Fortuna Admissions | MBA Admissions Consultants

Emma was the only reason someone like me, with a below-average GMAT score, received offers from Columbia, INSEAD, LBS, and IESE. A friend recommended Emma to me, as she had helped him gain admission to top business schools in Europe, so I had high expectations. However, Emma overwhelmingly exceeded them. From the first call, she was positive, supportive, and attentive. As someone with a below-average score applying to top schools in Europe and M7 schools in the US, I was very nervous about my chances. Emma consistently focused on highlighting the strengths of my profile.

Her attention to detail, quick responses, and calm demeanour made a huge difference to my experience. Her ability to take what I had written on the page and help craft a cohesive, powerful story is truly remarkable. Most valuable of all was her insight into how admissions committees think when reviewing applications—this was incredibly helpful when shaping my narrative and essays. She helped me realise there is far more to an application than a GMAT score.

As mentioned, because of my below-average GMAT, I was hesitant to even apply to Columbia and didn’t think I would get an interview. To have received a direct admit offer is entirely down to Emma—she is absolutely incredible. Admissions consultants can be expensive, but Emma is 100% worth it. She is extremely dedicated and makes every client feel genuinely valued. I always looked forward to our calls because she is such a kind, genuine person, and I fully intend to stay in touch long after my admissions journey.

In conclusion, like the hundreds of other glowing reviews of Emma, I want to echo that she really is a miracle worker—and, in my view, the best MBA consultant in the world.

I had a fantastic experience working with Michel Belden from Fortuna! She served as my dedicated advisor over the past 6 months and was instrumental in me getting admitted to 4 out of the 5 M7 schools that I applied to. I am strongly of the opinion that I would not have seen this level of success without her!

We worked together through the entire admissions process including: crafting my career vision/why MBA story, tailoring my resume to business schools, preparing my recommenders for their letters, writing my essays and short answer questions, and preparing for interviews. Michel was truly amazing in all aspects of the process! In particular I thought she was very helpful in crafting my MBA story and revising my essays. During our conversations, she was incredibly effective at asking me the right questions to uncover stories from my past that highlighted my best qualities and ensured my strengths really shined in my applications. She also has an uncanny ability make edits to an essay and bring it from 700 words down to 400 words without losing the overall meaning of the content.

Michel was a fantastic person to work with. She was supportive and available throughout the entire process. I could not be happier to have worked with her. I would recommend her to anyone who is trying to get into a top business school – I promise you that it is worth it!

I chose Heidi based on strong recommendations from people I know, and she exceeded my expectations from the very beginning. With an unpredictable work schedule, I needed to complete much of the preparation early, and she was incredibly flexible and responsive—diving straight into life story reflection, career positioning, resume work, and essays.

Coming from a traditional background, I was concerned about differentiation, but Heidi helped me identify and articulate unique aspects of my profile through extracurriculars, career goals, and storytelling. Her ability to synthesize ideas and uncover a clear narrative during brainstorming sessions was invaluable. Her feedback is candid, sharp, and highly effective, and the final essays reflected a level of clarity and polish I wouldn’t have achieved on my own.

Interview preparation was equally strong, with thoughtful, application-specific questions that closely aligned with what I encountered in real interviews. I was fortunate to have a very successful application cycle and highly recommend Heidi to anyone navigating the MBA application process.

Going into the MBA application process, I initially felt that I lacked a unique story and often worried about my chances of being admitted to a top program. Sharon helped me uncover and articulate a clear, compelling narrative tailored to each school. She was always available to answer questions, provided thoughtful feedback at every stage, and gave me the confidence to approach interviews fully prepared and self-assured.

While it’s impossible to know what the outcome would have been without her guidance, I genuinely believe it would not have been nearly as strong. I was accepted to every program I applied to, received multiple scholarship offers, and ultimately earned admission to my dream school. I cannot recommend Sharon highly enough.

I worked with Heidi for R1 applications and she was instrumental in helping me receive admissions admission to all 5 M7 MBA programs I applied to (HBS, Wharton, MIT Sloan, Kellogg and Booth) including over $400K in scholarships. Her services absolutely paid for themselves and more! I really struggle with writing and essays and she helped take my ideas, trim them down to shorter versions and provided valuable insights on my experiences from an outsiders perspective. Additionally, she accurately predicted many of the questions my HBS interviewers asked and correctly advised me to highlight the activities / experiences she thought were the most unique / interesting. During this process, Heidi was very responsive, supportive and a true thought partner for me in all aspects of the process over multiple months (including my upcoming decision!). I am very grateful for my time working with her on my applications!

Silpa is an incredible asset to have in your toolkit for navigating the b-school application process. She’s professional, friendly, incredibly efficient, responsive, and thinks deeply and critically about how to help you make your narrative shine through in your application.

