Ivy Groupe | MBA Admissions Consultants

Shaifali, in her comprehensive package, helped me prepare MBA applications end-to-end with her crucial expertise, leading to my acceptances at Wharton and MIT with partial scholarships. For someone with a demanding full-time job, and not that many MBA-friends to guide through this process, Shaifali’s comprehensive package provided a well-required timeline, structure and shaping at every stage (essays, application, interviews).

She spent quite some time understanding my background, my life story, and brainstorming potential post-MBA goals. She provided resume templates, multiple iterations to get the language/impact right. Further, based on my chosen schools, she provided helpful structure to create personal brand values that would further guide the application. Coming to essays, she strategized and chose from various options and how to curate/place stories in which section for maximum impact. Followed by various iterations on overall structure, ensuring no missing gaps in the story and finally, wordsmithing. Similarly, helped address red flags in my overall background by finding the right place to communicate to admission committees. When I got the interview invites, she happily did multiple mocks with me to ensure my stories were compelling and touched upon my brand values. And there’s so much more she did which I haven’t covered her, but at every minor or major detail, she was available to provide her expert advice, jumping on a call whenever necessary.

MBA applications are a long and taxing journey — Shaifali as a mentor certainly helped me stay sane through this intense and long process. I would totally recommend her to anybody going through this process.

Justin helped me structure and perfect my essays for INSEAD in a very limited time, he was very responsive and turned around feedback very promptly despite having other projects. He also took the time to help me prepare for the interviews and ultimately to receive a place for August 2024! I highly recommend Justin and the Ivy Groupe for any MBA applications.

With Shaifali’s invaluable assistance, I achieved acceptance into MIT Sloan, Booth, and CBS, with scholarships—a testament to her expertise and dedication.
As someone who is very particular and picky in my choices, I talked to at least 10 different MBA consultants from all the major and boutique MBA consulting firms. I never really clicked with anyone and with time running out, was ready to just settle with another consultant until I stumbled upon IVY Groupe and Shaifali. From our first conversation, the calmness in her voice and genuine sincerity gave me an instant affirmation, an initial impression that proved to be a consistent hallmark of our entire collaboration. Unlike consultants who prioritize strategic client selection or favor “safe” school choices to ensure yield, Shaifali stands out for her client-centric approach. She doesn’t impose her ideas, opting instead to listen attentively, adapt, and craft tailored strategies to realize your ambitions.
Although I consider myself to be a strong writer, navigating MBA applications presented unique challenges. You need to know exactly what schools are looking for and craft a very strong storyline that logically makes sense in terms of why MBA and why now. I personally think receiving consultation is a must even for strong writers because of this very unique and specific content required within essays and your resume. Shaifali’s guidance proved indispensable in deciphering the nuanced expectations of each school and weaving a compelling narrative that aligns seamlessly with their criteria.
Among the myriad reasons to endorse Shaifali’s services, several stand out:

1. Strategic Positioning: Want an MBA but not sure why? Shaifali helps you draw a roadmap of how an MBA will fit into your career goals. Though the heavy lifting is your job, Shaifali will help you shape those goals in a more MBA-appealing way. This initial strategizing is extremely important as it will be the beacon that guides you throughout. As all roads lead to Rome, all content must lead to the why MBA factor, and Shaifali does an immaculate job of not only setting those strong foundations but also helping you return back to those foundations whenever needed.
2. Personalized Approach: Instead of a ‘one size fits all’ approach, Shaifali really takes customizing to the next level. She respects the distinctive and unique you and crafts that image so that it draws out the individual that B-schools look for but at the same time is uniquely you. While initially, it may seem that all the different B-Schools look for the same characteristics in their candidates, they have very slight but distinct characteristics that each school looks for in particular. Shaifali helps you make that slight shape-shift to ensure that your candidacy resonates authentically with the ethos of each school through her nuanced understanding of each school’s preferences.
3. Exceptional Support: Throughout our extensive engagement, Shaifali demonstrated unwavering dedication, accommodating my schedule and offering steadfast support at every juncture. Most importantly, you can tell that she genuinely cares for her clients and that makes a world of difference in these engagements.
4. Emotional Resilience: The application process was much more stressful than I imagined. Working a full-time overloaded job on top of drafting those applications, with the additional panic factor of the possibility of getting rejected, the overall process was beyond stressful. To have someone to talk to during these times, who understands the process, who is your mentor throughout to guide you through this long dark tunnel, is essential. Beyond her professional acumen, her compassionate support carried me through the entire process, providing solace through the uncertainties of the process.
All in all, I wholeheartedly endorse Shaifali’s services. If you are in the process of applying to an MBA program, selecting the right consultant is one of the most important professional decisions that you will make in your career. And to have Shaifali to guide you will be one of the best investments you will make.

Shaifali at IvyGroupe was an absolute pleasure to work with and truly transformed my application that eventually led to me getting into Northwestern’s MS in Artificial Intelligence program. I was initially referred to her as a resource for MBA applications, however after our initial meeting it was clear that her knowledge on the admissions process was beyond advanced. Her ability to breakdown the criteria that admissions are looking for in each step of the process allowed me to compete with other highly qualified applicants. Her attention to detail expands to resumes, personal statements, letter of recommendations and interviews to ensure that you are able to provide universities with the information that makes your application stand out.

Something I greatly appreciated about Shaifali’s service is that she does not sugarcoat expectations. She will highlight potential weaknesses in your profile and identify potential areas of improvement to boost your chances of admittance. This includes preparing for taking the GRE or GMAT depending on your GPA, experience and extracurriculars.

