Master's Programs Admissions

I take a highly supportive approach to coaching and aim to create an environment in which my clients can be completely open about their worries so I can be the best possible coach for them. That said, you can expect me to be constructively candid – because coaching is about challenging you and accelerating your growth, not making you feel good so I can collect a check. Besides sitting on both Northwestern's and Stanford's alumni admissions councils, I was an interviewer at Google and Meta, so I've spent many hours "on the other side of the table" and can give you a strong sense for how you might be perceived by interviewers and admissions committees. I enjoy coaching people from a huge range of backgrounds, but I specialize in coaching folks from lower-income families, LGBTQ+ candidates, and those who need extra help crafting their personal narrative.

Welcome! I’m a Harvard and Wharton graduate with professional experience spanning investing, consulting, and finance at Jonathan Rose Companies, Boston Consulting Group, Omidyar Network, and Goldman Sachs. I’ve coached applicants across MBA, MPP/MPA, and other graduate programs, helping them turn their experiences, ambitions, and values into compelling and cohesive applications. My approach combines strategic positioning with hands-on support—from identifying the stories that best differentiate you to refining essays, resumes, recommendations, and interview preparation. Whether you’re starting from a blank page or looking for a strategic second set of eyes on an application already underway, my goal is to help you build an application that is authentic to who you are and clear about where you’re going.

Former music major, professional pianist, arranger, composer, and member of the Tabernacle Choir. I also help students navigate the music audition process for competitive programs

As a medical student, I saw the value in pursuing multiple complementary degree programs to help bolster my training and perspectives on the world. As a coach, I help prospective students navigate the difficult hurdles often faced when preparing to apply, enroll, and thrive in these programs.

I was able to match with a top-tier program during my first application cycle, something uncommon in genetic counseling. I have 3+ years of mentoring and have received formal training through a peer-mentorship course at Brigham Young University.

On coaching for MPA / MPP / Master of City Planning: I have helped many individuals in the past who are considering a Masters in Public Policy, Public Administration and even some in City Planning. I can help you understand how to plan your application process (timeline to take GRE, request recommendations, choose & coach recommenders etc.), review your application (resume, essays, writing samples) and prepare for interviews, if needed.

I am a highly experienced coach with a passion for helping students achieve their goals of getting into top master's programs. During my time at SEO Scholars, I successfully guided numerous students through the graduate school application process, with acceptances to Columbia's School of Professional Studies, CUNYs, pharmacy schools, and medical schools. My expertise includes editing application materials, conducting mock interviews, and providing comprehensive guidance on essay topics and structure. I have also worked with diverse student populations, including first-generation, low-income, and non-native English speakers. If you're looking for personalized support and proven results, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's work together to make your dream of attending a top master's program a reality!

Welcome to my profile! With 20+ years experience in Admissions Consulting, Career Coaching, Education, and Recruitment, I've supported many candidates gain admission to top master's programs on the planet. My values are deeply rooted in quality education, global interconnectedness, and diversity & inclusion. If you're targeting a seat at some of the best schools in the world, working together, I'm confident we can get you there. As former Director of Recruitment for the Global MBA program at ESSEC Business School (Paris, France & Singapore) I know exactly what gives MBA applicants a competitive profile in the eyes of admissions committees. Previously in my role at France's prestigious Sciences Po, I offered countless workshops on how to write an impactful CV, as well as how to interview effectively. Prior to this, I worked in admissions & recruitment at Long Island University in New York. Additionally, as an English teacher for many years, most recently at the prestigious École de Guerre, you can rest assured that your essays will be critiqued for English grammar and spelling with the eye of a hawk. In 2020, I created Candidate Coach to do admissions consulting full time. Currently based between Paris, France and New York City - centrally located and globally connected to team up for appointments, no matter what your time zone in the world.

Welcome to my profile! As a current dual-degree candidate at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School, I bring a nuanced understanding of what different admissions departments are looking for. Whether you're aiming for a top-tier business or public policy program, I'm here to help you craft a compelling application that stands out. Let's work together to achieve your academic and career goals!

Experienced coach in Graduate / Master program application, having helped numerous students get into top schools. Grew up in the country side in Belgium with a humble socio-economic situation, got into the London School of Economics, worked as a consultant at McKinsey, now working at Microsoft in Dublin, living a life I never thought I'd one day achieve. Results - Coached 30+ students landing offers at McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Company, Roland Berger, AT Kearney, Strategy&, and so on. Guided 10+ mentees through McKinsey & Company's thorough interview process as a dedicated interviewee mentor while working at the Firm. Process - Prepared students for success in all stages of the process whether it's acing Final Round interviews with (Senior) Partners, excelling in Behavioural Skills interviews (on Personal Impact, Entrepreneurial Drive, Inclusive Leadership and, Courageous Change), crushing the Case interview, playing out the Imbellus Problem Solving Game or, blowing away HR in the initial CV screening and Cover Letter writing stage. Expertise - Known for unorthodox insights on boosting your chances of getting in, such as which offices best to apply to, to maximise your chances of landing the offer, which position is easiest to landing the offer and how to convert internships into full-time offers. Extensive knowledge on all industries, capabilities, practices, and locations of McKinsey & Company. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About me - Matthias is an Account Manager at Microsoft, former Junior Associate at McKinsey & Company based out of Brussels (Belgium), with engagements that took him to London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Geneva, and Nairobi. Focused on McKinsey's Public and Social sector (SHaPE) in topics such as Global Public Health, Urban Mobility, Education, Employment, and Food Security.