Fortuna Admissions | MBA Admissions Consultants

My consultant coach was absolutely amazing. Sharon provided me with invaluable advice and insights that I wouldn’t have fully grasped as a foreign applicant. She took the time to understand my background, strengths, and aspirations, helping me shape my thoughts and express them in a clear, compelling, and impactful way. Her expertise and personalized guidance significantly improved my application, making my story more cohesive and persuasive. I truly appreciated her attention to detail and strategic approach, which gave me greater confidence throughout the admissions process.
I highly recommend working with Fortuna and Sharon! Again, many thanks for everything. I learned a lot on myself throughout the process.

I had the pleasure of working with Melissa extensively during my MBA application journey, starting with my GMAT prep. I initially came in with a below-average score, but Melissa took the time to really understand my MBA goals and test-taking weaknesses. She guided me to the right resources, which helped me boost my score into the 90th percentile within just a few weeks. After that, we dove into the MBA applications!

Coming from a healthcare background, Melissa helped me go through a journey of self-discovery, helping me figure out my reasons for pursuing an MBA and what I truly wanted for my future. This completely changed my mindset, from being insecure about getting admitted, to actually feeling confident. Melissa has a remarkable ability to highlight your strengths and accomplishments in a way that makes you trust yourself more. That gave me a strong foundation when writing my applications, and helped me present the strongest, most compelling case for admission.

As I applied to multiple schools, Melissa’s expertise was very clear, especially with INSEAD! She helped me navigate each school’s unique questions in the best way possible. This continued into the interview phase, where we did tailored mock interviews for each school.
I also really appreciated Melissa’s attention to detail. Every single word I wrote, including the basic application questions, was meticulously thought and reviewed.

Melissa truly goes the extra mile for her candidates and fully invests herself in their journey! I’m so grateful to have had her as my consultant, not only for the amazing success in my applications, but also for the confidence she gave me and the clarity I now have about my personal goals and aspirations.

Working with Heidi was crucial to my MBA application process. I was working a busy finance job, and managing deadlines was already tough. From our very first conversation, she brought a thoughtful, strategic lens to my story — helping me not only polish the application, but rethink how I was presenting my goals and experiences to package it right

Heidi has a clear understanding of how top MBA programs evaluate candidates, and she helped me identify what truly stood out in my background. She was direct and honest with feedback — I like how she says something just isn’t up to par is directionally wrong if she thinks it, without trying to dance around it. I never felt like I was being forced into a template or told what I “should” say. Instead, she pushed me to be succinct and intentional. Her help with connecting the dots across essays, short answers, and recommendations made a big difference. Especially with recommendations as well – first draft of those were a disaster and looking over them together gave me such a piece of mind.

Throughout the entire process, Heidi was calm and incredibly responsive, and level-headed — exactly what I needed during some of the more stressful moments, especially as I navigated deferrals and waitlist, keeping me focused on what I could control. If you’re looking for someone who will take your application seriously, give you clear and candid advice, and help you bring out the strongest and most thoughtful version of your story, I highly recommend working with Heidi.

Silpa was great to work with through every step of the application process. She was very helpful in ideating and shaping both my essays and my recommendations from early on. She worked with my ideas while also giving clear and constructive feedback. As we moved along, I appreciated Silpa’s strategic eye in making sure that the totality of my application captured all of the details I wanted to get across, and maximized every character allotted. Above all, Silpa’s availability to chat live and discuss ideas, changes, and concerns was most valuable to me. I am grateful for her guidance to get through this process!

I can’t imagine going through the MBA application process without Emma by my side. She was more than a consultant—she was a coach, a sounding board, and a true partner in the journey. Thanks to her, I was admitted to a top 10 program, and I can confidently say I wouldn’t have gotten there without her.

What sets Emma apart is how deeply she invests in her clients. From our first conversation, she made it a point to truly understand me—not just my resume or goals, but the “why” behind them. That foundation helped us craft an application that felt not only compelling, but deeply personal and authentic.

Emma has a rare gift for balancing encouragement with direct, honest feedback. She pushed me to dig deeper when answers felt too surface-level and didn’t hesitate to ask the tough questions that made my essays stronger. And her attention to detail is unmatched—she wasn’t just focused on the big-picture story; she was right there in the trenches with me, reworking transitions, polishing phrasing, and making sure every word counted.

One of the moments that really stood out: Emma made time for me even while she was on holiday. That level of commitment is extraordinary. Even on weekends, she’d get back to me within a couple of hours, which made it possible to iterate quickly and keep momentum when deadlines were tight.

She’s fast, thoughtful, and endlessly supportive. Working with Emma made the entire experience not only manageable, but genuinely meaningful. If you’re lucky enough to work with her, take it—you’ll be in the best hands possible.

Working with Silpa has been one of the most pivotal and empowering decisions I made in my MBA application journey. From the very beginning, she brought a level of empathy, strategic insight, and relentless commitment that made this intense process feel not just achievable, but deeply personal and meaningful.

Silpa didn’t just help me craft strong applications — she helped me discover and own my story. She pushed me to dig deeper, question assumptions, and articulate my journey in ways I hadn’t before. Whether it was late-night essay drafts, mock interview prep, or helping me reframe setbacks into strengths, she was always present with sharp feedback and encouraging words.

