With my departure date a mere 8 weeks away, it is hard to believe I made the decision to take the leap into the world of grad school applications a mere four months ago. While I have always been a very driven and goal oriented person, this quick turn around could not have happen without the help of Raja, my amazing Admissions Advisor. 

As the saying goes, "You don't know what you don't know" and when it comes to graduate school admissions I am like Jon Snow - I know nothing. When I began this journey by myself in June 2017, I immediately began to implement classic project management techniques to the project: an excel spreadsheet with data on schools and a work plan. But I felt like I was missing something: Was I researching the right programs? Using the right vetting techniques? When it came to the actual application: Who are the best references? How does that work? (I cannot even remember who wrote my letters of reference for my undergraduate degree) What do they want to see in an essay?

When I met Raja I immediately knew that her skills would be invaluable to my process and that hiring her would be an investment not only in my future, but also my sanity. It is amazing how applying to graduate school can quickly take over your life, and you can find yourself going a little crazy. Raja was an amazing sounding board and helped me narrow down the programs and create a strong work plan that was about working smarter - not harder - when applying to my first and second choice. Thanks to her help, though, I got into my first choice and didn't even have to worry about my second choice. Regardless, it was nice to know that a back-up plan was in place and ready to go.

When it came to the actual application Raja was instrumental in helping me shape my essay and my CV. I have been writing professionally for the past six years, primarily composing marketing copy, strategic plans and grant applications. This style is VERY different from a persuasive personal essay most schools require. It is also incredibly hard to learn how to "brag" about yourself and your accomplishments in a way that feels genuine and appealing. It is something I am not good at. Raja was incredibly diligent in working with me to better sell my story and my mission. She was able to do the same with my CV, which I plan on utilizing professionally as well. I walked away with documents that were highly personal and a true reflection of myself.

While hiring a consultant or advisor may not be an option for you, the biggest takeaway I learned from this experience is you don't have to do this alone! Find a mentor or someone you trust who can be a pair of ears when you need to talk through ideas and a pair of eyes when you need objective help editing.

If you are in the Bay Area, and think working with an advisor would be a great fit - I encourage you to check out Raja at bancroftadvising.com