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Number Of Expert Admissions Coaches: 6
Total Reviews: 883 | 5 Star Reviews: 882 | 3 Star Reviews: 1
Firm Website: https://www.admissionsgateway.com/
Founded in 2007, Admissions Gateway is built on the philosophy of “Never leave a person behind.” Our mission is to do all it takes to help candidates get into top business schools.
Over the past 18 years, we have helped more than 2,000 applicants crack the world’s most competitive programs, including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and other M7 schools. Across the last four intakes, our candidates have received 836 admission offers from M7 programs. In 2026 alone, we had 263 of those, with over $15M in scholarships secured.
Poets&Quants named Admissions Gateway the #1 medium-sized MBA admissions consulting firm in the world for 2026, with a 9.99 client satisfaction score across 145 P&Q-verified reviews, and over 570 5-star reviews overall. In the same year, three of our consultants were ranked in the global Top-10 and five in the global Top-25.
Our model of invested mentoring means we don’t just edit essays, we live the application journey with each candidate. We ensure every student receives the undivided attention of senior consultants, supported by a structured firm-wide process that guarantees consistency and quality across the board.
At Admissions Gateway, our commitment goes beyond applications. We shape authentic stories that win admits and mentor candidates to thrive in business school and in their careers that follow.
Admissions Results:
2026 Intake results: HSW: 104; M7: 263, top-15: 461 2025 Intake results: HSW: 103; M7: 226, top-15: 322
2024 Intake results: HSW: 86; M7: 191, top-15: 315
2023 Intake results: HSW: 61; M7: 156, top-15: 293
Scholarship Results:
2026 intake scholarships: ~ $15M
2025 intake scholarships: ~ $13.5M
2024 intake scholarships: ~ $12.6M
2023 intake scholarships: ~ $10M
While other consultants might guide you through the MBA application process, Shabri lives it with you! Apart from being an excellent consultant, she’s also a compassionate and kind person.
Be it midnight or 6am, Shabri is always ready to help. I am guilty of calling her at midnight and on weekends to seek urgent advice, but she never complained and made sure i got the support needed.
She gives genuine advice, unbiased opinions and has a very compassionate outlook on the entire process. Moreover, what makes her stand out is her strong focus on authenticity. There are multiple instances where she stressed on my authentic values even more than I did and I believe that’s what made the difference.
I would recommend her 10/10 to any candidate!
When I started my MBA application process, I had limited access to seniors or people who had done the process. I was walking into this completely blind, and having someone like Rajdeep was really helpful in terms of planning things out.
From my very first conversation with Rajdeep, he helped me map out a clear timeline for the process, which included finalizing my goals, preparing for the GMAT, and strategizing my applications. His structured approach boosted my confidence and allowed me to focus on one key area at a time, offering me clarity on what each month would look like.
My initial Wharton essay drafts were not too good, but Rajdeeps’s guidance helped refine my story and showcase the impact of my experiences. He always shared honest and constructive feedback that inspired me to improve at every stage. His expert ability to crystallize a complex narrative into crisp, impactful statements made a significant difference.
When Harvard updated their essay questions this year, I was unsure about how to approach it. Rajdeep’s expertise was unparalleled at that time, despite the recent changes, he understood the core elements that Harvard looks for—impact, curiosity, and leadership. He helped me build these into my essays. The various iterations of his feedback through the drafts enabled me to present the best version of myself in the essays.
When I applied to Wharton, Rajdeep created his own TBD groups, where he conducted group mock interviews and discussion sessions with other applicants. This exercise created excellent peer-to-peer learning opportunities for me. Since AG really focuses on building a strong community of fellow applicants, I’m already in touch with a cohort of talented peers, many of whom may study with me in the future.
One of the toughest bits of the application process for me was preparing for Harvard’s unique 30-minute interview format. Rajdeep’s constant guidance through mock interviews supported me in practicing concise and impactful answers to highlight my achievements within the tight timelines. His guidance on maintaining composure throughout the interview helped me destress and perform confidently.
Thanks to the pivotal guidance of Rajdeep, I received admissions to Harvard and Wharton along with a $110,000 scholarship from both Harvard and Wharton. I believe Admissions Gateway didn’t only provide consulting but also created an environment where I could learn, grow, and present my best self to top MBA programs.
A big thank you to Mudit for being an incredible guide throughout my MBA journey. From day one, he was extremely thorough, starting with a detailed profile evaluation that helped uncover my strengths and blind spots. He laid out a clear, strategic plan that gave structure to the entire application process, making what initially felt overwhelming much more manageable.
From that point on, Admissions Gateway’s structured approach brought real clarity to the process. Every aspect, essays, resume, and application strategy was approached with precision and purpose. The team helped me build a compelling narrative and ensured each component of my application worked in harmony. The interview preparation was equally strong. Thanks to well-planned mock interviews and detailed feedback, I felt confident going into my Kellogg and Columbia interviews, and ultimately got the admits.
What really stood out was the continued support even after the admits. Mudit went above and beyond, helping me navigate post-admit formalities like education loans and next steps. Grateful for the commitment, structure, and care the team brought to this journey. Highly recommended for anyone aiming for a top-tier MBA program.
I heard about Rajdeep from one of my colleagues at ITC, who worked with him last year and made it to great business schools. Since he was also a great friend of mine and a senior from my undergrad, we discussed in detail what stood out for him in terms of working with Rajdeep and the AG process, and he had nothing but appreciation for Rajdeep’s role in his application journey. This made the decision to work with Rajdeep extremely straightforward, and my first chat with Rajdeep reaffirmed it.
Rajdeep brings a deep level of expertise to the table. When we started working on my applications, Rajdeep came in with a certain perspective regarding the right format and way to present things. I had never used the resume format wherein you segregate things into pillars and structure the right content in a resume that can give the reader a clear viewpoint of what is coming in and what this is all about. This way of structuring my resume really shed light on my accomplishments and the diversity of my experiences. By the end, I could see a significant improvement in the quality of my resume after using the frameworks recommended by Rajdeep.
Rajdeep really understands what AdCom is looking for. His ability to push applicants to dig deeper and support them in identifying the right material is truly outstanding. In terms of my essays, I had a couple of stories in mind regarding what I’d like to share and highlight, but I could not see them from the perspective of somebody on the admission committee. I would pick up one story that might look good to me, but then Rajdeep explained how this might not have that much impact or may not be the best way to present it. This iterative process ensured that I used the most impactful projects from my experience and framed them in the most impactful way.
Rajdeep not only helped me frame my goals but also helped me identify the goals I’d love to work towards in my life. Honestly, one of the aspects that I struggled the most with was finalizing my short-term and long-term goals. I used to self-introspect about my goals, develop certain options, and then discuss them with Rajdeep to see whether they fit my profile. Discussing these out loud and getting his feedback, I did a couple of iterations. In the end, those discussions helped me navigate what matters to me the most, the goals that aligned with my motivations, and what I had already done in that direction.
Rajdeep really helped me refine my presentation skills. Once I received my HBS interview offer, realizing that we had a limited time, and with the HBS interview being so difficult and unique, I felt really overwhelmed. But Rajdeep helped me find my calm. He immediately shared AG resources with me and conducted sessions to provide the right structures and frameworks. This gave me a good head start in terms of providing me with an outline, setting the right expectations, and understanding how and what to prepare. Then, once I prepared my material, Rajdeep conducted mock interviews with me. We did several mocks, during which he provided me feedback on what I needed to work on. Without those mocks, I don’t think I would have been able to present myself the way I was able to.
I don’t think I can truly express how glad I am to have been admitted to Harvard Business School, my lifelong dream. I don’t think any of this would’ve been possible if I did the applications by myself and I’d highly recommend Rajdeep to anyone who’s embarking on the MBA application journey.
Unlike most applicants, I wasn’t casting a wide net. Due to personal and geographic limitations, I had exactly one school I could apply to. That meant no backup options, no second chances—just one target, and one outcome that mattered.
That’s why I reached out to Eli.
What stood out most was how early he got involved. Long before we formally started working together, Eli was already offering strategic advice—how to shape my profile, what experiences to emphasize, what gaps to close. By the time we officially kicked off the application, we weren’t starting from scratch—we were building on months of thoughtful preparation.
Eli’s school-specific knowledge is unreal. He knew how to craft a story that would resonate with this program’s DNA—what they value, how they read between the lines, what common pitfalls to avoid. Every piece of the application—essay, resume, even the subtle tone—was tailored with surgical precision.
And the availability? It felt like I had a personal advisor on call 24/7. Whether it was a question about wording, strategy, or just a moment of self-doubt, Eli was always there. No delays. No vague answers. Just straight talk, instant feedback, and a clear sense that he was as invested in the outcome as I was.
I got in. And I know exactly why: because I had the right person in my corner.
If you only have one shot—make sure you take it with Eli.
My decision to apply for business schools crystallized in May, and I only had June to take the GMAT. scoring a 685, initially, I was a bit concerned whether business schools would find my application less competitive. However, Rajdeep helped me realize that stellar applications that are well thought through and positioned well to highlight my profile holistically can offset that.
Rajdeep created the right environment necessary to build a stellar application. He helped me uncover my personal and professional journey from the lens of what I had done and accomplished and then from a leadership perspective, how I developed my leadership skills and what the experiences that shaped my leadership style.
Rajdeep struck that powerful balance when positioning my story right, along with bringing a structure to the entire process, which could feel chaotic if you’re working on your own. He brought in an objective and nuanced perspective. For instance, the second essay in HBS mentioned stories, so Rajdeep really focused on the letter “s,” which was one of the highlights for me for that HBS session, every word is being focused upon, so bringing a structure and answering the questions right is something where I think Rajdeep and Admissions Gateway overall really helped me.
Positioning these stories right was another thing that really helped me overall in the process. For example, I would have probably positioned my love for apparel within the professional journey, but while working with Rajdeep, I realized that this is more of a personal aspect that stems from not just today but growing up in Sanganer, a town known for apparel. So, together, we unearthed a lot of insights that would’ve been perhaps impossible if I was applying on my own.
Lastly, within the interview process, I was concerned about the format being different from the technical or professional interviews I’ve given over the years. However, Rajdeep and Admissions Gateway have developed really strong industry insights over decades, which is reflected in the kind of resources and guidance I could access. They really helped me and made me feel more prepared to take on the challenges that came my way.
I am really glad that I chose to work with Admissions Gateway. Initially, the process was a little difficult because I had to grab a slot with Rajdeep, and since I reached out to him pretty late, I didn’t know if he’d still have the capacity. But I’m really happy that he could take me on. He’s super relaxed and flexible, and working with him was very easy for me.
I understood him well, and he really understood my stories well, and we knew what had to be written where. Our coordination was also excellent overall, and the fruit of this collaboration is, frankly, getting into my dream school: HBS.