My admissions to each university greatly comes from the support and guidance I received from Shaifali. I encourage prospective students for not only MBA programs but any graduate program to reach out to her regarding the services she provides. The earlier that you meet with her, the better prepared you can be to ensure success in your graduate admissions process.

There are admissions consultants and then there is Shaifali … she genuinely believes that every person has a unique story to tell, a story that every admissions committee should read. But I think Shaifali’s greatest strength is listening to you, intently, which allows her to pull the best out in you so you can put your best foot forward as you begin the transformational MBA journey. I was also impressed by how well she acted as a guide throughout the application process from writing essays to reviewing recommendation letters to helping me prepare for interviews. She was patient throughout the process and encouraged me to believe in myself. Finally, Shaifali does not shy away from giving constructive feedback, something I greatly value as it forces us applicants to take a hard look in the mirror … I could not have asked for a better companion for my MBA application journey. With Shaifali’s guidance, I was admitted to HBS and Wharton and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Working with Shaifali at IvyGroupe did so much for me not only as an MBA applicant but also in building confidence.

I began my own MBA application journey being very doubtful of my competitiveness – I wasn’t even sure if I was a good potential candidate given my fewer years of work experience and what I thought to be an unremarkable narrative. But Shaifali saw in me what I couldn’t. Skillfully gaining insights into my experiences and achievements, Shaifali helped me weave together my personal story brilliantly! I was able to see my value in the MBA landscape so much more clearly with her help.

She was wonderful to work with and was able to accommodate for the quick turnaround time that I needed. I would definitely recommend Shaifali to anyone, especially to those that feel they need a better sense of direction, confidence boost, and coach through the process.

One of the best things about working with Shaifali is her enthusiasm in getting to know you – not just about your work experience or extracurriculars but everything from your childhood to likes/dislikes and more. All aspects of you are fair game to identify as valuable additions to the application. You really feel seen, and in the best way possible.

I am thrilled to share my experience working with Shaifali Aggarwal, whose unparalleled consulting expertise significantly contributed to my acceptance at both Harvard and Stanford. Shaifali’s approach to the MBA application process is nothing short of extraordinary, combining deep knowledge, personalized strategy, and genuine care.

From our initial conversation, Shaifali’s profound understanding of what top-tier business schools seek in candidates was immediately clear. Yet, what set her apart was her dedication to comprehending my personal narrative—my aspirations, strengths, and the unique journey that led me to pursue an MBA. This personalized strategy was crucial, as it enabled her to highlight aspects of my profile that were truly distinctive, turning potential weaknesses into compelling strengths.

Shaifali’s support was transformative. She wasn’t just advising; she was actively engaging with my story, ensuring every application component—from essays to interviews—resonated with authenticity and purpose. Her ability to distill complex life experiences into coherent, impactful narratives was remarkable. This skill was especially valuable given my background, which, on the surface, might have seemed common within the MBA applicant pool. However, Shaifali adeptly identified and articulated the unique elements of my experiences, imbuing my applications with a depth and vibrancy that fully captured the admissions committees’ attention.

Her encouragement was a beacon of support throughout the intense application process. Facing the daunting challenge of applying to Harvard and Stanford, Shaifali’s confidence in my potential was unwavering. She adeptly turned what I perceived as weaknesses into powerful stories of growth and resilience, which not only bolstered my applications but also significantly improved my self-perception.

The journey to gaining admission to these prestigious institutions was undoubtedly demanding. Yet, Shaifali’s commitment, expertise, and personalized approach made all the difference. Her ability to see and cultivate the potential within me, to guide me in weaving my stories and achievements into a compelling narrative, was instrumental in my success.

For anyone fortunate enough to work with Shaifali, I can assure you, it’s a transformative experience. Her guidance goes beyond mere consulting; it’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Shaifali Aggarwal is not just an exceptional consultant; she’s a mentor, a strategist, and, most importantly, a trusted partner in your quest for MBA admission. Her impact on my journey to Harvard and Stanford has been profound, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Shaifali’s guidance was instrumental in my acceptance to Wharton as an MD/MBA applicant. From our initial consultation, Shaifali took the time to understand my background, goals, and aspirations, tailoring her advice to fit my unique story. Throughout the process, Shaifali’s attention to detail and unwavering support were evident. She meticulously reviewed every aspect of my application, offering invaluable insights to highlight my strengths and mitigate any weaknesses. Shaifali’s expertise not only helped me craft compelling essays and resumes but also boosted my confidence during the TBD. She went above and beyond to provide guidance and support, serving as a trusted mentor every step of the way. Her expertise regarding the Wharton application process in particular was so helpful. Highly recommend working with her!

Working with Shaifali was one of the best decisions I made when applying to business school. She has a ton of knowledge about the MBA admissions landscape, and her focus on storytelling and authenticity is second to none. At the beginning of the process, Shaifali asked very insightful questions about my background which helped me put together the strongest applications possible.

I primarily worked with Shaifali on strengthening my resume and essays. My resume was tailored more towards job searches, but she gave me invaluable feedback to gear it more towards business school. I was blown away by the final product, which provided a cohesive narrative of what I had achieved with my strongest qualities shining through.

After that, we worked on my essays. Shaifali just has a flair when it comes to guiding others through the writing process – she is an active listener and knows just how to meld who you are with what each business school is looking for. I was impressed with her school specific knowledge which really took my essays to the next level. Her feedback was clear and actionable – her approach made the essay writing process effortless.

I was admitted to multiple M7 programs and couldn’t be more thrilled! Shaifali was truly invested in my success, and I would highly, highly recommend her!

If you’re planning to apply for your MBA, I highly recommend you opt for Ivy Groupe’s services, especially with the founder, Shaifali Aggarwal.

