Silpa Sarma

Senior Expert Coach

Fortuna Admissions

United States

Net Promoter Score: 9

Consultant Bio

As a former member of Stanford GSB’s admissions team, Silpa was responsible for evaluating and selecting a dynamic and diverse class of MBA students from hundreds of applicants each year. Having assessed candidates across a multitude of industries, geographies, and career stages, she takes great satisfaction in leveraging her expertise to help applicants strengthen their candidacy and achieve their professional goals.

Silpa began her career in financial services at the Vanguard Group and subsequently worked in quantitative equity research at City National Rochdale. Upon completing her MBA, she served in various corporate finance roles within the technology industry, including treasury operations, internal audit, financial analysis, and strategic planning at firms such as Lam Research and Palo Alto Networks.

Silpa holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Cornell’s Johnson Graduate School of Management.

Company Information

Fortuna Admissions possesses unique insider knowledge of how admissions committees work, because we have been the gatekeepers in the admissions offices of top business schools. Our entire team comprises of former business school professionals from top-tier institutions including Wharton, INSEAD, Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, London Business School, Chicago Booth, NYU Stern, Duke Fuqua, IE Business School, and UC Berkeley Haas.

We have personally reviewed tens of thousands of applications from candidates all over the world. We have also shaped admissions policy, devised the application processes, and had the final say on who got in. We know the inside track – what goes on behind the closed doors of admissions committees, how your candidacy will stand up versus the competition, and how you can best maximize your chances of gaining a coveted place in a top MBA program.

Our experience and passion for coaching gives you a level of MBA admissions insight that you won’t find anywhere else. And with our passion for coaching, we can help you bring out the best in yourself so you truly shine in your application and interviews.

Menu of Services and Associated Costs

Goal development. Candidacy positioning. Interview coaching. Designed to guide you carefully through the entire application process, our MBA packages draw on our team’s industry expertise as former Directors and Associate Directors of Admissions at the world’s best business schools. For the highest impact, we recommend our Comprehensive Package or Premium Package Upgrade services.

One-School Package: $5,900 (Expert coach) $6,900 (director / senior expert coach)
Two-School Package: $7,900 (Expert coach) $9,200 (director / senior expert coach)
Three-School Package: $9,750 (Expert coach) $11,350 (director / senior expert coach)
Four-School Package: $11,450 (Expert coach) $13,350 (director / senior expert coach)
Five-School Package: $13,000 (Expert coach) $15,200 (director / senior expert coach)

You will work with a dedicated Expert Coach throughout the entire process, with input from our resume specialist and a mid-point review of your entire application by another of our Expert Coaches. Our Fortuna Coaches have held senior positions at the world’s best MBA programs and are uniquely qualified to help you maximize your chances of gaining a coveted place in a top business school.