Shabri was not just an MBA consultant, she was a true partner in my MBA application process. From the initial profile review in March, to navigating summer waitlists more than 1 year later, she was with me through and through. The school selection she suggested to me was very pragmatic, ensuring I has a safety school in the list. She offered generous and tactical guidance on how to tackle different essays, brainstorming various stories with me before I even wrote them out. She was very hands-on in helping me edit the stories then to make sure they were crisp and impactful. But most importantly, she held me strictly accountable to the committed timeline which was super important to me as I navigated a busy job alongside. Once I had interview invites, she also did plenty of mock interviews with me. Overall I had a wonderful experience and I am so happy I got into the schools I did. We are in touch even now and I continue to recommend her to my peers and undergrad juniors who want to apply for an M7 MBA.
I heard outstanding reviews about Rajdeep from friends who worked with Admissions Gateway last year, and two of them got into Harvard and Wharton. I connected with him two days before my first GMAT. Even without a score in hand, he was really encouraging. Seeing my profile, he recommended I aim to get a 700+ score in the GMAT FE and said that we would apply to all the top schools and aim for the moon and the stars, which gave me a lot of confidence. I was really glad when I got a great score on my first attempt and immediately started working on my applications.
In terms of my experience working with him, the first thing I’d say is that I was someone who’d always err toward realistic schools or goals narrative, but he pushed me to be more ambitious. When I reached out to him, I was considering schools like LBS or Kellogg’s 1-year program, but he pushed me to apply to M7s and was sure I’d get in. Rajdeep had a bigger image for me. He had a big hand in pushing me to aim for more ambitious goals given my experience, and over time, these discussions also helped me unlock what I truly want to do and have big dreams for myself. I couldn’t be happier to share that I got through Chicago Booth.
The process started with creating the MBA resume. He gave me an overall lowdown and shared resources to help me articulate my experiences into my resume, focusing more on the impact. Then, Rajdeep connected with me and helped me polish it.
In terms of the essays, right from his sessions to working personally with Rajdeep, I was impressed by his attention to detail. He just knows this in and out, and he’s made such a sure-shot process of the applications. During our 1:1 discussions, I was impressed with how he would be patient, listen to my half-baked ideas, and help me structure them.
Working with Rajdeep personally has been amazing. He’s someone who I really respect and someone whose advice I listen to because it makes more sense. We’ve done so much in our lives, and I have five years of work experience. It’s very hard to remember the different things I’ve done, but he pushed me to think five levels deeper, which helped me relive a lot of what I’ve done, and I really got to know myself during this journey.
He’s also really approachable. He is super responsive on WhatsApp. As soon as I messaged him, sharing that I’ve done this, he’ll immediately let me know when he will look at it, and that’s when he’ll look at it and send proper feedback. If the feedback was more, he’ll set up a call and explain what’s missing. This built a lot of trust and accountability.
While filling out the applications at 10 at night, I was just sending Rajdeep my answers, and he immediately provided me with feedback, which made me feel really supported throughout the process.
In terms of the interview prep, I did mocks with Rajdeep, and each time, it helped my confidence a lot more and prepared me for the interview. Each of the questions that I was asked in the interview was written in the list of questions Rajdeep shared with me. So, nothing in the interview truly surprised me, and that’s the kind of support I feel everyone should get. If I could, I’d give Rajdeep six stars.
In the application process, there’s one thing to have done the work and have your goals in front of you—but putting that down on paper, in a clear and compelling way, takes a lot more effort. That process forces you to ask yourself tough questions until the clarity is in your own mind first. Only then can you articulate it properly in your application.
For me, the biggest part was nailing that articulation—finding the right way to express what I wanted to do with my life and why an MBA made sense for me. Rajdeep really helped me crystallize that clarity. Having that conviction going into interviews made a huge difference. Without that, maybe I would’ve written something deeply personal, but not necessarily what the interviewer or the application reader was looking for. Understanding that distinction was key.
Throughout the journey—from the resume to every essay—he gave a lot of time to the process. Even when there were several small iterations, he remained patient and consistent. What stood out most was that he kept the process grounded. If something wasn’t working or wasn’t aligned with his expectations, he made sure I understood what was off, or where I needed to rethink things. That level of transparency—knowing what he was thinking and being able to share what I was thinking—was crucial in helping me deliver my best application.
Another area where Rajdeep stood out was brainstorming. We explored multiple directions, went through two or three versions of each essay, and those conversations required both of us to think deeply. Even when I knew the content, he helped surface the right stories that weren’t always top of mind. For example, there was this one situation at BCG where a group of operators strongly opposed skipping maintenance. I had supported them—even though that meant going against a key client—but I had dismissed it as routine work. Rajdeep helped me see it as an important example of leadership and integrity, and we positioned it powerfully in my application. That kind of story-mining—finding leadership in everyday moments—was something he really pushed me to do.
At the interview stage, it became about presenting all of this content in a completely different format. The interviewer comes in fresh, and you have to build rapport in 30 minutes—not just recite what’s already on paper. That needed a very different kind of prep. Rajdeep’s multiple mock interviews and feedback helped me develop that skill—how to make it conversational, how to bring the same themes to life in a more dynamic and engaging way. It wasn’t just about content—it was about delivery, flow, and confidence.
Overall, the whole process helped me learn how to synthesize my experiences at a high level and present them in ways that felt natural and compelling, both in writing and in conversation.
And I think, beyond the application and interview work, it was also about how well my profile aligned with the school. For example, Booth values things like curiosity, intellectual freedom, and individual inquiry—and I believe my application and recommendations reflected those values clearly. Having spoken to a few Booth alums, many of them said they felt we were quite similar as people. That kind of cultural fit really matters—it makes the school want you, and that often translates into an admit or a scholarship. I think that alignment, along with everything else, made a big difference in the outcome.
Working with Mudit was one of the most reassuring aspects of my MBA application journey. From day one, he was fully available; always just a message or call away. No matter how big or small my question was, he made time, often responding late into the night or during his own packed schedule. That kind of support felt rare and incredibly valuable in a process that can otherwise feel overwhelming and isolating.
I initially onboarded with the team for 2024 intake, however due to personal reasons I was not able to apply, they carried forward the support to next year without any extra charges and put in full effort to ensure I was able to put forward my best foot for the applications. What also stood out was the unique system and structure Admissions Gateway. There was never any ambiguity; we had a clear path to follow, with workshops, frameworks, and review systems that made navigating the process significantly more manageable. Each step felt purposeful and tailored, which allowed me to focus on reflection and authenticity rather than constantly worrying about logistics or timelines.
Beyond the application, Mudit’s involvement didn’t stop. Even after securing an admit to Stanford GSB, I’ve continued to receive support- from help with loan options to finding the right pre-MBA internship. It’s a testament to the community AG has cultivated and his commitment to going above and beyond, long after the official process is over.
I’m incredibly grateful to have had Mudit in my corner- not just as a consultant, but as a mentor who was invested in my journey as deeply as I was.
Working with Shabri was one of the most defining aspects of my MBA application journey. Her approach is very personal and “candidate centered”. While many rely on templates, she goes all in on authenticity, bringing the spotlight on your true self, your motivations, and your story. Shabri really took the time to understand me and helped me craft an application that was true to who I am, not who I thought I needed to be. She broke the overwhelming MBA process into focused, manageable stages, and pushed me to think deeply at every step. Her ability to blend structure, strategy and soul is rare and incredibly effective.
What truly sets Shabri apart is the personal investment she makes in each student. I’ve never heard her call us “clients”. She treats each of us like her own, guiding with care, empathy, and clarity. Her approach truly helps in stressful times when you’re managing multiple applications, professional responsibilities and personal life.
For successfully navigating the chaotic MBA application process, I believe you need someone who is (i) immensely competent, (ii) genuinely invested, and (iii) compassionate in their approach. Shabri not only exceeded but also redefined all three parameters. I am certain other have had similar experiences and so will anyone who works with her in future!
Working with Shabri during my MBA journey was truly an incredible experience. Despite starting the process later than most, she never let me feel behind – guiding, pushing, and supporting me at every crucial moment. Shabri took the time to really dig deep and understand my story and helped me shape it into something powerful and authentic. Her patience, motivation, and strategic insight made all the difference for me. I genuinely couldn’t have done this without her—and thanks to her, I’m headed to Columbia Business School.
Thank you Shabri!!
Working with Nisha was one of the best decisions I made during my MBA application journey. She’s an absolute rockstar consultant—meticulous, thoughtful, and incredibly invested in her students’ success. Thanks to her guidance, I received interview invites from several top schools, including Wharton. When it came to interviews, Nisha helped me craft a compelling and authentic pitch and walked me through the subtle but critical nuances that top programs look for. Her mock sessions were not just practice—they were deep strategic discussions that made me feel confident and well-prepared.
What truly stood out, though, was the constant support I received—not just from Nisha, but from the entire Admissions Gateway community. At every step, I knew I wasn’t alone. The collaborative energy, the shared success stories, and the sense of belonging made the high-stress application season much more manageable.
The workshops taken by Rajdeep and Nisha early on were foundational. They helped me clarify my goals, structure my story, and elevate my resume and essays with clear strategies and examples. These sessions weren’t generic—they were high-impact, actionable, and gave me the clarity I needed to build a strong application.
Even after getting my admit, the support hasn’t stopped. The team has proactively connected me with experts for things like loan financing and pre-MBA prep. That kind of continued investment in a student’s journey is rare—and speaks volumes about the ethos of the team.
I can’t recommend working with Nisha and the Admissions Gateway team enough. Their commitment goes way beyond applications—they help shape your entire MBA journey.
I’ve spent my life in high-performance, high-expectation environments. But the MBA application process is something else altogether. It’s personal, self-reflective, and extremely demanding. Aparna was my steady partner through all of it.
What I valued most was her ability to take my very initial thoughts, sometimes just a line or a feeling, and turn them into something much deeper. She could always see what I was trying to say, even when I couldn’t fully articulate it myself. A lot of our best essays came from sparks that didn’t seem significant when I first shared them, but she helped me build them out with depth and structure. She has this unique ability to take something from “1 to 1000.”
Importantly, she never made my essays sound like anyone else. She always ensured that my voice came through. The way I think and speak, as well as my tone and values, were never lost. Even when we rewrote stories multiple times, it always still felt like me.
She was also incredibly strategic about how we approached each school. I was applying to a range of programs, including INSEAD, which has a completely different format and tone, and she made sure we were tailoring every application thoughtfully. Even our interview prep was tailored, not just across schools, but depending on whether I was interviewing with alumni or adcom. I remember how, before one of my CBS interviews, she dug into the tone and feedback of past interviews I’d done just to make sure I wouldn’t repeat the same mistakes.
She was also deeply available. There were points when I was working 70–80 hours and falling behind. She kept following up, gently pushing me, sometimes over weekends so I could get everything in on time. At no point did I feel like I was doing this alone. She’d check in constantly, sometimes just to ask how I was doing.