I must admit, I do owe a lot of what I have achieved regarding my MBA M7 admissions to Shaifali. I was able to get admitted into two M7 schools, including my number one choice.

What I truly appreciate about Shaifali’s philosophy is her stressing on the importance of staying true to who you really are, proving that no matter your background, you can reach your MBA targets using the right strategies.

Over the course of my application process, Shaifali made an effort to become well-versed in my history, strengths, and future aspirations, and supported in building-out my story, outlining and proofreading my essays, going over the online application in detail, and practicing for interviews. In other words, Shaifali has been along-side me every step of the way.

As founder of Ivy Groupe, and as a seasoned admissions consultant, Shaifali’s experience and wisdom are unparalleled. She will make your MBA dreams come true, similar to the way she made mine.

Working with Shaifali has been an absolute pleasure and an experience that helped turn my aspirations into reality!

I began the MBA application process with anxiety and nervousness, not too confident about my GRE scores or my ability to secure an acceptance at an M7 business school. With Shaifali, we worked together to craft my story in a way that would highlight my key strengths while also addressing my weaknesses realistically to each program I was applying to. Her care in reading all of my materials and providing on-time, constructive feedback helped me manage the process seamlessly, and assuaged my nervousness as we continued working together. Shaifali continued to provide advice as interviews began rolling in, carefully reflecting with me on what attracted me to each school I applied to and how I could showcase my strength as a candidate.

I am happy to say that through working with Shaifali, I was able to receive acceptances from 4 M7 schools, including my dream MBA program! This was a feat I truly deemed impossible at the beginning of my application journey, one that simply would not have been possible without Shaifali’s help.

If anyone is considering working with an MBA consultant, you simply cannot go wrong with Shaifali or the Ivy Groupe!

Shaifali personally advised me to get accepted into 2 of my dream schools: an M7 and a top 10 with a 50% scholarship.

I am an overrepresented minority with a background in climate tech entrepreneurship and data science, which puts me in one of the most competitive demographics. I had my work cut out for me.

Shaifali delved deep into my personal story, spending hours helping me tease out my personal brand, application strategy, school research, and more.

Shaifali’s approach is unique in a few ways:

1) Her approach is highly personalized. All interaction is with the founder, Shaifali (assuming you go for the Founder package, which I highly recommend), or your designated consultant, if you don’t go for the founder package. She spent countless hours, sometimes on hour and a half phone calls guiding me through every step, from ideation to essay drafting to mock interviews.

2) Shaifali really delves deep into your story, and helps you tune your personal brand to the specific culture of each school. Because she spends so much time getting to know you, she is able to set you apart from the rest of the pack, even if you’re from a competitive demographic.

3) Shaifali emphasizes authenticity and uses a delicate but effective approach to help you bring out who you truly are. She nudges you in the right direction to inspire you to put your own authentic ideas onto the page, and helps you phrase and package them to appeal to the admissions committee. Because of this emphasis on authenticity, your applications will be genuine, which not only gives you the best chance at acceptance, but also ensures that you find the right school for YOU. All MBA programs have different cultures, and your fit with the school is as important to your career as it is for the school’s admissions committee

Shaifali was always on time in responding to me, and executed all tasks exactly as outlined in the terms of our contract. Her communications are all clear and crisp. She is highly organized and overall a consummate professional.

Shaifali helped me get my career back on track after a failed attempt at entrepreneurship, and for that I am very grateful to her!

Shaifali is an exceptional MBA admissions consultant, possessing a profound understanding of the MBA admissions process. She not only aided me in devising a personalized plan for achieving success but also provided invaluable insights and unwavering encouragement throughout the journey.

Our collaboration commenced with a comprehensive discussion about my background and objectives. Shaifali subsequently assisted me in crafting a unique narrative for my application and offered guidance on selecting schools that aligned with my aspirations. Despite my initial concerns about my below-average GPA and Verbal score, we collaboratively brainstormed strategies to mitigate these aspects of my application.

What truly left an indelible impression on me was Shaifali’s meticulous attention to detail and thorough preparation before every interaction, be it a strategy session, mock interview, or advice on choosing recommenders. Given the fierce competition within the MBA applicant pool, I wholeheartedly endorse working with Shaifali if you aim to distinguish yourself and authentically showcase your candidacy in your application.

I had the opportunity to work with Shaifali during my MBA application process. After working with her for almost a full year, I can definitively say that she knows how to bring out the best version of your MBA application. Her approach of digging deep into your background, finding the nuggets that are of interest to admissions officers, and polishing them through multiple rounds of review so that they shine is top-notch. Her approach and framework are regimented and valuable. Trust the process, and you will not regret it. She will help you find your story, even when it’s not readily apparent to you. Her experience in the space is evident in every conversation, and she is more than happy to answer any question thrown her way. That ability is especially helpful during interview prep as she can help you think through the best way to verbally expand on your story while keeping it succinct and inline with admissions expectations. If you are considering working with someone during the MBA process, Shaifali should be at the top of your list. 

I had the privilege of working with Shaifali as my MBA admissions consultant, and I can confidently say that she is the driving force behind my acceptance into NYU Stern with a full scholarship. From the moment I engaged her services, Shaifali displayed an unparalleled level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication that set her apart from other consultants.

Shaifali’s deep knowledge of the MBA admissions process was evident throughout our collaboration. She possesses an intricate understanding of what top-tier business schools look for in prospective candidates and meticulously tailored her guidance to suit my individual profile, strengths, and aspirations. She helped me craft a compelling personal narrative that effectively showcased my unique qualities, experiences, and career trajectory.

