Working with Katy was one of the best decisions I made during the MBA application process. I’m from South Africa and come from a fairly traditional consulting background, so I wasn’t sure how distinctive my profile would feel in such a competitive pool. With Katy’s support, I applied to Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, and Columbia Business School, and secured interviews at all three, admission to two, and am still waiting on one final outcome.

What I appreciated most was that Katy never tried to force me into a packaged narrative. Instead, she helped me reflect much more deeply on my experiences and identify the themes that genuinely connected my personal story, professional path, and future goals. She was incredibly effective at helping me bring out the strongest examples from my life and shape them into essays and interview stories that felt clear, compelling, and still completely true to me.

She also brought a rare combination of warmth, empathy, honesty, and sharp judgment. She is kind and encouraging, but also candid when something needs to be stronger, and that made her guidance especially valuable. Throughout the process, I felt that she was genuinely invested in my success and that she truly believed in me. I’m very grateful to have worked with her and would recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone looking for an admissions coach who combines real expertise with genuine care.

Read More

Katharine Lewis was instrumental in my MBA application process, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. Coming from a traditional background in investment banking and private equity, I initially struggled to differentiate my story, but Katharine pushed me to take thoughtful risks, lean into my genuine passions, and craft a narrative that was both authentic and compelling. Her ability to identify what truly sets a candidate apart is exceptional, and her guidance helped me translate my experiences into a clear, differentiated story that resonated with admissions committees. Beyond her sharp instincts as an advisor, Katharine brings a deep understanding of the process, informed by her time at Harvard Business School, her experience on the Stanford GSB admissions committee, and her service on several higher education boards at prestigious institutions, which gives her a unique perspective on how these schools evaluate candidates. Her feedback was consistently insightful, candid, and highly actionable. I am confident that I would not have achieved the same outcomes, admission to Stanford, Harvard, Wharton, and Columbia, without her support.

Read More

Working with Katy was the best decision I made in my MBA journey. She was not just a consultant to me, but also a mentor, a guide, and, over the course of the process, truly a friend.

When I started this journey, as a male consultant based in the Middle East, I knew I came from an overrepresented background and was struggling with what I thought was the hardest part of the application process: understanding what actually made me stand out. I had worked on many different things over the years, cared deeply about a wide range of topics, and honestly felt a bit paralyzed by all the possible angles I could take. I was not sure how to piece together the last 10 years of my life into a story that felt coherent, authentic, and compelling.

That is where Katy was exceptional. More than anyone else I spoke to, she immediately understood my profile, my context, and the questions I needed to answer. What stood out to me from the beginning was not just her experience, but her ability to quickly identify both the strengths in my profile and the areas that would need sharper positioning. She helped me proactively tackle those early on, which gave me confidence that I was approaching the process in the right way.

What Katy does better than anyone is help you make sense of your own story. She has an incredible ability to piece together all the elements of your life — experiences, choices, motivations, values, and ambitions — into a narrative that truly reflects who you are and what you stand for. After reading through pages and pages of brainstorming material and asking me thoughtful, deeply personalized questions, she helped me distill the last decade of my life into a clear and meaningful story. It was not a superficial exercise or a polished admissions version of myself. It genuinely felt like she helped me uncover the thread that had always been there but that I had never been able to articulate on my own.

What made this even more impactful was that she pushed me to think much more deeply about my current and future choices. She did not just help me package a story for applications. She helped me better understand myself, what drives me, and what I wanted next. That level of commitment made the experience feel far more meaningful than a standard consulting engagement. She was deeply invested not just in the output, but in my growth throughout the process.

She also completely demystified the admissions process for me. Coming in, a lot of it felt opaque and intimidating: what mattered, what did not, what schools were really looking for, how to approach recommendations, and how much to worry about details I thought might hurt me. Katy brought clarity to all of that. She made the process feel understandable, structured, and manageable. Instead of adding pressure, she consistently reduced it. She always knew when to zoom out and give me the big picture, and when to go deep on the details that actually mattered.

