Get application help from Kaneisha Grayson, a Harvard Business School MBA & Harvard Kennedy School MPA for just $97 per month (cancel any time).
Check out this 4-minute video to learn how to get your essays edited, ask me any question you have, and read successful essays of our past clients.
We were shocked by hearing stories about strong applicants with great potential, just like you, making huge (bad) decisions in their application process thanks to:
Even the most self-sufficient applicants understand the game-changing value of expert advice. The Art of Applying® Academy is your hub for strategic insights, expertise, and that competitive advantage.
🗺️ Application Roadmap:
Doing most of the work of applying on your own?
Make sure you’ve checked every box with our 35 bite-sized lessons in your preferred format—video, audio, or text.
👩🏫 Expert Consults On-Demand:
Benefit from our monthly Q&A and expert-staffed forum for tailored answers to your burning application questions.
🖋️ Live Editing:
Transform your essays from good to great in our monthly live sessions.
🔒 A La Carte Coaching:
For laser-focused help on unique challenges, you can purchase our a la carte editing service, coaching calls, and email coaching are there when you need them.
Ask Kaneisha and our consultant team your pressing questions about the application process.
Submit your question each week by Wednesday at noon CT, and you'll receive a written or voice memo response from Kaneisha by Thursday.
Learn how to explain and overcome a low GPA, bad grades, or an inconsistent transcript. Learn the exact supplemental coursework you'll need to take, and exactly what to say in your optional essay about your low GPA and/or low test score.
Attend live editing calls to get your essays, resume, and short answer questions live edited. Watch other applicants get their materials edited. See how an essay goes from good to great to submit-ready.
Learn how to choose which stories to tell, how to frame your strengths, and how to to tie it all together into a competitive, compelling, and cohesive narrative.
Learn how to deal with mindset challenges such as Imposter Syndrome, overwhelm, self-doubt, and lack of confidence.
Our templates save you time and streamline the entire application process—from assessing if you are competitive, to securing outstanding letters of recommendation, outlining your essays, and emails requesting additional financial aid.
Learn how to set yourself up to receive scholarships and fellowships, and how to ask for more financial aid to maximize your funding.
Learn who to ask, when to ask, and how to ask. Use our LOR Request Packet to set your recommenders up for success.
Purchase 1:1 coaching calls, editing, email coaching, and ding analyses
I started The Art of Applying® out of my Harvard apartment way back in 2010. Since then, my team and I have helped thousands of grad school hopefuls get into top business schools, policy schools, law schools and other top graduate programs with tens of millions of dollars in scholarship funding.
At The Art of Applying®, we are passionate about working with what we call Wild Card applicants, because I myself was a nontraditional applicant. I was the first generation in my family to get a graduate degree, the daughter of first-generation college grads who grew up as migrant farm workers, and a liberal arts major with no formal work experience in the private sector. I had a strong GPA, but a low GMAT score of 620. I also had undiagnosed ADHD.
Despite the so-called “weaknesses” of my profile, I knew I had what it takes to thrive at Harvard, and I wasn’t going to let my “wild card” status keep me from getting into my dream school.
Once I made my own dreams come true by graduating from Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business with Second-Year Honors, I knew I wanted to help other Wild Card applicants make their dreams come true.
Getting into a top grad school with funding—even while not having perfect grades, sky-high test scores, or overwhelmingly impressive work experience—might sound too good to be true, but our clients prove it’s possible year after year.
I’m excited to show you what’s possible for you with our help.
To your success,
Kaneisha & The Art of Applying® team
Short video lessons providing a step-by-step roadmap for building a strong application
Coworking sessions to make progress and stay accountable
Monthly member events with live Q&A hosted by our team
Searchable resource hub to get instant expert advice and templates
Kaneisha and our consultant team's best advice
Wide range of application issues discussed
Ability to purchase 1:1 coaching and editing a la carte
Flexible month-to-month subscription
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
While The Academy is a powerful resource, we understand that it’s not for everyone. So, let’s dive in and figure out if you’re a good fit…
We know it might seem counterintuitive, but we’d rather you not join if you identify with any of the characteristics above of who is not a good fit. We are invested in your success, and the first step for a successful experience (for both of us) starts by making sure The Academy is right for you before you join.
