Meet Abdusamed, a distinguished admissions coach and the founder of Sherif Academy, renowned for his expertise in guiding candidates to top MBA programs and prestigious internships.
Abdusamed has a Bachelor’s from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Abdusamed leveraged his high-profile internship experience and Harvard education to establish Sherif Academy. This non-profit organization focuses on assisting students from low socioeconomic backgrounds in gaining admissions to leading colleges and MBA programs and securing Fortune 500 internships. Over five years, Sherif Academy has supported over 5,000 students worldwide, with more than 600 gaining admission to their dream MBA programs.
Abdusamed’s professional network extends to partnerships with key figures in MBA admissions, including the Assistant Dean of MBA Admissions at Harvard, MIT Sloan, Stanford GSB, and Wharton School. These connections have provided him with deep insights into what top institutions seek in candidates and the nuances of their selection processes. Abdusamed has successfully coached candidates toward acceptance into several elite schools, including Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Wharton, Kellogg, and MIT Sloan,
His journey to becoming an admissions coach was inspired by his father's dedication to providing him with the best educational resources. His father's belief in his potential led Abdusamed to excel academically, culminating in his admission to Harvard Business School through the 2+2 Program. This experience instilled in him a desire to provide similar opportunities to others.
Abdusamed's coaching style is characterized by a personalized approach, helping candidates to find and express their unique stories. He collaborates closely with applicants, focusing on their strengths and aspirations to develop tailored strategies. He aims to empower candidates to own their narratives and confidently navigate the competitive admissions landscape.
In his free time, Abdusamed enjoys connecting with founders from underrepresented backgrounds and indulging in his love for sports, including semi-professional soccer and basketball. He is an avid fan of Arsenal and the Lakers.
Meet Alec, a stellar admissions coach and successful entrepreneur passionate about helping young people achieve their professional and academic goals.
Alec has a Bachelor’s degree in both Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Asian Studies from Rice University, and an MBA from Stanford University. Professionally, Alec is an entrepreneur, a co-founder of a successful business, and the President of Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs Texas. On top of it all, he is a valuable member of the Inspira team and has helped multiple students get into top-ten schools.
Over the years, Alec has developed his passion for coaching through his extensive experience helping candidates get into their dream schools. As a coach, Alec enjoys helping others find confidence and pride in what sets them apart. He loves to see students embark on journeys to cultivate their individuality further. Students Alec has recently coached have gotten accepted into UC Berkeley, Yale University, Princeton University, MIT, Stanford University, Washington University St. Louis, Rice University, and Vanderbilt University.
Alec’s greatest strength when working with Inspira applicants is his ability to help them find their confidence and voice. Through experience, he knows that speaking from the heart rather than memorizing what “should be said” is the best approach, and he enjoys showing students how to do so in interviews and essays. Alec understands the difficulty in articulating the “why” behind your experiences and decisions. He prides himself on his ability to help students dig deep so they can determine the motivations behind their choices, whether it's their reason for pursuing an activity, a school, or a program.
In his free time, Alec enjoys taking courses online, making up games, and solving computer science problems.
Meet Alexander, one of our expert admissions coaches with years of experience in all areas of the admissions process - from Ivy League interview coaching to writing counseling.
Alexander has a Bachelor's in Business Administration from George Washington University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. At GWU, he held a leadership position as a counselor in the university writing center. He has also been an interview counselor at Columbia University. Since then, Alexander has worked with Lemonaid, an organization that helps middle and high school students start businesses, which turned into passion projects they could write about when applying to university. Most recently, Alexander's coached students have gotten into Harvard, Princeton, Georgetown, Yale, UC Berkeley, and other top schools.
Alexander is passionate about helping students reach their goals while prompting them to learn more about what makes them unique candidates for any school or program. For him, relying on his unique strengths to craft a narrative tailored to his experience was instrumental to his success. Alexander knows how critical it can be to have someone on your side during the daunting application process and aims to be that person for the students he coaches.
Alexander's extensive mentoring and coaching experience in a higher education setting gives him valuable insight into what top schools are looking for in applicants. At GWU, he coached dozens of students on how to write compelling essays. While at Columbia, his interview counseling experience helped him understand how students can best position their academic and extra-curricular experiences.
In his free time, Alexander is an avid cyclist, swimmer, skier, surfer, and Bay Area sports fan. He is a former collegiate water polo player. He also enjoys reading - especially the New Yorker - and doing the NYT crossword (and now Wordle!).
Meet Alexei, an admissions counselor devoted to supporting MBA candidates in their unique journeys with the most sincere commitment and respect.
Alexei has a Bachelor’s from the University of Cambridge and an MBA from Harvard Business School. His experience stems from a diverse background that includes mentoring students through the intricate MBA application process, ensuring the creation of robust and authentic submissions. Alexei has successfully guided candidates to acceptance at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Chicago, Stanford, Wharton, and Kellogg, showcasing a track record of excellence in crafting compelling applications.
Professionally, Alexei has over 15 years of cross-functional business experience in investment banking, at renowned institutions such as Morgan Stanley, corporate and business development in Silicon Valley, as well as entrepreneurship.
What sets Alexei apart is an unwavering passion for coaching, finding fulfillment in helping candidates express the uniqueness and brilliance of their journeys, coupled with a constant reminder of their immense capabilities.
Characterized by a coaching style that is highly responsive, deeply committed, and marked by humility, Alexei's greatest strength lies in his ability to foster authenticity and individuality in each applicant's narrative.
In his free time, Alexei enjoys running and writing, maintaining an unbroken commitment to these daily activities.
Allan is an accomplished admissions coach with over a decade of experience guiding students through the intricate and competitive admissions landscape. Professionally, Allan is a senior leader at Shell, a Fortune 10 company.
Allan has a Bachelor’s from Cornell University and an MBA from Chicago Booth School of Business, where he played a crucial role as an alumni interviewer for prospective and admitted students for over five years. Allan's extensive admissions experience spans a diverse spectrum, covering admissions consultation for early and high school candidates, essay preparation, extracurricular activity strategies, and comprehensive support for undergraduate and MBA programs. Students he has recently coached have been admitted to several top-tier schools, such as Cornell, Northwestern, and Penn.
As a first-generation college student, Allan intimately understands the challenges and complexities of the admissions process. This experience fuels his passion for supporting and guiding students through their application journey. He enjoys seeing students and their families celebrate success, instilling confidence in the application journey.
Allan's greatest strengths lie in his ability to break down the application process into manageable steps, providing clarity and purpose for each aspect. His coaching style focuses on understanding the rationale behind application components, enabling students to build intentional and meaningful applications.
Allan excels in transforming students' shortcomings into strengths, creating applicant profiles that resonate with admissions officers beyond grades and test scores. He encourages applicants to find strength in their weaknesses, emphasizing resilience and competitiveness throughout the application process. He believes perfection is not a prerequisite for success; embracing one's unique journey can make the application stand out.
Outside coaching, Allan enjoys playing and competing in badminton tournaments and exploring the world with his wife and two children.
Meet Alleah, a dedicated admissions coach ready to guide individuals through their MBA application journey.
Alleah has earned a Bachelor’s from Brandeis University and is pursuing an MBA at Duke Fuqua. While at Brandeis University, she served as an Admissions Interviewer, gaining a valuable perspective into the application review process. Her greatest learnings from this experience include understanding the qualities sought by admissions committees, nuances between different business schools' criteria, and the importance of holistic candidate evaluation.
Alleah brings a rich background in coaching students, including prospective MBA candidates, through their application process with her non-profit organization, Mother’s Legacy Foundation. She has also been coached by MBA admission professionals, gaining invaluable insights into the admissions process and learning the key tools needed to be a strong candidate. Alleah's guidance has helped students secure acceptance to several top-tier schools, including Fuqua, Ross, Kellogg, and Tuck.
Alleah finds it genuinely invigorating to witness individuals' transformative journeys. It's incredibly fulfilling for her to be a catalyst in someone's growth, aiding them in unlocking their potential and achieving their goals. Alleah’s joy comes from seeing the tangible impact of guidance and support in someone's life, building meaningful connections while guiding individuals, and learning as much from her mentees as they do from her. Alleah is devoted to supporting every candidate, not just as an advisor/coach but as someone who understands the importance of a well-rounded, genuine application that reflects their true selves.
Alleah is a people person, and her greatest strengths are personalized mentorship, strategic guidance, and holistic development. She leverages a blend of interactive yet reflective and productive, one-on-one coaching sessions to create a dynamic learning environment in her sessions and for overall coaching relationships. Alleah's coaching methodology prioritizes fostering a deep understanding of each student’s personal and professional goals and enhancing that with their personal stories. She enjoys encouraging students to remember that the application process isn't just about showcasing academic achievements—it's about painting a holistic picture of who they are—embracing passions, sharing unique stories, and letting authenticity shine.
In her downtime, Alleah thrives on variety. Whether catching the latest blockbuster at the movies, jetting off to new destinations to satisfy her wanderlust, cheering passionately at soccer and basketball games, or embarking on adventures with her beloved Goldendoodle, she finds joy in every moment. These activities keep Alleah balanced, energized, and constantly seeking new experiences. Plus, having a furry companion beside her makes every adventure memorable!
Aman has a Bachelor's from Rutgers University, a Master's from Johns Hopkins University, and an MBA from The Darden School of Business. Having served as an admissions interviewer at Darden and actively participating in the admissions process for two consecutive years, Aman gained valuable insights. During this time, he discovered that Darden places high value on a candidate's potential contributions to the university, emphasizing the narrative behind their MBA pursuit, and the meaningful connections within that story. Furthermore, Aman found that the admissions committee at Darden values candidates who make the effort to visit the school, seeing it as a demonstration of their commitment. Aman's expertise has been instrumental in guiding candidates to successful acceptances at esteemed institutions such as HBS, Tuck, Darden, Columbia, Yale, Georgetown, and others.
As a former teacher, Aman loves the opportunity to take what he learned and help make other people's lives easier. He has also been a basketball coach, SAT tutor, and mentor at university multiple times, truly enjoying the process of mentoring.
Aman's greatest strengths lie in his exceptional ability to cultivate understanding and adaptability tailored to each individual. His distinctive approach blends being very specific with thought-provoking insights, aiming not to prescribe actions but to guide individuals toward self-discovery and growth through their own efforts. In the application process, he strategically places considerable weight on financial considerations and the pursuit of potential scholarships, as he himself was awarded the prestigious Jefferson Fellowship, a full scholarship at Darden.