Location: United States

Email: info@fortunaadmissions.com

Website: https://fortunaadmissions.com/

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P&Q Consultant Reviews

  • Silpa Will Help You Achieve Your Goal
    2 months ago
    Silpa helped me throughout the applications process for 3 schools (ending in an admit to my top choice), and was very generous in supporting me beyond the immediate scope of our project. I can't stress how important it is to work with someone who knows what adcom are looking for at top programs. Silpa consistently provided that insight, and effectively leveraged the expertise of the broader Fortuna team when required. Maybe most importantly, Silpa is kind and patient, which can't be overvalued in the long and painstaking journey of your MBA applications.
    Class of 2026 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Got Into 4 Of The M7!
    3 months ago
    Working with Silpa was worth every $$ and then some more. I screened 5 different consultants and chose Silpa for a couple of reasons - (a) she was direct and supportive but to the point, without any sugarcoating - which is very suited to folks from Asian descent, (b) prior experience as a GSB reader and (c) recommended by a past GSB admit who worked with her. The results speak for themselves - I was admitted to all 4 schools I worked with Silpa on - GSB(!!), Wharton, MIT and Kellogg. Also tweaked the same materials to apply to Columbia on my own and got in too! Silpa was immensely accommodative with tight deadlines, especially during the two weeks before the deadlines. She took the ...
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    Kanchan Khemani
    MBA Class of 2026 Admit
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  • Thank You, Silpa!
    3 months ago
    Silpa was an incredible and steady resource during my MA/MBA dual degree application process. Her advice and guidance helped me succeed in my application. Throughout the entire process, Silpa was always responsive, professional, and encouraging. She provided concrete tasks and actionable feedback, ensuring I stayed on track with deadlines and helped me make my application the absolute best it can be. Silpa truly cares about your success, and she will offer you support at every step. I am profoundly grateful to her for changing the trajectory of my career with my successful application and acceptance into my dream program! If you are seeking an MBA consultant, I wholeheartedly recommend Silpa—she is an invaluable asset in the admissions process.
    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Great Consultant
    4 months ago
    Silpa was an amazing consultant for me. She helped me get into some top programs and was willing to go above and beyond in helping me. I really appreciated all her help and would definitely recommend her to others! If it wasn't for her help and strategy, I probably wouldn't have gotten some of the MBA offers that I received. She was very kind and supportive along the way.
    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Experienced & Supportive MBA Coach!
    10 months ago
    I worked with Silpa to apply last-minute to part-time MBA programs. I only selected programs that were ranked within the top 5 and had less than one month to complete my application from start to finish for each school. Silpa was absolutely wonderful in taking me through the process. She challenged me to think about my goals, my experiences, and my strengths, and took the lead on putting together a strong application that granted me acceptances to both of my top choices. She was very responsive and very quick / diligent in her reviews. Every material that passed through Silpa's hands was made better. I felt that she really understood my experiences and my goals and was able to support me in putting together an ...
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    Vaish Sridharan
    Part-Time MBA Class of 2023 Admit
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  • Thankful To Have Worked With Silpa
    10 months ago
    When I began the MBA application process, I spoke with 8 different advisors. Ultimately, I felt Silpa was the best choice for my consultant & I am happy I chose her. She has the full package – an impressive background, is articulate and goal-oriented, and has a calming, encouraging personality. I’m fortunate to have worked with her for almost a year between Round 1 & 2. She took an overwhelming process with many parts (career vision, LOR, essays, etc.) and made it easy for me to go step-by-step until I finished 3 applications. She kept me on schedule and provided meaningful advice on how to showcase myself in the best possible light. Because of her help, I’ll be starting at Wharton this summer! I would ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Choose Silpa!
    11 months ago
    I can’t recommend Silpa enough! I worked with Silpa as a Round 2 applicant for the Class of 2025. I decided to work with a consultant to help me stay organized while balancing applications with work and other personal commitments. Silpa was especially encouraging, responsive, and supportive throughout the entire process. At first, I felt as if I didn’t have an obvious story or life-changing moment that could differentiate my application from hundreds of others; however, Silpa guided me to think about my story and my goals in a completely different way and helped translate that narrative into a compelling application. With her guidance, the application process was minimally stressful, as she helped break each step (essays, LORs, resume, app date, short answers, interviews) into ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Helped Me Feel Super Comfortable Throughout The Process!
    11 months ago
    I worked with Silpa for a few months on a comprehensive three-school package during the 2022 application cycle, so she was there to guide me through school selection, CV, essays, letters of recommendation, and eventually interviews. From our first exploratory call, I immediately felt comfortable with her, and she was great at reassuring me of the timeline and laying things out of how the preparation phase for the application would be split up in the time leading up to application deadlines. Personally, coming from a finance background and lacking recent experience in writing, I was the most worried about the essay part of the applications and getting them concise (to be within the word limit) while representing my story as well as my hopes of getting ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Couldn't Recommend More!!
    11 months ago
    I could not recommend working with Silpa more. I worked with her on my GSB application, and I believe that her help and feedback were a critical part of being accepted. She brought out the best version of my story, in several ways: she had great insight into what different schools were looking for / how they differed (which was also helpful in making my decision between schools), she spent time getting to know me and my goals well, and she always made herself available for questions (no matter how small). I felt I had put my best foot forward by the end of the process thanks to Silpa's thoughtful and personalized feedback and deep knowledge of the process. She is also a very kind ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Admitted To GSB - 1000% Recommend Silpa!
