"I have to say Square One Prep is a very special service provider, totally beyond my expectation. It's highly professional and satisfied my needs through its caring, encouraging and inspiring service. If you like the service in a tailor-made suit store, you will like Square One Prep.
Before I chose Square One Prep, I did a lot of research and spoke to many large firms. Kathryn Lucas from Square One Prep hit me on 3 things -
1st, she was professional and super efficient. Right after our first call, she sent me an impressive professional timetable which was designed for me (one of the best calendars I have ever seen in my 8 years' project management experience. I said to myself: WOW!).
2nd, I was concerned that she wouldn't know how to work with Chinese clients. She connected me with 3 former clients from mainland China. They gave not just 'good' comments, but 'surprisingly good' comments. I wondered what was the magic that made those people recommend her in such an emotional way? Now I know the reason and am happy to endorse Kathryn in the same way.
3rd, she was sincere and candid. She addressed the imperfections in me and herself/Square One Prep frankly. Someone who is willing to address flaws is one who has a strong heart and confidence.
We worked together for 5 months. 3 obstacles constantly occurred and Kathryn always got me past them.
1st, I had insecurity. Even after I chose Square One Prep, I doubted that a stranger could know me and guide me to generate impressive essays about myself in such a short time. Then Kathryn gave me an assessment that lasted five hours and was very patient, learning my story. She is a good listener, a fun reader of my mind and an experienced analyst of people. She earned my trust in that call, which became the foundation of our cooperation in the following 5 months.
2nd, a lot of matters disturbed my essay-writing plan - sudden lost inspiration, recommendation letter troubles, and poor test scores. Kathryn handled those situations. She knew when she should let me be free for days to re-pack myself, how to adjust my timeline to fit changes and when to be strict to focus me back on my goals.
3rd, I felt low in mood sometimes after I saw some applicants' profiles and their impressive experiences. Kathryn sensed my worries, encouraged me, cheered for my good qualities, successes and dreams, and inspired me to carry my special parts onto the paper.
Kathryn solved all those problems because she used her heart to guide me. She once told me why she likes her job, which seems super challenging from my view. She said: I love to help others realize their dreams.
Now I have an offer and I truly thank Kathryn for helping me pursue and get my dream. I feel lucky and highly recommend Square One Prep!"
–client from: China
–admitted to: Foster

Read More

I would like to recommend Square One Prep, which is owned by Kathryn Lucas, a Wharton MBA. Kathryn runs a tight ship and is very organized and encouraging, but honest. During our consultation, she immediately provided structure and examples from her own application experience as well as other clients with whom she has worked to show me how I could put my best foot forward and succeed.

         There are many excellent admissions consultants out there, and I think it’s impossible to name a “best” admissions consultant because every applicant has unique needs and different personalities can mesh in different ways. But one thing that stood out to me with Square One Prep is the structure that they provide.

Immediately after my free consultation (done on a Saturday!), Kathryn sent me a calendar with every day scheduled between my consultation call and the deadlines. As I was applying to several programs, this structure resonated with me.

         The organization, support, knowledge, and skill at listening didn’t stop with the owner. My consultant was also excellent. In addition to having a top MBA, he has a background in teaching writing and also in psychology. His edits on my essays were always probing and thoughtful. He also brought in a lot of business concepts but made them relatable so that they were expressed better in my essays. He was extremely responsive, even during the craziness of the hurricane on the East Coast in October – he and I both reside in New York City.

         Another thing that is unique about Square One Prep is that they have developed a system to streamline the recommendation process, which my recommenders loved. I did too, because the recommendations were stronger for it.

         I talked with over 20 consultants in my process, and worked with two others before calling Square One. When I started my partnership with them, I finally felt calm. I knew I was in good hands.

Read More

Square One Prep was essential to my securing offers and scholarships at top schools, including my top choice - Columbia.

My advisor's insight into the business world and the business school admissions process was greatly valued in my transition from the military to a top MBA institution. Throughout the application process my advisor helped me develop and refine a compelling story which tied my military experiences to my future career goals, and showed how each school could prepare me to achieve my career goals in consulting. Working with him, I was able to create a resume that effectively communicated my military experiences in terms that were attractive to MBA admissions committees. With his help I learned how to consistently weave "my story" into my essays, interviews, and various email and phone calls with admissions officers. I have recommended Square One Prep to my peers also considering an MBA when leaving the Military, and would not hesitate to use Square One Prep again.

Read More