I am eternally grateful for her contributions to my success and will always consider her an instrumental part of my journey to achieving my MBA goals.

Working with Shaifali was the best decision I made throughout my MBA application process. Shaifali took what most would consider a daunting process and broke it up into digestible, manageable pieces. She helped me look at this process more holistically. The process is not as black and white as it seems. It’s not just about answering the questions. It’s about understanding your past, where you’re currently at today, where you want to go, and what you bring to the table. Everyone’s story is powerful and Shaifali extracts parts of people’s stories that make them unique and helps to build and add color where necessary. Shaifali is an expert in her field. Her knowledge of the competitive programs is impressive, and she truly understands what these programs are looking for in applicants. She has confidence in her applicants and is their biggest supporter and best mentor throughout this process. As someone who was admitted to their top choice MBA program, I strongly recommend working with Shaifali. Had I gone through the MBA application process alone, I would’ve most likely approached the process in a way that would not have benefited me. Investing in the Ivy Groupe is an investment in your future. Shaifali sets applicants up for success in their MBA journey.

It is with great pleasure that I write this review to express my utmost gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional consulting services provided by Shaifali Aggarwal, who played an instrumental role in helping me secure admission to my dream school. The impact she has had on my application process cannot be overstated.

From the outset, Shaifali’s deep understanding of the MBA application process and the intricacies of each top-tier business school was evident. Importantly, she took the time to understand my background, aspirations, and unique strengths, ensuring a personalized approach that made all the difference. Through routinely insightful conversations, she provided invaluable guidance on how to craft a compelling narrative that showcased my true potential.

Shaifali’s commitment to excellence was exhibited through her meticulous attention to detail. She carefully reviewed every aspect of my application, from my resume to essays, ensuring that my story was effectively portrayed to the admissions committee. Shaifali also skillfully guided me in presenting my achievements, projects, and leadership roles with precision and impact, transforming my application from a mere collection of accomplishments into a captivating story of growth, determination, and resilience. Her ability to identify my strengths and highlight them in an authentic manner significantly boosted my chances of standing out among other applicants.

Moreover, Shaifali’s unwavering support and timely communication throughout the process were commendable. She provided invaluable advice on interview preparation, sharing tips and strategies through mock interviews that instilled confidence and helped me deliver my best during the admissions interviews. Her genuine passion for helping students succeed was evident in her commitment to my success, making the entire journey less daunting and more enjoyable.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Shaifali to any aspiring business student. She possesses a rare blend of expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for her clients, making her an invaluable asset on the path to achieving one’s academic and professional dreams. With her guidance, I not only gained admission to several business schools, but also developed a newfound confidence in my abilities. Choosing Shaifali has been a game-changing decision that I will forever be grateful for. If you are looking for an MBA consultant who will go above and beyond to help you reach your full potential, Shaifali is the ideal choice.

I sincerely hope that anyone who has the opportunity to work with Shaifali in the future will feel the same way I did. Her expertise and insights have been invaluable, but most importantly, I genuinely felt cared for, and I knew that my progress truly mattered to her.

Instead of simply telling me to understand what each school wants (which we eventually covered in later sessions), she invested a significant amount of time in understanding who I am and what I have been doing in the past years. By doing so, Shaifali was able to put herself in my shoes, allowing for in-depth reflection in my essay writing.

Throughout the process, she provided me with advice on how to compensate for my weak spots (in my case, it was my GPA). She was easily reachable via email, call, or Zoom, and she promptly responded with ideas and suggestions.

As I prepare to attend school this fall, I am fully aware that I wouldn’t have come this far without her support. I strongly recommend anyone considering working with her to make the right choice and collaborate with her. One suggestion I have is to start working with her as early as possible. Because Shaifali puts great effort and time into understanding who you are, your application will continuously improve as you work with her for an extended period.

Collaborating with Shaifali throughout my MBA application journey has unequivocally been one of the most rewarding experiences. Her authentic approach, along with unwavering dedication, bolstered my confidence, paving the way for success.

Despite hailing from a candidate pool that is often perceived as over-represented (Indian male engineer), she did not allow this fact to undermine my self-assurance. Instead, she skillfully unearthed unique aspects of my background that breathed life into my application and significantly shaped my trajectory towards an MBA.

Shaifali has a remarkable ability to delve deep into one’s life experiences, meticulously excavating salient details that have since proven to be invaluable in shaping my MBA journey. The facets she unearthed from my past experiences were skillfully sculpted and woven into a compelling narrative.

Furthermore, her insightful guidance proved instrumental in navigating the maze of MBA programs. She bestowed upon me a clear understanding of how to identify the programs best suited to my goals.

For anyone embarking on their own MBA journey and in need of a guide, I wholeheartedly recommend Shaifali. Her adept expertise, unerring guidance, and relentless dedication are certain to transform your path into a rewarding and successful application experience.

I came to Shaifali with nothing but a story, an okay GMAT score and a below average GPA. Even with my weaknesses, she was able to get me into Booth and Stern! She was able to help shape and translate my story from all the US military (NAVY) jargon/achievements to something easily understandable for admissions teams. Overall, from essay feedback to interview preps, she just makes the entire process easier. It is safe to say that without her I would not be going to Booth next fall!

Shaifali’s approach to representing the authentic selves of her clients is truly the only way to go in an MBA application. She dug deep into my life events, experiences, stories, and introspections, saw what’s unique to me, and worked with me to chain everything up to form a multifaceted profile and highlight my strengths that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to fully summarize and see through by myself. I’m a non-English native speaker, and her pointers on the grammatical aspect of my essays helped me to clearly communicate and elaborate on what I wanted to convey.

