Like a lot of people who are applying to business school, I was overwhelmed by the amount of things that I had to do - whether that be crafting the right story, getting strong recommendations, or drafting essays, I kept thinking that I couldn’t do this on my own.
I took an introduction call with Kathryn that was extremely reassuring. I could tell that I would be in good hands, and the most important thing to me was that I knew there was a clear plan for my future success in applying to business school.
Kayin, my personal adviser, was instrumental in this process. He worked with me to constantly iterate on my essays and narrative and provided invaluable career advice that I will take with me to this day. I would have been lost multiple times throughout my b-school application journey without him and I can’t recommend him highly enough.

The common theme here is that the entire team at Square One is amazing: Luis, who pushed me to realize my best possible career narrative, Bailey, who was so extremely helpful in her encouragement and her bottomless knowledge about the application process– thank you all. For those looking to hire an admissions consultant, I PROMISE you it’s worth it to hire Square One Prep.

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I researched several different MBA prep companies and chose to partner with Square One Prep after connecting with Kathryn, who spoke to me at length, answering all of my questions with detail. As someone unfamiliar with the MBA admissions process, I found this particularly helpful to set expectations and understand what programs look for.

Working with Kathryn and Luis to craft a career narrative and clearly articulate my career goals was really helpful as someone with undefined and ambiguous future plans; though challenging, this process set me up well to write my essays and frame my application.

Lakshmi was a great consultant to work with; she was responsive and meticulous, always available to answer questions and provide feedback on innumerable drafts and iterations. I felt like we connected well and through the whole process, she was reassuring and empathetic, while still pushing me to put out my best work.

Ultimately, I was admitted to Wharton and couldn't have done it without the help of Square One Prep - their guidance was invaluable and they really had my back throughout the whole application process.

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As a fairly average candidate with dreams of attending a top 10 MBA program, I chose Square One Prep to help guide me through the process. I had discussions with numerous consultants and what drew me to Square One Prep was Kathryn's honest advice and depth of knowledge in both my desired industry and the MBA application process itself. After my initial conversation with Kathryn, I knew I had the best shot at being admitted to a top MBA program working alongside SOP.

Kathryn and Lee helped me along every single step of the way: from choosing the right schools, navigating an approach to secure my recommenders, shaping my resume, constructing essays, and conducting interview preparation. The process was clearly outlined from the start, with an easily accessible timeline, so there was no point where I was flustered or felt like I needed to rush my application before Round 1 deadlines. Beyond keeping me on track, Square One Prep ensured my work was top quality while also maintaining my own voice. Even on the 12th or 13th versions of essays, the team never hesitated to put in the extra time to guide me, making sure my materials were in the best shape possible.

Through this work with SOP, my somewhat average GMAT and GPA were strengthened by the rest of my materials. I was admitted to four of my dream schools, including Kellogg, Tuck, Darden, and Fuqua, with $70K in scholarships. I cannot recommend Kathryn and Square One Prep enough for anyone going through the business school process. THANK YOU!

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When I began my MBA consultant search, SOP immediately stood out from the rest. Kathryn responded to my email within minutes and then less than an hour later we were on a call discussing my MBA aspirations. As someone with a traditional background and very average stats, I was concerned about crafting a unique, compelling story that would resonate with adcoms. My advisor, Matt Haldeman, and the SOP team did just that. Matt got to know me on a deep, personal level and helped me create an authentic, but unique story that I would not have been able to create by myself. Additionally, I knew the MBA admissions process would be incredibly stressful and demanding. Matt and the SOP team supported me and their structured process helped keep my extremely Type A tendencies at bay.

In summary, I believe SOP was the reason I gained admission to multiple T10 schools in this incredibly competitive year. SOP was the white glove service that I needed and I’d recommend them to anyone as they begin their MBA journey!

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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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