Master's Programs Admissions

I evaluate your profile the way an admissions professional would, identify gaps and positioning opportunities, and help you build an application that makes the case for admission. I served on the Admissions Committee for Carnegie Mellon’s Master of Science in Computational Finance program, where I reviewed hundreds of CVs, essays, video interviews, and candidate interviews. I also saw firsthand how faculty evaluated coursework, grades, academic rigor, and technical preparation. For 10 years, I’ve coached Master’s and PhD applicants, from current undergraduates to experienced professionals making career pivots. I help clients strengthen their positioning, essays, CVs, portfolios, interview responses, and overall application strategy. Recent clients have been admitted to Stanford, Columbia, Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, UChicago, Yale, Duke, Cornell, Georgia Tech, University of Washington, and more. My approach is direct, supportive, adaptable, and Autistic- and ADHD-friendly. I focus on helping you understand what admissions is looking for, what makes you competitive, and how to communicate that clearly without making the process more overwhelming than it already is. You can also find my writing for incoming graduate students on QuantNet and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acrosscareers

I've been coaching candidates through Masters admissions for over 10 years, across MiM, Masters in Finance, Engineering (mechanical, electronic, computer science), and Data Science programmes. I've worked with 400+ students overall, and nearly all who completed the full journey were admitted to their target programme, including top schools such as LBS, INSEAD, HEC Paris, Bocconi, IE, IESE, Imperial, Cambridge, Oxford, MIT, Stanford, Columbia and ETH Zurich. I hold an MBA from SDA Bocconi and Columbia Business School, a mechanical engineering degree from Politecnico di Milano and the University of Illinois, and I work as a BCG consultant. This combination means I understand both technical and business-oriented programmes from the inside — whether you're applying to MSc Engineering, MiM, Masters in Finance, or looking to transition from a STEM background into a business programme. I cover the full process: school selection, application strategy, CV, personal statement and essays, letters of recommendation, and interview prep. The goal is a cohesive application where every piece reinforces who you are and why you're a strong fit for that specific programme. If what you've read resonates, write to me.

I bring a wealth of experience from my time working in admissions at both the undergraduate and medical school levels at Georgetown University. During my tenure, I gained invaluable insights into the admissions process, which I now leverage to help aspiring master's program candidates craft compelling applications. My approach is personalized and strategic, focusing on highlighting your unique strengths and experiences to stand out in a competitive field. Whether you need guidance on application strategy, essay writing, or interview preparation, I'm here to support you every step of the way.

I’ve guided over 50+ students into top master’s programs in computer science, natural science, psychology, engineering and more at top programs like: Harvard, Stanford, Berkley, USC, UCLA, Yale, Columbia, and many more! Whether you’re refining your strategy, perfecting essays, or preparing for high-stakes interviews, I’ll work with you to highlight your unique strengths and craft a compelling story. Together, we’ll create a clear, actionable plan to get you into the masters program of your dreams.

Welcome! European, without a consulting or finance background, never been in the US, no Ivy League undergrad… I once thought joining Stanford GSB would be impossible. But by being strategic, resourceful, and persistent, I made it happen ! And now I want others to pursue the same path and made their dream happen ! That is why I am on Leland ! For over 12 years, I built a career in telecom across France, Spain, South Korea and Poland, leading large teams and managing multi-hundred-million-dollar businesses. On paper, I didn’t fit the “classic” MBA mold. Yet through careful storytelling, clear positioning, and a deep understanding of what schools truly value, I turned what seemed like weaknesses into my greatest strengths. My journey showed me that admissions success is about owning your story, showing your potential, and finding the right strategy to shine. Along the way, I’ve coached dozens of applicants, especially international students, helping them break through their doubts and land at the GSB. I know how transformative the right mentorship can be, because I’ve lived it. Now, I’m here to pay it forward. If you’re ready to pursue your dream, I’d be glad to guide you step by step.

I know that choosing a Master’s program is about much more than getting into a good university. It’s about figuring out what you want to learn, where you want it to take you, and which programs genuinely fit your goals, interests, and profile. I hold a Master’s in Design Engineering from Harvard University, where I was recognized for teaching and leadership, and bring 15+ years of experience across product and technology at companies including Amazon, Meta, and Deloitte. I’ve also helped students think through graduate-school options and applications, including program selection, positioning their experiences, and developing a compelling and authentic application story. I enjoy getting to know what makes each person distinctive and helping them translate that into a thoughtful application and a well-considered graduate-school strategy. We can work through the big questions as well as the details, from deciding what kind of program makes sense for you to figuring out how to present your experiences in a way that feels genuinely yours.

Having earned my Masters and PhD from Stanford University, I am deeply familiar with every aspect of the admissions process, from writing personal and research statements to standardized testing, and creating a strategy for successful recommendation letters. I have also worked closely with undergraduate students throughout each step, resulting in acceptances from colleges such as Columbia University, Cornell University, and the London School of Economics. Throughout my time in academia, I have mentored students in various capacities, from career coaching to in-depth research project development, over the course of months and even years. If you are looking for customized and thoughtful coaching backed by extensive first-hand experience, I am happy to help!

In addition to her undergraduate admissions experience, Kelly has also read and evaluated thousands of graduate applications as well as served as an academic advisor. At the Stanford Graduate School of Education, Kelly was a one-person operation, overseeing all aspects of graduate admissions operations, application reviews and academic advising for prospective students. Kelly reviewed 3,400+ graduate applications annually and uses that experience when guiding students in developing their graduate school narratives, research plans, strategic school lists, and crafting their personal statements to fit their specific schools of interest. During Kelly’s career in admissions, she reviewed applications from around the world as well as the US, in all majors, as well as BFA, MFA, and joint degree programs in Education and Law, and Business and Public Policy.

Applying to graduate school is a deeply personal journey, and I believe everyone deserves personalized support. I've helped dozens of students navigate the complexities of applications for highly competitive programs, with many achieving success at top universities like MIT, Harvard, Oxford, LSE, and LBS. While my specialty lies in guiding students pursuing graduate degrees in business and quantitative fields – think MSc in Finance, Financial Analysis, Quantitative Finance, Financial Engineering, and MBAs – I'm passionate about helping all motivated students tell their unique stories and present their strongest selves to admissions committees. With two Master's degrees in Finance and currently pursuing a PhD in the field, I bring a wealth of personal experience to the table. I've been through the application process myself, and I understand the challenges and anxieties that come with it. I can share my own experiences, along with those of the many students I've mentored, to help you with every step of the process: from choosing the right recommenders and determining your target GMAT/GRE score to crafting a compelling personal statement and mastering the art of the interview. I understand the nuances of the application process, and I'm dedicated to providing the support and guidance you need to make your graduate school dreams a reality. I look forward to partnering with you on this exciting journey!

I went to Harvard Kennedy School and Stanford GSB, which means I've sat on both sides of the admissions process this coaching is built around, first as the applicant, now helping others get there. Before business school, I was an Army officer; after, venture capital and AI innovation. Both jobs taught me the same thing: how to read a person's story quickly, find what's actually compelling in it, and cut the rest. If your essays are flat, I'll tell you why. If your interview answers ramble, I'll help you tighten them. I'm not here to cheerlead; I'm here to get you in. I also have experience with applying for competitive scholarships and international programs. I was awarded a Rotary Scholarship to study in King's College London, amongst other programs.