Shaifali Aggarwal

Founder, CEO

Ivy Groupe

United States

Net Promoter Score: 9.97

Consultant Bio

Shaifali Aggarwal is the Founder/CEO of Ivy Groupe, a leading boutique MBA admissions consulting company. She received her MBA from Harvard Business School (HBS) and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Princeton University. At HBS, Shaifali served as VP Admissions of the Women’s Student Association; in this role, she collaborated directly with the HBS Admissions Office as a liaison between current and prospective/admitted students. Through this experience, she had the unique opportunity to gain insight into the qualities that top-tier MBA programs look for in candidates.

Shaifali’s rich and multi-faceted career across industries and functions makes her extremely well suited to understand the varied backgrounds of her clients. Before making the transition to education management, Shaifali spent most of her career as a finance professional on Wall Street, where she worked in the investment banking and asset management industries at leading companies such as JPMorgan and Neuberger Berman. She also has experience working in the educational non-profit sector and as an entrepreneur, founding an online media company.

Shaifali has formally spent over a decade successfully coaching hundreds of diverse applicants and re-applicants to top-tier MBA programs (many of whom received scholarship awards), including those applying to deferred MBA, part-time MBA, and executive MBA programs.

Because of her deep knowledge of the MBA application process and collaborative working style, Shaifali has been recognized as a top MBA Admissions Consultant by both Business Insider and Poets & Quants (multiple times). She views herself as a master weaver who ties together the unique threads of candidates’ stories to help them craft the most authentic and compelling MBA applications possible to maximize their chances of admission.

Moreover, Shaifali has been quoted as an expert in U.S. News, Business Insider, and Fortune, and has been a contributor to Forbes, Entrepreneur, The Economist, and The Muse. She has also been a featured speaker both domestically and internationally on the QS World MBA Tour. Shaifali is a member of the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC).

Company Information

Ivy Groupe is a leading boutique MBA admissions consulting company which, since inception, has successfully helped clients gain admission to top-tier MBA programs. It has been recognized as a top boutique MBA admissions consulting firm by Poets & Quants. Ivy Groupe’s mission is to help clients tell their story to business schools so that they can achieve their dreams and impact the world.

​At the core of our work with clients is an emphasis on authenticity – this comes from a deep-rooted belief that every single person who is applying to business school has a unique story to tell:

  • ​If you want to stand out, you need to be true to yourself
  • If you want to differentiate yourself, you need to approach the application process with your heart
  • If you want to be memorable, the human element must come through

​We dig deep to unearth your unique attributes and use that as the foundation to help you develop and connect the dots in your story – this is a key differentiator.

​YOU are always at the center of what we do – our passion is helping you to tell your story. The business school application process is more of an art than a science and requires an empathetic team – coaching, guiding, and mentoring others is our very ethos. Combined with our in-depth, “no stone left unturned” approach and love of the written and spoken word, we are able to elicit the very best from you.

​Founded by top MBA admissions consultant Shaifali Aggarwal (recognized as a top consultant by both Business Insider and Poets & Quants), Ivy Groupe boasts a collaborative team (we support each other behind the scenes!) with a deep focus on turning YOUR story and YOUR passions into YOUR success. Leveraging proven strategies, our MBA consultants work closely with you to help you stand out and achieve your ultimate goal – acceptances to your dream business schools.

Curious to learn more? Visit our website and request a free consultation!

Menu of Services and Associated Costs

Please visit our company website to learn more about our services and pricing.

