MBA Admissions Consultants

Hey there! I'm Shane a graduate of Harvard Business School (MBA), with a strong foundation in engineering and music from Northwestern University. My professional journey includes impactful roles at McKinsey & Company and a in venture capital. I've successfully coached many individuals, helping them navigate the competitive MBA admissions process and secure spots at top programs. My experience spans strategic consulting and engineering, equipping me with a unique perspective to guide you through your unique journey. Excited to support you in your application journey!

I was admitted to HBS in the 2022 cycle, despite having a lower-than-average GMAT, being a first-generation college student, and not hiring a consultant for myself. I'm now a recent graduate from Harvard Business School with extensive experience coaching friends and clients through their MBA applications over the last two years. I was one of six students from my year chosen to participate in HBS' admissions committee, where I supported the admissions team with welcoming students to campus and sharing advice on applying to HBS. Meanwhile, I was actively supporting my friends in their business school ambitions, who are attending HBS, Sloan, Wharton, and Anderson. During the last two MBA application cycles, I have helped at least one client get accepted into all M7 schools. Out of my clients, 5 will be attending HBS, 3 at GSB, 1 at Wharton, 2 at Sloan, 2 at Booth, 1 at Columbia, and 0 for Kellogg (maybe this year). I work full-time at Bain as a consultant, so this is simply something that I'm passionate about and want to continue doing on the side. I ask that if you're coming to me you're serious about applying and working through this process together, as I don't anticipate taking too many clients this year.

- Recent admits to top MBA programs such as Columbia Business School, MIT Sloan, UChicago Booth, NYU Stern, and Yale SOM all with large fellowships and some full-tuition scholarships - Obtained a 750 on the GMAT (98% percentile) - Passionate about helping others reflect and grow from their experiences to obtain business school admits

About Abdi With a proven track record of guiding over 2,000 students globally through the admissions process, Abdi is the ideal coach to help you secure admission to the MBA program of your dreams. As Chairman of Sherif Academy (formerly Easy Entry Group), he led initiatives supporting underrepresented students of color in gaining admission to top institutions like Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Wharton, and MIT Sloan. Abdi built valuable relationships with Assistant Deans of MBA Admissions at leading programs, hosting virtual events to provide applicants with unique insights into how admissions committees evaluate candidates. Additionally, his collaboration with Poets & Quants allowed him gain unique insights into designing successful applications, generating strategies from 14+ years of data and positioning Sherif Academy as a trusted resource in admissions consulting. Passion for Coaching His journey to becoming an admissions coach was inspired by his father's dedication to providing him with the best educational resources. His father's belief in his potential led Abdi to excel academically, culminating in his admission to Harvard Business School through the 2+2 Program. This experience instilled in him a desire to provide similar opportunities to others. Greatest Strengths Abdi's coaching style is characterized by a personalized approach, helping candidates to find and express their unique stories. He collaborates closely with applicants, focusing on their strengths and aspirations to develop tailored strategies. He aims to empower candidates to own their narratives and confidently navigate the competitive admissions landscape. More About Abdi In his free time, Abdi enjoys connecting with founders from underrepresented backgrounds and indulging in his love for sports, including soccer and basketball. He is an avid fan of Arsenal and the Lakers.

I have coached 70+ individuals who have been admitted to every top MBA program.

Welcome to my profile! As a current MBA student at Harvard Business School and Admissions Fellow, I bring firsthand insights into the MBA admissions process. I am interested in coaching and mentoring because I have greatly benefited from mentors who have helped me with MBA application. I am therefore eager to pay it forward to others currently going through the application journey. The process can be overwhelming and I look forward to helping you throughout your journey by creating a customized approach. I have helped numerous friends and mentees apply to MBA programs successfully. My background: As a nontraditional applicant to MBA programs, I have successfully secured admissions to 12 top MBA programs, including 4 full-ride scholarships. Having successfully coached over 50 clients, I specialize in helping applicants craft compelling narratives and strategies to stand out. Let's work together to make your MBA dreams a reality—reach out to start your journey today!

