succeed (helps you manage through the highs and lows of the process)
1. Karen was optimistic and supportive throughout the process. I got on numerous calls with her over the nearly 12 months that we worked together. Not many folks knew I was applying to business school and I didn’t have the luxury of applying through a program like MLT, so it made all the difference to have something in my corner whom I could always contact

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I came to Fortuna Admissions for help on the last few weeks of my application process. They were extremely effective and pinpointed key components I should improve in order to increase my chances. Caroline Diarte Edwards was my consultant. She went above and beyond to help me achieve my dream of getting into the INSEAD MBA program. She was extremely kind and generous with her time, knowledge, experience and resources. I highly recommend any potential MBA student to reach out to Fortuna Admissions (and to Caroline, especially) to increase your chances of being admitted to the business school of your dreams.

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I highly recommend working with Sharon; not only did I enjoy the process, but I felt very cared for and supported.

First, Sharon's experience was evident from the very beginning. I targeted Haas, and after talking with some other advisors, she stroke me as someone who really understood the school and program and had experience in distilling my story. Additionally, when you work with Sharon, you will get access to the Clifton Strengths assessment, which is a very valuable resource to identify new insights that can help you shape your story.

Sharon's experience as part of the admissions team was very helpful in bringing a clear perspective of what would be ignored and how best to highlight important pieces of my story. I struggled a lot with testing, and Sharon was very, very supportive through the whole process emotionally and with resources for studying. I have heard horror stories of advisors who are very rude to candidates with low scores and even had some advisors I talked to initially say, "reach out again when you have a better score." I think a good advisor is someone who will help you tell your story and overcome the barriers you will face in the process: Sharon is that kind of advisor. From her mindful follow-ups and detailed plan of action, all our interactions were very positive. I know and truly feel she cared about my success.

I felt particularly supported through my interview processes. Sharon helped me prepare very thoroughly, going over each possible question in detail and until I felt comfortable sharing my story and bringing it to life beyond my texts.

I worked with Sharon on my Haas application, and the whole process was also extremely useful as I crafted additional applications. I am currently on the waitlist at Haas, but I already see this as a success considering my GMAT score, and I am certain our work together contributed to me getting into the waitlist.

I highly recommend Sharon particularly for those who, like myself, like to have a very structured plan and clear next steps and are looking to feel supported through and through in this journey.

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Sharon was the absolute BEST to work with as an admissions consultant! She was able to help me achieve my goals of getting interview invites from 3 of the 3 top-25 schools that I applied to (and acceptance letters from 2 of 3) in Round 2 of the 2020-2021 admissions cycle, arguably the most competitive cycle ever. All of this while under a serious time-constraint and with my relatively low test scores/GPA! She was quick, efficient, fair with timing, and gave helpful advice throughout the process. It was always a pleasure to speak with her, as she had the ideal personality of someone you spend hours working with! I would recommend Sharon to anybody looking for an admissions consultant.

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I attribute my success to Sharon! With her guidance, I was thankful to be in the enviable position of choosing between offers from two top programs, one of which was my “dream school” in the 2020-2021 application cycle, which proved to be a very competitive year.

The efforts Sharon put forth were numerous: phone call/video chats to brainstorm, multiple iterations for each essay until we were both satisfied, many email exchanges (200+, I counted!) to discuss how to polish each elements in my application package to differentiate myself, mock interviews with comprehensive comments and notes ranging from behavioral interviewing techniques to etiquette.

As an Expert Coach, Sharon has in-depth knowledge of the end-to-end MBA application process, from brainstorming long/short term career goals, through presenting impressive stories, to conducting mock interviews. Sharon is a gifted coach who encouraged me to dig deep to find my strengths/areas for growth and then the guidance to articulate my “brand” concisely and professionally. Not once did we shortcut on any of the discovery process, which enabled me to bring out my best and most authentic self.

