For round 1, I only applied to HBS and didn't use a consultant. I was well aware of consultants, but felt that I wanted to do the process on my own. I felt that using a consultant would make my application unauthentic. I didn't get in.

For round 2, I decided that I needed the help. I did my research and landed on SBC. I was paired up with Andy and couldn't have been happier with the outcome. I was admitted to Stanford and Wharton.

Andy was incredibly helpful in crafting my story. To my surprise, my application did not lose any authenticity. In fact, I felt like Andy was able to help me better tell my own story and ultimately helped give my application depth and personality. I picked Andy because of his experience in writing and editing, and it paid off. He always gave great edits and feedback in a very timely manner. I really can't say enough positive things about Andy and the help that he gave me. He's a great guy and a great consultant.

Coming from someone who consciously decided not to use a consultant for Round 1, the truth is in the facts. I was dinged on my own with HBS and was 2/2 with Andy's help.

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In October, I decided to apply to business school. I knew I would need to stay focused, organized and motivated in order to meet the R2 deadlines for four schools. I also knew that I was a subpar writer and lacked confidence in marketing myself at the level that top business schools often expect. I discovered SBC and met Andy, who graciously took on the task of helping me with my resume and essays.
 
I really enjoyed working with Andy, because he offers direct and honest feedback. If a topic would not work, he would say so rather than spending time trying to make it work. Additionally, Andy is incredibly responsive over e-mail, even on weekends. He has a 24-hour response goal, but he was always able to turnaround my essays ahead of this goal. Lastly, Andy is VERY patient. There were many times when I really struggled to connect the essay prompt with a good story, but Andy did not give up on me by just telling me what to do. Instead, Andy offered constant guidance as I slowly worked through idea after idea after idea and version after version after version of the same essay. Even as the R2 deadlines were fast approaching, Andy stayed available and supportive to the point where I started an essay three days before the deadline (not recommended) and was still able to get a strong essay together with a day to spare!
 
In the end, results speak for itself, as I will now be attending my dream school - Wharton!

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So I was skeptical of taking these "consultants" on board, esp after I had a pretty bad experience with a certain clear admit last year...but for any one looking for a top bschool - having one, in many ways essential, you need someone to look at ur essays, run with ur thoughts...friends and family can only help that much with their busy schedule's. The thing I really liked about SBC was that they let me talk to 3 diff consultants till I found someone I was comfortable with ( yes, i offered to pay hourly for all 3 - and recommend anyone the same...But SBC was happy to deduct those costs from my total fees - if I chose a comprehensive package, which I did). I chose my final consultant Andy...who beyond doubt was excellent!

Andy was thoughtful in bouncing your thoughts of ... he did not write my essays ( initially annoying, but eventually great as it let it be my voice, made me more 'comfortable' about my essays)...but probably the thing I cherished the most about him was him being responsive...he would turn around in 24 hours as he promised, and was there to work weekends, which is so key given my stressful work - I usually only had the weekends to work. He was also excellent in conducting mock interviews...I actually enjoyed working with him and it was like chatting to a friend, but a friend who also knew all about the MBA gig...thanks Andy , and thanks SBC!

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At the beginning of 2012, a really tough task lay ahead of me. I wanted to go to business school, but had significant weaknesses in my application and was applying from a really competitive pool. Even though I had a plan on how I could address these weaknesses, I didn't have clarity on how I could position myself in my essays.

Andy was pivotal in guiding me through the application process and helping me formulate a strategy that addressed my weaknesses and differentiated me from the rest of the pool at the same time. His passion, dedication, and openness was apparent from our first call and I had no doubt in my mind that we could work together on this. He helped my build upon my strengths and really showcase them in a clear, consistent manner. Prompt responses to draft versions, flexible schedule, late night conversations, and honest feedback were some of the characteristics of Andy's work ethic that made it possible for me gain admission on my first try to Johnson.

However, the most crucial strength that Andy has is his demeanor. He realizes how grueling the admissions process is and that most of the applicants are juggling work and other tasks while applying. He managed to be open and honest in his feedback, yet keep my spirits up. And that made all the difference!

Andy stuck with me throughout the application process and provided critical feedback/guidance when I was waitlisted. I can't thank him enough for his help and I am absolutely stoked that I'll be joining Johnson in the fall!

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Working without professional guidance, I went 0/5 on my round 1 applications last year. I was clearly doing something wrong and needed help. I have an unconventional background and I simply wasn't telling my own story effectively. I contacted six consulting companies and decided to go with SBC.

I cannot believe how lucky I was to be paired with Andy. He helped me to understand why certain anecdotes or stories would be ineffective--or worse, potentially detrimental --to my application. The most valuable aspect of our partnership was Andy's ability--based on his vast experience critiquing countless essays--to tell me when the angle I was pursuing simply wasn't working. When that happened, I'd come back the next day with another idea, and he'd explain why that didn't work either and we would work through it together. Eventually, I was able to produce something that really clicked. We both knew when It hit it.

Whenever I sent Andy a draft, his turnaround was crazy fast; he must check his email every minute on the minute. He has a gift for intuitively understanding what I was striving to accomplish, and clearly providing ideas around better ways to do it. And yet, Andy is somehow capable of delivering his critiques in a good-natured, positive way. In the end, I gained admission to Chicago, Tepper, Columbia, and NYU. After my shutout from round 1, I'm not just relieved, I'm thrilled!

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The entire team at SBC was very strong. From initial matching to highly frequent interaction with my consultant, SBC knew what it took to produce a strong application.

My consultant was Andy Pelletier and I could not have found a better one. He is a superb admissions coach who exudes a perfect blend of personality and professionalism. What makes him truly great, is his tireless focus on adding value to your application. No matter if you are on your umpteenth iteration of your essays, Andy candidly pushes, probes, questions, and refines, all in the pursuit of crafting that truly authentic and meaningful application. He is extremely responsive too, doing whatever it takes to meet your deadlines. If you are looking to not only produce a stellar application but also come to know yourself on a deeper level as a result, then SBC / Andy is your guy. I highly recommend SBC at large.

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