Aman is a member of the Consortium, understanding its ranking system and emphasizing commitment to its mission in his applications. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies, hanging out with friends and family, playing golf and basketball, and coaching basketball.
Anurag brings a lifelong passion for teaching and mentoring to guide MBA candidates through the intricate process of gaining admission to top-tier business schools.
Anurag has a Bachelor’s from Stanford University and an MBA from the Chicago Booth School of Business, where he served as an Admissions Fellow during his second year. In this role, he contributed to the application review process and interviewed prospective students. Post-graduation, he continued to share his insights as an Alumni Interviewer at Booth, interacting with numerous applicants worldwide. Professionally, Anurag has nine years of experience at top technology and consumer companies, including Apple, Nike, and T-Mobile.
Anurag's journey began as a teaching assistant at Stanford during his college years, fostering his dedication to supporting and guiding others. His coaching style is firmly grounded in transparent, growth-oriented feedback. Anurag believes in being direct yet compassionate when discussing areas for improvement, embodying a growth mindset mentality. Before offering guidance, he prioritizes actively listening to each person's story and gathering comprehensive background information to contextualize their capabilities and aspirations.
When working with MBA candidates, Anurag aims to empower them to express their authentic voice. Drawing from his experience navigating the application process, he understands the challenges of articulating rich, multi-faceted experiences within tight word limits. Anurag’s approach is collaborative rather than prescriptive, engaging in discussions to identify and highlight compelling aspects of their unique journey.
Anurag's greatest strengths lie in his ability to provide insightful guidance and collaborate with candidates effectively. Having successfully aided applicants in gaining admission to esteemed institutions such as Wharton, Booth, and Columbia, he brings a wealth of knowledge about the specific criteria and comprehensive assessment approaches employed by admissions committees.
Anurag became intricately familiar with Booth's distinct criteria and approach to holistically assessing applicants across various dimensions, including academic preparedness, professional accomplishments, leadership potential, communication skills, and other intangibles indicating one's likelihood of success in business school and beyond. Anurag also honed his ability to discern applicants' authentic motivations and genuine interest in the school during interviews.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Anurag enjoys playing and watching soccer and tennis, engaging in experimental cooking, exploring the Pacific Northwest through hiking, and immersing himself in non-fiction literature.
Meet Augie, an expert admissions coach who is passionate about helping students get into their dream school, and who understands how to demonstrate growing from past mistakes to build a strong application.
Augie has a Bachelor's degree in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University and an MBA from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. Augie has also served as an interviewer for Stanford. Since joining the Inspira team, applicants Augie has recently coached have gotten accepted to several top schools, including Stanford University, The University of Chicago, and Vanderbilt University.
Augie’s passion for coaching stems from learning from his own experience as an applicant, and wanting to pass his knowledge on to the next generation of graduates. Augie strongly believes that the key to university admissions is learning from each moment in your life and taking that knowledge with you throughout the application process. He specializes in working with reapplicants, and in framing your weak points as strengths in your application.
Augie’s greatest strengths come from his experience. He has learned from his position as an interviewer at Stanford that a student's academic profile is just one aspect of their application; schools are looking for well-rounded candidates rather than just smart candidates. He understands that applicants often don't apply to schools they would excel at due to the confusing and intimidating application process. He aims to demystify the process, helping students navigate through it, tackle any challenges head-on, and put their best foot forward.
In his spare time, Augie enjoys sailing, single-engine aircraft flying, road-tripping, and trying restaurants.
With a diverse career journey and entrepreneurship experience, David is skilled at offering a distinctive blend of guidance, technical expertise, and conscientious support to help individuals achieve their personal and professional goals.
David holds a Bachelor of Business from Emory University and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His experience includes being part of the Dean's Student Admission Council (DSAC) at Chicago Booth, where he served as an application reader and interviewer. He remained actively involved as an alumni interviewer for ten years after graduation. David has successfully assisted candidates in gaining acceptance to institutions such as Chicago Booth and Emory University's Goizueta School of Business.
David's passion for coaching and tutoring stems from his unconventional career path, combining a JD/MBA with entrepreneurship. This diverse journey has given him a unique and broad perspective that he enjoys sharing. Additionally, David has had the opportunity to coach and mentor highly accomplished individuals, learning valuable lessons from them.
David excels as a reliable sounding board, offering technical expertise and acting as a moral compass. He believes that this combination allows individuals to develop a sense of what they need to do to achieve their goals, and it's then a matter of fine-tuning the approach and staying accountable. For MBA applicants, David emphasizes the challenging nature of the application process, highlighting the required introspection. He notes that the process goes beyond technical and administrative aspects, delving into the emotional realm. David recognizes that this emotional component adds challenges. It makes the journey meaningful and enjoyable, forcing candidates to reflect on their past experiences and how an MBA can contribute to their personal and professional transformation.
In his free time, David is an avid NHL hockey fan, enjoys traveling, and has taken up cooking since the onset of the pandemic.
Introducing Doug, a seasoned MBA admissions coach renowned for his comprehensive support and insightful guidance for candidates navigating the complex admissions process.
Doug holds a Bachelor’s from Yale and an MBA from Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business. Doug has a rich background in coaching MBA candidates and served as an alumni interviewer at Yale, offering support at every stage of the admissions cycle. His expertise ranges from high-level decision-making about pursuing an MBA to the meticulous crafting of essays and resumes. He has led the MBA application support program for a top-tier consulting firm's largest office, providing a unique perspective encompassing the applicant's, the recommender's, and the school’s viewpoints. His successful track record includes helping candidates gain admission to prestigious institutions such as Tuck, HBS, Yale SOM, Kellogg, Wharton, and Columbia.
Doug's experience extends beyond coaching; he has interviewed over 50 applicants to Tuck during his MBA, gaining insights into what admissions committees seek. He understands the dual focus of admissions committees: the candidate's contribution to the MBA program and their potential success as an alumnus. Doug's 360-degree view of the MBA process also includes the employer perspective, having led global MBA Consultant recruiting at a top-tier strategy consultancy. This unique perspective allows him to address the often-overlooked aspect of employability in MBA admissions.
Doug is deeply passionate about the transformative power of the MBA experience, both personally and professionally. He channels his experiences and skills to make this transformation more accessible, aiming to empower candidates to realize their full potential.
Doug’s coaching style is centered on helping candidates develop and effectively communicate their unique stories. He emphasizes genuine storytelling, conveying the candidate's authentic voice rather than resorting to tactics that 'game the system.' He believes crafting a compelling application is the first step in the transformative MBA journey, a philosophy underpinning his coaching approach. His approach to admissions is also holistic, combining his diverse experiences to offer candidates a comprehensive and insightful journey toward achieving their MBA aspirations.
Doug enjoys cooking, photography, and spending playful moments with his young children in his free time.
Meet Durgesh, a seasoned admissions coach known for his candid guidance and comprehensive support.
Durgesh has a Bachelor’s from Rutgers University and is pursuing an MBA at the Yale School of Management, where his journey in education and coaching began. As a Student Ambassador, Durgesh guided prospective students through the intricacies of the application process, student life, and post-MBA career paths. His tenure as a Case Team Leader for the Technology Club at Yale SOM saw him mentoring first-year MBA candidates aspiring to transition into technology careers, providing insights into industry functions and interview techniques.
Durgesh also served as a Career Advisor with the Career Development Office at Yale SOM, offering career and resume advice to students. This experience has given him a deep understanding of what makes a genuine and compelling application, and he has successfully coached candidates into top business schools, including Yale SOM, NYU Stern, UCLA Anderson, Kellogg Northwestern, Duke Fuqua, and Dartmouth Tuck.
Durgesh's passion for coaching stems from a lifelong commitment to helping others. His diverse experience as a tutor, recruiter, and dance teacher underlines his belief in the power of sharing knowledge and experiences. He is driven by the desire to ease others' journeys through processes he once navigated, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community. Durgesh advises MBA applicants to approach the process as a marathon, emphasizing the importance of mental breaks and self-care throughout this challenging journey.
Known for his direct and honest feedback, Durgesh values clarity and constructive criticism. He balances his straightforward approach with thoughtful suggestions for improvement, ensuring his students feel heard and respected. His willingness to answer questions and provide experienced opinions makes him a reliable and approachable coach.
Durgesh enjoys a balance of indoor and outdoor activities in his free time. He spends winters indulging in TV, movies, board games, and playing on his Nintendo Switch. Summers are for exploring, whether traveling, trying new restaurants, playing volleyball, or socializing with friends. Like his coaching style, his approach to life is about finding balance and enjoying the journey.
Elizabeth brings a focused background in learning and development, education, technology, and impact-driven startups to her extensive tutoring and mentoring career.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor’s degree from UCLA and an MBA from INSEAD. Her background and career focus are on learning and development, education, technology, and impact-driven startups. Elizabeth has worked and tutored extensively, including in after-school literacy programs, high school SAT prep programs, arts mentorship programs, and non-education-related programs, such as volunteering as a soccer coach for a youth girls' team.
Elizabeth has specialized in strong relationship-building and prioritized strategy and operations throughout her professional journey. While at INSEAD, she led three clubs and did a lot of work through classes partnering with NGOs to improve and advise on strategic operations—such as working with an international NGO in Gambia to expand access to clubfoot treatment.
Elizabeth is very passionate about helping others elevate their exposure and ability to receive a quality education. She’s spent much of her life working with youth and tutoring in some capacity, as she understands the importance of maintaining a growth mindset and being curious about life and learning. Only through the furtherance of education can we work to improve our lives, gain access to better opportunities, and make a difference (in whatever way we desire).
Elizabeth’s greatest strengths lie in her coaching style, which is focused on positivity and a collaborative, personalized approach - adaptable to each candidate's style and profile needs. She excels at partnering with students, working together in coaching, and building up what they need rather than being a one-way street. Elizabeth is excellent at focusing on the holistic promotion of a person's abilities rather than a singular trait, and she is creative in showcasing their various strengths through their application.
In her free time, Elizabeth loves baking cakes (or any baked goods in general), learning new languages, reading a good book, and being active outside—playing soccer or running. She also loves working with kids, so depending on the season, she'll volunteer during the soccer season or tutor first—and second-graders.
