Get Ready To Be Our NextGrad School Success Story.
Kaneisha Grayson
Founder, The Art of Applying®
Harvard Business School MBA
Harvard Kennedy School MPA
My Story
Greetings! I’m Kaneisha Grayson, founder of The Art of Applying®.
My journey wasn’t straightforward. I was raised in Texas in a low-income neighborhood with a high teen pregnancy rate, and my parents grew up as migrant farmworkers in Florida.
Against the odds, I graduated from Pomona College with a BA in Black Studies. Discovering my knack for helping my classmates with their grad school applications, I utilized this skill for my admissions into Harvard.
However, even with my talent, I accrued $150,000 in student debt. Driven by my passion for writing, storytelling, and coaching, I pitched the idea of The Art of Applying® to the HBS Entrepreneurship Center and secured a $10,000 grant to start this business.
Since launching in 2010, The Art of Applying® has grown from a solo venture to a global enterprise, aiding 1000+ clients to secure admissions with optimal funding.
My diverse, highly accomplished team of consultants were applicants just like you. We are dedicated to assisting nontraditional and underrepresented applicants in achieving their academic dreams
I built a company to help Wild Cards because I am one.
🧠 I am neurodivergent. 🧠 I was diagnosed with ADHD at 38, prompted by observing similarities with many clients at The Art of Applying. Understanding ADHD in high achievers has enhanced my client support, aiding those with ADHD and/or applicants with tendencies toward distraction, overwhelm, and hyperfocus.
✏️ I am not a great test-taker. Despite earning a 620 on the GMAT, I devised a strategy that secured my admission to Harvard. This approach is now a system we offer to clients without top GPAs or test scores.
☝️ I’m a first-generation professional. While my parents attended college on scholarships, I’m the first generation with a professional degree in my family.
Learn more about our services in our free training. Let’s work together and add you to our success stories.
Why we combine coaching with community
I created Application Accelerator®, a hybrid 1:1 + cohort coaching program, because it’s the most effective way I’ve found to help the nontraditional candidates that I affectionately call Wild Card applicants achieve unparalleled success.
You are a high achiever, but you also struggle with prioritization, overwhelm, distraction, information overload, and discouragement. You wonder if you’ll ever reach your full potential, or if you’ll just keep spinning your wheels year after year.
With our coaching, you benefit from the guidance of a diverse team of experts who were in your shoes once, and who help applicants like you successfully navigate the process all year, year after year.
Rather than doling out one-size-fits-all advice, we prioritize a holistic experience. The Application Accelerator® curriculum lays the foundation, but it’s the fusion of personalized coaching with a dedicated one-on-one consultant and a vibrant community of peers that ensures you’re never walking this path alone. With our “Coaching + Community” approach, you get the tailored support you deserve, while avoiding the common pitfalls of overwhelm, isolation, stagnation, and following bad advice.
What We Achieve Together
You’ll have a dedicated one-on-one consultant as well as access to my expertise as a Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School graduate as well as the expertise of my entire consultant team.
Together, we will help you get clear on the best schools for you, the most compelling stories to share to make your case, and help you draft, revise, and polish those stories into an outstanding application that authentically represents you.
Our goal is not to “try” and help you get into one or two schools. Our goal is to help you get into the best school possible with as much funding as possible—without encouraging you to pretend to be someone you aren’t.
Why the Application Accelerator® Works
Story
Strategy
Streamline
The blend of Story, Strategy, and Streamline is the powerful trifecta that powers the Application Accelerator®. It’s my proven formula designed to elevate your application and position you at the forefront of your dream grad school’s incoming class.
Who the Application Accelerator® is for
The Application Accelerator® has hundreds of graduates from 25+ countries.
Our clients aspire to be heads of state, startup founders, management consultants, social entrepreneurs, thought leaders, lawyers, judges, and C-level executives.
Our clients are often first-generation American, first-generation college graduates, or the first generation in their family to get a graduate degree (like I am). They deal with challenges such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD (which I have).
Among our clients are valedictorians, reapplicants, bad test takers, college students, early career ladder-climbers, executives, and mid-career professionals looking to make a change.