What set Silpa apart was her ability to balance warmth with tough love. She knew when to be direct, when to challenge me, and when I just needed someone to believe in me. She brought structure to chaos, helped me navigate moments of self-doubt, and celebrated every small win with genuine joy.

I went through some emotionally heavy narratives during this process, and Silpa never treated them as “content” — she held space for my experiences with care and respect, while guiding me on how to present them powerfully. Her intuition, editing skills, and school-specific knowledge were second to none.

Thanks to her support, I not only received admits from top MBA programs including Wharton with a merit scholarship — I also walked away from this process more self-aware, confident, and excited for the next chapter.

Silpa, thank you for being more than a consultant — thank you for being a coach, a sounding board, and a champion. I couldn’t have done this without you.

I’m very grateful for Michel, who served as my advisor through the MBA application process over the past six months. She was key to my success in getting admitted to four of my dream schools (out of six) within the M7—something I didn’t think was possible from the outset. From our very first meeting, it was clear that Michel brought not only deep expertise in the admissions process, especially given her time working in admissions, but also an incredible sense of empathy and strategic insight.
Her expertise shone through throughout every step through thorough every step of the process, from giving me guidance on how to select schools, to helping polish my resume, to the essay writing process, and finally the interviewing. In addition to great strategic coaching, she was able to give great insights from both a larger admissions lens and an individual school-specific level. Michel never applies a cookie-cutter approach; every brainstorming session, essay draft, and mock interview was tailored specifically to who I am, what I hoped to achieve, and my authentic style of written and verbal expression.
In particular, Michel was incredibly helpful in providing feedback for essays. She was a consummate professional, always responding in a timely manner with clear, actionable feedback. In addition, I really appreciated that she struck the right balance between encouraging me to write my own authentic story and challenging me to dig deeper to clarify my motivations and sharpen my story. A good example is a comment on an essay for the school I’m now about to attend, where she pushed me to strengthen my ending by “showing” how I grew from the experience, rather than “telling.” While I was responsible for identifying the right anecdote to tie the essay together, I never would have reached this level of detail had I not had her feedback, and this could have been the difference needed to get into this top school.
I had a similar personalized experience with her interview coaching. This was especially important with the rush of interviews I was fortunate to get invited to. As the interview style differs amongst the top schools, she was able to streamline my process preparing and get me focused and confident to perform my best. In particular, her experience working at Wharton, which is unlike all other interview styles, was a moment that reflected her years of expertise on the admissions side.
While it can be intimidating going into the admissions process and picking a coach, now on the other side, I can confidently say that I’m so thankful I chose Michel. Her top coaching helped me unlock my very best potential and I cannot recommend her enough as your MBA admissions advisor!

I worked with Silpa on my Stanford GSB application, and I truly could not have asked for a better partner in the process. The impact she had during the time we worked together was incredible. She helped me shape and articulate my story in a way I did not think was possible, and it made all the difference in helping my application stand out.

She is focused, efficient, and makes every hour count. I always felt like she was in my corner, willing to dive into the big picture while also being patient enough to walk me through even the smallest or seemingly silliest questions. She has a deep understanding of the MBA admissions landscape, and her instincts are spot on.

I highly recommend her without hesitation. If you are looking for someone who will help you present your most authentic and compelling self, she is the one.

I had the absolute privilege of working with Heidi during my MBA application process, and I can confidently say she was instrumental in helping me gain admission to Stanford GSB, my top-choice school.

From the beginning, she took the time to deeply understand my background — which included a non-traditional path in entrepreneurship and emerging markets. Rather than trying to fit my story into a conventional mold, she helped me embrace its uniqueness. She asked the right questions to draw out the deeper motivations behind my choices and helped me frame those experiences into a compelling, authentic narrative that resonated with Stanford’s values.

Her feedback on my essays was always sharp, strategic, and thoughtful — never generic. She pushed me to be introspective and intentional with every word, and her ability to balance big-picture storytelling with detail-level refinement was exceptional. She also helped me navigate how to position my entrepreneurial ventures in a way that felt ambitious yet grounded.

What truly set her apart was her genuine investment in my success. She was responsive, encouraging, and unafraid to challenge me when needed — all with the shared goal of putting forward my strongest possible application.

Working with Maren was one of the most impactful decisions I made during my MBA application journey. As a younger candidate with fewer years of professional experience than most, I was very aware of how competitive schools like Stanford GSB and Harvard Business School are. I had even spoken to another admissions consultant who told me bluntly that my chances were low. But then I met Maren—and everything changed.

From the start, she believed in me. Over the course of our sessions, Maren helped me uncover the depth in my story and guided me on how to articulate it in a way that was authentic, strategic, and compelling.

What made Maren exceptional wasn’t just her expertise in MBA admissions (though she clearly has that in spades); it was her ability to be both a coach and a calm, steady presence. She helped me manage the emotional weight of the process, especially as I balanced multiple applications and intense pressure. In many ways, she was part interview prep coach, part therapist—helping me stay grounded, confident, and true to myself. Maren and I also had a lot of fun during our session, cracking jokes and getting to know each other!

Thanks to Maren’s guidance, I completed my applications and walked into both the HBS and GSB interviews feeling prepared and empowered. And most incredibly—I got into both.

I’m so grateful for her support and genuinely can’t recommend her enough to anyone looking to take on this process with someone who will believe in you, challenge you, and bring out your very best.