    12 months ago
    Silpa far exceeded my expectation of a coach, and I cannot recommend her enough! After interviewing many coaches across different companies, I knew Silpa’s rare combination of expertise, strategic mindset, and compassion made her the perfect coach. What I appreciated most was the objective lens she brought from the point of view of an admissions reader. Her background and previous experience as a reader at the GSB allowed her to identify each weak point and strength in my application and build a strategy from there. She put thoughtful consideration into each and every detail, from who to pick for my recommenders to whether or not to retake the GMAT. We spent considerable time on my essay and narrative, writing and rewriting ideas, drafts, and stories ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Work With Silpa To Give Yourself The Best Chance Of Admission
    12 months ago
    I worked with Silpa for 4 months and used her services for Round 2 MBA applications to Stanford GSB and Chicago Booth; her advice, guidance, and knowledge were fundamental to my admittance to both schools. I encourage anyone, particularly applicants with average test scores and/or a non-traditional MBA applicant profile, to employ her expertise early and enthusiastically! Silpa’s superpower is her ability to help clients maximize the impact of their stories whilst ensuring those clients remain true to their experiences and values. Furthermore, her deep knowledge of the application process is incredibly reassuring and ensures applicants produce quality essays and short answers that demonstrate the attributes and virtues that top business schools are looking for. In addition to her professional proficiency, Silpa’s kind and supportive ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Couldn't Have Done It Without Her
    1 year ago
    I began working with Silpa late in 2022 when I began the MBA application process and was immediately overwhelmed. As an applicant coming from a non-business background, I felt thoroughly unprepared to navigate the process alone, but during the Fortuna "sales pitch" call, Silpa immediately stood out to me as someone who would be deeply knowledgeable and highly supportive. During the last 6 months, Silpa really honed in on crafting a strong narrative to explain my work and education experiences, and how they could positively impact my future career. Throughout the entire process, Silpa was very responsive, providing thoughtful critiques on essays and meeting regularly to help perfect each aspect of my application. I am thrilled to be accepting a seat in Cornell's Class of ...
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    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Interview Prep
    1 year ago
    Prepare to be blown away by the exceptional interview preparation services provided by Silpa! With a meticulous approach, Silpa helped me craft customized answers to a plethora of challenging questions and calmed my nerves before the interview. In record time, Silpa provided me with quick and efficient feedback, ensuring that I remained on track and focused on the most important topics. She even went above and beyond to help me craft a stellar thank-you note for my interviewer. Silpa's guidance throughout the process was truly invaluable, and I am thrilled to report that I was able to secure admission to the top US schools for which I enrolled her services. If you're looking for an effective coaching session that will help you reach your academic goals, ...
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    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Best Of The Best
    1 year ago
    Silpa was an incredible advisor during the application process. She takes the time to truly know you, your aspirations, and your story. Silpa is very intelligent, professional, and qualified (previous experience in admissions at GSB), putting her in a category by herself. I had full confidence in Silpa throughout the entire process. We had an hourly engagement where I was able to focus our time on what I chose. Silpa was extremely accommodating to busy schedules and was particularly flexible in the week prior to the deadlines, even going above and beyond the normal call of duty. Ultimately, I was admitted to Harvard, Columbia, and MIT. I would highly recommend Silpa to anyone considering applying for an MBA.
    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • Instrumental In Kellogg & Tuck Acceptance!!
    1 year ago
    It has been such a pleasure to work with Silpa on my full-time MBA applications to Kellogg (A), Tuck (A), and GSB (WL). I'm grateful for her advice and guidance throughout the application cycle. When I started this process in June last year, I didn't think that I had a shot at getting into any business school with my low undergraduate GPA, nontraditional major, average test score, and nonlinear personal and professional path. I wanted to work with an admissions coach who would believe in me and encourage me to shine a light on my story instead of shying away from it. Right from the beginning, Silpa was pragmatic about my chances yet committed to my success. Silpa is super warm, easy to connect with, and ...
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    Class of 2023 Admit
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  • Invested In Her Clients' Success
    1 year ago
    Silpa helped guide me through what can be a very confusing process at times. Everyone is so familiar with their own story that it can be hard to tell what makes you stand out vs. all the other qualified candidates. Silpa takes the time to get to know her clients and is great at identifying a couple of things that make them unique. I am truly grateful to have gotten to work with her and happy to report that the process resulted in a ticket to Booth.
    Class of 2025 Applicant
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  • A True Partner Throughout The Process
    1 year ago
    I had my initial Fortuna "sales pitch" call with Silpa. While she presented me with multiple accomplished coaches to work with, I chose to work directly with her because of her ability to interpret and contextualize nuance, as well as her warm, personable nature. This ended up being an excellent decision for me. The MBA application process is deeply personal, introspective, and at times, vulnerable. It was both a comfort and a pleasure to work with Silpa, who was consistently thoughtful, insightful, and helpful. I had a last-minute change in my application with hours left before the application deadline. At the busiest point in her year, Silpa still managed to provide real-time support and guidance. Ultimately I was accepted at Kellogg, where I was waitlisted ...
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    Daniel Lazier
    MBA Class of 2025 Admit
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  • GSB Acceptance With Silpa's Help On Essay
    1 year ago
    Would 100% recommend Silpa - she worked as a reader at GSB and provided invaluable feedback on my essays. She was also just a great resource throughout the process - encouraging and a great listener