Her confident encouragement and guidance along the way really made a difference when I was working non-stop to get everything ready; I doubt myself less and was more confident in presenting myself 360 degrees all around in front of the admission committees. Shaifali’s help is unequivocally a stepping stone for me to obtain an ideal admission to MBA programs.

Thank you, Shaifali!

I worked with Shaifali on getting my entire MBA package prepared. The 2 best parts were the resume building where we spent a lot of time bringing out the management aspect of my profile, and second, was the branding exercise sessions. We thoroughly discussed a lot of important aspects of my professional and personal life and decided on what the stepping stones were out of those. I highly recommend getting her help to make your application better aligned with your individual story while getting to know yourself better.

I used Justin Kim to walk me through the perplexing landscape of the MBA admission process, and I am happy to say that I have been accepted to Zicklin School of Business for MBA this coming Fall. Justin has been very helpful with my essays and especially in preparing for my MBA interviews. Would definitely recommend it.

Shaifali worked closely with me and helped me craft an effective application. My main challenge was to overcome my short work experience and refine the path to my long-term goal. We had brainstorming sessions on all the application sections, and Shaifali patiently nudged me toward finding more authentic responses to every essay. I would surely recommend working with Shaifali on your MBA applications!

I am a re-applicant that didn’t get into my school of choice last year and wanted to give it another shot for H/S this year. I thought I had more to show in my application and was looking for a consultant who could help disclose aspects that I had difficulty sorting out myself.

A friend who worked with Shaifali a year before recommended me to her. To be honest, previously, I was one of those candidates who worked with consultants due to a ‘fear of missing out’ where I didn’t really think they could add much value but needed to work with – since everyone else seemed to. However, Shaifali was different. Not only was she trying to dig into every aspect of my application but she also seemed genuinely interested in listening to and helping structure my story – something extremely difficult for applicants like me coming from an over-represented pool (male candidates in finance/consulting).

Eventually, I was admitted to one of H/S this year and Shaifali was of great help. I could confidently recommend her to anyone who is looking for some help in the application process.

I worked with Shaifali on applications to three schools and was accepted to two of them (Wharton and Booth). As someone with a significant weakness in their application (low GPA), I truly believe her assistance helped me get into these top schools.

Shaifali begins the process with a self-reflection exercise that is used to create your narrative and identify the experiences you’ll highlight in essays/interviews. This was my favorite part of her process and was key to crafting a cohesive application where each essay and recommendation worked in concert to support my story. She also provided great advice on how to mitigate my GPA and discuss it in the optional essays.

Throughout our time working together, Shaifali’s communication was prompt and her feedback was clear. Having her by my side through the application process made this daunting and stressful experience feel manageable and smooth. Overall, I couldn’t recommend Shaifali more!

I am incredibly thankful for all the support, guidance, and expertise Shaifali provided over the course of this past year. From the self-reflection exercises to the applications to the interviews, Shaifali’s talent for storytelling and emphasis on authenticity enabled me to put my best foot forward throughout this process. Not only did I gain a better understanding of my personal goals but I also was more confident in navigating what can be a long and daunting admissions cycle. I appreciated her clear and responsive communication style as well since I had plenty of questions along the way! Overall, I am extremely grateful for her invaluable help and to be accepted to my dream school!

I worked with Shaifali for over an entire year, and her assistance, insight, and thoughtful critiques were invaluable to gaining admittance to several top MBA programs. Her most valuable contribution was helping me identify, plan, and articulate my MBA and career purpose. She helped me through a process of introspective that yielded more substantive essays and thoroughly prepared me for all my interviews. Additionally, she was highly responsive and didn’t hesitate to provide timely feedback and guidance. I owe her a massive debt after getting admitted!

I had the pleasure of working with Shaifali for my MBA applications and couldn’t be happier with the outcome! Like many others considering pursuing an MBA, I was very nervous about the process and had many questions. Shaifali was able to hold my hand and guide me every step of the way. Starting with helping me define my story all the way to preparing me for my interviews. Shaifali is also extremely responsive and very effective in her communication.
I owe her so much and would recommend everybody to work with her as early as you can!

Throughout my MBA application process, Shaifali was an invaluable partner. At the beginning of the engagement, Shaifali and I discussed my experiences to date, and in doing so, she was able to hone in on unique aspects of my background that were key in helping me to stand out. This helped me create a very clear narrative that “connected the dots” in my story and captured who I am.

Drawing upon this foundation, Shaifali provided me with suggestions on how to approach the essays for all of the schools that I applied to – each conversation that we had was thoughtful and incredibly helpful. Through her guidance, Shaifali has this ability to turn a stressful process into one that is manageable, even with a demanding schedule. With a clear roadmap of what to focus on in my essays, I was able to put pen to paper and convey my goals, motivations, and achievements in a compelling manner that was true to me.

Shaifali’s insightful guidance didn’t stop there. While preparing for interviews, she provided feedback on each mock question that was asked and helped me fine-tune my responses so that they could be presented in the most impactful way. This preparation helped me go into each interview with poise and confidence.

I was accepted to one of my top choice MBA programs and the experience was instrumental with respect to catapulting my career. Shaifali’s high-touch, personal, and boutique approach made all the difference in my MBA application journey!

Shaifali’s services were essential during my EMBA application process! I decided to apply to EMBA programs very late in the season, and she was able to schedule last-minute meetings and help layout a road map to success. She took the time to learn who I was and help me convey this authentically! Shaifali provided honest insight and feedback while developing my essays and editing them. Her help was critical for my EMBA applications.

