Admit Beacon | MBA Admissions Consultants

I decided to work with Niketa two years ago, and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. She is extremely smart and direct — she understands an applicant’s motivation almost instantly and gives accurate, targeted suggestions that really make you think deeper. Her no-nonsense and precise approach helped me immensely, especially since my full-time job keeps me very busy.

But Niketa does much more than just coach — she is a friend. She goes well beyond what is expected, whether it’s conducting multiple interview sessions until you feel confident, giving honest feedback, or constantly challenging you to extract and articulate your true why.

Taking the economics of the MBA application process into consideration, Niketa is one of the smartest and most experienced coaches available at a very modest budget that does not burn a hole in your pocket. I would easily say she is the best value-for-money MBA consultant out there, especially since I have experience working with another consultant during my final year of undergrad for the 2+2 programs.

I am a reapplicant. Last year, I applied only to Stanford and did not get in. This time, I expanded my target list and applied to Stanford, Wharton, Harvard, and Haas in Round 1. Niketa guided me throughout my entire reapplication journey, and her experience was critical in helping me present my story more clearly, confidently, and effectively. I was admitted to both Wharton MBA and Haas MBA/MEng, with significant scholarships from both. I will be joining Wharton’s Class of 2028.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Niketa for your MBA journey. She is truly one of the best.

I began working with Niketa even before I wrote my GRE/GMAT. She helped make a timetable with realistic goals and touchpoints.

Working with Niketa never felt transactional. She has an uncanny ability to pull out details from your background you didn’t realise were compelling and shape them into a narrative that feels authentic. Her feedback is direct, strategic and always on time. Between her own guidance, mock interviews, and the Admit Beacon team’s constant availability, I always felt supported.

One of the underrated strengths of Admit Beacon is its infrastructure. The online portal with previous-year videos, essay tips, and school-by-school strategy notes was a game-changer; each time I revised an essay, I could go back to those resources for inspiration and structure.

School selection was another area where Niketa’s clarity helped. I tend to be risk-averse, so she helped me choose a balanced list of schools – safe, achievable, and reach options. I appreciated that she really understood my perspective. With her guidance I applied to Wharton, Columbia, Booth, Kellogg, Tuck, Darden and Duke, and ended up with offers from Wharton, Booth (off the waitlist), Kellogg, Duke, Darden and Tuck, plus merit scholarships at three of them.

Working with Niketa was one of the most valuable parts of my MBA application journey. She is an exceptional story crafter who took the time to really understand my background, career trajectory, and long-term goals. From there, she helped me weave everything into a cohesive narrative that was both authentic and differentiated. The process was not just about getting into business school—it pushed me to think more deeply about what I want to achieve. In fact, one of the startup ideas we discussed during our brainstorming sessions is something I plan to pursue during or after my MBA! Her ability to guide those kinds of conversations while keeping them both strategic and personal is remarkable. Beyond being creative and strategic, Niketa is warm, genuine, and easy to have these open conversations with.

As someone with a Computer Science and Economics background who had only worked in tech, I knew my profile/resume leaned quite heavily on technical skills/achievements. Niketa helped me reframe my experiences around business and leadership impact, which made my profile much more relevant for business schools. Her feedback made the final version feel like a true reflection of my capabilities beyond just my technical expertise. She was also very cognizant of my application as a deferred admit, and didn’t just copy paste any strategies she might use for regular admits – instead she helped make being “just out of undergrad” seen as a strength in my application.

Another great resource was her knowledge base, which is an incredibly comprehensive guide to the MBA application process, even on a per school level. I found it particularly helpful for my recommenders, who had never written a business school recommendation before. With these materials, they were able to understand the qualities that business schools actually look for in candidates.

Niketa’s proactiveness and availability also made the process seamless. She was always ahead of deadlines, turned around reviewing drafts quickly, and made herself available for calls whenever needed. Her responsiveness and attention to detail gave me confidence at every stage of the process.

With her support, I was admitted to both Columbia Business School and Chicago Booth, and I will be attending Booth in the coming years! I’m deeply grateful for her guidance and encouragement throughout the journey and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone applying to business school.

In my first call with Niketa, it became clear that she was unlike any other consultant I had spoken with because she genuinely cared about the goals that resonated with me. With just under a month before my first deadline, I ended up feeling satisfied with my essays and applications without compromising my mental health or social life, all thanks to Niketa’s constant encouragement and meticulous planning.

Her feedback was always sharp and prompt; she knows what works and what doesn’t for each school and was highly responsive to my questions and concerns, even if that meant staying on a call with me one extra time just to ensure I felt confident about a story we had chosen for an essay the previous day.

She was incredibly patient and quick to point out when I was overthinking, which really helped me navigate the intensity of the application process. She helped me craft genuine and meaningful applications, pushed me to think deeper about my life experiences, and never ceased believing in my potential. In fact, I was most doubtful about HBS, feeling like I fell into a bucket they were not looking for, but she encouraged me to apply–I now hold an HBS offer!

I came into the process feeling confused and all over the place. Finding someone as patient, trustworthy, and knowledgeable as Niketa was easily the best decision I’ve ever made.

Working with Shantanu and the Admit Beacon team was, without a doubt, the best decision I made during my MBA application journey. Shantanu’s coaching was truly transformative, not only in helping me secure multiple admits, but in helping me understand and articulate my own story on a deeper, more personal level. As a first-time applicant from a software engineering background, I was completely new to the process, and my initial resume and essay drafts were overly technical and lacked a compelling narrative.

Shantanu’s approach was a masterclass in helping me craft a compelling story. He immediately helped me see that what truly mattered was articulating the ‘why’ behind every decision and experience. He patiently guided me through a process of deep introspection, meticulously questioning every detail to unearth the impactful moments and motivations that would resonate with schools. He pushed me for specific details and data to support every claim, ensuring there was no ambiguity. This was not a one-size-fits-all solution; he empowered me to discover my authentic narrative. He also taught me to present my stories in a clear, STAR-format that was easy for anyone to understand regardless of their background. My initial drafts were completely transformed, and the final applications were authentic, coherent, and something I was truly proud of.

Shantanu’s support was holistic, covering every aspect of the application journey. His meticulous planning and adherence to timelines motivated me to stay on track, and his constant availability for calls and queries kept the process running smoothly. Drawing from his deep expertise and the comprehensive Admit Beacon knowledge base, he provided invaluable, school-specific insights that were critical for tailoring each application. Shantanu was also a firm but fair coach during our mock interviews. He would challenge me with tough cross-questioning, pushing me to articulate my thoughts with precision and confidence. While daunting at the time, this rigorous preparation was the perfect training ground, making the actual interviews feel much more manageable. I went into each one feeling confident and well-prepared.

What truly sets Shantanu apart is his genuine investment in his clients’ success. He is not just a consultant; he is a mentor fully dedicated to your growth. His professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to bring out the best in you are unparalleled. He believed in my potential even when I was uncertain, and his guidance was the pillar of support that saw me through this arduous process. If you are a prospective MBA applicant, especially one navigating the complexities of an over-represented profile, I wholeheartedly recommend Shantanu and the Admit Beacon team. You’d be lucky to have them in your corner. Thanks to their relentless support, I am heading to my dream school, Chicago Booth, after also receiving offers from Berkeley Haas ($40,000 scholarship), Michigan Ross ($80,000 scholarship), and Texas McCombs ($60,000 scholarship).

I connected with Niketa in April 2024 to express my interest to apply for my MBA in the upcoming cycle.

When I first spoke with Niketa — even before taking my GRE—I was touched by her genuine belief in my potential. She actually took a bet on me when I was still figuring out which exam to take, helping kickstart application processes in parallel to my preparation for GMAT/GRE. Niketa invests deeply in each candidate from day one and pushes them from the start to maximise their potential which I believe sets candidates up for success throughout the application cycle.