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Meet Gabrielle, a passionate educator who guides students and professionals toward their academic and career aspirations.
Gabrielle holds a Bachelor’s from Texas A&M University and is an MBA candidate at Duke Fuqua School of Business. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as an educator and consultant. In addition, Gabrielle is an Admissions Recruitment Coordinator for her alma mater's Admission office. She interacts with, reads applications for, and interviews prospective students in this role. This role has enriched her understanding of the admissions process, highlighting the importance of relationship-building and powerful storytelling in crafting successful applications.
Gabrielle's passion for coaching is deeply rooted in her experiences. Having navigated challenges in her educational journey, she is determined to help others avoid similar pitfalls. Her commitment to giving back and paying it forward is not just about expanding her expertise as an educator but also about seizing every opportunity to coach and advise others. She encourages MBA applicants to take bold steps toward their goals, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and the courage to pursue one's dreams.
Her coaching style is characterized by its flexibility, collaboration, and strategic approach. Gabrielle excels in understanding her students' unique needs, personalities, strengths, and working styles. She prides herself on tailoring her approach to each student, ensuring they receive the most personalized and effective guidance possible. Gabrielle recently coached students accepted to several top-tier business schools, including Harvard, Yale, Cornell, U Penn, USC, and many more.
In her free time, Gabrielle enjoys spending time with her family, mentoring youth, baking, and traveling.
Meet Helen, an expert admissions coach who has supported dozens of students in their MBA journeys.
Helen earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration with a focus on finance from Baruch College before completing an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Throughout her time at Booth, Helen actively contributed to various facets of student and career development, leading to her appointment as an admissions fellow. Post-graduation, she served as an admissions interviewer for multiple years. This experience granted Helen valuable insights into the characteristics sought by top programs in applicants: diverse experiences, professional accomplishments, resilience in overcoming challenges, self-awareness, and perseverance.
Over the years, Helen has reviewed numerous personal statements, evaluated nearly 100 resumes, and successfully guided applicants with lower GMAT scores to admission to esteemed programs such as Cornell, Chicago Booth, Tuck-Dartmouth, and ESADE. Professionally, Helen has held several roles within the finance sector at Morgan Stanley, Liberty Mutual, and Mastercard.
For Helen, purpose infuses every endeavor she undertakes. Her passion for MBA, career, and life coaching stems from the profound satisfaction she gets from witnessing others attain their goals and dreams, thereby giving her a tangible sense of her own purpose. She is dedicated to the collective success of her and her students, striving to simplify the admissions process to make it more manageable for students.
Helen’s greatest strength is encouraging students and instilling confidence in them. She understands how challenging the admissions process can be, and draws on her own experience navigating the challenging process to inform and enhance her coaching approach. Helen asserts that top schools seek candidates who show potential to actively engage in the school culture and evolve into successful alumni. She excels at crafting applications that reflect these values, setting students up for success in the competitive MBA admissions landscape.
In her free time, Helen enjoys traveling and trying different cuisines.
Howie is skilled at leveraging his positive attitude and personal connections to coach candidates for admission into prestigious institutions.
Howie has earned a Bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from the Yale School of Management. Howie has successfully guided candidates to acceptance at various prestigious institutions, including Yale School of Management, Harvard Business School, University of Chicago (Booth), University of Michigan (Ross), Dartmouth (Tuck), Northwestern University (Kellogg), and New York University (Stern).
Howie initially began by editing essays and reviewing applications. He discovered a genuine enjoyment in assisting individuals through a challenging process. Recognizing the transformative potential of education, he finds joy and personal satisfaction in enabling people to make informed decisions about their academic journey, considering its profound impact on their lives and finances.
Howie emphasizes maintaining a positive attitude and offering encouragement based on each candidate's unique qualities and stories, including those from non-traditional backgrounds. One significant takeaway from his experience is that schools invest considerable effort in connecting with prospective students. Howie emphasizes that participating in events is an excellent way for candidates to learn about the school while demonstrating genuine interest.
In his free time, Howie expresses a deep love for music. He has been playing the piano since age five and the flute since elementary school. When not engaged in practice sessions, he enjoys listening to classical music and actively seeks out concerts to attend.
Isaias is passionate about helping others climb their ladder of success and is currently a Business Management Consultant.
Isaias holds a Bachelor’s from Hobart and William Smith College and an MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. In his second year of business school, Isaias served as an Admission Representative, conducting interviews for the MBA program at Darden, where he learned the value of diversity and equity during the interview process and the importance of a holistic approach. Moreover, as a Program Manager at YearUp, he helped students become successful within Fortune 500 companies and secure full-time employment upon graduating. Throughout his career, Isaias has managed several non-profits, was recognized in the New York Times for his impact, and was accredited by the Aspen Institute for the American Express Leadership Institute.
Isaias is passionate about coaching and tutoring due to his extensive experience working with students throughout his career, helping them achieve their goals inside and outside the classroom.
Isaias’ coaching style is characterized by high support and high expectations. He is committed to providing students with all the necessary resources for success, making it easier for candidates to reciprocate the effort invested.
In his free time, Isaias enjoys staying active as a Peloton rider and indulges in leisure activities such as fishing and golfing.
Meet Jaime, a dedicated and experienced coach who enjoys steering students and professionals toward achieving their academic and career goals.
Jamie holds a Bachelor’s from the University of California, Berkeley, a Master’s from Princeton University, and an MBA from The Wharton School of Business. His journey in coaching began at Wharton, where he assisted prospective MBA candidates, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, in navigating the complexities of the admissions process. This included crafting compelling personal narratives, refining essay drafts, and offering interview guidance. Jaime's commitment to diversity in education extended to his work with Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), a non-profit focused on increasing the representation of diverse candidates in business schools. In his role at MLT, Jaime played a crucial role in coaching candidates, guiding tailoring their applications to various institutions, and enhancing their professional resumes to highlight their impact
Additionally, Jaime has a rich history of mentoring junior consultants within his professional sphere, offering insights into the viability of the business school and providing targeted support in essay writing and editing. His track record includes successfully guiding candidates to gain admission to top business schools such as Wharton, Yale SOM, Berkeley Haas, and Columbia.
Jaime's passion for coaching stems from his enthusiasm for understanding and supporting individuals' aspirations. He finds immense satisfaction in seeing people achieve their goals and considers it an honor to be part of their success.
His coaching style is a balanced blend of support and direction tailored to the needs of each candidate. Jaime emphasizes a goal-oriented approach, ensuring that conversations remain focused on achieving the objectives while allowing candidates to steer their course.
Jaime is an avid traveler, having explored 54 countries! He enjoys hiking, swimming, and cherishing moments with friends and family. His global experiences and diverse interests add depth to his coaching, enabling him to connect with candidates from various backgrounds.
Jane brings a wealth of experience in career management coaching, mentorship, and MBA admissions support to guide aspiring applicants through the process.
Jane has earned two Bachelor’s degrees, one from the University of Pennsylvania and one from The Huntsman Dual Degree Program in The Wharton School and College of Arts & Sciences. She also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. Jane has significant experience with career management coaching, mentorship, and MBA admissions support, specifically in resume and essay editing, personal storytelling/narrative crafting, and mock interviewing.
She has also worked with many candidates from international and industry backgrounds in financial services (i.e., VC, PE, banking), top-tier and Big Four management consulting, and tech (startups/big tech backgrounds, such as product managers, designers, and engineers).
For several reasons, Jane is deeply passionate about educational and career coaching and consulting. Firstly, having benefited from this journey, she believes in the transformative power of education and career advancement. Guiding aspiring business leaders through the complex MBA admissions process is not just about securing a spot in a desired, prestigious program; it's about opening doors to a world of opportunities and personal growth beyond the MBA.
With her track record of applying to and getting accepted into top-tier MBA programs, Jane hopes to impart invaluable expertise to help others navigate the intricacies of the application journey effectively and ultimately have the best chance of tapping into that empowerment. There's also nothing more rewarding than witnessing the joy and fulfillment of other people achieving their aspirations and dreams.
Jane’s greatest strength lies in her ability to balance expertise, empathy, and empowerment. She excels at offering a personalized approach, acknowledging each candidate's strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Jane is excellent at providing guidance and support by leveraging her expertise while critically fostering a candidate's independence and self-discovery.
Her style incorporates active listening, clear communication, and constructive feedback to help students navigate the complexities of the application process with confidence and clarity. She also aims to foster fun, collaborative, and empowering learning environments to encourage students to unlock their fullest potential on the application.
When Jane isn’t coaching, she loves to read, people-watch, travel, golf, and explore new neighborhoods' cafes & bookstores.
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Jasmine brings a wealth of experience and a passion for guiding aspiring MBA candidates toward their academic and professional goals.
Jasmine holds a Bachelor’s from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master’s from the University of Florida, and an MBA from Duke Fuqua School of Business. She aims to break down the barriers to MBA admissions and help candidates secure a position at their dream school.
Jasmine's passion for coaching lies in her role as a crucial pillar in her clients' support systems. She thrives on fostering a collaborative and encouraging environment, recognizing the stress and demands of the application process.
Jasmine's greatest strengths as a coach include her ability to empathize with her clients, creating a space where they feel comfortable and supported. Her approach is marked by a balance of encouragement and gentle nudges, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for challenges.
Jasmine also encourages applicants to go beyond the admissions team and explore the school's culture through interactions with alumni and current students. Her advice stems from her own experience attending events in different cities, a practice that significantly contributed to her decision-making process. She aims to build confidence and empower candidates to navigate the application process challenges with ease.
In her free time, Jasmine enjoys staying active through exercise, exploring new destinations through travel, cherishing moments with loved ones, and honing her musical skills by practicing the electric guitar.
Meet Jean, an MBA graduate from Oxford University, dedicated to coaching individuals towards their aspirations with a personable approach
Jean holds an MBA from Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, where she served as the MBA Class Co-President and Co-Chair of the Morality, Ethics, and Business Club. She has also helped candidates get accepted into Saïd Business School.
Jean’s passion for coaching stems from her love of helping people achieve their vision, dreams, and purpose. She understands rejection in the MBA process as she didn't get into her chosen school with her first application. So, Jean is passionate about helping candidates improve their applications and explain their new narrative to their prospective schools.