As an overrepresented applicant (Asian male in finance) coming from a non-target school with below-average test scores and a mediocre GPA, I did not think that I would have a shot at many of the top programs. However, from our first 20-minute intro call, she instilled a sense of confidence in me that I didn’t know existed, which eventually resulted in multiple offers from M7 schools (with scholarships as well!). Shaifali’s primary differentiators from many of the other top MBA consultants are that 1) she is incredibly genuine and empathetic with an uncanny ability to observe your unique strengths and weaknesses 2) knows how to present these unique traits in a manner that is attractive to the top programs and 3) understands the multi-step, MBA application process extremely well and can provide outstanding advice on how to navigate through the intricacies of each school’s processes. The process of applying to these top schools is no doubt a daunting task, but Shaifail found a way to make it enjoyable and a lot less stressful. At the time I had initially contacted Shaifali, I was working late hours and had not taken my GRE/GMAT let alone started thinking about my application. Over the next few months, she was able to adjust to my incredibly rigid/overwhelming work schedule, while being super-efficient during each of our sessions. We went through dozens of iterations on each of my essays until both of us felt like they were in pristine shape. She also had a fantastic insight into each school’s interview process, which made the actual interview process feel like a breeze. All in all, I cannot say enough positive things about my time working with Shaifali. Because of her, I will be attending Wharton in the fall – a school I had only dreamed of being accepted to before the start of the process!

Working with Shaifali was a pleasure! She helped me bring out the best version of myself in my applications while staying true to myself. She focuses on being authentic and genuine and invests a lot of time in getting to know you. She’s also incredibly professional; systematic, never misses a deadline and always reachable. Her vast knowledge of schools and programs made school selection easy and helped in developing strong school specific strategies. Great attention to detail when reviewing essays. Her insights from the mock interview were constructive and I received very positive feedback from all my interviewers. Received admits from 3/4 schools I applied to.

Shaifail was very systematic, professional, and thorough throughout the entire application process. She helped me figure out which schools to apply to, how to connect the dots between my past experience and what I want to do in the future and polish my essays through numerous drafts. She always made herself available for emails and phone calls during the week, and I know that my applications were greatly strengthened by working with her. Shaifali excelled in both the macro level of helping me think about the big picture of my “story” as well as the micro-level of perfecting the most minute details in my resume.

I worked with Shaifali on applications for three schools. We worked together for about 3 months, leading up to submitting the applications and then interview prep. During this time, Shaifali invested a lot of time in getting to know my stories. Her working style is very systematic, starting with a self-reflection exercise to identify the most impactful stories in my life. She helped me organize my thoughts and develop a clear strategy for all my essays. The essay feedbacks were awesome, as they helped me project my stories and journey in the best light.

Working with Shaifali not only helped me in putting together the applications but also improved my storytelling skills. Her experience and vast knowledge about the MBA application process were very impressive and valuable. I got into Wharton, a feat I would have considered impossible without Shaifali’s insights. I highly recommend working with Shaifali to put together a convincing and authentic application.

Working with Greg was a pleasure and the return on investment is clear. I was admitted into the Wharton MBA and its Lauder program and received twice the financial aid I hoped for. The initial investment to work with Greg was a bit of a sacrifice for me but it has very more than paid off as I believe Greg helped me to communicate my candidacy in such a compelling way that I was able to obtain admission to Wharton and Lauder during an incredibly competitive year and obtain a financial aid package than I anticipated I could attain.

When looking for a consultant, subject matter expertise is table stakes, but it’s critical to connect with someone who understands you and your story/brand and can help you communicate that in a clear and compelling way. I think Greg excels in all these dimensions, with excellent insight into the core mechanics of the MBA application process but perhaps more importantly excellent cross-cultural language and sensitivity that makes working with him a joy and ensures that the most authentic version of yourself comes out in applications.

Candidly I went into this process feeling that I was a strong candidate as per my professional and academic backgrounds but needed help drafting materials that communicated my vision for the MBA and highlighted my candidacy in the best possible way. I obtained a competitive GMAT score relatively close to the R1 deadline, and to this end needed a consultant that could work with me on a tight timeline. Despite preparing for a major life event,—his wedding—Greg accepted me as a client and worked diligently with me, adeptly giving me his best while balancing this big upcoming life event.

As a black man in the US, I often find that products and services are not well-tailored to my specific experience, culture, and needs. I find that sometimes professionals are unfamiliar with black clients, and therefore less skilled at serving my specific needs. This was not the case with Greg! He had a robust understanding of key elements of African American history and some of the unique challenges black professionals face today. As such, he was able to offer valuable and respectful feedback on my essays which involved plans to better serve black communities. Moreover, and more importantly, the conversations we needed to have about the essays were not painful but rather engaging and pleasurable, and I felt like the final essays that I submitted were clear improvements from my initial drafts that stated my interest and ambitions in a clear and compelling manner.
In the end, I think Greg’s interpersonal skills and strong cross-cultural understanding really makes him unique as an MBA admissions consultant. These skills highlight the value he provides and I can have already seen a clear return on my investment as I was admitted AND offered far greater financial aid than I had dreamed.

It was an amazing experience to be able to work with Shaifali throughout the application process. As an international applicant, I feel I benefited a lot from her vast knowledge of the MBA application process and the schools I was applying to. From day one, she made the effort to understand my background holistically as an applicant such that I could craft a compelling, authentic application.

While drafting my essays, regular touchpoints and frequent feedback from Shaifali was instrumental in keeping my applications on track. Her feedback was always focused, constructive and actionable, enabling me to perfect my essays and ensure I kept them true to myself.

Throughout the interview process, Shaifali’s guidance was invaluable, particularly with respect to tailored mock interviews for each of the schools. I hugely appreciated Shaifali’s flexibility in coordinating mock interviews with me, particularly as I received all my interview invites within a very short timeframe. Her insightful approach prompted me to think critically about everything that made me unique as an applicant.