From the start of the process, Niketa was hands‑on and strategic. Our sessions weren’t just about polished phrasing but focused on idea / story discovery —they began with me sharing my life, upbringing, ambitions, even small, seemingly insignificant details. She remembered these anecdotes and wove them deftly into essays months later, helping me craft narratives that felt authentic and memorable. Her ability to draw out insights from “hidden emotions” helped give my application real emotional depth and character.

Niketa’s commitment didn’t wane once the GRE was behind me—she was available around the clock. Whether it was late‑night brainstorming for essays, last‑minute tweaks, or intensive mock interviews, she and her team (also superbly responsive) were there. Niketa’s calm and reassuring demeanour was immensely motivating and she was more a friend and a mentor than a consultant, whose advice transcends MBA applications.

She also guided my school selection with remarkable clarity. It wasn’t about chasing prestige—she helped me balance reach, fit, and aligning target schools with my story and career aspirations. I applied to Harvard, Wharton, Columbia, Booth, Kellogg and Yale and received admits from Columbia, Kellogg and Yale – with the latter two offering full merit based scholarships.

Finally, from essay reviews to interview prep, her team was rock solid. Niketa led, but her support infrastructure—feedback loops, mock sessions and peer reviews—was truly why each piece of my application was sharp and cohesive. I can confidently say it’s what turned a stressful process into an and enjoyable one.

If you’re looking for a transformative counsellor who becomes your mentor, editor, strategist—and cheerleader—Admit Beacon is truly the one!

Going into the MBA application process as a reapplicant, I was plagued by self-doubt and uncertainty about how to do things differently—and better—this time around. Despite applying the previous year, I did not know what my best stories were or how I could tie them together. Thus, I needed more than someone to review essays or tweak a resume; I needed a coach who would truly understand my journey, help me reflect deeply, and push me to uncover the most authentic version of my story. From the very beginning, Niketa brought exactly that—and so much more. Her approach was honest, strategic, and deeply personal, and it transformed not just my application but my confidence in the process.

Niketa’s approach is non-judgmental, solution-oriented, and incredibly empowering. Her in-depth understanding of the automotive industry (like so many other industries) allowed her to comprehend the nitty-gritty of my job—she encouraged me to embrace the uniqueness of my profile and helped me articulate my strengths with authenticity. What stood out was her deep commitment to my success. Whether it was jumping on a call at 9 PM after returning from a holiday or prepping me for my HBS interview on a Sunday afternoon while she was outdoors, Niketa was always there for me. She spent a lot of time discussing and brainstorming on every aspect of my application and patiently answered all my questions. It was her dedication that pushed me to bring my best self to every step of the process.

One of the biggest differentiators was her honesty. Unlike many others in this space, Niketa never took the easier route. I’ll never forget the time when I called her midway through a business trip, pressed for time before a major deadline. I assumed she’d green-light my draft with a few tweaks—but instead, she gave me candid feedback: the story did not land. That honest feedback was a turning point. I rewrote the essay mid-flight, and it became the very essay that helped me get an admit letter from an M7 school! Her approval became the gold standard for me, and I was able to build that trust with her, which is extremely important.

The value she brings across every element of the application is simply unmatched. Her guidance on essays helped me tie my experiences together with depth and coherence. Her mock interviews were instrumental in my success—they were customized, insightful, and focused on comprehensively preparing me for what lay ahead. Her debriefs after every mock helped me identify my strengths and areas of improvement. Lastly, Admit Beacon’s Knowledge Base—which every applicant gets access to—is incredibly rich in content (general and school-specific sessions, sample resumes, essays, etc.) and you can access it anytime you want. Several times, when I was stuck, I accessed the knowledge base at 3 AM, and going through the information there has helped me immensely.

Early on, when I faced a few setbacks, she didn’t let me spiral—she simply said, “Brush it off. Let’s focus on what’s ahead. I believe in you.” That belief gave me the confidence to bring my A-game to my Stanford GSB and HBS applications. I ended up receiving admission letters from both schools!

But beyond all the practical support, what truly sets Niketa apart is her coaching style. She’s not just a consultant—she’s a mentor. I’ve learned about leadership, resilience, and the art of giving honest feedback just by working with her. She doesn’t just help you get into your dream school—she helps you grow into someone who belongs there. Looking back, I can confidently say that I couldn’t have asked for a better coach. I got into my dream school, but more importantly, I came away from this process more self-aware, more confident, and with a lifelong mentor and friend. If you’re looking for someone who will challenge you, champion you, and stay relentlessly committed to your success, Niketa is the one.

As an Indian citizen with six years of experience, I aspired to attend Harvard and Stanford—but I didn’t have an IIT pedigree, a super high GMAT (I scored 695 on the GMAT Focus), or a background in healthcare or social impact. Initial conversations with large MBA consulting firms felt overly focused on scores and surface-level metrics, with little effort to truly understand my profile. My experience with Niketa was completely different. In our very first conversation, she took the time to deeply understand my journey, recognized the strength of my experiences, and fully supported my ambition. That one hour gave me the confidence to move forward with her.

Niketa helped me craft a powerful and authentic goal statement that became the backbone of all my applications. More importantly, she guided me in weaving together insights from both my personal and professional life to create essays that were reflective, compelling, and uniquely mine. She supported me through every high and low of the application journey, always making me feel like I wasn’t alone. Her comprehensive “Knowledge Base” — packed with templates, examples, and advice for every stage from networking to interview prep — was an incredible resource. She went above and beyond by offering support for an additional application at no extra cost. For HBS, she organized five mock interviews, which prepared me so well that many of the actual questions felt familiar.

Thanks to her guidance, I’ll be joining the HBS Class of 2027.

Working with Niketa was hands down the best decision I made during my MBA journey. I applied to 4 M7 schools (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Kellogg), and with her guidance, I got into Wharton and Kellogg (with a $70K scholarship)

What really stood out was how invested she was in me. She took the time to deeply understand my personal and professional journey and helped me bring out the most authentic, compelling version of myself in every essay. Her brainstorming sessions were gold — always pushing me to dig deeper and think sharper.

She was incredibly available — always just a message or call away — and balanced sharp professional advice with genuine personal support. The application process can feel overwhelming, but with her by my side, it honestly felt manageable. She wasn’t just a consultant; she became a mentor and a steady voice of reassurance through all the highs and lows.

If you’re looking for someone who’s deeply strategic, endlessly supportive, and genuinely committed to your success — I can’t recommend Niketa enough.

As an applicant from the most overrepresented pool and with work experience less than average, Niketa helped my profile stand out from the rest.

Niketa and the team offered a very structured and well-formulated approach to the entire application process, which helped me meet all deadlines and stay on track through the journey. The multiple brainstorming sessions till we were able to nail down and best present my story showcased her dedication to putting the utmost effort for every candidate.

The extensive mock interviews, tailored to each school, helped me go into interviews more than adequately prepared. Similarly, their knowledge base proved to be a huge support, helping collate all information and insights into one accessible place.

On a personal level, Niketa’s unwavering support, not just for the application but even for helping with waitlist and scholarship appeals, convinces me that she is personally invested in the success of all her clients and builds a meaningful connection with them.

Through Niketa and the Team’s help, I’ll be attending Kellogg in this upcoming cycle.

Niketa’s 1:1 coaching over several months was the cornerstone of my MBA application journey. Our conversations consistently pushed me to think more deeply—not just about what I had done, but why it mattered and how it shaped who I am today. Her thoughtful, challenging questions opened up new directions for self-reflection that I hadn’t considered on my own, and in doing so, helped me find clarity and conviction in my story. Through it all, her steady belief in my potential gave me the confidence to show up authentically and put forth the strongest possible version of myself in every application. She provided immense support during my waitlist journey—offering crucial strategic guidance and keeping my morale up, which enabled me to convert. With her support, I received admits to both Tuck and Columbia Business School.

