Admitted to Kellogg & CBS - Thank You Susan!

Working with Susan Kaplan was the single best decision I made in my MBA application journey. I worked with her on two ‘Start-To-Finish’ application packages, and with her guidance, I am so fortunate to say that I was admitted to both Columbia and Kellogg, and am heading to Evanston this fall to join the Kellogg MBA Class of 2027.

I interviewed several admissions consultants, and Susan stood out immediately. Her approach is equal parts strategic, detail-oriented, and deeply human. Early on, she challenged me to think beyond surface-level achievements and dig into the “why” behind my goals. That introspection didn’t just make my applications more polished, powerful, and personal - it made me more confident in my long-term career direction.

What truly sets Susan apart is the way she combines relentless precision with unwavering partnership. Like a great teacher who knows your potential, she doesn’t just reject “good enough” - she makes you want to push yourself. Every essay went through multiple rounds of thoughtful, incisive feedback. She challenged me to clarify my logic, tighten my language, and craft a story that was both cohesive and compelling. By the time I submitted, I was proud of every word. Yet as hard as Susan pushes you, it’s clear she’s right there with you the whole way. At times, I felt like Susan was even more invested in my story than I was. She was consistently responsive, encouraging, and honest. I never felt like just another client - I felt like I had a coach who cared just as much about the outcome as I did.

These comments are not empty words. Throughout my journey, I spoke with dozens of admitted students and peers working through their own applications. For those that worked with consultants, reviews were a fairly mixed bag. I’m grateful I had the chance to work with Susan and can say with resounding confidence that my application would not have been as polished or powerful without her help.

If you’re serious about getting into a top MBA program - and you’re ready to do the deep work - Susan is the partner to get you there. She’s not just an admissions consultant - she’s a coach, an advisor, and one of the few people who will truly know your story inside and out.