After multiple retakes, the best I could manage on the GMAT was a 660. Adding to this par score was my low GPA. When I decided to start the application process, I was very sure to hire a consultant as I was targeting US schools ranked 20-30 (US News) and Top 10 European B schools. I spoke to 7 big firms and everyone except Jen (Jenifer Turtschanow) told me that I should be realistic in choosing schools and should target US schools ranked outside 35 (US news) and European schools ranked outside 50 (Financial Times). Jenifer loved my career goals and trusted that I had the potential to make it to Top Schools. I vetted the Aringo’s consultant pool and chose Sriram. Sriram’s achievements speak volumes about him that were reinforced by his clients’ testimonials.

Sriram is very professional and concise while addressing the changes in essays. Here’s an example of how he addressed when I sent him some poorly written stuff.

“Please find attached. Am a bit surprised by the responses, it looks like you've just rushed into them without spending much thought. For a few of them the question asked is different than what you are responding. In many places you are stating things without any context or example or explanation. We've already worked on so many essays I thought you would use some of those here. Many of them do not have any professional examples at all, and it looks very hastily put together. Please review my comments and do the needful.

These are professional programs, please do not write statements like I want to work in XXXX because it is cosmopolitan and a good place to have fun. That makes it seem more like you want to vacation there because your city is polluted. XXXXX is not going to give you admission for reasons like this. It needs to be a more carefully thought-through positioning of professionally what it will offer to you.”

His turnaround time is super quick, sometimes 6 hours and most of the times less than 24 hours. With Sriram, I can confidently say that one could submit 3 strong applications in 10 days. I applied to 3 Top 10 European Programs all in the final rounds and received an admit from one school, waitlisted (as the school had a cap for Indian applicants) at one school and awaiting results from another school. I remember the interviewer telling me that my application was so informative that the interview was just to hear my story through me online.

I trusted Sriram in this journey and he delivered far above expectations. He used to set ambitious goals. The results were nothing short of outstanding. I don’t believe anyone else would have had the ability in pitching my profile so perfectly towards what seemed to be unreachable goals and the same commitment as Sriram’s. I am thrilled that I chose him. Aringo’s Intelligence reports for Top B-schools are extremely helpful. Mock Interviews with Jen and Sriram are no different from the official ones. Their interview questions were authentic and school specific. Just to touch upon briefly, for the school I’m awaiting result I was interviewed for 3 hours and never did I become nervous during those grueling 3 hours. I credit Jen and Sriram for that. Investing thousands of dollars in Aringo was a risk that I was certain about and I’m glad that it has been rewarding. One could argue that I made the decision to opt Aringo but I got lucky along the way to have right people like Jen and Sriram.

To all applicants, especially Indians, who are considering an admissions consultant, I suggest Sriram because he will have profoundly positive impact on your candidacy and with him you are never alone in this journey. Thank you Jen for connecting me to Sriram. Lastly, many thanks to all the test drive experts at Aringo!!

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Hiring a consultant from a big firm doesn’t guarantee results. Sometimes, if not most of the times, it might backfire when one lacks a clear understanding on how one should go about the admissions procedure. Secondly, imparting a structure to the essays is always challenging and it sometimes took me a lot of research to just gather the crux of the essay. These two primary problems were addressed on point by Applicant Lab.
I was doubtful initially about how virtual admissions guidance works but believe me the Lab is awesome. Everything is so structured that one doesn’t need to maintain any checklist for admissions procedure. I know how difficult it is to research about a school and gather a framework to write the essays but Maria did so for over 50 schools. One can easily find school specific advice just by adding the school to the list.
Another important aspect is the 3X tool that addresses on how one needs to potentially fill the gaps in the profile. This is sort of a personalized advice that lab gives after entering the credentials like GPA,GMAT, Professional details, Community service etc.,
Lastly, the interview prep (includes advice for KIRA assessment as well) is hands down the best feature of Applicant Lab. I tailored my responses after going through Maria’s advices on the Lab. Maria’s advice on power position postures eased my nerves before interviews. I cannot comment on the sanity checks and one to one interview sessions as I didn’t use those features but I’m sure after experiencing the Lab’s virtual services that Maria would go all guns blazing if chosen as an admissions consultant.
The main reason I chose Applicant Lab was to use it as a substitute to the advice I get from my admissions consultant. But 90% of the time Applicant Lab has been primarily responsible for the beautiful first drafts that I wrote. For people who could not afford to hire a consultant, I strongly suggest that Applicant Lab priced at $299 is the best companion. And for people who want to go with big firms, shelling out $299 is like availing an insurance coverage so that you can work independently if you are not impressed with your lead consultant.

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