What all of our clients have in common is the commitment to unlocking their potential so that they can make a positive, lasting social impact while earning
well and being true to themselves.
The Application Accelerator® helps our clients get into their dream grad school with as much funding as possible so that they are prepared to achieve their lifelong career goals.
Hear from our clients
I applied [on my own] to three schools but didn’t get in any of them, including my dream school, which is Harvard. This time around, I just didn’t want to take no for an answer. So, I worked with The Art of Applying. I applied to 10 schools, and so far I interviewed with 7 of them. Of all the places I’ve interviewed, I’ve been offered admissions at six, including my dream school, which is Harvard.
Soltan, admitted to Harvard Business School
I made the decision to apply, to do it in the best possible way and I think it became a little easier knowing that I'm making such a big investment. This investment you're making to work with The Art of Applying® will probably come back to you in double, triple returns and that happened for me.
Surabhi, admitted to Harvard Kennedy School, Columbia SIPA, and U. of Chicago Harris
I knew I needed a little bit more help in terms of crafting my story and getting my voice out there...in a way that I just couldn't be turned down...I knew that on the raw number [alone] it wasn't going to happen.
LaTisha, admitted to Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Advice & Encouragement
You Can Rely On
My team and I are deeply committed to making sure each client achieves outstanding results, which is why the Application Accelerator® is by invitation only. To ensure each client gets the 1:1 attention they deserve, we work with a limited number of clients at a time.
I understand the overwhelm and discouragement that comes from trying to copy and paste an application strategy on your own. I know, because I did it myself, and ended up with $150k in student loans! The Application Accelerator® is the coaching and community I wish I had when I was applying to grad school.
Rest assured, when you’re with us, you and your application process will be well taken care of. You meet us halfway with determination, commitment, and consistent action, and we’ll meet you the other half with exactly the personalized advice, encouragement, and accountability you need.
To see if the program might be right for you, watch the free training.
The Application Accelerator® is our premier coaching program designed to transform your grad school aspirations into successful acceptances and substantial scholarships. Unlike standard consulting services, we offer a unique hybrid model that combines personalized one-on-one coaching with the dynamism and accountability of a cohort of fellow applicants.
The program is rooted in three core pillars—Story, Strategy, and Streamline—that collectively elevate your application to stand out in a fiercely competitive process:
Story: We help you curate a compelling narrative that goes beyond a mere list of achievements to captivate admissions officers.
Strategy: Our program provides a comprehensive roadmap to guide you through each component of your application, from letters of recommendation to the statement of purpose and interviews.
Streamline: We focus on efficiency, helping you channel your energy on the elements that genuinely impact your application, thereby saving time and reducing stress.
The program includes access to a wealth of resources:
Application Roadmap: Over 35+ modules available via video, audio, or text, to provide you with actionable guidance.
Group Coaching Calls: Weekly or bi-weekly sessions led by our consultant team to address common concerns and strategies.
Material Library: A curated collection of 200+ sample essays, resumes, and more to guide your writing.
Coaching Call Archive: Over 400+ hours of text-searchable recordings to offer insights into specific application challenges.
Q&A Vault: A private client forum where you can have your pressing questions answered by our team of experts.
Additionally, each client is paired with a dedicated one-on-one consultant who will assist with material editing, personalized coaching, and unlimited Q&A.
Whether you are a high-achieving professional, a mid-career executive looking for a transition into public leadership, or a “Wild Card” applicant with a non-traditional background, the Application Accelerator® program is built to guide you to unprecedented success.
Timing can be a crucial factor in the success of your graduate school application, and we strongly recommend that you take this into consideration. The sooner you join the Application Accelerator®, the better positioned you’ll be to fortify your application in all its dimensions—from honing your essays to enhancing your professional experience, all aimed at making you a more compelling candidate.
Our Specific Recommendations Are:
Early Birds Have the Advantage: We suggest joining as early as January of the year your deadlines are due. For example, if your application deadlines are in September 2024, consider enrolling in the Application Accelerator® by January 2024. Early engagement allows you to implement profile-improving strategies, such as bolstering your resume, or taking extra courses to improve your academic profile.