Location: United States

Email: info@ivygroupe.com

Website: https://www.ivygroupe.com/

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P&Q Consultant Reviews

  • Accepted Into MIT Sloan, CBS, & Booth With Scholarships
    7 months ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2026 Admit
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  • Crucial Factor In My Dream School Acceptance
    8 months ago
    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 ...
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    Apostolos Velliotis
    MS Class of 2024 Admit
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  • The Companion You Need For Your MBA Application Journey
    8 months ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2026 Admit
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  • Accepted Into Booth: A Dream Thanks To Shaifali!
    8 months ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2026 Admit
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  • ACCEPTED: HBS AND GSB
    8 months ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2026 Admit
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  • Game-Changer Guidance From Shaifali!
    10 months ago
    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! ...
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    Class of 2026 Admit
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  • Multiple M7 Admits! Shaifali Is Absolutely THE Best!
    10 months ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2009 Admit
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  • The Best MBA Admissions Consultant Out There!
    11 months ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2026 Admit
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  • Shaifali Helped Turn My Dreams Into Reality!
    11 months ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2026 Admit
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  • A Consummate Professional Who Got Me Into 2 Of My Dream Schools
    12 months ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Highly Recommend
    1 year ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Helps You Find The Best Version Of Yourself
    1 year ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Exceptional MBA Admissions Consulting Services From Shaifali & Ivy Groupe
    1 year ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Admitted To My Top Choice MBA Program
    1 year ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • A Game-Changer in My MBA Journey
    1 year ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Hope You Feel What I Felt
    1 year ago
    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, ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Shaifali & Her Team Are The Best In The Business!
    2 years ago
    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 ...
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    Sunain Azeem
    MBA Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Admitted To My Number One Choice!
    2 years ago
    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!
    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • A Stepping Stone
    2 years ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Highly Recommended
    2 years ago
    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.
    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Brings Out Your Best! DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!
    2 years ago
    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!
    Class of 2023 Admit
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  • Greatly Recommended!
    2 years ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Great Experience - Highly Recommend!
    2 years ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Admitted To Top Choice!
    2 years ago
    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!
    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Enthusiastically Recommend!
    2 years ago
    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!
    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Going To HBS Because Of Shaifali! The Best There Is!
    2 years ago
    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!
    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Shaifali – Top-Notch & Absolutely The Best In The Field!
    2 years ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2007 Admit
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  • Highly Recommended
    2 years ago
    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.
    Avery Toland
    EMBA Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Going To Wharton Because Of Shaifali! A Fantastic Experience With Multiple M7 Offers!
    3 years ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Absolutely Amazing! Full Ride To Ross
    3 years ago
    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.
    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Absolutely Recommend
    3 years ago
    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.
    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Absolute Pleasure Working With Shaifali!
    3 years ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • 4/4 Offers - Shaifali Is Incredible!
    3 years ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Truly Phenomenal!
    3 years ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2022 Applicant
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  • Absolutely Phenomenal!
    3 years ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Fantastic Experience & Multiple M-7 Offers
    3 years ago
    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.
    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Great Experience and Great Result
    3 years ago
    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.
    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Overwhelmingly Great Experience & Results Working With Shaifali
    3 years ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2023 Admit
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  • Received Multiple Offers From M7 With Competitive Scholarships
