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375
10,500
Graduate: 20 Years
Independent Consultant
University of Westminster
Academia
Admissions
Admissions Committee
Brand Management and Development
Career Coaching
Career Management
Communications
Corporate Strategy
Entrepreneurship
Graduate School Admissions
Higher Education
International Organizations
Law
Non-Profit and Social Enterprise
School Admissions or Administration
Student Mentorship
Cornell
English
Principle Coach, Founder
EduVentura
United States
Net Promoter Score: 9.95
I packed up for London to earn a Master’s in Diplomatic Studies, a degree the course catalogue called Dip Stud. Yup, friends, I’ve got a Master’s in Dip Stud! Originally, I thought I’d join the State Department. What I actually fell in love with was helping people all over the world turn their potential into something extraordinary.
As Managing Director of Westminster Business Consultants, I coached students in their professional development, leading global consulting projects for clients like Danone, Peugeot, and L’Oréal.
I worked with UK universities and international government ministries, building global education programs and professional development initiatives across the Middle East, Vietnam, and the CIS, alongside my admissions and recruitment work. I collaborated with ministries of education on scholarship programs and democracy-building projects.
Cornell’s Johnson School tapped me to join its admissions team while I was based in London, recruiting and championing students from across the globe. Over two decades, I’ve read thousands of applications and served as a personal ambassador and advocate for remarkable candidates, both in admissions committees and as a coach. I’m tenacious for my students. I once interviewed a candidate twice over two days because I was determined to convince my colleagues we had to give her a spot. We admitted her, and she was a total rockstar.
I know what it means to fight for a student, whether as part of an admissions committee or through my coaching. I’ll help you craft stories that go beyond successful admissions: stories that are deeply introspective, filled with self-awareness and curiosity, and that reflect the heart of your leadership abilities. You’ll use your new storytelling superpowers far beyond the admissions process—in the boardroom, in the C-suite, and anywhere your voice carries influence.
Through my training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, I’ll teach you how to speak with presence and walk into any interview with genuine, grounded confidence. I’m a certified Jungian coach, currently completing my Master’s-level coaching accreditation with the ICF, and I’m a hypnotherapist. All of this means that in addition to two decades of admissions experience, I’ve invested deeply in learning how to help you uncover your brave, authentic narrative, get clear about your goals and your future, move beyond your limitations, and communicate brilliantly.
I’m an internationalist at heart, but the skills I bring to coaching reach far beyond borders. The same storytelling frameworks that help people connect across countries also help them connect across teams, functions, and organizational cultures. I love working with clients who have a borderless mindset and want to build bridges across difference, whether across the globe or just across the hall.
When I’m not coaching applicants into Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and other M7 schools—plus international powerhouses like INSEAD, Oxford, HEC, and LBS—you’ll find me hiking Oregon’s Cascades with my son and, hopefully, being your biggest advocate on a transformative admissions journey.
At Eduventura, we keep things intentionally small-batch. We’re a true boutique firm, working with a limited number of students each year so every client receives the highest level of one-on-one care, thoughtful coaching, and genuine partnership. Our work is deeply personal, rooted in trust, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in your potential.
2025/26 special launch rate of $10,500 for a three-school package, including signature comprehensive, high-touch, deep care service looking after every aspect of your MBA applications.
Hourly rates: $375 per hour/ $3500 for a package of 10 hours which can be used for any aspect of your application, including interview prep.
Bespoke packages, career coaching and our signature Compass Coaching for those in life and work transitions are available. Reach out for details and visit us at EduVentura.global for details.
Location: United States
Email: charli@eduventura.global
Website: https://www.eduventura.global/
10=Without Hesitation, 1=I would advise against it.
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Coming into the MBA application process, I wasn’t really sure what it would all entail, and whether I would be compelling candidate or not. My test scores were not exactly what I needed, and I came from a non-traditional professional background, but I had a great undergraduate GPA and a mindset that I would do what it took to get into MBA programs.
From the outset, Charli helped me expand my thinking about my relevant past experiences, delve into stories that would morph into the strong essays that I couldn’t have written without Charli’s writing, creative brainstorming, and eye towards letting my voice shine. Charli was a critical part of why my essays turned into what they did and how I was able to dig deeper into my previous experiences to pull out impactful stories.
When I got accepted into ALL 4 schools I applied to (three of which were M7, and the fourth was T15), WITH scholarships, Charli was right there to help me guide me through the decision making process for one of the hardest choices I’ve ever had to make.
Charli is innately good at seeing the best in each of her clients, devotes so much time into ensuring the greatest success for everyone she works with, and turns a stressful process into one of self-discovery and confidence building. She goes beyond the admissions process and acts as a true partner and coach.
I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to work with Charli – I owe so much of my MBA success to her!
I had the privilege of working with Charli during the 2025 MBA application cycle, and I truly can’t recommend her enough.
As a URM female applicant with a strong GPA but a lower test score, I was honestly worried that one part of my profile might hold me back from getting into a top program. From day one, Charli believed in me, sometimes more than I believed in myself. She introduced me to the power of storytelling in my essays, pushing me to SHOW my journey rather than just tell it. That shift made all the difference.
Beyond essays, Charli helped me build real confidence throughout the process and coached me on interview skills that I know I’ll carry with me well beyond business school.
With her encouragement, I aimed higher than I initially thought possible and applied to several top MBA programs. The results still feel surreal: admission to 5/6 programs, a half-ride scholarship to my top choice, Georgetown, and a full ride from another school.
Charli, thank you for your guidance, support, and belief in me every step of the way!
As a aerospace engineer transitioning into strategy/consulting, I worked with Charli for almost a full year before sending off my MBA applications — and it was one of the best decisions I made in the entire process.
From the start, Charli brought a genuinely structured approach to everything: school selection, essay development, goal and career coaching, and interview prep for some of the most competitive programs out there. It never felt like guesswork — there was a clear framework guiding each stage, which gave me real confidence that we were building something solid, not just filling in templates.
As an international student applying to international schools, I had an added layer of complexity in my background and story. Charli’s deep experience with international applicants was immediately apparent — she helped me navigate that complexity and shape a narrative that was coherent, compelling, and genuinely mine.
But what surprised me most was how much the process changed the way I see myself. Beyond the mechanics of the application, Charli helped me understand my own story in a new way — how to articulate where I’ve been, where I’m going, and why it matters. That shift in self-awareness carried into interviews and high-stakes conversations in ways I didn’t expect. That coaching dimension is hard to put into words, but it’s real, and it’s something I didn’t anticipate getting from an MBA consultant.
Finally, the relationship itself stood out. Charli really focuses on connection, putting your best foot forward, and that comes through in every interaction — you feel genuinely cared for, not like one of dozens of clients being processed through a system. The perfect mix of professionalism and good energy made even the hard stretches (the GRE, I’m looking at you) feel manageable.
I can firmly say I would not be where I am without her support. I’d recommend Charli without hesitation — to anyone, but especially to those with complex, international backgrounds who need more than just editing help.
My husband worked with Charli first and got into his dream school with a scholarship. When my turn came, I did not even think twice. I am a first-gen Latina with almost 10 years in finance and I came in completely overwhelmed and full of doubt. Charli is a total rockstar at helping you see that the experiences you were taking for granted are actually the strongest parts of your story. She does not put words in your mouth, she just helps you finally see yourself clearly. She also shows up beyond the essays. There were personal moments where she reminded me I was ready, and that made all the difference. I will be starting at Fuqua this July with a scholarship. Two for two in this household, thanks to Charli. If you are first-gen or feel like your profile does not fit the mold, she is exactly who you need!!