Emma was an absolutely fantastic coach. As an applicant for the Stanford MSx program with a less conventional background (Science PhD), I needed a coach who could make my story resonate with the admissions committee in the best way possible and Emma’s support was vital for my admission into the Stanford MSx programme.

We worked under tight deadlines, and Emma’s guidance on which steps to prioritize were very helpful. Moreover, the instructions to my referees were excellent. Emma is a brilliant communicator and her feedback on my essays really helped position my story for success.

I strongly recommend Emma as a coach. Her proactiveness, positive energy (she really helped raise my confidence levels), structured and organized approach, was vital to my success. Her flexibility comes through not only in terms of the candidate background, but also in terms of geography, as she can help applicants to both European and American schools.

Patty was a really fantastic coach, and I found her incredibly kind and motivating throughout the application journey. I signed up for a 10 hour package with her, and she helped me craft my admissions essays for 5 MBA programs in the US. Patty helped me brainstorm my differentiators, was incredibly helpful in reviewing and providing advice for my essay drafts, and gave me a lot of good tips that gave me more confidence in my applications. I ended up signing up for an extra hour with Patty to do interview prep for HBS, and I found that experience SO helpful. I was fortunate enough to receive an offer at HBS (my top choice) along with 2 other M7s, and waitlisted at the other 2 M7s I applied to. I genuinely don’t think I could have done it without Patty’s help – so thank you Patty!

I applied to only a few top business schools last fall and worked with a Fortuna consultant and Heidi as my advisor. When it came time to show my work on my essays to Heidi, she provided thoughtful and constructive feedback that enhanced my essays. Although I wasn’t admitted to the programs I wanted to attend, Heidi was incredibly supportive and shared just how competitive the cycle was. Thanks to Heidi’s feedback on my essays, I truly felt I had left everything I had on the table. This inspired me to subsequently apply to public policy programs only a couple weeks before the deadline. I was able to repurpose many of my essays and reminded myself of Heidi’s thought-provoking questions on the new ones I had to write. Ultimately, I was accepted into Harvard Kennedy School and am grateful for Heidi’s help on my essays. I highly recommend Heidi as your main consultant or even as your advisor!

Working with Peter from Fortuna has been an absolute game-changer for me as an international candidate. Pete brings an invaluable insider perspective that helps bridge the information gap and provides clarity from the other side of the table. His experience and deep understanding of the admissions process have been instrumental in shaping my application strategy and honing my narrative.

What truly sets Peter apart is his unwavering dedication and commitment. Despite the challenges of managing time zones, he often works over weekends to accommodate my schedule. He’s consistently on top of things, providing timely, thoughtful feedback that’s both actionable and encouraging.

Beyond his expertise, Peter’s warmth and encouragement have been a tremendous support throughout the nerve-wracking application journey. His positivity and genuine care made those stressful waiting days so much easier to bear.

For anyone seeking a coach who combines deep industry knowledge with unmatched empathy and dedication, Peter is truly exceptional!

As an applicant from an overrepresented background, I knew standing out was critical. Patty was instrumental in helping me craft an authentic and compelling narrative during my HBS and GSB applications. Her strategic insights also guided me through my successful Berkeley Haas application, where I was admitted. Her personalized feedback and deep understanding of the admissions process made all the difference. I highly recommend Patty to anyone seeking expert MBA admissions support!

I was quite stressed when I decided to apply for an MBA just one month before the round’s deadline. I needed a trusted advisor who could eliminate the guesswork in how to best represent myself—someone with both experience and my best interests at heart. I was very fortunate to meet Pete, who turned out to be exactly that and more, ultimately helping me gain admission to two of the three schools I applied to (Berkeley and UCLA).

Given my short timeline, Pete was an incredibly responsible and calming presence. He helped me set clear priorities and efficiently navigate school selection, recommender preparation, and the crafting of my essays and résumé—all without compromising thoroughness or attention to detail. I particularly appreciated his relentless effort in iterating on my essays and résumé. Every time I sent him materials for review, he didn’t just focus on the latest updates; he reread everything carefully to incorporate new perspectives and ensure consistency. His professionalism also kept me accountable, pushing me to submit only my best work throughout this intense process. Additionally, Pete proactively involved other consultants with specific expertise in certain schools or areas, providing invaluable additional feedback. I’m also incredibly grateful for his flexibility—he made himself available on weekends and holidays to promptly address my questions and requests as the deadline approached.

What pleasantly surprised me about working with Pete was his ability to listen deeply and work with my existing materials with both respect and expertise. Like many applicants, I found that my application stories became quite personal and vulnerable at times. Pete’s thoughtful approach made me feel comfortable sharing my experiences, and his deep admissions expertise helped me identify the stories that best represented me while staying true to myself.

By the end of my process with Pete, every word in my application felt like me—just at my very best. This became a grounding force throughout my application journey, helping me stay confident despite the overwhelming noise online about what schools are looking for. It also proved invaluable during interviews, where candidates and their stories truly come to life for schools.

I was originally apprehensive about using Fortuna, but I was so so impressed by Emma and her attention to detail, her frequent follow ups, her invaluable advice and her lovely personality. I got admission into all 3 of the top tier programs I applied to, and felt so comfortable with Emma along the way. She helped with interview and Kira prep as well, which were two of the most stressful things for me. Could not have done this without her!

