FAQ — Working with The Admit Lab
Clear answers about our process, policies, and how we help you stand out in competitive PhD, master’s, and MBA admissions.
General
Why choose The Admit Lab for graduate school admissions consulting?
Most consultants lean on their own application story. I’ve been on the other side of the table. As a former professor who has served on admissions committees for PhD, master’s, and MBA programs, I know how files are read, debated, and decided. I translate that insider perspective into strategy that elevates your SOP, resume/CV, recommendations, and interviews. Over the past decade, I’ve helped hundreds of applicants earn offers from Harvard, MIT, Oxford, Stanford and more—often with funding. In 2024, 92% of clients were admitted to at least one top-choice program.
Do you guarantee admission?
No consultant can guarantee admission. My role is to maximize competitiveness with strategy grounded in real committee experience. Outcomes depend on program priorities and applicant pools each year.
Working With Us
Who do you work with? Can a parent or sponsor join calls?
I work exclusively with the applicant. Free consultations and coaching sessions are one-on-one to keep the conversation candid and focused. If a parent, sponsor, or employer is funding services, I provide them with written details and handle logistics separately.
Do you work with couples or friends applying together?
No. Each engagement is individual, with its own consultation, scope, and timeline.
Will you speak directly with my recommender or professor?
No. I provide guidance you can share with recommenders; all communication remains between you and them.
Services
What services do you offer for PhD, master’s, and MBA applicants?
Comprehensive Application Services (end-to-end strategy and execution), Hourly Consulting (two-hour minimum), Document Editing (SOP/personal statements, essays, resume/CV), Interview Preparation, and Rejection Reviews for reapplicants.
What’s included in the comprehensive application service?
Application Roadmap → Program Fit (schools/faculty) → Narrative Development (SOP/essays) → Recommendation Guidance → Resume/CV Enhancement → Final Review → Interview Prep (if invited) → Offer Strategy.
Will you write my essays or SOP for me?
No. Your materials must be truthful and authored by you. I provide expert strategy, structure, and precise edits—not ghostwriting.
Process & Turnaround
What does the process look like once I become a client?
1) Detailed Intake Form to surface strengths and angles → 2) Strategy Session (priorities, deadlines, school list) → 3) Document Development (you draft, I deliver committee-level feedback) → 4) Iterative Refinement (tight cycles to readiness) → 5) Interview Prep (if invited) → 6) Final Submission Review.
How fast will I receive feedback on drafts?
Standard: 3 business days per document. Priority: 1–2 business days (additional fee). Business days are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern, excluding U.S. holidays.
Payments & Policies
When do I pay, and are fees refundable?
All services are prepaid. Fees are non-refundable. Please book services you’re ready to use.
How long do I have to use my services? Can I switch schools mid-package?
Services expire 12 months from purchase. Unused time does not carry over to the next cycle. Once we begin work on a specific application within a package, that slot is locked to that school.
Can I pause and resume later? What if I’m dissatisfied?
You may pause within your 12-month window; deadlines remain your responsibility and expiration dates do not change. If you have concerns, notify me within 14 days so we can address them. If we cannot resolve the issue, either party may end the engagement; completed or in-progress work is not refundable.
Confidentiality
How do you handle my information and drafts?
I maintain the confidentiality of your materials and information. Your relationship is with The Admit Lab; please do not engage our team members independently outside the engagement.