GMAT Club

Damon Chua Reviews

Company: Admissionado

An award-winning writer and producer, Damon has worked in the media, entertainment and finance industries in both business and creative capacities.

His films have been screened at many top film festivals including the Cannes Film Festival, and his works have been published by Samuel French, among others, and taught in schools in the US and Singapore. A recent recipient of a UNESCO grant, Damon has lived in Asia and Europe, and now calls New York City his home. He obtained his MBA from Stanford University and has a law degree from Oxford University. Who says it is possible to be overeducated, eh?

One of Admissionado’s most seasoned MBA consultants, Damon has worked for a number of MBA admissions consulting firms over the past seven years; today, he is delighted to have found an exclusive home with Admissionado, the most forward-thinking, successful, and great firm around.

5.0 /5 Average Rating
Based on 5 reviews
April 10, 2017
MBAapplicant772

Joined: Apr 09, 2017

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
770 Q49 V47

Great Experience

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I decided to go with Admissionado after interviewing at least five potential admissions consultants. Admissionado stood out for two important reasons. First, Claudia and the Admissionado team were very helpful. They worked with me to find the support package that worked best for my needs.

Second, and most importantly, I was so impressed with my consultant, Damon. From the beginning, I could tell that he was doing this for the right reasons. He wanted the best for me, and was willing to put in the work and the brutal honesty to help me get there.

To start, Damon laid out a clear and rigorous plan that helped me stay on track. Throughout the process, Damon pushed me to think deeply and tell my story in a rich and compelling way. He provided great guidance and feedback, but ensured that everything I wrote was my own.

Damon was not only insightful with his feedback, but incredibly quick and responsive. He made sure to never be a bottleneck in the process even though we were moving quickly.

I'd highly recommend working with Damon and Admissionado if you're serious about your applications. Thanks in part to Damon's guidance, I now have my choice between two of my dream top 10 programs.

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December 18, 2016
lhoytt

Joined: Jun 02, 2016

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
760 Q49 V46

Admissionado - Damon Chua

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I worked with Damon and Claudia from Admissionado and every aspect of the experience was great, from being able to talk to Damon before I committed to buying the package to getting congratulatory follow ups once I got into Stanford! I interviewed all the consulting companies I could find, and felt far more comfortable with Admissionado than anyone else.

The preliminary deep-dive phone conversations were tremendously valuable in terms of reflecting on what really matters to me, what I've done in my life up and how that's shaped who I am, and where I want to go from here. Damon was also extremely helpful in the essay-crafting process, adding clarity and impact while still using my own words. I changed the direction of my essay several times, and Damon stayed agile and flexible in his thinking.

The Admissionado also took a lot of the stress involved with the applications off my plate by providing a clear timetable and regular check points to make sure I stayed on track.

The interview prep was also very helpful in terms of making sure I knew how to clearly get my messages across.

I could not recommend Damon and Admissionado more highly. I'm going to Stanford GSB in the Fall, and I couldn't have done it without them. Five stars!

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November 16, 2016
fromleshan

Joined: Apr 29, 2015

Posts: 2

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
750 Q50 V40

Excellent service!

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Without a clear post-MBA goal and a problematic undergraduate GPA, I knew I had to invest in an admission consultant to build an outstanding application for my target schools (M7/Top 15).
Therefore, I spent a month researching different admission consultancies. My experience with Admissionado has been stellar from the get-go. Of all the consultancies I spoke to, Admissionado was not only prompt and enthusiastic in their responses, but also able to partner me with Damon who specializes in my candidate pool and is well-versed in the admission process. I truly felt I was being valued as a customer and invested as an applicant with Admissionado. I ended up purchasing 4-school deluxe package.

Damon is Stanford MBA himself and has worked on both sides of the admission process. He leveraged his experience and knowledge in working with Asian candidates and worked patiently with me to come up with a unique admission strategy. The goal was to overcome a spotty academic record and make me stand out from a competitive applicant pool. I had all the material - professional progression, leadership and extracurriculars, and a strong GMAT. But it was with Damon’ s help that I was able to weave a compelling story into my essays.

Damon was also skillful in choosing recommenders. Instead of two work references, we went with one work reference and the other from my volunteer advisor, a strategy which further differentiated me.