It was July, and I was stressed, anxious, and desperate to get into HBS. I come from a traditional finance background and knew I needed help crafting my story to stand out. I was referred to Charli by a colleague, and we immediately hit it off. Charli believes that the application process is a way to excavate who you are through stories, and she spent with me what felt like countless hours trying to uncover what I was passionate about and the impact I wanted to make during and after business school. It was through those deep dives that she first gently nudged me to apply to Stanford GSB.
In what was honestly one of the most stressful periods of my life, Charli was there every step of the way, reading drafts and being there for panic calls when I doubted myself or got back a GRE score that wasn’t my target. I spent months writing my HBS, Wharton, and CBS letters, and with a week to spare, switched over to GSB. Even though I didn’t pay Charli to help with this particular application, she felt so strongly that this would be a great program for me, she gave me comments anyway.
Once the interview process came around, Charli helped me craft my story and think about what my dreams and goals were. In places where I was off base or where I didn’t put in enough effort, she kindly told that to me too.
Fast forward to decision day: I was admitted to all four programs, including both HBS and GSB. Charli was one of the first people I wanted to call, and her personal joy and excitement from our conversations was evident. Having the luxury to choose made me deeply reevaluate my goals, and in the end, I chose Stanford. Charli had been right all along. She is so much more than an admissions consultant; she became a true friend who genuinely wanted the absolute best for me. Maybe most importantly, Charli helped me believe in myself by showing me not only what I had accomplished, but helping me unlock and explain what I wanted to do in the future. Charli, I have so much to be grateful for, and to anyone who is thinking of choosing an advisor, I couldn’t recommend her enough.
As an ORM male from finance, I was walking into a crowded applicant pool. My background checked all the conventional boxes, which made me question how I would stand out. Charli was amazing from the start! She asked sharp questions that forced me to move past polished answers and actually think. She was steady under pressure and thoughtful throughout the process. She never imposed a formula. She pushed me to take ownership of my story and kept challenging me to refine it for each school. Whether it was reworking a sentence or rethinking my short-term goals, she made sure every element aligned with what each program valued. The results speak for themselves: offers from multiple M7 and T10s (all with scholarships), plus a full ride at a T15. More importantly, I learned how to articulate what matters to me. That clarity is what Charli gave me.
Coming into the MBA application process as an international student with a creative, non-traditional background, getting into a top MBA program felt like a distant, if not far-fetched, dream. I had built years of leadership experience in marketing, but with a background in fashion, communications, and brand strategy, I doubted whether attending a top school and pivoting to management consulting — especially in the U.S. — was even possible.
Working with Charli changed everything. From day one, she was a caring, considerate, and driven thought partner. She helped me sharpen my short- and long-term goals, distill complex stories into concise, compelling essays, and most importantly, express my authentic self. Her questions got to the heart of my story and encouraged me to embrace my background and experience with pride.
The journey became so much more than just applying to business school — it became a deep reflection on my values, aspirations, and leadership path. Charli was my reflective coach, cheerleader, critical eye, and caring confidante. She pushed me to improve my writing, provided thoughtful guidance on every step of the admissions process, and celebrated each milestone with her infectious enthusiasm and genuine joy.
Through our work together, I didn’t just learn how to communicate my story — I learned how to own my style, approach, and background. That clarity and self-belief have stayed with me, and I now carry those lessons into how I lead teams, pursue growth, and shape my future.
MBA applications are no small feat and can often feel like a demanding and overwhelming process. But with Charli’s warmth, encouragement, and unwavering support, I always felt seen and guided. I’m walking away not only with incredible results — admission to 9 schools (2 European, 7 US, including 2 M7), many with scholarships — but also with the confidence and trust that I can pursue my career on my own terms.
Just a few clicks searching “MBA applications” on the internet draws up all sorts of fearmongering threads, posts and video analysis of the US business school process. Couple that with rankings, financial costs, and a plethora of consultant choices, “overwhelmed” is the understatement of the century. Filling out CP’s comprehensive form which asked about my professional experience, stats AND preferred TV show humour– I knew I arrived at the right place.
As an applicant on the ‘older-side’ from a recruitment background looking to pivot into something that was not investment banking, Charli expertly investigated (what felt like my soul!) and asked all the insightful, non-judgemental questions that guided me to a long-term goal I felt confident in. Charlie was the fun, responsible, older sister who gassed me up when I was feeling insecure, helped me draw out my story in gentle nudges, and coaxed me to use active language in my writing. This language shift influenced my confidence in re-telling my stories during interviews and my self-talk of who I am and where I am going.
Her decorated background of working with international applicants or Americans living abroad, plus having actually having worked IN admissions and on the other side, put me all at ease.
What I love about Charli is that she saw me as a human and not just a cog in the proverbial business school wheel. A particular low point during the application process was a momentary blast of FOMO I had in the middle of the night when I was ready to purchase thousands of dollars’ worth of plane tickets to visit all the schools I was applying to. Charli immediately coaxed me off the ledge- when everyone around me was saying to pull the trigger. I’m so glad she did. With the other suggested strategies, I was able to land 3/6 acceptances and ALL with scholarships from T10-T15 schools. I had a 3.4 GPA with a Humanities degree and a 333 GRE.
When I got the from my dream school, admissions verbatim said my application was “one of the best” they had ever read, and they read lots of essays! Had Charli not spent as much time and care scrutinizing every sentence of my application, there’s no way I could have landed a full-ride from my dream school.
I cannot thank her enough. If you’re on the fence about working with her, I’ll leave you with this: RUN, don’t walk!!!! (to Charli of course!!)
Switching careers during the middle of the Pandemic from medicine to real estate finance, I knew I wanted to go to business school. I started as an executive assistant at my firm for the two co-founders and then earned a spot on the deal team after a year. Although I learned so much, it was a lot of DIY and googling. Given that I didn’t have a traditional finance background, I wanted to gain a more holistic understanding of business and finance as well as further my growth in real estate. I knew that business school would allow me to explore different sectors of real estate, give me the flexibility to see what my interests are and create an invaluable network. My goal post-MBA is to work at an institutional firm with a specialization in development and/or hospitality.
I started my MBA journey by first reaching out to a current MBA student and she connected me to her consultant. Let’s just say, I didn’t leave that intro call with the warm and fuzzies. So, I decided I could probably do without a consultant since I’ve had experience applying to medical school. However, as months of GMAT prep went by, I realized that I might need some help and I was lucky enough to connect with a different friend who just went through the whole process and did very well. That’s when Charli entered the chat. Within the first few minutes of speaking to her, I knew she was the one.
I knew that my biggest weaknesses within my profile were going to be my GMAT/GRE score and GPA. I was a chemistry / pre-med major at a top university and had a few grades in calculus, chemistry, and organic chemistry that fell short of my tiger mom’s expectations. But I knew my saving grace was going to be my story and I’d only have one chance to tell it right. I say this with my entire being, I could not have done it without Charli. I’ve always been a very confident writer and knew how to tell my story, but Charli knew exactly how to push me to dig deeper. After writing numerous drafts of something, it can be incredibly challenging to change the content or to develop the story further, but she somehow found a way to pull things out of me that I didn’t even realize existed. She helped me connect the dots not only for the essays but also for my self-discovery. She knew exactly what questions to ask to guide me to write the most powerful and meaningful essay I’ve ever written. I realized that this essay meant more than just an essay to get into school – it was my journey to finding who I am. The toughest part was sculpting each essay and figuring out where and how to cut since each word matters when you have a limit. Given that each phrase was written from my heart, I was very protective when it came to cutting. However, Charli was too. She knew exactly what was necessary to keep my voice. She found ways to make what I wanted to say more efficient and impactful. She helped me find the beauty in my weaknesses that I’ve always struggled to find.