Mid-Season Strategy: Even if you find us later in the application season, joining the Application Accelerator® can still provide significant advantages in the form of specialized, targeted help that can make the difference between acceptance and rejection, or between minimal and substantial funding.
Last-Minute Candidates: We understand that some applicants might be operating under tight time constraints. In such cases, we accept candidates into the Application Accelerator® program up to two weeks before their school or scholarship deadlines. However, please note that the more limited the timeframe, the less opportunity you’ll have to make large-scale improvements to your profile.
Remember, the process of applying to top graduate schools and scholarships is multifaceted and highly competitive. Whether you are a “Wild Card” applicant, a high-achieving professional, or a midcareer MPA candidate, the Application Accelerator® is designed to offer you the tailored, expert guidance you need to navigate this complex landscape successfully. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to give yourself the advantage of time by joining as early as possible.
The Application Accelerator® is purposefully designed to cater to a diverse range of applicants, each with unique needs and aspirations.
For the High-Achieving Professionals:
If you’re already at the top of your game but want to scale greater heights in your career, this program serves as your structured pathway to top-tier graduate schools. Our consultants, themselves graduates of elite programs, understand the nuances that differentiate a good application from a great one. With our guidance, you’ll not only secure admissions but also position yourself for the best scholarships and fellowships available.
For Mid-Career Executives:
Are you an experienced executive in the private sector looking to transition into public leadership through programs like the Harvard Kennedy School’s Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA)? We have significant experience helping candidates like you articulate the skills and insights you’ve gained in the corporate world in a way that appeals to admissions committees focused on public impact.
For the “Wild Card” Applicants:
If you are a first-generation American, first-generation college graduate, or someone with an unconventional academic and professional background, you are what we affectionately call a “Wild Card.” Our program is a haven for Wild Cards. We specialize in highlighting your unique experiences and perspectives to create a compelling case for why you belong in top graduate programs.
For Those Facing Unique Challenges:
Whether you deal with test anxiety, time-management issues, or other life circumstances that could be seen as impediments, our program offers specialized support to turn your challenges into assets. We provide a comprehensive approach that extends beyond academics, focusing on personalized strategies that are tailored to your individual strengths and needs.
For Aspiring Social Impact Leaders:
Do you dream of becoming a head of state, a social entrepreneur, a thought leader, or a public advocate? Our program not only prepares you for admission into leading graduate schools but also equips you with the skills and network you’ll need to make a significant social impact in your future career.
No matter your background, career stage, or aspirations, the Application Accelerator® is crafted to help you unlock your full potential, ensuring that you don’t just get into a grad school but get into the right one—with the funding to make it feasible.
Both the Application Accelerator® and The Art of Applying Academy™️ are expertly crafted programs aimed at propelling you into your dream graduate school, but they serve different needs, offer varied resources, and operate through distinct mechanisms. Here’s how:
Level of Personalization:
Application Accelerator®: A highly personalized, one-on-one coaching experience. You’re paired with a dedicated consultant who knows your profile inside and out. Your consultant not only guides you through the application process but also keeps track of all your materials and edits them for you. You also get a client portal where you can ask your consultant unlimited questions, ensuring immediate and tailored responses.
The Art of Applying Academy™️: This is more of a group coaching experience with limited one-on-one attention. However, you have the option to purchase à la carte coaching calls, editing services, and email coaching to supplement the core program.
Exclusive Resources:
Application Accelerator®: Access to an unparalleled collection of 200+ sample materials from past successful clients, as well as a text-searchable video library containing 400+ hours of past calls. This wealth of resources gives you concrete examples and best practices to help you elevate your own application.
The Art of Applying Academy™️: While the Academy doesn’t offer these exclusive resources, it provides valuable foundational knowledge and a la carte services that can be purchased separately to meet your specific needs.
Communication:
Application Accelerator®: All your interactions happen through a centralized client portal, streamlining communication and ensuring that you have a single repository for all your queries, responses, and materials.