14-Day Money-Back Guarantee for The Art of Applying® Academy
Our Hassle-Free Refund Process:
If, within the first 14 days of your Academy subscription, you decide that it’s not the right fit for you, simply reach out to us at help@theartofapplying.com, and we’ll process a full refund without any hassle or complicated procedures. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we’re here to support you.
Membership Rejoin Policy:
If a refund is granted, please be aware that you will not be eligible to rejoin The Art of Applying® Academy for a period of 24 months from the date of the refund. We encourage you to make an informed decision when considering your subscription.
By joining, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
By joining, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
We take immense pride in the success stories we’ve helped create at The Art of Applying®—and so do our clients.
Below, you’ll find testimonials from thrilled Application Accelerator® clients.
As a member of The Academy, you’ll gain access to the same caliber of group coaching and have the option for personalized 1:1 sessions with the expert consultants who guided them to success.
Why wait when your dream grad school could be within reach sooner than you think? By joining The Art of Applying Academy today, you’ll tap into invaluable, actionable advice right away. Here’s what sets us apart:
Immediate Access to This Year’s Expert Insights: We’re continuously updating our content. Join today and you’ll get access to our most current live group coaching calls as well as their recordings—allowing you to stay at the forefront of application strategies and insights.
Streamlined Preparation: The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to finely tune your application, implement our field-tested strategies, and optimize your profile.
Limited Availability: We’re keeping our recorded library lean and focused on this year’s content, which means some older resources will no longer be accessible. By joining now, you’ll maximize the range of expert coaching available to you.
This is more than just an informational hub; it’s an investment in your future. The sooner you become a member, the sooner you can leverage our expertise to elevate your application.
The recorded Q&A Calls and Writing Center live editing calls inside of The Art of Applying Academy cover all aspects of the graduate school application process, including:
Once you are a member of The Art of Applying Academy, there is no obligation to purchase anything extra. If you want to focus on learning from the Application Roadmap, recorded group coaching calls, and templates, that’s a great way to go.
However, if you want 1:1 coaching, The Academy gives you access to purchase 1:1 expert advice with our consultant team.
You can purchase:
Prices and availability are subject to change.
The time commitment for The Academy is flexible and entirely up to you.
Our Application Roadmap is completely optional. It provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide through the application process via 30 short videos.
However, if you prefer, you can consume specific lessons from the Roadmap to fill in any gaps in your application or knowledge, rather than following it sequentially.
For general engagement, our members typically spend 1-2 hours per week on our content. You can participate in our current season’s live group coaching calls, which are also available for later viewing at your convenience.
If you require more specific, tailored guidance, The Academy offers the opportunity to purchase 1:1 coaching and editing services a la carte. The time commitment for these specialized services will vary based on your individual needs and is separate from the general Academy offerings.
In essence, whether you wish to follow a structured curriculum or just engage with specific resources and services as needed, The Academy adapts to your schedule and specific requirements.
Absolutely! Kaneisha leads at least one group coaching call every month in The Academy, granting you direct access to her wealth of knowledge and expertise on the graduate school application process. You’ll also have ongoing access to the recordings of these sessions for anytime review.
Additionally, we have an interactive forum inside The Academy. While Kaneisha does occasionally comment and provide insights in the forum, it is primarily staffed by our expert consultant team.
For those seeking more personalized guidance from Kaneisha, she is available for 1:1 coaching calls and editing through special Academy offers. You can opt for a 45- or 90-minute Application Intervention session, or immerse yourself in the exclusive Done-in-a-Day package, where you work one-on-one with Kaneisha for a full workday to intensively focus on your applications.
These specialized services can be conveniently purchased right inside The Academy, enabling you to tailor the level of expert help to your specific needs.
The Art of Applying Academy can complement and enhance the support you are already receiving from your current admissions consultant, Forte MBA Launch, or MLT MBA Prep. Our services are designed to be flexible and adaptable to your unique needs and circumstances. You can use The Art of Applying Academy to get additional expert advice, feedback, and support on specific aspects of your application process or to fill in any gaps in the support you are receiving from other sources. You can also use our services as a standalone resource if you are primarily managing the application process on your own.
We welcome applicants who are already working with other consultants or organizations and believe that The Art of Applying Academy can provide valuable additional support and resources to help you achieve your goals.