As we nailed down my story, she helped me narrow down my schools. School research was daunting to me because I had no idea where to start. But Charli always had an answer. Her advice allowed me to be more targeted with my research, and it showed in my essays and interviews. I knew that if I could just get my foot in the door for an interview, I’d win the hearts of admissions. But my lifelong testing anxiety could prevent me from even having a chance. After working 12-hour days, I’d study for the GMAT until 11PM / midnight. Saturdays and Sundays were reserved for studying and practice exams. Despite the countless hours of studying, I never achieved my desired score. I took both the GMAT and GRE several times and fell short of 700 (GMAT) and 320 (GRE). Because of this, I was ridden with anxiety. I struggled to sleep for days on end. When you’re going through the process, even though you’re told by everyone that tests aren’t everything and you know it to be true, it is impossible to truly believe it. I was terrified that no matter how great the rest of my profile was, I might not even get a chance. But Charli helped me replace my shame with confidence by focusing on all my unique strengths.
She was the best cheerleader I could have ever asked for – so much so that at one point I wondered if she was just telling me what I wanted to hear haha! However, come interview prep, I realized that everything was genuine and she’s not afraid to give you tough love when you need it. I was lucky enough to get interviews from Columbia, Cornell, and UCLA. I’ve always been good at interviews, so I thought it was going to be a breeze. However, after practicing the “Tell me about yourself” question (arguably the MOST important question of your interview) with Charli, I realized I was maybe a little too confident. She stopped me halfway through my spiel and helped me realize that I’ve essentially told her nothing about who I am and what impact I’m going to make on my community. This further solidified what I already knew – I could not have done it without her. Her pointers allowed me to choose my words wisely so everything I talked about would showcase how I was going to move the needle.
I feel so lucky and honored to have been accepted to Columbia, Cornell, and UCLA. At Columbia, I received the Forte Fellowship with a $50,000/year scholarship. At Cornell, I received the Forte Fellowship with a $30,000/year scholarship. At UCLA, I received a full-ride scholarship. Thanks to Charli, I will be attending my dream school. Charli is more than just a consultant – she is a friend, therapist, mama bear, and cheerleader. Anything is possible with her by your side.
As a European applicant, I was overwhelmed by the whole American university admissions process. I’ve already got a masters from a Top 3 UK university, but the US admissions process was totally different to anything I’d encountered before. I have a high undergrad GPA in a non-STEM subject, have above average number of years’ work experience, worked with some multinational companies, and I was looking to gain admission to a top MBA to accelerate my career, have a change in scenery, and grow my network. I just needed someone to guide me, but through working with Charli I got much, much more than that.
I initially worked with Charli on R1 applications, we worked together on 3 schools, and I planned to apply to 9 schools, however I just could not get my GMAT high enough and I really felt like I wasn’t going to make R1 deadlines with a good test score. Charli and I had a debrief call, she calmed me down, told me that it was all going to work out, and I decided to change my strategy. I switched to the GRE last minute, and submitted all my applications in R2 instead. Despite all the tears, I’m happy to say that I was admitted into one M7, waitlisted at another M7, and admitted into three T15s and one T20.
There’s many things I’ve learnt from Charli – from crafting a good resume, the art of storytelling, to even small things like borrowing her meat cleaver and hacking through my essays to reduce word count! But the biggest thing I’ve gained from Charli is her loyalty and friendship. She is able to make you feel like you’re on top of the world, able to conquer anything, whilst providing all the guidance, constructive criticism, and real-talk you need. These are the traits you need in a good coach (and friend). I’ll miss her smile, wit, candor, and laugh and I GENUINELY hope we can stay in touch.
Now, don’t get me wrong, hiring an admissions consultant is not cheap. But be safe in the knowledge that you’ll be investing in yourself and your future. If you’re going to apply to some of the world’s top business schools, you might as well throw everything at it and do it properly. Schedule a call with Charli. You WILL NOT regret it one bit.
I’m an international student with a terrible GPA, no blue-chip companies on his resume and an OK GMAT. Despite all these weaknesses in my profile, thanks to Charli, I got admitted to CBS, Tuck, Kellogg and Booth, all with scholarships.
I found Charli from P&Q among many other consultants and had a quick call with her. On that short review call, I could tell she would be there for me no matter what, which is quite unique compared to all the other people I talked to in this process. Charli may be one of friendliest and lively people I’ve ever met.
Charli used a special framework to highlight the key themes I can use in my essays. This was super helpful since I wouldn’t have been able to do this on my own. As part of this framework, she showed me which schools would be reach/target/safety for me. I used her framework and school suggestions throughout the entire application period. With one exception, she nailed the selections!
We worked on pre-application networking, school research, essays, interviews, waitlist strategies and even scholarship negotiations (I never would have though I’d need that).
I’m sure there’s a ton of things I can talk about, but to me, the best part of working with Charli, was getting motivated by her. At times I’d feel defeated by the essays or the process, but after a short call with her, I’d feel like I can take on the world. Honestly, a year ago today, I would have never thought I’d be accepted to any of the top 20 schools, but here I am and I don’t think I could have done it without her help.
From the beginning, I had doubts about the MBA process and knew I would need some help. I started late in the process (October) and decided a consultant would be my best shot at pulling together a successful application on short notice.
Immediately after speaking with Charli for the first time, I knew that I wanted to work with her. She understood my unique situation, my specific needs, and expertly guided me through this hectic process to achieve the outcomes I wanted.
As an older candidate with non-traditional work experience as an entrepreneur, I wondered how I could craft a strong application. I didn’t have an impressive GMAT score or stellar GPA, but I felt I had an interesting story to tell. Charli knew exactly how to shape my narrative, highlighting my strengths and presenting me as a standout candidate in every application. I appreciated that Charli’s approach felt completely tailored to me, with no cookie-cutter advice from a script.
Charli also encouraged me to apply to schools that I initially considered out of my league. We put together an ambitious but realistic school strategy. I applied to 11 schools, and while Charli officially helped me with 6 (3+3 package), her advice and guidance improved all of my other applications as well. She masterfully edited my essays, ensuring my ideas were succinct, clear, and powerful. I felt a sense of pride in every essay I submitted.
The interview prep was invaluable to me. I was extremely nervous about interviewing, and Charli’s expertise in this area made a significant difference. We brainstormed, prepped stories, and practiced answers until I could confidently discuss my impact, achievements, and growth with confident humility. I remember a particularly nerve-wracking night before an interview when I ended up crying on Zoom with Charli. She remained level-headed, reminded me of all the hard work I had put in to get to this point, and encouraged me to believe in myself. As it turned out, I aced the interview and she was the first person I called to share the news.
In the end, the results exceeded my wildest expectations. I received scholarships totaling $650k from 5 different schools, including 4 full scholarships, and was accepted to Wharton. Without Charli’s encouragement and support, I wouldn’t have even applied.
