Below avg GPA to Ivy scholarships
From below-average GPA and test scores to offers from Cornell and Johns Hopkins, Tathagata proved that direction and clarity can outweigh early numbers.
He grew up discussing finance strategy at home and developed a serious interest in fintech. That interest became tangible through a startup research paper and focused project work.
Instead of hiding weaker parts of the profile, we built an honest narrative around growth, conviction, and fit. His essays explained exactly why Cornell's financial innovation ecosystem and Hopkins' interdisciplinary structure matched his goals.
The final application felt coherent, intentional, and credible. Admissions teams saw not just potential, but execution.