I had been pondering the idea of enrolling for a Full Time MBA for quite some time. I felt that my career was stalling, and that the time was right for me to add extra skills to my tool box, via an MBA from a reputable program. When I finally decided to execute my thoughts however, all I could think about were the odds that were stacked up against me: I was an “older applicant”, I had a low undergraduate GPA, and just was sure how this whole process would play out. I decided that I needed the help of a coach who would keep me grounded and aligned throughout the process.
I came across North Star Admissions Consulting, and Karen Marks, after careful and extensive research on the internet. I was not looking for a business transaction as much as I was looking for an admissions consulting company with whom I could build a relationship through which my best possible applications could be nurtured, and I knew I had found THE Company when I saw North Star’s website. From my first phone call (in what appears to be a long, long time ago) to date, Karen has maintained the highest level of professionalism in our business relationship, taking a genuine interest in my story to help me craft the best possible applications. Through her very patient listening and insightful questioning, Karen was able to transform my biggest vulnerabilities into strong components of my overall application, and interview experience. The level of detail that Karen brings to the process is quite impressive; she helped me to determine what schools were the best for my post-MBA plans and my family fit, and provided insights about scholarships and my personal and professional aspirations upon completion of the MBA.
One of my personal challenges during this application process was meeting my soft deadlines (I was travelling extensively for work), and on several occasions when I thought the ship would be derailed, Karen’s easy but firm version of “tough love” kept me accountable. She also worked with my schedule such that we were able to meet all submission deadlines, delivering well thought out applications at each submission. I was AMAZED at the self-awareness that this relationship with North Star Admissions helped me to uncover about myself. When I finally got invited to interview at the schools I applied to, I scheduled mock interviews with Karen that certainly eased the anxieties of the day off. The culmination of this alliance was my admission to my dream school, and scholarship funds to boot!! Imagine my excitement!
Following my B-School admission, Karen and I have kept in touch, as she has reached out severally to check on my family’s preparation to move into B-School. I have sought her opinion through scheduled phone calls and email in the same time frame, despite the fact that our contractual agreements are since over. I found a friend in North Star Admissions Consulting to ease my B-School journey, and I am enthusiastic in my recommendations of them, should you be in need of an Admissions Consulting Company yourself! You will be glad you did!!
Working with Karen got me into one of the top business schools and made me realize how strong my personal story really is. I was arguably one of the biggest underdog applying to top business schools. My GPA and GRE were way below the average scores from top schools. Karen went above and beyond to get to know me at the personal level and helped narrate my personal story and work experience and turned it in to strongest asset in the application process. I couldn’t have done without the guidance of Karen and it was one of the best decisions I have made.
No matter where you are in terms of your future career plan and if you have ever thought of MBA, reach out to Karen for a quick chat. I promise that it will be your best decision and you will not only get guidance about related to MBA, but will really get to know yourself better. Go Karen!