As a coach, Jean excels at helping students see what makes them unique, identifying their strengths, interests, or experiences, and creating a compelling story. She is personable and approachable but also honest, respectful, and direct when giving feedback.
In her free time, Jean writes weekly devotionals and has a Christian book review podcast. She enjoys singing worship music, attending church, and watching cozy mysteries from any era, like Columbo, thrillers, and kids' TV shows like The Adventures of Paddington. Jean also enjoys watching sports and is a big fan of the Olympics. Plus, city breaks are her favorite type of holiday.
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Meet Jennifer, a London Business School alumna who draws on her diverse experiences and empathetic approach to guide MBA candidates through the complexities of the admissions journey.
Jennifer has earned a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, an MBA from the University of Hong Kong, and an MBA from the London Business School. As a student ambassador at London Business School, she collaborated closely with admissions teams, pivotal in identifying high-potential candidates, providing guidance to streamline their application journey, and facilitating successful conversions for admitted students.
Jennifer also has experience working with MBA candidates from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from industries as varied as finance, technology, healthcare, and beyond, as well as different continents. This provides her with a breadth of experiences to draw upon in her mentoring. Interacting with candidates across different stages of their MBA journey, Jennifer navigated the complexities of their unique circumstances, whether varying rounds of application, cultural differences, or industry-specific challenges.
Her role as a student ambassador extended beyond academic advising to encompass holistic support, addressing concerns ranging from standardized test preparation to interview readiness. Collaborating with individuals from across the globe, Jennifer cultivated a deep understanding of future MBA students' nuanced needs and aspirations, facilitating their successful navigation through the rigorous admissions process. She has coached students accepted to Wharton, Columbia Business School, NYU, London Business School, and HEC Paris.
Jennifer’s passion for coaching comes from her joy in connecting with individuals on a personal level and supporting them on their journey toward achieving their aspirations. Each person's story is unique, and she finds immense fulfillment in getting to know them on a deeper level and understanding their dreams, fears, and motivations. As a mentor, Jennifer aims to be more than just an advisor; she strives to be a trusted resource and confidant, providing a supportive presence for candidates to lean on during moments of uncertainty or stress.
Jennifer takes pride in uplifting others, offering encouragement, and celebrating their successes. Being a sounding board for candidates allows her to provide insights, guidance, and empathy, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding amidst the challenges of the application process. Witnessing the excitement and sense of achievement in candidates as they progress through their MBA journey is incredibly rewarding.
Ultimately, Jennifer’s goal is to empower individuals to navigate the complexities of the admissions process with confidence and clarity, knowing that they have a dedicated ally cheering them on every step of the way.
Jennifer’s greatest strengths lie in her clarity, effectiveness, and empathy, which are her guiding principles. She believes in providing feedback that is not only constructive but also actionable and unambiguous. Each recommendation is accompanied by thorough comments, drawing upon best practices, industry insights, and personal experiences to explain the reasoning behind my suggestions.
Jennifer strives to cultivate an environment of trust and open communication where candidates feel empowered to voice their concerns, seek clarification, and actively engage in the coaching process. She excels at demystifying the complexities of the MBA application journey, offering practical guidance rooted in experience. She approaches each interaction with empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence.
In her downtime, Jennifer has a passion for dance, particularly in Latin styles such as salsa, merengue, and bachata. She is also a fan of street art and often goes on tours to learn more about topics and interests the locals care about. Jennifer took advantage of her free time during her MBA to travel to 32 countries and counting, visiting six continents in four months. Outside of her hobbies, you can find her working on her business venture and exploring the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship.
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Julianne is an experienced admissions consultant who enjoys helping applicants gain clarity and confidence throughout the MBA admissions process.
After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Williams College and attending the International Culinary Center, Julianne received her MBA at UC Berkeley-Haas. At Haas, she served as a peer career coach, gaining first-hand experience guiding students through the college admissions process. Her mentorship led many students toward acceptance to prestigious institutions like Stern and Haas.
Julianne believes that advising MBA applicants is like polishing a diamond—the potential for brilliance is there, but some guidance can help reveal the true inner beauty. She specializes in developing personal statements, as many students struggle to summarize their goals and experiences effectively. She collaborates with each applicant to facilitate self-reflection and help them clearly articulate their aspirations. When the admissions process feels daunting, Julianne listens closely to understand each applicant's goals and needs. Her thoughtful feedback gently pushes applicants out of their comfort zone while building confidence through supportive criticism. Her supportive approach emphasizes encouragement over pressure, allowing applicants to confidently present their authentic selves.
Having navigated the MBA admissions process herself, Julianne understands its challenges but also its immense rewards. With a talent for reframing experiences into compelling narratives, Julianne shines a spotlight on applicants' proficiencies, simplifying the complex admissions process. By establishing trust and aligning visions, she empowers applicants to put forth an authentic, passionate application that stays true to who they are.
Julianne worked in brand management at Dreyer’s/Edy’s before pursuing her business degree. While at the ice cream company, she demonstrated her marketing talents by launching a new product line called the "Rocky Road Collection." She has also worked as a private chef, ran a food blog and culinary consultancy, and competed on the Food Network. Julianne loves cooking, playing tennis, and spending time with her family.
Meet Julie, an experienced educator and mentor who, as the Admissions Director for Inspira Futures, helps students and professionals reach their career goals.
Julie holds an MA and three undergraduate degrees from the University of Georgia. She has worked in education for nearly twenty years as an administrator, department chair, teacher, advisor, global education director, and coach. At the core of her educational philosophy is meeting students where they are and building a positive rapport to establish trust. Over the years, Julie has assisted students with admissions to elite institutions at all higher education levels, allowing her to witness how powerful differentiated, personalized learning can be for students who have previously struggled with assessments.
Julie’s motivation for coaching comes from a desire to provide an encouraging and honest experience for students and candidates. She believes that no one should feel discouraged going through the application process and that everyone should always know that there is a path forward, with a clear understanding of where they stand and how to achieve their goals.
Julie prides herself on being easy to talk to, honest, and direct with candidates. She also excels at breaking down the admissions process and meeting students where they are. Julie enjoys helping students maximize their profiles and pursue their aspirations, aiding them on their journey to top-tier colleges, including the Ivys.
In her spare time, Julie enjoys hanging out with her daughters, coaching lacrosse, and traveling.
Kyndall has earned a Bachelor's degree from Princeton University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. While at Princeton, Kyndall served as an Alumni Interviewer, interviewing prospective students and providing evaluation notes to the admissions committee. Additionally, she has experience delivering course curricula in an ed-tech startup designed for high school students to build compelling narratives when applying to Ivy League schools and the UC system.
Kyndall's coaching style is focused on helping students identify and develop their authentic passions, goals, and voice. As a first-generation college student, she understands students' challenges and is committed to demystifying the admissions process. Her approach involves active and empathetic listening, challenging assumptions and presumptions, holding people accountable, and making hard work fun.
One of her greatest learnings as part of the Princeton admissions team has been the importance of authenticity in the admissions process. She understands that students often feel pressure to present themselves in a certain way to impress admissions committees, but she believes that it's essential for students to feel comfortable being themselves in interviews and presenting themselves holistically.
By building this space for authenticity, Kyndall has helped many students successfully navigate the admissions process and gain acceptance to their dream schools, including Harvard University, Columbia University, Princeton University, Brown University, UPenn, UC Berkeley, and USC.
In her spare time, Kyndall enjoys staying active through activities such as dance, yoga, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
Lex is a dedicated and experienced admissions counselor. Having served on the Yale admissions committee, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.
Lex holds a Bachelor’s from Beijing University of Chemical Technology and an MBA from Yale SOM, where he served as an Admissions Interviewer. His greatest learning from this role is that adcoms are eager to understand how candidates have handled adversity, work within teams, and hope to contribute to their program. Lex has a strong academic background and extensive MBA admissions consulting experience, having successfully helped candidates gain acceptance into prestigious institutions such as Yale, Columbia, Wharton, Chicago Booth, and Harvard. Professionally, Lex has held several roles within the finance sector, including at Bank of America and Amazon.
Lex's passion for coaching is deeply rooted in his own journey through the MBA admissions process. Having benefited from the guidance of friends and mentors, he is keen on giving back and assisting others in navigating their educational paths. His approach imparts knowledge and empowers students to connect their past experiences with future aspirations.
Lex's greatest strengths lie in his adaptable and flexible coaching style. He excels in live and asynchronous coaching, focusing on understanding how his students learn best and tailoring his methods accordingly. This personalized approach ensures that each student's learning and development are maximized.
Outside of his professional life, Lex is an avid soccer fan, enthusiastically supporting Arsenal. He enjoys staying active and engaged in various hobbies, including hiking, watching soccer, playing video games, and reading.
Margarita is a seasoned admissions coach and a former admissions interviewer renowned for her personalized approach and deep understanding of the MBA admissions landscape.
Margarita holds two Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Delaware and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Over the years, Margarita has dedicated herself to coaching MBA candidates, leveraging her extensive marketing experience and startup executive experience. Her expertise has guided numerous applicants in gaining admission into top MBA programs at prestigious schools, including HBS, Stanford GSB, and Wharton. Additionally, Margarita's background includes significant experience as a college admissions interviewer, giving her a unique insight into what admissions committees seek.
Margarita's passion for coaching stems from her love of connecting with individuals, understanding their aspirations, and assisting them in realizing their dreams through an MBA. She excels in uncovering the essence of a candidate's story and strategically positioning them to align with their desired program's mission. Her enthusiasm is rooted in her belief that an MBA can be a transformative experience that helps individuals achieve their goals.
Her greatest strengths lie in her ability to deeply understand each applicant's unique narrative and provide a customized, thoughtful approach to their application. Margarita views herself as a hands-on mentor, guiding candidates through the complexities of the MBA admissions process with specific, constructive feedback. Her approach is holistic, addressing all aspects of the application process to ensure the best possible presentation of each candidate.
In her free time, Margarita enjoys playing tennis and pickleball and traveling the world with her children.
Maria leverages her unique blend of personal experience and insightful coaching techniques to guide aspiring MBA candidates and unlock their full potential.