I received offers from all four business schools I applied to (Booth, Haas, Yale SOM, and Wharton) with competitive scholarships, and will be attending Wharton, my dream school, this year. I cannot thank Shaifali enough for her dedication and persistence in supporting me to achieve my business school dream. I would highly recommend working with Shaifali, it’s a pleasure to be able to give her a glowing recommendation after all the incredible work she has done.

The first time that I spoke to Shaifali, she picked up on the creative aspect of my personality – a fact that she caught onto in merely a 20-min conversation! In all my previous interactions with consultants, I had been made acutely aware that my scores were not-as-stellar especially as an oversubscribed ethnic group – however, while Shaifali noted the obvious, she did not let that become the primary headspace with which I approached my story. While MBA applications can be stressful – the wonderful thing about working with Shaifali is that she is an ‘enabler’. She enables you to take control of your narrative by spending time to ensure that you clarify your thoughts so as to add color to your story in an authentic manner. Your narrative is further shaped by her nuanced understanding of schools and experience in the space – something that can be very difficult to grasp off a listicle online. The personalized approach ensured that my bad days were taken in the same breath as my good days – allowing me to remain very level-headed throughout the journey. I got through fantastic schools (2/3 successful applications) on both sides of the Atlantic (HBS, INSEAD) and there’s no one else I’d have rather teamed up with!

Working with Shefali was the best decision I made in my MBA journey. Coming from an overrepresented background and with a heavy dose of apprehension for the admissions process, Shefali’s steadfast guidance and support was absolutely critical in putting my best foot forward. Shefali had an intimate understanding of the process and her repeated emphasis on introspection and presenting your truest self even when it was mind-numbingly difficult really helped me – not only in getting an admit from Wharton (with a scholarship!) but to some extent, understand myself better.

She was always generous with her time and thoughts and her attention to detail – even when going over the nth draft was mind-blowing!

I would recommend Shefali in a heartbeat to anyone embarking on their MBA journey and can guarantee they would not be disappointed.

Shaifali was instrumental in the success of my MBA applications. She is there every step of the way ensuring that every aspect of your application brings out the best in you and aligns with the nuances of each school. The entire way through, you work directly with her and get timely, insightful feedback on each and every draft or revision. Most importantly, she is a wonderfully kind and caring individual to work with that genuinely cares about the success of her clients.

Shaifali was amazing to work with and helped me put my best foot forward during the application process. She put in the time to really get to know me and was a constant source of support and guidance. Her emphasis on being genuine was so refreshing and she helped me dig deep to make sure my application was a true reflection of me. Thanks to Shaifali’s help I was accepted to HBS, Kellogg, Booth, SOM, and Sloan.

As a reapplicant, I was unsure how to approach my MBA application differently from last year. I reached out to Shaifali for help and was convinced from the get-go that her approach of putting my authentic persona forward was my best shot at applying.

Initially, she asked me to narrate my personal journey in free-form essays. She devoted sufficient time to understanding the aspects of my personal and professional life that I determined to be formative. Digging deeper into specific characteristics that were foundational to my leadership style, she helped me develop a clear and cohesive strategy that helped shape my essays later. Shaifali’s impeccable timeliness compelled me to stay on top of my deliverables and follow up frequently. Within just a few months of working with her, I could see a clear picture of what I communicated to the admission committee(s) through my materials. Shaifali guided me through each of the schools’ focus areas and helped me mold my application strategies to best fit the specific schools’ admission criteria.

Looking back through the intense application process, I could not have achieved the same results without Shaifali’s expertise. She is thoughtful, detail-oriented, punctual, and flexible. I highly recommend Shaifali’s admission consulting services to anyone looking to differentiate themselves from the diverse applicant pool at the most competitive programs in the world.

Working with Shaifali has been a fantastic experience and one of the best decisions I made throughout my application process. From our first 20-minute intro call, Shaifali differentiated herself from other US-based top admission consultants with her genuineness, sharp observations of my strengths and weaknesses, and proactive work style. With a clear timeline suggested by her, I started reflecting on my background and story very early in the process and NEVER felt the anxiety to rush through deadlines. Shaifali has been very approachable, supportive, and encouraging. Whenever I had a question, I could schedule some time and speak to her. Especially when I was struggling with my GMAT exams (and I almost lost hope at one point as my scores just wouldn’t improve regardless of all the study), talking to Shaifali really cheered me up and helped me think about the process more holistically. Shaifali was also excellent at interview preparation. Her insights on interview questions were incredible, and with her guidance, I got accepted by all three schools I interviewed for. Overall, working with Shaifali has been a super positive experience, and I would highly recommend it!

Ivy Groupe had a robust approach to uncovering my unique story and dovetailing it with the nuances of what each MBA program is looking for. A key component is the initial reflection/branding exercises that helped uncover formative moments in my personal/professional life and “connect the dots” to tell a compelling, honest story.

Shaifali remained consistently responsive (mostly within the same day with emails) and insightful. She has a two-day content turnaround policy which means you know exactly when you will receive feedback. She also does not bill by hours as most consultants do, so you never feel rushed or shortchanged. The MBA application process can be grueling and stressful (esp. when you apply to 6 schools), so I highly recommend getting a trusted, reliable advisor like Shaifali.

