The Complete Package-From Self-Reflection to Scholarship Negotiation
After 14 years on the MIT Sloan admissions committee, I became an admissions counselor, using my insider insights to help my clients create compelling applications that catch the interest of adcomms. In my time at Sloan, I read far too many cookie cutter essays that ended up in the ding pile. I also read many interesting applications that were strong but were missing just a few key elements that would have made them winners. My role is to help clients identify their unique strengths and stories so their applications end up in the accepted pile. Strong applications have a theme running though all elements – the short answers, essays, resumes, recommender letters and interview responses. Through this package I collaborate with clients on all aspects of their application starting with personalized self-reflection and strategy work to identify their unique traits and help frame their strategy and goals. We also work crafting a tailored resume, identifying and preparing recommenders, brainstorming and editing essays and interview prep. Should clients need it, I can provide waitlist and scholarship negotiation strategies. Not every candidate has a flawless background. Do you have a low GPA or just can’t achieve the test score you are aiming for? Let’s discuss and address these issues. I pressure test the ideas and work of all my clients so we can identify any holes or potential red flags before an application ends up in the hands of an adcomm. Prior to working in admissions, I had a career in finance – equity research, private equity and investor relations; many of my clients come from those areas or are targeting them but I work with clients from all backgrounds. Additionally, I am a member of a Blue Start military family and have helped many members of the military transition to civilian roles through MBA programs or skill up to further their military careers.
What's included
Coaching is delivered via live and asynchronous sessions. In my time as an admissions coach, I have established a proven cadence for working with clients. We start with an initial call to kick off our collaboration and to get the client familiar with the self-reflection and strategy work we will be doing together. Then, as we start in on each school’s essays, we will have a call to brainstorm ideas and address any questions the applicant may have. Written edits will be done asynchronously; I have found that it is best for clients to see what I am suggesting and have time to reflect on any recommended changes. Of course, I will be available for calls to check in and/or answer any questions that may pop up – sometimes a call is the best way to provide reassurance or answer questions that can’t easily be addressed in written feedback. While I have a proven method, I remain flexible and can tailor the process to you and your working style. My role is to help you discover your authentic self and present your best stories to admissions committees so your application will be unique and stand out. I am on your team from our first call to the start of school- and every step in between.
- -Complete start to finish support for your MBA applications -Personalized self-reflection and strategy work to uncover your story, goals and frame the basis of your applications -A target school list based on your individual stats, goals and preferences -Individualized resume review and guidance, highlighting your skills and impact -Guidance on selection of your recommenders and creation of recommender prep packets -Tailored, school specific essays to set you apart from the pack – an iterative process from brainstorming and outlines to polished final drafts -Interview prep and mock interview sessions based on my 14 years as an MIT Sloan interviewer, followed by detailed feedback -Scholarship negotiation if applicable -Waitlist strategies if needed
Meet your expert
Lisa C.
Former MIT Sloan Adcomm |hundreds admits M7 & T15 | 5 Stars P&Q, GMAT Club.
After working in finance for over 10 years and getting an MBA along the way, I took a hiatus to focus on my growing family. A serendipitous meeting with an acquaintance led to me working as an admission advisor at MIT Sloan for 14 years. There I read thousands of applications and interviewed thousands of candidates for the MBA, EMBA, MFin, LGO and Sloan Fellows programs. I loved the work, meeting bright and engaging candidates, but increasingly felt that many applicants were missing key stories or information that would have allowed their applications to really pop. In my last few years at Sloan, an old friend convinced me to join her doing admissions consulting and I have never looked back! Over the last 8 years I have been supporting MBA and other specialty master's candidates identify experiences and traits that allow them to present their very best selves to committees and as a result to stand out in competitive applicant pools. I have helped candidates with various employment histories, and, as a member of a Blue Star family, I particularly enjoy working with veterans and active duty military members who seek to pivot out of the service or who are building a military career and want to upskill. Outside of work I am a competitive tennis and platform tennis player, and an avid downhill and backcountry skier and hiker.
