How do we work together?

  • A typical admissions officer spends just a couple minutes–if that–reviewing your resume. Nonetheless, the resume is an essential part of your application as it will very likely create the first impression, much like the first time you meet someone. Particularly for business school, the resume must be loaded with accomplishments that you have quantified; generalizations or a list of your responsibilities is not of much interest to the people who will be reviewing your application. A resume is not simply a job description.

    Resumes can be done relatively quickly. You send me a draft, I review it, make notes to prepare for our session and then we can talk directly to review feedback. After that I will spend some time, usually no more than an hour, upgrading the information on and appearance of the resume and then send it to you for your approval.

  • Most frequently, my clients want detailed feedback on their resume and essays. Essays are crucial to the application process, because it is your chance to give the admissions officers as much information as possible about the student and human (i.e. you) that will be joining their community in an appealing and easily digestible format. Regarding brainstorming, decide what you want the admissions officers to know about you when they are done reviewing your file, regardless of how or what questions are (or not) asked.

  • Letters of recommendation give the admissions officers a different perspective on much of the information already in your application. Many applicants find themselves in the awkward position of having to write their own letters of recommendation or, at the very minimum, guide their referee about what to write. If this applies to you I am happy to discuss your situation and help you meet your goal.

  • If you have been selected for an interview that is great news–and interview prep is essential. I am happy to do interview prep and I can also refer clients to a select group of counselors I have worked with for years if you desire interview training with a complete stranger.

    During the interview prep sessions we’ll run through key questions and I’ll press you for deeper explanations to probe your level of knowledge and seriousness. I’ll time your answers and make notes as we go along. After that, we’ll discuss your results and I’ll offer strategies for how to improve.

  • How do fees work?

    Clients that work with me are charged by the hour or through a package of several hours. Once you have purchased time with me, it is entirely up to you how we use it. For example, that time can be used for my edits on every portion of your application or calls in which we brainstorm or discuss feedback. I will send you an updated time log every time we work together.

  • Rates?

    Single hour: $300
    Pack of 5 hours: $1,250 ($250/hour)
    Pack of 10 hours: $2,300 ($230/hour)

    Please note: I ask for full payment at the time of ordering. For instance, you cannot choose the “ten-session” package and pay by the hour; you must pay the full cost in one lump sum.

    I currently accept payment via Paypal and Venmo.

  • How long does it take?

    One thing to keep in mind, as we work together my review of your work tends to get faster as I become more familiar with your voice and story, and the written portions turn into tweaks rather than brand new drafts. Therefore, the first few rounds of feedback take longer than later rounds. I aim for a turnaround of edits and all email communication within 24 hours, and am often much quicker to respond.

  • How much time should I purchase?

    As a rough estimate, I usually tell people that the first school will take three to five hours. The first application is almost always the most difficult simply because clients have to get their minds organized for the types of answers and presentation of information the schools are looking for and, also, because they don’t have a lot of information in mind for the essays. Depending on the circumstances, the resume and/or letters of rec might add to this amount of time; in other cases they don’t.

    Different applicants work at different speeds. However, subsequent schools are almost always faster because clients have a better understanding of what schools are looking for and, even better, they can recycle some of the information from the first application, particularly for the “goals” essay.

  • Can we have an intro call?

    Yes. Please fill out the form on the Contact page.

    This session will last from thirty minutes to one hour. During this session I am happy to discuss anything that you wish to cover.

  • Does purchased time expire?

    Sometimes, a client will wish to delay his or her application and counseling until the following year. I will honor the time the client has already purchased for one year from the date of purchase.

    For all other cases, if a client is not 100% satisfied with my work after two weeks of paying I will refund all the unused time, minus any fees I might have incurred in receiving payment (i.e.; the percentage PayPal charges). However, if the client’s deadlines fall within this period this offer is not in effect.

    Beyond that, I do not offer refunds. We will thoroughly talk through your needs and I will advise you on your purchase of my services accordingly. Since my business runs on referrals I have no incentive to guide you to over-purchase.