What makes you different from other firms?

July 21, 2023 :: Admissionado Team

We Don’t Qualify Our Client:

Yeah, this is a thing. Go talk to other firms and tell us what you experience. Whereas many MBA admissions consultants will tell prospects they’re not competitive enough, their chances are low, ‘come back and talk to us when you’ve hit X on your GMAT’ we look at who you are, who you want to be, and ask ourselves what can we do together to have you shatter your own sense of where your potential is? We will do so at the risk of our reputation, because we’re a client-focused firm. Other folks pre-screen candidates so that they’re basically shoe-ins before they take them on as clients. Get the ‘5-star review’ by only taking on ‘sure things.’ It’s a smart tactic, but for us, a bit cowardly. We like taking risks because we think ‘belief’ is a key ingredient to success, and we’re confident as hell in our ability to make big things happen.

Rigorous Screening Process:

We have a rigorous selection process that ensures we only onboard the most exceptional consultants. This is fascinatingly not common in this industry. As our consultants (who wen through the process with other firms). Other firms rely solely on the prestige of consultants’ alma maters. That’s our starting point. Then we begin to dig to find the real consultants. Our screening process focuses on teasing out folks with top shelf diagnostic ability. We evaluate candidates through an exhaustive series of interviews and assessments. We review the work ‘blind.’ Why? A resume can be seductive. We make sure the work stands on its own. Only top performers progress to subsequent rounds, while low performers are winnowed at each stage. In addition to diagnostic ability, we also assess coaching talent. We look for consultants who inspire confidence and can adapt their guidance style to suit clients with diverse personalities and cultural backgrounds. No one takes this as seriously as we do.

Team-Based Approach:

We have found that a team-based approach to application consulting yields the best results. The consultant serves as the strategic point person throughout the process, overseeing the big picture strategy. They ask crucial questions to ensure differentiation from peers, crafting an intellectually and emotionally resonant candidate story, and presenting the strongest angles to showcase strengths effectively. For the writing-intensive aspect of the application, we bring in a dedicated Essay Specialist. Working under the guidance of the main consultant, the Essay Specialist dives deep into the writing, providing analysis, feedback, and actionable suggestions for multiple rounds of edits. This split approach allows each specialist to remain fresh and focused, leveraging their specific expertise to deliver optimal results for each client. Such a division of labor is a rarity in the admissions consulting industry.

Culture and Individualized Approach:

Our culture and approach have been highly praised by clients who end up working with us. Our style is *not* a perfect fit for everyone. Our approach is relaxed, and conversation, but never slack. Clients appreciate our authenticity, transparency, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Many describe us as genuinely kind, and caring, capable of alleviating stress and anxiety throughout the process. But we’re also prepared to drop the hammer and level harsh truths if we believe that doing so will make you a stronger applicant. Rather than simply telling clients what they want to hear, we provide honest feedback and guidance. We believe in helping clients craft individualized, true-to-self applications, as these are qualities highly valued by admissions committees. Unlike firms focused on strict clock-watching, we prioritize quality over quantity and dedicate ourselves to delivering exceptional service.