Going into the MBA application process, I had decent experience across finance and tech, but I struggled with how to tell my story in a way that felt authentic and compelling. I wasn’t just looking for an editor—I needed someone who could push my thinking, help me reflect more deeply, and guide me through the process with structure and empathy. That’s exactly what I found in Niketa.

From day one, I was impressed by the depth of her knowledge base and the structure she brought to every step of the journey. Her frameworks helped me recall and connect powerful life experiences across my essays, recommendations, and interviews. Her feedback was consistently sharp, honest, and actionable—always pushing me to elevate my work while staying true to my voice.

For my Stanford “What matters most to you” essay, Niketa encouraged me to embrace vulnerability and go beyond surface-level reflections. The result was a narrative I felt proud of.

What stood out most was how invested Niketa was in my journey. She never applied a one-size-fits-all formula—instead, she helped me uncover my story and own it with confidence.

Thanks to her guidance, I was admitted to both Stanford GSB and MIT Sloan. If you’re looking for someone who will challenge you, champion you, and guide you with clarity—I can’t recommend Niketa enough.

I spoke to some well-known top MBA consultants, but when I first spoke to Niketa, I immediately knew I wanted to work with her. So, if you’re confused, just get on a 30-minute call with her.

First off, Niketa won’t judge you for not having clarity on what you want from your life. Passion is overrated, and most humans take time to find their vocation. But, there is a high probability that after a few brainstorming sessions, not only will you be able to start shaping your essays well, but you’ll have a better clarity and a higher agency in the direction in which you’re headed. I think this alone is a much better outcome than many other consultants who might help you draft your MBA applications, but you may not feel confident enough to defend your application form (exactly this happened to me last season).

I applied in the previous application cycle to 5 schools and got rejected by all of them. With Niketa, I cast a wider net and got several interviews with 4 admits in T10 this season and received scholarships in 3 out of 4 schools.

As a management consultant from an MBB firm with 6 years of experience post-undergrad, I came into the MBA application process knowing how competitive the pool would be. Yet, I also had a few challenges stacked against me: a GRE score below the average for top schools and a non-feeder undergraduate background. I needed my story to do the heavy lifting—and that’s exactly what Niketa and Admit Beacon helped me accomplish.

Niketa brought a level of strategic depth, structure, and brutal honesty to the process that I hadn’t seen in other consultants. Her feedback came through the lens of an admissions committee member—nothing sugar-coated, no generic advice. She relentlessly pushed me to articulate what made me different, and why my story mattered in the broader MBA context.

The support was truly end-to-end:

Essays that weren’t just well-written—they were deeply reflective, intentional, and authentic. Even though I didn’t get an admit from HBS, I was genuinely proud of that essay; I felt it was more compelling than several featured in the “50 Successful HBS Essays” book.

Letters of Recommendation that brought out nuanced leadership angles—because she knew exactly what adcoms want to hear (and what they don’t).

A strategic, results-focused CV that showcased impact, not just activity.

Mock interviews that were intense and exacting, especially for Kellogg—she knew the curveballs I wasn’t expecting and helped me find structure under pressure.

Team-Based Discussion feedback for Wharton that was sharp and practical. I walked into the TBD feeling completely prepared.

Plus, curated samples and frameworks to spark ideas—not to copy from, but to inspire clarity and depth in my own thinking.

Most importantly, her coaching style—rigorous, honest, but always constructive—helped me bring my best thinking forward. It never felt transactional; it felt like working with someone who was just as invested in the outcome as I was.

The results?
Admits from Wharton and Kellogg (I had applied to Wharton, Kellogg, HBS)

If you’re looking for someone who won’t let you settle for safe answers, who brings deep insight into how adcoms think, and who’ll challenge you to create the strongest possible version of your story—I can’t recommend Niketa and Admit Beacon enough.

Having had a slightly unconventional trajectory (from foodtech to nonprofit edtech), I really needed a consultant who wasn’t just selling me pipe dreams but could actually understand my experience to help me reach those dreams.

From discussions and brainstorming about my experiences and goals, to having those candid conversations about the application and school strategy – every part of the journey with Niketa and her team was as clear as water, and the team really stays on top of everything (even moreso than the applicant sometimes!). In fact, the programme that I got admitted to and will attend is a programme I would not have found or even considered if Niketa hadn’t understood what I aspire for – I think it’s that level of commitment and attention to detail that brings people like myself closer to the best fits, and the effort put in by Niketa to help you write the right story is next to none.

The 1-1 sessions were the highlight, especially in chalking out the exact next steps. At no point do you feel like the momentum slows down. The elaborate knowledge base was perfect for someone like myself who likes to do as much prep as I can before I approach any calls, drafts or even begin researching. Cannot emphasise enough on the importance of the interview mocks; made a huge difference in my approach and confidence leading up to the interview – something I believe was make or break for certain schools, and Niketa’s team pushed me through those mocks till I felt fairly comfortable interviewing with anyone.

I earned an admission to the MMM (MBA + Ms.) programme at Kellogg with a bit of scholarship too. Owe the team for their support and absolutely recommend Niketa to anyone looking for the right consultant to join you in this journey!

I connected with Niketa in Jan 2024 to seek advice on MBA applications. She was highly recommended by my friends who worked with her in past. After our conversation, it was clear to my that she is the best choice for me.

She was always candid and rationale in her in inputs – from locking in the R1 and R2 strategy to bringing out the best elements for my Essays and LoRs. The application process can be stressful and having someone who can not only provide inputs but act as a mentor/friend is something that goes a long way. What really clicked with me is her coaching style – I was able to be trust her judgement right from the beginning. She was always available to resolve any doubts that I had in my mind – no matter how small or absurd.

Her inputs on my essays and LoRs helped me understand myself better and prepared me to bring the best in my application as well as interviews.

The knowledge base that she has created is absolutely amazing and very well structured. The detailed resources that I was provided by Admit Beacon helped me make the best out of my sessions with Niketa. Every hour spent with her was highly productive, helping me focus on what truly mattered and helped me avoid getting anxious near deadlines. The sessions that she organized on other process (VISA, loans, etc.) also helped me lot during the process.

I am truly pleased by the end results. I received admits from HBS ($150K+ scholarship) and Kellogg in R1. I received interview invited for every application Niketa advised me on.

In hindsight, connecting with Niketa was the best decision that I made. I highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a mentor in their journey to top business schools.

I first reached out to Niketa in 2023 after taking my GMAT, eager to start my MBA applications. However, she gave me advice that, in hindsight, was the best decision I could have made—she suggested I wait another year since I was running extremely late for Round 2. At the time, it was tough to hit pause, but I trusted her judgment. And I’m so glad I did.

The following year, I began working with Niketa, and that’s when I truly realized the value of mentorship. Coming from a non-traditional background, I had my doubts about how my story would resonate with top business schools. But Niketa’s guidance changed everything—her structured approach and unwavering support made me believe in myself more than ever.

No question was too small, no doubt too silly—Niketa was always just a call or message away. She worked relentlessly with me, perfecting every line of my essays, pushing me to refine my narrative until it was the best version of my story. Her dedication to getting the most out of every word wasn’t just about writing; it was about making my application truly stand out.

And the results spoke for themselves. I received admits from Kellogg, Columbia (with a $100K scholarship), Duke, Darden, and Tuck. Every interview invite converted into an acceptance—something I genuinely believe was possible only because of Niketa’s mentorship.

Looking back, this journey was not just about getting into business school; it was about growth, resilience, and the power of the right guidance. If you’re on this path, having someone like Niketa by your side can make all the difference.