The Art of Applying Academy™️: The communication channels are not as structured as the Application Accelerator®, but you can enhance your experience by adding à la carte services like coaching calls and email support.
Client Folder:
Application Accelerator®: You’re provided with a secure client folder where all of your application materials are stored and edited by your consultant, making it easier for you to focus on content rather than logistics.
The Art of Applying Academy™️: No dedicated client folder is offered, but you can purchase editing services à la carte to improve your application materials.
Duration and Support:
Application Accelerator®: Offers longer, sustained support with an ongoing commitment that spans the entirety of your application timeline, adapting as you go through different phases of the application process.
The Art of Applying Academy™️: Generally designed for a shorter engagement, with the option to extend support through additional à la carte services.
Ideal Candidates:
Application Accelerator®: Perfect for high-achieving professionals, “Wild Card” applicants, and mid-career MPA applicants who demand an exhaustive, tailored program to navigate the complex application landscapes of top-tier schools.
The Art of Applying Academy™️: Ideal for those who are either starting their graduate school journey or are confident enough to tackle most of the application process on their own, but would still like some expert guidance and the option for additional services.
Given these distinctions, your choice between the Application Accelerator® and The Art of Applying Academy™️ will depend on your specific needs, the level of personalized attention you desire, and the resources you’re willing to commit to your journey to graduate school. Both programs are designed to optimize your chances of success but offer different pathways to get you there.
The duration of your engagement with the Application Accelerator® program varies depending on the package you choose, tailored to fit different application needs and timelines. Here are the specifics:
Bronze Package:
- Duration: 3-month engagement period
- Ideal For: Applicants focusing on 1-2 schools and/or scholarships
- Coaching: 10 hours of 1:1 personalized coaching
Silver Package:
- Duration: 6-month engagement period
- Ideal For: Applicants applying to 3-5 schools and/or scholarships
- Coaching: 20 hours of 1:1 personalized coaching
Gold Package:
- Duration: 9-month engagement period or until May 1, 2024—whichever comes first
- Ideal For: Applicants looking at a broader range of 4-10 schools and/or scholarships
- Coaching: 40 hours of 1:1 personalized coaching
Extending Your Engagement:
- If you find that you need more time with the program, you have the flexibility to extend your engagement by 3 months for an additional fee of $500.
- This option is available for all packages and can be utilized as many times as you wish until May 1, 2024.
Our packages are constructed to offer you ample time to navigate the complexities of the application process, from initial consultation to final submission. Whether you’re a high-achiever seeking elite-standard service, a “Wild Card” applicant with a non-traditional profile, or a mid-career MPA applicant transitioning into public leadership, there is a package perfectly suited for you.
In essence, the Application Accelerator® program is designed to evolve with your needs, allowing you to focus not just on gaining admission but on the holistic journey toward your academic and career aspirations. Choose the timeframe that best aligns with your goals and let us help you accelerate your path to success.
The Application Accelerator® is our flagship program, meticulously designed to offer a high-touch, personalized service tailored to your specific needs throughout your graduate school application journey. This premium program serves as a comprehensive ecosystem of resources, mentorship, and support to bolster your chances of gaining admission to top-tier programs. Below is an outline of what’s included in each package:
Core Components (In All Packages):
Dedicated 1:1 Consultant: An experienced consultant will be your personal guide throughout the application process, providing tailored advice, feedback, and support.
Client Portal: A user-friendly, secure platform where all communication with your consultant takes place. You can ask them unlimited questions and get timely responses.
Client Folder: A secure online folder managed by your consultant where all of your application materials are organized, stored, and edited.
Resource Library: Unlock exclusive access to our extensive database, featuring over 200 sample materials from past successful clients and a text-searchable video library with 400+ hours of valuable past calls.
Q&A Vault: This acts as a private client forum. Access over 100 questions previously asked by clients and answered by our expert team. You can also submit your own questions to get personalized insights.
- Application Roadmap: 30+ short video lessons that walk you step-by-step through the application process. Learn how you prefer: video, audio, bullet-pointed takeaways. Go through the lessons in order or skip around.