What I appreciated most was her belief in me. She nudged me to retake my GMAT when I was on the fence. And I’m so glad she did, because I ended up getting into multiple schools with great scholarships!
I’ve worked with some of the smartest, most capable people at work but what stood out about Aparna was how invested she was. This wasn’t just a job to her, and I don’t think I could have done this without her. I’m really excited to have gotten into Wharton, CBS, Kellogg and INSEAD with $90k.
Even before I started my MBA journey—and I mean even before I started prepping for the GMAT—the only name I’d ever heard was Rajdeep. I just knew, vaguely, that he was one of the consultants a majority of people in India relied on. There was this collective confidence in his abilities and in his team’s ability to provide the right support and get people over the line. That was the first time his name came up for me—back in 2021–22, when I casually mentioned my MBA plans to someone, and they told me they were working with Rajdeep.
Fast forward to when I got done with my GMAT and was happy with my score, I started speaking to a lot of people. Funnily enough, the only name that consistently came up again was Rajdeep’s. Nine out of ten people recommended him. That kind of feedback made going ahead with Rajdeep a no-brainer.
During our initial conversation, what I really appreciated was how direct he was—and that our vibe matched. There were no sugar-coated expectations. I got a very clear picture of how he saw my profile. He wasn’t trying to oversell anything or offer false hope. That first call lasted a full 45 minutes—he walked through my life journey, heard my stories, and took the time to understand where my head was at and how he might be able to help. That really clicked for me.
I’ll admit, given how many people he works with, I was initially worried about how much bandwidth I’d actually have access to. But to my surprise, there was never a delay. Not once did I feel like I was being kept waiting or put in a queue. And what I really appreciated—especially as someone working 80–90 hour weeks in consulting—was how flexible and informal it all felt. I’d told him upfront that weekends were my only protected time, and he had no issues accommodating that. Of course, he expected some flexibility from my end too, but he was completely fine working around my schedule—even if it meant giving up some of his own weekend time.
Another thing I loved was how unstructured in the best way the process was. There weren’t rigid slots or overly formal checkpoints. If I was stuck or had a tactical question, I could just call him up or drop a quick message on WhatsApp. That responsiveness and informality really helped reduce the stress. I wasn’t waiting for the “next official meeting” to get clarity—I could just reach out, and he was there.
That said, the process itself was very well thought-out. We started with my resume, then my goals, then essays—one step at a time. But it still felt fluid, not like I was stuck in a rigid system. And Rajdeep never pushed his own ideas onto me. He never tried to override my narrative with one he thought would work better. Instead, he constantly asked the right questions—Why did this happen? What did you learn? How does this tie in? And that critical thinking helped me dig deeper, not just to “get the story right,” but to reflect on my life, my choices, my skills, and how it all came together.
For example, my resume went through 32 versions—yes, 32. And even after that, we kept revisiting it as the rest of the application evolved. That kind of iteration wasn’t just about perfectionism—it was about making sure the story, the resume, and the goals all tied together. It never felt like Rajdeep was just trying to tick boxes. It felt like he was genuinely invested in helping me put forward the best possible version of myself.
The interview phase was probably the most stressful part. It’s hard to simulate what will happen on the actual day—so even mock interviews don’t always prepare you fully. But again, having Rajdeep there to guide me through it helped. The waiting period between interviews and final results was also tough—it’s this gloomy, uncertain stretch where you have no control. But just having that consistent support from him really helped me stay grounded.
One more thing that stood out—and I can’t stress this enough—was the number of personal touches. For instance, he’d send voice notes explaining how the Harvard interview slots worked, advising me to avoid scheduling on Diwali, and generally just checking in. These tiny gestures may seem small, but they had a huge impact on my stress levels. It didn’t feel like a typical consultant-client relationship. It felt like he was truly invested in my success—not just professionally, but personally. And that made all the difference.
Shabri is a terrific counselor to work with. She’s very hands-on, supportive, and responsive. She always makes sure that if her candidate is going through something, it gets resolved, or at the very least, she responds very quickly, which helps calm us down.
In terms of sheer hard work, she’s extremely hardworking, and it shows in how much effort she puts in with her candidates. For example, I had to redesign my whole resume based on a different format I wanted to explore, and she was very open to it. After reviewing both formats together we took a call on which version to go ahead with. She was patient and put in a lot of effort, rewriting a resume in a new format and then comparing both versions is not a small task.
Regarding areas where Shabri added a lot of value, one was definitely brevity for me. I feel like I struggled a bit with being concise in my story telling and with word count in general. Shabri was really good at making my statements and essays much more to the point, sort of like getting rid of the fat and keeping the meat. Second, she was also helpful in being strategic about my essays. There were times I struggled with the logical flow or ended up piecing together parts from different drafts that didn’t really read cohesively. Shabri stepped in and helped me rethink. Third would be accountability. That’s something she’s very good at. There were times I needed my counselor’s support because I was going through some personal stuff and couldn’t write as clearly as I would’ve liked. That’s when Shabri actually took on a lot of the work and helped make those edits for me. She was super supportive that way.
When it came to interviews, I felt like Shabri really helped me work on my style. Initially, I tended to be very formal, and she helped me relax and be more natural in conversations instead of sounding mechanical. She took multiple rounds of mock interviews with me until she felt I had really improved and was ready for the real thing. I don’t think I would’ve been that smooth in my interviews without those mocks, and I owe that to her.
And one last thing I’d say, since I was waitlisted at Kellogg and CBS, she helped me a lot with sending updates to the AdCom. Even after getting my waitlist results, I worked hard for three months to consistently send updates, and Shabri was always there to review and refine them. My journey was longer than usual compared to candidates who got results in R1, so I ended up taking her support for an extended period, and she never hesitated to extend her full support to me, and I’m incredibly glad to have finally gotten accepted into Kellogg.
My husband was working with Rajdeep on his MBA applications. So, in a way I was living and breathing the process alongside him.
However, as soon as he got into Harvard, his dream school, he knew that he was going to accept the offer. During this period of time, I was evaluating my next steps. Somehow, I felt inspired by his pursuits and thought of applying myself too. After Round 1 deadlines I took the test and got a decent score.
Rajdeep graciously took me on late in the process and didn’t charge me as my partner had one school left in his package. That would never happen at any other firm!
Rajdeep was deeply invested and rigorous with my apps and rooted for me to succeed. What stood out was the sheer clarity and depth he brought. Every word of his feedback carried weight, and I was amazed at how he could mold my stories into a coherent and compelling application. I was short on time and hadn’t done extensive prep, but Rajdeep was able to help me shape a narrative that clearly stood out, something I didn’t think was possible in the time we had.
His inputs were always crisp, direct, and immensely helpful. He was able to extract key highlights from my experiences and guide me on how to structure them across the essays. He immediately saw what mattered and helped me bring it out. It was a level of insight and intuition I’ve rarely come across.
When it came to interview prep, Rajdeep’s mock interviews were critical. His feedback helped me structure my responses and improve my overall presence. By the time I went in for the real interview, it felt much easier, largely because I had already faced Rajdeep’s tough, thorough mock sessions.
I can honestly say that no one else could have done what Rajdeep did for me in such a short span. His investment, clarity of thought, and ability to bring out the best in your story are rare and invaluable.
Stanford GSB had always been my dream school, and from our very first consultation call, Shabri knew that. But what began as a formal engagement quickly evolved into something far deeper—she became a mentor, coach, and one of my biggest pillars of support during one of the most turbulent periods of my life. What stood out to me was not just her expertise—it was how she showed up. Shabri has this rare blend of sharp discipline, deep empathy, and unshakeable belief in the people she works with. She didn’t just help me navigate the MBA process; she helped me stay resilient through it. I’m not using the word “mentor” lightly—she truly mentored me but simultaneously acted as a coach, when the time arrived. For example, during the Stanford interview process we prepped every single day, ever since the time I received my interview invite. When I first reached out to her, I was juggling demanding operator roles across geographies – India and Nigeria – and struggling with whether to even apply given my low test scores. Shabri never pushed for shortcuts. Instead, she asked me to reflect: was I just chasing an MBA, or was GSB the goal? She continually focused on helping me getting ‘the why’ behind me choosing GSB. She honoured my reflections, and helped me take a long-term view—guiding me to pause, reset, and reapply only when I was ready. I took the conscious decision not to apply in the first year and take time to pause and reflect. Without that patient, two-year journey, I don’t think I would have made it. Unfortunately, 2024 got tougher. There were moments that truly tested me both on personal and professional fronts. On one hand, I was working at distressed organizations, driving scale and fundraising while constantly shifting gears. On the other, I suffered from a number of personal lows including a sudden precarious scenario where I almost lost my father. During this time, Shabri didn’t just step back professionally—she stepped in personally. She told me to pause my applications and take care of myself. She reminded me that it was okay to take a break, that I wasn’t falling behind. That kind of support is rare. And when I came back, she was right there—just as committed. This is when I felt her persona changed from a mentor to that of a coach. We began my GSB application quite late, around December 20th, and still managed to go through nearly 20 drafts. She pushed me hard to get the best out of me in the application. Her feedback wasn’t surface-level—it was sharp, thoughtful, and always tailored. She helped me find clarity in my story, and the conviction to tell it powerfully. I’ll never forget the final three nights before submission—nearly sleepless, working side by side, refining every last detail of the application. I never felt like just another client—she wanted this for me as much as I did. Shabri’s style is deeply personal, compassionate, and invested. She doesn’t just guide you through applications, she walks the journey with you. She listens, she challenges, and she nurtures. I wouldn’t have made it this far without her. The application journey in itself like a battlefield, and when you have a mentor and coach like Shabri, you not only discover yourself through the process but you have won half of the battle. If you’re looking for someone who not only helps you put your best foot forward but also helps you find your footing when life throws everything at you—Shabri is that person.
When I started working with Shabri, I was already late to the application cycle. I had spoken to her sometime around April, and I didn’t even have a GMAT score yet. At the time, I thought, I’ll just speak to a few consultants, and once I have my score, I’ll start working with them if things make sense. But when I spoke to Shabri, something clicked. She has this way of holding up a mirror and telling you the hard truths, no sales pitch or sugarcoating. She’s upfront and tells you straight up if something is feasible, or risky and then lets you choose your strategy. Her honesty really stuck with me. With her support, I got into CBS and Haas (with a $40k scholarship) and am waitlisted at Booth.
I think I got my score around May, which was quite late, but she jumped in right away and pushed me to get started on the resume, the essays, everything. I ended up applying to four schools in Round 1. She drove the process meticulously: making timelines, following up and keeping me on track. Again, she was the one following up, not the other way around. I’ve heard from a lot of applicants that they have to chase their consultants for feedback or revised drafts. With Shabri, that was never the case. She says she has a 48-hour turnaround time, but honestly, she usually responds much faster than that. Whenever a deadline was coming up or I had something urgent, she prioritized it and made sure I had what I needed.
