Some folks bemoan the fact that students take\u00a0test prep classes or use application consulting services, claiming\u00a0that their score is an inflated representation of their ability. Or\u00a0that their personal statement is “not really them”. To them we say that\u00a0using this sort of logic is like saying that Kobe Bryant is cheating\u00a0because he uses a shooting coach, or that when preparing for an exam, it is considered cheating to consult someone who has taken the class before and review material from the course with them.<\/p>\n
Extending this “reasoning”, should Michael Phelps' 18 gold medals be stripped because it was discovered that Bob Bowman, his longtime coach and trainer, suggested modifications to Phelps' stroke after viewing tapes of preliminary heats? The logic is absurd and is generally used by folks either too lazy or too unmotivated to seek out the best in themselves by using the aid of experts. Even Albert Einstein had longtime consultants–Leopold Infeld,\u00a0Nathan Rosen,\u00a0Peter Bergmann–without whom much of his research would have been stalled.\u00a0Remember, the application process is tricky. Communicating a message is tricky.\u00a0Navigating the complex world of school selection and evaluating one\u2019s\u00a0profile is tricky. From our perspective, we help prepare you to tackle\u00a0these hurdles, the same way a physical trainer helps an athlete\u00a0prepare for a major event. The conditioning is very similar.\u00a0Our aim is to elevate\u00a0your candidacy with respect to yourself. We will challenge you and\u00a0push you to do better than you would have done on your own.<\/p>\n
Whether or not you decide to hire professional consultants to analyze your applications to graduate programs, you should have at least two pairs of eyes read your application essays and resume. Assuming you've done all of the hard work necessary to narrow down which school\/program is right for you, the application must be able to communicate that research and clarity of direction to someone who's never met you. There are certain people to whom you should avoid giving your essays. Herewith are the main offenders:<\/p>\n
Instead, you want qualified, objective parties who are emotionally unattached to you. While professional consultants are the most qualified to quickly suss out landmines you've stepped on and highlight ways to enhance your presentation, we understand that route is pricey. If you find yourself in this situation, locate a former professor and explain to them your situation and ask if they would be willing to “read my application as if you were the admissions officer and tell me what, if anything, would prevent you from granting me admission.” Use that exact sentence, as it permits their mind to move in the direction of actually looking for weaknesses instead of gratuitously flattering your work.<\/p>\n
That's a lot to remember, we know. Just the same, picture slicing open an envelope that contains an invitation to attend your dream program. \u00a0That will make it all worth it. Above all, don't rely on yourself to evaluate your work. Even Einstein didn't.<\/p>\n
If you have any questions about this or past blogs, please contact us<\/a> and a Twainstein consultant will get back to you promptly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Some folks bemoan the fact that students take\u00a0test prep classes or use application consulting services, claiming\u00a0that their score is an inflated representation of their ability. Or\u00a0that their personal statement is “not really them”. To them we say that\u00a0using this sort of logic is like saying that Kobe Bryant is cheating\u00a0because he uses a shooting coach, …<\/p>\n