The PERFECT Inspirer Every Candidate Needs

In May 2022, I decided to reapply after missing my target schools in the 2021-2022 application season. Since my self-crafted application packages had not worked out, I knew I needed professional advice this time. When searching for admission consulting agencies, I looked for 3 things: 1. someone that could point out what I didn’t do well in my last application 2. someone that can see my past stories from my standing point and help me picture a vision for future 3. someone that has a flexible schedule and is willing to jump in a discussion with me whenever we need to (since I knew the application preparation has a lot of uncertainties). I chatted with 4 agencies first, all of which, however, either have a strict consultation time limit or are just doing consultation as a part-time job. I was somewhat upset until I chatted with Joy. In our first chat, I immediately felt the great difference from the other agencies! Joy was super warm and friendly, and instantly answered YES to all of my 3 requests above. She patiently listened to my experience all the way from my childhood to who I am now. She appreciated my achievements, shared a laugh with me toward interesting stories, and understood my difficulties without judgment. She also quickly gave me thorough application strategies, including target schools, my strengths the schools love to see, and alignment of my career goals with the schools. The enthusiasm and optimism she showed while presenting was as if to say “We got this! Without a question!” That boosted my confidence and filled me with motivation to fight through another application season. Feeling such a strong connection with Joy, I immediately decided to work with her. Throughout the application preparation, Joy has been as rigorous an inspirer as I thought she would be. She connected all my past experiences to create not just a “plea for admission”, but a 3D image of where I came from, who I am as a person, and where I will go. More importantly, I was worried that the difficulties and hardships in my experience would indicate vulnerability. However, Joy helped me discover shining qualities I didn’t realize in those twists and turns, turning my “weaknesses” into convincing highlights. With her advice, I dug out the best of myself. Working with Joy does not feel like a business but more like you are teaming up with your closest and most warm-hearted friend toward a shared goal. She was always responsive whenever I had questions. She would spend hours beyond her regular schedule to discuss new ideas with me. When there were new changes in my career and life, she always swiftly adjusted our strategies and incorporated the updates in my essay and overall application packages. While preparing essays, Joy always pushed me to write as informative and concisely as possible, making every word count. After receiving interview invitations, Joy also tailored many mock interview sessions to specifically improve my interview approaches. Our endeavor paid off when I received the offer from Columbia at the end of 2022. The sense of achievement was incomparable, and I knew I would not have it without Joy’s incredible support. Eventually, we became good friends because we could both look back at this amazing journey and say “We did it”. I hope my experience working with Joy can be a good reference for all future candidates looking for guidance. If you hope to have new inspirations and breakthroughs, you will not want to miss Joy.