My process was a little atypical. For those of you starting later in the cycle out there – I began my applications in earnest with two weeks to go before R2 deadlines. Despite juggling full-package clients, Heidi was very accomodating of my last-minute hourly request and came in clutch with rapid turnarounds on succinct and loaded feedback (the best kind) – I think I wrote 4 drafts of one school’s essays in as many days.

Greatest value-add: I consider myself a pretty good writer, but striking the narrative balance between the deeply personal and the professional is something very few people can manage on a short, high-pressure timeline. Heidi has that Spidey-sense and communicates it clearly.

I put my best foot forward because of Heidi. Highly recommend.

Emma has been an absolute pleasure to work with – highly responsive (even on weekends), clued on about various subjects (which always made for an enjoyable conversation), and incredibly detail-oriented. Beyond her expertise, she is deeply empathetic and personable, making her an outstanding admissions coach.

Her strength as an admissions coach comes from a genuine passion for delivering results. She doesn’t just focus solely on business school applications; she takes the time to understand her clients’ long-term career aspirations. This depth of insight allows her to provide truly personalised coaching which, combined with one’s own introspection, turns the daunting process of essay-writing into an inspiring and rewarding experience.

Emma also possesses exceptional knowledge of business schools worldwide. I felt that while many coaches tend to specialise in specific regions, her expertise spans top institutions in the UK, Europe and the US – an clear advantage for applicants targeting multiple regions.

Regarding my profile itself, I knew that my low undergraduate GPA was a glaring weakness. Emma was upfront about this challenge and made it clear that overcoming it would require crafting the most compelling application possible. That challenge became an opportunity, thanks to her guidance.

I could write endlessly about the impact Emma has had on my professional journey, but the results speak for themselves: admits to INSEAD, IESE, and HEC Paris (with scholarship), plus a waitlist at LBS. For me, Emma Bond didn’t just help me get in to business school – she helped me redefine what’s possible.

I feel so lucky to have worked with and received guidance from Sharon! She is such a fantastic coach. I only applied to one part-time program and was also admitted (yay!) with a scholarship. My professional background and journey to an MBA are not traditional, and Sharon made me feel like this was an asset and a huge strength. She provided valuable insight into what admissions teams are looking for and helped me craft my compelling and authentic story. Sharon’s expertise and experience also shone brightly in preparing my letters of recommendation and for my interview. I had no idea how to approach asking for and prepping folks to write a strong letter, and Sharon was a HUGE help. Also, I was intimidated because I hadn’t interviewed in several years, but she practiced with me and made me feel so confident! Lastly, Sharon helped me stay focused, motivated, and enthusiastic about the application process. I truly feel so lucky and grateful to have been paired with Sharon and definitely recommend her to anyone applying to MBA programs! Thank you, Sharon!

I came to Heidi with a clear idea of what I wanted to do after business school but unsure of how to articulate my story in a way that would appeal to admissions committees. In just a few hours, Heidi gave me candid feedback on my intended application narrative and helped me refine my career plan and selling points. Her insight was invaluable as I navigated the business school process as a non-traditional applicant. I have been accepted to a number of great schools, including my top choice, with generous scholarships. Thanks, Heidi!

​I had the privilege of working with Melissa as my MBA interview coach during my application process, and I am thrilled to share that, thanks to her exceptional guidance, I was accepted into INSEAD. Melissa’s deep understanding of the admissions landscape, particularly her experience of working at INSEAD, provided invaluable insights that were instrumental in my success.
Her online coaching sessions were meticulously tailored to my personalities, helping me to articulate my experiences and aspirations effectively. Melissa’s constructive feedback and strategic advice not only enhanced my interview skills but also boosted my confidence throughout the process. I wholeheartedly recommend Melissa to anyone seeking a dedicated and insightful MBA interview coach.

I cannot recommend Emma Bond highly enough! She was instrumental in helping me secure admission to my top-choice MBA program—the only school I applied to. From day one, Emma provided unparalleled guidance, ensuring that every aspect of my application was strong, compelling, and authentic. Her feedback was always insightful, constructive, and tailored to my strengths.

What sets Emma apart is her genuine commitment to her clients’ success. She was always available, responsive, and invested in my journey. I never felt like just another client—she truly cared. If you’re serious about getting into your top MBA program, working with Emma is one of the best investments you can make. I couldn’t have done it without her!

Working with Jonathan was one of the best decisions I made during my MBA application journey. From the very beginning, he helped me craft a compelling and authentic narrative that truly reflected my experiences, aspirations, and strengths. His strategic guidance, deep understanding of the admissions process, and ability to highlight what makes each candidate unique were invaluable.

Thanks to his support, I have been accepted into three, top 30 MBA programs with two with full scholarships! His insights into storytelling, essay structuring, and interview preparation made a significant difference in my confidence as an applicant.

Jonathan has a proven track record of success as my fiancé also worked with him and received full scholarships to the programs he applied to. His guidance helped us achieve our MBA dreams and I am confident that he can do the same for you!

It was such a pleasure working with Sharon during the 2024 R1 application cycle. Her extensive experience in MBA admissions consulting was evident from the start, as she provided invaluable guidance in assessing my strengths and weaknesses, which was instrumental in crafting compelling essays and preparing for interviews. Sharon’s promptness and availability, even during the busiest times ensured a smooth and efficient process (even when she was on vacation). She offered comprehensive support across all aspects of the application, including essays, resumes, recommendations, and many more.
Beyond her professional expertise, Sharon’s warm and encouraging personality made the journey enjoyable and less stressful. Her storytelling skills and flexible coaching approach, backed by her extensive experience, helped navigate challenges throughout. Her feedback was consistently timely and thorough. I am grateful for her support, which played a significant role in my acceptance to two prestigious programs (M7 and T10). I highly recommend Sharon’s services to anyone seeking success in their MBA application process!