Maria holds a Bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Yale School of Management. She leverages her personal MBA experiences as well as those from peers within relevant industries to help candidates assess and evaluate which schools are the best fit for them. Through her coaching, candidates have been accepted to esteemed institutions such as Tuck, Yale SOM, and NYU.
Maria's passion for coaching is fueled by her joy in discovering people's aspirations and crafting tailored plans to help them realize their ambitions. She finds gratification in assisting applicants to overcome obstacles, forging connections—be it between ideas or individuals—and serving as a steadfast cheerleader on their path to success. Maria finds particular fulfillment when individuals she coaches express confidence in their inherent capabilities to achieve their goals as she diligently works to guide them to that empowering place of self-assured accomplishment.
Maria’s strength lies in unraveling and showcasing the unique facets of each candidate's story, ensuring that every part of the application contributes meaningfully. Her commitment to coaching goes beyond the application process — she strives to empower individuals on their journey toward academic and professional success.
Outside her professional pursuits, Maria enjoys watching the animated series Bob's Burgers and recently delved into sewing after receiving a sewing machine for Christmas. Her diverse interests also extend to reading about economic development, localization efforts, and indulging in historical fiction.
Meet Marina, a passionate admissions coach who believes every student has a story to tell, and finding it together is the most rewarding experience of all.
Marina is a graduate of the Wharton School and has an MBA from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business. While at Booth, she served on the Student Admissions Committee, reviewing application packets, interviewing candidates, and providing recommendations to the final Admissions Committee. Marina also served as an alumni interviewer at both the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago. Students Marina has recently coached have gotten accepted into the University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, and the University of Chicago, among other top schools.
Marina’s passion for coaching developed through her early volunteer tutoring experience and has only grown stronger since. She first started coaching on a volunteer basis at a local high school’s college counseling office and directly with students in her community. Throughout her own academic journey, Marina had many wonderful mentors that helped her along the way, and she is grateful to play that role for others! She believes the skills that students can develop during the application process can be life-changing, and she aims to facilitate the learning process. She also knows that the ability to self-reflect and craft powerful and clear stories is meaningful not only for applications but for future careers and even personal lives.
Marina enjoys helping candidates of all backgrounds recognize what makes them uniquely qualified for their dream school.
Marina loves helping candidates determine their strengths and bring them to life through a well thought out application strategy. Storytelling is her jam, and she is energized by helping students write essays they are proud of. Marina knows that being honest about failures can be incredibly powerful, and she enjoys guiding students on how to come from a position of growth in their application materials. She also believes that dedicating time to reflection and building self-awareness is one of the keys to a stand-out application and to getting the most out of the higher education experience.
In her spare time, Marina makes children's books that sing in different languages as a fun creative outlet. She loves that the books make it a little easier and more fun for families to raise bilingual children! She also enjoys working on puzzles with her husband and two young kids, going for hikes with the family dog, and traveling.
Introducing Michael, a seasoned admissions coach committed to uncovering the hidden potential in students and steering them toward achieving their aspirations.
Michael holds a Bachelor’s from Northwestern University and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. As President of the Hispanic Management Association at Kellogg, he was instrumental in recruiting and aiding candidates through their application processes. His unique position allowed him to collaborate closely with admissions directors, gaining valuable insights into applicant evaluation.
Michael's guidance in resume and essay review, along with interview preparation, significantly increased the enrollment of Hispanic students at Kellogg. Additionally, his involvement in reviewing applications for prestigious MBA fellowships like MLT and the Robert Toigo Foundation and his experience as an admissions interviewer and reader for MBA fellowship programs further showcase his comprehensive expertise in the field. As a mentor and advisor, Michael has successfully guided students into top institutions, including Kellogg, Chicago Booth, and Wharton.
Michael's journey as the first in his family to earn an MBA fuels his passion for coaching. He empathizes with applicants' challenges and self-doubts and is dedicated to demystifying the application process. His coaching philosophy centers on uplifting others, helping them realize their potential, and guiding them to achieve their goals. The fulfillment he derives from aiding candidates in reaching what once seemed unattainable goals is the cornerstone of his coaching ethos.
Michael's message to MBA applicants is one of hope and resilience. He empathizes with self-doubt and acknowledges that while the path to top MBA programs may be challenging, it is achievable with hard work, strong interviews, essays, and effective networking. His journey is a testament to the possibility of overcoming perceived limitations and achieving one's dream school admission.
Michael's coaching style is highly personalized, eschewing a one-size-fits-all approach. He emphasizes the importance of initial discovery calls to tailor his coaching to individual needs, whether it involves frequent check-ins or boosting confidence. His organized methodology includes creating a clear roadmap and regularly reviewing progress towards milestones, ensuring a structured and effective coaching experience.
In his free time, Michael is deeply involved in local politics, holding a leadership role in his party organization and making history as the youngest elected official in his region. His commitment to community and leadership extends beyond his professional life.
Mosea is committed to steering aspiring individuals toward academic and professional triumph, drawing inspiration from his ongoing MBA journey at the Chicago Booth School of Business
Mosea holds a Bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College and is pursuing an MBA from the Chicago Booth School of Business. Drawing from his ongoing academic journey, he has actively participated as an interviewer and application reader in various competitive processes, gaining valuable insights into what admissions committees seek—clearly defined goals, unique perspectives, and a captivating narrative. Mosea's impact is evident in the successful acceptance of his mentees into prestigious institutions, including Chicago Booth, Cornell Johnson, Georgetown Law, and Vanderbilt Law. His professional background adds depth to his holistic understanding of the business and admissions landscape.
Mosea's passion for coaching is rooted in his belief that sharing knowledge and experiences is transformative. Witnessing individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding for him. His coaching philosophy goes beyond imparting information; it is about empowering others to reach their full potential and make a meaningful impact in their academic and professional journeys.
Mosea's coaching style is highly personalized and collaborative, making adaptability and responsiveness key strengths in his approach. Thriving on the dynamic nature of the process, he recognizes that no two journeys are alike and emphasizes the significance of highlighting real experiences to create an engaging and authentic application. Mosea fosters an open and supportive environment, encouraging dialogue and active participation to ensure the most effective guidance for each applicant.
In his free time, Mosea is an avid chess player, scoring in the 97th percentile in bullet chess. He also enjoys travel, food experiences, trying new things, and meeting new people.
Meet Nadia, a motivated admissions coach passionate about education and helping students write exceptional personal statements.
Nadia has a Bachelor of Science from the Huntsman Program at the Wharton School, a Master’s in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Professionally, she has worked as a management consultant at The Parthenon Group and as a Strategy Officer at The Gates Foundation. She has also been an interviewer for the University of Pennsylvania, which has given her insight into what admissions committees look for in candidates.
Nadia’s passion for coaching stems from her love for higher education and career development. Nadia believes that business school is an exciting opportunity for students to explore potential interests and learn how to give back to society through their careers. As such, she is excited to help applicants understand themselves better, improve their writing and storytelling, and find the best-fit schools for them. On the Inspira team, Nadia uses her knowledge of the admissions process and her people skills to help students get into their dream schools.
Nadia is a strong writer and editor and enjoys supporting applicants in the process of writing and refining their personal statements. She also has strong skills in project management to help break down the application process, and she excels at helping students prepare for their interviews as a former interviewer at UPenn.
In her free time, Nadia enjoys watercolor painting and running.
Meet Paolo, an expert admissions coach and film-maker with a passion for helping students construct compelling narratives throughout their applications.
Paolo completed his undergraduate education at New York University and his MBA from Columbia Business School. During his time at NYU, Paolo was closely involved in helping international candidates apply to, get accepted, and get oriented at the school.
After graduating from NYU, he began his career with creating films that played at international venues like DocNYC and Newport Beach Film Festival. He then directed commercials for brands like PlayStation and Adobe under his own production company. For several years, Paolo co-organized the annual film festival at the Philippine Consulate in New York. He later developed two independent feature-length films while also becoming a journalist and senior content producer at Rappler. On the Inspira team, he specializes in helping students seeking admission to competitive and highly selective schools.
As a coach, Paolo uses his talent for storytelling to help students convey their own unique stories through their applications. When he’s not working on films, Paolo thoroughly enjoys using his creativity to help the next generation of graduates discover their inner strengths. Candidates Paolo has recently coached have gotten accepted at several top schools, including MIT and NYU.
An all-around storyteller and advocate of the arts, Paolo uses his expertise to help candidates craft memorable application documents. He is also an expert in essay writing and project management. He believes that any character trait can be an asset to your application, and ultimately adds to what makes you stand out.
Paolo likes to write in his free time (a published children's author) and has been a professional breakdancer for 13 years.
Paul, a renowned admissions coach with a wealth of experience and expertise, has seamlessly navigated diverse roles in academia and admissions and emerged as a guiding force for MBA candidates.
Paul holds a Bachelor’s from Northwestern University and an MBA from the Ross School of Business. He has enjoyed coaching and engaging students in many B-School roles (faculty, admissions officer, program director/designer, and head of programs/departments) at Michigan, Darden, Notre Dame, and Ohio State.
With over 15 years of experience between Michigan/Ross, Notre Dame/Mendoza, and OSU/Fisher, Paul has been an integral part of admissions committees, serving as a reader, interviewer, decision-maker, and committee head. His expertise lies in curating exceptional teams that enhance the overall program experience, emphasizing the importance of selecting individuals who energize and contribute to the school's culture of success.
Not only has Paul coached thousands of students to discern and achieve their personal and professional goals, but he’s also engaged in leading schools and programs worldwide to develop and innovate their recruiting, admissions, and curriculum. His work as an executive coach and talent development consultant provides insight into drivers of executive success in industries including biotech, financial services, manufacturing, consumer goods, non-profits, and high technology. Paul has successfully guided candidates to acceptance at renowned institutions such as Michigan/Ross, Notre Dame/Mendoza, UVA/Darden, Northwestern/Kellogg, Chicago/Booth, Penn/Wharton, and many others.
Paul believes that school and work should be positive experiences and derives great satisfaction from helping people achieve meaningful personal and professional success. As a coach, Paul diligently identifies his students' unique strengths and passions, guiding them to enhance these attributes through a combination of tailored education and enriching experiences. Whether they are advancing within their current trajectory or embarking on new professional journeys, he is skilled at empowering students to elevate their career paths. Watching the people he works with achieve their goals also fuels his passion and is his ultimate reward.