I purchased an hourly package (10 hours) for ad hoc support wherever I felt I needed it in different parts of my applications. I especially appreciated how mindful Silpa was of my time and budget, in that she was very efficient with our meeting time and her review of materials, and she helped me prioritize how to use her support so I could get the most value from the package (I’ve heard of other admissions consultants that are much less considerate and quick to push clients to re-up and purchase additional hours, and I did not have that issue working with Fortuna). I also really appreciated that Silpa promptly answered the countless one-off questions I had that inevitably arise when completing the many fields in each application’s portal.

Also, while tools like AI and ChatGPT can certainly help you to an extent with organizing your thoughts, I think there is value in working with a trusted human advisor who can help ensure your authentic voice shines through and offer credible coaching based on their nuanced understanding of the MBA. My advice would be to not expect any admissions consultant to do the work for you, but rather plan to do 80-90% of the work yourself: research schools and your industry, articulate your narrative and goals, draft a few potential topics for each of your essay prompts. Then, if you’re able to make the investment, work with someone like Silpa to help bring you that final 10% – to pressure-test your written materials from an outside perspective, prep for interviews, and provide some emotional support and reassurance during what can be a demanding and high-stakes journey.

Thank you Silpa & the Fortuna team!

I am so glad that Fortuna introduced me to Maren when I first reached out for a consultation. After talking to various admissions consultants, I ultimately decided to go with Maren over one from an established competitor for a couple reasons:

1) GSB is my dream school. Maren’s experience working in the GSB admissions office and familiarity with the PE candidate pool is incredibly valuable
2) I wanted to be able to spend as much time as needed working with my consultant. I appreciated that Maren only has <10 clients a season vs. close to ~20 for the other consultant I was considering
3) Her authenticity stood out to me during our initial consultation. These calls can feel pretty salesy, but I could tell that Maren was genuinely interested in getting to know me and making sure that I find a consultant that's the best fit for me even if it's not her (hence, she introduced me to 2 of her colleagues)

We worked on my apps from mid June to end of August for R1. I worked hard, but Maren probably worked even harder! I appreciated how Maren was able to match my pace and how quickly and thoroughly Maren would go through my drafts. We probably had at least 2 turns of essays every week. I strongly believe that all the hours we spent refining my story was what allowed me to create a compelling narrative that's true to myself.

When I got the call from GSB, they asked me who I wanted to share the news with first. The first person that came into my mind was Maren. That's how much I appreciated Maren, and I just knew that she would be elated for me.

I worked with Emma for my applications to two top programs: one in the U.S. and one in Europe. I was accepted to both. I also received a scholarship, which I’m genuinely grateful for.

I come from a pretty untraditional background, and what I loved most about Emma is that she gets it right away. She’s there with the help, she’s extremely present throughout the process, and she tells you the things you need to hear. She doesn’t sugarcoat it. She is clear and direct which makes a huge difference.

The biggest value for me was how she helped me cut the unnecessary parts and give the schools the essence of who I am and what I’m trying to do. Every touchpoint I had with Emma was also efficient: every step in the workflow felt necessary, nothing wasted. I honestly don’t know how she does it, but she’s incredibly consistent and somehow still gets back to you in lightning time.

She’s an expert with both U.S. and European schools, and beyond that, she was just so easy to work with. I adored working with Emma. She’s sharp, supportive and truly invested. If you want someone who will be honest, strategic, and super efficient (and who will help you bring out the strongest version of your story), I can’t recommend her enough.

Working with Bill during my MBA application process was a wonderful experience. He takes the time to dive deeply into your application and understands what makes you a unique applicant. He is flexible, hard-working, kind, and a world-class expert on MBA admissions. He will elevate your application to new heights and help you gain admission to your dream school.

Starting the B-school application process had me quickly fraught with stress from having been told many stories: ‘You don’t have enough experience’, ‘you’re too late in the cycle’, ‘you come from a non-business background and you will have to do business courses and certifications to even be considered’, and the worst, ‘You need to re-attempt GMAT’.
After speaking to many consultants, I was put in touch with Emma by a friend whom she had gotten into HEC Paris and from the first call itself, I knew that Emma was the answer to my B-school admissions worries.
Coming from a legal background and with only 3 years of experience in my pocket, I was full of self-doubt and haphazard thoughts on what schools wanted and what I had to offer. Worst of all, I was not clear on what my short term goals post MBA were . In all of this anxiety, Emma was an exceptional source of confidence, knowledge, guidance and encouragement. She was honest about my weaknesses but also showed me the way to improve. She took time and effort to help me really frame why I wanted to do an MBA, connected me with the right people and gave my whole profile the narrative that it had needed and deserved. But what really touched my heart was how she made me realize that I had been undervaluing and underplaying my strengths and achievements. She stood by me even when family and friends failed to and by the end of the process I came to see her as my ‘Guru’ and not just a consultant.
She is the warmest soul you will come across and coupled with the depth of her knowledge and industry insights, she is your answer to navigating this life altering and strenuous journey called ‘I’m applying to B-Schools’.
It was solely through her counsel that I was able to convert all the four schools I applied to, including my dream school, INSEAD! (Being a round 4 extension Indian applicant!!)
Obviously, I’ve already warned Emma to keep her party fits ready, because since she summoned me to France like some MBA-school admissions fairy, she’s now contractually obligated to go partying with me. It’s in the terms & conditions, I checked 😀