Melissa’s reputation as one of the best MBA consultants in the business is rightfully earned.
From our very first conversation, I knew I was in good hands. Melissa helped me build a tailored application strategy that took advantage of my strengths and non-traditional background to present a clear and coherent storyline that elevated my application. She helped prompt me to reflect and uncover parts of my experience that I had not considered previously.
Throughout the entire process, she served not just as a consultant but also a mentor, genuinely invested in my success.
Whether it was overcoming challenges with test scores, refining essays, or securing strong recommendations, Melissa provided insightful feedback, encouragement, and practical advice at every step.
Thanks to her help, I received admissions to LBS, INSEAD, and Columbia and will be attending the first come August.
I cannot recommend Melissa enough and would choose her again without hesitation if I were to attempt the process all over again.

Working with Jenifer was truly life-changing. She was not only an amazing coach, but also a great mentor, guide, and friend who stood by me through one of the most uncertain and challenging times in my life.

Thanks to Jenifer’s unwavering support, I was admitted to both Georgetown and Columbia—the only two schools I applied to—and even received a scholarship from Georgetown. This fall, I’ll be starting my journey at Georgetown. More than just getting me in, Jenifer made me believe in myself.

When I first started, I was lost, unsure of my path. I began with MBA applications but soon realized my true passion lay elsewhere. Jenifer supported me through every moment of doubt, helping me reflect, refine my goals, and ultimately pursue my dream with confidence.

She also offered game-changing advice, like reaching out to Admissions Offices directly, which saved me time and helped me focus on schools that truly fit me.

My experiences getting admitted into both programs I applied for was a testament to Jenifer being an incredible guide for anyone navigating grad school. I could not have done this without her, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for not just expert guidance, but someone who genuinely believes in you every step of the way.

Working with Melissa has been a transformative experience. Her coaching style is refreshingly direct and personalized. She invests time in understanding your unique story and aspirations, which allows her to provide tailored, insightful guidance.
What sets Melissa apart is her unwavering commitment to bringing out the best in her clients. She’s not afraid to challenge you or point out areas that need improvement, always with the goal of elevating your application to its highest potential. Her feedback is clear and actionable, striking a perfect balance between providing direction and encouraging independent thought.
Melissa’s approach pushed me out of my comfort zone in the most productive ways. She didn’t spoon-feed answers but rather guided me to discover my own strengths and articulate them compellingly. This process led me to produce some of my finest writing in years, particularly in my essays.
Her method is not just about crafting a strong application; it’s about self-discovery and personal growth. Melissa’s coaching helped me uncover aspects of my experiences and skills that I hadn’t fully appreciated before, allowing me to present a more authentic and impactful version of myself.
I credit Melissa for not only improving my application but also for enhancing my self-awareness and communication skills. Her influence extends beyond the application process – the insights gained through our work together will continue to benefit me in my professional journey. For anyone seeking a coach who will truly invest in your success and push you to reach your full potential, Melissa is an outstanding choice. Her guidance has been invaluable, and I’m deeply grateful for her role in my application journey and final acceptance into INSEAD EMBA. Thank you, Melissa!

Working with Jonathan has been game changing for me. From day one, his commitment to deeply understanding my career goals and motivations set the tone for an incredibly productive collaboration. He didn’t just help me revise my essays—he helped me crystalize exactly why an MBA is important for me and where I want to steer my career in the long run.

That early investment in my goals paid off in spades. My essay writing process was faster and more focused, and every draft—from my very first brainstorming session to the final polished piece—felt authentically me, bolstered by his challenges to dig deeper. Beyond essays, Jonathan guided me through interviews, provided real-time feedback, and was always available when I needed advice or a quick pep talk.

His mentorship style is authentic and transparent. He pushed me to think more deeply, challenged me in exactly the right ways, and never let me settle for “good enough.” I can honestly say I grew both as an applicant and a professional because of his guidance. I’m genuinely pleased with the entire experience and look forward to staying in touch with him for many years to come.

If you’re looking for an MBA consultant who will not only sharpen your application but also help you clarify your ambitions and boost your confidence, Jonathan is absolutely the right choice.

Having Karen guide me on my journey to HBS made all the difference. Balancing a demanding job with the application process felt manageable with her support, even with a 9-hour time zone difference between us. Karen came highly recommended by a friend, and from our first conversation, her genuine care, honesty, and professionalism stood out.

Initially, I planned to apply in Round 2 for the Class of 2026, but Karen’s honest feedback convinced me to wait until Round 1 for the Class of 2027 to improve my test scores. Her integrity was evident—she prioritized my success above all else.

Karen guided me through multiple test attempts, recommended helpful resources, and helped me craft essays that told my authentic story. She also encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, from visiting schools to building connections I might not have pursued otherwise. She listened, guided gently, and always respected my perspective.

Karen is not just a consultant but also a mentor and friend. I can’t recommend her highly enough.