    3 years ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Overwhelmingly Positive Experience - M7 Admit
    3 years ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Going To Wharton Thanks To Shaifali!
    3 years ago
    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. ...
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    Class of 2024 Waitlist
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  • Shaifali Helped Portray Myself In The Best Way!
    3 years ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2021 Admit
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  • Highly Recommend - M7 Admit
    3 years ago
    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!
    Class of 2023 Admit
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  • Shaifali Has Specific School Advice & Strategies
    4 years ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2021 Admit
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  • Shaifali Is A Rockstar!! Made Last Min Round 2 Dream A Reality!
    4 years ago
    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!!
    Class of 2023 Admit
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  • Valuable Guidance For Your MBA Journey
    4 years ago
    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 ...
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    Class of 2021 N/A
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  • Highly Recommend - Exceeded All Expectations
    4 years ago
    When I started looking at MBA consulting services, I wanted to find someone who 1) would be available and accessible throughout the entire application process, 2) understood my background in finance and could help me navigate the process as a "finance candidate", and 3) would be honest and give constructive feedback that would help improve my application. After talking with many other consultants, Shaifali stood out from our first conversation. We discussed how consulting is her full-time job, the challenges I would face in my application, and what I could do to stand out – and all of that in just the free 20-minute consultation. After engaging Shaifali, we discussed which school options were realistic. I ultimately ended up applying to five schools, and Shaifali helped ...
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    Class of 2023 Admit
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  • Highly Recommended - M7 Admit
    4 years ago
    I could not recommend the Ivy Groupe and Shaifali more highly. Even the initial consult felt very collaborative - Shaifali listened to my story and goals intently, and suggested that the hourly services were most likely the best fit for my needs (really appreciated no attempt at any point to upsell). Her critical review of my win themes and essays enabled me to put the best possible application together, in the most streamlined fashion possible. She was able to tailor her schedule to my needs and provide timely and helpful feedback. I credit her for my successful M7 applications and admissions, and have recommended her to my friends and family applying this upcoming cycle. I do not feel you can go wrong with the Ivy ...
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    Sam Hicks
    MBA Class of 2023 Admit
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  • Shaifali Equipped Me With The Tools Required To Put My Best Foot Forward
    4 years ago
    I worked with Shaifali on applications for 4 schools - a comprehensive package for 2 schools plus the hourly rate for the other 2 schools. We worked together for a 3-month period leading up to the submission of the applications and later on interview prep. We spent the first month on personal branding, which was helpful in highlighting my most impactful stories. Only then did we delve into the application itself. Shaifali equipped me with the tools required to put my best foot forward in the process - whether through resume refinement, essay feedback, guidelines for recommenders or ultimately interview prep. I received interview invites from 3 out of the 4 schools I applied to. Working with Shaifali was helpful in not only putting together ...
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    Class of 2023 Admit
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  • Shaifali Is Incredible!
    4 years ago
    Key Strengths: -Focuses on authenticity -Connecting the dots in my story -Knowledge of schools -Responsive -Strong editor -Honesty I worked closely with Shaifali through the entire application process and she has been invaluable in gaining acceptance to prestigious institutions, navigating waitlists, and negotiating scholarships. A consummate professional, Shaifali continuously went above and beyond and provided top-tier results. I put complete trust in her and she did not disappoint. From the initial call with Shaifali, I knew I had found the correct admission advisor. Her focus on authenticity, ability to connect the dots throughout my story and calm demeanor immediately stood out. She was accessible, kind, and insightful throughout the engagement. We started with a structured deep dive into my story to help define my brand. These exercises laid the foundation for an authentic, ...
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    Conrad Camody
    MBA Class of 2023 Admit
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  • Highly Recommend Shaifali!
    4 years ago
    Shaifali was my go-to advisor throughout the entire business school application process. At the outset of the process, I was struggling to know where to start and how to craft a story that could be used in my essays. To get over this hurdle, she helped me organize my thoughts and develop a strategy for all my essays - even providing helpful tips that I was not aware of. I have spoken to friends who have worked with consultants and I can confidently say: nobody helps with essays as well as Shaifali does! She was also accessible for small questions in between our scheduled meetings. Her accessibility provided me with comfort and made a stressful process less stressful. On top of all her help with ...
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    Class of 2023 Admit
