I worked with Adam for my re-application to Columbia Business School for the MBA programme starting Jan 2017. In the highly commercialized world of admissions consulting, it was a pleasant surprise to find someone as warm, reassuring and genuine as Adam. Having worked with other Admissions Consultants earlier, I know the difference. He was very approachable, accommodating and always pushing his already busy schedule to make time to suit my application process.
With the kind of money one invests, it was heartening to find someone like Adam who respects the investment and the time as much as you do. Right from his personalized service manual to his prompt replies and meticulous use of time, I found him a thorough professional to work with.
His vast experience in having guided hundreds of successful applicants was a source of invaluable insights. With all the uncertainties surrounding the application process, being able to have everything looked at by someone who knows their stuff was deeply reassuring.
An advantage of Adam’s extensive experience is that he’s invariably worked with someone of your background. In my case, Adam’s experience with family business applicants and with Indians meant he already had the context to be able to guide my application. His past work with Indians in particular came to my rescue, such as giving me a pointer during interview prep to be mentally ready with all the figures in dollars rather than in rupees.
I also appreciated the way he seamlessly shifted from micro-management to macro-management of the process as and when he sensed the need from my side. In areas that he felt I was comfortable, he gave me the bigger picture and a broad direction, and allowed me to express myself. At the same time, at points where there was the dirty work to do, his remarkable editing skills tremendously expedited the whole process.
Another point I appreciated while working with Adam was that he was not afraid to give firm & decisive answers and opinions. I have found too often with other consultants that they tend to give ambiguous opinions to take the safe route such as on whether to include or exclude certain key points. Adam never enforced that I follow his opinion, but his opinion itself was always clear, decisive and backed with firm logic & experience. I followed his opinion at every point I can remember, and it served me very well.
Lastly, I was intrigued to know that Adam is also pursuing research in (what I understood to be) the dynamics and psychology involved in the interview process. I found it very interesting and indicative of the passion Adam has for his field. I felt the benefit of it during my mock interviews with him, after which the actual interview seemed a breeze.
It was a pleasure working with Adam. I would strongly recommend anyone looking for guidance in the B-School application process to approach him. (Tip: Book early! His slots can get filled pretty fast.)