Throughout a complicated and emotionally taxing application process, Sharon was there for me every step of the way. She is exceptionally knowledgable and gave me the confidence that every edit we made to my application materials was something that would move the needle positively in my favor. Maybe even more importantly, she was there to listen and calm my anxiety when things got stressful. Now, I’m attending a T15 school and find myself with opportunities I couldn’t have imagined 12 months ago. Hire Sharon, listen to everything she has to say, and you will achieve whatever your goals are when it comes to pursuing your MBA.

I worked with Jonathan for my 2+2 Deferred MBA admissions. He was extremely diligent and proactive with his mentorship and helped me craft an excellent narrative for my applications. We have stayed in touch even after the admission cycle, and I feel very fortunate that I got to know him.

Melissa has helped me with perfecting my essays and being more focused/targeted in my admissions. With her guidance I got an interview to 4/5 colleges I applied to and cleared the interview for all of these. She was extremely professional and provided targeted inputs to help me be a strong applicant

Karen was an absolute rockstar to work with throughout what is undoubtedly a challenging process. From the very beginning, her approach stood out from the other consultants I met with prior to going with her. While others focused on why I might not get in, Karen immediately emphasized my strengths and why I would. She listened carefully to my story, helped me brainstorm, and was always collaborative and responsive. What I found most helpful was talking through my thoughts live with her—she was great at helping me distill all my ideas into a clear, actionable narrative that I could then take away and build out on my own. That combination of positivity, structure, and support made the process much more manageable. Throughout the process, I could count on Karen to be a true thought partner who was always on my side, and in the end, the results speak for themselves, with admits to both HBS and Wharton.

I was connected to Alterrell through my primary consultant at Fortuna, as he came highly recommended for his HBS expertise. Although we haven’t met in person, Alterrell went above and beyond in reviewing my HBS essay drafts and providing invaluable feedback. His thoughtful comments pushed me to reflect more deeply, ultimately leading me to change my narrative. With my consultant’s guidance, I’m now very happy with how the essays turned out — they feel far more coherent and compelling. I’d highly recommend Alterrell to anyone looking to strengthen their MBA application essays.

Tatiana’s support throughout the admissions process was truly exceptional.

I genuinely don’t think I would have made it into one of the world’s top MBA programs without her guidance. What stood out most was the time and care she dedicated – not just to steer me in the right direction, but to help me uncover and tell my story in a way that felt authentic and impactful.

Even though we only worked for a limited amount of time, her sharp insights and continuous support helped produce a strong application that led to a great outcome.

Thank you so much for everything, Tatiana – couldn’t have done it without you!

I worked with Melissa during my MBA admissions journey, and her support made a meaningful difference. With her international background and strong understanding of my profile, she quickly recognised my strengths and helped me present them with clarity. She also offered thoughtful strategies to address areas for improvement, while encouraging me to apply to reach schools with confidence in my goals and story.

Melissa made herself available at key moments, including over the holiday season, and her timely feedback was especially valuable. When it came to interview preparation, her guidance was even more impactful. She helped me find the right balance between staying authentic and presenting myself with focus, allowing me to come across as confident and genuine without sounding rehearsed.

I’m grateful for her guidance and truly believe my outcomes at T10 and T15 programmes in the US would not have been possible without her support.

Jonathan and I connected after I was waitlisted at Tuck. His guidance played a key role in helping me handle the uncertainty of the waitlist process. He worked with me on crafting updates to the admissions committee that were thoughtful, well timed, and impactful. Jonathan offered more than just strategic advice. He became a mentor who understood my goals, challenged my thinking, and helped me stay focused. I am genuinely grateful for his support and would recommend him to anyone seeking clarity and confidence on their MBA admissions path.

Taniel helped me gain admission to 4 M7 deferred enrollment programs and to Yale as a Silver Scholar!
I would absolutely recommend working with Taniel. He was incredibly clear-eyed and decisive when it came to the entire application process and what was needed from me to succeed. He was particularly useful in sharpening my narrative and helping me convincingly articulate each “why MBA” question.
His methods helped me to reach further into my past than I would have ever thought to in order to identify powerful anecdotes that were relative to the complete telling of my story.
In addition, while I consider myself a strong writer already, Taniel’s command of the English language was invaluable in taking my essays to the next level with only minor edits.
As the cherry on top, Taniel was really easy and fun to work with. He was kind and clearly took steps to understand the nuances of my story. He was organized and highly responsive. Communication with Taniel throughout the process never felt difficult and he was always willing to help me when and where I felt I needed it most.
I am beyond happy with my outcomes with Taniel. Even without the acceptances I received, I would likely choose to work with Taniel again because I believe he gave my application its best possible chance.