When it came to the resume, she helped me highlight impact, showed me how to structure achievements, and made sure we showcased all dimensions: professional accomplishments, soft skills, mentorship, social and extracurricular work, basically everything. From a storytelling perspective, she was a huge help. I come from a quantitative background, and storytelling doesn’t come naturally to me. She helped me craft a coherent narrative, identifying the right examples, understanding what each school values, and tailoring my essays accordingly.
One of the most valuable parts for me was how we crafted the goals. We must’ve gone through several iterations. That clarity of goals made the rest of the application, essays, interviews, and even school fit so much easier. She could immediately tell if something sounded off – whether it was because I was trying to play it safe or going overboard. She also knows exactly what to include in each M7 app based on your stated goals. For instance, if you are targeting product management, she’d guide you to emphasize experiential learning, tech clubs, and so on. That alignment made a big difference.
And there’s one area where I think Shabri really excels: values-based essays. Especially the ones like Columbia’s, where you have to talk about what drives you. She brings structure even to the most personal pieces. And it wasn’t just the essays. She helped with every aspect of the application. Even something as simple as writing a query email to the school, she would help me word it just right, because she understands how sensitive communication can be during this process. Even the application forms didn’t go untouched. She reviewed every piece.
When it came to interviews, I only had one invite in R1, but she still did four mock interviews with me. For someone going into their first MBA interview, that kind of preparation is priceless. When I got to R2, the prep we had done earlier made it easier to pick up speed and gave me the confidence to do well in R2 interviews for Booth, Columbia, and all of them felt like smooth sailing.
She’s not just a consultant. She’s like a realistic, supportive friend who’ll set clear expectations and will be truly empathetic when things don’t work out. I remember getting a rejection from a dream school, and it stung, but she was right there, reminding me stay positive and encouraging me to keep going.
Even though my essays feel heartfelt, they’re very strategically crafted. And that balance between structure and authenticity is also where Shabri truly stands out.
Received Admissions to HBS, Stanford GSB, and Wharton – Thanks to Shabri’s Incredible Support!
When I embarked on the MBA application journey, I was searching for a counselor who could help me craft and communicate the best version of my story.
From our very first conversation, Shabri stood out. She was insightful, frank, and immediately likeable. Regardless of the eventual outcomes, I knew I would enjoy working with her and that she would be genuinely invested in my success as if it were her own.
Working with her was an incredibly enjoyable and meaningful experience. Her approach felt rooted in a sincere desire to help me succeed. I could be vulnerable from Day 0, and open up fully. Our collective success hinged on the trust and openness that Shabri fostered from the very beginning, as well as her relentless push to make me reflect more deeply on my journey.
Given I was applying to five schools in Round 1, I was operating under tight execution timelines. While I remained self-disciplined to deliver on or ahead of schedule, Shabri’s responsiveness and turnaround times stood out—often less than 24 hours! We worked in lockstep, never slowing each other down.
Importantly, Shabri gave me the creative freedom to explore my ideas. She never imposed her views but constantly encouraged me to push the boundaries of imagination, reflection, and articulation. This was vital for me—I wanted to express my life in my own words, in my own voice. This spirit of collaboration formed the foundation of our work across every aspect of the application—goals, résumé, and essays.
Over time, Shabri became much more than a consultant—she became a true confidant. That, I believe, was the secret sauce to our success. She was generous with her time, often accommodating short-notice requests, and was fully committed to my preparation for interviews. For each school, I did 3–4 mock interviews with her, each time receiving sharp, insightful feedback that closely mirrored the real experience.
Finally, MBA applications can be a draining process, and it’s crucial to celebrate small wins—whether it’s a strong first draft or an improved résumé. Shabri consistently elevated my morale by recognizing and celebrating these milestones, which was invaluable for sustaining my confidence and momentum.
Looking back, my experience with Shabri far exceeded expectations and undoubtedly set me up for success. I am deeply grateful for her partnership on this journey.
When we started, I already knew he was one of the best—I’d heard it from my seniors—but what really stood out was how he would take my projects, listen closely, and then help craft a story around them, even when I hadn’t seen one myself. That curiosity and his genuine desire to help came through in every single call we had.
On the goals front, I was struggling a bit too. There’s a lot I want to do in healthcare, but Rajdeep helped me narrow it down and structure it around health tech, specifically biotech in the oncology space. That clarity really sharpened my applications. He also made sure each essay was tailored differently for each school. We’d go through how to present the same story in multiple ways, depending on what the school looked for, something that really stood out compared to other consultants.
When we began working on my dream school in Round 1, we spent four to five calls just going over everything that had happened in my life, trying to figure out what narrative we could build, especially since the essay was deeply emotional. Rajdeep being who he is, never gave up on that school for me. When I didn’t get any admits in Round 1, I was anxious in Round 2, and was struggling to write. But he just kept pushing me inthe right direction, kept telling me my essays were good, and never let me give up.
That kind of motivation, that unshakable belief in me, kept me going. I was honestly ready to give up during Round 2, but he helped shape not just the content of my essays but also my mental space so I could actually be in a position to write them.
What also really helped was the network he brought through AG. No matter what school I was applying to or which industry my story was aligned with, he almost always had alumni connections, people he had personally worked with, and had strong relationships with. That was so helpful in refining my stories and the student voice within my essays. For example, he connected me with someone at Stanford and another at MIT, both of whom gave valuable inputs.
And honestly, the amount of personal time he devotes to each candidate is incredible.
I remember right at the start, I told him I didn’t even want to apply to MIT. I just didn’t think I’d get in. But he believed in my profile and said I just needed one school to take a punt on me. Till the last day before the deadline, we were discussing my MIT cover letter. He had me thinking about things like the motto of MIT, specific lab courses, and helped tailor my application so deeply that I ended up with an interview, while most of my peers didn’t.
And even then, interviews were a weak spot for me. He pushed me to keep practicing, doing mocks, recording voice notes, trying different answers. He even tried to get me transcripts from others who had interviewed with MIT. All of that, together, helped me crack it.
I’m honestly just glad to be one of the few Indians who actually got the offer from MIT Sloan.
My experience working with Shabri was nothing short of exceptional. With her guidance, I secured admission to Wharton School and Stanford GSB with a combined $175K scholarship. But more than the outcome, it was the process – her partnership, presence, and precision – that stood out for me in this journey.
From day one, Shabri was incredibly hands-on. I sensed this even before signing up, keeping me sharp throughout the process. She held me accountable to timelines and progress in a way that removed a huge cognitive load – I never had to worry about missing even internal deadlines or being underprepared. She was constantly tracking my progress, nudging me when needed, and creating the space for me to do my best work.
She was also lightning-fast with feedback. While most consultants offer a 2-3 day turnaround, Shabri would often send detailed comments within a day, sometimes even the same day. This cadence was invaluable. It allowed us to work iteratively, adapt quickly to new information and build stronger drafts with shorter feedback cycles.
What really made the difference for me, though, was her emotional intelligence. My application story involved deeply personal elements, and I was always wary of it coming across as a “sob story.” Shabri instinctively understood this. She helped me strike the right balance between vulnerability and strength – opening up authentically without over-leveraging my past. I never felt rushed or transactional in our conversations. She gave me the space to reflect, to articulate my experiences honestly, and then helped me shape those into a compelling, mature narrative.
When some results didn’t go my way in Round 1, Shabri was very supportive. She didn’t just call to discuss next steps, but also checked in about how I was feeling, lifted my spirits, and reminded me of the bigger picture. It never felt like a professional engagement; it felt like I had someone in my corner who genuinely cared.
Tactically, too, her advice was on point. I came in with broad strokes –wanting to work at the intersection of development and market-based approaches, but struggled to express it clearly. Shabri helped me define my goals, shape my narrative, and sharpen every part of my application. There were moments when I thought a draft was final, and she’d come back with a new angle or framing that made perfect sense. Her ability to zoom out and reposition key parts of the story is truly a gift.
She also went above and beyond by tapping into her network to support me. I initially had difficulty reaching out to people at target schools, but she proactively connected me to current students and alumni. That early support helped me overcome my hesitation, and from there, I began reaching out more confidently. Without her initial push, I’d have surely struggled.
Finally, given my tendency to be measured and structured in my communication, Shabri quickly deduced that this could make me sound less energized in interviews. She worked with me through multiple mock interviews to help me come across as more energized and personable. That transformation, I believe, made a real difference in the interview stage.
Working with Shabri didn’t just help me get into my dream schools – it helped me build clarity and confidence in my story that I now carry to my MBA. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this journey.
I’d heard that Rajdeep is particularly good for Wharton preparations. Historically, a lot of students have gotten into Wharton after working with his firm, with 50+ alone last year. A few of my friends worked with him in Round 1.
After I got the interview invite, I reached out to Rajdeep to see if he could help with mock TBDs. The experience was great.
Even though his TBD slots were almost full, he quickly created a new one to accommodate a bunch of us who had come to him just for TBD prep.
What stood out to me was that he not only conducted TBDs himself, where he gave detailed feedback and insights, but he also created a group with Wharton alumni where you get a good flavor for how the actual TBD is going to happen with people from Wharton. Not everyone has and shares access to resources like that and it was super helpful.
The biggest thing that made a huge difference was the quality of the mock TBDs. The applicants were solid and well prepared, which pushed me to bring my A-game to the discussion. This helped in simulating what the real experience might feel like.
Beyond the mock sessions, I appreciated how detailed Rajdeep’s feedback was, not just on my pitch or content, but even little things like how you should be sitting, how to carry yourself, and your body language. Those small things made a big difference.
Also, shout-out to the AG team. It takes a lot of work to organize and coordinate so many GDs, and the team really managed it smoothly.
I’m glad I reached out to Rajdeep and am elated to get into Wharton.
If I had to distill all of my conversations with Shabri into a single phrase, it would be this: Shabri genuinely cares about the people she works with.
What truly sets Shabri apart is her remarkable ability to create a space that fosters deep reflection. From the outset, I was concerned that my professional background lacked a cohesive narrative. However, Shabri skillfully identified a unifying thread across my varied experiences. She even helped me rediscover the significance of long-forgotten life events, which led to powerful moments of clarity—our conversations often felt almost meditative.
Shabri’s expertise particularly stands out when it comes to essay reviews. She is an exceptional editor and communicator, and her feedback consistently helped me express my thoughts with clarity and precision. Under her guidance, I saw a clear improvement in my ability to think critically, structure my ideas, and articulate them effectively in writing.
Having not interviewed in over four years, I found the MBA interview process quite daunting. Shabri brought clarity and confidence to this stage as well. She helped me identify and address blind spots, and her extensive experience ensured I was well-prepared for any type of interview question or scenario.
Beyond her domain expertise, Shabri went above and beyond throughout the process. She was always available to brainstorm ideas and offered detailed, thoughtful feedback – often within 12 hours – even during the busiest months of September and January, while managing multiple drafts in parallel. Her ability to set clear timelines and hold me accountable played a key role in keeping me on track.
