The MBA process is a whirl wind process that is full of both too much and too little information. You’ll listen to advice from mentors, alumni, friends, and family all while trying not to take what you read on blogs and forums too seriously. It is a vast ocean of perspectives and possibilities and I wanted someone to be my rock to guide me through it. SOP was my rock.

I was recommended to SOP by a colleague who had actually used another consulting service that translated into two waitlists at Wharton and HBS. After pivoting to SOP who guided her through the waitlist process (an adventure in and of itself), she got into both.

The word she used to describe her SOP experience was “honest” and honesty is exactly what I got. My 30 minute intro call with Kathryn lasted easily over an hour giving me a very frank perspective on my profile. Most importantly, Kathryn told me my dream schools of Wharton and HBS were possible, if I was willing to put in the work. Kathryn wasn’t just selling me by telling me what I wanted to hear. In fact, Kathryn was very frank in saying if I wasn’t up to snuff for a school she would tell me. Her honesty is what cultivated a trusting partnership with SOP, which is crucial in this process. There will be times when you believe you’ve written a knock out essay full of insights gleaned as you stared at yourself hard in the reflection of your laptop screen. Nope. “Doesn’t work”, is what you’ll hear back. Having a partner you trust across Kathryn, your SOP advisor, and the whole SOP team you work with (a whole team!) knowing they are pushing you to bring out the best in your application is what gets you to that next level.

This process is full of emotional swings and speculation. Throughout the entirety of it, I was able to rely on Kathryn and my SOP advisor to give it to me straight and drive me to create the application that got me accepted Wharton’s HCM program. It was a dream that I didn’t fully believe was possible until Kathryn gave me the confidence that it was and then provided the support to make it a reality.

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Square One Prep came highly recommended to me from a friend who had also worked with Kathryn and team in the past. I wasn't sure where to get started with the business school application process, and Kathryn helped me understand what to expect and to prepare during our free consultation call. I was really impressed by Lara, Kathryn, Luis, and team on the dedication to help present my best self in my application. In 8 weeks, they helped me through resume-crafting, career narrative strategy, essay writing, interview prep, and more. I ended up getting admitted into both HBS and Stanford GSB, all thanks to Square One Prep!

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Kathryn, my advisor, Yarden, and the whole Square One team were instrumental in my b school application process. From day 1, they helped assuage my concerns about my test scores and focus on what I could control - my personal narrative, essays, resume and recommendations. They managed my expectations while also pushing me to be confident in my accomplishments to date. They truly approach the process holistically and create outputs that are thoughtful, personalized and authentic. Not to mention, they are extremely accessible for calls and emails. Thank you SOP!!! I'm thrilled to have received acceptances from several M7 schools and couldn't have done it without SOP.

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In the current world where most of the interactions are via online platforms, I considered Mary’s past experience as reporter and TV show producer a tremendous asset! During our fit call, she made the difference by pointing out key techniques to behave in front of the camera, so I made the choice quickly.

Compared to other competitors’ consultants, Mary did not announce any quota for calls – usually consultants only use voice calls for the brainstorming call, and the rest of the communication is mainly based on emails. She was willing to jump on a call to further brainstorm or just when the situation was difficult to comprehend in written words. Because of her past working experience, I felt that every conversation mimicked the way interviewers would ask questions: she dug deeper on any occasion, asking the why behind each decision.

Moreover, Mary was always supportive and very efficient. It was incredible! Some documents were sent back to me within hours, allowing me to alter very quickly while having all the details in mind.

Finally, the interview prep was also terrific! In addition to the behavioral tips, she did a thorough review of my material and tailored more than 40 questions for me. Mary was there providing me advice and always willing to do additional mocks until I feel ready!

Big thank you from the bottom of my heart Mary, and I hope that our paths cross in the future!

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As was everyone else, I was faced with the decision of choosing my admissions consultant (or not!), which I feel dictates much of how one navigates the admissions process. I learnt about Square One from my cousin (who, btw, also enthusiastically recommends SOP!) and was curious to understand what Square One does differently.

Prior to my conversation with Kathryn, I had already spoken to several other consultants I was considering, and was almost frustrated with the industry and very unsure of whom I wanted to work with (at all?!). My first conversation with Kathryn, however, changed everything! Halfway into our discussion, I knew I would work with SOP. While most firms tried to pitch themselves frantically and paid little heed to my interests, Kathryn took ample time on our first call (really, our conversation went WELL over what we initially planned!) and focussed on getting to know me better and understand what I was looking for. She explained how it was important that I differentiate myself in the applicant pool and highlight my strengths. At the end of our conversation, I had a clear sense of what to expect and how SOP would help me.