A natural coach, Paul supports applicants on a journey of discovery and discernment into how to best express their accomplishments and achieve their goals, even if students are not entirely clear about where to start. One of his greatest strengths is helping candidates understand and tell their unique stories, capabilities, and aspirations in a way that excites admissions committees. Paul emphasizes that while transcripts and resumes open doors, it is one's drive and story that truly secure a place.
He also excels at being data-driven and wants students to believe in their future potential. As a straight shooter, he will tell applicants what they need to hear, backed by years of professional experience. Lastly, Paul works around each student’s schedule to ensure they receive the support they need when they need it.
A father of two, Paul spends his personal time cycling with friends (150-200 miles/week), consulting with local incubators, and investing time growing the Diversity in Leadership Program.
Philippe is an accomplished consultant and coach with over 15 years of experience. He excels at helping students maximize their impact and fulfill their academic and professional potential.
Philippe holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and served as an Admissions Board Member for three years. He has been coaching for nearly 15 years, conducting over 7000 sessions with MBA students and Alumni, focusing on career transitions and job search processes, learning exactly what prestigious institutions are looking for in their prospective students and what could make an application successful.
Philippe enjoys helping others in general and relishes the one-on-one relationship with coaching/tutoring. Over time, it is truly rewarding for him to witness the growth, thriving, and progress of the individuals he coaches or mentors.
Philippe is an avid listener, considering it the foundation of effective coaching. He genuinely supports the students he works with, deriving joy from observing their progression toward their goals. He maintains a mindset focused on understanding the motivations of those he works with, asking questions to clarify their aspirations and driving factors. Philippe avoids being prescriptive and excels in helping applicants arrive at their own conclusions.
Philippe enjoys being close to nature and traveling. He finds peace in learning new things and often listens to podcasts while going on walks. While his running days are behind him, he occasionally goes on short and slow runs. He has also enjoyed watching numerous television series recently and loves sports.
Roger is a seasoned consultant with a rich background in guiding candidates through the complex admissions process.
Roger holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland. He is also an alumnus of Columbia Business School, where he distinguished himself academically and acquired substantial experience coaching and mentoring prospective MBA students. He has been instrumental in helping numerous students gain acceptance into prestigious programs, including his alma mater, Columbia Business School. His involvement in reviewing essays for prospective students has endowed him with a distinctive understanding of the qualities and attributes that top-tier schools look for in potential candidates.
Roger's passion for coaching stems from his own journey in navigating the MBA admissions process. Understanding the challenges and confusion that candidates often face, he is driven to share the valuable insights and strategies he acquired. This dedication is rooted in his belief that informed guidance is crucial for successful admission to top schools.
Roger's greatest strengths lie in his open and collaborative coaching style. He focuses on understanding each candidate's motivations and aspirations, ensuring a personalized approach to their application process. His ability to help candidates craft genuine, compelling stories that resonate with admissions committees has been a key factor in his success as a consultant.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Roger is an avid hiker, a fan of European soccer, and a seasoned traveler, having explored 38 countries.
Ryan is a seasoned consultant with a decade of experience in higher education, including overseeing admissions committees for business programs at NYU and aiding candidates in securing acceptance to top-tier universities such as NYU and the University of Oxford.
Ryan holds a Bachelor’s from Loyola University Chicago. He also has a Master’s from the University of Oxford and an MBA from New York University Stern School of Business. Ryan has a rich background in coaching students applying for degree and study abroad programs and working in admissions offices.
Ryan is deeply passionate about coaching, finding immense reward in seeing students realize their full potential. He believes that while coaches are guides, the true skills and knowledge come from the students.
Ryan's coaching style is prescriptive and adaptable, allowing him to cater to each student's unique pace and learning style. He is particularly skilled in providing hands-on guidance and customizing strategies for individual success. A significant aspect of his strength lies in his deep understanding of the MBA admissions process. Ryan emphasizes that MBA admissions committees are comprised of normal people, just like the applicants. He believes that recognizing the human element in the application process is crucial. His insight into this aspect of admissions is a cornerstone of his approach, as he strives to help students present their best selves to admissions committees.
Outside of his professional life, Ryan is an avid climber, reader, and gamer. He enjoys watching Netflix, traveling, playing board games, solving crossword puzzles, and playing eight different musical instruments. Ryan's diverse interests, including his love for all music genres, reflect his belief that life is best spent actively engaging with the world and people around him.
Samantha is a seasoned admissions coach with a profound commitment to guiding aspiring individuals toward their academic and professional goals.
Samantha has a Bachelor’s from Baylor University and an MBA from Stanford GSB. She has personally mentored aspiring students, providing in-depth application feedback, essay and resume editing, and interview coaching tailored to each candidate's unique story and goals. Through her coaching, applicants have been accepted into top institutions, including Stanford GSB, Harvard Business School, and MIT Sloan. Additionally, Samantha brings a wealth of professional experience in the business and HR field, including working at Google.
Samantha has always had a passion for helping people express the best version of themselves, and coaching is an impactful way for her to do so. Leveraging her business background and knowledge of the admissions process, Samantha has successfully helped students navigate through the complexities of applying to top MBA programs. She finds immense satisfaction in empowering students to conquer intellectual challenges, a testament to the extraordinary capabilities inherent in every individual.
Samantha’s coaching style is marked by a holistic approach, akin to assembling a unique jigsaw puzzle where each element contributes to a compelling and authentic application. Samantha thrives on the dynamic nature of this process, recognizing that no two puzzles are alike, making each coaching journey a collaborative and enlightening experience.
You can typically find Samantha tinkering with her own business ideas in her free time, testing solutions, and finding new ways to serve people in an achievement-based way.
Samuel holds a Bachelor's in Political Science and Government from the University of Washington. He is pursuing an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, where he has counseled several MBA candidates, guiding them through the application process and conducting mock interviews. Professionally, Samuel has served as an Air Force Officer with the United States Air Force.
Samuel believes that higher education offers a platform for students to engage and connect with other like-minded individuals, contributing to the overall betterment of the world. Facilitating candidates in reaching their dream schools is an exciting endeavor for him.
Samuel enjoys encouraging candidates to explore and showcase their unique qualities through their applications.
In his free time, Samuel loves to travel and scuba dive. He also enjoys playing sports, reading, and dancing.
Sara combines her deep passion for education with her experience as an admission interviewer to guide students towards success through personalized coaching.
Sara is currently pursuing an MBA at Tuck School of Business, where she served as an admission interviewer and reader. This experience allowed her to gain valuable insight into the significance of grasping the school's culture and desired applicant traits. She recognized the importance of tailoring one's narrative to match these criteria precisely and learned that a comprehensive search and interview process is pivotal in assessing a student’s compatibility with the program.
As a coach, Sara loves helping others recognize their needs, creating plans to support their growth, and guiding them to achieve their goals. Having worked in the education sector for more than seven years, she enjoys interacting with hundreds of students, observing their levels, and finding the best way for them to learn.
With her previous experience in teaching and knowledge of developmental psychology, Sara excels at helping students achieve their academic goals. Her greatest strengths lie in listening to her students attentively to determine their goals, learning styles, and experiences so that she can personalize a plan for each student. She is very patient and enjoys helping others.
Sara remains optimistic even when her students feel down about hurdles and helps them view those hurdles positively. She is flexible and willing to adjust her methods based on the students’ evolving needs. She will encourage students and help them uncover their potential to achieve their best. Deyun has helped candidates get accepted at Tuck School of Business, Chicago Booth, and NYU using her expertise.
In her spare time, Sara enjoys skiing, tennis, cooking (creating new recipes by experimenting with different condiments), and practicing yoga.
Sean is a dedicated admissions coach passionate about guiding candidates through the intricate MBA admissions process, ensuring they present their best selves.
Sean has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint and an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management. He has a rich background in assisting numerous students with their MBA application and acceptance decision journey. Students he has worked with have successfully gained admission to some of the world's most elite MBA programs, including multiple M7 schools.
Sean is driven by the belief that everyone deserves to feel excited and proud of their accomplishments and potential. He finds immense fulfillment in helping ambitious individuals actualize their plans and achieve their goals.
Sean excels in applying proven concepts to help candidates craft strong, authentic applications. He takes a specific, educational, and intentional approach to coaching, emphasizing the importance of student's individuality and recognizing it as their greatest strength.
Beyond his coaching responsibilities, Sean thrives as an entrepreneur, passionately developing the company he established. This venture has been an exhilarating journey for him, blending enjoyment with professional fulfillment in a way that transcends traditional work.
Terrence is an accomplished admissions coach and entrepreneur renowned for his expertise in guiding MBA candidates toward achieving their educational aspirations.
Terrence earned a Bachelor’s from Boston College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. While at Harvard, he was part of an admissions program to support, coach, and mentor incoming applicants.
Terrence has a rich history of helping candidates gain acceptance into prestigious institutions such as HBS, Columbia Business School, Wharton, Stanford, Ross (Michigan), Kellogg, NYU, MIT, and more. His insider experience with the HBS admissions program gave him a deep understanding of what admissions committees seek in candidates, from essays and interviews to diverse class composition.
Terrence's passion for coaching stems from his innate people skills and joy in helping individuals discover and articulate their unique stories. His psychology, sociology, and philosophy background enables him to understand his students, uncovering their passions and motivations deeply. This approach makes his coaching highly personalized and effective, enhancing his students' satisfaction and enjoyment of the admissions process.
Terrence’s coaching style is characterized by a genuine commitment to the applicant's success and an ability to ask probing questions that encourage deep self-reflection. His candid yet compassionate guidance has helped many students gain profound insights about themselves. Terrence also prides himself on his empathetic nature and dedication to pushing students toward realizing their true vision and purpose.
Terrence is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and hosts a philosophy podcast in his free time. He also enjoys reading, traveling, and teaching entrepreneurship and critical thinking to young students. He is also a father to a 10-year-old son.
Terrence’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in founding two companies, one in sports media and another in education. Additionally, he imparts his expertise in corporate negotiations to global sales teams and coaches business leaders in personal growth and development.
With a rich multicultural background and a commitment to individualized coaching, Valentin has guided aspiring MBA candidates to acceptance at esteemed institutions like Chicago Booth, University of Washington Foster, and IESE.