Package-Specific Offerings:
- Bronze Package:
- 10 hours of 1:1 coaching
- Engagement period of 3 months
- Ideal for those applying to 1-2 schools and/or scholarships
- Silver Package:
- 20 hours of 1:1 coaching
- Engagement period of 6 months
- Best suited for applicants targeting 3-5 schools and/or scholarships
- Gold Package:
- 40 hours of 1:1 coaching
- Engagement period of 9 months or until May 1, 2024—whichever comes first
- Perfect for those who are considering 4-10 schools and/or scholarships
Extend Your Engagement:
Should you wish to prolong your coaching engagement, you have the option to extend by 3 months for an additional $500. This flexibility is available as many times as you wish until May 1, 2024.
Social Proof:
For tangible evidence of our program’s impact, visit our YouTube channel. It showcases case studies from delighted Application Accelerator® alumni who have been admitted to their dream schools with significant scholarships and fellowships.
Who is This For?
High-achieving Applicants: Those who seek a rigorously tailored, elite-standard service.
Wild Card Applicants: Individuals with non-traditional profiles but sky-high ambitions.
Mid-career MPA Applicants: Primarily private-sector executives transitioning to public leadership roles, needing specialized assistance.
The Application Accelerator® program isn’t just about securing an admission letter from a prestigious institution; it’s about ensuring a less stressful, more empowering journey to your dream school. Choose the package that aligns with your goals and let us accelerate your path to success.
The Application Accelerator® program offers a multi-faceted approach to content delivery, designed to provide comprehensive support tailored to your unique needs and objectives. Here’s how the program’s content is delivered:
One-on-One Coaching:
Dedicated Consultant: You will have a dedicated 1:1 consultant who will be your primary guide throughout your application journey. This ensures continuity and a deep, personalized understanding of your profile.
Unlimited Queries: You can ask your consultant unlimited questions via our client portal. This enables you to seek clarity or advice whenever you need it, without having to wait for scheduled sessions.
Material Editing: Your dedicated consultant will also edit your application materials stored in your exclusive client folder. This ensures that your essays, resumes, and other documents are polished and compelling.
Coaching Hours: Depending on your package—Bronze, Silver, or Gold—you will have a specific number of 1:1 coaching hours. These hours can be used for detailed discussions, strategic planning, or any other specific needs you may have.
Group Coaching:
Application Roadmap: This is a group resource that provides a structured approach to the entire application process, ensuring you know what steps to take and when.
Q&A Calls: Kaneisha Grayson hosts at least one group Q&A call per month for all Application Accelerator® clients. This gives you a chance to interact with her and benefit from her expertise.
Writing Center Calls: These group sessions are designed to offer guidance and feedback on your writing, which is a crucial part of the application process.
Digital Resources:
Client Portal: All interactions with your consultant take place through a specialized client portal, which serves as your centralized platform for all communication.
Client Folder: This is your private repository where all your application materials are kept and can be edited by your consultant.
Sample Materials: Access to 200+ sample materials from past successful clients, allowing you to draw inspiration and learn from others’ experiences.
Video Library: A text-searchable video library with over 400 hours of past calls to enhance your understanding of complex application topics.
Q&A Vault: This private forum allows you to read questions from past clients and see how our consultant team has answered them. You can also submit your own questions for additional insights.
The program is a harmonious blend of individualized coaching and group resources, all aimed at providing you a 360-degree support system for your application journey.
If you’re feeling confident about the application process and believe you require less comprehensive support, we have different avenues that might be a better fit for you:
The Art of Applying Academy™️: This platform offers a more flexible, self-paced approach to preparing your applications. While it doesn’t offer the one-on-one consulting and extensive resources of the Application Accelerator®, it does allow you to purchase a la carte coaching calls, editing services, and email coaching if you’re an active member. This makes the Academy an ideal choice for applicants who are looking for more occasional, focused guidance rather than comprehensive support.
Learn more about the Academy.A La Carte Services: If you already have a good handle on your application but would like expert assistance on specific aspects, such as your essay, resume, or interview prep, we offer specialized a la carte services. Please note, these can only be purchased if you’re an active member of The Art of Applying Academy™️.