And, SOP delivered more than they promised! The daunting admissions process didn’t seem as intimidating anymore, thanks to their meticulously structured approach. Kathryn and Luis helped me build a strong career narrative by asking me questions that led me to consider potential career paths and set ambitious goals that I’m truly passionate about. I wouldn’t have been as driven and composed through the process if it weren’t for Lara, my consultant, who was an absolute pleasure to work with! From the multiple essay revisions to countless questions on interview preparation, Lara inspired me to give it my best shot and was truly invested in my success as both a mentor and friend. The whole SOP team works so cohesively - Lara guided me at every step through the way, and Bailey held me accountable to my timelines, without which I doubt I would have functioned at my fullest ability at a comfortable pace. And, at every stage, I could visually track my timeline and progress on the several components of my application - right from my resume, all the way to the leadership review of my final essay - on their online portal (which was immensely helpful for me!).

In the end, our efforts paid off and I made it into my top choice school, with a scholarship!! I’m glad I got to work with SOP and had much to take from this experience. What would have otherwise been a stressful process, ended up being a thoroughly planned, meticulously structured and well executed pursuit.
If you are at Square One, you’ve already taken one step in the right direction! Rest assured you’ll get all the guidance and support you need!

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I went into b-school applications with more knowledge on the process than the average applicant. My fiancé has recently applied to several schools, using an alternative consultant (larger firm than SOP). Based on her experience, I was hesitant to work with a consultant. I observed a cookie-cutter essay formation process, a lack of attention to detail, and over engineered writing help that made her essays seem artificial to her.

But, I also recognized the value of someone keeping my story, and timeline, on track. So when it came time to vet consulting firms, I dedicated real time and resources to finding the right fit and personalities that would work for me.

From the first discussion with Kathryn, I knew SOP was the right fit. Where other consulting firm discussions were highly formal and limited in time, our initial discussion lasted over an hour – with her probing on my background – increasing my confidence as an applicant while challenging my story. Kathryn and her team then allowed me to vet my day-to-day advisor, and I found a great fit in Gary. Gary was able to pull my story out of me, polish it, then put it on paper – perfectly tying back to my resume, extracurriculars, and goals. Each piece of my application felt synced, with reasoning behind each step I made. It was a highly productive and intrinsic experience.

I had a very positive experience in what is usually a stressful process. I actually looked forward to writing about my path, and with the mock interview provided by SOP and synced application package – I felt highly confident entering interviews. The SOP team will make the process something to look forward to and that positivity and confidence comes through in essays – the proof is in their results. I consider the SOP team friends and would refer them to anyone applying to b-school.

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It has been an absolute delight working with the SOP team (Kathryn, Bailey, Kathleen, Eva, Wendy). I cannot thank them enough for their support through the application process. I first spoke with Kathryn over our initial evaluation call which stretched for 1.5 hours, and instead of selling herself or her services like most other consultants did, she spent time really trying to understand my story and my motivations for wanting to pursue an MBA. Over the next year, I spoke with Kathryn a couple more times, to update her on my professional and personal progress, before finally deciding to enroll with the SOP team. All through this, Kathryn was extremely understanding and upfront with what she thought would work best for me.

Once I enrolled with SOP, the process was extremely smooth. Bailey and Kathryn helped craft out a schedule that would allow me to manage my applications while in a hectic work schedule and almost hand held through the process. I worked with Wendy, Kathleen and Eva, as my immediate advisors, and all of them were extremely helpful in helping me draft a strong career narrative, craft strong essays and build a stellar resume.Working with them really allowed me to break down each application into parts (and perfect each part individually) and that helped me showcase my best potential to the Adcoms.

I would highly recommend the SOP team to anyone looking to apply to B-School. My experience was extremely smooth and really allowed me to introspect and put my best foot forward. SOP, unlike other consultants, were personally invested in my success, and really allowed me to have an extremely enjoyable and successful admissions process.