Without the backing of a strong consulting, IB, or PE brand on my resume and without an IIT/NIT pedigree, I was initially unsure about my chances at a top business school. The road ahead seemed uncertain, and I needed someone who could help me navigate it strategically. That’s where Niketa came in—not just as an admissions consultant but as a true partner in my journey.

From day one, Niketa’s structured yet deeply personalized approach helped me define my strategies and craft a narrative that was uniquely mine. She didn’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution; instead, she took the time to understand my background, aspirations, and the unconventional aspects of my profile. She helped me uncover the strengths I didn’t even realize I had and positioned them in a way that made me a compelling candidate.

Niketa’s no-nonsense, straight-talking approach was exactly what I needed. She didn’t sugarcoat feedback or settle for mediocrity—she pushed me relentlessly to think harder, dig deeper, and articulate my experiences in a way that truly reflected my personality and potential. Her commitment to my success went beyond just editing essays; she challenged me to refine my thought process, ensuring that every story I told was not just well-written but powerful and authentic.

Thanks to her guidance, I didn’t just submit applications—I submitted winning applications that truly represented who I am. She helped me realize that top business schools aren’t just looking for cookie-cutter candidates; they value authenticity, depth, and a well-crafted story. Niketa ensured that my application wasn’t just another file in the pile but a standout, compelling narrative that earned me the seat I deserved.

If you’re looking for someone who will go above and beyond to ensure you put forth your best application, Niketa is the person to trust. She is not just an admissions consultant—she is a game-changer.

Working with Niketa has been an amazing experience. I was nervous about how to craft strong applications and stand out in a competitive pool, but Niketa made the process simple and clear.

She helped me turn my stories into powerful essays that are so much more personal and authentic. The mock interviews we did were incredibly helpful in building my confidence and preparing me for the real one.

What stood out the most was how invested Niketa was in my success. She took the time to understand my unique journey and always encouraged me to stay true to myself. Her support was consistent and genuine rather than just checking the boxes, which made all the difference.

Thanks to her, I received admits from both Kellogg and Cornell, along with a generous scholarship at Cornell. I couldn’t have done this without her guidance and encouragement. Thank you so much Niketa for a truly transformative experience.

I reached out to Niketa after I gave my GRE towards the end of June with an aim to target R1 applications at the start of September. Niketa’s insights were invaluable in letting me narrow down on the number, and the mix of schools to target. Over the next 2 months her prompt feedback and commitment to be available to help me craft my resume and essays was what helped me meet the R1 deadlines!
What I loved about Niketa’s approach is that she enabled me to view my experiences from multiple perspectives which made it easy to identify the stories to use for my essays. As a result, my essays were unique to me and not adhering to a stereotypical B-school narrative.
Aside from this, the Admit Beacon team has a repository of resources which I could access at any point. This repository contained tools and documents which guided me through the entire application process.
All in all, I don’t think I would have made the R1 cut had it not been for Niketa & Admit Beacon, and so I will recommend her to anyone starting out on their MBA application journey.

Coming from a firm which did not have many seniors who choose the MBA route, I had zero clue on how to navigate this exhaustive journey alone. At this point, while each consultant left it on me to choose schools, I knew I needed someone who gave me a realistic picture. Niketa, was just that and I knew she was one of the best, if not the best, when I choose to start my journey in March 2023.

Niketa was able to give a structure to my efforts and more importantly nudge me when I was being lazy. She patiently heard about my work in tech multiple times (at least 10) until she was able to bring every detail out of me and find the X factor in my story – something really important when you are from an overcrowded applicant pool.

AB’s knowledge portal is a complete guide in itself and I could easily rely on it for any part of the application process. I was able to get a scholarship based on the negotiation guidelines on the portal independently.

Niketa and team were there throughout the process for me, from school selection to interview preps. Even when I had to decide on deferring my admit due to personal reasons, Niketa was the only person I took advice from before deciding. Working with her has not only helped me get these admits but also helped me prepare for the road ahead!

I have admits from Stern and Fuqua.

Working with Niketa for my MBA application journey has been a real pleasure. Three key aspects stood out for me while working with Niketa – her extensive experience of crafting customized stories for different schools, ability to brainstorm and bring forth unique experiences for candidates and resilience to polish final outputs to the candidate’s and her satisfaction. In just a few conversations, Niketa was able to clearly identify relevant stories from my experiences, and enabled me to not only introspect at a deeper level but also supported me to map instances appropriately across different components of the application – essays, application form, interviews etc. Her in-depth understanding of school-specific tonality was also extremely helpful. She would push for multiple iterations till both of us were happy with the final output. Her patience and empathy in an already stressful process are much needed – and I am so glad we could work together on my application journey. She does a fantastic job at helping candidates play to their strengths. Given I was waitlisted at one of my top-choice schools, Niketa proactively supported with my waitlist updates – and I ultimately got accepted off the waitlist. I would definitely recommend working with Niketa to other candidates – she is clearly one of the best thought partners one can have on their MBA application journey.

Choosing to work with Niketa was the best decision I made during my entire MBA application journey. Before connecting with her, I explored various other consultants, but none truly understood my background and work; most tried to fit me into predefined molds of candidates. Niketa, unlike others, took the time to understand my story and the intricacies of my work, seeing its potential in a way no one else did. I was pleasantly surprised by her deep understanding of the latest trends in the rapidly evolving energy and mobility sectors. Her patient and empathetic approach resonated with me instantly, and I knew I wanted her to be my coach.

Going through the experience discovery process, a well-designed exercise by the Admit Beacon team to uncover key stories, I realized that while I had several stories to share, each reflecting different facets of my experiences, they lacked a unifying thread. It was also challenging to articulate the impact of my work as most of my projects were pre-revenue. Niketa’s guidance was pivotal; she not only helped me handpick the most compelling stories but also worked with me to iteratively weave a tightly-knit narrative that seamlessly connected all my experiences and career transitions. With her help and the treasure trove of resources on Admit Beacon’s knowledge base portal, I was able to effectively articulate the impact of my work.

One of the best aspects of working with Niketa was the access to unlimited one-on-one Zoom sessions. On these calls, she patiently listened to my concerns, brainstormed ideas, and provided a clear roadmap for the next draft. She is deeply invested in your success and won’t let you settle until you find the best version of your story. For the first draft of my essay, we went through more than ten iterations until we reached a version that effectively encapsulated my journey. Mere days before the final submission, I felt that a certain essay wasn’t adequately tailored to a school and needed enhancement. Niketa, Shruti, and Shweta, the entire Admit Beacon team, stayed up late with me until we had a new draft ready. When I raised concerns about a low-performance semester during my undergraduate studies, Niketa helped me address it through a delicately crafted additional essay. Thanks to the Admit Beacon team, I received interview invitations from every college I applied to in Round 1.

Before Round 2 applications, I tried to improve my GMAT score but failed. There wasn’t much time left and I was uncertain about applying to HBS and GSB, but Niketa encouraged me to take a leap of faith. Trying to answer “What matters most to you and why” was tricky and seemed very different from all the other essays I had written so far. But Niketa’s structured approach helped me introspect deeply and discover a compelling answer within the short timeframe. She enabled me to find an answer that not only enriched my application but will guide me through many decisions in my life.

Looking back at the journey, I can say with certainty that I owe my admission to Stanford GSB and HBS, my dream schools, to Niketa’s coaching. Her mentorship transcended mere application advice, leading to a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. As I think about the next phase of my journey, I am privileged to have Niketa as a lifelong mentor and a friend. One of the best pieces of advice I received before starting my MBA application journey was to brace for a bumpy ride, and I can confidently say there is no one better than Niketa to help you navigate it.