Candidates, especially ones from common or overpopulated demographics, need to stand out. We will work together so that you are not a one-dimensional candidate in the eyes of the Admissions Committee but one who adds something special to the entering cohort. I have been interviewing candidates as a Kellogg alum since 1993. I recruited Executive MBA candidates for Kellogg throughout Latin America and ran information sessions on the fulltime program while a Kellogg director. Later, I worked several years at two of the larger players in the MBA admissions consulting industry before deciding to offer the same services independently. Clients love my authenticity, enthusiasm, and sense of humor. But while a confessed porphyrophile, I have also helped clients get into a wide range of Top Twenty programs, including the M7.

I founded Avanti Prep in 2017. I do this full time and have lived and breathed this space to a degree that very few others have. My rate is *$200 less per hour* than my industry peers — for what past applicants believe is better service. Please read my reviews and compare my rates with other top-ranked consultants and firms! REPUTATION - Top 5% most reviewed MBA admissions consultants on Poets & Quants and GMAT Club - Featured on one of Poets & Quants' top MBA admissions consultants lists for five straight years - Among the most reviewed consultants, I have one of the highest ratings and *the lowest hourly rate* SAVINGS - Similarly ranked consultants charge an average of $495 per hour — most of my clients pay $295 - Avanti Prep's rates "remain one of the least expensive in the industry" (Poets & Quants, 2023) - "Among the top advisors, the least expensive is Greg Guglielmo of Avanti Prep" (P&Q, 2020)​ TESTIMONIALS - My client reviews are among the most detailed and transparent you'll find anywhere ​​- I've worked with a lot of applicants who previously worked with other firms — read and compare! - Consistently lauded for providing an unmatched level of quality, commitment, and personal care RESULTS - In 2023-24, my Harvard-Stanford acceptance rate was 47% — nearly 4.5x the baseline rate - My lifetime Harvard-Stanford Interview Prep success rate is 83% — let's prep together! - Our military/veteran clients' aggregate HSW acceptance rate is 73% — references available

Recruiting for management consulting & applying to MBA programs can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. I'm a former BCG consultant & current first-year MBA candidate at MIT Sloan with a proven track record of helping professionals from all backgrounds achieve their career dreams, whether it's landing a consulting offer from MBB or gaining acceptance into their dream business school. I have over 3 years of experience in consulting & was accepted into both Darden's & MIT's deferred MBA programs. I've helped 10+ individuals navigate the consulting recruiting process & 5+ individuals with the MBA application process. I'm all about building strong relationships & providing clear, practical guidance. I'm a good listener, a strategic thinker, & a passionate advocate for my clients' success. I hope to work with you & wish you the best of luck on your career journey!

Having gone through the MBA application process and achieved admittance to the five schools to which I applied (Booth, Darden, HBS, Kellogg, and Wharton), I know the dedication required to submit compelling applications that yield your desired result. In addition to this, I've helped a number of prospective MBAs think through their interest in business schools in general, as well as strategize to improve their candidacy. This has ranged from advice on taking specific courses to demonstrate capabilities in weak areas (e.g., 3-credit online, quantitative course to balance a humanities major or a low undergrad quant grade) to tactical tips on navigating a waitlist successfully and receiving an offer of admission. This has also included guidance on GMAT and GRE prep and big-picture thinking to investigate a targeted list of post-MBA career options. I came from a more traditional background at first glance (investment banking, private equity) but had a non-traditional major (Art History) coupled with a personal passion (sustainability) that I hadn't yet explored professionally, but was committed to pursuing in the future. Strengthening weak spots while weaving together my divergent experiences and interests (art, music, Italian language and culture, volunteer tutoring, environmentalism, finance) in my application and detailing my targeted career path (sustainable finance) was a challenging but rewarding experience. I'd love to help you think through links between the many diverse and seemingly disconnected experiences we often have when applying to MBA programs.