Throughout what can often be a stressful journey, Shabri’s calm and empathetic demeanor was a constant source of reassurance. She not only helped me stay focused but also made space for my input, readily adjusting direction when needed. At the same time, she continually encouraged me to push further, resulting in essays that far exceeded my own expectations.
Shabri’s exceptional skill, unwavering support, and genuine dedication make her an outstanding MBA admissions counselor. I cannot recommend working with her highly enough.
I come from a non-target undergrad, so getting into a school like Columbia felt impossible — at least, that’s what I believed. But Shabri changed that.
She’s brutally honest, and that’s exactly what you need when applying to top business schools. From day one, she helped me prepare strategically and well in advance. Her insights were sharp, actionable, and always tailored to my background. She didn’t sugarcoat anything, and thanks to her guidance — especially during interview prep — I walked into the process confident and ready.
If you’re serious about getting in, you want someone like Shabri in your corner. And the best part? Her support doesn’t end once you get your admit — she continues to mentor even after business school. She’s a truly invaluable guide to have on your journey.
I worked with Eli over two admissions cycles, after a disappointing experience with a different consultant. In hindsight, the contrast couldn’t be more stark. That first attempt lacked direction, accountability, and depth. With Eli, it was a different game entirely.
From our very first call, Eli made one thing clear: he’s not here to hold your hand—he’s here to get results. That tone never changed. In the first year, we focused on just one dream school. The application was solid, but I fell short. Most consultants would chalk it up to bad luck or suggest playing it safer next time. Eli didn’t waste time sugarcoating. He gave it to me straight and immediately laid out a no-nonsense plan for the following year.
We went all in. Four schools, deep introspection, and an entirely reimagined strategy. Eli pushed me harder than anyone ever has—from the resume to the essays to the interviews. We dissected every word, every story, and every choice. If it didn’t serve the core message, it didn’t make the cut. Period.
And the outcome? I was admitted to two top MBA programs.
What sets Eli apart is not just the brutal honesty or the around-the-clock availability (though those are very real). It’s that he is obsessed with outcomes. He doesn’t do fluff. He doesn’t care about looking nice. He cares about making your application bulletproof.
If you’re looking for a “friendly” consultant who tells you everything sounds great, keep looking. If you want someone who sees your blind spots, demands excellence, and won’t rest until you succeed, Eli is your guy.
Best decision I made in this process. Twice.
When I started my MBA journey, like many others, I dreamt of Stanford. Two years later, I’m thrilled to be living that dream — and a big part of the credit goes to Nisha and the incredible support I received from Admissions Gateway.
I initially enrolled with them in 2023, but due to personal reasons, I had to pause my application prep. Nisha’s flexibility and empathy stood out — she extended her support for another year without hesitation. When I applied in Round 1, I was thrilled to get into Haas, an amazing school in its own right. But it was Nisha who encouraged me to push further and apply to GSB in Round 2. And that made all the difference.
What stood out throughout was how invested Nisha was in my journey — not just in perfecting the essays, but in helping me reflect, refine, and truly understand my story. With every iteration, I became clearer about my motivations and aspirations. By the time interview prep came around, I felt confident and prepared. The mock interviews Nisha conducted helped me anticipate what to expect and refine my delivery.
Given the amount of thought, time, and heart Nisha puts into her work, I can confidently and wholeheartedly vouch for her. She’s not just a consultant — she’s an amazing mentor who goes above and beyond to help you achieve your dreams.
I did my Wharton TBD mock with Rajdeep and found it very useful. He provided nuanced, personalized feedback that helped me craft my strategy for the actual interview. It also included softer aspects like how to balance taking notes whilst maintaining screen presence, a nuance that can often get overlooked. He goes out of his way to support you, and I would totally recommend working with him.
I heard about Rajdeep from friends who were applying to B-schools. I had submitted my R1 applications with a different consultant. On top of that, I was reapplying to most schools, and was not receiving positive feedback, so I was in a difficult spot. I reached out to Rajdeep for a ding analysis.
I shared three applications with him, along with my resume, and also context over WhatsApp, like the fact that I had applied two years ago originally. He told me he’d review everything before our call, so that he could come in prepped, and it was clear that he had done his homework.
What stood out was how much time he spent listening to my story before forming an opinion. Given how long he’s been in the industry, I didn’t expect that. Many people in his position might already form a judgment after seeing a few things on a resume. But he didn’t have that pre-judged bias. He gave me the space to explain my choices—why I had picked certain long-term or short-term goals, even if they didn’t seem to make sense right away.
Once he understood my profile, I appreciated that he wasn’t just pointing out what went wrong. From a ding analysis point of view, that’s useful—but what was more valuable was the tangible, forward-looking advice. He didn’t just dwell on what didn’t work, he gave me four to five specific things I could do to improve my R2 applications.
Another thing that stood out was how honest he was. Many counsellors try to sell certain parts of your application or promise they’ll help you reach schools that may not even be realistic. But Rajdeep was rational about what my chances were and what changes needed to happen. He evaluated my application like an actual admissions officer would—logically and practically. That was refreshing, and it helped me transform my R2 applications.
Given the kind of experience Rajdeep has, and the fact that my background was similar to many others in the applicant pool— consulting background, then finance, and finally a tech startup, his advice on how to stand out despite those overlaps was helpful, especially since I’m also younger than the average MBA.
The ding analysis helped me break out of that rut in my thinking. It helped me stop approaching the process so narrowly and instead expand my perspective. I’m happy to share I’ve been admitted to Kellogg.
When my MBA application journey began, I was clear about one thing—I wanted to aim for the M7 schools and needed a strong application strategy to achieve my goal. After scoring well on the GMAT and connecting with my network of friends and seniors, multiple folks recommended I connect with Admissions Gateway. After initial discussions with the team at AG, I began working with Aparna.
I started off my journey in May, and initially, I felt the pressure of applying to five colleges. I had a lot of preconceived ideas in mind based on what my seniors had done, but after interacting with Aparna, I could see a clarity in my path. After deep discussions with Aparna, we decided to take a shot at three schools in R1 and keep the rest for R2, considering the timelines and the need to have a balanced approach to filing those applications. Aparna made me realize that quality is more important than the number of colleges I applied to in the first round since we had limited time, and she was spot on.
When we worked on the essays and resumes, we often had opposite ideas in mind. Aparna never imposed her thoughts on me. Instead, she had a highly collaborative approach wherein we discussed each idea in detail, made versions with the top ideas, and refined them through iterations. This really helped in bringing out the best of my stories to the table. Aparna was highly encouraging and supportive, especially during the busiest work season. She consistently encouraged me to get everything reviewed, whether it was the minor details we filled out in the forms or drafting the short questions like a job description or achievements. She made sure I put the best foot forward in every aspect of my application and maximized the usage of the real estate available.
The timelines were always very tight due to my professional commitments. There were times when I could not perform on the committed timelines to her, but she was highly adept at managing that. We also worked on weekends and after office hours, getting on those quick calls and making edits. She always reverted in a speedy fashion to ensure that I could add incremental value in the limited window I had. This ensured that our pace was on track despite scheduling issues on my end. This kind of adaptability on her part was invaluable. She always found time for last-minute practice sessions and addressed any lingering concerns. Thanks to her preparation, I felt calm and confident walking into my interviews, which significantly contributed to securing my Wharton and Kellogg admits.
Working with Nisha from Admissions Gateway was an incredibly pleasant and rewarding experience. From the very beginning, she brought clarity, structure, and warmth to the application journey — and I truly couldn’t have asked for a better guide through the process.
Thanks to her support, I secured admits from Wharton, Booth, Kellogg, and LBS. Wharton had always been my dream business school, and I’m thrilled to be headed there — something that wouldn’t have been possible without Nisha’s deep insight and steady guidance.
What stood out most was her strategic preparation for Wharton’s Team-Based Discussion (TBD). Given the unique nature of that interview format, I was initially unsure of how to approach it. Nisha not only helped me refine my pitch but also gave me nuanced insights into how the TBD really works — the dynamics, what schools are looking for, and how to stay authentic while standing out. Her calm and clear-headed approach helped me build confidence and show up at my best.
Grateful to have had her in my corner — and beyond excited to be joining my first-priority school!
I always knew of Rajdeep through a personal connection. I had seen how his clients got into the best schools, and I was very clear that if I ever applied to business school, I would only want his help. Otherwise, I’d figure it out on my own.
Applying to business school is a long journey, and you need to trust the person guiding you. I was fortunate to have seen his work firsthand before I even started my process. That made me confident he could help me get where I wanted to be.
When I finally decided to apply, I was hesitant and unsure of how to start. In my first conversation with Rajdeep, he broke it down so simply: “First, take the GMAT or GRE. Then, based on your score, we’ll decide on schools.” That approach made the process feel a lot less overwhelming. Instead of getting lost in the bigger picture, he helped me focus on one step at a time. I trusted him completely and just followed his lead, which made the process less daunting.
Even before I took the GMAT, Rajdeep asked me, “What are you passionate about?” I mentioned that I led my company’s DEI initiative, but I didn’t think much of it. He immediately saw its potential and asked more. That conversation changed everything.
Most of my essays ended up centering around my DEI work because he recognized how important it was to my story before I did. Through our discussions, I realized that my long-term goal: creating transformational content, which aligned perfectly with my experiences. His ability to guide me through that self-discovery was invaluable.
Writing essays is exhausting, but in the best way possible. Rajdeep doesn’t accept anything less than perfect. For my CBS essays alone, we went through at least seven drafts. At one point, I was frustrated. I thought I had taken all his feedback, but he kept pushing me. “No,” he’d say, “think deeper.”
His persistence forced me to truly reflect on my experiences rather than staying at a surface level. Without his questioning and guidance, my essays would have lacked depth. As tough as it was, I realized that his unwillingness to settle for “good enough” is what made my applications stand out.
Rajdeep’s approach to interview prep was different from anything I expected. Instead of jumping straight into mock interviews, he started with a conversation. He asked me about my experiences, let me talk freely, and then helped me refine my answers.
He’s incredibly creative. When I’d share a story, he’d pick up on things I hadn’t even noticed and suggest ways to frame them. That helped me see my own experiences from a new perspective. By the time we got to full mock interviews, I already had strong examples and felt much more confident.
With Rajdeep’s help, I got into Duke and Cornell with $100K and $80K scholarships, respectively. I’m also waitlisted at Kellogg and Columbia, and I have more results on the way.
Rajdeep’s support goes far beyond just editing essays or conducting mock interviews. He genuinely understands you, your motivations, strengths, and goals, and helps you articulate them in a way that stands out. His process is tough, but if you trust him and put in the work, the results speak for themselves.