First off, congratulations on your acceptance! Even after securing a spot in a grad program, The Academy continues to be a resource for you.
Here’s how:
Decision-Making Guidance: Secure your spot and make the most out of it by learning how to navigate deferrals, deposit deadlines, and making your final school choice with strategic insights from our expert consultants.
Financial Aid and Scholarships: Take the guesswork out of the financial aid appeal process and secure more funding with our tailored strategies and advice.
Pre-Program Opportunities: If you’re looking into pre-MBA internships or other career-building experiences before grad school starts, we can assist with your application strategy.
Access to A La Carte Services: For issues that require focused attention, you can purchase 1:1 coaching and editing services directly inside The Academy.
Your educational journey doesn’t stop at acceptance, and neither does our support. We’re here to ensure you continue to thrive in your next academic chapter.
The Art of Applying Academy is designed to support a wide range of applicants who are navigating the graduate school application process. It’s ideal for self-driven, organized applicants who are primarily managing the application process on their own but who want access to expert advice and resources along the way.
If you prefer to learn by conducting online research and watching/listening to short lessons, The Academy is a great fit for you. You’ll have access to the Application Roadmap, the current year’s recorded group coaching calls, and other resources to help you create a standout application and maximize your chances of acceptance to top graduate schools.
In addition, The Art of Applying Academy offers 1:1 coaching on an a la carte basis, so you can get personalized advice and support as needed. Our team of experienced admissions consultants is available to help you with everything from essay editing to interview preparation to applying to scholarships and fellowships.
However, if you’re looking for comprehensive, start-to-finish guidance, accountability, and support, our Application Accelerator® program may be a better fit for you. Application Accelerator® provides extended 1:1 coaching, personalized support, and a proven framework to help you create a standout application and secure funding for graduate school. Packages start at $8200 with payment plans and a $1000 Decisiveness Discount™ available. The first step to becoming an Application Accelerator® client is to watch our free training.
Yes, The Academy is open to applicants from all over the world.
As long as you have access to a computer and reliable internet connection, you can join and benefit from the program regardless of your location.
We have helped clients from over 20 countries navigate the graduate school application process and maximize their chances of acceptance and funding.
Yes, The Art of Applying Academy is a great option for applicants who are just starting out in the application process.
Our resources are designed to support applicants at every stage of the process, from early planning to final submission. The Application Roadmap includes 30+ short lessons, covering topics such as researching schools, creating a standout application, and financial planning for graduate school. Additionally, if you have specific questions or concerns as you begin your application journey, our consultant team is available for 1:1 coaching calls and email coaching (for an additional charge). So whether you’re just starting out or well into the process, The Academy can provide you with the support and guidance you need to succeed.
The Academy is right for early bird applicants, applicants still in college, applicants who have several months or even just several days until their application deadline.
The Art of Applying Academy is a great option for former clients of The Art of Applying® who are looking for a more flexible and affordable way to access expert admissions advice. If you have previously gone through our Application Accelerator® program and need additional support for specific parts of the application process, The Art of Applying Academy provides the flexibility to purchase 1:1 coaching and editing services as needed.
If you are a former client who is applying to a new degree program or reapplying to a program you did not get accepted to previously, The Art of Applying Academy can help you with specific parts of the application process and provide additional resources to help you strengthen your application.
Yes, The Academy can help you assess your competitiveness as an applicant.
You can purchase a 25-minute coaching call during which one of our consultants can review your academic and professional background, extracurricular activities, and personal story to give you a sense of where you stand in relation to other applicants in your target graduate programs. We can also help you identify areas of your application that may need improvement and provide guidance on how to strengthen them.
Yes! The Academy’s Application Roadmap offers a step-by-step process that covers all aspects of the graduate school application process, including helping you determine how many schools you should apply to. The 30+ short lessons in the Application Roadmap contain detailed guidance on creating a standout application that showcases your unique strengths and experiences, developing strong writing and interview skills, and choosing the right schools and programs to apply to.
Additionally, if you have specific questions or concerns about your application strategy, you can purchase a 25-minute coaching call or email coaching from our consultant team, who are experts in the field and can provide personalized advice tailored to your needs.