Her essay strategy was also outstanding. I came into the process worried because I do not naturally see myself as a strong writer. I come from a STEM background, English is not my first language, and I had never gone through the kind of application process that demands such a high level of introspection and personal storytelling. Katy made that feel completely manageable. She directed me to focus on getting the big pieces out first without overthinking them, and then worked with me to refine, structure, and cut strategically. That approach was incredibly empowering. It allowed me to write more freely, without getting stuck, and then shape the material into something clear and compelling. She even reviewed the personal questions and smaller parts of the applications with the same care and seriousness as the main essays.

What I appreciated most was how committed she was to preserving my voice. She showed genuine curiosity about my background and perspective, and consistently encouraged me to lean into that rather than trying to sound like what I imagined MBA applicants were supposed to sound like. She helped me become a stronger storyteller without ever making my essays feel manufactured or generic. For someone who had always doubted his writing, that was incredibly confidence-building.

The entire process with Katy was also remarkably clear and structured. Even though I was managing a very demanding and unpredictable work schedule and only started working with her about three months before the Round 2 deadline, everything felt seamless. She laid out the process in a way that made it manageable, kept me focused on the right priorities, and made sure I was always moving forward. By the end, I had all of my materials ready a week before the submission deadlines, which I honestly would not have thought possible at the start.

What really stood out was how hands-on she was from beginning to end. Katy is with you through every single step. She helps you craft your story, write and edit essays, develop guidance for recommenders, speak with them, prepare for interviews, and check in on you as a person throughout the process. I never felt like I was going through this alone. Despite a 12-hour time difference, she was always there when I needed her. At one point, she even woke up at 5 a.m. her time to review my HBS post-interview reflection. That level of commitment says everything about how invested she is in her clients. Her mock interviews were equally exceptional. They were incredibly helpful and highly representative of the actual experience. I walked into my interviews feeling genuinely prepared because so many of the questions had already come up in our sessions.

Most importantly, Katy is sharp, intuitive, caring, and deeply invested. She makes you feel supported, encouraged, and confident, while also pushing you to think harder and go deeper. She brings out the best in people and is truly committed to their growth.

With Katy’s help, I received interview invites from Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton, and ultimately got into and committed to Stanford GSB, my dream school. None of this would have been possible without her. I would recommend Katy without hesitation to any applicant, and especially to those who feel they come from an overrepresented background or are struggling to find the real story that sets them apart.

Read More

I had such a great experience working with Katy and cannot recommend her highly enough! She was instrumental in my admission to both HBS and GSB. She made the entire process far less stressful and saved me a ton of second-guessing on how to go about putting my materials together. She was always available, incredibly responsive, and extremely generous with her time. Katy knew exactly how to position my international background and biotech experience, and she took the time to deeply understand who I am as a person so that my applications truly reflected me. She demystified the admissions process and is also such fun to work with! I truly could not have done this without her!

Read More

Katy Lewis is in a league of her own. I was admitted to Stanford GSB, an outcome I truly believe I could never have achieved without her. From our very first conversation a few years ago, her insight, strategy, and genuine investment in my success set her apart from every other consultant I considered.

What truly sets Katy apart is how far she goes for her clients. She’s not just an admissions expert: She’s deeply dedicated to long-term success. She guided my career thinking from my college days through to this application cycle, and even encouraged me to wait a year before applying – advice that proved invaluable. I don’t know anyone else in this space who is more invested in their clients’ futures.

Katy is a master at uncovering one’s unique, personalized story. She spent the time to really understand me and my experiences, many of which seemed disparate at first glance. She identified powerful themes that connected them all, turning seemingly unrelated decisions and moments into a cohesive, compelling narrative that showcased my authentic self. Her ability to weave these pieces together is nothing short of a masterclass in storytelling. She is a world class strategist and tactician.

Katy supported me throughout the entire process. I had thought interview prep might be where things tapered off, but Katy was with me every step, providing thoughtful mock interviews, strategic advice, and encouragement that kept me grounded and confident. She helped me approach the process with clarity and poise.

Above all, Katy strikes an incredible balance: she’s candid and pragmatic, always realistic about challenges and weaknesses, yet relentlessly positive and encouraging. She’s an exceptional strategist and tactician who pushes you to do your absolute best while making you feel supported and believed in.