I was lucky to find Shabri! I started the application journey late but she was kind enough to take me on as a client last minute. She pushed me to apply to schools and they turned out to be perfect fits. When I wanted to add two schools not in my package, she helped me reuse content without charging extra. She was ALWAYS there – like, midnight edits before deadlines and quick feedback on drafts. She never settled for “good enough” and kept pushing me to dig deeper with my stories. Thanks to her, I got into programs I loved. Ended up with admits to 2 M7s + INSEAD (with $$$)
I started my MBA journey with Columbia in Round 1. For Round 2, I applied to six schools: four with Aparna i.e. Wharton, Booth, Kellogg, and HBS and two on my own Tuck and Yale. I ended up receiving admits from Wharton with a $50,000 scholarship and Yale with $35,000. I was waitlisted at Booth and Kellogg, and was rejected from Tuck and HBS.
When I first started the process, I had just finished my GMAT and reached out to work with AG in Round 2. But the team strongly encouraged me not to waste August and suggested applying to Columbia as a great way to get started. That early push made a big difference.
To be honest, I hadn’t done a lot of in-depth research before starting. But once I began working with Aparna, her support and the AG resources and workshops really helped me hit the ground running. I hadn’t yet thought deeply about how to present my goals or how to bring out the softer aspects of my profile, but she helped me gain that clarity very quickly.
One of the biggest things that stood out was Aparna’s responsiveness and flexibility. I had a lot going on personally and professionally. Just as we were working on Columbia, I had to move to New York for a rotational program. Despite her many commitments, Aparna was always there. Even if I sent drafts late at night, I would wake up to thoughtful comments and revisions the next morning. She was never short on time, even on short notice.
What helped even more was how flexible and adaptive she was throughout the journey. I was constantly switching time zones, starting in India, then in New York for two months, then back in India, and yet we were always able to make it work. She was understanding when I couldn’t meet our timelines due to work, and she gently pushed me forward when I needed the nudge. Her structure kept me accountable, while her empathy made the process feel manageable.
Aparna’s feedback was always honest, sometimes brutally so. But that was exactly what I needed. She helped me think practically about my school list, and was never afraid to challenge me when something didn’t feel authentic or aligned. And more than anything, the personal connection we built through this process was what made her stand out.
She made the process feel like we were applying together, not just me. She was my biggest cheerleader. When CBS didn’t work out in Round 1, she was one of the first people to check in and keep my spirits up. Her empathy, her investment in my journey, and her ability to truly understand who I was as a person made all the difference.
Even after applications were done, she continued supporting me through interviews. I was struggling with how to present myself clearly and confidently, and her insights and tips helped me deliver my best.
Aparna’s storytelling skills are a knockout. I had strong personal stories, but I didn’t know how to present them powerfully. Aparna helped me shape those stories so they clearly connected with my goals and values. Whether it was the resume or the essays, we went through countless iterations, and each time, she brought a new lens. She’d often share personal anecdotes or work experiences of her own, which gave me new perspectives on how to think about and shape my own.
In short, I came in with a general idea of what I wanted, but Aparna helped me build it into a powerful narrative that felt authentic to me.
I applied to business schools three years ago and was admitted to Kellogg and other top programs, but chose not to attend due to personal reasons. As a reapplicant, I connected with multiple consultants—but Rajdeep was the only one who truly believed in me. He was confident from the get-go, and that immediately reassured me that I was in good hands.
What stood out most in our first conversation was that he was the first person who genuinely listened to what I had to say. He asked thoughtful, insightful questions and offered actionable advice—something no one else had done for me, especially in a free introductory chat. He highlighted what was already strong in my profile, while clearly explaining how we could elevate it further. That combination of clarity and confidence made it an easy decision to work with him.
He never hesitated or second-guessed my decisions. Instead, he stayed focused on what needed to be done. With my demanding job, I knew I needed someone who could keep me on track—and Rajdeep did exactly that. From the start, he brought structure and direction to the process. We began with my resume, which was already decent, but his methodical approach and targeted inputs took it to the next level—helping me stand out from an overrepresented applicant pool.
Rajdeep is incredibly knowledgeable and understands how to position your experiences in a way that brings out the best in your application, with coherence and clarity.
When we moved on to essays, he pushed me to dig deeper. Every brainstorming session became an intense introspective exercise. He’d cross-question me, play devil’s advocate, and challenge me to articulate what truly motivated me. He helped me find direction and shape my narrative—while ensuring it stayed authentic and in my voice.
There were times when work overwhelmed me and I missed deadlines, but Rajdeep never lost patience. He brought me back on track—not with pressure, but with steady, consistent guidance. He struck the perfect balance between giving me space and keeping us aligned on timelines. Without that structure, I wouldn’t have made it this far.
He was always direct—never fluffing or saying what I wanted to hear. His feedback was fact-based and transparent. When I felt the weight of having once been admitted to Kellogg, he reminded me: this season is a fresh start. He helped reframe my mindset, showing me how my professional growth, clearing two CFA levels, and gaining cleantech exposure on both the operating and investing sides made my profile even stronger now.
For interview prep, he drilled me like an AdCom would, pushing me to move beyond surface-level answers. “Think deeper,” he’d say. “How will you contribute? What makes you, you?” That level of questioning pushed me to articulate my impact and goals with clarity. He also knew when to pull me back. When he sensed I was overpreparing out of performance anxiety—which made my answers sound rehearsed—he asked me to pause, take a breather, and unlearn my scripts.
I also remember a time during mock interviews when I was worried I might come across as overqualified for an MBA. That fear led me to downplay my achievements. But Rajdeep didn’t let me settle. He reminded me to own my story, stop downplaying what mattered, and focus on the parts that truly reflected who I was. That mindset shift made a huge difference—not just in my interviews but also in my video essays.
Rajdeep went far beyond expectations. He never clocked hours or set limits on support. If I pinged him at 1 AM, he’d reply by 2. When I got my CBS admit with a $100K scholarship, he was the first person I messaged after my family. He called me back immediately, and I could feel his genuine happiness—it made me realize how deeply invested he was in my journey.
The MBA application process is tough, but Rajdeep genuinely cares. He may be a hard taskmaster, but that’s exactly what you need. It’s better to have someone who ensures you give your best than to wonder later, “What if?” So if you’re considering working with him on your MBA applications, I’d say—don’t think twice. Reach out. He genuinely is the best.
When I started my MBA application journey, I knew balancing work and applications would be challenging, and there was definitely room for me to be more structured in my approach. Aparna was instrumental in ensuring I stayed on track, bringing in a great deal of accountability.
She wasn’t just a consultant—she was my mentor, and my biggest support system. She understood the demands of this process and knew exactly when to encourage, or challenge me to push me forward. Her involvement wasn’t just about reviewing applications; she took the time to truly understand my strengths, aspirations, and unique story.
The essays were initially overwhelming for me. I had never really introspected at that level before, and articulating my experiences meaningfully felt daunting. Aparna made the process seamless by breaking it down into clear, structured steps, making sure I could focus on one thing at a time. She helped me see the depth of my own journey, bringing out nuances I hadn’t fully appreciated. Looking back, I feel incredibly proud of how my story came together.
Through multiple drafts, Aparna refined my essays, ensuring that my impact and leadership were highlighted effectively. I could completely trust her ability to elevate my application while keeping my narrative authentic and compelling.
When it came to interviews, she was just as proactive and detail-oriented. From mock sessions to feedback on how I must articulate my answers, she ensured I was fully prepared to share my story with confidence. Managing the process alongside work was challenging, but Aparna’s consistent check-ins and structured approach made all the difference.
Looking back, this application journey was more than just getting into business school—it helped me realize my own ambitions. It made me comprehend the full extent of what I had achieved and how ambitious I truly was in my heart, but had limited understanding of.
Thanks to Aparna’s unwavering support, I got admitted into Columbia Business School.
If you’re applying to business school and need someone who will help you bring out your best, push you forward, and ensure your application is the strongest it can be, Aparna is the one.
Working with Aparna was instrumental in shaping my applications, and her guidance played a key role in my successful applications.
One of the standout qualities of working with Aparna was her approachability and flexibility. Despite a six-hour time difference, she was always responsive, ensuring that I never felt stuck or delayed in the process. With my LSE exams coinciding with critical MBA deadlines, she was quite accommodating of my schedule, helping me balance both effectively.
Throughout the process, Aparna was brutally honest and transparent in her feedback. She never sugarcoated things. If my research was lacking or an aspect of my application needed refinement, she would point it out immediately, ensuring that nothing was left to chance. This attention to detail made a huge difference in how I positioned my application.
Her collaborative nature was another highlight. Coming from a family where my two older brothers had also applied to business schools in the last 2 years, I wanted my application to stand out and not have overlapping narratives. Aparna worked closely with me and even engaged with my brothers to ensure my story was distinct, unique, and impactful.
A major challenge I faced was with structuring my essays. I struggled with organizing them into a compelling, well-structured narrative. Aparna masterfully broke things down into small, manageable parts, from ensuring my essay was engaging and packed with in-depth research, to ensuring the conclusion seamlessly tied with the overall story, she truly supported me in all possible ways. She also encouraged me to speak with alumni and integrate their insights into my essays, making my application even more robust.
Along with essay development, Aparna helped me strategize my entire application approach. She guided me on how to pitch myself to different stakeholders—my professors and internship manager, ensuring that they were well-aligned with my application story. Her expert approach here helped me present a cohesive and well-rounded application.
Given the tight timeline, her quick turnaround on iterations was impressive. She ensured that every essay was refined swiftly, leveraging our time zone differences as an advantage rather than a challenge. While I worked on one essay, she would review another, creating an efficient cycle of improvements.
Thanks to her support, I was accepted to Wharton, Columbia, and Booth. I would highly recommend Aparna to anyone applying to top business schools. Her ability to push candidates to their full potential is truly unmatched.
From the very first call, Mudit was incredibly approachable and invested in my journey. Navigating the MBA admissions process can feel overwhelming, but his calm and structured approach made it much more manageable. He took the time to deeply understand my background, aspirations, and concerns, ensuring that every aspect of my application was built on a solid foundation. Unlike many consultants who take a templated approach, Mudit provided truly personalized guidance, making me feel supported at every step.
One of the standout aspects of working with Mudit was his unique approach to resumes. Coming from a consulting background, I knew my application would be evaluated alongside countless other consultants, making differentiation a challenge. Mudit helped me craft a resume that not only highlighted my impact but also showcased my individuality in a way that was both strategic and compelling. Beyond the resume, the team’s support was comprehensive—whether it was brainstorming essays, refining my story, or preparing for interviews, they left no stone unturned.
What truly set Admissions Gateway apart was the network I was introduced to. The team connected me with mentors, alumni, and past applicants who provided invaluable insights into my target schools. Perhaps most importantly, I was paired with a buddy for HBS interview preparation, and the number of mocks I did with them proved to be a game-changer. These connections, along with the rigorous preparation, ultimately played a significant role in my successful admissions to Kellogg, Columbia, and Harvard Business School. Looking back, I couldn’t have asked for a more dedicated and insightful team to guide me through this process.