    Class of 2025 Admit
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  • A Keen Eye For Detail That Saved My App At The Last Minute
    2 years ago
    I started working with Silpa only a couple of weeks before my deadline. She helped me look through every aspect of my application in detail, from how to think about filling out the extra-curricular section to fleshing out the right ideas in my essays. She had a keen eye for detail and helped me refine my application in a holistic way. If it weren't for her, many aspects of my application would have remained neglected. I strongly believe that the finishing touch she brought made all the difference in the success of my application. I would strongly recommend others to work with her on their MBA application journey.
    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Well-Rounded, Reliable Business Partner For Your MBA/Master's Admission Process/Journey
    2 years ago
    Silpa helped prepare in less than a month to gain admission to Yale SOM. Silpa was critical to my admission to the MAM program at Yale, and I can't imagine going through this process without her. Having to work full time, I honestly had no idea how to prepare a compelling, strong application. Silpa genuinely went the extra mile to help me on this journey; she was flexible and always provided brilliant still, fast and actionable feedback from day one. I especially appreciate her candid yet friendly approach to challenging me to go deeper when reflecting on my stories for the application and to write compelling essays by being concise and keeping on track of the key details of my stories as well as aligned ...
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    Class of 2023 Admit
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  • Extremely Helpful
    2 years ago
    Silpa was absolutely critical to my b-school application success. As someone with a limited understanding of the application process and who began preparing to apply quite late in the application round, I didn't really know where to begin. Silpa was great at helping me navigate the application process and getting me to look inward for the kind of deeply personal essays that schools were looking for. Silpa's help with interview preparation was also excellent, which is supported by the fact that I was admitted to every school that invited me to interview. Because I was preparing to apply late, when I started working with Silpa I had not finalized my school list. Silpa suggested applying to a top program that I had thought I wouldn't have ...
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    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • A Talented Storyteller with an Eye for Detail
    2 years ago
    After unsuccessfully navigating the business school application process once on my own, I decided to use Fortuna for my second attempt. Silpa is truly a gem and was able to help me translate my story and non-traditional background into a scholarship-winning application. I was consistently impressed with how much time she took during each phase of Fortuna's process to ensure that my application was truly reflective of who I am as a person. She has a keen attention to detail and wove together elements I had initially viewed as unimportant in a way that showed incredible impact. I absolutely would not have been admitted, let alone with significant scholarship, without her!
    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Knowledgeable & Strategic
    2 years ago
    I worked with Silpa on an hourly package and she helped me gain admission to Stanford GSB and Kellogg. Her key areas of strength were helping me prioritize my efforts in the application process and bringing a real adcom's perspective when reading my essays. Because Silpa has been in Stanford GSB's adcom, she knows the relative importance of different parts of the application and understands how they are likely to react.
    Class of 2023 Admit
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  • Excellent To Work With!
    2 years ago
    Silpa thinks critically and helps formulate questions that help tremendously in fine-tuning the essays and the overall application. This is crucial for the selection processes followed by the top institutes in the world- This is what makes or breaks an application. I got through the top 5 universities including Stanford and Wharton. Her comments and suggestions were very helpful. I highly recommend her.
    Class of 2023 Applicant
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  • 10/10 Would Recommend
    2 years ago
    I worked with Silpa for 8-hours to help prepare applications for GSB and HBS – it was worth every penny! Silpa was direct, encouraging, and realistic. She helped me strategize on where to invest my time and our time. Consequently, we focused on my resume, LoR briefs, and short answers. Silpa helped me transform my application from a list of accomplishments to a holistic narrative that was balanced and most importantly, true. While she encouraged me to highlight my best self, she made sure it was rooted in my experiences. Silpa’s attention to detail and help with conveying my stories with limited work/character counts were vital to creating a great application and keeping me sane. I just accepted a spot at my top choice school ...
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    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Great Experience!
    2 years ago
    Working with Silpa was a pleasure! From day one she was nothing but helpful, giving clear guidance and support throughout the entire process. I used her for 4 MBA applications, with the GSB as my top choice. As a GSB expert, she was able to help me hone my career vision, whilst ensuring that it was genuine and true to my values. Her experience working in admissions allowed her to give me clear insights and direction when it came to refining my application and ensuring that it would stand out. She was always available, timely, reliable and organized. Silpa not only helped me get through the entire process end-to-end on time, but also she helped me enjoy the process. She has a great personality and ...
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    Class of 2024 Admit
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  • Impactful & Passionate Consultant
    2 years ago
    Silpa Sarma is a master of her craft. I've had the extraordinary pleasure of working with Silpa on my MBA applications for round one in the 2021-2022 admissions cycle and can't recommend her highly enough! Coming from a non-traditional background, I didn't know much about MBAs or my prospects for admission to a top school. I am also on the light end of work experience (less than 2 years at the time of application) so I knew I needed to craft a really outstanding application. After consulting with Silpa on my options, I decided I really wanted to focus my energy, and my admissions consulting package, on just Stanford and Harvard. From the outset, Silpa was incredibly encouraging of my strategy and is a really warm, delightful ...
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    Class of 2024 Admit
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