As an international student with an untraditional MBA applicant profile, Heidi was the perfect consultant to work with on my application. Her extensive experience with business school, combined with her personal approach and care for my own specific application helped me articulate my story and polish my message. Without her leadership and support I would have never gotten accepted to my dream MBA program at Columbia Business School. Would recommend to any candidate of any background (definitely not strictly Americans!)

Jonathan is a true coach who knows exactly when to challenge you to dig deeper and when to let your ideas flow. I first heard about him from my brother—now a Yale MBA candidate—who recommended I work with Fortuna for my applications. Even though my brother and I have very different personalities and professional backgrounds, Jonathan’s approach felt seamlessly tailored to my own goals and working style. He not only saved me valuable time but also helped me develop an authentic narrative that highlighted who I am in the best possible light. His emphasis on understanding how my formative experiences shaped my career journey allowed me to present a clear, cohesive picture of myself throughout my applications.

Jonathan’s career coaching expertise also helped me think beyond admissions and envision my long-term aspirations. He turned the application process into a deeply reflective experience, guiding me to articulate who I want to become and where I want to go. I consistently felt that he was invested in my future beyond the immediate goal of securing an MBA spot, and his support enabled me to present my best self every step of the way.

Over the past 8 months, I worked with Karen through every step of the MBA application process and was admitted to 3 of my dream schools within the M7 – something I didn’t think was possible from the outset. While I have a well-rounded background, her attention to detail and care allowed me to paint an authentic picture of what makes me unique, identify synergies and consistent themes throughout various aspects of my life, and maximize every ounce of potential of my application.

From strategizing my story and school choices, crafting a business-school-specific resume, tactically selecting and preparing my recommenders, brainstorming and refining my essays, reviewing application detail, to providing mock interviews with actionable feedback, Karen stands out for offering top-notch coaching across every aspect of the process, not just one step like essays or interviews. Furthermore, by being involved in every phase, she became deeply familiar with my strengths, which helped her provide valuable brainstorming support when I got stuck on open-ended essays or needed talking points for interviews (some of which had very distinct styles).

As someone who has worked in the admissions industry for years and pursued an MBA herself, Karen has a deep understanding of MBA life and the nuances of various schools. She offered great suggestions for clubs, academic programs, and traditions, which enabled me to demonstrate genuine interest in each program. She also helped me create a realistic application plan, including Round 1 and 2 options, and created a project management plan that allowed me to work efficiently on applications sequentially. As a result, I submitted all my applications 3 weeks before the deadlines. Lastly, her versatility is exceptional as she can cater to applicants with diverse backgrounds, both in and outside the traditional business world, as reflected by the consistent success of her clients.

One of Karen’s key skills is story-telling – both at a macro level, shaping the overarching narrative and essay flow, and at a micro level, improving word choice and making language more concise to fit within word limits. She also applied this skill to my resume and application forms as well, two valuable pieces of real estate that many applicants overlook. That being said, I will caution that Karen is a coach, not your personal writer, and to maximize your results, you’ll need to put in the effort. However, she will be there every step of the way.

To that point, I can’t overstate her level of professionalism. Her written feedback, particularly for my essays (which I iterated on countless times), was always prompt and clear. She was also readily available for calls and made scheduling easy, even accommodating unusual time slots when I urgently needed to connect. While I took her availability for granted at the time, I later realized, after talking to my business school classmates, that her consistent and thoughtful responsiveness is a rare quality among coaches.

Finally, one piece of advice I’d give to applicants searching for a coach is to choose someone you feel comfortable working with, as there will be moments of vulnerability during this deeply self-reflective process. Karen stood out to me as approachable yet incredibly sharp. Looking back, I see how much self-confidence I gained with her help as I reflected on my life story, motivations, values, and vision for the future. This process also helped me recognize qualities that might not traditionally come to mind when describing a strong business professional but are highly valued by schools (e.g., being an event planner and promoter). This was not only invaluable for my application but also for maximizing my MBA experience. While I considered a few other well-qualified admissions coaches, I ultimately chose Karen because it was clear she was genuinely invested in my success, balancing encouragement with a realistic perspective.

You’ll quickly find that during every school’s info sessions they encourage applicants to be “authentic.” While I often glossed over that, looking back on my success, I was only able to over-achieve in the process because of Karen’s coaching, who indirectly gave me the self-confidence to truthfully tell my own story, yet the expertise to tell it in a thoughtful and impactful way. I could not be more grateful for the experience working with her.

Sharon was a dedicated and genuine partner throughout my application process. From day one, it was clear that Sharon was fully committed to my success. She created a strategy based on my background to create the best applications possible; she also coordinated additional Fortuna resources to review and advise on my -re-application to one of my target schools. Overall, I had a great experience with Sharon and the Fortuna team; I cannot recommend Sharon and Fortuna enough.

Karen was truly exceptional, and I cannot recommend her enough to anyone looking for a genuine, caring, and extremely knowledgable consultant to guide them through the application process. When we had our introductory call, I was nearly finished with testing but feeling burned out and exhausted. From the very start, Karen brought a calmness and focus to my process, and I instantly felt reassured having her in my corner. I spoke with a few other consultants as well, but Karen’s dedication to providing reassurance and helping me push through the final stages of testing was incredibly meaningful. It was clear that she cared about my story and believed in me even before we had begun formally working together. I’m so glad I did!