Working with Niketa is like working with a friend who is an expert in their trade and is on the constant look-out for your best interests. She has in-depth understanding of every school and what they are looking for in candidates. She is a great listener. Niketa’s guidance allowed me to truly introspect, understand my motivations better and hence, give a unique spin to my application altogether. She is someone you can talk to about anything and everything under the sun. Couldn’t have survived the rigor and demands of the application process without Niketa and her team’s constant guidance. Forever indebted.

Working with Niketa has been a transformative experience. As someone who has navigated the application process for four years, the importance of a supportive and insightful guide was paramount. Niketa was not just a consultant; she was the mentor I had been searching for, surpassing all expectations.

Niketa’s standout qualities are her unwavering positivity and patience. My journey before her was marred by disheartening interactions with consultants who lacked engagement or were excessively critical. In stark contrast, Niketa embodied the role of a mentor, friend, and senior, dedicating time to truly comprehend my unique story and the intricacies of my profile. Her approach unveiled strengths within me that I had previously overlooked.

Her belief in me was unshakeable, even when self-doubt crept in. Niketa’s presence was a lighthouse of support, encouragement, and optimism. Yet, she did not shy away from offering constructive criticism when necessary. Her feedback was always thoughtful, precise, and aimed at eliciting my best work. She championed authenticity, urging me to present my genuine narrative rather than catering to perceived expectations.

The support team, led by Niketa, is exceptional. A special mention to Shwetha and Shruti for their contributions. The comprehensive knowledge base and the series of mock interviews with alumni provided an invaluable simulation of the real interview experience.

The outcomes speak volumes—admissions to HBS, Kellogg, Darden, and Anderson. I wholeheartedly recommend Niketa to anyone seeking a mentor who transcends the traditional consultant role.

“Belief is everything” as Niketa would often remind me, these words are the reason I applied to Stanford GSB in R2 after getting into Wharton and Kellogg in R1 and am excited to be heading to GSB this fall!
But I am getting ahead of myself here. I reached out to Niketa in March 2023, coming from a non-traditional background, I did not have any reference point in my own network. But she made it easy for me to lean onto her extensive experience working with candidates across the spectrum. Her working style and ability to really listen to your unique story gave me immense confidence to stay authentic and it made all the difference. There were multiple instances during the application process where I had doubts about my candidacy, but Niketa’s conviction in my journey and story remained high through all those 100+ essay versions and frantic WhatsApp messages. Niketa is a person who really invests in you, your story, and your aspirations. She goes beyond your archetypical admission consultant, by pushing you to aim higher and making you believe in yourself.
After finishing my R1 application, in which I applied to 4 M7 schools, Niketa reached out stating that I should consider applying to Stanford GSB. Having self-selected myself out of GSB, I owe it to Niketa for nudging me to apply and working with me patiently as we untangled what matters most to me and why!
But Niketa is more than just an admission consultant; she is a mentor, a believer, a therapist, and a friend. Her commitment to her clients goes beyond the norm. Even after the admission dust settled, Niketa continued to support me, helping me explore pre-MBA internship opportunities and nudging me towards my long-term ambitions and passions.

I wholeheartedly endorse Niketa as an exceptionally talented admission consultant, but she is so much more than that. She is a force for positive change in the lives of her clients, and I am incredibly grateful to have had her by my side on this journey.

I reached out to Niketa a year before we finally began working together as I was yet to take my GMAT, but right from our first conversation I felt supported. Without any commitments or expectations, she candidly provided valuable guidance on which test might work better, what courses i could think of applying to, etc.

With Niketa there is laser focus, but no shortcuts. I loved how in the initial few sessions we just talked about my life, where I come from, and what matters to me- this really helped me think about my life without the pressure of saying something because it would work in the application. Most importantly, she remembered the small things i said, and helped weave those into my applications even months later.
She will spend hours rehashing things, and no amount of effort is too much for her. Its difficult to express how grateful I felt when 2 days before a final submission she told me that she would help me redo the entire story if I’m not 100% confident.

From school selection, to the final submission and even beyond, Niketa and her team were always there. I got into my dream school with a substantial scholarship and I could not have done this without them

I wholeheartedly recommend Niketa for anyone who needs a trusted friend to guide them through this journey.

Niketa is by far the best consultant to work with for any applicant. She remains deeply invested in your application, from the very start to the end. What I absolutely love about Niketa is the time and effort she puts down to brainstorm your story with you, curated for every single school. She will help you explore parts of your life story which you might miss on your own and then use every single story to create that 100/100 essay for you. From tactical feedback to strategic guidance, she is an absolute rockstar when it comes to executing the essay after the story is ready. More than just a consultant, Niketa becomes your friend/ mentor/ counsellor/ coach from the very start to the end of your MBA journey. I am so glad I got to work with Niketa and I would 110% recommend partnering with her for your MBA journey

I met Niketa pretty late in 2023 and right from the start, what I loved the most about her was how Niketa was so invested in your application. All throughout, she was so professional with the process and made sure we were submitting all elements on time. Every little detail and story was vetted multiple times and we went through a number of iterations.
Her personalised approach with every candidate stood out exceptionally for me. She did not want to fit me into a narrative that works, but rather she invested her time to listen to my stories and form a story that was MINE. And I think this personalised approach was what worked.

I had the most wonderful experience working with Niketa; she’s so much more than just a consultant – a friend, a career therapist, and your personal cheerleader, helping you manage your emotions through the grueling application journey.

My first conversation with Niketa was when I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to apply for an MBA – the clarity, guidance, and genuine belief that Niketa showed in my profile not only motivated me to apply in the current MBA cycle but I was sure she was the one I wanted to work with.

There are several aspects that sets Niketa apart from others. First and foremost, her compassion and empathy make her the best listener and she made me feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable and share my true self to her. She really tailors the application process to an individual and their specific needs because she understands that everyone has a unique story to tell – being my authentic self was a priority for me and she never let me stray from the path.

I started my applications quite late, with only about a month to go for the deadlines but Niketa customized my application strategy, applying to only 2 schools in R1 and then 2 schools in R2. She made sure I was adhering to strict fast tracked timelines. However, once my Yale essay was done, Niketa took a leap of faith and we decided to apply to HBS with only 10 days to go! She has a high conviction when it comes to telling your story so she never shied away from numerous iterations, and even stayed up with me late at night just to get the application in good shape and today I have an admit from HBS!

One of Niketa’s biggest strengths is that she has a deep understanding of all industries – she truly understood the nitty-gritties of my job and helped me connect the dots of my personal and professional lives to present who I really was. She gives very pointed and honest feedback that helps you better portray yourself in the constraints of limited words.

Niketa provided extensive interview preparation support as well by connecting me with alumni from different schools and conducting several mocks for me herself. She also knew when to stop: as the emotions and anxiety were running high, she asked me to take a step back and relax as I was beginning to sound over-rehearsed. She provided the much needed support during this time, even checking up to see if I was feeling better after a rather terrible mock session.

Niketa was very quick to respond to any queries I had or any help I needed, as was her team of Shruti and Shweta (who were just as happy in your success!). Niketa’s help extends beyond just the application and she helps you prepare for what the MBA journey might look like for you.

I owe my successful application cycle to Niketa and I consider myself lucky to have found her. She will always encourage you to aim higher. You cannot go wrong if you have Niketa in your corner 🙂

Like many others, I started off the application process feeling extremely underconfident, owing to my sub-par GMAT scores. However, Niketa made me believe in my own potential and story and how being your authentic self can go a long way along the process.