Harvard has always held a special place in my heart. After IIT, I always knew that at some stage, I wanted to go to Harvard Business School, so getting accepted was an incredibly emotional moment for me.
Working with Rajdeep truly stood out for several reasons. First, his structured approach to the application process was invaluable. I loved how he has incorporated workshops to cover foundational topics, allowing applicants to first grasp the basics and then dive into personalized discussions. This not only made the process efficient but also ensured that the one-on-one time was used for refining and personalizing strategies rather than covering the fundamentals. For every essay, he had a clear three-part framework—for example, in goal setting, he guided me to think about my long-term and short-term goals, the personal experiences that shaped them, and how to authentically convey my motivation. This structured way of thinking made essay writing feel more methodical and less overwhelming.
Second, he was extremely choiceful in his approach. He never let me get overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks involved in the application. Instead, he broke down the process into manageable steps, helping me focus on one thing at a time. His ability to visualize the bigger picture while keeping the immediate next steps clear made a huge difference in keeping me on track.
Third, his insights were incredibly sharp. Even with the stories I had, he helped me extract deeper insights and frame them in a way that showcased my growth and impact. What might have taken me days to figure out on my own, he could identify instantly. His ability to connect experiences, weave a compelling narrative, and align it with what schools are looking for was truly impressive.
Fourth, his responsiveness was exceptional. No matter when I needed help or had a question, he would respond immediately—whether through a voice note, a text, or a quick call. Given the fast-moving nature of applications, this level of support was incredibly valuable.
Finally, he helped me see the application holistically. If I had done it on my own, I might have looked at the essays, recommendations, and application forms as separate components. But Rajdeep showed me how to strategically integrate all these elements to present a cohesive story. He understood what should be highlighted where—which parts of my story should go in the essays, what should be emphasized in recommendations by the recommenders, and how to use the application form to reinforce key aspects. His strategic decision-making and sharp insights played a crucial role in crafting a compelling application that helped me get Harvard admit and Kellogg with a full-ride scholarship.
Working with Mudit and the Admissions Gateway team was an incredible experience. From the very beginning, their approach was both encouraging and highly strategic. The initial profile evaluation was a game-changer—it was not just a generic assessment but a brutally honest and realistic look at my chances. They never sugarcoated things, which I truly appreciated, but at the same time, they were always pushing me to aim higher and refine every aspect of my application to maximize my chances.
The team was with me every step of the way, providing detailed, actionable feedback on my essays, resume, and interview prep. Their support wasn’t just about checking boxes—it was about crafting a compelling and authentic story that made my application stand out. The process was intense, but their constant encouragement and commitment to getting my best possible admit made all the difference. Thanks to their guidance, I made it to my dream school—Kellogg Business School. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to navigate this journey with!
Initially, I was considering applying to business schools in 2023, but realizing that great applications take time to build, and I was quite late, I decided to go ahead with the 2024 Round 1 application deadlines.
Why I chose to work with Rajdeep was rooted in the fact that he was truly able to understand my story. Even during the initial conversation with him, he helped me realize how my work differentiated me as an applicant and the impact my efforts are creating in the pharmaceutical space. I think Rajdeep played a pivotal role in helping me understand that.
The questions he asked me during our first discussion pushed me to reflect a lot. These things made me realize that Rajdeep would be someone who would be very helpful in portraying my story for the applications and helping put up a strong application.
In terms of the resume, Rajdeep’s insights changed my perception of the resume. We usually view it in a more operational manner, but how we should view it more in a strategic manner and view it from a more managerial lense was fantastic. Rajdeep’s unique approach also helped me understand the impact of the work that I was doing in my family business.
Rajdeep is really patient during sessions and truly listens to you when you’re sharing perhaps the most intricate details of your entire life. He really helped me identify stories and also understand why this is something that I want to do, which connected back to my grandfather’s story about him passing away at a very early age due to a lack of medicines and how it is my goal to solve for accessibility of medicines in India and emerging markets. So, I think Rajdeep played an immensely critical role in helping me understand the work that I’d done, which shaped me and my thought process and bridged the gap between how an MBA can help me achieve this.
I’d also like to talk about the HBS application particularly. They changed their essays this year from the typical 900-word essay to three 300-word essays. Rajdeep handled these changes quite proactively and was immediately able to come up with a strategy for how we should view it. He beautifully linked my goals and my entire career aspiration story to put together a great business-minded essay. So, I think Rajdeep played a very crucial role in the first essay, especially in understanding the linkage of my entire journey.
Then, for the third HBS essay, which was about curiosity, Rajdeep guided me to talk about my interest in organic farming, an extracurricular interest of mine that perhaps has no linkage to my professional endeavors but that retrospectively highlighted a very different side of me, and of course, HBS appreciated that, so, I’m quite grateful for it.
Lastly, interview preparation was another area where Rajdeep’s support was invaluable. He provided an extensive list of thought-provoking questions and conducted one-on-one mock interviews to refine my content, delivery, and storytelling. His tailored approach for each school helped me confidently navigate the different interview formats, especially the HBS 30-minute rapid fire.
I’m really happy to be attending HBS this fall, and I’m excitedly looking forward to it.
Rajdeep came in highly recommended from college as well as office seniors. So I scheduled an initial conversation with him to understand his working style, and after that, I didn’t feel the need to speak with any other consultants. What stood out about Rajdeep was that even in our first conversation, he went deep into my experiences—not just professionally but also personally. He broke my life down into four-to-five-year periods—ages 5-10, 10-15, 15-20—and really tried to understand my journey. That level of depth made me feel like he genuinely wanted to get to know me, which convinced me to work with him. One of the things I really liked about working with Rajdeep was his structured approach—especially the workshops he conducts. When you begin working on applications, you’re practically clueless about how to approach them. That workshop on each application component is an excellent primer—it clearly lays out what each school wants and gives you specific next steps so that you don’t waste time figuring things out on your own. That structure really helps, and it frees up time that would otherwise be spent just trying to figure out where to start. Another thing I appreciated was how the process encouraged reflection and independent thinking. Rajdeep’s approach ensures that you take time to think about your story, reflect on your experiences, and then come to him with ideas. During this ideation phase, I found Rajdeep to be an excellent listener—he would take in all my thoughts, but at the same time, he had a sharp perspective on what would work best in my application. There were many times when I initially wanted to move forward in a particular direction, but Rajdeep would push me to think about a different direction. He didn’t just tell me what to do—he explained why a particular story would be more effective. In most cases, I was convinced, and we went ahead with his recommendations. In fact, there was one essay where I wouldn’t have even considered a certain story, but Rajdeep suggested it—and it turned out to be one of my favorites. He challenged me to think differently, and that was incredibly valuable. A common theme throughout my application—whether it was my Wharton essays, resume, or overall narrative—was identifying key pillars and structuring content around them. This method helped me organize my thoughts, whether it was explaining why Wharton, how I would contribute, or even crafting resume bullet points. When working on my resume, I remember Rajdeep encouraging me to think like my manager. That exercise not only helped me craft a stronger resume but also changed how I viewed my day-to-day work. Even outside of the MBA application process, that shift in perspective has helped me. In terms of accessibility, Rajdeep was always just a WhatsApp message away. I’ve heard from friends who worked with other consultants that getting time with them was difficult, but that was never a concern with Rajdeep. I even reached out to him at odd hours—once at 12 or 1 AM when I had a last-minute revision for my Harvard essay, just hours before the deadline. He took the time to get on a call, reviewed my edits, and provided feedback. That level of commitment was incredible. When it came to interview preparation, Rajdeep’s approach was realistic and strategic. My Harvard interview was my first, which made it particularly stressful, but Rajdeep’s preparation helped a lot. He was very clear that you can’t predict exact questions—instead, the key is preparing to handle unexpected questions confidently. That’s exactly how my interview turned out—many questions were unpredictable, but because I had practiced thinking on my feet, I wasn’t caught off guard. Just before my HBS interview, he also gave me insights into potential interview styles, and the format he described turned out to be almost exactly what I experienced. For Wharton’s TBD (Team-Based Discussion), Admissions Gateway does a fantastic job with structured mock sessions. The biggest challenge with TBDs is that you can’t practice alone—you need a group. AG’s large network of applicants made it easy to find practice partners. Anyone who wanted to could do four to five TBDs, which was great preparation. I also did a couple of TBDs with Rajdeep, and his specific feedback on how to present myself in a group setting was extremely helpful. All in all, my experience with Rajdeep was exceptional. The structured process, constant availability, and deep strategic insights made all the difference. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor to guide me through this journey and I’m incredibly grateful to get accepted into both Harvard and Wharton MBA programs.
Shabri is truly the best you can find. She is very pragmatic and meticulous in her approach. After two unsuccessful attempts at getting into an M7 school, Shabri helped me refine every aspect of my application with exceptional depth and care. Thanks to her guidance, I received a full ride at Stern, a $20K scholarship at Tuck, and an admit into Booth. My only regret is not working with her sooner.
I worked on my MBA applications in 2023 with a top US-based consultant, but looking back, I feel my applications weren’t as strong. I applied to four M7 schools and didn’t get in anywhere. However, this year, working with Rajdeep, I got into HBS.
I started working with Rajdeep in May to ensure I had ample time to work on each component of my application. To compare my experiences, I want to highlight some key differences.
Seeing the trajectory of FMCG candidates at top business schools, I was fairly confident about my chances. However, my previous consultant had limited understanding of the FMCG space—he didn’t fully grasp the kind of work I was doing, the impact I was making at ITC, or how my experiences could be leveraged in my application. That significantly weakened my essays, despite my decent profile. Additionally, my previous consultant had limited experience with international applicants, whereas Rajdeep has extensive experience working with FMCG candidates and deeply understands how international applicants should present themselves.
For my resume, Rajdeep helped me bring out the true impact of my work and frame it in a way where every word counted. We went line by line to refine each point, and in the final draft, the difference was quite palpable.
Even though the brainstorming process followed a similar initial pattern with both consultants—my previous consultant rejected most of my stories. However, Rajdeep really saw the potential in my experiences and helped me dig deeper into my story propositions to identify gold. Additionally, Rajdeep’s writing genius enabled me to condense many more stories into my essays, making them far more impactful. Despite HBS reducing its essay word count from 900 to 750 this year, my current essays felt richer, deeper, and more engaging than what I had submitted last year.
Rajdeep also follows an iterative approach that ensures that we refine each and every sentence to a point that, ultimately, the final draft has zero scope for changes and it just looks and reads perfectly.
The resources I received this time were far more relevant to me as an international applicant, including materials from people who had been in similar roles and gotten into M7 schools. Last year, the sample essays and resumes I received didn’t resonate with my background.