Karen was remarkable at every step of the process. With my traditional finance background, I was eager to highlight my less traditional interests and experiences, and from the outset, she provided guidance on how to do so authentically. Although she proposed what felt like an ambitious timeline for drafting my résumé and recommendation letters, our work never felt rushed. We met countless times to fine-tune my résumé so it was ready for early summer coffee chats and worked through multiple drafts of my recommender briefs, ensuring my recommenders had ample time to write well-crafted letters. Both recommenders were incredibly impressed with the level of detail I provided, and I have Karen to thank for that!

My favorite part of working with Karen was writing my essays. Every time we met, it felt like Karen knew my story just as well — if not better — than I did. She always knew the subtle nuances to highlight to make my story come alive in each essay. I felt so reassured having a clear game plan for each school I applied to. There was no shortage of questions that Karen answered or drafts she reviewed, but every response was timely, thoughtful, and honest. I am proud of each essay I wrote.

When interview offers came out, Karen was just as responsive and insightful, and she was such a motivating cheerleader. I could not be more thrilled to have received offers from all five schools I applied to, including Wharton and CBS, my dream schools.

I cannot say enough positive things about Karen — she exceeded my very high expectations in every single way. I have no doubts that my success at the end of the process was due in large part to her.

I spent time with Silpa working on my top four schools. Long story short, I did not only get into the school I wanted, but with a hefty scholarship that made my decision so easy. My investment in Silpa has paid for itself many times over and I am very grateful. Silpa was gracious but candid with her feedback, and turned things around quickly as deadlines approached. She digs deep to understand your story, and makes sure the gold nuggets in your narrative are polished and visible in your essays, resume, and recommendation letters. I did not know as much about the process as I thought I did, and Silpa filled those gaps perfectly. Thank you, Silpa!

I cannot recommend Sharon highly enough! Thanks to her expert guidance, I was admitted to four out of the five MBA programs I applied to—including Harvard.

From the very beginning, Sharon’s deep expertise and strategic insights were invaluable. As someone with a somewhat untraditional background, I was initially unsure how my story would resonate with top business schools. Sharon not only helped me craft a compelling and authentic narrative but also gave me the confidence to present my best self. Sharon’s expertise especially came through when we brainstormed how to approach the essays for each school based on her knowledge of these programs and my story.

Beyond her strategic expertise, Sharon was a constant source of support. She answered all my questions—big and small—and provided reassurance during moments of doubt. She celebrated every interview invite with me, helped me prepare those, and shared the excitement for each acceptance.

I’m incredibly grateful for Sharon’s guidance and unwavering encouragement throughout this journey. If you’re looking for an MBA consultant with exceptional experience and a true passion for helping applicants succeed, I wholeheartedly recommend her!

Heidi was wonderful to work with! She really worked to get to know me on both a professional and personal level and was so supportive throughout the entire process. The initial assignments that she gave were particularly beneficial in helping me to craft a compelling and cohesive career vision and highlight leadership stories to use in my interview and application. With most of the work and reflection done upfront, I was able to go into my essays feeling confident. Even after the bulk of the work was done, Heidi continued to provide support and guidance, and it was awesome to celebrate together once I got news of my acceptance! I cannot recommend Heidi & Fortuna enough. Thank you so much, Heidi!

With Rachel’s help, not only did I get into my dream school (GSB Stanford), but also Harvard and Yale! Rachel was the exact right balance of supportive and challenging – I so appreciated Rachel being honest when my essays and messaging were not landing, and pushing me think even deeper on why an experience impacted me. The business school introspection period is so hard! I so appreciate Rachel being by my side at every step of the process. Also, Rachel always responded promptly, sometimes reviewing drafts in less than 24 hours. During crunch time, I could always count on Rachel to answer my questions and review my essays quickly! When I hit submit on my applications, the best feeling was knowing I truly did put my best foot forward, and I had no regrets. I couldn’t have achieved this without Rachel!

I can’t believe I’m in a position now to make the decision on which incredible school to go to! Thank you Rachel!!

Working with Rachel was easily the best decision I could have made throughout this entire business school admissions process. It was clear from the outset that she really knew what she was doing. She took the time to get to know me and my background instead of prematurely jumping into the applications and essays. Throughout our time together, she would bring up anecdotes I had previously shared with her that I myself had forgotten about! She was strategic about maximizing the value of each story, word, and character. Rachel was both incredibly thorough and highly efficient. Her feedback was always insightful, pushing me to think deeply about what I was trying to convey and how to do so most effectively. In the midst of a high-pressure work environment, Rachel helped me stay on track and kept my morale high. I truly enjoyed our conversations. Having her in my corner alleviated so much of my anxiety surrounding the entire application process. Even when I felt like something was “good enough,” Rachel pushed me to make it even better. She worked with me right up until I submitted each application and later supported me in preparing for interviews. I received admission to one of my top choices with a partial scholarship. I highly doubt that either would have occurred without Rachel’s steadfast support!

I had a fantastic experience working with Michel and would highly recommend her! I worked with her on an hourly basis for applications to 5 schools. Michel is very knowledgeable about the MBA application process and helped me craft a thoughtful and authentic story. I found her to be incredibly helpful with essay revisions. She provided valuable insights on how I could tailor my essays to each school and helped me elevate my personal stories to a higher level. She was incredibly supportive throughout the entire process and always made herself available. I ended up getting into 4 out of the 5 schools I applied to, all with significant scholarship money, and was waitlisted at the 5th school. I am so happy I worked with Michel – it was absolutely worth it!