Niketa is a lot more than an admissions consultant to me. She has been my mentor, supporter and sounding board for the past year. There are so many things that stood out to me during the application process –

1. She understands you as a person inside out – even before starting an application, she knew exactly what parts of my story needed to be highlighted, my strengths and my weaknesses. More so, she asked brilliant questions/prompted me to think deeply during brainstorming sessions that helped me understand myself a lot better

2. ⁠She’s 100% authentic and transparent – it also means that she will not sugarcoat things ever. This is why, every time she gave any feedback on my essays, I valued everything she said. She’s not someone who would fill your essay with comments – she will point out top 3-4 things that will make all the difference. Also, she let me record all our discussions and calls which was a huge help

3. ⁠She knows all schools inside-out hence, she helped me tailor my essays based on the school’s persona/values. I had the most fun working on my Wharton application with her – it’s so refreshing to see how excited and passionate she gets while discussing stories. It made me believe in myself more and put my best foot forward

4. ⁠She has an incredible team – both Shweta and Shruti were super helpful especially when it came to keeping up with timelines (I don’t know any other consultant who pushes, follows up, and keeps you so much on track) and refining essays

5. ⁠Niketa’s accessibility is another thing that stood out – I could always trust that she would get back to me when needed especially when things got stressful. She has an excellent essay TAT (will never make you wait for days) and she never shies away from multiple iterations

6. ⁠The AdmitBeacon knowledge base is another resource that acted as a one-stop shop on school essay advice, research links, etc – referring to that first and then scheduling a brainstorming call with Niketa made the whole process a lot more efficient

Would definitely recommend Niketa and her team – thanks a ton for everything!

Niketa has been an amazing coach, always there with unwavering support every step of the way. Her advice and insights were spot-on, helping me bring out my personal stories and refine my professional goals. I’m genuinely grateful for her support and look forward to having a mentor (and friend) for life.

Niketa is thorough, patient and empathetic in her approach. She helped me craft a cohesive and well-thought non profit and education career trajectory. Her insights across various industries were instrumental in helping me articulate my most authentic narrative. She pushed me to apply to a wide range of schools and helped me customize my storyline for each school.

Beyond serving as a brilliant thought partner, Niketa’s investment in my application journey has stood out the most to me. Her reflection exercises, complemented by the resources provided through the Knowledge Base, played a pivotal role in my school selection process and essay composition. Niketa’s structured approach ensured that I remained focused and on target throughout the entire application journey. What sets Niketa apart is her acute awareness of the stress inherent in the MBA application process, coupled with her empathetic approach to addressing it. I appreciated her accessibility and willingness to assist, even beyond the admissions stage.

I wholeheartedly endorse Niketa to anyone seeking an MBA consultant. Her blend of expertise, empathy, and dedication makes her an invaluable asset in navigating the complexities of business school applications.

I had a great time working with Niketa and her team. I had started engaging with Niketa about 1.5 years before I decided to apply, and only after a few initial conversations, I knew she was the right person for my MBA applications journey (and beyond!).

Niketa is very passionate about what she does, and her passion is almost palpable in her style and approach to her work. She makes you feel like she a real partner in your journey and is as invested as you are in ensuring the best outcomes for you. Many things stood out for me while working with her –

She is very honest; she is not afraid to call a spade a spade. Her counsel in unfiltered and pragmatic. If she is not convinced about a particular story/idea, even after multiple iterations, she will not be afraid to call it out. This quality worked wonders for me. Her feedback and encouragement pushed me to introspect deeper.

She understands the MBA admissions landscape across different schools really well. She helped me to meticulously tailor each application. Her approach is far from templatised; she ensures that each narrative aligns with the ethos of the respective school while retaining authenticity.

Further, Niketa strikes a fine balance between providing guidance and preserving independent thinking. She is also very receptive to upward feedback and is open to re-think approaches. Hence, working with her is very open, transparent and easy.

Overall, Niketa and her team are very well-organised. Her turn-around-time is very quick (even during personal exigencies such as sick days). She and her team made sure I was on my toes throughout this very overwhelming and exhausting process! I ended up receiving offers from Kellogg, CBS (both of which were my top choices) and LBS.

I would recommend her without reservation!

Niketa helped fluently articulate a PE + Ops story that eventually stood out in a competitive demographic. She has a hands-on approach and is very professionally organized (even as an individual consultant) with a detailed online knowledge base, tools & templates, and FAQs. She pushed me hard to introspect in spite of challenging timelines without compromising on quality, which paid off! She uses the right mix of standardization and personalization required to put together a strong resume and authentic essays efficiently. As a result, we could work on 3 schools in R1 over ~60-70 days without feeling rushed. We worked on a thrice a week cadence (~7-8 hours weekly), which is impressive for someone working with multiple candidates. Beyond the application too, her interview related guidance was very useful and well-structured, including a couple of mocks for the Wharton TBD. She’s been instrumental in helping secure an admit to Wharton, which was my top choice. Over time, Niketa has become a friend with very relevant and candid professional advice. I would strongly recommend working with her!

Niketa was a fantastic consultant to work with. When deciding I approached multiple top consultants but what stood out to me was the Niketa did not try to put me in a mould to fit a standard story and in fact also encouraged me to take time off and figure out whether the MBA made sense for me or not. Once I started working with her, she listened patiently to everyone of my life stories and dedicated hours to my application never once complaining about the number of iterations. She was receptive to my concerns and points and helped mould a story that felt true to me and brought out the essence to the admissions committee. She was a strong support system throughout the application process and it would have been impossible to get through with her and her team’s help.

While I was starting my MBA applications, I got in touch with several lead consultants but it was only Niketa who was interested in my life journey and not just the CV points. That’s when I felt comfortable and decided to work with her.
AB’s approach is really structured. The experience discovery sheets will push one to think deeper in our stories. It’s very guided and doesn’t leave room to miss details. The knowledge base is very helpful in understanding what school looks for in a candidate.
Niketa’s strength in looking into the details and building a strong story out of it is unmatched. The most important aspect of MBA applications is discipline. Niketa always time bounds all the actions in such a way that one doesn’t end up messing things up in the last moment.
The whole AB team is very responsive. I remember putting slightest of the doubts on WhatsApp and I always got timely response. Niketa also connected me to a few B-school alums to do mock interviews, in addition to regular mock sessions with her.
The application process is long and gruelling, but Niketa does make it easy by being your biggest motivator:)
I am glad that I made a decision to work with Niketa. Can’t thank the entire team enough

Working with Niketa was an absolute delight. Her methodical brainstorming sessions ensured that the most pertinent stories were highlighted effectively, enhancing the overall strength of my applications.

What truly sets Niketa apart is her tireless dedication to her clients’ success. Not only did she provide invaluable guidance and insights, but she also pushed me to complete my to-dos within timelines to ensure that deadlines were met without compromising on quality.

The best part about working with her is that there is no restriction on the amount of time / number of calls she will dedicate towards your application; whatever be the requirement, she’ll ensure that justice to the application is done. Moreover, Niketa is backed by an exceptional team comprising individuals like Shweta, Shruti, and a panel of interviewers, all of whom exhibit the same level of accessibility and promptness.

I am immensely grateful to admit beacon and wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone seeking to apply for an MBA!

Niketa is a wonderful consultant who takes the time to get to know you and your story and aspirations deeply and then helps you craft your MBA story and application accordingly. She is very responsive and there is no restriction on the number of calls or time that she will spend on your application and she makes sure to give you the full attention over multiple drafts till your application is perfect. She also helps you post submission with mock interviews and detailed feedback to help you improve on your interview skills and is also always there to help you with your post acceptance journey as well, with her insights on which schools to choose, scholarship negotiation as well as other important B-school factors being crucial to finally selecting your school. Having spoken to multiple consultants at the start of my MBA journey, she was the only one who I felt took the time to understand my background and gave me the confidence to apply to the top MBA programs despite being from an overrepresented background and a below average undergraduate GPA and I’m extremely glad that I went along with her guidance.