Application Intervention® or Done-in-a-Day Package: If you’re particularly interested in a focused, high-impact session and wish to work directly with Kaneisha Grayson, these exclusive packages provide in-depth guidance on specific areas of your application strategy. Please note, these can only be purchased if you’re an active member of The Art of Applying Academy™️ or Application Accelerator®.
Absolutely, yes. The Application Accelerator® is a global program that has been designed with a worldwide audience in mind. In fact, approximately 50% of our clients are international applicants. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen or not, or whether you’re applying to schools within or outside the United States, our program is engineered to provide you with the specific support you need.
A Truly Global Community
We are proud that nearly half of our client base comprises international applicants. This rich diversity not only enhances our program but also enables us to fine-tune our expertise in navigating educational systems and scholarship opportunities around the globe. You’ll be joining a community of ambitious, high-achieving applicants from various corners of the world, all focused on gaining admission to top-tier programs.
International Expertise
Our consultant team is well-versed in the intricacies of applying to schools both within the U.S. and internationally. Whether you’re aiming for elite institutions in the U.S., the Oxbridge duo in the UK, or other top-ranked schools in diverse locations, our team is equipped to provide specialized support tailored to various educational landscapes.
Tailored Support for Unique Challenges
We understand that international applicants may face additional challenges, such as visa procedures, translating academic records, or capturing cultural nuances in essays. The Application Accelerator® is designed to offer comprehensive and inclusive support, tailored to meet these and any other specific needs you may have.
Our program is designed to accommodate a diverse array of ambitious, high-achieving individuals, from “Wild Card” applicants who bring a unique set of experiences and talents to the table, to mid-career MPA hopefuls looking to pivot into public leadership roles. Here’s how to gauge if Application Accelerator® is right for you:
You Are:
Highly Motivated: Whether you’re a traditional applicant, a non-traditional “Wild Card,” or a seasoned professional, you’re driven to succeed and make a meaningful impact in your field.
Aiming High: You’re setting your sights on top-tier graduate schools and prestigious scholarships or fellowships and are not willing to settle for less.
Looking for Comprehensive Support: You want not just tactical advice but strategic guidance on presenting your best self through every aspect of your application, from essays to interviews.
Ready to Invest in Your Future: You understand that this is not just an expense but an investment that can yield significant returns, both academically and professionally.
International or Domestic: About 50% of our clients are international applicants. If you’re applying from outside the U.S. or to schools in other countries, you’ll be in good company.
You Face:
Organizational Challenges: If you struggle with getting started, prioritizing tasks, or following through, the structured guidance in this program will be a boon for you.
Complex Narratives: Whether you’re a first-generation American, a first-generation college grad, or a private-sector executive looking for a career shift, you have a complex story that you aren’t sure how to articulate compellingly.
Imposter Syndrome or Overwhelm: You sometimes question if you’re good enough for top schools or scholarships, or feel overwhelmed by the entire process.
Limited Time: Especially for mid-career professionals, time is a luxury. You’re seeking expert support to streamline the application process.
Next Steps:
Watch Our Free Training: This will give you a good sense of our approach and value proposition.
Book a Quick Call: This 15-minute free call will help us mutually gauge if you’re a competitive applicant and a good fit for the program.
Schedule a Breakthrough Call: In this deep dive session, we’ll discuss your academic, professional, and personal goals, strengths, and obstacles.
By following these steps, you’ll have a robust understanding of what the program entails and how it aligns with your needs and aspirations. Our aim is to ensure that we are 100% confident in our ability to help you get into your target schools with as much funding as possible. If these traits and situations resonate with you, the Application Accelerator® is likely an excellent fit.
Absolutely, the Application Accelerator® is specifically designed to not only enhance your chances of gaining admission to top graduate programs but also to help you secure essential scholarships and fellowships. While we don’t actively search for scholarship and fellowship opportunities for you, we offer unparalleled expertise in helping you apply for them successfully.