From my very first interactions with Bill I was impressed by the professionalism and unique perspective he brought to the MBA admissions process. I already had a strong network of friends—many of whom had attended or were currently attending nearly all of the M7 schools I was applying to (including my older brother)—and I was initially on the fence whether I even needed additional support. However, after one conversation with Bill, it became clear that he would add significant value to my application.
Bill’s strategic guidance across every aspect of the application process was incredibly helpful, but the two areas where I feel he had the greatest impact were essay development and interview preparation. While I felt that my early essay drafts and mock interviews were solid, Bill’s thoughtful insights and targeted feedback helped elevate my materials substantially. His advice enabled me to refine my narrative and deliver a much more polished and compelling version of my story—one that I simply don’t believe I could have achieved on my own.
Even during the hectic Round 2 deadline period, Bill was impressively responsive and provided quick, thoughtful turnarounds on reviews, as well as being available to talk through questions and strategy whenever needed.
In the end, I applied to six schools (Wharton, Sloan, Kellogg, CBS, Booth, and Yale SOM), received interview invitations from all six, and was ultimately accepted to Booth, CBS, and Yale SOM. I found working with Bill to be incredibly valuable and even fun at times in an otherwise stressful application process. I would enthusiastically recommend him to anyone navigating the MBA admissions process—even those who already feel confident in their understanding. I feel his guidance truly made a difference in my outcome.

Working with Bill Kooser was a game-changer in my MBA application process. He helped me clarify my story, challenge my career goals, and lean into the unique strengths of my nontraditional background. Bill never focused solely on stats. He saw the full picture and helped me present my most authentic self. He was always there when I needed guidance or support. With his help, I was accepted into UCLA Anderson’s FEMBA program. I’m incredibly grateful and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a thoughtful, strategic partner.

Working with Catherine was one of the best decisions I made during my MBA application journey. She brought incredible insight, warmth, and structure to every step of the process, helping me tell my story in a way that felt both authentic and compelling. Her support was thoughtful, strategic, and always encouraging—I genuinely looked forward to our calls. Thanks to her guidance, I was accepted to my top-choice program, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I can’t recommend her highly enough!

Working with Sharon as my MBA admissions consultant was a transformative experience that led to acceptances at my top-choice MBA programs. Sharon brings a rare combination of deep admissions expertise and a nuanced understanding of competitive applicant profiles, especially those from management consulting and other high-performing backgrounds. She knew exactly how to help me stand out in a highly competitive pool, offering strategic guidance at every step—from identifying compelling storylines to polishing essays and preparing for interviews. Her ability to help me clarify and articulate my authentic narrative made a significant impact, not only on my applications but also on how I think about my long-term career goals.

What truly sets Sharon apart is her incredibly warm, supportive, and personable approach. From our very first conversation, I felt like I had a trusted teammate by my side—someone who genuinely cared about my success and well-being. Sharon makes herself continuously available, whether by Zoom, phone, or text, and her responsiveness and encouragement created a sense of calm and confidence throughout the process. She consistently went above and beyond, not just offering professional insight, but also emotional support and motivation during what can be an intense and stressful experience.

Sharon’s strength lies not only in her knowledge of MBA programs, but in the meaningful relationships she builds with her clients. She takes the time to truly understand who you are and what drives you, and she uses that insight to help you present your most authentic self. What’s more, Sharon leverages her impressive network to connect you with past clients at top business schools, giving you the chance to have real, candid conversations with current students. These connections gave me a deeper understanding of each program’s culture and student experience—information that proved invaluable when making my final decisions.

In every way, Sharon exceeded my expectations. Her expertise, dedication, and personal investment in her clients make her an extraordinary advisor and partner. She helped me grow not only as an applicant, but also as a professional and person. I can say with complete confidence that working with Sharon was one of the best decisions I made in my MBA journey, and I recommend her to anyone navigating this process.

Working with Scott was one of the best decisions I made during my MBA application journey. From the very beginning, he brought honesty and clarity to the process, helping me reflect on my achievements in a way I hadn’t before. Scott has a remarkable ability to bring out your authentic voice, and through thought-provoking questions and careful listening, he helped me connect the dots between different parts of my story.

He was there every step of the way, from fine-tuning my resume to making sure I finalized my applications well ahead of the deadlines. His structured approach gave me the space to think deeply while staying on track, and his feedback was always insightful and grounded.

What I appreciated most was how easy he was to work with. Scott creates a safe, collaborative environment where your experiences are heard and elevated. I truly owe a lot to him, and I would absolutely recommend Scott to anyone aspiring to get into a top MBA program.