Damon and Claudia were great in communications. Damon stuck to the 2 business day turn-around and acted as a sounding board whenever I came up with new crazy ideas for my essays. The Admissionado team understand very well the grueling and taxing nature of the application process. They supported and cheered for me when I was close to burn-out near the end.

I had two calls with Damon for interview prep. The first lasted about an hour as an overview and the second a mock interview. Damon drilled me on my story in the mock interview, forcing me come up with better answers. Going through a stressful (in a good way) mock interview with Damon definitely boosted my confidence in dealing with unexpected or difficult situations. Thankfully, my interview went quite smoothly and I was eventually admitted to CBS. I’m very excited to start my new life next year in NYC! I know I couldn’t have done it without the help of Damon and Claudia.

That being said, I would like to add a word of caution to future applicants: Do not expect your consultant/case manager to hand-hold you in the process. At the end of the day, it is up to you, the applicant, to own your application.

I would recommend Admissionado without reservation. Good luck to all!

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June 26, 2013
Anonymous

Posts: 0

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Don't give up!

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I had bought the service of three complete applications with a local consulting firm well branded. Since I had received my GMAT a bit late in the game (7th January), I had not much time to focus on each essay and build a strong application. I decided to apply for at least four schools (NYU, McCombs, Cornell, and Tepper).

I did the application with the help of this first consulting firm, but I was not yet satisfied with the outcome and I had a short deadline, so I decided to try one shot with ADMISSIONADO, because I discovered that they could return the review of my essays in a really short time, especially with the “rush service fee”, everything that I needed at that time. What I discovered was that they were not only fast in returning the essays, but they also were really professional. They knew what they were doing and my essays really stand-out! I received and interview invitation from TEPPER and I was wait listed in CORNELL.

A little disappointed with CORNELL answer, even though I decided to hire the WAIT LIST SERVICE, which I thought it could be a waste of money, but it was not. I had depth conversation with DAMON CHUA (ADMISSIONADO consultant) and we together setup a really strong strategic approach to this sensitive situation. We worked really hard and I did all the correct moves. I got out of the waitlist, did interview preparation with the same consultant, performed well in the interview, and finally I received my offer from CORNELL.

In short, I highly recommend the ADMISSIONADO SERVICES, specially the essays reviewing, interview practice and wait list service.

For those in the WAIT LIST, don’t give up! Keep positive, work hard, show that you are really committed. It will pay off.

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January 28, 2013
rajadi

Joined: Sep 30, 2010

Posts: 90

Kudos: 7

Self-reported Score:
750 Q51 V40

Flexible & Action-packed

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I knew precision essays from before, but I first came in contact with Admissionado when I wanted to take services of an admissions consultant

After a lot of thoughts, I finally decided to take services of a consultant for MIT LGO application. I first went for AcceptU.com, after attending their seminar on BTG. While I was evaluating their offering, I came in contact of Lauren of Admissionado and almost immediately was hooked on to their professional approach.

Their initial questionnaire was quite thorough and made the basis for preparing good essays as it brought out nice themes. When I finally paid for their service, only 15 days were left for the MIT LGO application and it was a race to the finish. It took me another couple of days to submit their questionnaire as I wanted to make sure it properly brought out my past

With just over 10 days left before the application submission and the 12-hour time difference between me & the consultant, it was a tough & stressful ride. I worked with Damon Chua, he might not have known a lot about MIT, but he made sure that those 10 days were as stress-free for me as possible.

Though their committed turn-around time was 72-hours, but Damon almost always came back within 24-hours. We properly utilized the 12-hour time difference, I would submit the essays in Damon's day-time and he would return them in my day-time :). This flexibility really helped me squeeze in 3 reviews & a final polish with Damon and also a review with my sisters (to ensure the story-line reflected real me)

Damon also ensured the whole process was action-packed. He gave me thorough comments which were really helpful in shaping the essays. The final essays were a real good read, unlike the initial submission which was very-very loosely written. Damon's limited knowledge of MIT had little impact over the whole process, but he was really passionate in his work

Their support over the whole period and even after that has been really commendable. It is still to be seen if I am able to make into one of the 5-6 international students of LGO, but I am satisfied with our efforts. And I learnt one thing, be very open with your consultant, as then they can really surprise you with how they can present your story.

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