Niketa and her team were extremely helpful throughout the entire process. She has been my pillar of support right from the decision to apply for a MBA to my external scholarship search post my admit.

Unlike other consultants, what stands out is her:
– Ability to listen deeply
– Understand perspectives
– Respect your thoughts
– Do infinite iterations
– Most importantly, treat you as an individual who doesn’t have to fit in a success framework

She was always 150% invested in my application and often took time out during difficult circumstances (festivals, family emergencies etc.) as well. I don’t think I could have done it without Admit Beacon’s help and I am glad to have gained a friend and mentor for life!

I simply could not have achieved these results without Niketa’s support. A couple of things that stand out about her approach –

In my first call when I was trying to find out which counselor would suit me best, I was instantly sure of Niketa as she came prepared with a couple of ideas on the story I could form based on my experiences. I only saw this quality shine throughout the journey as she always heard my rambling thoughts deeply and came up with ideas on how we could knit the story together so it conveyed my story while retaining the authenticity of my voice.

What I think she does best is helping you realize what in your story makes you YOU and how you can form a strong personal and professional identity. In many cases, I would discount the things I had done professionally and personally and she would always pick up on the nuances and ensure I highlight it in my application.

No matter the amount of stress and repeated iterations, she will keep working with you till the very end to ensure the application is the best effort possible.

Beyond all the expert advice, she understands the journey requires a lot of emotional support and is not transactional in her approach. She could recognize when the pressure was getting to me, and would send me texts and voice notes that I am well prepared and have everything in control to give me confidence.

Applying for B-schools is an extremely overwhelming journey and I couldn’t have imagined doing it without Niketa!

I had the privilege of collaborating with Niketa for my INSEAD application. Despite a high GMAT score, uncertainty lingered, but Niketa’s invaluable assistance proved transformative. Her thorough profile analysis, honest feedback, and strategic timing recommendations were instrumental. Unlike other consultants, Niketa’s genuine support, respect for my goals, and a non-pushy approach set her apart. Her guidance extended to interview preparation, contributing significantly to my successful admission to INSEAD.

Highlights –

1. Brilliant understanding of the niche industry and sector I have been working with to bring out the best possible narrative and a logical goal statement.

2. Focus on authentic personal stories to bring out your natural character and traits in alignment with the fit of the school

I am confident that I secured the ideal consultant for my MBA journey and beyond. Entering the application process with various concerns stemming from my distinctive yet generic profile, I wondered how to stand out to business schools. Addressing uncertainties about highlighting specific aspects of my profile, portraying them effectively, and bridging gaps, Niketa emerged as a reassuring presence, alleviating the stress associated with the entire process. Her expertise ensured that I showcased what mattered most to each school, effectively emphasizing my passion. Moreover, she skillfully brought out the unique aspects of my professional and personal life in my application.

Navigating through different stages of the application process, including school shortlisting, resume review, essays, and interview preparation, Niketa guided me toward the right fit, enabling me to present my best self. The outcome surpassed my expectations, as I not only gained admission to my top-choice school but also received a full scholarship. Niketa’s in-depth knowledge about each school greatly facilitated my research. All in all, my experience could not have been better.

I cannot speak highly enough of my experience working with Niketa as my MBA consultant. She has been an incredible source of encouragement and motivation throughout the entire application process, and her unwavering belief in my abilities has been truly transformative.

1. Encouraging and motivating: From the very beginning, Niketa stood out among other consultants I had spoken to. While many were quick to doubt my varied professional experiences, my scores and even my desire to target top B-schools, Niketa was the beacon of positivity I needed. She dismissed my apprehensions and showed immense confidence in my profile, which instantly boosted my self-confidence.

2. Deep understanding of non-traditional backgrounds: What sets Niketa apart is her knowledge of non-traditional backgrounds & sectors. She quickly grasped the intricacies of my professional journey and was able to consolidate my diverse experiences into a compelling narrative. Her insights were invaluable in helping me select the right schools for my profile, and her guidance throughout the application process was spot-on.

3. Dedication and approachability: Niketa maintained a regular and reliable schedule of weekly or bi-weekly meetings, ensuring that I remained on track and never felt lost in the process. Additionally, she was always accessible on WhatsApp, providing prompt feedback and support whenever I needed it. I appreciated her preparedness for our meetings; her insights were consistently sharp, clear, and tailored to my specific needs.

4. Transparency, honesty, and selflessness: These qualities are what truly set Niketa apart! While I initially wanted to work on applications for five schools, she candidly advised that focusing on three top schools would be more strategic, given our time constraints and the unique nature of these applications. Her honesty in managing expectations demonstrated her genuine interest in my success rather than merely pushing for additional clients. Her thorough feedback on every aspect of my application, coupled with specific improvement suggestions, made a significant difference in strengthening my candidacy.

Moreover, Niketa’s selflessness and support extended beyond our formal engagement. Even when I sought to apply to schools outside the three we were working on together, she generously provided me with access to resources and continued to offer guidance to these additional schools even during my interviews.

5. You may give up on yourself, but Niketa won’t: I cannot emphasize enough how Niketa’s unwavering dedication kept me going during the arduous application process. When I felt exhausted and demotivated to write yet another application, she became my biggest cheerleader, encouraging me to persevere, especially when I applied to INSEAD, the last school I applied to during the admissions cycle. Her relentless support pushed me to complete the application, leading to my acceptance at INSEAD.

I am immensely grateful to Niketa for being more than just a consultant; she has been my best critic, supporter, and mentor throughout my MBA application journey. Her genuine care for her clients and dedication to their success make her an exceptional consultant, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking expert guidance and unwavering support on their academic journey. Thank you, Niketa, for everything you do!

Working with Niketa has been an absolute game-changer for my MBA application journey, and I cannot thank her enough for her invaluable guidance and support. Her exceptional skills and approach to counseling truly set her apart, and I credit her for my successful admission into INSEAD and HEC Paris.

To put things in context, I have been in touch with Niketa since 2021 while preparing for GMAT. Once I got done with it (which took several attempts), Round 1 was already over and I was completely clueless about how I should approach my applications given I was already behind in the current cycle. Niketa not only agreed to onboard me that late but also chalked out a clear plan in terms of my target school/safe school and dream school. If not for her, I would not have even thought to apply to the top 5 B-schools given my then situation and the timeline I was working with.

One of Niketa’s most remarkable qualities is her ability to listen deeply. Throughout our collaboration, she displayed a remarkable talent for identifying the hidden emotions and insights in my stories, helping me craft a compelling and authentic application. She made me feel comfortable and safe sharing even the most personal experiences that truly made my application stand out.

Niketa’s level of preparation for our meetings was second to none. She came fully equipped with insights, tips, feedback, and thoughtful questions for every meeting. Niketa skillfully highlighted my outstanding qualities and life experiences, helping me understand and articulate application questions in a way that resonated deeply with my true self.

Niketa’s ability to design a thoughtful strategy was another standout aspect of her consultancy. She mapped my strengths to specific components of the application, allowing me to identify gaps and add more meaningful anecdotes to strengthen my case.

Her approach to editing went beyond mere surface-level changes; she delved into the deeper meaning, structure, and storytelling of my essays, providing suggestions that significantly improved the overall narrative. Niketa’s brainstorming sessions along with Admit Beacon’s Knowledge Base resulted in better explanations and a stronger application.

I must emphasize Niketa’s patience and understanding when it came to multiple iterations and queries. She never showed any annoyance or rush, recognizing the importance of this process and her exceptional time management skills ensured we met deadlines without unnecessary stress.

Furthermore, Niketa’s calming presence during nerve-wracking moments was a true blessing. I used to be extremely nervous before my interviews, but having a small chat with her would calm me down & help me believe in myself and my story and enter the interview confidently.

