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★ Listed on Poets & Quants MBA Admissions Consultant Directory

★★★★★
4.9 / 5 · 24 verified reviews · Net Promoter Score: 9.57
Narrative Building Personality-First Approach School-Specific Strategy Deep Essay Brainstorming Fast Turnaround Interview Prep Always Available Genuine & Authentic Process
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From the initial consultation to the final submission to interview preparation, Shantanu demonstrated unparalleled expertise, dedication, and a genuine commitment to my success. His role transcended that of a consultant — Shantanu became a steadfast friend and guide. On receiving INSEAD's acceptance call, Shantanu was the first person I contacted to share the joyful news.

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Niru Kumari
INSEAD MBA, Class of 2025
Verified review · Poets & Quants
Latest Review
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School SelectionEssay StrawmanNarrative PositioningMock InterviewsScholarship Stage

The process felt extremely genuine — the story was entirely my own — but Shantanu helped me see how to position it correctly for each school. The essay strawman stage, alongside multiple reviews and mock interviews, built my confidence enormously for the final stages. I received a scholarship of $90K at Darden and $80K at Tuck.

Kellogg Admit · M7
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M7 SchoolManifestationPerseveranceIncredible Mentorship

Excited to share that I'll be joining Northwestern University — Kellogg School of Management for its 2Y MBA program this fall! A journey of manifestation and perseverance to study at an M7 school. Always grateful to Shantanu for being an incredible mentor throughout this journey.

Columbia · $45K Scholarship · 5 Interview Invites
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5/7 Interview Invites$45K ScholarshipPersonal BrandingStructured Process

I received interviews from 5 out of the 7 colleges I applied to. I cannot recommend The Flex Strategy enough. Shantanu is a very positive person to be around. Throughout this arduous application process, he was constantly motivating and pushing me to do my best.

On the process: The Flex Strategy has a very structured approach to understanding my profile and projecting my strengths. The team reached out to my peers and friends to learn more about me from a third-person perspective, which helped develop a personal brand that made me stand out amongst a sea of applicants.

On consistency: We had a call every other day with a detailed timeline in place for each application. Shantanu's insights and suggestions improved my overall application tremendously.

On results: Admits at Columbia ($45K scholarship), Stern, Darden, and Tuck. I strongly believe I wouldn't have made it to Columbia without The Flex Strategy.
INSEAD & LBS · £15K Scholarship
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2/2 Admits£15K ScholarshipEssay StrawmanNarrative PositioningMock Interviews

Received interview invites and admits from both schools I applied to with The Flex Strategy. The process felt extremely genuine — the story was entirely my own — but The Flex Strategy team really helped me see how to position it correctly for each school.

On narrative: Brainstorming with my admissions consultant really helped me strengthen my narrative and understand the aspects of my profile I should work on highlighting, and how.

On essays: The essay strawman stage, as well as multiple essay reviews, helped me finetune my application significantly. Each round of feedback made the essays sharper and more authentic.

On confidence: The mock interviews really helped build my confidence for the final stages. By the time I walked into the actual interviews, I felt completely prepared and genuinely excited. Overall, I was very happy and felt extremely supported throughout the process.
Defence & Aerospace → MBA

My defence, aerospace, and FMCG entrepreneurial experiences were not tied together in a clear story. Through detailed discussions, Shantanu helped me connect my professional background, leadership, and long-term goals into a consistent, compelling narrative.

On essays: While AI tools help with grammar or structure, I could not have written essays with the same depth without Shantanu. He pushed me to think more deeply about leadership and career goals, shaping essays that felt personal and reflective.

On interview prep: Mock interviews closely simulated the intensity and unpredictability of real MBA interviews. By the time I entered the actual interviews, I felt significantly more confident.

On responsiveness: Turnaround time was consistently fast. The process felt collaborative rather than transactional.

Shantanu was an absolute game-changer. He pushed me to dive deep into my own life, uncovering insights I hadn't even considered. Every conversation felt like a mix of story and strategy — sharp, thoughtful, and impactful.

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Anonymous
Class of 2026 Admit
Verified · Poets & Quants

Most consultants told me I didn't stand a chance with a 720 GMAT. Shantanu believed in me. I applied to LBS and INSEAD and received admits from both — along with a partial scholarship from LBS and IESE.

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Anonymous
LBS & INSEAD Admit, Class of 2024
Verified · Poets & Quants

Shantanu's methodology — from self-discovery to finalising stories — helped me crack Darden and INSEAD after failing to even get an interview the prior year. A new way of introspection I will carry for life.

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Paresh Agarwal
Darden & INSEAD Admit, Class of 2022
Verified · Poets & Quants

Coming from an overrepresented pool with a sub-700 GMAT, one of the primary reasons I got into my first-choice school was the way Shantanu pushed me to bring out my story. My application would not have been half as good.

SK
Sanath Kashyap
MBA Class of 2023 Admit
Verified · Poets & Quants

In an otherwise impersonal industry, Shantanu never limited his time. His meticulous approach to crafting a story is only eclipsed by his genuine warmth. I wouldn't have made it to ISB without him.

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Anonymous
ISB Admit, Class of 2022
Verified · Poets & Quants

4 admits from top US schools with a GMAT waiver — including a 40% scholarship at Ross. Shantanu was brilliant at translating my non-business background into compelling stories. Streamlined, never overwhelming.

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Anonymous
Ross School of Business, Class of 2024
Verified · Poets & Quants
9.57Net Promoter Score
24Verified Reviews
4.9★Average Rating
8+Years Experience