"The Best Decision I Made This Admissions Cycle"

“[ I realize this is a long testimonial, but I am refusing to cut details in the hopes that it helps a future applicant. And alas, I am not hindered by a nearly impossible word limit (: ]

I entered this admissions cycle extremely hesitant about hiring a consultant. I had a lackluster experience the year before and was not sure I wanted to go down that road again. Still, I wanted to keep an open mind.

Every other top-rated firm I reached out to refused to even glance at my previous HBS application, which had earned me an interview but not admission, unless I first paid for their services. Petia’s first response to my (very passionate) email was, “Send me your application packet from last year.” I had not asked her to review it, yet she did not hesitate to help before any transaction was made. That was my very first impression of her.

We scheduled what was supposed to be a 15-minute consultation. She spoke with me for nearly an hour, just getting to know me and understanding my goals. She never tried to sell me or hold back insight. She shared as much knowledge and advice as she possibly could in that free hour without gatekeeping or making me feel like I needed access to some secret formula to belong in these spaces. That was exactly what I had been hoping to find.

My situation was not simple; I was only applying to schools in Massachusetts because I needed to be near family as a mom. I was also pursuing both a JD and an MBA. Most MBA consultants tried to talk me out of doing both degrees. Petia immediately focused on how she could support that vision instead of shrinking it.

With her guidance, I applied to HBS and MIT Sloan for my MBA and to Harvard Law School. I was not admitted to HBS, but I was admitted to MIT Sloan (with a full fellowship!!) and to HLS. The schools are now working with me on pursuing concurrent degrees (happy to help any future applicant who finds oneself in a similar situation). Petia was instrumental in helping me articulate past my qualifications to demonstrate why my perspective as a woman, mother, veteran, and leader would meaningfully enrich a classroom and academic community.

Applying to these schools is intimidating. The numbers matter, but they are only part of the story (as Petia will soon tell you). The harder work is understanding what makes you distinct and how you will show up in a community. For me, Petia became my mirror. She helped me see that the most compelling parts of my story were not always what was most impressive on paper. That is a difficult mindset to shift when you are applying to institutions that feel larger than life.

We spent countless hours refining my narrative and ensuring every piece of my application reflected an authentic and cohesive story. While I always fancied myself to be a strong writer, working with Petia sharpened that strength in unexpected ways. Aside from editing essays, she challenged my assumptions, pressed on the places where I was playing small, and helped me strip away what sounded impressive to uncover what was actually powerful. I became a sharper thinker, a clearer communicator, and ultimately a stronger candidate because of her.

There is something difficult to articulate about working with her. She is one of those rare people who, simply by knowing and interacting with her, makes you grow. Her confidence in you feels steady and grounded, not inflated. And when you realize she truly believes in you, you begin to believe in yourself in a different way. Her depth of knowledge across industries, programs, and people is remarkable, but it is her ability to empower that sets her apart. She does not impose a narrative on you like a lot of other consultants (because “it worked” in the past). She helps you discover your own and stand firmly in it.

Beyond the essays and strategy, she became a mentor and a friend. Even after I was admitted, she connected me with mentors in her network, helped me think through complex career decisions, and consistently checked in as I structured my concurrent degrees at Sloan and Harvard Law. None of that was required or part of the initial transaction. She does it because she genuinely cares about the people she works with and the lives they are building.

If you are hesitating, wondering whether hiring a consultant is worth it, I understand completely. I, too, was skeptical. I did the research. I spoke with the highest rated firms. I almost walked away from the process altogether. Choosing Petia was the single best decision I made in this admissions cycle.

Yes, I have no doubt she’ll help you get into business school (and maybe even law school, despite that not being her specialty… I mean, what CAN’T she do!!). But she will also help you understand your value, own your voice, and step confidently into rooms that once felt out of reach. I cannot recommend her highly enough!”

—Admitted to MIT Sloan (full fellowsih) and Harvard Law School, Poets & Quants verified review