MBA COACHING, WRITING EXPERTISE & GMAT WORK • Stanford GSB Alum, Class of 2021 -- see relevant experience sets below: • Coaching | Advised multiple admits into Stanford GSB, HBS, Wharton, Kellogg, MIT Sloan, INSEAD, Haas, and more (see >20 Leland reviews), while teaching multiple courses through Leland • Professional Writing | Speechwriting in public policy & political environments, Lead Editor for Nondisclosure (Stanford GSB's magazine) and Managing Editor for the Stanford International Policy Review • GMAT / Test-Taking | Scored in the highest percentile of GMAT test-takers, but more importantly I've honed my ability to help others extrapolate top test-testing strategies in the areas they're weakest • Interview Training | I'm interview-trained for McKinsey, allowing me to give high-quality mock interviews for MBBs and any MBA program • Additional Writing | Crafting op-eds, ghostwriting for major publications, developing a fictional short story collection, policy deep dives, a book on chess applications to life, and application essays of all sorts CAREER • What I'm Doing Now | Based in NYC working on a stealth, marketplace startup while continuing various forms of advisory work • Public Policy | Prior to Stanford, worked on the Policy Team for the Chicago Mayor's Office under Mayor Rahm Emanuel, focusing on 5G infrastructure policy, criminal justice policy, and citywide corporate/economic development deals • McKinsey | Before policy, worked at McKinsey & Co , with casework focused on job training for the formerly incarcerated and workforce development for at-risk youth • PE / VC / Startup Advising | After Stanford, worked in Bain's Private Equity Group on various due diliegences, managed deals with several venture capital firms, and advised multiple startups on growth and go-to-market strategy

Having successfully navigated the rigorous admissions processes to receive interviews at Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton, I bring firsthand insights and proven strategies to help you achieve your MBA goals. Working with candidates, I've developed targeted techniques to craft compelling applications, ace interviews, and showcase unique strengths and experiences. As your MBA coach, I want to develop a relationship with you to provide personalized guidance, leveraging my insider knowledge to ensure your application stands out. Whether you aim for a specific school or a range of top programs, my tailored approach will help maximize your chances of success.

Hi! I’m a first-generation college grad, Stanford alumna (MBA, BA Economics & Communication, Phi Beta Kappa) and writing/career coach who has found my calling in helping others to pursue their educational dreams. I provide personalized, knowledgeable, trusted support to diverse US and international students at every step of the admissions process. By working together, you’ll: • Access deep admissions expertise gained from years of direct experience: interviewer, applications reader, Stanford minority admissions advisory representative, pro bono admissions consulting, member of professional educational consulting organizations, quoted by US News. I’ll demystify college admissions and help you to make informed choices. • Create crafting authentic, insightful personal statements that uniquely reflect your background, values, experiences and goals and enable you to stand out. You don’t need to love writing. I’ll help you to identify not only what to communicate, but also how to communicate clearly, concisely and compellingly. • Chart your career vision. Perhaps you’re still considering your career options. I’ll serve as a knowledgeable and supportive sounding board and mentor. • Chart your career vision. Perhaps you’re still considering your career options. I’ll provide a knowledgeable and supportive sounding board and mentor. Together, we’ll identify strategies and actions you can take to achieve your academic and career goals (admissions committees want to know this!). I’ve personally enjoyed diverse, non-traditional work opportunities spanning international business, tech and marketing, strategy and communications at startups, nonprofits and corporations in the US, Europe and Asia. I draw on my experiences and extensive network and bring a “can do,” non-judgmental, strategic approach to helping you to achieve your goals. • Build a customized, balanced list of schools where you can thrive. The question we’ll focus on isn’t whether you’ll get into a great program (trust me, you will!), but rather, how do we identify a short list of schools where you will thrive. I tap deep roots in the Stanford community where I’m an active alumna, pro bono alumni consultant, minority/DEI initiative leader, and class secretary who’s been honored for my volunteer service by Stanford. • Benefit from personalized, responsive support at every step of the application process. I work closely with a limited number of diverse, motivated US and international clients each year. Working together, you will be able to: o Identify strategies and action plans for preparing your strongest candidacy o Write essays that elevate you from being a qualified applicant to a compelling one o Navigate the admission process with less stress and uncertainty and better outcomes

I have always loved writing and crafting a compelling story. I worked in the Office of the CEO at BlackRock for several years, managing both the CEO and the firm’s narrative, and I understand how to appeal to a professional audience while finding space for personality and passion to shine through. I managed my own MBA application process and was admitted to Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton. I received feedback from the admissions counselors at each school and was able to overcome weaknesses in my application through my storytelling and interview skills. I’ve helped clients, friends and peers navigate the process including everything from time management and confidence building to narrative crafting and storytelling. The MBA process is incredibly unique and difficult, and I am excited to help people find their voice and stand out amongst a crowd!

-Coached 200+ paid clients (at professional, market rates) through the MBA admissions process -Have placed multiple clients at each of the Top 25 US schools (~75% M7; ~95% M7 + S7; ~99% Top 25), as well as European schools (INSEAD, LBS, IESE, Oxford, Cambridge) -Accepted as member of AIGAC (Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultations) - an international organization that monitors ethics in admissions consulting and collaborates with Admissions Directors to discuss ideas and trends -Attend annual AIGAC Conference to network, learn about schools, and discuss admissions trends. Attended by AdCom Directors at most top US / European Schools as well as the CEO and / or head consultant(s) at many of the large, well-known firms -Worked at mbaMission for five years -Experience consulting to a range of candidates both from traditional feeder fields (e.g. Investment Banking, Consulting) to non-traditional fields (e.g. fitness coach, independent film director) -Strong business acumen with strategy experience at multiple Fortune 500 companies -Strong informal network of the top solo MBA consultants globally

Worked with three top firms since 2002 (Stacy Blackman Consulting, MBA Prep School, Menlo Coaching) as well as independently. Chosen for Rematch Tiger Team, Client Liaison, and Second Reader roles at one firm, which involved rematching and providing exceptional service for applicants who were dissatisfied with their original consultant, advising consultants on various content-related and client-satisfaction challenges, and providing essay feedback for applicants who were unable to make further progress with their assigned consultant. Delivered best-practice essay development workshops for firm's entire team (~100 coaches), and advised on improvements of service offerings for multiple firms. Worked with Stanford Admissions Committee as Alumni Interviewer. Mostly recently, chosen as panelist for Leland Admissions Week.