Here’s Why Our Approach is Unique and Effective:
Track Record of Success: We’re proud to say that we are the only admissions consulting firm known to have assisted not just one but TWO clients in winning the highly prestigious Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholarships. Our expertise in the scholarship and fellowship application process is second to none.
Significant Financial Gains: Our clients have earned over $20 million in merit scholarships and fellowships, thanks in part to our specialized guidance.
Negotiation Support: Beyond helping you win scholarships and fellowships, we also assist in negotiating your financial aid package. Our goal is to ensure you receive the most generous financial support available before you make your final commitment to a graduate program.
Whether you’re a “Wild Card” applicant, a high-achiever looking to take your academic journey to the next level, or a midcareer MPA candidate transitioning into public leadership, the Application Accelerator® provides an all-encompassing support system to help you optimize your financial aid and lessen the burden of graduate school expenses.
Absolutely, you can enroll in Application Accelerator® even if you’ve already begun your applications. In fact, many of our clients come to us at various stages of the application process. Our expert team can pick up right where you left off, helping you optimize each component of your application. Whether it’s refining your essays, perfecting your resume, or strategizing around your letters of recommendation, we offer the personalized expertise to elevate your application. Plus, our high-touch coaching and editing support ensures that you’re not only completing your applications but doing so in a way that makes you a stand-out candidate.
The time commitment for Application Accelerator® can vary depending on where you are in the application process and how close you are to your deadlines. On average, you might spend 1-2 hours per week further out from deadlines. However, as deadlines approach, you should expect to invest more time to ensure that every element of your application is polished and compelling.
The pace is entirely up to you. Our team is flexible and can accommodate your schedule, working as slowly or as quickly and intensively as you desire. Whether you want to spread out the work over several months or dive in for a concentrated period, we’re here to provide the tailored support you need to succeed.
Yes, interview preparation is an integral part of the Application Accelerator® experience. We provide you with sample questions tailored to the type of interview you’ll be facing, whether it’s one-on-one or a group format like the Wharton Team-Based Discussion. You have the option to schedule a mock interview with your consultant to simulate the real interview experience, receive targeted feedback, and polish your responses.
In addition to one-on-one preparation, you’ll have access to recordings of past mock interviews conducted during our group coaching calls, offering you valuable insights into both the questions asked and the quality of answers that impress interviewers.
If you have a team-based interview coming up, we’ll do our best to coordinate a mock group interview with other clients who are also preparing for similar interviews. This gives you a chance to practice in a setting that closely mirrors the actual interview environment.
While the Application Accelerator® program provides exceptional coaching and guidance, it’s important to note that 1:1 consultations with Kaneisha Grayson are not included in any of the Bronze, Silver, or Gold packages. Kaneisha’s expertise and insights do, however, permeate the program in various ways:
Group Coaching:
Kaneisha hosts at least one group coaching call per month that is accessible to all Application Accelerator® clients. These group calls offer a unique opportunity to gain insights from Kaneisha and benefit from her wealth of experience, as you navigate your way through the application process.
Q&A Vault:
Kaneisha also reviews and may provide additional input to questions submitted in the Q&A Vault, a client-only forum. If our consultant team has responded to your query and Kaneisha has something more to add, she will certainly chime in to elevate the advice you receive.
If you are particularly interested in gaining one-on-one guidance from Kaneisha, there are exclusive options available:
Application Intervention®:
This is a specialized package where you get to work directly with Kaneisha to resolve specific challenges you may be facing in your application process.
Done-in-a-Day:
This is an intensive package designed for comprehensive consultation and application strategy development directly with Kaneisha.
So while 1:1 time with Kaneisha is not an included feature of the Application Accelerator®, there are pathways to engage directly with her, depending on your needs and goals.
Joining the Application Accelerator® is an intentionally structured process designed to ensure that we are the right fit for your unique application needs and goals. We take the success of our clients very seriously, so it’s crucial that we’re mutually confident in the partnership. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Free Training
Before anything else, you’re required to watch our free training. This session provides valuable insights into our philosophy, approach, and the range of support you can expect from the program. It serves as a primer to the more intensive consultation process that follows.
