Jonathan Franco
Expert Coach
Years of admissions experience
5
Credentials Highlight
Former HBS Admissions Representative and HBS Alum
Jonathan served as an Admissions Representative while at HBS and has deep knowledge in and
experience of higher education applications. He started higher education coaching while in
undergraduate, working with an outreach program that assists high schoolers in West Philadelphia with
their applications to college. A natural-born storyteller with a passion for empowering others, Jonathan
has helped candidates without traditional backgrounds break into top business school programs.
Jonathan was a consulting engagement manager in New York before attending HBS, and as a graduate
from the Huntsman Program, holds a degree in Economics from Wharton and International Studies from
the University of Pennsylvania.
Q & A
What’s your favorite client success story?
One of my clients was very nervous about applying to business school because they didn’t hold an
undergraduate degree. In addition to test preparation for the GMAT, we worked through their story,
and how their current endeavors plus their background would make them an excellent fit for business
school. They were accepted to LBS on a full-merit scholarship.
What is your coaching superpower?
Perhaps reflected by how many industries I’ve worked across (finance, CPG, consulting, tech), I’ve
always had a curious mind. This extends to people. I’m fascinated by everyone’s story, and I enjoy taking
the time to unravel why someone developed as they did, and finding a common thread that can point to
where they will go next.
What’s your top piece of advice for admissions candidates?
Many candidates struggle with the concept of ‘authenticity’. When thinking about your story: excavate thoroughly, reflect deeply, and explain personally. The truism you choose to write about is unlikely to be something AdComm has never encountered, but the way it has shaped your experiences and the way you have come to terms with the concept are what make it your own. This is what turns trope into motif, and what shifts AdComm from seeing you as just a name on a page into a real person, who can contribute meaningfully to their classroom.
Jonathan's 10 Tips for HBS
Interested in working with Jonathan?
Although we cannot guarantee your preferred coach selection because of workload capacity, we will always do our best to match you up with the coach of your choice if you have a specific request. You may indicate your preference when you sign up for a free consultation.