Sharon and I collaborated during Round 2 of the 2024 cycle, and from start to finish, she was incredibly responsive, detail-oriented, and deeply committed to my success. Sharon pushed me to refine my story, helping me craft a compelling and authentic narrative that reflected my experiences and aspirations. What impressed me most was her ability to tailor her guidance across a diverse set of schools — I applied to both European and U.S. programs, and Sharon brought nuanced insight to each application. Her feedback was always thoughtful, constructive, and grounded in what each school genuinely looks for. Thanks in large part to her support, I was thrilled to be admitted to Columbia Business School. I truly couldn’t recommend Sharon enough – she’s a dedicated, strategic, and empathetic coach who brings out the best in her clients.

I worked with Sharon Joyce at Fortuna Admissions on my MBA applications, and I could not have asked for a better partner in the process. Sharon brought a thoughtful, strategic lens to my story, helping me craft compelling essays that truly reflected my values, experiences, and goals. Her feedback was always clear, actionable, and grounded in what admissions committees look for – she challenged me to dig deeper while always being encouraging and supportive. Sharon’s positive, focused attitude kept me motivated, especially during the more stressful moments of the process. Beyond just editing, she helped me shape a cohesive narrative across applications that resonated with each program. Thanks to her guidance, I was able to present my best self on paper and in interviews. I’m incredibly grateful for her support and would highly recommend her to anyone navigating the MBA admissions journey.

I was in the middle of my application process when I met Jon through Fortuna to get much-needed help on a major part of my application. From the first call itself, he’s been an amazing mentor and a true friend.

I was particularly confused about how to approach my post-MBA career narrative during my R1 applications. Jon helped me break down the stories and make clear connections, helping me figure out which stories made the most sense based on my background, interests, and expertise in order to craft a compelling narrative. He also helped me explore various career options from a 30,000 ft viewpoint to help me visualize my future fit with various career and life trajectories.

He also prepared me for the admissions interview with his highly tailored advice based on his thorough understanding of my past experiences (which he made a conscious effort to learn about). He knew based on my background exactly the elements I needed to include in my interview responses, which helped tremendously in my interviews with Booth, Tuck, Darden, Ross, Anderson, and McCombs.

Jon has been a great friend even after my applications were submitted. He roots for you both with his heart and his actions. He put me in touch with several alumni across schools to help me better understand the schools and to provide me with a chance to learn from the people who are already successful in a career I am planning to pursue myself. One of those connections was so happy with our conversations that when Jon suggested he write me a recommendation he wrote a very thoughtful letter of support to his MBA school for my candidacy.

With Jon by my side, I was able to get into Darden, Anderson, and McCombs with scholarships, along with getting waitlisted at Booth, CBS, Yale, Johnson, and Ross (which I didn’t pursue). I’m excited to join Darden this fall and I have Jon to thank for it.

I’m very fortunate to have met Jon. Even during some personal problems I went through during the application cycle, Jon took out the time to reach out and share his own personal experiences which helped me get through a difficult time. Whether through our shared love for pets or as a mentor, I hope to stay connected to Jon for decades to come.

I began my MBA application journey with a significantly higher work experience, an average GMAT score, and plenty of self-doubt – convinced that I might be “too old” for a full-time MBA.

That’s when Emma came in and that changed everything – helping me shift the narrative from being too afraid to even apply, to securing an admission at one of Europe’s leading business schools. Emma believed in me long before I believed in myself!

Emma’s coaching style is phenomenal! She always made time to brainstorm essay ideas or simply help calm my nerves. Her turnaround on reviews was impressively fast – even when traveling – and she has an incredible talent for trimming essays down to fit word counts, without ever compromising their essence (which is saying something, given I often submitted drafts twice the length!) Most importantly, Emma is relentless – she never settled until both of us were genuinely happy with a draft. And through it all, she remained incredibly patient, especially when I kept circling back to revise the same pieces.

Emma is an amazing human being, who has held space for me during this entire process. From marathon 5-hour calls to finalize essays, to quick check-ins that lifted my spirits before interviews, to helping me juggle work pressure and travel alongside applications – Emma was truly an all-in-one support system, and I couldn’t have done it with anyone but Emma! She was the first person I called when I got shortlisted for interviews and without a doubt, the very first person I called when I got accepted!

Lastly, beyond just the application, working with Emma has truly boosted my confidence and belief in myself. I think we’d both agree that alongside crafting a strong application, I’ve also grown as a person – and that makes this victory even more meaningful. None of this would have been possible without Emma’s steady optimism and calming presence throughout the journey!

I didn’t know where to start when I began the interview process, so I contacted Catherine via Fortuna. I interviewed for seven schools and got admitted to three programs. Catherine does a great job of coaching you to complete the standard questions, but she also ensures you provide enough detailed information for each question. Her schedule was highly flexible, and I could schedule a coaching session a day or two before my first interview. Catherine allowed me to demonstrate my military experience through the interview process, and I would not have chosen another coach.

