Alessandro Di Trapani Reviews

After speaking with nearly 20 consultants, I instantly knew that Square One Prep (SOP) was the right choice for me. From my first conversation with Kathryn to finally deciding on which consultant I wanted to work with at SOP, the whole process stood out as unique and not something competitors could offer.

I was particularly attracted to the collaborative way SOP operates, you are not working with an individual, you are pulling on the collective expertises of a team. There was no hard sell and when I ultimately decided to postpone my application to the following year, the whole SOP team including Kathryn and Alessandro (my consultant) continually checked in on me to ensure I was doing well.

One of the truly unique parts of the experience is that I had my own career narrative coach who helped me to think introspectively to work out what I really wanted to do long-term but most importantly chart out the path to get there. This was a long but insightful process and set me up to efficiently tackle all of my goals essays, and gave me a cogent responses to “why MBA”, “why now” and “what are your short/long term goals”.

With each essay, video essay and interview, I worked with Alessandro to hone in on the specific topics to delve into and with both Kathryn’s and Alessandro’s review, each essay improved considerably between the first and final draft.

Overall, SOP strengthened my application! Applying as an ORM with a below average GRE score, I am sure I only received two M7 offers due to the help and guidance from Alessandro and Kathryn.

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Working with Kathryn, Alessandro (Advisor), Wendy and Cristina from Square One Prep has been instrumental and integral in earning admits to LBS, Oxford and Cambridge. Kathryn has been an amazing coach, expert consultant and awesome mentor throughout the entire process. She provided me with strategic guidance, incisive insights and comprehensive advice throughout each phase and facet of the MBA application process. I really appreciate Kathryn’s well-intentioned candour and advice on the MBA application process, including school selection, application work schedule, essay review, video essays edits and interview prep which had helped me put my best foot forward on each step of the process and calm my nerves! Kathryn had provided unparalleled admissions advice throughout the entire admissions process which have allowed me to craft the most impactful applications.

My advisor, Alessandro has been an amazing and exceptional mentor, expert coach and advisor throughout the entire application process – from initial onboarding / profile assessment, career narrative, formulation of post MBA goals, school selection, tailored application essays for each of the schools, filling of application forms and extensive interview and video-essay preparation. Alessandro is an expert coach and has provided me indispensable advice on school-specific application strategies, crafting of unique and compelling essays and guiding me through a highly introspective and holistic process to determine why MBA, why Now, and my post MBA career goals etc. Alessandro is an amazing guide, and provided invaluable school-specific feedback, coaching and edits to ensure that my essays holistically conveyed my voice / personality, unique experiences and authenticity. Alessandro had also provided unparalleled guidance and training on strategic interview strategies to ensure that my answers were well-structured, comprehensive and succinct to ensure that I had aced all my interviews with flying colours!

Working with Kathryn, Alessandro and Wendy has been incredible, as they provided me with critical insights and feedback to substantially strengthen my essay drafts, including personalisation, elicitation of my voice, structure and advice on focal areas of the essays. Through the highly extensive career narrative module led by Wendy, I was able to introspectively brainstorm and research on my post MBA industry and goals. Kathryn, Alessandro and Wendy had fleshed out the cogency of my post MBA goals and ensured that I crafted realistic goals which were achievable and substantiated with industry context / trends (given my profile). Through SOP’s guidance on the career narrative module, I was able to craft a powerful post MBA goal narrative which had immensely strengthened my applications.

I am extremely fortunate and lucky to have come across SOP when searching for MBA consultants. SOP also provides highly tailored and bespoke advice specific to my profile. SOP’s advice had helped me to direct my focus on areas in the application process which are pivotal to admission. Kathryn, Alessandro, Wendy and the team were also highly responsive to my numerous questions throughout the application process.

I had a phenomenal and outstanding experience working with SOP. The SOP team are true experts in every area of the MBA admissions process. I highly recommend working with SOP on the MBA application process – an expert consultant, partner and guide for admissions to your choice MBA programs!

I can’t thank you enough, Kathryn, Alessandro, Wendy and Cristina!

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