I am immensely grateful for everything Charli has done. If it isn’t abundantly clear, let me reiterate that I am thrilled with my decision to work with her and grateful for her time, effort, and wisdom on this journey as I embark on a new chapter of my life. She was worth every penny, and you won’t regret your decision to work with her!
The year before I worked with another admissions consultant and felt no real connection when I was telling my story and my fears, I felt misunderstood. Unfortunately, I had no offers from the three schools I applied to and decided to wait another year and try again. I focused on rethinking my application plan, improving my GMAT score and asking for help! I had my first intro zoom with Charli and bonded immediately; I knew we would be a great team.
As an investment banker working long hours, I had little time to focus on my MBA goals, I needed a coach that could help me pave the path for my application and guide me through the process and help me shape my story one step at a time with an organized framework.
As an international candidate with a lower-than-average GMAT score I was really scared of rejection and of not being able to tell my story in so little space. Charli helped me share my ideas, my goals, and my view of the world in an empowered authentic way. I felt she listened and understood what I had to say and what I was doing.
We had so much fun in the interview prep-sessions and I learned a lot of tricks to show my confident self (in writing and in video). I knew I was showing my potential to the schools.
I’m happy to say that I had a 100% hit-ratio. I was accepted into two amazing schools (both M7 MBAs), and I was offered a Merit based Scholarship from one of the two schools!
Working with Charli was a rewarding experience. She has the tools and frameworks to help piece together various aspects of your life into a compelling and convincing story.
What particularly helped me was Charli’s “excavation matrix”, an exercise she does upfront with all her students. This is a comprehensive exercise that allows students to introspect on every detail of their life and understand their true values and personal drivers, something key when crafting one’s professional goals for the MBA application. Further, this was also a tool used by Charli to provide insights to me on how I can differentiate myself from an overrepresented pool of applications (Indian male). Charli is great about helping you find impactful differentiators in yourself.
Charli also had unique insights for each school and provided great advice on how to tailor the application for each program. She also makes it a point to connect her current clients with former successful students to build networks and connections.
What was particularly useful was Charli’s former experience as an AdCommer at a top US school. This was invaluable as she was able to opine and provide feedback on every aspect of the application from the perspective of an AdCommer.
Further, the MBA application process is daunting and requires resilience. Charli was a constant source of support through this process and was very motivational, especially during the hard times. She stayed supportive throughout the holiday period including reviewing drafts of essays on Christmas and New Years.
All in all, working with Charli was a great experience, and I would not have been able to endure this journey without her.
Charli was the foundational basis for my MBA application. I started the process with a 500’s score on GMAT aiming for INSEAD and HEC Paris, working and having several business travels in different time zones – don’t need to say that I almost gave up several times. Since my first engagement with her, I felt that I could achieve my goal, and this was, basically, because she believed in me and understood who I am as a person, so the process became so enjoyable in a way that the best part of my day became reviewing the essays – she knows me as much as my therapist does! The insights and meaningful discussions in the preparation for the essays and interviews revealed a person that I forgot I used to be and is my true myself. Show it to the admissions committees was really easy after the process with Super Charli!
Charli is pure sunshine in the clouds of doubt that loom over you as you approach the MBA journey. I started out applying for the MBA with almost zero self-belief, especially given my incredibly chaotic profile and lack of much career progression. However, working with Charli made the whole process SO much more enjoyable – she provided not only stellar academic support but also emotional support, truly like a best friend who also gives you tough love when you need it. She gave me insights I could never have found online and helped me to shape some beautiful stories when I was convinced I had nothing to offer. Now, I’ll be starting at an M7 school but also got into several other top programmes and I just cannot believe it – had it not been for Charli none of this would have been possible. Working with her has truly been life-changing – and after having spoken to several other consultants whilst in the process of selecting one, she really stood out for her genuine interest in her students. She delivered rapid turnarounds of edits and was so incredibly committed every step of the way.
Charli is everything – and I mean EVERYTHING. I started my MBA journey with very little faith in myself. After multiple free consultations with other admissions coaches, I was convinced that everything about my profile (especially my stats) was subpar; it left me struggling to articulate what made me a competitive (or worthy) candidate. Charli opened the gates for me: we spent hours reflecting and synthesizing who I was as a person and how my experiences shaped me. She helped me understand what I wanted out of an MBA, what my future might look like 5 years out, and how my past prepared me for it. When I went through one of the toughest moments of my career during all this chaos, the first person I spoke to was Charli – she didn’t feel like an admissions consultant, she felt like an unconditionally supportive best friend. With tough love, constructive feedback, and mounds of encouragement, she helped me bring out the best of me in my essays. She trained me through the interview process with clinical precision, and when decision days rolled around, I was admitted to 2 schools, waitlisted at a 3rd (all Top 10-15s) and bagged my dream program with a scholarship! Charli was my rock through my application and personal journey over the last 12 months. Her positive and optimistic take on every hurdle has influenced the way I’ll be seeing myself through my next set of challenges. I can’t thank her enough!
After 10 years working in technology, six of which involved setting up an office for a technology company in Tanzania, I knew that I was ready to formalize my experience with an MBA. I was 18 months into my MBA application journey when I decided that if I was going to give this the shot it deserved, I needed some informed help. That’s when I found Charli. The first thing you will notice about Charli is her encouragement and support. Charli takes the time to get to know you, your goals, and your background, and once you’re on board, she will be cheering you all the way. What I most appreciated about Charli was her international experience, we also studied at the same university in the UK, and her love and appreciation for the Middle East instantly enamored me to her. The biggest challenge on my MBA journey was the GMAT test (I don’t think I am the first MBA student to say this), and before Charli, I didn’t know if I had what it took to get into a top 10 business school. Charli’s support and guidance throughout the application journey helped me to remember all of my other experiences and what I had to offer at the schools I was applying to. With Charli’s guidance, I wrote an application that embraced who I am as a person and authentically showcased my stories in the applications. From the beginning of our relationship, I felt that she really made an effort to get who I am and what I want to achieve with an MBA.
I know that getting an admission consultant can be a considerable investment. It can feel like everyone else applying for an MBA knows how to write a perfect application and be accepted into the school without having to drop a wedge of cash. Still, I really recommend working with someone like Charli. It’s often a lonely journey applying for school, and there were many times that I felt that no one around me really got it. While you can borrow favours from those you know in the MBA world to review your application, it really isn’t the same as having an admissions consultant walk you through this process. I loved working with Charli because she never tried to make my applications formulaic or not authentic; everything in those applications I wrote, but Charli guided.
By working with Charli, I not only was admitted to my dream school but was also awarded a significant scholarship, which has completely transformed my MBA experience and, hopefully, my future career post MBA. All of this would not have been possible without Charli.
I am an Asian male international applicant who went to college in the US and is currently working in the US on a work visa. I did my undergrad in Engineering but pivoted to management consulting after finishing school. After staying in management consulting for around 3 years, I made a transition into Business Operations at a growth stage healthcare tech start-up. I applied for MBA with 5 years of working experience because after seeing both sides of strategy and operations at both fortune 500 companies and startups, I wanted to gain additional experience around entrepreneurship and pivot into Product Management. I am interested in the digital health space and am looking to meet people with similar passions at business school.
In terms of application outcomes and stats, I had a 750 GMAT and a high 3.9 GPA, and I received admission to HBS from the round 1 application.