Thanks to Katy, I submitted applications I was profoundly proud of, and I’m overjoyed to be heading to Stanford GSB. If you’re serious about top programs – especially Stanford! – work with Katy. You won’t find anyone more capable, caring, or effective. She brings out the very best in you and stands by you until you succeed.

Read More

Working with Katy throughout the entire application process was truly the most delightful experience. She wasn’t just a consultant—she quickly became my sounding board and the most enthusiastically supportive mentor. From the get-go, she actively listened and helped me craft a cohesive, unique story that truly differentiated me as an individual.

I felt like we were on one team together, aligned in our vision, strategy, and energy to deliver the best application possible. Even during times of inevitable anxiety and stress, she was such a calm and reassuring presence; she helped me stay focused and carry out the work with confidence. Her know-how—from which school or essay to tackle first and how to make my voice shine, to reaching out to recommenders and preparing for interviews (HBS, MIT, Wharton)—was invaluable. These are insights I don’t think you can gain anywhere else.

I can’t recommend Katy enough! It is so clear that she deeply cares for each of her clients, and I cannot imagine going through this process with anyone else. I am super excited to head to Wharton this Fall with a scholarship! Thanks, Katy!

Read More

Words from a Triple Admit (HBS, GSB, Wharton): When I first met Katy in 2024, I was itching to apply to business school. Katy listened to my story, immediately identified a few weaknesses, and told me to wait another year before applying to ensure maximum success. Despite my impatience, I listened to her advice. It turned out to be the best decision ever.

Since our first consultation (even before I became a client), we exchanged multiple emails where I sought Katy's advice, and even had another check-in call before I officially onboarded. To Katy, time is the most precious thing. Yet she is super generous with her time, always advising her clients with their best interests at heart.

For context, I am an anxious, Type A girl with a finance background. There were other "weird parts" of my story too that made me wonder if I would be a suitable HBS/ GSB applicant. Katy drew out the essence of my story, turned my "differences" into what makes me "differentiated", and helped me craft a uniquely compelling story that won the hearts of HBS and GSB AdComms. Katy "saw" me and believed in me before anyone else did.

Managing a finance job, multiple leadership projects plus B school application was an intense journey. Katy will guide you every step of the way and handle things in a very systematic and calming manner. Her feedback is honest, timely and spot-on. There were a couple of defining moments:

(1) At the height of application season, I was about to lose perspective on what my "storyline" should be. What's worse, I had no clue what I wanted to do post MBA! I really struggled with any post-MBA related questions/ essay prompts. Katy "steered" me back to the right track, reassured me that "this is the right angle", and advised me on my post MBA path. I'm so glad I listened to her.

(2) My recommender was about to submit my letter late. The process was already stressful due to the politics within my firm. 2 hours before the deadline, I desperately needed advice. Not only did she help me prepare my "recommenders pack", she actually hopped on a call with my recommender to navigate a tricky situation. Katy goes above and beyond for her clients, picks up calls at random hours. She is the calm in the storm, and someone you can count on.

All to say, Katy is not a consultant. She is a mentor who is equally committed to and invested in your success. Her sage advice is shaped by her background as an HBS alum & GSB AdComm member, her years of experience sending candidates to top schools, her pure ingenuity, dedication and thoughtfulness. If she speaks to you, she probably saw some potential in you. What I embarked on was not simply a "B school application" journey. It was a journey of self introspection, where hard work & intentionality meet success. You therefore need a confidante who understands and can help craft your story. Katy is A+++ player. if you want to apply to the top schools and score 3/3, you want her on your team. This is why Katy wins.

Read More

As someone who didn’t decide to apply to business school until June but still wanted to make the Round 1 deadline, I don’t think I would have been a triple HSW admit without Katy.

Katy didn’t just help me put my story into words - she helped me understand what that story actually was. She took fragments from different parts of my life that I had mentioned almost in passing and wove them together in a way I had never seen before. For example, moments from my childhood, my creative hobbies, and my professional path in PE somehow all connected around a central theme of my identity. Once she reflected this back to me, it felt obvious, but I never would have arrived there on my own. Working with Katy showed me that a meaningful part of the b-school application process is learning to see yourself as a complete person, sometimes for the first time.