Yes, any adult aged 18 and above can join The Academy. Our program is suitable for all applicants, regardless of age or level of experience.
We have helped younger applicants who are just starting their academic careers, as well as more experienced applicants who are looking to advance their careers and apply to EMBAs as well as Harvard Kennedy School’s Midcareer MPA (MC/MPA).
Our team of experienced consultants is equipped to help applicants of all ages and backgrounds achieve their graduate school goals.
We stand behind the quality of our program and want you to be completely satisfied. That’s why we offer a 14-day Hassle-Free Money-Back Guarantee.
If you’re not completely happy with the program, simply reach out to our team at help@theartofapplying.com within 14 days of joining and we’ll take care of the rest.
However, please note that we do not offer refunds for purchased a la carte services.
If you decide to cancel your Academy membership, you can simply log in to your account and cancel your subscription. Your cancellation will take effect at the end of your current billing cycle. We do not provide refunds for partial billing cycles, but you will continue to have access to The Academy until the end of your current billing cycle.
We understand that life can get busy and circumstances may change, so if you ever need to cancel your membership, we’ll be here to help. Keep in mind that you’re always welcome back, but please note that prices may have increased by the time you return. We hope to have the opportunity to continue supporting you on your graduate school journey in the future.
While our Q&A calls and Application Roadmap course primarily focus on applying to grad school, the principles and strategies taught can be adapted to the college application process as well. Our team has experience helping applicants gain acceptance to top colleges across the US, so we’re confident that we can provide valuable guidance and support to students applying to college.
Absolutely! We can help you with aspects such as creating a standout application, maximizing your chances of acceptance, and developing strong writing and interview skills. Additionally, our editing services can help you with essays and written materials for your scholarship or fellowship application.
As far as we know, we are the only admissions consulting firm that has had two clients successfully win the Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholarship.
While we love helping applicants successfully apply to competitive scholarships and fellowships, we do not search for scholarships and fellowships for applicants.
There is no minimum required or recommended number of months to benefit from The Academy.
The program is designed to provide you with the flexibility to access expert admissions advice as you need it, whether that’s for one month, one year, or five years.
Keep in mind that the graduate school application process can be lengthy and complex, so it’s important to give yourself enough time to adequately prepare and submit your best possible application. We recommend starting early and giving yourself several months to work on your application, so you have time to revise and refine your materials as needed.
However, The Academy is still a valuable resource for those who may be starting their application process later or who need assistance with specific parts of the process.
Yes! You can upgrade to an annual membership at any time by contacting our customer support team at help@theartofapplying.com.
Yes, as a The Academy member, you have access to purchase 1:1 advice, editing, and coaching calls on an a la carte basis. Our team offers a range of services to help you with different aspects of the application process, including editing for essays, resumes, and letters of recommendation, ding analysis, 25-minute 1:1 coaching calls, and email coaching. These services can be purchased inside of The Academy.
While we don’t offer a trial period for The Academy, we do have a 14-day Hassle-Free Money-back Guarantee. If you decide that The Academy isn’t the right fit for you within the first two weeks of your membership, we’ll give you a full refund, no questions asked.
Ask our consultant team your pressing questions about the application process.
Learn how to explain and overcome a low GPA, bad grades, or an inconsistent transcript. Learn the exact supplemental coursework you'll need to take, and exactly what to say in your optional essay about your low GPA and/or low test score.
Attend live editing calls to get your essays, resume, and short answer questions live edited. Watch other applicants get their materials edited. See how an essay goes from good to great to submit-ready.
Learn how to choose which stories to tell, how to frame your strengths, and how to to tie it all together into a competitive, compelling, and cohesive narrative.
Learn how to deal with mindset challenges such as Imposter Syndrome, overwhelm, self-doubt, and lack of confidence.
Our templates save you time and streamline the entire application process—from assessing if you are competitive, to securing outstanding letters of recommendation, outlining your essays, and emails requesting additional financial aid.
Learn how to set yourself up to receive scholarships and fellowships, and how to ask for more financial aid to maximize your funding.
Learn who to ask, when to ask, and how to ask. Use our LOR Request Packet to set your recommenders up for success.
Purchase 1:1 coaching calls, editing, email coaching, and ding analyses
By joining, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
By joining, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
You'll be the first to know when enrollment is open for the Academy.