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  • Top Tier Consultant
    4 years ago
    Shaifali was very helpful throughout the admissions process. We really did a deep dive into my personal story and how to tailor my application to each school. I came from an over-represented background and she was able to spin my story in a unique way. She knew each of the M7 schools in-depth, and I ended up getting into three of them! I enrolled in my top choice and this was hands down thanks to her help. I spoke to several consultants before deciding to work with Shaifali. A lot of the larger admissions consulting companies split the workload among different people, which can sometimes work poorly. I had friends take this route previously and therefore I specifically looked for a consultant who would handle all ...
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    Class of N/A Admit
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  • Honest, Patient, Strategic
    5 years ago
    From the start, Shaifali was incredibly helpful! Going into the application process, I was skeptical about all of it and didn’t appreciate the value of the story. Before settling on working with Shaifali, I spoke to a handful of consultants who gave generic opinions geared toward what they thought I wanted to hear. Shaifali, on the other hand, was honest about everything from school choice to gaps and strengths in my application. After I decided to work with her, the honest opinions, patience, strategic approach, and focus on authenticity showed throughout the process. We spent time early-on developing a holistic application strategy, which really helped me learn how to frame my story, paying dividends throughout the process. Because of her, I was able to submit my ...
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    David Elmets
    MBA Class of 2022 Admit
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  • Shaifali is Amazing - Helped Me Get into Wharton!
    5 years ago
    Shaifali was fantastic to work with, and I would very highly recommend her services to anyone who is looking for an MBA admissions consultant. I am in an oversubscribed demographic (male in finance) and so was seeking someone who could really help to differentiate me in such a competitive pool. After speaking with multiple consultants, Shaifali and Ivy Groupe clearly stood out to me for the following reasons: 1) the very strong focus on authenticity and emphasis on understanding who I am, 2) Shaifali’s impressive credentials and experience in the space, 3) the importance is given to collaboratively working through the process, and 4) the company’s strong track record and systematic approach. Throughout the engagement, Shaifali was extremely responsive and accessible, which was ...
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    Class of 2022 Admit
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  • Excellent Experience & Results with Shaifali!
    5 years ago
    Shaifali was instrumental in successfully guiding me through my application process to several top business school programs. She was always professional and encouraging. My experience with her is that she is not only a top-level consultant but also genuinely interested in understanding your own story, so as to build the strongest possible application to each school. Shaifali brought tremendous insight as well as a personal touch to my application process. I am genuinely convinced I would not have achieved the same happy results without her help and guidance. I am very grateful to her and her team at Ivy Groupe.
    Class of 2021 Admit
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  • Shaifali Helped Me Get Into HBS!
    5 years ago
    Shaifali and Ivy Groupe helped me get into my dream MBA program. She knew exactly how I needed to present myself and my experience to display my skills and personality in applications to top business schools. She was extremely accommodating: Sometimes I would send her my draft essays 1 day before the submission deadline and she would get back to me within hours with her comments. In addition to assistance on essays, Shaifali helped me prepare for interviews. I ended up at my number one choice, Harvard Business School. It was a pleasure working with Shaifali, and I strongly recommend her to anyone interested in top tier MBA programs.
    Class of 2022 Admit
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  • Shaifali is Great!
    5 years ago
    Shaifali was my main advisor during my application process to several top MBA programs. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the nuances of each admissions process and was able to tease out the traits of my profile that were applicable to each school's priorities. In addition to helping curate the content of my applications, Shaifali was a crucial part of my support network when things inevitably did not go my way in the process (e.g., rejections, waitlists, etc.). She coached me through these hiccups in an elegant and comforting way. Ultimately, in large part due to her guidance, I was admitted to the Stanford GSB. I HIGHLY recommend Shaifali for anyone looking to put his or her best foot forward in what is a very competitive ...
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    Class of 2022 Admit
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  • Ivy Groupe - Excellent Experience, Highly Recommend!
    5 years ago
    I highly recommend admissions consulting services with the Ivy Groupe. Shaifali Aggarwal, Founder/CEO of the Ivy Groupe, helped me navigate the business school application process and successfully gain admission to my top schools. I was extremely impressed by Shaifali’s professionalism, thoughtfulness, attentiveness, and expertise. Working with the Ivy Groupe was a true value-add to my application process and I can’t speak highly enough about my experience. I began working with Shaifali after completing the GMAT and she helped me brainstorm/narrow my list of schools, strategize for my applications, create a manageable timeline, craft my story, complete applications, prep for interviews, and ultimately finalize my school selection. Shaifali provides a highly personalized approach. She spent time getting to know my background, assessing my strengths/weaknesses, and understanding my ...