Shaifali was the key differentiator for my applications this year, after a disappointing 2020-21 cycle with another consultancy. Thanks to her help I got offers from Wharton, Booth and Columbia and interview/waitlists from Stanford and MIT! (I applied to 6 schools).
I am from an overrepresented group (Asian male in Finance) and never attended a US institution before and so it was crucial for me to work with someone who was sincere about helping me succeed and knew what schools wanted. Shaifali was all of these on top of being extremely responsive (despite a 14h time difference) and professional. Some things that stood out were:
(1) Making your essay stand out: My previous essay was too focused on finance and would have bored Adcom to sleep. Shaifali improved it by helping me find life experiences that would emphasize personal traits schools were looking for. For each experience, she helped me word it in a simple and effective way while also relaying “What this says about me” and “How this will help me in B-school and my career”. Shaifali helped me portray myself as a caring leader and team player instead of just another finance guy who wants to go to the buy-side. During my interview prep as well, she helped make each anecdote “pop” and display strong soft skills which helped me go into each interview with confidence.
(2) Knowledge about schools: I thought I had done a pretty good job about looking into schools and what they offer but Shaifali gave me several ideas for classes, activities and cultural characteristics for each school that I had not seen on the websites. This was extremely helpful when applying to Booth, Columbia and MIT because I had limited time to work on these apps after finishing H/S/W.
(3) Frugal with time: I signed up for Shaifali’s hourly services. I was at first worried that the hours would mount up pretty fast but Shaifali was very effective and careful with my hours. I recall being surprised when I asked her how many hours I had left and still had nearly twice the amount I had expected.
I consider myself very lucky to have been able to get on her client list for this R1 cycle and HIGHLY recommend her to any applicant, especially if you are from a crowded cohort.

As someone from a technical background, I was initially apprehensive about working with a consultant as they may not understand the details of my work, but Shaifali has exceeded my expectation in every way. On the first call itself, Shaifali and I spoke for more than 3 hours, where she heard my story and gave me advice, such as how I could view some of my previous work experience in Technology from a different perspective. She made me jot down all my experiences and the qualities I had shown in each of them. I saw my work and extracurriculars in a new light when I listed everything down in detail. While writing my essay, she gave me similar recommendations, handcrafted for me and my story specifically. I went through multiple iterations for each school’s essay, and anytime I hit a roadblock, Shaifali was just a call away. After many iterations, I finally got each of my essays to a place where I was delighted. Shaifali was patient throughout, and the quality of advice just got better for each of these iterations. When I got the interview invite from an M7 school, Shaifali conducted mock interviews, which gave me confidence for the final interview. She even guided me when I was nervously stuck on the waitlist. With her guidance, I navigated my way through the waitlist and finally got a seat at my dream school. Shaifali has been a pillar of support through my application process. I would recommend her to anyone applying to an MBA school, regardless of their background. Her USP is that she views every application with a unique perspective and always adds her special finishing touch.

I connected with the Shaifali/the Ivy Groupe after speaking with other top Admission Consulting Service companies, and the Ivy Groupe was the only one where my background, story and desire to pursue an MBA was understood and encouraged.

Right from the initial consultation, Shaifali was very approachable, hands-on and supportive. Throughout the entire application process, she provided guidance and valuable school-specific insight and gave me critical feedback on multiple aspects of my application, which allowed me to truly elevate my candidacy at top business schools.

Working with Shaifali made the application and interview processes far less daunting and less stressful. She went above and beyond and truly exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend the Ivy Groupe for Admissions Consulting!

Shaifali responded quickly to my emails and questions and helped come up with a plan. She was so knowledgeable about resources to supplement quantitative skills tested on the GMAT as well as the evaluation process for business school applications.

Shaifali was such a help in advising me on interviews for the business schools I applied to. She really knew how to elevate my responses by guiding me to explain the decisions behind my story. She knew exactly what to emphasize in each answer and was so kind and patient in helping me piece together the dots of my story and weave in school-specific details. She was very knowledgeable about the values and attributes specifically sought by each business school and knew how to help me tailor my answers towards each unique school.

Shaifali helped me to differentiate myself during the interview process and ultimately secure a spot at a top business school. I am so grateful for her help.

Shaifali was a godsend during the stressful B-School application process! I came to the process rather late in the game (end of October without a GMAT score) and she helped me craft a game plan to bring my best Round 2 application to life. She also took the time to really dive into my story and help me “connect the dots” in places I didn’t think of and always had spot-on advice for taking my application materials to the next level. I was especially grateful for her curated advice on interviews–what to highlight/emphasize for each school and arming me with responses to those “tough questions” before the interviews. I cannot recommend Shaifali enough!!

Early in 2019, while reading an article on US News, I came across Shaifali’s profile. I visited ivygroupe.com and signed up for 20 mins free consultation. The very next day, Shaifali contacted me, and we scheduled the call. That 20 mins call itself was very informative, and Shaifali recommended me to study for GMAT instead of GRE. She even highlighted strengths and weaknesses in my profile and suggested schools that I should target. A year went by, I had switched my job, moved to a different city, and then appeared for GMAT. I contacted her again and again had 20 mins free consultation call. We agreed to work on an hourly basis. I worked with her for the round 1 application, and now I have received admits from 3 of my desired schools.

I prepared the first drafts of my resume and general essays, and then she helped me provide the finishing. She helped me highlight my achievements on my resume and helped me tell a story through my essays. She is direct when needed, and her little nudges put you on the right path. I greatly benefitted by preparing for interviews with her. Being an Engineer, I had never prepared for a behavioral interview, and talking with her helped me bring my experiences and learnings in my interview answers.

Overall, I highly recommend Shaifali’s consulting for anyone looking for guidance in their MBA journey. It is also easy to schedule an appointment with her, and you get prompt replies to your emails. Most importantly, you know the person who is going to guide you. Whereas with other companies, you signup and don’t even know who will work with you.