Working with Charli through the process was a wonderful experience. I knew that I needed a consultant who is invested in me and would dedicate the time to push me to dig deeper within myself and my past experiences. Charli was candid, honest, and extremely supportive throughout the application process. In the beginning, I wrote over 13,000 words documenting my personal experiences to date and I was surprised by 1) the depth Charli has reviewed the document and picked out the slightest details and 2) the accuracy of Charli’s assessment of me. We spent a lot of time revising my storyline and drafting different ways to tell the story, and I can say hands down that I personally would not have crafted as compelling of a story had I not worked with Charli. The process was gruesome and challenging but I felt supported and loved by Charli to encourage me to continue to do the best I could. I remember the night before the HBS application deadline, I was anxious and working on the final details to push my assays over the line, and Charli was there with me live on Zoom to review my essays together well past midnight (her time).
I owe my success to Charli and I have no doubt that if you choose her to be your guide in this application process, she will dedicate the same energy and effort to help you get to where you want to be!
As I run my own company in India, I could not spare time for a full time MBA program, hence I was considering the PLD program at HBS. Having spoken to various alumni of the program, I was hesitant to apply as my work experience was way below the class average of 10-15 years. The moment I connected with Charli, she completely changed my perspective. She gave a much needed booster dose of motivation and it was a smooth sail after that. She was always full of positive energy and made me feel so proud of my accomplishments that naturally enriched my essays. I felt that the entire process was magical. It was not just about the application process and the admit, but about the transformative journey that evolved the way I think. I cannot recommend her enough. Just close your eyes and reach out to her, and you’ll wake up in the college of your dreams!
In early 2021, with a little less than 1.5 years of work experience, everyone thought I was too early to be thinking about an MBA. I heard the words “average work experience 5 years” more times than I like to recall – and particularly from most admission consultants. I was in two minds when a friend suggested I speak to Charli – based on her glowing recommendations, I set up a call, and before the end of the meeting, I knew I had to work with Charli for my B-school journey. The entire experience, from school selection to essay brainstorming, to interview prep, became much more memorable for me, because I had the chance and the privilege to work with Charli.
Of the many factors that set Charli apart, the very first was her approach. In my experience, consultants usually have a list of parameters that they want candidates to check off, before applying for programs, which can often lead to half-hearted attempts to pad up one’s resume. Charli instead, refined my focus on my strengths. Through a series of essays, I delved into the minutiae of my life – wins, losses, goals, and values. It was an introspective process, and it did not end when my essays are done – Charli has taught me to keep reflecting and questioning and as a result, today, I have much deeper clarity on who I am, and who I want to be.
Another reason why it was a pleasure to work with Charli was that she never compromised on her student’s goals. Lots of consultants I had spoken to wanted me to apply to a larger number of safety schools, given my fewer years of work experience. Charli instead had me thoroughly research each school, and assess how it fit with my professional and personal goals. She motivated me to connect with students and alums – something I was initially apprehensive about – almost a year before my application deadlines, to gauge whether the school was a ‘cultural fit’. This comprehensive research culminated in me applying to seven schools I was strongly keen on, each of which had specific offerings that were aligned with my goals and would provide the exact kind of opportunities I was seeking.
Under Charli’s mentorship, I received interview invites to all seven schools, and received offers from five of them. She pushed me to delve into the depths of my story, and share my narrative in an empowering and authentic way. Multiple mock interviews with her helped me better articulate my journey, and boosted my confidence for the actual interviews. Most importantly, her unwavering encouragement has been a pivotal motivator in this journey. As I head to NYU Stern, with a merit scholarship, and as a Forte Fellow, I am anchored by my vision and my values, and for that, I will always be deeply grateful to Charli.
When I first started speaking to consultants, I knew I needed someone in my corner because I had a non-traditional profile and an average GMAT score. I needed someone to work with me and help manifest everything I had to offer in the application. The first few outreach calls across various consultants left me unsure, but in the first 5 minutes on a call with Charli, I knew she was the one. The journey of MBA applications can be exhausting – mentally and emotionally, but I could not have asked for anyone better than Charli. She is a bright positive cheerleader, she is also unafraid to share tough love, but you know that she has nothing but a single-minded focus in building your application to its full potential. I received Round 1 offers from both HBS & GSB, and she is a critical reason for my success. Beyond being a tremendously thorough and brilliant professional, Charli is a wonderful person, and working with her felt like I have built a friendship for life. I believe it is an absolute privilege to work with her, and cannot emphasize enough how transformative her involvement in my application process was.
Cheers to Charli!
When I first decided to apply for an MBA, the application process seemed incredibly daunting, especially as there was so much uncertainty going on in the world with COVID-19. I work for a large technology company in Seattle, doing corporate strategy and revenue planning and post-MBA hope to transition into the healthcare technology space. I knew I wanted to apply to a number of schools, but felt lost as to where to start.
Working with Charli was the best decision I could have made!! She helped me navigate what felt like a very ambiguous process at the time. She worked closely with me every step of the way – to narrow my post-MBA career goals, reflect on my past experiences to craft my stories, prepare me for interviews, refine my resume, and build relationships with the schools I was interested in attending.
Charli is incredibly warm, dependable and always built me up. She helped me gain the confidence I needed to be successful in the process. By the end, I not only felt like I’d submitted great applications, but also like I’d learned a lot about myself and what I’m looking for both professionally and personally.
I ended up applying to 8 schools and was accepted to both Wharton and HBS as well as Kellogg, Tuck, and received a full-ride scholarship to UCLA. I’ll be attending my DREAM school in the fall and it wouldn’t have been possible without all of Charli’s help and guidance!!
I grew up in Shanghai, China and moved to the United States when I was 19 to pursue my undergraduate degree in economics and international studies. The idea of pursuing an MBA first occurred to me when I started my career in management consulting, as getting an MBA was a typical promotion path for consultants. Three years into my job though, I was ready for a career change. My reason for getting an MBA quickly shifted from climbing the consulting ladder to building leadership/management skills and lasting relationships that will help me launch a more global and impact-oriented career.
Applying to business schools can be a daunting, stressful, and lonely process. Personally, I struggled a lot with the GMAT. I studied on and off, took the test four times, and still ended up with a 690. Charli’s support and guidance throughout the application journey really helped me pick myself back up and focus on what mattered – embracing who I am as a person and authentically showcasing my stories in the applications. From the beginning of our relationship, I felt that she really made an effort to listen and understand who I am and my journey to date. As an internationalist herself, Charli really gets me and celebrates my identity as a worldly individual. This level of person-to-person, soul-to-soul connection was really valuable during the editing process of application essays. I appreciated her encouraging yet candid feedback on my application, and her dedication to reviewing dozens of iterations until we mutually agreed that each essay was in its best shape possible.
Thanks to Charli, I got into my dream school INSEAD with a Forte scholarship! She made the application journey much more fun and enjoyable because she made sure that I know I’m a rock star even when I doubted myself. Getting into business school is merely a short-term benefit of working with Charli. She continues to connect me with people with shared interests and gives me advice on career planning prior to business school. She has become my life coach, career coach, and a friend I will certainly be in touch with during business school and many years after. I highly recommend Charli to any globally minded applicants out there. Applying to business schools doesn’t have to suck. Prepare to become a master of articulating your impact and having fun celebrating who you are during this life-changing journey!
I’m not the type who gives out reviews. I’m not your typical candidate either. I’m older, married, with average grades, with some career achievements here and there. Going through this journey wasn’t imaginable to me without the help and support of Charli.