Sharon is timely, candid, thoughtful and provides direct feedback. Knowing that I'm from a tech background, she was conscientious in reminding me to avoid jargon and to avoid being too “in the weeds” on project details when conveying my stories. Beyond serving as a consultant, she was more of a mentor to me in the MBA application process -- she had an uncanny knack to immediately zero in on what I needed to improve and, most critically, the reasons behind those improvements.

Sharon made my application so much better and she even shaped my understanding of the MBA degree in a broader sense and what I should look to leverage in my studies to get the best return on my investment. We both had a great work rhythm and Sharon was always responsive to my emails with flexibility -- even on Thanksgiving eve! In each step of the way, I felt more comfortable and confident than ever with her coaching and mentoring.

In searching for an MBA Admissions firm, I talked to many consultants and they simply didn’t bring the same level of energy and enthusiasm Sharon displayed during our initial phone call. I signed up with Sharon thinking of her as a Coach and I am leaving the process thinking of her as a life-long friend. I give her my highest recommendation!

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Sharon Joyce is an exceptional mentor and consultant, going above and beyond my expectations. I enjoyed working with her thoroughly. Her greatest strength is pulling stories and experiences to enhance the essays for greater uniqueness in candidacy. Being in an over-represented group, I thought my candidacy was more prone to weakness than others, but she helped rectify those concerns. Furthermore, she had a unique perspective compared to others, which helped differentiate her from others from the very first consultation. She helped me navigate through the deadlines and the things to do with ease. I would recommend her in a heartbeat.

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I had the opportunity to work with Sharon Joyce for my MBA applications and it was a fantastic experience. When I started my MBA applications I had decided on the programs and schools, however I had a very analytical approach towards my essays and needed some help. From our very first call Sharon was warm and talking to her felt easy. She took the time to talk to me and understand my perspective and helped me think about my essays in a way that showcased my experiences which reflected my authentic self. She was efficient and super quick to respond to any questions. She helped me with essays and interviews for three schools with just the minimum hourly package. Thanks to her I got accepted to a top 10 part time MBA program with a scholarship! I highly recommend Fortuna Admissions. Their approach of consulting only for a handful of students is highly effective.

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I highly, highly recommend working with Melissa - I had an amazing experience working with her and couldn't have asked for more.

Melissa brings a fantastic attitude, invaluable insight and great prior experience. Throughout our time working together, she was always incredibly responsive, and happy to work around my schedule no matter how much of an imposition. She had a really great eye for detail, and an impressive way of helping me to open up about some very tough moments in my personal journey - but in a very sensitive, understanding and powerful way. 

Above all, she is also just an incredibly friendly and positive person, and an absolute joy to work with.

I couldn't recommend Melissa more, and I know you won't look back after taking her on!

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Working with Jenifer has been an amazing journey. I felt I could easily connect with her during our first initial call and I decided to work with her, and it has proven to be a great choice. She was more than just a coach, but also a mentor at the same time. She supported me at some of my personal decision and genuinely had my best interest at heart, and would look out for my wellbeing in this somewhat taxing journey of MBA application. I could always trust her to have my back as she would encourage me on my GMAT journey, reassure me during my application process. I felt supported and definitely not alone in this application journey.

Her turnaround on my essay edits was really fast and she would make sure the little details were captured right down to the last edit, all so under a tight timeline. She is dedicated and positive, always making sure I'm putting in the best version of myself in the application.

Thank you Jenifer for going through this important journey of my life with me.

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I have nothing but positive experience working with Jenifer. Not only did she help me with my application, she was also a great mentor. I learned a lot about myself from her during the process! I decided to apply to MBA mid-year last year, quite late, and storytelling/essay writing is definitely one of my weaknesses. MBA application can be an extremely stressful and vulnerable process to begin with, so I was in a tough state. But Jenifer was very patient. She learned about me in detail to make sure I can tell the best stories about myself to admissions. It was so easy to connect and open up to her, and from her global experiences, I felt like she really understood my experiences living in different countries and working in a global environment. It was an extra competitive year, and some other companies I spoke with did not think I had a strong enough profile. As an M7 admit, I definitely could not have achieved this without her!

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