I was VP of Admissions and VP of New Student Orientation while I was doing my MBA at Haas. I have been coaching MBA applicants professionally since 2016 and have had dozens of clients accepted at Wharton, Kellogg, Sloan, Columbia, Haas, Ross, Tuck, Fuqua, Stern, Darden, Johnson, Anderson, McCombs, Kenan-Flagler, Oxford, LBS, and more, all while making the daunting process fun and enjoyable (their words, not mine!) I also have specialized expertise in the part-time programs and have coached many applicants into the top 5, especially Haas EWMBA. I have had a great deal of success working with applicants who may have a hurdle to overcome in the application process, have had many different professional experiences that need to be stitched together in a cohesive narrative, and/or just don't know what makes them special compared to thousands of other well-qualified candidates -- much in line with my own experience going into the MBA admissions process. I am an extreme realist and aim to manage expectations for admission rather than saying "of course I can get you into XYZ school." My many years of experience and robust network within the MBA admissions coaching field give me a wealth of knowledge and resources to draw on in order to achieve the best results!

I had 2 goals in business school: to start a company and to help prospective applicants feel comfortable and confident applying to business school. At the GSB, I worked as an Admissions Ambassador, doing 1on1 coffee chats, group sessions, admit weekends, leadership days, and more with applicants from all over the world. Leading Dream Big Lead Boldly (DBLB), an event that demystifies the business school experience for prospective applicants who identify as Black, is the work in business school that I'm most proud of and that brought me the most joy. I've spent countless hours supporting the people that I've met through these programs. Now that I have graduated, I want to continue to share what I've learned from working with Admissions and from hearing so many amazing stories from people like you.

As a professional MBA Consultant, I deep dive into who you are to craft a first-rate application for acceptance to a top 20 MBA program. From typical applicants who need to stand out to unconventional applicants who need to fit in, we succeed together. I have helped 100% of my full-service clients gain acceptance to the top 30 MBA programs, with an impressive 95% acceptance rate to the top 20 programs. This does not mean I only work with applicants with high test scores, great academic records, and exceptional resumes. I have assisted many people with below-average GMAT/GREs, subpar GPAs, and hard-to-quantify work experience to get into top MBA programs. In addition to M7 and other top American programs, I have extensive experience and success in helping applicants gain admission to all top European schools. I also welcome international applicants, having guided many to successful admissions at both American and European institutions. The key to this success lies in getting to the heart of who you are. It’s a simple sentence but not a simple process. We both need to invest time and energy to objectively explore your past, core beliefs, current position, and future aspirations. We then use this life theme to create a profile that enhances your personal and professional narratives, ensuring you effectively showcase your distinctive strengths and experiences. Many clients have remarked that after this journey of self-discovery, they feel they know themselves far better, bringing a fresh sense of enthusiasm and inspiration into their lives. I have developed many tools to keep you on track during the often-taxing challenge of building a successful MBA application. Documents like the MBA Application Roadmap, MBA Application Schedule, and the Dual Lens Interview Preparation Chart guide and support you between our highly productive meetings. We may work on a case-by-case basis or cover all of the following in my all-inclusive package. • Profile optimization as described in the paragraph before the last. • Tailor your school selection, application timeline, round strategy, and more to your profile and goals, ensuring a targeted approach to your MBA journey. • Craft compelling and impactful MBA essays that truly resonate with admissions committees. From initial outlines to multiple draft revisions and a meticulous final edit, we will ensure that your story is memorable for all the right reasons. • Structure and refine various MBA application components, such as work experience descriptions, affiliations, achievements, certifications, research, publications, and awards. My systematic approach results in a cohesive and compelling application package. • Elevate your resume to meet the rigorous standards of MBA applications. Constructive critiques and expert edits will help you present your accomplishments and qualifications successfully. • Secure strong letters of recommendation that amplify your strengths and potential. I can guide you in selecting the right recommenders and obtaining compelling endorsements. • Evaluate every component of your MBA application in a meticulous final review to guarantee coherence, accuracy, and impact. This last layer of polish is crucial to submitting an application that not only meets but significantly exceeds admissions standards. • Ace your MBA interviews with confidence. Realistic school-specific mock interview sessions, tailored feedback, and personalized coaching will help you refine your presentation, responses, and overall interview strategy, guaranteeing you make a lasting impression. • Navigate the critical decisions after your MBA interviews with expert guidance. Whether you're weighing multiple offers, seeking to move up from a waitlist, or deciding on the best school for your goals, I provide strategic advice to make sure you enroll in the perfect MBA program for you. I limit my full-time clients to five per application round (this number may increase or decrease slightly depending on the round and the amount of assistance my clients need), ensuring dedicated and personalized service. My expertise lies in working with international applicants and helping them navigate the challenges of applying in a second language and to a different educational system. This ‘About Jesse’ section may seem as if it’s more about you than me, but that’s the point. You are the star; I am here to help you shine. Let's work together to create the best application possible and secure your spot in a top MBA program.