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With Kathryn and Mary’s help, I received offers from 2 schools (one with a 30% scholarship). I would absolutely recommend them anyone going through the process.
Of all the consultants I spoke to, Kathryn was the only one who actually heard my views and very bluntly pointed out the weaknesses in my profile. While the call was scheduled for 30 mins, we ended up talking for more than 90 mins. We ended up scheduling another free consultation which lasted another good 60 mins. She cares about you (sometimes a bit too much :D)
Initially I had a fear that consultants would persuade you to target safer schools so that their record stays intact. However, Kathryn/Mary always encouraged me to aim higher (even when I was not confident I could get in).
Mary and Kathryn were both very experienced in framing cohesive stories out of seemingly unrelated incidents in your life. Sometimes, I felt they understood my life more than I did. Mary never backed down from spending more time when required. For instance, while she was supposed to spend ~9-15 hrs on my booth application, she ended up spending more than 20 hours.
One thing I absolutely loved: They focused a lot more on who I am as a person (my hobbies, my interests) and tried to highlight that in my essays which helped me add a personal/funny flavor to my essays.

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In May 2020, I unexpectedly lost my job in healthcare operations due to COVID-19. In deciding my next step, I thought about applying to business school, as it was part of my long-term plan. But I knew nothing about the process or requirements and was worried that I did not have enough experience and knowledge to a) be accepted to a competitive program and b) be able to contribute at the same level as my peers. After hearing from a friend about Square Prep One, I scheduled a free consultation with Kathryn.
From that first conversation, Kathryn was supportive and encouraging while offering a candid assessment of my applicant outlook. She asked probing questions, laid out different scenarios, and confidently answered all my questions. She clearly had a tremendous amount of knowledge in the area and, even though it was a short timeline to the extended application deadline (7 weeks), her confidence and eagerness to help solidified my belief that this was the team for me if I was serious.
Kathryn and my advisor Mike quickly whisked me into their structured process including a four-hour call to understand me as applicant with my strengths and weaknesses, building a competitive resume, developing a career narrative, crafting thoughtful essays, etc. Their process helped me create a focused, cohesive, and compelling application. Throughout the process, my advisor Mike was engaged, thoughtful, and advocated for me, pushing me to be clearer, more succinct, and powerful in telling my story through my essays and interview. Even if I had worked on my application by myself for months, I am convinced that the quality of my application would not have come close to the final work I produced with their help.
If you are serious about applying to business school and are looking for a partner to help guide you through the process, Square One Prep is your team. In roughly 9 weeks, I went from trying to decide if I should apply to business school to being accepted to my top choice, Goizueta. I could not have done it without them and cannot more highly recommend them.

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The SOP team (Kathryn, Bailey, Garry and Wendy) is the best of the best. They take an individual approach with each candidate that they work with and genuinely care about their success. Applying for an MBA while you are balancing a full time job and other responsibilities can be very intimidating, but Bailey creates a customized schedule based on the programs you are applying to which makes each deadline more manageable. She constantly updated the schedule to ensure it reflected reality. In my case, my list of schools was dynamic for a few weeks as I applied late round and wanted to apply to schools that wouldn’t require a GRE/GMAT score. Schools were very much in a state of flux on this subject when I started my work with SOP, so the school list I started with wasn’t the school list three weeks later.

My experience started by having a conversation with Kathryn (the founder). It was supposed to be 30 minutes and we ended up talking for over an hour. She listened to my past experiences and challenges as an applicant, and then gave me reassurance that her team could help with the quick turnaround I needed to get three applications done in 10 weeks. Despite being the founder, Kathryn made the time to play an active role in my applications from start to finish and every essay was reviewed by her before being submitted.

Before starting your applications/resume/essays, you work on crafting your career narrative with a career advisor. My career advisor, Wendy, truly made my story come alive. The thing I appreciated was her ability to push me to think deeper about my individual narrative (not just a general narrative that anyone could use), asked me to expand on my thoughts, and guided me when I felt stuck. Once you have your A+ narrative, you present it to your career advisor, daily advisor, and Kathryn. This boosted my confidence and was extremely helpful for my essays and interviews.

Garry was my daily advisor and I cannot say enough good things about his approach and our relationship during this process. He brainstormed with me for my essays, helped me strengthen my resume, and made sure I was prepared for the interviews. But most importantly, I felt like we were a team. He was available 24-7 and had the fastest turnaround on my essays. If you have the opportunity to work with him as your daily advisor, you are BLESSED!!

It is hard to put into words, but I am so thankful for my entire SOP team— they helped change the projection of my life and will always hold a special spot in my heart!

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