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    Class of 2022 Admit
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  • 5 Top Acceptances With Shaifali
    5 years ago
    Shaifali was instrumental in my business school application process. She was attentive, thoughtful, and insightful in her direction - always helping my voice shine through. Her biggest asset is a deep understanding of what these schools are really looking for and why they ask their chosen essay questions. The resume guidance was also of the highest caliber - she poured over my many iterations to ensure perfection. I have a background in HR, and so was considered "non-traditional" and was worried about how to present my background in a way that showed I could handle the rigors of business school. We jumped all these hurdles together and I gained acceptance to 5 top schools. I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say I ...
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    Class of 2021 Admit
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  • Shaifali Helped Me Get Into My Top Choice Full-Time MBA Program!
    5 years ago
    I had a pre-med background so did not have many peers who were familiar with the business school application process, so I needed a consultant to support me through this process. I had purchased a package from another consultant at the time and did not realize how unhelpful his services were until I met Shaifali. I was blown away by the care she put into my entire application, from brainstorming to choosing between schools I got accepted into. She sent me a questionnaire that not only asked me to outline my main activities at work and outside of work but also asked me to summarize key themes and ideas which really got me to think critically about my background and how it comes together to ...
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    Class of 2022 Admit
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  • Absolutely Loved Working with Shaifali!
    5 years ago
    I signed up for the comprehensive package for three schools and I can honestly say that it was worth every penny. I’m beyond happy with the results that I have achieved in my application journey and I couldn’t have done it without Shaifali’s guidance along the way. I had signed up for a number of free consultations with various consultants and it was only with Shaifali that I’d felt a true, comfortable connection. The others would tell me to give up on so-and-so, leaving me completely discouraged. Sure, this approach might work with some, but certainly not for me. During my conversation with Shaifali, she was frank and honest about what my chances are but relayed that as long as I understood where my candidacy stood ...
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    Class of 2020 Admit
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  • Brings Out the Best in Candidates
    5 years ago
    I worked with Shaifali as an applicant to the 3 top US business schools. From day 1, Shaifali brought tremendous thoughtfulness and knowledge to the table. She was always available to talk on short notice whenever I asked (always within 24 hours), and she tirelessly reviewed essays (always within 48 hours and usually faster) until we both felt that they were ready - even if it took endless revisions until the last possible day. She also knew an incredible amount about each school - culture, classes, career paths, student activities, etc. What I found most helpful however was Shaifali’s ability to draw out the best in me, which made working with her remarkably easy. She asked questions that helped me clarify themes in my background, connect ...
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    Class of 2022 Applicant
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  • Highly Recommend Shaifali!
    5 years ago
    I partnered with Shaifali on a writing a GMAT waiver letter, a couple business school essays as well as reviewing my resume and LinkedIn profile. She is a great listener, extremely responsive, and an invested partner in your own success. Her personal HBS experience and admission process expertise was invaluable. I was accepted into my number one choice and received a healthy scholarship. I largely attribute this to Shaifali and her ability to help me construct a well written and truly authentic personal narrative. Thanks to Shaifali and the Ivy Groupe, I'm one step closer to achieving my professional goals.
    Class of 2020 Admit
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  • Great Experience Working with Ivy Groupe!
    5 years ago
    With Ivy Groupe's help, I was accepted into my first choice MBA program at the University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)! In our initial consulting call, Shaifali honed in quickly on the weakest part of my application (undergrad GPA) and suggested specific ways to offset it by emphasizing my graduate school and work experiences. I was impressed with her experience and insight throughout the month-long process! She helped me write compelling essays that were extremely authentic, without ever suggesting that I change my voice or the narrative. Her feedback is honest and direct- it helped me feel both confident and self-aware going into the B School interview. I chose the hourly package as I was only applying to one school in this round, and Shaifali ...
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    Samra Matin
    Part-Time MBA Class of 2022 Admit
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  • Ivy Groupe helped me get into my top school
    5 years ago
    As an international applicant from an overrepresented pool, I knew I wanted an admissions consultant by my side during the application process. I set up introductory calls with multiple consultants and the call with Shaifali stood out to me for a few reasons: 1. I would be working directly with Shaifali at every stage 2. Our conversation was very clear and straightforward, with no frills 3. The call was not stressful and was largely focused on my background and goals During our first few sessions after signing on, Shaifali spent time getting to know me and my short-term and long-term goals in more detail, in order to create a compelling application strategy. She laid out a schedule for the upcoming months and guided me while narrowing down my larger school ...