Valentin earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Washington and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He served as a Faculty Advisor at the University of Washington.
Valentin’s passion for coaching stems from his own experience being coached. He has benefited tremendously from his coaches and tutors and strives to offer the same to his students. In the process, he hopes to help others develop and maximize their potential, and he loves how rewarding coaching is as he continually learns and evolves through those he coaches.
While Valentin has refined a universal coaching approach, he recognizes that everyone is different and unique and believes that the approach and style should be tailored to the individual. This makes for a more fun, personable, and rewarding experience and is also a great way to help those involved evolve.
Valentin is Chinese-born, raised in the Canary Islands in Spain, and then immigrated to the US during high school. He is fluent in three languages and values and takes pride in his multiculturalism and the rich multi-dimensional perspective it provides him in our increasingly global ecosystem. In his spare time, you can find Valentin with family and friends or tinkering in the kitchen, home gym, and home workshop.
Varadhraj is a dedicated and experienced admissions counselor with a deep-seated passion for guiding future leaders through the complex journey of MBA admissions.
Varadhraj completed his Bachelor of Science with honors from the University of Warwick and later earned his MBA from INSEAD. Varadhraj has guided countless students toward receiving admission to prestigious schools like Columbia Business School, INSEAD, and the London Business School.
Having experienced the transformative impact of an MBA firsthand, Varadhraj is passionate about offering others this opportunity. Witnessing the evolution from nervous applicants to confident MBA students is especially rewarding for Varadhraj. He finds joy in supporting applicants in their journey of self-discovery, helping them to identify their strengths and aspirations.
Varadhraj approaches coaching as a collaborative effort rather than a conventional teacher-student relationship. He has extensive experience mentoring candidates who have considerable gaps in their work experience, making sure these gaps are not perceived as a disadvantage. He recognizes the challenges of the application process and focuses on providing encouragement and step-by-step guidance, ensuring students feel supported without feeling overwhelmed by excessive pressure. He aims to foster improvement through candid, comprehensive, and constructive criticism.
Before joining INSEAD, Varadhraj spent five years in private equity, where he eventually became a Director. Post-INSEAD, he continued to explore different fields and is now actively pursuing opportunities in the film and TV industry as well.
Meet Will, a Harvard MBA graduate and Military Intelligence Officer, who leverages his unique blend of experiences to propel candidates to success at leading business schools.
Will holds a Bachelor’s from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He has served as a Military Intelligence Officer in the US Army for five years and as a Graduate Teaching Fellow at Harvard.
Will’s passion for coaching and tutoring stems from his enjoyment in assisting candidates in weaving their professional experiences, academic backgrounds, and personal interests into a compelling narrative that appeals to admission committees. He finds immense satisfaction when the candidates he coaches receive acceptance calls/letters from top programs.
Will's greatest strengths come from his collaborative, holistic, and adaptable approach, particularly in the context of MBA admissions consulting. His experiences in helping candidates navigate the admissions process have given him a deep understanding of what admissions committees look for and the unique characteristics of different business schools. Will has helped candidates get accepted at renowned institutions, such as Harvard Business School, Wharton, University of Chicago, Northwestern Kellogg, and NYU Stern.
In his free time, Will enjoys golfing, reading, and engaging in DIY home renovations.
Meet Yasmin, one of our expert admissions coaches, passionate about helping students identify their strengths and craft a compelling application from start to finish.
Yasmin received her Bachelor's in International Relations from Tufts University and her MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since graduation, she has built an impressive resume as the Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of Skinfluence, a Consultant at the Boston Consulting Group, and a gifted admissions coach on the Inspira team. Students she recently coached have gotten accepted at Princeton, Harvard, Dartmouth, Northwestern, Yale, Brown, MIT, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Yasmin is particularly passionate about helping students identify themes in their journeys, approach the application process strategically, and spend time on the things that matter most. Yasmin believes that every candidate should have the opportunity to put their best foot forward during the application process and prioritize the highest value-add components of their applications. Yasmin seeks to help students approach the application season with confidence, energy, and excitement by equipping candidates with knowledge about the process and tools to navigate its ins and outs.
Yasmin’s greatest strengths as a coach are her ability to demystify and deconstruct the application process into actionable steps and help students identify strengths and areas for improvement. Additionally, Yasmin excels at helping students with theme identification and narrative formation, goal setting, and providing responsive and clear communication. As a force in the world of business, she is also an excellent career coach and is keen on helping students plan the next steps in their careers.
In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband, broader family, and her kitten, Mozart. Her favorite activities are snorkeling, traveling, and trying new foods!
Aman brings a decade of tutoring experience to the table and is committed to helping students unlock and maximize their full potential.
Aman's academic journey began with acceptance to prestigious institutions such as NYU and Penn State. He chose Rutgers University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Communication on a full-ride scholarship. He then pursued a Master's degree in Education at Johns Hopkins University and an MBA at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, graduating Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude on a merit-based scholarship. Throughout his college years, Aman dedicated himself to helping students and later gained extensive teaching experience as a math teacher, algebra team lead, associate dean, and coding instructor for Teach for America. He also excelled as a GMAT tutor, supporting countless students in their academic journeys and helping numerous secure admission to their dream schools, including HBS, Darden, and Yale. Aman also has a wealth of experience in the business sector, having served in various roles, including marketing manager, consultant, and engagement manager. His diverse educational background and professional experience have equipped him with the mentoring and practical skills necessary to help students excel.
Aman takes pride in guiding individuals to recognize their untapped potential and nurturing their passion for a particular subject. He finds joy in helping them overcome challenges and grow by supporting them in reaching their goals.
Aman's teaching background, empathy, patience, and ability to use analogies to make concepts "click" distinguish him as a tutor. He believes that approaching the same concept from various angles or using different perspectives can often be beneficial. While he always meets students at their current level, he also ensures they reach their desired goals. When students encounter learning obstacles, he prioritizes genuine growth by stepping back, giving them time to think, and offering guidance with gentle nudges instead of simply providing answers.
Aman loves game shows and traveling. In fact, he’s visited 30 countries!
Ashley’s tutoring career spans over two decades. During that time, she has coached over 9,000 students who have successfully been accepted to all Ivy League schools.
Ashley holds an MS and MBA from Bentley University, where she graduated with High Distinction. She has numerous awards in marketing technology as a top user and 21 years of professional teaching experience in various exams and subjects, from middle school to graduate programs. Ashley has taught in the United States, Canada, China, and South Africa.
During her career, students that Ashely has tutored have been accepted at every Ivy League institution for undergraduate programs, and numerous acceptances in top MBA programs, including Wharton, Booth, Kellogg, Sloan, Tuck, Ross, Stern, Fuqua, Hass, Darden, Marshall and HBS. She has also worked with students seeking entrance to the UK and other European-based programs, such as IESE, and a wide range of master's and PhD programs.
Coming from a single-parent, low-income family in Alabama, Ashley knows first-hand the value of academics and how it can change your trajectory—financially, socially, and professionally. As a student, she received a perfect score on her SAT and ACT and was recruited by Kaplan on campus in her first semester to tutor. Her very first tutoring experience was in high school when she worked with several single parents to receive their GED as part of a volunteer program. This experience drives her passion for tutoring, and Ashley loves working with students to help them achieve their academic goals. The bigger the hurdle, the more driven she is to coach and guide them. She truly believes in the students she tutors and loves to see them succeed.
Ashley’s greatest strengths are that she has a lot of energy and she is always direct, but very positive. She is also highly skilled at creating a custom plan for each candidate’s needs, time constraints, and goals. Each student is unique, and Ashley understands that ensuring a tutoring plan matches that uniqueness is key. Ashley has worked with students who have been trying to "follow a plan" for 5+ years and have seen zero success in moving the needle on their test score, but in just a month will jump, for example, 50 points on a GMAT just by working with Ashley on a custom plan. In addition, Ashley is always a positive tutor and cheerleader, acknowledging even the small wins and working through setbacks.
Ashley understands that a lot of test prep content is hard and uninteresting—that's sort of the point, right? She excels at taking that content and turning it into bite-sized "snackable" chunks to make it much more manageable. Plus, she is always able to help students have a good laugh about how boring it can be. She always says there is more than one way to answer a test question—the key is to try all the different options and see what works! Then, practice and repetition of the same question type often take care of the learning block very quickly. Lastly, Ashley’s strengths lie in positive words of reinforcement, active listening, and switching gears and tactics when her students hit a rut.
Outside of tutoring, Ashley has a daughter with a complex rare medical condition and advocates on her behalf through several non-profit support organizations. She also has three cats, including one named Odysseus, who is a perfect companion for her oldest daughter, Athena! She loves hiking, traveling, listening to Texas Red Dirt music, reading, gardening, working on her ancient Volvo XC90 and Ford F150, DIY house projects, and volunteering with the Federation of Children with Special Needs.
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Chris is a highly experienced educator with a diverse academic background who specializes in fostering critical thinking skills and self-confidence in students.
University of Notre Dame, and a second Master’s from the Yale School of Management. He brings extensive experience spanning a 27-year career in education management, including leadership in product (strategy, management, implementation, development), operations, finance, budgeting, marketing, customer service, teacher training, instruction, curriculum, and public policy.
Chris’s passion stems from his love of helping students think more effectively. He enjoys having conversations about solving problems and appreciates listening to, understanding, and helping students overcome their weaknesses or challenges. Chris finds satisfaction in seeing students improve and become more confident during a tutoring session or over time.
Chris’s greatest strength is always striving to ask questions to help students unlock the path forward rather than just dictating it himself. Learning can be fun, and he always seeks ways to make the content or questions more interesting than they appear to most.
During a session, Chris excels at encouraging students to pause, step back, and breathe. He advises taking time to think rather than just charging ahead and applying brute force. When a student is completely stumped, Chris follows the "I go / We go / You go" pedagogical approach, where he first models the questions and then does a question together with the student and then allows the student to do a question while talking aloud through their approach. Then he has the student practice a question quietly and review their approach with him afterward.
Chris cherishes free time with his wife, two daughters, and his dog. He also likes running, riding his Peloton, and rooting for the Chicago Cubs.
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Dmitry excels at making learning enjoyable through his relaxed yet focused teaching style, utilizing real-world examples to help students achieve their goals.