Bill was more than just a consultant—he was a steady presence through one of the most intense periods of my life. He took the time to truly understand my story, not just edit my writing. He helped me find meaning in past experiences and turn them into essays that felt like me, but stronger. Even when timelines were tight or I was overwhelmed, he was calm, responsive, and always encouraging. He never treated my application like just another project—he cared. And that made all the difference. I’m deeply grateful for his support and would recommend him without hesitation to anyone looking for a thoughtful, strategic, and genuinely kind advisor.

When I first started reaching out to MBA consultants, most gave me the same response — I was too old (I’m 30), had a below-average GPA, a very low GMAT, and as an Indian male, the odds of getting into an M7 were slim to none. But then came Heidi. Instead of pointing out weaknesses, Heidi instantly recognized the strengths in my stories and experiences. Her approach was different: personal, honest, and insightful. She wasn’t interested in selling herself but genuinely cared about helping me.

Working with her was truly transformative. She had me write out over 30 short stories from my life — career moments, personal decisions, even things I’d forgotten I cared about. Then, she went story by story, asking the most unexpected questions: “How did you feel in that moment? What was driving you? Why did that matter to you?” Her questions weren’t just about fitting a mold — they pushed me to uncover what genuinely shaped me. From that sea of stories, she had an uncanny ability to spot the ones that truly mattered. It felt less like building an application and more like building a mirror — I came away with clarity not just about my story, but about myself.

Whenever self-doubt crept in, Heidi was there, motivating and believing in me when I struggled to believe in myself. Ultimately, I made it into Wharton — something that seemed impossible at first.

Working with Alterrell on my MBA essays was truly a game-changer. His feedback was insightful, strategic, and deeply personalized to my background and goals. Together, we refined my narrative, showcased my strengths, and crafted essays that were both cohesive and compelling. Alterrell brought clarity to the process and elevated every draft — I can’t recommend him highly enough!

From the moment I stumbled upon Karla’s profile online — including glowing reviews on Poets & Quants — something just clicked. Maybe it was instinct, maybe fate, but I knew she was the person I needed in my corner. We started working together late in the game — late November / early December — but somehow, through her magic, hustle, and heart, we made it happen.

Karla isn’t just a “consultant.” She became my coach, my teammate, my friend. We even had a slogan: #TeamMarla. She dug deep with me — into my story, values, and vulnerabilities. She helped me believe in myself, constantly reminding me: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.”

From day one, Karla decided I was getting in — and then she backed it up with strategy, edits, mock interviews, and relentless support. Even the small tips — things I initially brushed off — turned out to be game changers. She put in the hours — weekdays, weekends, over messages, on calls — whatever it took.

The process became an eye-opening journey of introspection. But more importantly, it was fun. It was real. We laughed, shared stories, and talked about life — not just applications.

If you’re thinking about applying to business school and want someone who will be your fiercest advocate, your sharpest strategist, and your biggest cheerleader — Karla is it. She’s not just extraordinary. She’s the real deal. She’ll believe in you before you even do.

I’m endlessly grateful for her — not just for the outcome, but for the journey we shared.

I talked to a number of consultants, probably 10 total, before choosing Silpa. She asked thoughtful questions, gave honest feedback, and pushed me to think more deeply about my story. I never felt like I was being sold anything and her experience as a former GSB reader definitely came through.

3 years in venture and 4 years in private equity (more on the fund/portfolio side). White male. 685 GMAT focus, extracurriculars were solid but not amazing. 3.84 from top 40 undergrad, not a target school.

The essay process was where she really made a difference. She helped me go beyond surface-level goals and really dig into what matters to me and be able to paint a picture of what I could bring to each campus. She did much more than polish my story, she helped build it from the ground up, in a more compelling and passionate way than I could have ever thought of.

I applied to GSB, HBS, and Wharton. I got into Wharton and interviewed at HBS, which seemed like a lofty goal from the start.

She was also super responsive, usually turned stuff around in under 24 hours, and always had specific, actionable feedback. By the end, I felt like she knew my voice and story better than I did.

I’m a genAI power user — having ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Perplexity pro accounts, and while they were useful for brainstorming, drafting essays, quick phrasing tweaks, etc they can’t replace someone like Silpa. Having her took my story to another level and helped keep me sane throughout the process, especially during the stressful weeks of writing and interview prep.

Overall, couldn’t recommend her enough—smart, honest, supportive, and great at what she does.

I had the pleasure of working with Melissa to develop my application. From the start, Melissa took the time to understand my background and career goals to structure my application in a way that truly showcased my skills and experience. She asked insightful questions that helped me uncover key accomplishments and transferable skills I hadn’t initially thought to include.