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    Class of 2020 Admit
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  • Thoughtful & Responsive Coach - Highly Recommended!
    5 years ago
    Shaifali is amazing!! She worked with me on one full MBA application and then a couple of essays for other schools. I ended up at my top choice school in the double MBA/Public Policy program. The full MBA application package was 100% worth it. Shaifali guided me through a thoughtful and nuanced process to craft my narrative on every part of the application. From guidance on my resume to selecting references to prepping for interviews, Shaifali always provided insightful advice. She even helped me wordsmith my emails to the Admissions office after I was waitlisted! I felt like I got much more than my money's worth from Shaifali. Additionally, as a traveling consultant, Shaifali was super responsive and flexible to my schedule. She helped me ...
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    Class of 2015 Admit
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  • Perfect Consultant for Applicants to Top MBA Programs
    5 years ago
    I interviewed several MBA admissions consultants before deciding on Shaifali, and in retrospect, she was the perfect choice for me. As someone with a fairly typical MBA applicant background and a competitive GPA and GMAT, my original primary goal for engaging a consultant was to find somebody who could help me figure out what to write about in my essays. After one conversation with Shaifali, I realized she would be vital for much more than just my essay topics, as she helped me define who I am and then effectively translate that into an application. I was amazed at Shaifali’s ability to listen to my background and quickly tease out my 4-6 most defining qualities and then help create a plan for how to effectively ...
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    Class of 2021 Admit
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  • Shaifali is the best in the business!
    5 years ago
    I can't imagine having gone through the MBA admissions process without Shaifali. She is thoughtful and strategic, and a true partner — from start to finish. I had a relatively unconventional work background, and she helped me craft my narrative in a way that I was able to get into my dream M7 school with a less-than-average GMAT score. Her sage advice paired with her timely and constructive feedback at all points of the process — recommenders, essays, interviews — not only kept me sane throughout the process but also gave me the confidence to tell my story and understand how it would be perceived by my dream schools. Shaifali makes you feel like she's wholeheartedly on your team; I couldn't recommend her more.
    Class of 2021 Admit
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  • Highly Recommend, Shaifali!
    5 years ago
    From the start, Shaifali has helped me to find my own voice in my MBA applications. She really listened to my story and helped me distill who I am clearly on my application. She helped me bring all of my experience and my dreams together into a solid application strategy and she guided me through the rather stressful process with patience and support. Whenever I had any questions or doubt, Shaifali always got back to me in a day with her honest opinion. With her support, I was interviewed at four out of the six schools I applied and was admitted into two M7 schools, which includes my dream school. I would highly recommend Shaifali to be a trusted guide on your admission journey.
    Class of 2021 Admit
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  • Highly Recommend Shaifali - She is the best!
    6 years ago
    I highly recommend Shaifali based upon my experience working with her throughout my application process. My application ended with an offer from the best possible school that I could see myself getting into, and Shaifali was instrumental in making sure that I delivered my strongest package. She literally pushed me at every stage of my application process to think broader and deeper about what distinguished myself. She was direct, patient and always prompt in getting back to my questions. Her own experience as well as her in-depth knowledge of the application process has made her an invaluable resource to have for any applicant.
    Class of 2021 Admit
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  • Game Changing MBA Consultant - Highly Recommend
    6 years ago
    From my first conversation with Shaifali, I was sold on her approach. Applying to an MBA can feel incredibly daunting (especially while you are trying to balance a full time job) and after speaking with Shaifali I felt like I had a partner -- someone who not only had the inside scoop on how to approach this process, but also someone who could validate all the little questions and doubts along the way. I opted for one comprehensive package to work through a more detailed and hands on approach to crafting my narrative for one school. From there, I supplemented with a few hourly sessions to review my applications for other schools. Shaifali helped me from Fall through Spring, from the earliest stages of my ...
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    Class of 2021 Admit
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  • Shaifali Exceeded My Expectations!
    6 years ago
    From the start, I felt daunted by the entire business school application process and knew that I needed someone to guide me. After speaking with several consultants, I decided to go with Shaifali because she not only connected with me the most but also came with the highest recommendations from a friend. I was able to craft a very compelling personal story after completing a comprehensive MBA Application Strategy exercise with Shaifali, who helped me crystallize my career goals and reasons for pursuing an MBA. Shaifali provided excellent and insightful feedback for everything application related including my essays, resume, recommendation letters, and even my post-interview thank you emails and scholarship negotiation emails. She always responded within 48 hours and was always happy to hop on ...