Dmitry earned a Bachelor's degree magna cum laude from Middlebury College, where he was awarded the Dana Scholar, which is only given to 10 students a year by a professor, for his leadership potential. He also received a Master's degree from Paris 1 Sorbonne. Dmitry has over three years of tutoring experience with around 80 students taught. His first job was teaching English in St. Petersburg, Russia, after graduating from college. Over the years, he has helped students gain admission to schools like London Business School, INSEAD, and Wharton.
Dmitry has always loved working with people, making connections, and helping others achieve their goals. Seeing someone succeed after struggling is deeply rewarding for Dmitry, especially the back-and-forth interaction of tutoring. Specifically, Dmitry enjoys helping students achieve major life goals, as test scores and school admissions massively impact their futures. When a student grasps a difficult concept, he finds the satisfaction for both parties priceless.
One of Dmitry’s greatest strengths is his ability to see things from the student's perspective to identify and overcome obstacles. In his teaching methodology, Dmitry bridges complex ideas with everyday situations that resonate with students. His relaxed yet focused style removes unnecessary stress while progressing students toward their objectives. Dmitry is always considering the next topic or assignment to reinforce learning while making the experience fun through jokes and casual conversation. He uses innovative explanations through creative analogies to engage his students’ thought processes. If students hit a wall, he advocates taking a break to clear their heads, emphasizing the importance of mental clarity on test day.
In his free time, Dmitry enjoys running, watching comedy movies, playing guitar, traveling, meeting new people, and trying delicious foods. Meeting up with friends at a cafe or bar is among Dmitry’s favorite ways to pass the time.
Howie excels at utilizing his positive attitude and extensive tutoring background to empower students to achieve success on the GMAT.
Howie has earned a Bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from the Yale School of Management. He has served as a teaching assistant for various classes, including Probability & Statistics, Economic Analysis of High-Tech Industries, and Healthcare Strategy. Howie was also part of the Residential College Council, the Technology Club, the Startup & Entrepreneurship Club, the Arts & Culture Club, and he played in the Symphony Orchestra.
Howie initially began by helping friends and younger family with math. He then discovered a genuine enjoyment in assisting individuals overcome their challenges. Recognizing the transformative potential of education, he finds joy and personal satisfaction in guiding people through their academic journey, considering its profound impact on their lives.
Howie's tutoring style is characterized by enthusiasm and patience. He offers encouragement based on each student’s learning style. He excels at being enthusiastic about the subject and uses positive reinforcement when a student understands.
In his free time, Howie expresses a deep love for music. He has been playing the piano since age five and the flute since elementary school. When not engaged in practice sessions, he enjoys listening to classical music and actively seeks out concerts to attend.
Maura brings over a decade of tutoring experience and is dedicated to empowering students to achieve their academic goals.
Maura earned her Bachelor's from the University of Maryland and Master's from the University of Alaska. She also attended school at the University of Hawaii. She has tutored around 300 students in various capacities, including as a teaching assistant, student leader, and mentor. Maura has helped students gain acceptance into acclaimed universities such as Rutgers, USC, and Columbia.
Maura finds solving problems after close examination highly rewarding. She loves seeing students' happiness when they have those lightbulb moments of realization. Maura is extremely passionate about building students up and watching their progress grow over time.
Maura emphasizes there are multiple ways to find the right answer. Her teaching methods incorporate algebraic, graphical, and real-world approaches so students grasp concepts fully. She assesses students' challenges, proposes plans to overcome them, and shows the next steps. When they hit roadblocks, Maura reframes their thinking to motivate them using the progress made. As a research scientist, engineer, and comedian, Maura’s experience in many walks of life makes her more open-minded to different learning styles and personality types. Maura prides herself on her emotional intelligence and her ability to adapt to all types of learning styles.
In her spare time, Maura writes comedy scripts and films funny videos. She formerly lived in a cabin in Alaska with no running water.
Terrence has over 15 years of experience as a GMAT Tutor and is renowned for his expertise in guiding candidates toward their educational goals.
Terrence earned a Bachelor’s from Boston College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He brings over 15 years of experience as a tutor, supporting students in various roles, including a GMAT Tutor, an Admissions Counselor for Perspective Students, and an MBA Admissions Consultant. Through these roles, Terrence has honed his skills in mentoring, tutoring, and guiding students towards their educational aspirations. In addition, he was part of the Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society, demonstrating his dedication to excellence in academic and extracurricular pursuits. Terrence has tutored over 100 students, helping them gain admission to prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Cornell, UPenn, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins.
Terrence's true passion lies in the fulfillment he derives from empowering students to embrace their learning journey enthusiastically and confidently. With a genuine love for teaching, he is dedicated to nurturing students' critical thinking abilities and transforming their approach to education for long-term success.
His tutoring style is characterized by patience, practicality, and motivation. He uses a first-principles approach and a plethora of analogies to make complex concepts understandable and engaging. When students encounter difficulties or learning blocks, Terrence employs a flexible strategy, either shifting focus to a different topic or delving deeper into the issue's root causes.
Terrence is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and hosts a philosophy podcast in his free time. He also enjoys reading, traveling, and teaching entrepreneurship and critical thinking to young students. He is also a father to a 10-year-old son.
Tony has several years of experience tutoring for the GMAT and is passionate about making it manageable and enjoyable!
Tony completed a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with Honors from Harvard University. His academic prowess also earned him acceptance to other prestigious institutions such as Princeton, UPenn Wharton, Columbia, Dartmouth, and Duke, equipping him with a nuanced understanding of what it takes to gain admission to competitive schools. Following his undergraduate studies, Tony furthered his education by completing his Master’s degree at Stanford. With a wealth of experience tutoring students at all levels, Tony has successfully guided numerous applicants to achieve their target GMAT scores and secure admission to their dream schools, like Stanford, Princeton, and Yale.
Tony firmly believes in the limitless benefits of education. His passion for tutoring is driven by the satisfaction he feels when he sees students grow and achieve their goals. He deeply values education and actively encourages students to set clear learning objectives, providing unwavering support until they reach them. Having written the GMAT himself, Tony understands the pressure that tests can bring and is passionate about equipping students with the necessary tools and knowledge to overcome these challenges and excel.
Tony's tutoring approach is marked by clarity and high expectations, while still ensuring that students enjoy the GMAT rather than fear it. He believes that having the right attitude is crucial and consistently brings positive energy to every session. When students encounter learning obstacles, he emphasizes that it's often less about the individual question and more about understanding the underlying concept. His primary goal is to identify the root cause of these obstacles. Tony views learning blocks as symptoms of a deeper issue, so he advocates for pausing, collaborating with the student to identify the specific areas causing difficulty, and then focusing on practicing those questions to build confidence in mastering them. Tony also emphasizes the real-world applications of the themes within GMAT questions. To ensure that students grasp these concepts, he works diligently to create real-world analogies and even incorporates hands-on activities to illustrate the intriguing ideas behind some of the more challenging questions. Overall, he strives to make learning enjoyable, encourages students to think creatively, and helps them build their confidence.
During the pandemic, Tony was really into home-brewing kombucha! Beyond this, his favorite pastimes include going on hikes, running, and trying out new food!
Varadhraj always exhibits a positive attitude and draws from his extensive tutoring background to empower students to conquer the GMAT and attain their academic aspirations.
Varadhraj has earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Warwick and an MBA from INSEAD. Before attending INSEAD, he worked in Private Equity for five years. Vardhraj has five years of tutoring experience and has successfully helped students improve their GMAT scores.
Varadhraj loves helping students achieve their full potential. So many people feel that they need to be better to go for what they want to do. As a tutor, Varandraj enjoys helping students not only succeed in a subject or exam but also showing them that they have the potential to achieve their goals and that all they were missing was a bit of guidance and support.
Varadhraj sees tutoring as more of a partnership than a traditional student-teacher dynamic. He understands how difficult and daunting the GMAT can be, and his greatest strength lies in giving positive reinforcement and guiding students through the process without putting excessive pressure on them. His feedback is detailed, and he’s always honest and direct but in a constructive way designed to help students understand how they can improve.
Varadhraj also excels at pinpointing what students find difficult and breaking it down into simple concepts and basic parts. He is also skilled at relating content to student's interests for better engagement.
Varadhraj is a total film fanatic and even earned the nickname "IMDB" from his undergrad housemates. He enjoys watching films and TV, hiking, reading, comedy shows, and football in his spare time.
Vladislav is renowned for his adeptness in tailoring explanations to meet individual student needs and fostering a supportive learning environment that empowers GMAT test-takers to excel academically.
Vladislav holds a Bachelor’s degree from Leiden University and a Master’s degree from Sciences Po Paris. He has eight years of experience tutoring Economics and Mathematics and has also contributed as a member of the 2nd national team of France at the Balkan Mathematical Olympiad. Additionally, he achieved a top 10 position in France in the mathematics competition "Kangourou des Mathematiques", won a silver medal at the All-Russian Olympiad in Economics at the National Level, and clinched gold and silver medals at the All-Russian Olympiad in various subjects at the Regional Level. Furthermore, Vladislav was part of a team that won the Humanities Lab Honours Capstone Project at Leiden University.
Vladislav finds immense fulfillment in witnessing the positive impact he has on the lives of students. He takes pride in students achieving the highest honors in school competitions or gaining acceptance into their dream schools, considering these moments as the greatest rewards his profession has offered him.
Vladislav exhibits great flexibility in his explanations, tailoring them to suit the needs of each student individually. Moreover, he places significant emphasis on presenting information in a structured manner, believing it enhances students' ability to retain and apply the knowledge effectively. Vladislav also excels at boosting student’s confidence, recognizing it as pivotal to their success. He adopts an empathetic approach to understanding and addressing any learning blocks students may encounter, acknowledging factors such as lack of motivation.
Vladislav perceives maintaining student motivation as crucial, achieved through fostering confidence and highlighting the real-world implications of academic achievements. His consulting background has honed his ability to structure content effectively, and his experience teaching Olympiad mathematics enables him to simplify complex topics. Additionally, his extensive international background facilitates better connections with international students.
Vladislav grew up in a small town in Siberia, and after living in the south of France, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong, he settled in Paris. Traveling is his biggest passion, and he has visited 102 countries in total. In his spare time, you can find him reading books, mainly about social sciences, playing table tennis and board games - and, of course, traveling and planning future trips!