Step 2: Quick Call
After watching the free training, the next step is to book a complimentary 15-minute Quick Call with our team. This call is not a sales pitch but a critical assessment to make sure you are a competitive applicant for the programs or scholarships you’re targeting. We use this call to gauge whether we believe we can substantially assist you in achieving your academic and professional objectives.
Step 3: Breakthrough Call
Assuming the Quick Call confirms a mutual fit, you’ll then book a more extensive Breakthrough Call for a $200 fee. During this call, we’ll dive deep into your personal, professional, and academic aspirations, as well as identify your strengths and obstacles. This is a crucial stage to shape the trajectory of your application journey.
Note on Breakthrough Call Fee:
If you decide to enroll in one of the Application Accelerator® packages within 30 days of your Quick Call, the $200 fee for the Breakthrough Call will be applied in full toward your program cost. Essentially, the Breakthrough Call becomes free when you commit to moving forward with us.
Final Enrollment
We do not accept everyone who expresses interest in joining Application Accelerator®. Our commitment is to only take on clients when we are 100% confident that we can maximize their chances of gaining admission into their dream schools and securing as much funding as possible.
By following this detailed and rigorous process, we ensure that we’re forming partnerships with applicants who are as committed to their success as we are.
Past participants in the Application Accelerator® have seen transformative results that significantly improve their prospects for graduate school admission and funding. Here are some key data points that demonstrate the program’s effectiveness:
Over the last five years, we’ve had a 40%+ acceptance rate to Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), one of our most popular target schools. This is in contrast to our estimated overall acceptance rate of about 20% among all HKS applicants. Please note that this is a general estimate and we do not track results by specific degree programs at HKS.
Approximately 60% of our clients secure merit scholarships or fellowships. On average, those who do receive financial awards get $70,000 or more in funding per school they are admitted to.
Clients who are fully engaged in the program—those who show up, heed our advice, put in the work, and diversify their school applications—typically see a substantial return on their investment.
While we usually recommend applying to multiple schools for the best chances of success, there are specific circumstances where applying to just one school makes sense. These include applicants already enrolled in a Master’s program seeking to add a joint degree, or those applying to the HKS MC/MPA program who are certain it’s the only policy school they wish to attend.
Our program is designed to give you the best chance of acceptance into your dream school while maximizing opportunities for financial aid. The results speak for themselves, especially when clients are committed to taking full advantage of the resources and expertise we offer.
Yes, we absolutely do. We understand that investing in your future is a significant commitment, and we want to make it as manageable as possible. That’s why we offer a variety of discounts and payment plans tailored to fit different financial situations. Our goal is to make this transformative program accessible to ambitious, high-achieving applicants like you.
Discounts and Bonuses:
Breakthrough Call Discount: If you enroll in one of our Accelerator packages within 30 days of your Quick Call, you’ll receive a $200 discount, effectively making your Breakthrough Call free.
Decisiveness Discount™️: Take decisive action toward your future by enrolling within 48 hours of your Breakthrough Call and receive a $1,000 discount.
Upfront Payment Bonus: Pay for your selected package upfront and get an additional 1-hour coaching session added to your program at no extra cost.
Zero Extra Charge for Payment Plans:
We believe in providing value without hidden fees. Therefore, if you opt for a payment plan, you will not be charged extra for this flexibility.
Pricing After Discounts:
Bronze Package:
- Original Price: $8,200
- After Discounts: $7,000 if paid upfront
- Payment Plan: Two monthly payments of $3,500 each
Silver Package:
- Original Price: $13,200
- After Discounts: $12,000 if paid upfront
- Payment Plan: Three monthly payments of $4,000 each
Gold Package:
- Original Price: $22,200
- After Discounts: $21,000 if paid upfront
- Payment Plan: Three monthly payments of $7,000 each
By offering these discounts and payment options, we aim to give you the flexibility to choose a package and a payment plan that best aligns with your financial circumstances. This ensures that you can focus on what really matters: crafting outstanding applications to get into your dream schools with as much funding as possible.
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