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    Class of 2021 Admit
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  • Personal Approach Combined With Strong Experience
    6 years ago
    I worked with Shaifali directly on my applications to business school this coming Fall. She came well-referred by friends in the industry and my experience matched theirs' quite neatly. My main points of concern and motivation for working with a consultant were organization (given my tight timeframe for applying) and time management (given that I was continuing to work full-time in the finance industry while simultaneously submitting applications). Shaifali's program was extremely thoughtful and guided me naturally along an extremely reasonable timeline that she set forth at the very beginning. I found that having a fairly objective helping hand throughout the process was invaluable, and I really believe I would have seen different results had I chosen to pursue the process alone while working full-time. ...
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    Class of 2021 Admit
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  • Shaifali’s Midas Touch
    6 years ago
    While working by myself last year on my MBA and MS applications, I was disappointed with the initial response from the schools that I had applied to. It is then when I decided to reach out to Shaifali and utilize her experience and expertise in shaping my applications. I am so glad that I did – it was the best decision that I made! While working with Shaifali, we went through the various parts of each application. As we did so, I could comprehend and see the changes in the structure of my application while making it suitable for business schools. For example, with Shefali's guidance, I was able to build a unique personal story in my essays while keeping them quite authentic, use innovative methods ...
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    Vaibhav Narang
    MS
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  • Highly Recommend Shaifali!
    6 years ago
    I highly recommend Shaifali because, based on my experience, there are three things that stood out as her clear strengths. First and foremost, beyond the one dimensional proof-reading that my friends could provide, her advice was simultaneously both thoughtful and thought-invoking and challenged me to dig deeper into the core of my argument. Having that second pair of eyes to poke at my ideas motivated me to strengthen and polish my writing. Second, being able to bounce ideas off her also served as a source of mental support for me. Lastly, I enjoyed working with Shaifali especially because of her to-the-point and (always) responsive attitude. She is a straight shooter with no frills but great substance.
    Class of 2021 Admit
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  • Definitely Recommend
    6 years ago
    Shaifali was extraordinarily helpful throughout the entire MBA application process, and I would without question recommend her consulting services. From Day 1, she was helpful in advising on what schools to think about and what those schools look for in applicants. She helped develop my narrative and identify key strengths to include in my essays. Shaifali was very supportive by walking me through different ideas for my essays and ways of positioning myself. She had incredibly quick turnaround times for written pieces and was available to speak with me at any point throughout the process no matter what question I had. Shaifali's genuine support, her ability to help identify key themes in my narrative and bring those out, and her knowledge of the very comprehensive ...
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    Class of 2019 Admit
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  • Helping me tell my story
    6 years ago
    I used Shaifali's hourly services to help mainly for the essay and interview portion of my MBA applications. I applied to four schools and while I had already identified what I wanted to say in my applications, I had a difficult time conveying this through the essay portion of my application. I spoke with several admissions consultants and decided to work with Shaifali for several reasons. Firstly, the hourly services allowed me to focus on the help I needed. Secondly, of all the consultants, she was most able to help me figure out actionable steps to get me out of my rut and sell my story to schools. Lastly, she was extremely responsive and always willing to get on the phone or respond via email, ...
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    Class of 2021 Admit
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  • Ensuring You Put Your Best Foot Forward
    6 years ago
    Shaifali’s approach to evaluating each applicant’s candidacy helped me differentiate myself within a pool of countless other profiles with similar backgrounds, experiences, and statistics. Her comprehensive package explores every aspect of your life to-date, working to craft a story that is unique to you. For me, the “no stone left unturned” methodology identified the underlying themes that motivated me and turned me into who I am today, and helped me convey this story of development concisely across all my essays. Specifically, Shaifali helped me every step of the way, from constructing my application identity and strategy to school selection and identification of my recommenders. She was a phenomenal resource for my recommenders, providing direct feedback to help them strengthen their anecdotes in their letters of ...
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    Class of 2021 Admit
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  • The best admissions consultant out there
    6 years ago