Melissa is honest and direct in her feedback, which I appreciated. Instead of just making generic suggestions, she provided clear, constructive advice to refine my application and essays. She inspired me to dig deeper, rethink how I presented each experience, and use more powerful, results-oriented language.

If you’re looking for an honest and knowledgeable coach, I highly recommend Melissa!

Maren has an innate ability to turn a collection of life experiences into a powerful, cohesive narrative that brings out the very best of your background. She went far beyond what was included in my package—offering timely guidance, support, and advice at every stage of the process. I genuinely don’t think I would have gotten into HBS without her expertise.

While I only worked with Julie on a one-school package (Wharton/Lauder), the result of our work was useful for applications to my other four schools. I was accepted into Wharton/Lauder and three of the other four schools. I couldn’t recommend her more.

Julie was essential in helping me build my application, target the right schools, nail the interviews, and stay calm throughout the process.

She breaks the countless components of an application into accessible chunks. She helped me distill overwrought and weird essay drafts into a clear, unique, and compelling story. She helped my recommenders highlight different and collectively comprehensive parts of my profile. These are all normal things that consultants help with, but I believe Julie is amongst the best at it.

What really sets Julie apart are her interpersonal skills. She challenged me when I wasn’t being honest with myself, calmed me when I was catastrophizing my test scores, and generally maintained a level of chill throughout a process that is inherently uncertain and stressful.

It was an absolute pleasure working with Melissa, who was pivotal in securing my admits to LBS and INSEAD, my top two choices. I truly believe this outcome wouldn’t have been possible without her guidance.

I reached out to Melissa fairly close to the Round 2 deadlines in mid-November, but thanks to how efficiently she operates, it never felt rushed or overwhelming.

Before we even began the applications, Melissa invested several hours in understanding my background and the experiences that shaped me. As a result, even before writing a single word, I had a clear sense of my story and how to present it in the most compelling way.

Throughout the process, Melissa worked with me to craft and re-craft my narrative until it captured the most authentic and powerful version of my journey. Her sharp insights, honest feedback and the confidence she placed in me gave me the self-belief I needed during some of the most intense and introspective parts of the process.

The application process challenges you to reflect deeply, and I’ve emerged with a stronger sense of purpose and clarity—all thanks to Melissa’s guidance.

I would highly recommend working with her!

Also a quick shoutout to Emma Bond who reviewed my applications once they were close to completion and provided some great inputs. Her thoughtful feedback—grounded in how an admissions committee would read the application—helped sharpen the final version and ensured every piece landed exactly as intended.

Peter was extremely thoughtful and personalized with his suggestions and advising throughout the process. He is also incredibly attentive and willing to help out even in the smallest ways beyond the standard consulting package. These working style traits are complemented by a wealth of experience advising on and reviewing applications to top programs, making him an incredibly valuable resource overall. Can not recommend enough!

Choosing an MBA coach was the first major decision in my admissions journey, and it wasn’t easy. I didn’t have the most polished application statistics, and I initially set a modest bar for the schools I considered. Most coaches I spoke to encouraged me to play it safe. Jenifer was the only one who challenged me to aim higher. She saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet recognized and took a genuine interest in my story from day one.

Throughout the entire process, Jenifer was by my side. Her deep knowledge of all six schools on my target list gave me confidence as I tackled each application. Her ability to help me craft compelling, authentic stories was a game-changer — she knew exactly how to bring out the unique elements of my background and tie them to each program’s values. Jenifer’s advice on letters of recommendation was invaluable — from identifying the right people to helping shape the narratives my recommenders would share. When it came time for interviews, Jenifer conducted multiple mock sessions with me, offering detailed feedback that truly prepared me for the real thing.

What sets Jenifer apart is how invested she is in her clients. She wanted me to succeed just as much as I did, and that made all the difference. With her support, I was admitted to four of my six target schools and waitlisted at the remaining two — including an offer from my dream program at Chicago Booth.

Jenifer is more than a coach or mentor; she’s a partner and a friend. She brings a rare blend of compassion, empathy, and honest rigor. She will push you to be the best version of yourself and ensure that version shines in your application. For anyone applying to business school, I would recommend working with Jenifer without hesitation — 11/10 times.

Emma has been fundamental in receiving admissions from 3/5 M7 schools I applied to for the Class of 2027. As a client – I am far from easy. My essays sometimes went through multiple (and i mean multiple) rounds of changes, pivots, additions, removals and Emma accommodated for me and understood me throughout. This could mean even getting on a call and editing live, or giving Emma a “brain dump” of hundreds of words at a time so she could help me pull out bits and pieces that made the most sense for my story. Unlike the traditional view of a “counselor” where you feel yourself going down their path instead of yours, Emma always focused on bringing out MY voice in my essays. But her support didn’t just stop there. When I got to the interviews – Emma would notice the smallest nuances in my voice to help me understand where my biggest opportunities were to strengthen my interviewing skills. The company I worked with, Fortuna Admissions, also did mock interviews for the Wharton TBD, and Emma ensured she listened to my practice rounds to give me targeted feedback. Out of the 5 schools I applied to – 3 gave me interviews – and I made it to all 3 schools. At Columbia, I received a full ride (180K), and at Booth, I received a 100K scholarship – all things that truly would not have been possible without Emma.