I knew exactly what I wanted but wasn’t really sure if I was going to cut it with my grades or if I had the ‘spark’. Also, I wasn’t sure if my ambitions to get into a T10 were really well-founded or just daydreams. Boy was I wrong. Charli was phenomenal in helping to guide me in stitching the broad talking points I had about myself into these amazing (repeat AMAZING) personal statements.
When I read the final draft I couldn’t believe that was my story, everything there was 100% factual, I just never told it that way. I shared that final draft with a few friends who were also stunned about not just the quality and flow of the narrative, but also the many struggles I personally went through, which I rarely share, and how it all made sense to them on how it contributed to me as a person.
I’m happy to say that I got accepted into not one but two T10 schools, one of which is an Ivy. (I applied for 3 schools). I wouldn’t have made it without Charli’s help. Bite the bullet and go ahead with it, you wouldn’t regret that decision.
Oh, and one more thing, seeing how much she did to me, my wife, who is also pursuing further studies is in talks with Charli.
Working with Charli was just amazing! Being from Brazil and focusing mainly in European schools, I struggled to find someone who would really understand everything and help me with international applications. Charli was the person! She has a completely international mindset and she knows this stuff. She really helped me out with valuable tips to show my best self to these schools! It was just incredible to walk through this complex and exhaustive journey with her, she really was able to cheer me up and make me have fun in the journey, plus I discovered so many things about me along the way. Our chats were light, cheerful, and always made me feel with extra energy to apply. I will miss them for sure!
I’ve applied to colleges, including a master’s program alone before, and let me tell you, applying to b-schools is about 100 times more stressful. After the fiasco that was me trying to apply to one (!) b-school alone last year, while dealing with a really hectic work schedule, I decided I needed a professional’s help. After a few unsuccessful attempts at trying to connect with a local consultant, a friend introduced me to Charli. The difference between her and the other consultants I had spoken to was obvious from the get-go. From the very first call, Charli was encouraging and warm. Rather than treating the ‘flaws’ in my profile as weaknesses, she was able to help me build a unique profile, all while easing my anxiety and fears. This was a far cry from the other consultants who had made me feel inadequate and overambitious within ten minutes of conversation. The biggest weakness in my profile was my lack of work experience. At the time I was putting together my application, I had just barely three years of cumulative work experience. Despite having a decent GMAT score (730), and a good educational background with a Master’s and undergraduate degree from top-ranked universities in the US and UK, I felt that my application was weak and unfocused. I was having trouble expressing my goals with clarity and was finding it difficult to justify the lack of work experience. I needed an experienced and unbiased individual to guide me and Charli was the perfect fit for this role. Being an international student from India, it was important for me to stand out from my peers while also being 100% authentic in my application, and she really helped me to achieve this, while also building my self-confidence. She explained the mistakes I had been making well, which helped me to avoid repeating them, and also helped me in thinking critically and independently on how to proceed for different types of essay and interview questions. It may also be relevant to mention that I only applied to 4 schools total (i.e. no safety schools) as I was very picky about which programs I would be willing to invest my time and money in, and she was able to help me identify the programs which would be the best fit for me. I think for me, the best part about working with Charli was simply her reassuring presence. I trusted her to steer me right and she was always able to calm me down when I got too stressed about the entire process. I really have no reservations about working with her. I would recommend her whole-heartedly even if I had not gotten a successful admit this year. She really is a wonderful person, so do yourself a big favour and reach out to her!
B school application is a daunting one and there are lots of ups and downs. I had already gone through that phase in 2018. My biggest mistake was I was looking for consultants who were too professional so I did not have a personal touch to my applications which led to very dismal results (NIL ADMIT) in 2018-19 application year.
After learning from my mistakes, I started my application for the 2019-20 admit cycle. This time I wanted someone who can understand me as a person, my culture and the impact of my work. This is where Charli came into my world. When I approached her for help and scheduled the first call, I could relate to her very easily. I found her very dedicated and she really wanted to know my story. Surprisingly adcoms are also wanting to know the story of a candidate.
I did not take too long and immediately decided to work with her. She has a very personal approach which I felt helped me to stand out in competitive applicant pool. She really pushed me to bring out the best of me. During the process, I never felt that she is my consultant. It was like I am taking a help from my friend who is equally dedicated to my success. Her tips for interviews were very practical and easy to implement. She knew what were my strengths and weaknesses (which even I did not know) and I think that made my interview genuine and personalized and kept the interviewer very interested. One of my B school interviews lasted for 2 hrs (yes 2 hrs) and I felt that I have no chance of getting an admit but Charli had faith in me and when I got an admit from that B school, the first thing I did was to call her. Even when I reached out to my interviewer after getting an admit, he told me that my conversation was interesting and very genuine. So I am sure this would not have been possible without “THE GREAT CHARLI”. Because of her, I will be joining my dream B school this fall.
I highly recommend Charli to anyone aiming top 10 B school and wants to outperform a tough applicant pool. She knows how to put everything together and submit a strong application.
Going into the MBA application journey, I had two main concerns. Although I’ve always known that I wanted to get into consulting post-MBA, coming from a somewhat non-conventional background, I did not have a compelling story to convince the adcom that this was the case.
Charli was without a doubt an expert in this area. Through my initial sessions with Charli, I was able to discover a common theme in my past experiences and personal traits which I had not been aware of. The outcome was perfectly aligned to my consulting goal and was as genuine as it could be. The essays for the two M7 schools which I was admitted to were the ones that I believe showcased these aspects in the most original way.
My second concern was regarding the interview. I had my share of bad interview experiences in the past and was concerned that my nerves would take the best of me. During my session with Charli the day before my interview, instead of reviewing the long list answers which I had prepared, we focused on getting into the interview mindset. This turned out to be the best decision ever as it prepared me to successfully get through the toughest interview I ever had.
My interview with one of the M7 schools turned out to be rather unconventional as my interviewer decided to drift away from the traditional MBA interview structure and instead go into a debate-like discussion. What was more nerve-racking was the fact that my interview took place in the exact room where I had the most unsuccessful interview four years ago. However, the practice I had with Charli allowed me to actually enjoy this challenging situation and leave the interview room light-hearted.
There are so many positive things about Charli and I could probably go on forever. Her passion for international applicants is real, but you can’t go wrong with her being a non-international as well. The super positive mojo which she sends out regularly is definitely a huge plus for keeping your morale up. I am thankful to have had her as a mentor for my MBA application journey and I look forward to seeking her advice further in the future.
I graduated in 2010 with a bachelor’s in hotel management. At the time I was 100% sure that was what I wanted to do with my life. Seven years into my career I realized that the personal values that brought me to hotel management were really more relevant to human capital and maximizing the capabilities of a business through its people. I began my transition into HR in Technology and really found my calling. In this career, I am challenged every day but I also see the impact of my work and ways in which I can lead with influence. The world of technology and startups change quickly and people programs become more complex every day. As I entered into conversation with Executives in various orgs, I realized I lacked the knowledge to fully understand the constraints each team was under and ways to weigh prioritization of one initiative over another as it relates to resources/human capital. I wanted an MBA to round-out my skill set so that I can be a more effective partner to the business. The idea of going back to school and just focusing on self-development also sounded so enticing. I was nervous of course, I haven’t taken a test since 2010 nor did I have the background of a traditional candidate. I had never worked in consulting, finance, marketing, or sales. Which just added even more to my imposter syndrome.