Our conversations were also the first time I seriously stepped back to think about my long-term goals beyond the standard IB -> PE trajectory. That reflection alone was incredibly valuable, independent of the applications themselves.

From a process standpoint, Katy’s guidance on essay strategy was indispensable. She helped me prioritize the right essays in the right order, tackle the biggest pieces first, and then efficiently build on that work for subsequent applications. Balancing a PE job while managing multiple applications would have felt overwhelming without her structure. I firmly believe that “Katy’s way” of approaching concurrent applications has been optimized.

She also reviewed my application holistically to ensure that everything I wanted to convey was coming through. I appreciated her perspective on content (value insights as an ex-GSB reader and HBS alum), while still preserving my voice and the integrity of my story. For example, I initially struggled with Stanford’s “What Matters Most” essay. Katy pushed me through multiple iterations and wasn’t afraid to tell me when something wasn’t working - whether I just wasn't hitting the things the adcom really wanted to know, or if the tone felt off in certain sections. By the time I reached essay #3/4, it was smooth sailing, and I was churning out or repurposing responses rapidly.

Beyond essays, Katy provided support across every part of the process: helping me choose the right recommenders, keeping that process on track, and running mock interviews that prepared me for time pressure and unexpected questions. I felt like I was really getting the inside look on everything.

I can’t recommend Katy highly enough. Despite starting late, I felt supported, organized, and on track throughout the entire process. While many people in my industry typically panic as deadlines approach, I felt totally zen the whole time - from essays to interviews and final outcomes. Thank you, Katy! :)

Read More

I worked with Katy as a reapplicant, and the outcome was a complete turnaround – I received offers from HBS and GSB. I’m an Asian applicant based in the UK working in finance, and Katy was exceptional at helping me translate my experiences into a clear, compelling story. She quickly pinpointed what needed to change from my prior application. Rather than reinventing my themes, she drew out the essence – clarifying my core narrative, tightening the structure, and making every sentence earn its place. She also helped me approach the recommendations strategically – e.g., how to support my recommenders with the right examples and concrete detail. Finally, her interview prep was exceptional – detailed mock interviews, follow-ups, and precise feedback that made me better each session. Between her insider perspective on both schools (as an HBS alum and former GSB application evaluator) and how generous she was with her time, I’d recommend Katy without hesitation.

Read More

I worked with Katharine Lewis for my Round 1 MBA applications and deferred MBA applications 4 years earlier, and was fortunate to be admitted to Harvard Business School, Wharton, Columbia Business School, and Booth. If you are thinking of hiring a consultant for your MBA journey, I cannot recommend Katharine enough!

What sets Katharine apart is her ability to combine excellent strategic thinking on applicant positioning with helpful writing feedback, and to do it in a way that brings out your authentic voice. From the beginning, Katharine helped me to identify the “through-line” of my life story – not just where I’d worked, but my childhood background, the choices I’d made, the relationships I’d cultivated, the passions I’d developed, what I’d learned, how I’d grown, and what leadership themes admissions readers would resonate with. I came in with a quantitatively heavy background across investing, finance and a high-growth tech startup, plus leadership experiences outside of work. Katharine was excellent at helping me translate my resume into stories that were specific, human, and values-driven. She is also willing to be honest when needed – I originally planned to apply in 2024, when I still worked in Private Equity, and Katharine was very honest with me as to the weak spots in my application, and recommended I apply one year later after making some changes. I listened to her and she was exactly right, and it was candid advice like this that ended up with my admission to HBS!

Her feedback is consistently direct but actionable. She’s exceptionally strong at diagnosing what isn’t working and then giving concrete guidance on how to fix it, as well as identifying the “spark” in a story that will make the writing come alive to the admissions reader. She also helped me across all aspects of my application so that my resume, short answers, and essays reinforced the same core narrative and complemented each other.

Perhaps most importantly, Katharine cares A LOT about her clients. She’s responsive, invested, and fully engaged throughout the process, and she always keeps the tone honest and fun. I left the process with applications that felt not only competitive, but also authentically mine.

If you want a consultant who is strategic, rigorous, experienced, and deeply invested — and who will hold you to a higher bar while protecting your voice — I recommend Katharine without hesitation, and with immense enthusiasm!

Read More