I was lucky to work with Cassandra on my business school applications, and with her guidance, I was admitted to CBS. From the beginning, she was thoughtful and encouraging in helping me find my most compelling narrative.
Navigating recommendations can be intimidating, but Cassandra provided clear, strategic advice on how to approach my recommenders and put together a strong support package to secure impactful letters.
When it came to my essays, I was especially impressed by her ability to keep my story tight while highlighting the strongest elements of my candidacy. As deadlines approached, she was highly responsive for the finishing touches. After I received interview invitations, Cassandra gave specific feedback while also reinforcing the parts I had done well.
Overall, I’m grateful I had the chance to work with Cassandra. Beyond helping me craft a successful application, she played a valuable role reflecting on my career aspirations.

Working with Jenifer was a game-changer. Her sharp strategy, honest feedback, and unwavering support earned me interviews at GSB, HBS, and Wharton—and I’m thrilled to be joining GSB this fall. Couldn’t recommend her more highly.

Heidi has been tremendously helpful throughout the entire application process, including both the essay-writing process and the interview stage. I’ve had a rather non-traditional background, having been in the military, tech startups, and a large multinational corporation. Heidi helped me navigate how to weave the different stories together to formulate a strong narrative. She was also tremendously helpful in preparing for the interview processes!

Jenifer was an incredible coach and partner in preparing MBA applications, preparing for interviews, and ultimately securing admittance to Wharton during a very competitive season.

Jenifer was particularly effective helping me hone my story and mission statement, which informed all of my essays and app materials. She also showed immense empathy in working to understand my unique situation and stresses and tailored her approach accordingly. This enabled me to manage the stresses of the MBA app process in parallel with a challenging work assignment and still turn in the best possible applications.

Our partnership resulted in my admittance to Wharton, which I will be attending this Fall!

If you’re serious about getting into your dream MBA program, stop scrolling – Emma is the person who will get you there.

I came into the MBA process under serious pressure. My wife and I had already made major life decisions assuming I’d be admitted to a top European program, so I couldn’t afford to leave anything to chance. That’s when I found Emma – and from our very first call, I knew I was in the right hands.

Emma is a rare mix of strategist, coach, editor, and friend – sharp, honest, thoughtful, and endlessly supportive. She kept things moving at exactly the right pace while helping me build confidence and stay grounded. Before working with her, I was second-guessing every move. I had even applied unsuccessfully to a few schools on my own. But within just a few sessions, I had clarity, direction, and a compelling story.

Over time, Emma became as much a friend as a consultant – a testament to how deeply she connects with her clients. She spent hours getting to know me and unpacking parts of my background I had never fully explored. That depth made all the difference in crafting an application that highlighted what made me unique.

She’s also an exceptional writer. Beyond polishing your words into clean, natural prose, her real gift is listening – pulling out the right stories through conversation and weaving them into essays that are both personal and perfectly structured.

And she never sugarcoats. If something wasn’t working, she said so – and that honesty reassured me. I knew she held my work to the same high standards I had for myself.

Her support went well beyond essays. From networking strategies to all the subtle touches that elevate an application, she was there for everything – reviewing late-night drafts, jumping on calls at all hours, and answering every question promptly, no matter how busy she was.

With Emma’s help, I was admitted to all four schools I applied to: Oxford, Cambridge (with a scholarship), LBS, and INSEAD.

I can’t recommend her more highly. Her results speak for themselves – but let me make one thing clear: working with Emma will be one of the best decisions you make in your MBA journey.

There is absolutely no shot I get into the Stanford GSB without Heidi’s guidance. Heidi not only helped in the ideation of my essays and short responses, but also was essential in refining my wording and tone to best convey my thoughts. She provided the essential outside perspective that was needed to make sure what I intended came across to the AdCom’s. Perhaps even more impactful than her thoughtful and diligent work on my essays, was her ability to get me to spell out, in my own words, exactly why I was unique, what my “career vision” was, and how that specific school was integral to my success. This was especially impactful for me as someone who had an extremely traditional / “non-unique” PE background, as after working with her, I truly believed I was a differentiated candidate that had a lot to offer and to gain at these programs.

Emma was super kind as a person, and super thorough as a consultant. She gave extremely helpful and quick feedback up until the last minute (day of applying). I really appreciated her flexibility and advice throughout the application process for my MBA. She definitely made the entire thing less daunting and stressful. Could not have done it without her and definitely recommend working with her!!

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.