I absolutely loved working with Rachel! I wouldn’t have gotten into HBS and Wharton without her support, advice, and edits.

Throughout the process, I think where Rachel helped the most was crafting a story that made sense given my prior experience while also helping me own my achievements. While working on the letter of recommendation briefs, she was very helpful in making sure I acknowledged what I had accomplished, rather than assuming those were not large achievements.

She does a great job of really listening to what you’re saying and crafting a story based on that. I loved it because when I read through my full application at the end, it felt 100% like me. I didn’t fabricate anything or exaggerate anything, and it was my voice, but Rachel helped bring out the highlights of my overall story.

Truly could not recommend working with her more!!

I had the pleasure of working with Sharon to apply to two different MBA programs for Round 1 in the Fall of 2024. I was fortunate to be accepted to both programs, one of which was an M7 and the other was a T10. Sharon was extremely thorough and helpful with the entire process, providing excellent feedback on essays, my resume, rec letters, interview prep, and more. I am so appreciative to have worked with Sharon and can very confidently say that she is a huge reason that my application package was so strong.

Maren is an incredible MBA coach. She is:
– Extremely detail-oriented: Maren and I went through every single piece of my application (word by word) to make sure everything fit in one cohesive, strong story
– A true subject-matter expert: Maren has unparalleled knowledge of what goes on in the MBA admissions office having been an application reader herself. Those insights were game-changing for my application
– Great at giving critical feedback: Maren ensures all her feedback (good and critical) is specific and goal-focused, so I was never left questioning why we should change something
– Easy to work with: she is super fast at responding to questions and always makes herself available
– An exceptional storyteller: so much of the MBA application is tying all the small decisions into one genuine storyline that appeals to the admissions office. This is definitely one of Maren’s strengths

Overall, I could not recommend working with Maren enough (putting my admissions results aside). She is an awesome person and makes the MBA process far less stressful than it can be and more fruitful than I expected.

Alterrell played a pivotal role in elevating my MBA essays. I had a clear vision for why I wanted to pursue business school, but Alterrell helped me transform my experiences and aspirations into a compelling and cohesive story. With his support, I was able to articulate my ideas with clarity and intention. I highly recommend Alterrell to anyone looking to refine their narrative and move beyond surface-level storytelling to create maximum impact.

I had the pleasure of working with Peter Johnson from Fortuna for my EMBA application process, and I highly recommend it. Pete has an an in-depth understanding of the MBA admissions landscape, particularly for the school I was applying to. He was able to provide insights into what the school values in candidates, and how best to tailor my application to stand out. The guidance on understanding the school culture and aligning my career goals with what the schools were looking for was invaluable. What really stood out to me was how strategic and tailored the entire process was. The initial questionnaire followed by the leadership exercises really helped me craft a cohesive narrative that highlighted my strengths, experiences, and future goals. The essay editing process was extremely thorough – I appreciated how Pete challenged me to dig deeper into my motivations and experiences to create a compelling & authentic narrative. Throughout the entire process, communication was smooth and timely. Pete was always available to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer support sometimes even after hours to accommodate my work & travel schedule. Overall, I am extremely grateful for Pete’s guidance and would recommend his services to anyone looking to apply to MBA programs. His professionalism, expertise, and personal touch made all the difference in helping me achieve my goals and get into my target school in the bay area.

Working with Sharon has been an absolute game-changer in my MBA application journey! This cycle, I was fortunate to receive offers from 6 of the 7 schools I applied to — including 3 M7 programs — along with a total of $350K in scholarships across 6 offers.

Coming from a healthcare background, I was specifically seeking a mentor who could help me navigate healthcare-focused MBA programs and joint MBA/MPH tracks. Sharon’s deep expertise and thoughtful guidance were invaluable throughout the process. She helped me craft a compelling narrative that authentically reflected my passions and experiences, while also pushing me to refine my career vision with insightful reflections and targeted feedback.

Beyond her incredible mentorship, Sharon made this intense process enjoyable! Her humor, positivity, and encouragement lifted my spirits during moments of doubt, and her unwavering support kept me motivated. I truly couldn’t have asked for a better coach and partner in this journey.

I wholeheartedly recommend Sharon to anyone embarking on the MBA application process — especially those looking for a mentor who can bring both expertise and heart to the table!

Scott has a real talent at crafting a strong narrative when sharing your personal story! Highly suggest working with him – his perspective is tangible, actionable, and thoughtful. It’s been a pleasure working with him.

I loved working with Julie! She is so knowledgeable about the programs I was interested in and is incredible at storytelling. I trusted her opinion and felt comfortable asking her any question. She helped me get into both Kellogg and Booth with a combined scholarship of over $200,000!

I had an outstanding experience working with Catherine Tuttle as my admissions coach from Fortuna Admissions. Catherine helped me strengthen my application by providing honest and tailored advise as well as key insights about the application process. She assisted me with effectively communicating and highlighting experiences that better portrayed my qualities and suitability to pursue an MBA program. I’m extremely grateful to Catherine for motivating me and giving me the confidence to apply to an M7 program – I thought such a program was out of my reach but ended up being admitted with a generous scholarship. Overall, Catherine is an amazing coach and very approachable with extensive experience in the field – she made my application process more manageable and less overwhelming. I highly recommend working with Catherine if you are applying to a top MBA program.