Rajdeep’s strategy workshops kept me focused on what I needed to write and ensured my essays were aligned with what schools were looking for. The brainstorming sessions were incredibly helpful in marrying my personal story with the school’s expectations, allowing me to craft a much stronger application.
For interviews, I had plenty of time to prepare for Kellogg since my interview invite came a month in advance, but for Harvard, I got a really early slot due to the “fastest fingers first” system.
We did four mocks for HBS—a couple with Rajdeep and a couple with HBS students and alumni. The mocks helped me frame my answers more crisply and showcase higher impact in limited words. Harvard interviews are fast-paced and rapid-fire, so Rajdeep’s workshop on interview prep was extremely useful. He also shared previous interview experiences from past students, which were tailored to specific interviewers.
For example, once I knew my interviewer, Rajdeep prepared me with insights on what to expect from him specifically. The actual interview followed the same pattern, which helped me feel prepared and confident. Overall, the entire interview preparation was well-structured and played a huge role in my success.
As a re-applicant, the process felt especially daunting. After getting rejected by all four schools in Round 2 last year, I worried that even if I applied in Round 1, I might still not make it. I also received a lot of mixed advice—many people suggested waiting for Round 2 instead of reapplying in Round 1 to the same schools. However, Rajdeep gave me the confidence to go ahead, assuring me that my profile was strong and that timing wouldn’t matter. That perspective was a game-changer, and I’m so glad I took his advice.
Getting into HBS this year as a reapplicant is proof that the right guidance, strategic storytelling, and persistence truly pay off. What is even more impressive is that a couple of days after I got the results, my interviewer actually gave me a call and told me that my application was at the top of the pile. Nothing beats this for me! and I give the credit to Rajdeep.
While researching for the right consultant, I got in touch with several of my colleagues, including alumni from HBS and Wharton, who highly recommended Rajdeep. After hearing about their positive experiences, I reached out to him in April.
From the very beginning, his deep experience in MBA admissions was evident in the way he helped me select and refine key themes for my essays. He didn’t just accept my ideas at face value but challenged me to think deeper and guided me toward presenting a more impactful narrative. His responsiveness was impressive, as he would provide feedback within a day or two, which kept the process on track despite my demanding work schedule.
Rajdeep’s approach helped me navigate my applications with clarity. We began with Wharton’s application, using it as a foundation for other schools like Harvard, Columbia, and Booth. It was a stressful moment for me when Harvard introduced new essay requirements. There were only two and a half months left for me to prepare. Within a week of Harvard launching its essays, Rajdeep conducted the first Harvard workshop, guiding on how to tackle the new essays. While working on the essays, I really appreciated his perspective and insights into the bigger picture, which helped me highlight the broader impact of my work, which made a huge difference in shaping my stories.
The interview preparation was equally thorough. Rajdeep connected me with Wharton alumni for mock interviews and gave me detailed feedback on my performance. His advice on navigating the team-based discussion (TBD) was a game-changer. Given that TBD is a different style of interview, it requires a lot of preparation. But working with Rajdeep, we did a lot of mock TBDs, I felt confident during the actual TBD.
Thanks to Rajdeep’s expertise and dedicated support, I was able to secure admission to Wharton, one of my dream schools. I highly recommend Rajdeep and Admissions Gateway to anyone aiming for a top-tier MBA program.
I had the pleasure of working with Nisha at Admissions Gateway for my MBA applications, and I can confidently say that her guidance was pivotal in helping me secure admissions to Kellogg and Columbia. Going into the process, I was concerned about my GRE score and how it might impact my chances at top schools. Nisha immediately put a well-thought-out strategy in place, ensuring that I applied to a balanced mix of programs where I had the best chance of success. Her deep understanding of the admissions landscape, combined with a personalized approach, helped me feel confident and reassured throughout the journey. We began by working on my resume, and I was truly impressed by Admissions Gateway’s unique and thorough approach. Unlike a standard resume review, Nisha guided me through a structured process that helped highlight my professional impact in a way that was both concise and compelling. Next, we tackled my goals. Nisha engaged me in structured brainstorming sessions to help me uncover the deeper motivations behind my aspirations. Through insightful discussions and probing questions, she helped me articulate a clear, compelling, and authentic story that tied my past experiences to my future ambitions. Her ability to distill complex thoughts into a structured and impactful narrative was invaluable. Thanks to Nisha’s guidance, I was able to present my best self at every stage of the application journey, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I highly recommend working with her and the Admissions Gateway team to anyone looking to navigate the MBA admissions process with confidence and success.
Admissions Gateway was instrumental in my journey to securing an admit from Kellogg. Coming in with more years of work experience than the average class profile, I needed a well-crafted application strategy, and the team was incredibly thorough in guiding me on which schools to apply to and how to position my profile effectively. Their approach—combining traditional one-on-one counseling with structured firm-level workshops and resources—was invaluable in shaping my application. This blend of personalized support and structured guidance gave me the clarity and confidence I needed to present my best self to Kellogg. The journey with Admissions Gateway was incredibly comprehensive. The team provided frequent and detailed feedback, often at odd hours, ensuring that every aspect of my application was refined to perfection. Mudit and the team were always approachable, offering unwavering support throughout the process—from fine-tuning my resume and articulating my goals to crafting compelling essays and preparing for interviews. Their deep understanding of what top schools are looking for, combined with their hands-on guidance, played a crucial role in my success. I highly recommend Admissions Gateway to anyone looking for a truly dedicated and thorough admissions consulting experience.
I began my work on my MBA applications with Rajdeep around June beginning. Unlike most folks who’ve got ample time to self-introspect, I had a limited window of opportunity and wanted to apply to only dream schools. Rajdeep was super hands-on and proactive, especially with the timelines we had on hand.
Rajdeep is really good at understanding the bigger picture and the third level of impact of things. This is especially critical because there is a fine line between highlighting the third-level impact and being boastful. He manages to tread it fantastically. Even when I felt underconfident in my ability to get in, he showed belief and confidence in my potential without making any promises.
He is someone who doesn’t sugarcoat things, which was really constructive because once I could see my areas of growth, I could work towards improvement, which was a huge driver for me.
Rajdeep is really perceptive. He has a great eye for picking onto things that matter and can connect with especially the AdCom. Whether it was the curiosity essay for HBS or the goals essay for other schools, he would have discussions with me to get to know me better and, through those, pick out ideas and stories that, retrospectively, connected the dots.
Rajdeep’s insightful suggestions and personalized support were phenomenal. For interviews, I personally did not struggle with the HBS interview much because the questions were direct in nature, and typically, a one minute would suffice, providing a smaller scope of what you had to tell. However, for other interviews, I had to give a two-minute pitch and longer and more detailed answers with stories, which wasn’t my cup of tea.
I faced issues with delivering engaging answers. Rajdeep did a lot of mocks with me and also shared resources, such as connecting me with folks from schools like Booth to get an overall view of how to prepare. Thanks to him, there wasn’t a single question I was asked that wasn’t on the list of questions Rajdeep shared with me, and for that, I’m really grateful.
To sum up, Rajdeep really saw my potential when I had doubts, understood my story, and enabled me to share it in the most authentic way. And I couldn’t be more elated to share I got into HBS, my dream school. So, if anyone reading this is hunting for the right partner for their MBA application journey, Rajdeep is the guy you should connect with right away!
Harvard has always been my dream school, and getting in feels truly fantastic. When I decided to apply to business schools, my approach was simple—I’d only apply to HSW (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton). If I got in, great. If not, I’d reapply next year. When I connected with Rajdeep, he believed in my potential, and we decided to stick to this plan. At the time, I was still preparing for my GMAT, so balancing both was a challenge. To manage this, we applied to Harvard and Wharton in Round 1, and since I was admitted to Harvard, I chose not to apply to Stanford. Since the resume is more tactical in nature, we began working on it while I was still preparing for my GMAT. I’d never been much of a writer—my background in engineering and my career had trained me to write objectively, whereas MBA applications are far more subjective. It took time to adjust, but Rajdeep’s approach made the transition smoother. He eased me into the writing process by starting with the structured and fact-based resume before moving to school research and defining my goals. This step-by-step method helped me gradually develop my writing style and made the process much easier. One of the biggest challenges I faced was word limits—figuring out how to convey depth within constraints. Rajdeep’s frameworks were invaluable in structuring my thoughts, and his sharp editing skills helped refine my essays without losing impact. Another game-changer was his ability to prioritize experiences. Out of the 10-15 stories I wanted to include, he identified the 3-4 most impactful ones that best reflected my strengths while aligning with what the school was looking for. His perspective, which many applicants lack, was crucial in shaping my narrative. For school-specific applications, we started with Wharton, which helped me improve my writing skills. By the time I worked on Harvard’s essays, I was already a better writer, which was especially helpful since HBS changed its essay prompts this year. What initially felt like a black box became much clearer with Rajdeep’s story-mapping and frameworks, allowing me to articulate my experiences effectively. Beyond essay writing, Rajdeep’s structured process kept me accountable. With a hectic job, it’s easy to put applications on the back burner, but his timely reminders and structured milestones ensured I stayed on track. Coming from India, where most of us enter undergrad through an exam-based system, the MBA application process—writing essays and crafting a personal narrative—was completely new to me. Many international applicants are already familiar with holistic admissions, but for me, it was a learning curve. Rajdeep’s deep experience and understanding of what works made a world of difference in bridging this gap. Over the course of these 4-5 months that we did all this work, I think it was a massive learning for me and I’m really stoked to head to HBS this year.
Working with Admissions Gateway was an absolute game-changer in my Wharton application journey. The entire process—right from building my resume to crafting impactful essays and preparing for interviews—was handled with remarkable attention to detail and care. Their structured, feedback-driven approach ensured that every aspect of my application was as strong as it could possibly be.
One of the biggest advantages of working with them was their ability to provide sharp, actionable feedback at every stage. My resume underwent multiple revisions, with each iteration bringing more clarity and impact. Instead of simply listing my professional achievements, they helped me frame my experiences in a way that truly showcased my leadership, problem-solving skills, and career growth.
When it came to essays, the team were instrumental in helping me shape my story. They pushed me to dig deeper into my motivations and aspirations, ensuring that my essays were not just well-written but also compelling and authentic. The feedback process was rigorous, and every round of edits strengthened my narrative, making it clear, structured, and aligned with Wharton’s values.
Interview prep was where Admissions Gateway truly stood out. Knowing that Wharton’s team-based discussion (TBD) is a critical part of the process, they organized multiple mock TBD sessions with alumni, allowing me to practice in a real-world setting. These sessions were invaluable in refining my approach and making me more comfortable in a group dynamic. Additionally, the one-on-one interview prep was incredibly thorough, with detailed feedback that helped me fine-tune my responses and build confidence.
For anyone looking to apply to a top business school, especially Wharton, I cannot recommend Admissions Gateway enough. Their expertise, personalized support, and commitment to excellence make them an incredible partner in this journey.
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