As a first-generation college student, an MBA always just seemed so out of reach for me. I was nervous about my profile, I wasn’t sure how to tell my story, and test-taking certainly is not my strong suit. This was when I decided to enlist the help of a consultant. I spoke with four consultants before deciding on Charli. Everyone I spoke with was incredibly intelligent, well-versed, and effective; but every conversation felt like a business transaction. It just didn’t feel quite right. A few of my friends even gave me the advice that consulting is business so it’s supposed to feel like a transaction. While I can appreciate that approach, I just wasn’t sure it was the right thing for me. That was until I met Charli, she has a spirit that puts you immediately at ease. She’s like a long lost friend that you can tell all your wins and your failures to. She’ll ask tough questions to dig deep but there’s never any judgment and somewhere along the way, she makes you feel at peace about your losses so that you can start to articulate how that experience really just translates to another feather in your cap.
I studied for the GMAT for six months (took the actual test once) before deciding to take the GRE. I scored a lot better (80th percentile verbal/ 60th percentile quant), but my quant score was still not where I needed it to be. I took the test one more time and actually did worse. This was the lowest point in my MBA application journey, I thought there was no way I would get into my dream school. Charli was there through my emotional breakdowns and helped me stay focused. We re-worked every essay at least ten times and in the end, I ended up with applications that I was extremely proud of. Throughout the interview process with my dream school, I was surprised to see how at ease I was and prepared I felt. Reflecting back on it now, my journey with Charli had already prepared me to tell my story authentically and with confidence long before I stepped into my interview. I ended up with an acceptance to my dream school with a merit scholarship.
The MBA applications process has been transformational for me to say the least and I think that was largely in part due to Charli.
The opportunity to work with Charli on my MBA applications was an invaluable experience. In fact, I would say it was profoundly transformational, as I experienced immense personal growth that went far beyond what I was expecting to gain from the MBA application process.
Who am I? I am a 30-year-old white male and recovering CPA from the Big4 (PwC, EY, etc.) with a great job in corporate finance at a really cool startup in San Francisco. But after some reflection on where I was and where I wanted to go, it became clear to me that an MBA would help me get there. I wanted an MBA program that would help me develop impactful leadership skills, develop a strong understanding & strategic skillset in areas outside of my current wheelhouse of finance & accounting, and help me transition from a corporate finance career to a career in investment banking in New York City. To accomplish this, I knew that I needed to get into a T20 program, and at the age of 30, I felt like I had no time to waste. As a result, I was looking for a professional who could help me focus my time and energy to present the best version of myself to the MBA admissions committee. My research led me to Charli, and I’m so happy it did!
Charli’s real strength flows from her unique ability to understand the true essence of who you are. It’s funny to hear, but most people don’t really know who they are and what they have to offer. Charli helped me understand that the most important step in the MBA application process is to first understand who you are, recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and to be emphatic about the value that you have to offer the program. Through stories that I shared with Charli about my life, she guided me towards self-discovery and a true confidence in the unique attributes that I as a candidate have to offer a program. This self-awareness was even more important for me because I had to overcome a glaring weakness in my application – a weak test score.
I tried everything to improve my test score to no avail – I took the in-person Manhattan GMAT prep course, I hired a private tutor, I woke up at 6 am every day to study before work, I switched from the GMAT to the GRE, but I still couldn’t break above the average test score at the programs that I was targeting. After all of this, I was ready to give up on my dreams of an MBA at T20 program, but Charli gave me the confidence to realize that I had A LOT to offer a program. So, our strategy turned to focusing on writing killer essays that highlighted my strengths and MBA readiness despite a low-test score. These essays successfully resulted in a 50% conversion rate from application to interview invite (3 out of 6). When it came time to interview, I was not nervous because I had so much clarity around who I was, what I wanted, and the value that I had to offer a program.
Charli’s coaching, candidness, professionalism, support, unique insight-sights, and cheerleading ultimately led to my success in gaining acceptance into the full-time MBA programs at two of my target T20 programs – UT Austin McCombs & Georgetown’s McDonough School of business. My wife and I are so ecstatic about the outcome and extremely excited to begin this next chapter of our lives. While this part of the MBA journey is over, it is only beginning and my wife and I are very much looking forward to continuing to work with Charli and benefit from her support and guidance as we navigate the next part of our MBA adventure.
The process of applying for an MBA is full of anxiety and uncertainty. But Charli made it fun for me. I applied to 4 schools and got interview calls from 3. Got admitted to 2, including HBS (I wouldn’t have even applied to HBS had it not been for Charli’s confidence in me and her inherent positivity). She is candid with you – about your strengths and your weaknesses. But she never pressures you to do anything you don’t want. She motivated me to apply to the best schools, give the GMAT again and was the staunchest of cheerleaders throughout. She made me look at some of the work I had done in a new light – found impact in my stories where my humble self saw none. She’s a great, great storyteller, and her contribution to how I put my entire profile forward and diversified myself was immense. She coached me through the interviews – worked on aspects I didn’t even consider important like body language, my speed of talking, etc. This is something that helped me even beyond the MBA applications and changed the way I speak and interact with clients/teams at work. I found a friend in Charli, someone who cares about your application like it’s hers but does not shy away from telling you the hard truth. I loved that she would always send me positive mojo before a deadline or an interview. And then call me on skype for a 5 min victory dance after! If you are looking for a true partner for the MBA application journey, you don’t need to look any further than Charli Taylor.
Applying for an MBA program can be a painful and confusing process. Applying as an international student is often a whole different level of daunting. The amazing thing about Charli is that she guides you through the process with so much care and consideration, you forget that what you’re going through is a challenging experience! Charli knows the nuances of what it takes to get into a strong MBA program as an international student, whether it’s pulling out the strengths of your experience as a global citizen or more practical concerns like negotiating for scholarships. Charli is particularly adept at getting to the core of your experiences and drawing out the strengths that are not only attractive for an admissions department, but that fit with your own honest and truthful definition of success. I can’t imagine having succeeded in my admissions process without Charli, and more importantly, I don’t think I would have gained the insight of my experiences that are critical for succeeding in an MBA program after admission
When I first began the process of applying to business schools, I was extremely unsure if it was for me. I did not know if my GRE score was in the ‘safe’ zone for an Indian applicant and I wasn’t sure if the admissions committee would like my story, because of my unusual career trajectory. When you see your peers from traditional backgrounds with incredible experiences and realize that you are an outlier in the career path you chose, often it can be difficult to own your story and the risks you took. I found it challenging to tell my story with authenticity but also in a manner that would be palatable. Charli is a gifted storyteller, the best I know personally. She is not a typical consultant. She is a friend and a mentor who will immerse herself in understanding your story and your world. I was so comfortable sharing some deeply personal accounts with her candidly and she helped me weave them and connect the strands that I had overlooked. Talking to her helped me see my story in a new light, one that gave me confidence to share it with the world. If you’re like me, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about the skills/qualities you are yet to work on, and don’t often pause to look back and appreciate how far you have come. I remember she once stopped in the middle of her sentence and said, “Do you realize that the product you created for rural India does not exist in any other emerging country in the world? Can we just let this sink in?” I hadn’t seen it that way before. Charli helped me believe a bit more in myself. She rooted for me (and boy you’ll need it when you’re down!) as I worked on the weaker aspects of my application. I could get by failures (and there will be plenty!) because she constantly inspired me to fight the good fight. When working on the interviews, she focused on the finer aspects such as body language, confidence, mindset and being a charismatic communicator. She was always available for my SOS requests. I religiously pinged her each time I hit ‘submit’ on an application and she’d promptly reply with ‘Yay! I’m now doing my happy dance for you!’ The process can be long and exhausting. Working with someone with so much positive energy, a big bright smile and a great sense of humor always helps :). I’m grateful to Charli because what I learned in the MBA application process from her added value that will serve me lifelong. I got admission at Wharton and Ross and was waitlisted at three of the top 10 US business schools. I’m headed to Wharton this fall and Charli has been an integral part of my journey.