She was more of a friend than a consultant who wanted me to attend the best business school and not doubt myself while putting forward my candidature. In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Niketa as an MBA admission consultant. Her unique blend of skills, including deep listening, personal branding expertise, thoughtful strategy development, and genuine human connection, makes her an exceptional choice for any aspiring applicant. Niketa has played a crucial role in my journey to INSEAD, and I am confident she can do the same for others.

Niketa is a catalyst for success. I was a re-applicant when I approached her and was very skeptical of the value that consultants add given my experience with other consultants was not great. However, multiple people recommended Niketa and everybody had the same thing to say about her, that she is exceptional. And it turned out to be true in every sense. Her expertise, guidance, and personalized approach added immense value, ultimately resulting in admission offer and scholarship from Columbia Business School.

Niketa is great at picking out good stories from one’s life. She listens patiently and puts in time and effort to understand the journey/story of the applicant. She brainstorms the ideas with the candidate and helps craft compelling narratives, ensuring that each essay reflects a unique personality and aligns with the values of the respective institutions.

She is like a master chess player when it comes to preparing strategy for the application process. She is spot on about what schools to focus on first, what part of the application should the candidate prioritize, what skills should the candidate highlight, by when should the candidate submit the application etc. Niketa is very skilled at her job and knows exactly what the admission team looks for in the candidate.

She played an instrumental role in helping not just me but also my wife to get an admit from CBS. Despite her busy schedule, Niketa agreed to help my wife who approached her during Round 2. I cannot recommend her enough. She is a true gem!!

Despite facing initial setback with lower-than-desired GRE and GMAT scores, Niketa’s unwavering support, expertise, and personalized guidance proved to be the game-changer in my admissions journey. I am eternally grateful for her exceptional contributions that made this happen. I would highly recommend Niketa for the following reasons:

1. Strong understanding across industries and trends (she really knows what she is talking about!): from the very first interaction, it was evident that Niketa not only possessed an in-depth knowledge of unique preferences of admissions committees across schools but also of the nuances and developments across different sectors (in my case healthcare). Her strong network and profound understanding of evolving businesses played a HUGE role as I crafted my application strategy and penned down my goals. Even during the interview process, she played an instrumental role in ensuring that I was well prepared to answer any healthcare-related questions that came my way

2. She’s not the one to give up (even when you might yourself want to): Starting the process, I knew that my score was my Achilles’ heel, which landed me on the waitlist – at both CBS and Wharton. At each point, Niketa remained hopeful and guided me on what more I could do to bolster my application. Naturally, my process did not end at just interviews but required additional support with a waitlist strategy and many more interventions. Niketa’s dedication to my success was unwavering. She continued to guide me on strengthening my leadership experiences, emphasizing my commitment to personal growth, and framing my achievements in a compelling narrative till the “maybe” from both schools turned into “yes”!

3. Super approachable (you are really not alone!): Having heard from friends how other counsellors have much longer turn around times and only email as a communication channel – I can say with utmost confidence that there is no other admission counsellor as approachable and invested in the process as Niketa. For all things big and small, she was always a text and phone call way and this was truly comforting in this otherwise daunting journey

Thanks to her tireless efforts, I received admits from both Wharton and Columbia Business School. Niketa’s outstanding skill set, coupled with her personalized approach and unwavering support, truly made all the difference in my admissions success. She went above and beyond in providing timely and insightful feedback on my drafts, challenging me to refine my ideas and express myself with clarity. Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to help me find my authentic voice resulted in application materials that were both impactful and genuine.

I wholeheartedly recommend Niketa – working with her is a decision that will undoubtedly propel you towards success, and I am forever grateful for the immense impact she has had on my academic and professional future.

Top 10 behaviors other counselors should copy from Niketa:

1. Listens deeply:
There are hidden emotions and insights in every story an applicant shares with their counselors. Niketa is a GENIUS at picking out gems from the noise. All 3 main points of my main essay were identified and polished by Niketa.

2. Non-judgemental:
Some of the stories I shared with Niketa, I was uncomfortable sharing with other counselors. Niketa has a way of making the applicant feel comfortable and safe. These touchy-feely stories are exactly what makes an application stand out.

3. Comes prepared to meetings:
During my meetings with my previous counselors, I could sense they did not get time to read through my essay or prepare for the meeting. Niketa, on the other hand, comes fully prepared for each meeting, with insights, tips, feedback, and questions. This is the most impressive thing about her. Btw, she shares the meeting recordings with you for later watching.

4. Helps with Personal Branding:
Niketa established which of my outstanding qualities and life experiences we wanted to highlight in our application early on. It just made the entire process much more rich and meaningful. For the first time, I could understand what my personal brand was. Niketa helped me articulate “what matters most to me” in a way that it finally resonated with me and actually represented who I am.

5. Designs a thoughtful strategy:
My previous counselors (Top 5 globally) were just running in different directions in each meeting; no cohesive plan or strategy. But Niketa remained on track till the end. She considered the overall strategy to identify which areas needed more emphasis and which areas could be dropped. We mapped each of my strengths to a specific component of the application (resume vs essay vs short answers vs transcript vs [expected] recommendations) in which it would be highlighted. With the added clarity I was able to identify gaps in my application and think of more anecdotes to fill those gaps.

6. Does real “Editing”, not Grammarly:
Many counselors just do superficial “editing” – something that I can do with Grammarly. But Niketa goes into the deeper meaning, structure, and story-telling to suggest edits. She considers the overall strategy to suggest major edits. She brainstorms with you to come up with better explanations. She comes prepared to the meetings with many ideas.

7. Okay with infinite iterations:
In the past, I have sensed other counselors getting annoyed by multiple iterations or with my questions. But Niketa understands the importance of this application in the life of a person. She is very considerate and is okay with answering queries and doing updates based on our discussions. She is able to balance this with proper time management so that we don’t miss deadlines. She helps with managing time without increasing unnecessary stress.

8. Understands the domain:
Niketa has impressive and up-to-date knowledge of the business world. Her insights and ideas have not just helped in creating a successful admissions application but also a successful startup pitch for me (Niketa, for stock options please join our board of directors haha). She also understands the admissions process by virtue of her past experience. She is very practical in her advice on specific colleges, which is a rare find.

9. Understands when to stop:
During my mock interview preparation, she observed that I was becoming over-prepared, so she recommended that I take a break and get rest. This is important because only a true counselor can give such advice. Others just want to clock the hours and give you 10 more areas of improvement you should work on.

10. Is a human:
Working with other counselors felt like working with robots who don’t have any time except for the 45-minute time slot you book with them. But Niketa is a real human being, who understands your story and is able to bring out the best narrative of your life through her non-judgemental and cheerful approach.

Context: I have been admitted to Stanford GSB, as a reapplicant. This would just not have been possible without Niketa.

I have worked with 2 of the top global consultants in the past. But I did not realize what an Admissions Counselor actually means until I started working with Niketa. I wish all applicants could work with Niketa, but since that’s not feasible I would like all other counselors to pick a few behaviors from Niketa so that all applicants can get a great service.

Niketa’s advice to me as a reapplicant not only helped me get into my dream business school but also honestly shaped and molded my outlook towards an MBA. Her approach towards reapplicants is unique and unparalleled through her hourly advising, a possible pioneering first for an MBA consultant in India. She counsels her clients adequately to ensure that their goals are realistic while also backing and looking out for you. Even during rough times (Back to back rejections post interviews), Niketa went beyond her role as a consultant and offered to help and counsel me (for which I am very thankful). Her services enabled me to secure interview calls across all my applications at INSEAD, Columbia and Kellogg. I never thought I could get into an M7 B-school. Niketa made it happen.