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Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Attain? Why do I even need a service like this?
A great GPA and high GMAT score do not guarantee admission to the school of your choice. A 1600 on the SAT and a 4.2 GPA won’t necessarily ensure entry into a top college. We know this, because Attain has consulted with disappointed applicants who told us their stories after the fact. People with 1600s get rejected from top colleges every year, as do applicants with 800 on the GMAT. Sure, you can have your family and friends help you with your application. But the bottom line is that an objective look at your application or essays by a third party can add significant value to your application strategy. As you consider whether or not to consult with an outside source during your application process, consider the competitive landscape:
- Among the highest-ranking business schools, admission rates hover in the range of 7% - 13%.
- Acceptance rates of the Ivy League and other top colleges are generally under 30% and in some cases, as low as 11%.
- During the 2003 - 2004 college admission year, Yale University reported an 11% increase to 19,675 applications. Approximately 20,000 applicants were competing for 1,310 openings in the Class of 2008.
- Harvard University received 20,986 applications last year for 2,056 spots in the freshmen class. Of those applicants, 3,100 were high school valedictorians.
- In 2003, there were 10,300 scores of 800 in the Math section.
Will you provide me with an honest assessment of my chances of gaining admission into my top-choice schools?
Absolutely. While we can -- and do -- increase our client's chances of gaining admission into their top-choice schools, we cannot get anyone into any program. We cannot guarantee that you will get into any school. What we do promise is that with your hard work and our help, you will maximize your chances of acceptance into a school that fits your personality, your background and your experiences. We’ll work with you and expect you to work hard as well.
How did your company get started in the admissions consulting business?
After successfully applying to schools like Stanford and Harvard, Attain’s founder always seemed to be knee deep in applications and essays from friends, friends of friends and friends of friends of friends. Every year, those people would call and announce their success stories,”Thanks so much for your help! I got into Harvard and [insert the elite school name of your choice here]!,” was a popular refrain. Marking up essays, helping others shape their stories, and fielding admissions questions via telephone seemed to be an every day occurrence. Upon hearing of Attain’s founder through word of mouth, even strangers began to call and email essays for review. After having successfully guided several friends and acquaintances through the tumultuous admissions process that encircles the nation’s elite schools, Attain’s founder eventually partnered with others who have been successful in their applications to form Attain.
Will you write my essays and personal statements for me?
No, absolutely not. We provide guidance and coaching to clients on the essay and personal statement portions of their applications. We will also proof the essays and dig deep to offer suggestions on how they may be rewritten if we see opportunities for improvement. However, essays are supposed to reflect your unique personality and only you can properly express yourself. Additionally, it would simply be wrong to write essays and statements for someone else. Attain operates at the highest levels of integrity.
How will I work with my consultant?
It depends on the situation. There are several different options for working with your consultant – in-person, phone, fax, email, etc. Geographic location is not an issue. We are organized to provide seamless consulting services via email, phone, fax, and postal mail. We can help you no matter where you are located.
What is Ding Analysis?
A consultant will review an application that resulted in a rejection. He or she will share with you the probable reasons for the rejection and will advise you on what you could have done to increase your acceptance chances and how you can increase your chances going forward. You will also receive an assessment of your alternatives including taking a year off to do something constructive, re-applying in general or re-applying as a freshman (if college applicant) or attending a less selective school for one or more years and then submitting transfer applications.
How do you bill your clients?
Paypal or you can send us a check or money order.
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