    My time with Shaifali was hands down the best academic support I have ever received. To begin, she took the time to dive incredibly deep into my personal background. It went far beyond reviewing baseball stats and into understanding who I was as a person, my vision for a career, and how I could contribute to each business school. As a consultant myself, my schedule was always slammed, so Shaifali really went the extra mile to plan out milestones that would be reasonable given my workload. She was incredibly patient in my frequent need to edit and often "over-engineer" essays but also took the time to let me execute the real changes (word-smithing and otherwise) so I could take full ownership of the finished product. ...
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    Class of 2019 Admit
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  • Totally worth it! Shaifali is fantastic
    6 years ago
    I'd like to thank Shaifali for the fantastic guidance and support she provided in my b-school application journey. Applying from Africa, I needed an adviser who understood the context from which I was applying. In our first conversation, I gave her a summary of my life journey. She immediately developed 5 strong themes around which I would build my application story to highlight my unique background and experiences. I was very impressed with the vision she had for the application. I knew then that Shaifali was the perfect fit. She was very responsive to my emails and made time to skype chat even with little lead time. Her feedback was also actionable. After reading her emails or having a conversation, I was clear on next ...
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    Class of 2019 Admit
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  • Shaifali is best-in-class! You are in good hands
    6 years ago
    I worked with Shaifali on three business school applications and was admitted to my dream school, HBS. Shaifali added tremendous value when it came to helping me craft my storyboard, edit my resume, and tighten my essays. I was most nervous about the essays and short responses, as expressing myself through writing does not always come naturally to me. Through multiple iterations, Shaifali helped me tell my story in a way that was authentic and competitive. I also appreciated how she worked closely with my recommenders to provide 3rd-party feedback. I trust Shaifali’s expertise in admissions consulting and if I were to apply again, I would absolutely choose to work with her. I continue to recommend her to my friends.
    Class of 2018 Admit
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  • Shaifali is a phenomenal consultant!
    6 years ago
    Shaifali is a phenomenal consultant and resource when it comes to the admissions process. She has a keen eye for detail and keeps the big picture in mind when helping craft your application. I'd highly recommend scheduling a kick-off call with her - going through the strategy phase of the process with Shaifali was extremely valuable. She listens to your story and brainstorms strategies to position your application effectively in a way that is unique to you, and it is especially helpful if you're from an over represented group like I was (Indian-engineering). Shaifali's insights were crucial to help distinguish my application from the rest of the pool, especially since I had a less than stellar GMAT scores and graduated from a school that wasn't well known, ...
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    Class of 2020 Admit
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  • By my side every step of the way
    6 years ago
    Applying to graduate school was a very sudden and deliberate decision. I had less than three months in total to study and take the GMAT before the applications were due. On top of that, I had to keep up with work and my various community commitments. Having taken a first look at applications by myself, I was completely disoriented. I had reached out to my college best friend who had recently started school at HBS and he recommended his MBA Admissions Consultant, Shaifali. Despite the tight deadline, she was able to break each step down into manageable and meaningful pieces, with each step bringing me closer to a polished application. She guided me through the process and helped me assemble a storyboard true to myself. ...
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    Class of 2019 Admit
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  • Best investment I made
    7 years ago
    I worked with Shaifali on 3 MBA applications for Round 1 for almost half a year, and I have to say that she has been SUCH an indispensable asset for me. I initially tried to complete all applications myself and "cut corners" (eg. only enroll in essay-editing services with another company), but looking back, Shaifali's full spectrum consulting services is the best investment I've made in this process. Right away, Shaifali patiently worked with me on my "story" and helped me package my bizarre employment history into a compelling story that made sense. Shaifali is a magician with this kind of work, and I have to say that this is one of the greatest value-add to my overall applications. After this, we worked through dozens ...
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    Class of 2020 Admit
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  • Shaifali got me into my dream school!
    7 years ago
    Shaifali was my guardian angel throughout my business school application process. I started working with Shaifali in July 2017 and from our very first phone call, I felt completely supported and understood. Shaifali listened to my career goals and she created a strategy to overcome my weaknesses (low quant score on GMAT) to get into a top school. With Shaifali's step-by-step guidance, I was able to dig further into each school's program and my own MBA goals to build competitive applications for Round 1 deadlines. Shaifali also made herself completely available to me and was quick to turnaround edits for all of my essays. Shaifali and her Board of Advisors meticulously combed through every sentence of my essays to ensure that they were free of ...
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    Class of 2020 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.