HA. I know you are browsing MBA consultants as you probably just got your GMAT done. Recently you feel anxiety level keeps soaring – you are not really sure how best to approach your applications. YA. I was walking in your shoes exactly a year ago. BECAUSE I made a decision to work with Charli also exactly a year ago, I am packing up to go to my dream school (top 6) this fall even though I come from a relatively weak background. You’d be like whattttt?????? define how weak a background you had. My ‘relatively weak’ background: GMAT: 680-710-680 My third attempt tells me I am as good as 680, but I got freaking lucky for a 710, which is still 20 below my class average. (TRAUMATIZING) Work: A not-so-special NA retail banking tech strategy manager role. 100% back-office role in IT function. Post-MBA goal: Consulting Do you see where I’m going? If you come from a similar background – the not so strong kind (babe it’s okay!). Having worked with Charli is my only secret to the congratulations calls from my dream school’s admission director. One WARNING. Charli is a perfectionist, and she is a very persistent figure – Charli never calls an app complete even when I was ready to submit sometimes!!!!!!!! When I was so mentally and physically exhausted from my MIT Sloan app and was just so ready to click the submit button. Charli called a chat and discussed a new idea that came to her brightest mind which took my essay from 99.9% to 100%. (man! 99.9% was awesome enough for me in that state of exhaustion but never good enough for Charli) Charli kept me going strong and I just know she will keep you going strong too. She will be with you in countless late nights to refine your apps a bazillion times to get to the 100% one telling genuine story about YOU. If you come from a ‘hyper-competitive’ background, quoted the HBS boss below (Respect!! Man!), you should work with Charli too. Charli is a double shot of a supreme storyteller and psychiatrist. She coached me to realize the one and only one WHY of every import decision I’ve made (Pre MBA), I was about to make (Why MBA) and I will make (Post MBA). And as a rocking-it boss, what you lack now is exactly your ‘WHY’ – the genuine story about YOU.
Coming from a hyper competitive background (ivy league grad, investment banking analyst, private equity associate at a megafund), I felt like I needed someone to guide me with my process and story. I called and interviewed ~20 consultants and chose Charli. Working with Charli was the best decision I made in the application process, and I am now going to HBS this fall! She was responsive, incredibly friendly and warm, and helped guide me and mold every part of my application. We went through tens of rounds of essay revisions together, prepped for my interviews at HBS and GSB, and she was my biggest cheerleader throughout. It was amazing how many of the questions she asked me during our mock interviews showed up in the actual interview, which goes to show how much of an expert she really is. Don’t waste your time, money, or your chance to be admitted with someone else — work with Charli!!
Charli really sees you for who you are! Working with Charli has been the best decision I ever made. Right from the onset, she was super invested in me and my story, she was determined to see me getting accepted at all the schools I had applied to and pushed and motivated me to have it no other way. Every interview was preceded by a heartfelt message instilling a whole lot of confidence in me. There were times when I had lost hope and doubted myself, in these desperate times Charli helped me regain the confidence and reminded me of the accomplishments I belittled. As someone who came from a non-feeder school, competitive pool (Indian, female), WE: top 5 consulting firms with a pivot to social enterprise it was important to make every move, decision and experience personalized and explain the WHY? Charli spent multiple sessions just probing and asking me questions to dig deeper and reflect on my experiences. I was able to uncover so many hidden parts of my story that put things into a new light for me. All the sessions helped me craft my story amazingly well and bring them to the interview as well. Charli goes beyond the applications and interviews and invests in you SO personally. She constantly reminded me ‘You are a BADASS’. This single line has been the biggest source of inspiration for me and reflected in my interviews. Once accepted she helped me research schools and make decisions, she helped me plan for the MBA life and most importantly reminded me of the great things I will accomplish at school. Your consultant is your biggest champion in the MBA journey and as someone who had constant self-doubt about my average journey, I would say this to everyone ‘You need to believe in yourself and your story’. It is often difficult to underappreciate and Charli has experience of personalizing stories and uncover things even from the most ordinary experiences. It is all about having this strong support who pushes you reflect until you believe in yourself and appreciate your journey. Charli did just that for me (in addition to the other amazing insights, techniques and processes that made my applications a success). I would absolutely and wholeheartedly recommend everyone to work with Charli 🙂 Where am I headed: well thanks to Charli I have acceptances from London Business School, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and waitlisted at Kellogg (Charli’s amazing mojo might turn this into acceptance :))
I was feeling lost and a bit overwhelmed as I began my journey applying to business schools. As a public school teacher with no connections to business schools, I felt intimated by the whole process. I didn’t have any close friends or family who had attended a prestigious business school to go to for advice. I was also going through a tumultuous time personally, and trying to balance a very hectic work schedule. Then, in came Charli! Charli made all the difference. She advised me about school choices, applying through and joining The Consortium, school visits, essays, interviews, you name it. She was my mentor AND my cheerleader. Several times along the way I really struggled and doubted myself, Charli was there to encourage me, push me to meet deadlines and do my best work. I am a Teach for America alum and have been working as a classroom teacher for six years, the past three as a Pre-K teacher. Before talking to Charli, I was having a hard time seeing how I had any relevant experience. I thought none of my “stories” were good enough for business school. Charli taught me to see my accomplishments in a new light and how to frame my essays to highlight my talents, achievements, and passions. She guided me through the whole process, from school search to post-admission counseling. I didn’t attend a prestigious undergrad, and my test scores weren’t anything to write home about, but working with Charli gave me the confidence to go after highly ranked programs and succeed! I’ll be attending a top-ranked, highly respected business school in the fall, my number one choice! If you’re struggling right now, trying to navigate the admissions process, especially if you’re coming from a non-traditional background, if you think you’d benefit from having someone on your team during this journey, I highly recommend working with Charli.
Working with Charli was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had and I would strongly recommend her as your consultant! I had previously applied to B-Schools two years ago (I was not even remotely successful), without a consultant and with little guidance. I attended a lesser known state college for my undergrad and spent my career working for the federal government. With a goal of transitioning out of the public sector and into investment banking, I knew that I needed to find someone to help craft my story. As a first generation college student at a company with few MBAs, I didn’t know anyone personally that could assist. From the first consultation, I knew that Charli genuinely cared about my story and wasn’t going to cut any corners during the process. Charli has an innate ability to understand people and was exceptional at helping me explore my experiences, passions, motivations, and life goals. During our conversations, she helped me uncover strengths of mine that I wasn’t even aware of and highlight them in the essays. Charli went above and beyond during our time together. When providing feedback on one of my essays, she was completely honest and told me it just wasn’t working. Knowing that the deadline was around the corner, she made herself available and we spent multiple hours (at 10pm nonetheless) brainstorming content and coaching me on ways to fix the structure. Her dedication persisted from the day one consult to the interview prep, and even continues today as she’s helping me negotiate scholarships. Our work together resulted in admittance into LBS and into an Ivy League program (with a partial scholarship), while also getting waitlisted at a third school. I know I couldn’t have done this without Charli’s dedication, care, and support!
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